Patent Application
20120187210
This disclosure relates generally to a multi-headed mobile fogging device, system, and method for spraying and application of liquids and/or liquid-gas mixtures for a number of purposes such as: insect control/eradication, pesticide applications, medicinal or medical product spraying applications, including spraying antibiotics among livestock, chickens, pigs, etc. and antidotes for potential terrorist activities, herbicide applications, insecticide applications, paint applications, misting applications, cooling applications, water applications, fertilizer applications, horticultural applications, solid-stream applications, and application of cleaning/stripping/degreasing solutions for household and industrial uses. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cost effective, low-maintenance, and transportable liquid spraying system for the efficient application of liquid materials used to control insect populations, such as mosquito control products. For purposes of this disclosure, pesticides are discussed, and are an example of a fogging application. However, such discussion of pesticides is solely exemplary, and not limiting.
Systems for generating a fogging mist have evolved over the years. In one embodiment, a spraying device produces a precise degree of liquid droplet generation by combining a specified rate of regulated flow of liquid material with a regulated flow of high-pressure air in a nozzle assembly. Further, an air storage tank is coupled with a compressor to serve as a reservoir for excess airflow generation and to reduce air pulsation. However, the utility of said air storage tank is limited to reduction in air pulsation, rather than reducing wear and tear on said compressor. For example, said compressor, such as a direct drive compressor, would be required to provide compressed air as needed and therefore would be required to fluctuate to meet the needs of the fogging system.
In another embodiment, a spraying device comprises two components releasably attached to one another. A first component can comprise a frame assembly with an air tank and an air compressor. A second component can comprise a nozzle assembly and chemical reservoir. Said components can be used together or separately. However, such an embodiment does not accommodate a full range of spraying circumstances. Such an embodiment fails to accommodate a circumstance where said chemical reservoir is too large to be carried with said second component. Accordingly, said chemical reservoir is limited in size by the transportability of said second component.
Further, existing embodiments of spraying systems fail to accommodate multiple nozzle assemblies and a means to selectively control the output rate the same. Likewise, existing systems make no provision for attaching to a vehicle's standard trailer hitch or the like. Still further, existing systems do not provide for adjustable articulating Venturi nozzles, nor the capability to automatically adjust the pitch and height of same. Further, existing systems do not provide a means to regulate chemical flow by controlled valves, capable of variable flow control based upon the relative speed of the system. Still further, existing systems do not provide for detachable nozzles assemblies capable of being used apart from the core components of the system.
As such it would be useful to have an improved multi-headed mobile fogging system and method.
A fogging system comprising a compressed air source, an air tank, a container, and one or more nozzle assemblies is disclosed. The air tank containing compressed air and the container containing a chemical. Wherein the compressed air source is fluidly connected to the air tank, which is fluidly connected to each of the nozzles assemblies. Further, the container is fluidly connected to each of the nozzle assemblies. Finally, the compressed air and the chemical are ejected from a nozzle output in the nozzle assemblies.
Described herein is a multi-headed mobile fogging system and method. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
Engine 103 can comprise a drive wheel 115. Air compressor 104 can comprise a compressor wheel 116. In one embodiment, engine 103 can turn drive wheel 115, turning belt 105, thereby turning compressor wheel 116, and thereby providing a power source to air compressor 104. In another embodiment, a non-gasoline engine, such as an electric motor, can drive belt 105. In one embodiment, air compressor 104 can provide pressurized air for use by multi-headed mobile fogging system 100.
In one embodiment, air compressor 104 can be a direct drive compressor, such as an electrical or gas powered air compressor. In one embodiment, said direct drive air compressor can replace the combination of engine 103, belt 105, and air compressor 104.
Container 108 can contain a chemical 119 for delivery by multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. In one embodiment, chemical 119 can comprise an oil- or water-based chemical, such as pesticides, fertilizer, or defoliant. In another embodiment, chemical 119 can comprise any chemical that needs to be distributed by multi-headed mobile fogging system 100.
