The invention is directed generally to vacuum systems used for the collection and removal of debris in various applications, including drilling and excavation operations.
The present invention is directed to a vacuum assembly. The assembly comprises a vacuum tank, a blower, a first and second filtration assembly, and a conduit. The blower is configured to remove air from the vacuum tank. The first filtration assembly is connected to the vacuum tank. The second filtration assembly is connected to the blower and the first filtration assembly. The conduit extends between the first and second filtration assemblies. The conduit comprises a first pipe section and a second pipe section, each having an end. The end of the second pipe section is sized to be closely received within the first pipe section's end and removably joined in threadless connection.
The invention is also directed to a vacuum system. The system comprises a blower, a tank, a conduit, and an actuator. The conduit is disposed between the tank and the blower. Operation of the blower evacuates air from the tank through the conduit. The conduit comprises a first section and a second section. The first section is attached to the tank and has an end characterized by a conical frustum. The second section is attached to the blower and has an end complementary to the end of the first section. The actuator moves the tank and first section between a first position and a second position relative to the blower and the second section. The first position is characterized by the end of the first section and the end of the second section being joined in threadless connection. The second position is characterized by the end of the first section and the end of the second section being separated such that the blower and the tank are not in communication through the conduit.
This invention relates generally to mobile vacuum systems such as system shown in
A sealed vacuum tank does not need to be maintained at a vacuum pressure when not in use. When the pump or blower is turned off, air flow rapidly reverses direction toward the area of low pressure in the tank. Rapidly reversing the air flow can harm components of the system. For example, high flow may cause the pump or blower, and thus the engine powering it, to rotate backwards. If the pressure in the engine assembly is relieved slowly, then the components are not turned by the flow of air.
While slow release of pressure may be beneficial for the engine assembly, an operator may want to quickly release pressure from the vacuum tank so that the tank door can be easily opened to empty and clean out the tank. When a vacuum pressure is maintained inside a tank, the opening force required to open the door is increased. A quick mechanism to equalize the pressure between the tank and the atmosphere without causing reverse flow in the pump is advantageous. Thus, new tools and methods are needed for controlling the release of pressure in vacuum systems.
Shown in
The engine assembly 18 comprises a pump that evacuates air from the vacuum tank 16 by pulling air through the tank outlet 28. This evacuation of air induces a vacuum pressure within the tank 16, allowing debris to be pulled into the tank inlet 26 through the suction hose. The bulk of the debris is deposited in the tank 16.
The evacuated air enters a first conduit 30. The first conduit 30 is disposed between the tank outlet 28 and the first filter 20. The first conduit 30 may be a sealed elastomeric hose or other appropriate structure. The first filter 20 removes fine debris from air passing through the first conduit 30.
A second conduit 32 is disposed between the first filter 20 and second filter 22. The second conduit 32 is preferably separable at a connection point 34. A third conduit 40 is disposed between the second filter 22 and the engine assembly 18. The second filter 22 removes additional fine debris from air passing through the second conduit 32.
The first filter 20 and second filter 22 may be cyclones, filters, or other known devices for removing particulates from an air stream. Alternatively, only one filter may be utilized in the vacuum system 14.
As shown in
As shown in
Therefore, the connection point 34 and the vacuum assembly 14 are movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the connection point is made up and air may move throughout the entire system. In the second position, the ends 36, 38 are separate and air is allowed to enter the tank from the environment. Preferably, a seal is located within end 38 and/or about end 36 to prevent air from leaking when in the first position. This may be an elastomeric seal.
While a conical, threadless connection between ends 36, 38 is advantageous to quick easy connection and near-instantaneous separation, other shapes may be utilized. For example, the ends may be complementary pyramids or may comprise splines.
With reference to
After filtration, the air passes through the engine assembly 18 to an exhaust 50 where it may be vented to the air.
With reference to
The inlet duct 66 is in communication with the third conduit 40 (
The outlet duct 68 is interrupted by the silencer 64. Blowers 60 may produce a pressure pulse which increases noise and vibration in the system. The silencer 64 absorbs such pulses to reduce noise and vibration. A silencer may likewise be placed on the inlet duct 66, or on both ducts.
Air exits the outlet duct 68 to the exhaust 50 (
The check valve 100 is not a complete check to counterflow in the direction opposite d. However, the check valve too preferably restricts flow substantially. Therefore counterflow due to low pressure in the vacuum assembly 14, including tank 16 will not rotate elements of blower 60.
With reference again to
With reference to
Each retaining ring 102, 104 is characterized by an inner circumference and an outer circumference. The inner circumference of the first retaining ring 102 is smaller than the inner circumference of the second retaining ring 104. The flapper disc 108 is sized so that its outer circumference is larger than the inner circumference of the first retaining ring 102, but smaller than the inner circumference of the second retaining ring 104.
In this way, forces on a first side of the flapper disc 108, in the direction d, cause the flapper to “open” away from the first retaining ring 102 through the opening in the second retaining ring 104. Forces on the opposite second side of the flapper disc 108 cause the flapper disc 108 to “close” against the first retaining ring 102. Since the flapper disc 108 is larger than the inner circumference of the first retaining ring 102, the flapper is prevented from opening in the reverse direction. Preferably, a semi-annular clearance 120 is formed between the flapper and the first retaining ring when the flapper is in the closed position allowing some restricted airflow opposite the direction d.
Each retaining ring 102, 104 also has notches 122. Preferably, the notches are formed in the outer circumference of each ring.
The spacer element 106 conforms to a portion of the first and second retaining rings 102, 104, but does not extend about the entire outer or inner circumferences thereof. The spacer element 106 may be a partial ring having a curved outer edge in which notches are formed. Preferably, the spacer element 106 has a thickness wider than the thickness of the retaining rings. A flat surface 124 of the support member 106 supports ears 126 on the flapper disc 108. The ears 126 lock the flapper disc 108 between the rings 102, 104, and provide a hinge for the check valve 100 to open and close.
The retainer no interlocks the first and second retaining rings 102, 104 at their notches 122. The retainer 110 has a cross member 130 and a pair of notched arms 132 extending from the cross member. The end of each arm may have a tapered portion 136 to facilitate sliding the retaining rings 102, 104 and the spacer element 106 along the arms 134 during assembly of the check valve 100. Additionally the end of each arm 132 may bend outward. The outward bend in the arms 132 helps wedge the check valve 100 against the walls of the component, such as the outlet duct 68, in which it is installed.
Alternatively, the check valve 100 may be placed on the inlet duct 66 located on the opposite side of the blower 60 as depicted in
The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not meant to be limiting in any way on the scope and uses of the inventions.
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Entry |
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Photos taken at various trade shows prior to May 12, 2017. |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20180327999 A1 | Nov 2018 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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62505415 | May 2017 | US |