PRE-MIXED PERMANENT ASPHALT DISPENSING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing system, and in particular a system for dispensing water-activated cold patch asphalt into trenches or other gaps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Laying subterranean cables, such as fiber-optic communications cables and the like, requires cutting trenches into the ground and laying cable within the trench.

Trenches can vary in size. For example, fiber-optic cables currently being connected throughout communities can have around a ⅜ inch diameter, requiring a trench that is somewhere between a ½ inch to one (1) inch wide and between around two (2) inches to six (6) inches deep. The depth and width of the trench can vary depending on the particular size and type of cable being run, the environment or land into which the trench is cut, and application requirements.

Such trenches can be created using conventional tools such as trenching machines. Laying cable over long distances often requires cutting a trench through areas that are paved with asphalt or concrete and the like. Once the trench is cut and the cable(s) are placed in the trench, the trench is typically back-filled with material suitable for repairing and restoring the ground surface. Where trenches are cut into asphalt or concrete surfaces, the material used to back-fill the trench is suitable for providing a durable and even surface, and protecting the cable within the trench.

One material that is being used to fill trenches and voids made in asphalt and concrete bases are pre-mixed permanent asphalt materials. Exemplary permanent asphalt materials (hereinafter “media”) are known in the field, such as the pre-mixed permanent asphalt material sold under the name Aquaphalt®. Pre-mixed permanent asphalt media can vary in granularity, ranging from fine grain to more course gain. For example, the media is commonly available with grains having 6.0, 9.0, 12.0 and 4.0 mm diameter grains, thereby being suitable for use in various applications

A general routine for manually filling voids in asphalt and concrete base with a pre-mixed permanent asphalt media are described below:

Step 1: Pour the media directly into the volume to be filled. Because the media is a pre-mixed permanent asphalt, it is free flowing and facilitates placement and leveling.

Step 2: Level the media with a shovel or a rake so, for example, it sits roughly an inch above the adjacent area to account for compaction.

Step 3: Saturate the media with water. The media contains a binder that reacts and hardens with water.

Step 4: Compact the saturated media to a smooth finish with a hand-tamper, vibratory plate or roller. If the compacted material is below the level of the surrounding pavement, more media can be spread on top of the existing media, water can be reapplied and then the compacting step can be repeated.

As can be understood, manually performing each of the foregoing steps for repairing a trench can be time and labor intensive and is generally inefficient. Materials can also be unnecessarily wasted due to the manual nature of the process. Accordingly, what is needed is an automated or semi-automated system that efficiently and effectively repairs trenches using a pre-mixed permanent asphalt or similar media. In particular, a system is needed for depositing a suitable amount of pre-mixed permanent asphalt material within a trench. These and other challenges are addressed by the systems and methods of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Technologies are presented herein in support of a system for dispensing media within a trench.

According to a first aspect, the system includes a carriage having a chassis supported on one or more wheels. The system also includes a media hopper supported on the carriage. The media hopper has a top end and an outlet provided at a bottom end, and is configured to receive media through an opening at the top end and output the media through the outlet. The system also includes a churning device attached to an inner portion of the media hopper. The churning device is configured to agitate the media within the hopper. Also include in the system is a chute that is in communication with the outlet of the media hopper and extends from the bottom end of the media hopper. The chute is configured to deposit the media within a trench. The system further includes at least one liquid dispenser in fluid communication with a reservoir that is configured to store a liquid. The at least one dispenser is supported by the carriage and is in line with the chute. The at least one liquid dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid on the media after the media has been deposited in the trench.

In another aspect, the dispensing system also includes at least one tamp connected to the carriage and positioned behind the chute. The at least one tamp is configured to compress the media into the trench after deposition of the media and the liquid into the trench. In a further aspect, the at least one tamp is comprised of at least one roller in line with the chute and configured to roll over and compress the media into the trench.

In another aspect, the churning device comprises a rotor-type agitator configured to rotate about an axis oriented laterally across at least portion of a width of the hopper. In a further aspect, the churning device comprises a three-pronged agitator. In another aspect, the churning device is driven by a motor configured to control to the rotational speed of the rotor-type agitator. In another aspect, the churning device is mechanically driven by the rotation of the one or more wheels. In another aspect, the churning device is positioned at the bottom end of the media hopper above the outlet.