Legs 102 can comprise a first leg 102a, a second leg 102b, and a third leg 102c. In one embodiment, first leg 102a can attach to second side 112, second leg 102b can attach to first side 111, and third leg 102c can attach to fourth side 114. In one embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can further comprise one or more supports 117 and a hitch-connector 118.
In one embodiment, supports 117 can attach to base bottom 110. Further, in one embodiment, hitch-connector 118 can attach to supports 117. In another embodiment, hitch-connector 118 can attach directly to base 101 instead of supports 117. In one embodiment, hitch-connector 118 can be used for attaching multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 to a wide variety of vehicles. For example, in one embodiment, hitch-connector 118 can connect to a standard receiver-type trailer hitch with a portion that can mount to the frame of the vehicle that has a rearward facing opening that accepts ball mounts, cargo carriers, or other hitch mounted accessories. In another embodiment, hitch-connector 118 can be configured to attach to a tractor. In another embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be carried in a bed of a truck, bypassing the need for hitch-connector 118. In another embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can further comprise a removable axel and wheel assembly, wherein multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be attached and dragged behind a vehicle, such as a car, truck, tractor, all-terrain vehicle, or the like.
In one embodiment, a guard can be mounted around belt 105, drive wheel 115, and compressor wheel 116. For example, in one embodiment, said guard can serve to protect users of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 from injury due to accidental interaction with drive wheel 115 or compressor wheel 116. In one embodiment, said guard can be removed for maintenance if necessary.
In one embodiment, leg mount 306b can attach first side 111 to rotating bracket 305b, and rotating bracket 305b can attach first portion 301b to leg mount 306b. In one embodiment, first portion 301b and wheel assembly 303b are attached at opposite ends of second portion 302b. In one embodiment, wheel assembly 303b can pivot freely about the base of second portion 302b to allow second leg 102b to change direction easily.
In one embodiment, rotating bracket 305b can allow legs 102 to rotate and lock into at a plurality of positions. For example, in one embodiment, second leg 102b can have a first legs position substantially perpendicular to base bottom 110 and a second legs position substantially parallel with base bottom 110. While in first legs position, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be easily rolled around on wheel assemblies 303. Further, while in first legs position, the height of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be adjusted by turning cranks 304 which can be internally attached to a screw thread to apply a high linear force. For example, in one embodiment, a user of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 in first legs position can roll hitch-connector 118 near to a vehicle's receiver-type trailer hitch, readjust the height of legs 102 with cranks 304, attach multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 to a vehicle, and rotate legs 102 up into second legs position. Accordingly, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 is capable of simplifying common configuration tasks. Likewise, while in second legs position, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be attached to a flat surface, such as a bed of a pickup truck. In one embodiment, where legs 102 have been rotated into said second legs position, legs 102 can be pinned into base to secure them up and out of the way. In another embodiment, where legs 102 are in second legs position, and the weight of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 has been taken off of legs 102, legs 102 can be detached from multi-headed mobile fogging system 100.
In another embodiment, air tank 401 can be capable of replacing base 101. For example, in one embodiment, air tank 401 can be substantially in the form of a rectangular platform, capable of supporting the components of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100.
Multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be reconfigured with multiple electrical system configurations. For example, both engine 103 and air compressor 104 can each comprise an electrical generator module. In one embodiment, said electrical generator module can provide a power source for the general utility of users of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. In one embodiment, said electrical generator module can provide power to recharge battery 501. Further, in one embodiment, said breaking and signaling system of a vehicle attached to taillights 404. In another embodiment, said breaking and signaling system can further provide an additional power source to multi-headed mobile fogging system 100.
