Patent Application
20070267512
The objects and features of the invention will become more readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
A compressed air source 200 supplies compressed air through an air hose 202 to applicator gun 400. A supply source 300 of reinforcing strand 302 material is delivered to a strand cutter 402. Applicator gun 400 is manually operated by an operator 500.
In the portable embodiment illustrated, power supply 20 is mounted on a frame 30, which is supported on wheels 32. A handle 36 may be included to facilitate movement and relocation of application system 10.
Power supply 20 is mechanically connected to a gear hydraulic pump 40. A tank 42 stores oil for hydraulic pump 40. A hydraulic connection 44 connects hydraulic pump 40 to a metering system 46 (not shown). Metering system 46 is controllable by the operator through a control panel 60. A valve 62 at control panel 60 permits adjustment of the pressure output of hydraulic pump 40.
A hydraulic connection 48 connects metering system 46 to a linear hydraulic motor 80. Hydraulic motor 80 is attached to frame 30 by a mounting bracket 38. A piston assembly 82 mechanically connects hydraulic motor 80 to a positive displacement reciprocating pump 100. In the preferred embodiment, reciprocating pump 100 has a flow rate capability of 15 gallons per minute. In another preferred embodiment, reciprocating pump 100 has at least a 1000 psi maximum operating pressure. For this requirement, a reciprocating pump such as a Graco® GH1015 may be used.
Reciprocating pump 100 is attached to frame 30 by means of mounting bracket 38. Reciprocating pump 100 is attached to mounting bracket 38 by support studs 102. Reciprocating pump 100 has a pump inlet 104. Pump inlet 104 is connectable to a supply line (not shown) for suction from a supply of emulsified asphalt material. Reciprocating pump 100 has a pump outlet casting 108. A pipe connection 112 connects pump outlet 108 to a valve inlet 122 of a one-way valve 120. One-way valve 120 has a valve outlet 124.
Referring to
In another preferred embodiment, dampener 130 is nitrogen filled and has a Viton® rubber bladder. The Viton® rubber resists chemical deterioration when exposed to the asphalt emulsions. For this requirement, a discharge pulsation dampener such as Model 5.O AS-3000V from Young Engineering Manufacturing, Inc.™, 560 W. Terrace Drive, San Dimas, Calif. 91773, may be used. Pulsation dampener 130 has a dampener outlet 134. Dampener outlet 134 is connectable to a hose 106 (see
In an alternative embodiment, power supply 20 and hydraulic pump 40 can be replaced by a compressed air source. In this alternative embodiment, hydraulic motor 80 is likewise replaced with a pneumatic motor.
In a preferred embodiment, compressed air from a compressed air source 200 is supplied to an applicator gun 400. The compressed air provides power to feed reinforcing strand 302 from a supply source 300 through applicator gun 400. Reinforcing strand 302 is cut into strands by strand cutter 402 and discharged through nozzle 404.
Also in the preferred embodiment, application system 10 pumps a high volume of emulsified asphalt in a uniform flow through output hose 106 to applicator gun 400. The emulsified asphalt is discharged through nozzle 404 of applicator gun 400.
During operation, pulsation dampener 130 compensates for the mechanical deficiencies normally experienced when using reciprocating pump 100 for high-volume spray applications of emulsified asphalts. This is critical when combining the emulsified asphalt with a reinforcing strand 302 such as fiberglass.
The applicator gun 400 is manually operated by an operator 500. The emulsified asphalt is sprayed out of nozzle 404 in a uniform manner that thoroughly commingles the shredded pieces of reinforcing strand 302 with the emulsified asphalt, allowing the strands 302 to be properly coated with the emulsified asphalt before reaching the target surface upon which application of the asphalt composite matrix is desired. Thus applied, the reinforced asphalt provides a final product having substantially improved strength, durability and aesthetic appeal.
Curing of emulsified asphalt is initiated by exposure to air and ultraviolet light. The cure rate is significantly dependent upon exposure to air. By preventing air exposure to the internal components of pulsation dampener 130, damage to the flexible bladder inside pulsation dampener 130 can be prevented, or delayed. This can be accomplished by removing output hose 106 after use, and capping or plugging dampener outlet 134. In an alternative embodiment, a closable valve, such as a ball valve, can be located between dampener outlet 134 and output hose 106.
It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