In another aspect, the chute is configured to selectively articulate laterally such that the angle of the chute relative to the ground is altered.

In another aspect, the carriage comprises a handle and a handle control attached to the handle. The handle control is configured to control the flow of the media out of the chute. In another aspect, the handle control is configured to control flow of liquid from the at least one liquid dispenser via a flow-regulating valve. In another aspect, the carriage comprises a handle and a handle brake attached to the handle, wherein the handle brake is configured to assist with the braking of the one or more wheels.

In another aspect, the system includes a ride height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the height of the chute relative to the trench.

In another aspect, the media comprises water-activated cold patch asphalt. In another aspect, the reservoir is remote from the carriage and connected to a dispenser via a hose. In another aspect, the reservoir is supported by the carriage.

In another aspect, the at least one liquid dispenser includes a posterior liquid dispenser. In a further aspect, the at least one liquid dispenser further includes an anterior liquid dispenser. In another aspect, the at least one liquid dispenser includes a flow-regulating valve configured to regulate the flow of the liquid from the reservoir and flow of the water dispensed. In another aspect, the at least one liquid dispenser is adjustable in 360 degrees.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages can be appreciated from the accompanying description of certain embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawing figures and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A-1B show side views of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of an exemplary media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a top view (3A) and a cross-sectional view (3B) of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a hopper of an exemplary media dispensing system and its churning device in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIGS. 5A-5B show rear perspective views of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 shows an isolated view of the drive mechanism and the churning mechanism of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the chute of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 8A shows a rear view of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 8B shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 9A shows another top perspective view of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 9B shows a bottom perspective view of a portion of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 9C shows an isolated view of the drive mechanism and churning mechanism, and an isolated view of the chute and a plate for closing the outlet of the hopper in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of the hopper, handle, handle control, and dispensers of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 12A shows a side perspective view of another embodiment of the media dispensing system having a posterior tamp and an attachment for a hose in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG. 12B shows an isolated view of the posterior tamp in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein; and

FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the media dispensing system having the posterior tamp in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a system for dispensing media, such as water-activated cold patch asphalt, into trenches and other gaps. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the present system can back-fill and repair trenches having a depth of between 2″ to 6″ or greater (e.g., 8″ depth) and/or having a width of between 1″ and 1½″ (for the micro-trench size) or between ½″ and ⅜″ wide (for the nano-trench size). The present system can also provide an automated or semi-automated system that enables between two to four laborers to install at least 2,500 linear feet of cable in a typical work-day (including back-filling and repair). The present system can be further configured to perform steps for saturating and activating the media, and compacting the saturated media, thereby providing a repaired surface. The present system also provides a lean and mobile equipment set up, thereby minimizing any disruption to the neighborhood.

In one or more preferred embodiments, the present system is specifically tailored for dispensing water-activated cold patch asphalt. The water-activated cold patch asphalt is a pre-mixed permanent repair material that is comprised of aggregate (stone), a plant-based binder and vegetable oil. When the binder of the premixed material reacts with water, the material forms the final permanent repair material. The water-activated cold patch asphalt is sold under the tradename AQUAPHALT by Roadstone Production, LLC.

As used in the following description in regard to the dispensing system of the present application, terms of directionality are defined as follows: Anterior or front or forward generally refers to the primary direction of travel of the wheeled dispensing system. Posterior or rear or back generally refers to the direction opposite to the forward direction. Bottom or down generally refers to the direction towards the ground. Top or up generally refers to the direction extending away from the ground. The present systems are now described in further detail, along with practical applications of the techniques and other practical scenarios where the systems and methods can be applied.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show opposing side views of an exemplary media dispensing system 100 of the present application in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the system 100 can comprise a carriage 102 comprising a chassis 104 that is supported on wheels 106. The chassis 102 also supports a media hopper 108. In one or more embodiments, including the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B, the carriage 102 can include four wheels 106, however, a greater or fewer numbers of wheels 106 can be utilized depending on the configuration.