Flow regulator assemblies 505 can each further comprise one or more filters 513 and one or more flow restrictor plates 514. In one embodiment, flow regulator assemblies 505 can keep many contaminants from entering chemical lines 507 by filters 513. In one embodiment, flow regulator assemblies 505 and flow restrictor plates 514 can regulate the maximum rate at which chemical 119 is feed from within container 108 into solenoid valves 504. For example, in one embodiment, flow restrictor plates 514 with variable settings are placed inside of flow regulator assemblies 505 between container 108 and chemical lines 507.
In another embodiment, controller 502 can provide a variable voltage output rather than an on/off (discrete) signal. In such an embodiment, solenoid valves 504 can be variably controlled to provide variations in flow coming into solenoid valves 504. Further, in another embodiment, the variable signal to solenoid valves 504 can be controlled by the speed at which multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 is traveling in order to adjust chemical output based upon the output per distance travelled.
In one embodiment, one or more valves and/or gauges can be used to regulate air pressure in air tank 401 and compressor line 604. For example, in one embodiment, pressure gauge 601, manual release valve assembly 602, safety dump valve 603, and/or operational valve 605 can regulate air pressure in compressor line 604. In one embodiment, pressure gauge 601 can be attached to compressor line 604 to determine the pressure in compressor line 604. In another embodiment, when pressure reaches or surpasses a desired operational air pressure level, operational valve 605 can open to release excess pressure in compressor line 604. For example, in one embodiment, where said operational air pressure level is 150 psi, operational valve 605 can be set to open and release excess pressure when internal pressure reaches 118 psi. In one embodiment, where pressure in compressor line 604 or air tank 401 approach an undesired or unsafe level, safety dump valve 603 can open to partially or fully normalize the pressure inside and out of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. For example, in one embodiment, where air tank 401 is only safe for air pressures up to 200 psi, safety dump valve 603 may be set to open when air pressure reaches 175 psi.
In one embodiment, prior to starting engine 103, it may be advantageous to minimize resistance in air compressor 104 by dropping the starting internal pressure in compressor line 604. In one embodiment, manual release valve assembly 602 can be used to substantially normalize the internal and external pressures of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. Accordingly, manual release valve assembly 602 can be opened to release air until internal pressure drops to an appropriate starting initial pressure before closing manual release valve assembly 602 once again. In another embodiment, cutoff line 606 can be attached to compressor line 604 at one end and engine 103 at the other end. In such an embodiment, cutoff line 606 can be capable of disconnecting the starter of engine 103 when said starting initial pressure level is too high. Accordingly, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be configured to not start when pressure in compressor line 604 is at an undesired level.
Keeping a steadily replenished reservoir of pressurized air in air tank 401 for use by multi-headed mobile fogging system 100, rather than producing compressed air at the time of consumption, can reduce wear and tear on multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 and provide a consistent fog output. For example, without air tank 401 fluidly connected between air compressor 104 and the point of consumption, the pressurized air source would need to fluctuate as the need for compressed air fluctuates. That is, the workload is directly related to air pressure demand. Accordingly, lacking a steadily replenished reservoir of pressurized air minimizes wear and tear on multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. Further, by supplying compressed air to the point of consumption from a steadily replenished reservoir, rather than directly from air compressor 104, said compressed air not pulsate based on the output of air compressor 104.
Further, separating the workload on engine 103 from the workload on air compressor 104 serves to minimize the wear and tear on engine 103. For example, in one embodiment, engine 103 can run at an idle and nonetheless produce enough energy to keep air compressor 104 running within an operating threshold for multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. In one embodiment, where air compressor 104 produces too much compressed air, operational valve 605 can automatically open to reduce air pressure in air tank 401. Accordingly, wear and tear on engine 103 is minimized since it can run at a steady rate in such an embodiment.
In one embodiment, air compressor 104 can provide compressed air for tasks not strictly related to the core uses of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. For example, in one embodiment, pneumatic tools can acquire a compressed air source from air compressor 104, compressor line 604, or air tank 401. In one embodiment, pneumatic tools can comprise an air impact wrench, an airbrush, a jackhammer, a pneumatic grinder, a pneumatic sander, a pneumatic drill, a pneumatic screwdriver, a pneumatic paint gun, a pneumatic nail gun, or the like.
