Patent Application
20250042322
The present invention generally relates to the field of vacuum devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel vacuum device that can be used to vacuum loose and clogged grain. The device includes a trailer-mounted vacuum device with a power generator, an air compressor, a hydraulic hoist, and a vacuum drum/tank system. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, farming involves the cultivation of crops, including grains like wheat, rice, corn, barley, and more. The grains are harvested and used for different purposes, such as food production, livestock feed, and more. However, during the process of harvesting, transporting, and storing the grains, spillage can occur. During harvesting, grains are spilled when the combine harvester is not properly adjusted, or when the grains are wet and slippery. Grains are spilled during transportation if the truck or trailer is not properly loaded or secured. Grain can also be spilled during storage if the bins or silos are not properly designed or maintained.
When the grains are spilled, they are scattered and are difficult to pick up. Unlike larger objects, grains are tiny and can easily scatter over a wide area, making it hard for a user to collect the spilled grains efficiently. Further, picking up spilled grains is laborious and time consuming. A person must bend and sit on their knees to pick up spilled grains. The labor and time required to manually pick up every grain along with the inability to effectively retrieve spilled grains leads to a direct loss of profits for farmers. Spilled grains on the ground also attract rodents, such as mice and rats. Rodents can consume even more grain, and damage crops, equipment, and storage structures, further exacerbating the financial loss. Rodents can also spread diseases that affect both humans and other animals. Individuals desire a device that can easily clean and collect spilled grains overcoming the problems in prior art.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device for cleaning up spilled grains. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be used to vacuum spilled grain. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device for vacuuming and collecting spilled grains. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a grain vacuum device that can be towed on a trailer for easy mobility and transportation. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a specialized vacuum apparatus for cleaning up spilled grain, coupled with the concurrent requirement for mobility and trailer compatibility. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel vacuum device that improves the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of farming practices by mitigating and vacuuming grain losses.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a trailer-mounted vacuum device designed to efficiently vacuum both loose and clogged grains. The vacuum device is permanently or temporarily affixed to a trailer to enhance the mobility of the vacuum device. The vacuum device includes a power generator for generating electrical power for the functioning of the vacuum device, an air compressor for generating pressurized airflow for vacuuming wherein the airflow is stored in an air tank, and a hydraulic hoist for adaptable positioning of a vacuum drum. The vacuum drum efficiently stores grains under a controlled vacuum, facilitated by an embedded air storage tank which is coupled to the air compressor. A monitoring module monitors the vacuum device and provides optimal pressure release, for effective grain vacuuming. The vacuum drum provides a vacuum storage for the grains and a flexible pipe is used for sucking and collecting loose grains.
In this manner, the trailer-mounted vacuum device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a vacuum device that is used for cleaning up spilled and loose grains. The device provides easy transportation and can be used anywhere to collect grains. The device makes the process of collecting grains easy and stores them in a vacuum storage, thereby preventing spoilage of the grains.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a trailer-mounted vacuum device designed to efficiently vacuum both loose and clogged grains. The vacuum device is affixed to a trailer to enhance mobility thereof. The vacuum device includes a power generator for generating electrical power, an air compressor for generating pressurized airflow for vacuuming, and a hydraulic hoist for adaptable positioning of a vacuum drum. The vacuum drum efficiently stores grains under a controlled vacuum, facilitated by an embedded air storage tank which is coupled to the air compressor. A monitoring module monitors the vacuum device and provides optimal pressure release, for effective grain vacuuming.
In another embodiment, the monitoring module provides a “Loose grains” option programmed to automatically provide pressure within a range of 70 to 240 millibars (mbar), facilitating efficient vacuuming of light grains such as rice and oats. A “Denser grains” option programmed to automatically provide pressure within a range of 240 to 480 millibars (mbar), optimizing vacuuming for grains including corn, barley, and soybeans. A “Clogged grains” option programmed to automatically provide pressure within a range of 320 to 580 millibars (mbar), enabling effective vacuuming of clogged grains.