The carriage 102 is intended to be pushed in a primary direction of travel, although it can be pulled in a rear-ward direction and can be turned directionally. The carriage 102 and the media dispensing system 100 more generally are, in some basic implementations, configured to be manually operable by a human operator (e.g., pushed/pulled and steered by the human operator). In addition or alternatively, the movement of the media dispensing system can be assisted by a motor, for example.

The media hopper 108 is configured to be filled with the media, typically through an open top end 110. In one or more embodiments, the top end 110 includes a lid 111 as shown in FIG. 2. The hopper 108 is configured to output the media through an opening, referred to as the outlet 114 (FIG. 4), provided on the bottom side of the hopper 108 (the end proximate to the ground). For example, the hopper 108 can hold 10 gallons of media, although larger or smaller hoppers can be used depending on the intended application. In one or more embodiments, the hopper 108 is shaped such that it tapers from its top end 110 to its outlet.

FIGS. 3A-3B show a top view and a cross-sectional view (section A-A of the top view) of the media dispensing system. FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the hopper of the media dispensing system showing an exemplary churning device in accordance with at least one embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4, the hopper 108 can operate as a gravity fed device wherein gravity assists with the dispensing of media through the outlet 114. The hopper can include one or more churning devices 112 therein that agitate the media within the hopper 108. More specifically, the churning device 112 churns the material and assists the dispensing of the media out through the outlet 114.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4, the churning device 112 can include 3-prong agitator that facilitate the flow of the media from the hopper 108. The 3-prong agitator can be a rotor type agitator that rotates about an axis oriented laterally across at least a portion of the hopper's width as shown in FIG. 4. In addition or alternatively, the prongs of the churning device 112 can be oriented longitudinally in the lengthwise direction so as to facilitate media flowing through an elongate opening (outlet 114), as further described herein. The system 100 can incorporate alternative agitator configurations, such as vertically oriented agitators, helical augers agitators, as well. For example, the churning device can comprise one or more bladed rotors spinning around a vertically oriented axis, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the churning device can comprise multiple blade rotors that progressively decrease in size from the top end of the hopper to the bottom end of the hopper proximate to the outlet 114. By way of further example, in some configurations, the churning device can comprise a vibration device that vibrates the hopper and thus facilitates the flow of media.

In some configurations, the churning device, e.g. rotor 112, can be mechanically driven, for instance, by the turning of the wheels 106. For example, the rotor can be driven by the rotation of the wheels, for instance, by being fixed to a shaft/axle extending between the two rear wheels of the system 100 or being driven by a gearing mechanism connected to the wheels, as would be understood. In addition or alternatively, the churning system can be driven by a motor. The drive mechanism, for instance, can be controllable to modulate the speed of rotation of the rotors and thus the flow-rate of the media. For instance, the speed at which the motor operates can control the rotational speed of the rotors. By way of further example, the rotor speed can be mechanically adjusted (e.g., through gearing or other such transmission or clutch mechanisms).

In at least one embodiment, the system can include motorized rotors and/or a motorized dispenser (e.g., motor-driven wheels). The rotors can be motorized or alternatively manually cranked (e.g., driven by the rotation of the wheels). FIGS. 5A-5B and 7 show rear perspectives view of the system 100 showing a drive mechanism 115 and the chute 116. FIG. 6 shows an isolated view of the drive mechanism 115 and the churning mechanism 112 of the media dispensing system in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, 6, and 7, the drive mechanism 115 includes a pulley or gear operatively connected to the shaft extending between the rear wheels 106. A pulley is also provided on a second axle which is operatively connected to the churning mechanism 112 of the hopper. A belt around the two pulleys serves to translate rotation of the first axle into rotation of the second axle. As such, the drive mechanism 115 can be controllable to modulate the speed of rotation of the churning mechanism 112 in the hopper via the second axle and thus the flow-rate of the media. For instance, the speed at which the wheels 106 move (e.g., the speed at which the operators move the system) can control the rotational speed of the churning mechanism 112. The belt of the drive mechanism 115 can be made of rubber, for example. By way of further example, the speed of the churning mechanism can be mechanically adjusted in other ways (e.g., through gearing or other such transmission or clutch mechanisms).