In one embodiment, horizontally rotating portions 802 can each be adjusted upon a horizontal rotation 805 about booms 106 by loosening pin 804, adjusting horizontally rotating portion 802 to the desired rotary position, and tightening pin 804. Vertically rotating portion 803 can comprise an interior portion 806 and an exterior portion 807. In one embodiment, interior portion 806 can be attached to horizontally rotating portion 802 and exterior portion 807 can be adjusted upon a vertical rotation 808 about interior portion 806. Further, in one embodiment, spray nozzle assembly 801 can be attached to exterior portion 807 whereupon it can be reconfigured to have an uninhibited horizontal rotation 805 and uninhibited vertical rotation 808.
Spray nozzle assembly 801 can comprise a Venturi nozzle 809, a first input 810, and a second input 811. In one embodiment, Venturi nozzle 809 can be a standard Venturi nozzle as known in the art. In one embodiment, chemical lines 512 can be attached to first input 810 and pressure hoses 702 can be attached to second input 811. Accordingly, in one embodiment, Venturi nozzle 809 will produce a fog, a fine mist, or a spray containing chemical 119.
In one embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can have a plurality of nozzle assemblies 107 pointing in different directions in order to provide more complete coverage as multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 is engaged. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of nozzle assemblies 107 can be adjusted to spray in a different direction and at different relative heights on a single boom 106, as in
In one embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can be used apart from a vehicle. For example, in one embodiment, booms 106 can detach from base 101 and be carried to a location inconvenient for a vehicle or the entire multi-headed mobile fogging system 100. For example, in one embodiment, where a sewer needs to be treated for sanitation or pest control purposes, fogging nozzle assemblies 107 can be taken to a treatment location by releasing booms 106 from base 101, carrying booms 106 and fogging nozzle assemblies 107 to the treatment location, and running multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 at the treatment location. In such an embodiment, chemical lines 512 and pressure hoses 702 will require sufficient length to reach the treatment location. In some embodiments, the distance between the treatment location and multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 may be too great for the suction in chemical lines 512 to deliver chemical 119 to spray nozzle assembly 801. In such an embodiment, a fluid pump can be fluidly connected between container 108 and fogging nozzle assemblies 107 to provide sufficient pressure to deliver chemical 119 to fogging nozzle assemblies 107.
Controller 502 can comprise a variable speed controller module 811. In one embodiment, variable speed controller module 811 can be capable of collecting the relative speed of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100, generating a chemical distribution rate signal 812, and sending that signal down controller wires 503. In one embodiment, variable speed controller module 811 collects the relative speed of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 with a Global Positioning System (“GPS”). Wherein said GPS can be capable of calculating its position by precisely timing the signals sent by GPS satellites, each continually transmitting messages that include time of transmission, orbital information, and the general system health and rough orbits of all GPS satellites. In another embodiment, variable speed controller module 811 collects the relative speed of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 from a signal sent from a vehicle it is connected to. In yet another embodiment, variable speed controller module 811 collects the relative speed of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 from a radar or laser sensor capable of measuring relative speeds.
In one embodiment, multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 can distribute a variable payload out of Venturi nozzles 809 based upon chemical distribution rate signal 812. For example, in one embodiment, variable speed controller module 811 can calculate a distribution rate based upon the relative speed of multi-headed mobile fogging system 100 and other variables (such as environmental variables, chemical type and density, etc.), send chemical distribution rate signal 812 to solenoid valves 504 which, in turn, adjust the volume of chemical 119 distributed from Venturi nozzles 809. Alternatively, in one embodiment, where said variable fluid pump is used rather than solenoid valves 504, chemical distribution rate signal 812 can be used to adjust the volume pumped from container 108 to Venturi nozzles 809 by said variable fluid pump.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other, Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description, The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