In yet another embodiment, a trailer-mounted vacuum device for efficiently vacuuming both loose and clogged grains is disclosed. The vacuum device is mounted onto a trailer to facilitate improved mobility and transportability, the trailer being adaptable for use as a conventional farming trailer or a specially designed flatbed trailer. The device includes a power generator adapted to provide electrical power, an air compressor configured to generate pressurized airflow for creating a vacuum effect within the vacuum device, the high-pressure airflow from the air compressor inducing a suction force facilitating the collection of grains into a vacuum drum or tank. An embedded air storage tank is integrated with the air compressor to accumulate high-pressure airflow, the air storage tank facilitates the generation of the high-pressure airflow for the vacuum effect. A hydraulic hoist is configured for lifting and positioning a vacuum drum or tank, the hydraulic hoist provides adjustability of height and angle for accommodating diverse grain collection scenarios. The vacuum drum or tank is configured for storing collected grains and generating a vacuum therein. A flexible vacuum pipe in communication with the vacuum drum or tank, the flexible vacuum pipe is adapted for efficiently collecting and conveying grains into the vacuum drum or tank.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specifications.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device for cleaning up spilled grains. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device that can be used to vacuum spilled grain. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vacuum device for vacuuming and collecting spilled grains. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a grain vacuum device that can be towed on a trailer for easy mobility and transportation. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a specialized vacuum apparatus for cleaning up spilled grain, coupled with the concurrent requirement for mobility and trailer compatibility. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a novel vacuum device that improves the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of farming practices by mitigating and vacuuming grain losses.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a trailer-mounted vacuum device for efficiently vacuuming both loose and clogged grains. The vacuum device is mounted onto a trailer to facilitate improved mobility and transportability, the trailer being adaptable for use as a conventional farming trailer or a specially designed flatbed trailer. The device includes a power generator adapted to provide electrical power, and an air compressor configured to generate pressurized airflow. An embedded air storage tank is integrated with the air compressor to accumulate high-pressure airflow, the air storage tank facilitates the generation of the high-pressure airflow for the vacuum effect. A hydraulic hoist is configured for lifting and positioning a vacuum drum or tank, the hydraulic hoist provides adjustability of height and angle for accommodating diverse grain collection scenarios. The vacuum drum or tank is configured for storing collected grains and generating a vacuum therein. A flexible vacuum pipe in communication with the vacuum drum or tank, the flexible vacuum pipe is adapted for efficiently collecting and conveying grains into the vacuum drum or tank.
Referring initially to the drawings,
A power generator 104 is integrated with the vacuum device 100 and is used for providing the electrical power to run different components of the vacuum device 100. The power generator 104 can be one of gasoline generator, diesel generator, propane generator, natural gas generator, solar generator, wind generator, or any other clean fuel generator. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the selection of the type of power generator 104 is based on power requirements, fuel availability, budget, and emissions regulations.
An air compressor 106 is used for creating pressurized airflow for creating a vacuum effect in the vacuum device 100. The high-pressure airflow generated by the air compressor creates a suction force that pulls grains into the vacuum drum/tank 110. An embedded air storage tank 108 is used in the air compressor 106 for generating high-pressure airflow. A hydraulic hoist 112 is included in the vacuum device 100 for lifting and positioning the vacuum drum/tank 110 (as shown by arrow “A”). The hydraulic hoist 112 provides flexibility in adjusting the height and angle of the vacuum device 100 to accommodate different grain collection scenarios.
The vacuum drum 110 is designed to store the collected grains while also creating the vacuum required for the storage of the grains. The vacuum drum 110 is constructed from a material that can withstand the pressure differentials and handling of grains. A flexible vacuum pipe 114 is used with the vacuum drum 110 for collecting the grains for storing in the vacuum drum 110.
The vacuum drum 110 provides a sealed chamber within which the collected grains are stored. The pressure inside the vacuum drum 110 is lower than the surrounding atmosphere that creates a vacuum effect to facilitate the movement of loose grains into the drum and prevents contamination or spoilage. More specifically, when the air compressor 106 operates, the air compressor 106 pumps air into the embedded air storage tank 108. The air is stored under pressure in air storage tank 108, and the energy of the stored air is used to create the vacuum effect inside the drum 110 wherein the stored air is used for creating a suction along the pipe 116. The vacuum effect facilitates the efficient collection of grains, including those that are loose or clogged.
A hoist pedal 118 is provided in the present embodiment of the vacuum device 100 for enabling a user to push the pedal 118 electronically or manually to vertically adjust the drum 110. In some embodiments of the present invention, the hoist 112 can be used to support the complete vacuum device 100 and can vertically adjust the vacuum device 100. A pressure monitoring module 120 monitors the pressure level inside the air tank 108 and vacuum drum 110 and is integrated in the vacuum device 100. The module 120 controls the release of the air at a specific or predetermined pressure level for an effective grain vacuuming process.
The trailer 102 provides easy transportation and maneuverability to the vacuum device 100 and the wheels 122 can carry the device 100 at any location. The flexible pipe 114 can reach difficult places and collect loose grains easily without requiring a user to awkwardly maneuver their body. The suction end 124 collects the grains and the collected grains are stored inside the drum 110.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “trailer-mounted grain vacuum device”, “trailer-mounted loose grain vacuum device”, “trailer-mounted vacuum device”, and “vacuum device” are interchangeable and refer to the trailer-mounted grain vacuum device 100, 500 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the trailer-mounted grain vacuum device 100, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the trailer-mounted grain vacuum device 100, 500 as shown in the
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/529,801, which was filed on Jul. 31, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63529801 | Jul 2023 | US |