With continued reference to FIGS. 5A-5B and FIG. 7, the system 100 also includes a chute 116 extending from the bottom side of the hopper 108 towards the ground. As shown in FIG. 7, the top end of the chute 116 intersects with the (e.g., is connected to) the bottom of hopper 108 and generally encompasses the outlet 114 (FIG. 4) such that the media within the interior volume of the hopper can flow through the outlet into the open interior volume of the chute 116. The chute 116 is shaped to guide the media therethrough and deposit the media into the trench through the open bottom end of the chute 116.

At least the bottom end of the chute 116 can be shaped to facilitate the deposit of media. The shape is suitable for filling the void, e.g., the trench. For instance, in the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the bottom end of the chute 116 is generally rectangular or box shaped. In one or more embodiments, the dimensions of the bottom end of the chute 116 can be approximately 1 inch wide by 4 inches long to facilitate deposit of the material into trenches (e.g., nano-trenches or micro-trenches or even larger/smaller trenches). However, it should be understood that the shape and the dimensions of the bottom end of the chute 116 can vary depending upon the type media to be used and/or type of the application the system 100 is used for (e.g., filling a trench, filling a hole).

FIG. 7 shows an isolated drawing of an exemplary chute 116 in accordance with one or more embodiments. In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the chute 116 can be an articulating chute. In other words, the chute can be connected to the hopper via a joint or pivot point 117 that enables the chute to articulate in a lateral direction such the angle and direction of the chute relative to the ground is altered and likewise the angle and direction of the media dispensed relative to the ground is altered. For example, at its starting position, the vertical axis of the chute is perpendicular with the ground. As such, when the chute is articulated, the vertical axis of the chute is shifted such that the angle relative to the ground changes. The chute can be articulated manually (e.g., via a cranking mechanism) or, in certain embodiments, automatically in a motorized configuration in which a control mechanism is operatively connected to the chute.

In some configurations, the system 100 includes a ride-height adjustment mechanism, as would be understood in the art, that allows the height of the chute relative to the ground to be adjusted. For instance, carriage can support the hopper using adjustable attachments allowing for the position of the hopper to be adjusted relative to the chassis in one or more directions. The position of the front or rear wheels relative to the body can also be adjusted to control for the front or rear ride height. For example, in an exemplary configuration of the media dispensing system, the height or angle of the hopper and/or chute can be manually adjusted using a cranking mechanism or that adjusts the relative position of the hopper/chute and wheels. In one or more embodiments, the height and/or the angle of the front end can be adjusted such that the front end of the hopper and/or chute is higher or lower than the back end of the hopper and/or chute.

In at least one embodiment, the chute can comprise curved top end that is complementary to the curvature of the bottom end of hopper 108. In such an embodiment, steel tabs can optionally extend from sides of the chute to facilitate attachment of the chute to the hopper that has a rounded bottom wall. Such tabs can be omitted, for instance, in configurations where the chute and hopper are an integral unit. In one or more embodiments, the chute can have dimensions of approximately 3 inches long and an inner width of 0.5 inches. However, it should be understood that chutes of various sizes and shapes can be.

In embodiments in which the present system is used to fill a trench, the chute 116 is preferably maintained in position by the carriage 102 such that the bottom end of the chute 116 is positioned slightly above the top of the trench. However, it should be understood that one or more portions of the chute 116 can extend down into the trench or be raised above the trench. As noted, the chute 116 is sized and shaped to controllably deposit media to fill the trench with media. Furthermore, the chute is preferably configured to deposit a suitable amount of excess media above the surface (e.g., leaving a 1 inch proud mound of material above the top edge of the trench) to enable the compacting of the media after saturation.

The system 100 preferably deposits suitable amounts of material so the worker does not need to go back to re-apply additional material after compaction. For example, in one or more embodiments, at least the back end of the chute 116 can be higher than the ground level so the excess media is “proud” over the top end of the trench. The chute can, in at least one embodiment, incorporate a sieve for sifting the media or modulating flow. Additionally or alternatively, a sieve can be provided in the hopper. While the accompanying figures show the bottom end of the chute as generally flat, the shape of the bottom end of the chute need not be limited to being flat. For example, the back-wall of the chute can be curved, so as to deposit and scrape the deposited media thereby leaving a rounded mound of material.

One or more valves for modulating the flow of media through the chute can also be provided. For example, the area of the outlet from the hopper into the chute can be adjusted using a mechanical valve configured to control the amount of material that can physically pass through the opening and flow into the chute. For instance, one or more butterfly valves can be mechanically moved to selectively increase or decrease the cross-sectional area of the open outlet that media can flow through into the chute. It should be understood, however, that any number of different devices for impeding the flow of material through the chute can be utilized.

Various design parameters of the system can also be prescribed to facilitate media flow and can be adjusted to modulate the flow rate in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. In one or more embodiments, bigger churning rotors, stronger rotors, and/or more rotors can be used to facilitate the movement of media from the hopper through the chute. In one or more embodiments, one or more rotors can be provided near/within the chute, within the hopper or there-between (e.g., near the outlet of the hopper). In some configurations, the hopper and chute can be shaped to define multiple stages within a single open chamber to facilitate the flow and funneling of media down to the opening of the chute. The churning system can also be configured to be operator-controlled so as to modulate the volume of material that is dispensed. The churning system is also configured to adjust the flow rate for media having different properties.

FIG. 6 shows a chute 116 having a top end shaped like a rectangular box and a bottom end with a similar shape to a trapezoidal prism, with open top side (i.e., the wider size) encompassing the opening of outlet of the hopper, a hollow interior volume and open bottom side (e.g., the narrower side opposite the top) as the outlet of the chute. Such a shape can facilitate the flow of material through the chute. However, in other embodiments, the chute can be in the shape of a rectangle box or square box, or any other feasible shape. Alternative shapes or combinations of shapes, such as a funnel with an elongate rectangular bottom opening, can also be used.

In at least one embodiment, the system 100 can also include one or more guide devices positioned in front of or behind the chute that are configured to maintain the chute in alignment with the trench. For example, a guide rod can be attached to one or more of the chute, the chassis, and the hopper. Guides can have adjustable height, so as to be selectively deployed (e.g., when filling trench) and, for example, to have a height that does not unduly disturb the media already deposited into the trench. By way of further example, the guide device can comprise one or more leading or follower wheels positioned in line with the chute.

In one or more configurations, the media dispensing system can comprise one or more media guiding devices that are configured to assist in directing or pushing media dispensed through the chute into the trench. In at least one embodiment, the media guiding device can comprise a scraping device that is configured to trail behind the chute and guide media spilled to left/right of trench back into the trench or in alignment with the trench. For example, the scraping device can comprise a concave barrier (e.g., a V-shaped barrier that has a wider open front end and comes to a narrow closed rear end), a rubber or metal or plastic scraper/plow or a brush). This can be incorporated into the chute or provided as a separate component, and can be generally positioned in front and/or behind the chute. By way of further example, guides extending downward from the sides of the chute and extending lengthwise can be provided to assist directing the media into the trench. Additional media guiding device configurations can be used.

The dispensing system 100 is specifically designed to efficiently deposit the media into a trench or other gap. More specifically, in one or more embodiments the system 100 is specifically designed to provide for media flow sufficient to fill a trench. Depending on the size of the trench and flow parameters of the system, filling the trench can, in some cases, require a number of passes over a given length of the trench. However, a fewer number of passes is preferable from an efficiency standpoint. As such, various components of the system 100 can be configured to output material at a rate that is suitable for the particular application (e.g., the trench size, media used, typical speed of the carriage).

In one more embodiments, the system 100 is specifically designed to efficiently deposit media into the trench and, preferably, to reduce waste. For instance, the chute can have a width that is complementary to the size of the trench and guides the media into the trench rather than depositing it to the sides of the trench. For example, in at least one embodiment, the rectangular opening of the chute can have a length (front to back, e.g., 4 inches long) that facilitates the deposit of a sufficient volume of material to fill the trench. Additionally, the churning device (e.g., rotor(s)) can be configured to provide enough churning action to, along with gravity, move material from the hopper through the chute.

Similarly, the size/shape of the chute can be varied to modulate the flow rate through the chute. In addition, the chute can be designed or adjusted to facilitate adequate flow of media through the chute for controlled dispensation of media. The chute is preferably sized and shaped such that it is suitable for use when filling trenches of various widths and depths. In some configurations, the chute can be configured to accommodate media of different grain sizes. In certain embodiments, the chute can be adjustable to modulate flow volume given a certain media grain (e.g., adjustable valve, adjustable diameter chute outlet). In addition, in some configurations multiple chutes can be provided.

In certain embodiments, additional features can also be part of the system 100. For instance, as shown in FIG. 8A, which displays a rear view of the system 100, the media dispensing system 100 can further comprise a posterior liquid dispenser 120, positioned behind the chute 116 so as to dispense a suitable amount of liquid (e.g., water) onto the media after it has been dispensed into the trench to activate the material and begin curing. The posterior liquid dispenser 120 can be supported by the carriage 102 and/or chassis 104. The system 100 can also include a reservoir or tank 122 supported by the carriage or chassis and configured to hold the dispensing liquid (e.g., water). The reservoir 122 is connected to the posterior liquid dispenser 120 via a conduit such that the water from the reservoir 122 flows to the posterior liquid dispenser 120, which dispenses the water on the ground behind the chute. Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can include an anterior liquid dispenser 124 as shown in FIG. 9. As with the posterior water dispenser, the anterior liquid dispenser 124 can be supported by the carriage 102 and/or chassis 104 and can be connected to the reservoir 122 via a conduit such that water from the reservoir 122 flows to the anterior liquid dispenser 124 for dispensing on the ground.

In one or more embodiments, either or both of the posterior liquid dispenser 120 and anterior liquid dispenser 124 can comprise a shut-off or flow regulating valve 126 configured to control the flow of the liquid from the reservoir 122 to the dispensers 120, 124 and the flow of the liquid out of the dispensers 120, 124. As shown in FIG. 8B which shows a bottom side perspective view of the chute, hopper, and liquid dispensers, in at least one embodiment, the flow regulating valve 126 can be located proximate to the anterior liquid dispenser 124, and upstream of both the anterior liquid dispenser 124 and the posterior liquid dispenser 120 with respect to the reservoir 122. As shown in FIG. 8B, the anterior liquid dispenser 124 can be directly connected to the reservoir 122, and the posterior liquid dispenser 120 can be in fluid connection with the reservoir 122 and the anterior liquid dispenser 124 via conduit 125. As such, in one or more embodiments as shown in FIG. 8B, the flow regulating valve 126 is upstream of both liquid dispensers can control the flow of water to both liquid dispenser Like the chute 116, in one or more embodiments the dispensers 120 and 124 can be adjustable such that the user can adjust the angle and/or direction of the liquid dispensed from the dispensers 120 and 124. In one or more embodiments, the dispensers 120 and 124 can be adjusted in 360 degrees such that the dispensers can dispense liquid in any direction that desired by the user.

In at least one embodiment, the carriage can be a motorized carriage (i.e., motor driven wheels). In one or more embodiments, a motor is configured to drive the drive wheels of the system and can be controlled by a human operator, as would be understood by those in the field. Motorized embodiments of the system can also include one or more handle brakes, for example. The handle brake can also be provided to assist with braking of manually powered systems, as would be understood by those in the field.

In one or more embodiments, the system 100 can also include a handle control to start and stop flow of media (e.g., completely block off flow, and/or modulate flow. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 10, the handle control 128 can is located on the handle 129 of the system 100. FIG. 9B shows a bottom perspective view of the hopper 108, the chute 116, and the handle control 128. As shown in FIG. 9B, the handle control 128 can be configured to start and stop the flow of media and/or modulate the flow of media via a plate 127. The plate 127 is operatively connected to the handle control 128 configured to selectively block the entire outlet or a portion of the outlet of the hopper 108. Specifically, the plate 127 is configured to selectively slide into an outlet via an opening in the side of the hopper, and thereby selectively block a portion or the entire outlet of the hopper 108. By blocking at least a portion of the outlet, the plate 128 is configured to completely preventing media from flowing out of the outlet and into the chute (complete blockage of the outlet) or to slow down the flow of media through the outlet and into the chute (partial blockage of the outlet). The operator can control the movement of the plate 127 by pulling up or pushing down on the handled control 128 for example, thereby stopping (closed outlet), starting (open outlet), and/or slowing down (partially closed outlet) the flow of media through the outlet and into the chute. FIG. 9C shows an isolated view of the drive mechanism 115 and churning mechanism 112, and an isolated view of the chute 116 and a plate 127 for closing the outlet of the hopper in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein

In one or more embodiments, the handle control 128 can also be configured to control the flow-regulating valve 126 of the liquid dispensers 120, 124. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11, in at least one embodiment, the handle control 128 on one side of the handle 129 is operatively connected to the flow regulating valve 126 and thus is configured to control the flow-regulating valve 126. For example, in at least one embodiment, the flow regulating valve can be closed as a result of the operator pulling on the handle control 128, and opened as a result of the operator pushing on the handled control 128, or vice versa. Similarly, as discussed above with reference to FIG. 9B, the handle control 128 on the other side of the handle 129 can be configured to control the flow of the media through the hopper via plate 127.

In one or more configurations, the media dispensing system can further comprise one or more posterior tamps for compacting media. FIGS. 12A-12B and 13 disclose an embodiment of the system 100 having a posterior tamp 130. The tamp(s) 130 can be in line with the chute 116, positioned behind the chute 116 and any water dispensing apparatus (120, 124) and facilitate tamping the media into the trench after delivery of the media and the water. Thus, in certain configurations, the exemplary media dispensing system 100 can be configured to: 1) fill the trench with media, 2) provide water or another liquid onto the dispensed media and 3) compact the media with the tamp(s) 130. In one or more embodiments, the tamp(s) 130 can be in the form of rollers (as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13), weighted or otherwise, that are mechanically forced against the ground to tamp the media. In one or more embodiments, the force applied by the tamping roller(s) 130 on the media can be assisted by, for example, a hydraulic pressure system or other spring mechanism. In one or more embodiments, the tamp(s) 130 are selectively removeable. In one or more embodiments, the tamping roller(s) 130 can comprise a rubber exterior as shown in FIG. 12B for pressing against the media and the ground.

With continued reference to FIGS. 12A and 13, in one or more embodiments the system 100 can include an attachment 132 for a hose in place of a reservoir. In such an embodiment, a hose can be run from a water truck or remote reservoir (e.g., remote water source) and attached to the system 100 at attachment 132 such that the system 100 can utilize a greater amount of water than what can be contained in the reservoir. The attachment to a remote water source or water truck allows the system 100 to be better equipped for larger trench-filling jobs, which required a greater amount of water or other liquid. For example, the hose to be connected to the system can be used for trench-filling jobs that are 2500 linear feet or longer. It should be understood that the hose can be of various lengths and circumferences depending on the needs of the user.

Finally, in at least one embodiment, the system can be integrated into existing trench and/or cable laying systems instead of being a system that is operated manually after trench has been created and the cable has been laid. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the delivery system and the trench and/or cable laying systems are integrated such that the pre-mixed permanent asphalt media can be immediately delivered to the trench after the trench is created the cable has been laid.

In one or more embodiments, the above delivery system is designed for pre-mixed permanent asphalt media with approximately 4.0 mm diameter grain for filling relatively small trenches (e.g., trenches from 0.5-1 inch wide and from 2-6 inches deep), but is not limited to this particular media and application. The system is provided with controls that enable adjustment to dispense media with different sizes and properties. The system can be similarly used or modified (e.g., one or more components scaled up in size) to deposit and prepare other types and sizes of asphalt media or similar media that might need to be delivered into nano-trenches and micro-trenches as well as other sized trenches. The system can similarly be used or modified to deposit other types of media that may need to be delivered into nano-trenches and micro-trenches as well as other sized trenches.

At this juncture, it should be noted that although much of the foregoing description has been directed to systems for dispensing media into a trench, the systems disclosed herein can be similarly deployed and/or implemented in scenarios, situations, and settings beyond the referenced scenarios.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any implementation or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular implementations. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are discussed in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It should be noted that use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. It is to be understood that like numerals in the drawings represent like elements through the several figures, and that not all components and/or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.

The subject matter described above is provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Various modifications and changes can be made to the subject matter described herein without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in each and any of the following claims.

PRE-MIXED PERMANENT ASPHALT DISPENSING SYSTEM

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