U.S. patent application number 11/212077 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method having an articulated vacuum conduit boom with digging bucket.
Invention is credited to Lynn Allan Buckner.
Application Number | 20060032012 11/212077 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322510 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060032012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buckner; Lynn Allan |
February 16, 2006 |
Mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method having an articulated
vacuum conduit boom with digging bucket
Abstract
A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising a
device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum
container and having a vacuum conduit to transport a liquid and or
solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may
be configured as a powered articulated boom with sufficient
structural strength to support and operate an earth-digging bucket
mounted adjacent to the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The
vacuum conduit boom may have the added feature or attachments
chosen from a telescoping vacuum conduit section, sensor to locate
buried utilities, water spray nozzle, man hole cover remover
cutting tool grinding tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning
tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose,
jetter nozzle, camera, monitors and controls to operate the
attachments and their function and power sources to operate them.
The vacuum container may be mounted horizontal, vertical or in
order to be compact and work better for recycling, the vacuum
container may be mounted on an incline to provide space beneath it
to locate a water storage container. The inclined vacuum tank
facilitates gravitational assistance in both separation of liquids
and solids as well as unloading debris. The vacuum container may
further comprise a means to separate a liquid from solids. A
dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from
the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment
within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the
ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously.
The above described vacuum system may be mounted on a variety of
mobile platforms, chosen from but not limited to a trailer, truck,
skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zero turn radius
vehicle which may have the added feature of being convertible
between a powered vehicle and a trailer.
Inventors: |
Buckner; Lynn Allan;
(Chickamauga, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LYNN A. BUCKNER
P.O. Box 609
Chickamauga
GA
30707
US
|
Family ID: |
46322510 |
Appl. No.: |
11/212077 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10217055 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
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11212077 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
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09722797 |
Nov 27, 2000 |
6453584 |
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11212077 |
Aug 25, 2005 |
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60363058 |
Mar 11, 2002 |
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60384719 |
Jun 3, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/315 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 21/066 20130101;
E02F 3/9262 20130101; E02F 3/9268 20130101; E02F 3/8816
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/315 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/38 20060101
A47L005/38 |
Claims
1. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising the
steps of: providing a vacuum container, said vacuum container
having a vacuum producing means to create a vacuum within said
vacuum container, providing a vacuum conduit to vacuum liquid or
solid particles into said vacuum container, providing a means to
allow a gas to go through said vacuum container while leaving said
liquid or solid particles within said vacuum container and said
vacuum conduit being a powered articulated boom with sufficient
structural strength to attach and articulate a mechanical means of
loosening said solids and said mechanical means of loosening solids
being mounted adjacent to a suction end of said vacuum conduit.
2. A method of boring in dirt, mud recovery or surface cleaning
which comprises the steps of: providing a vacuum container, said
vacuum container having a vacuum producing means to create a vacuum
within said container, providing a vacuum conduit to vacuum liquid
or solid particles into said vacuum container, providing a means to
allow a gas to go through said vacuum container while leaving said
liquid or solid particles within said vacuum container and said
vacuum conduit being a powered articulated boom with sufficient
structural strength to attach and articulate a mechanical means of
loosening solids to be vacuumed and said mechanical means of
loosening solids being mounted adjacent to the suction end of said
vacuum conduit and said mechanical means being chosen from an earth
digging bucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool,
a surface cleaning tool, vibrator excavation means, or a demolition
tool.
3. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method comprising the
steps of: providing a vacuum container, said vacuum container
having a vacuum producing means to create a vacuum within said
vacuum container, providing a vacuum conduit to vacuum liquid or
solid particles into said vacuum container, providing a means to
allow a gas to go through said vacuum container while leaving said
liquid or solid particles within said vacuum container and said
vacuum conduit being a powered articulated boom with sufficient
structural strength to attach and articulate a mechanical means of
loosening said solids and said mechanical means of loosening solids
being mounted adjacent to the suction end of said vacuum conduit
and said mechanical means of loosening said solids being chosen
from an earth digging bucket, a cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a
blasting tool, a surface cleaning tool, or a demolition tool, and
said vacuum conduit having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit
in proximity to said mechanical means of loosening solids, and
having a means to select between digging with said mechanical means
of loosening solids, or vacuuming with said telescoping section of
vacuum conduit, and having automated means to monitor or control
the operation of said powered articulated vacuum conduit, said
telescoping section of said vacuum conduit or said mechanical means
of loosening solids, and said mobile means being chose from a
zero-turn radius vehicle, a trailer, a truck, a skid steer, a fork
lift, a track vehicle, a rail car.
4. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening said solids being an earth digging bucket.
5. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening said solids being an earth digging bucket, and said
vacuum conduit having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit in
proximity to said earth digging bucket, and said earth digging
bucket may have the added feature of having an earth penetrating
utility sensor, or earth penetrating utility locator for locating
buried utilities.
6. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening said solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning
tool, or a demolition tool, sand blasting attachments, concrete
cutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaning attachments,
or vibrator excavation means.
7. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening said solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning
tool, or a demolition tool, sand blasting attachments, concrete
cutting means, asphalt cutting means, surface cleaning attachments,
or vibrator excavation means, and said powered articulated vacuum
conduit boom having a telescoping section of vacuum conduit in
proximity to said mechanical means to loosen said solids.
8. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning
tool, or a demolition tool, and said vacuum conduit having a
telescoping section of vacuum conduit in proximity to said
mechanical means of loosening said solids, and having a means to
select between digging with said mechanical means of loosening said
solids or vacuuming with said telescoping section of vacuum
conduit.
9. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning
tool, or a demolition tool, and said vacuum conduit having a
telescoping section of vacuum conduit in proximity to said
mechanical means of loosening solids, and having an earth
penetrating utility sensor, or earth penetrating utility locator
for locating buried utilities, and having a means to select between
digging with said mechanical means of loosening said solids, or
vacuuming with said telescoping section of vacuum conduit, and
having automated means to monitor or controls the operate of said
powered articulated vacuum conduit boom, said telescoping section
of said vacuum conduit, said mechanical means of loosening solids
or said earth penetrating utility sensor or earth penetrating
utility locator
10. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
claim 1, further comprising the steps of: said mechanical means of
loosening solids being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
cutting tool, a grinder, a saw, a blasting tool, a surface cleaning
tool, or a demolition tool, and said vacuum conduit having a
telescoping section of vacuum conduit in proximity to said
mechanical means of loosening solids, and having a means to select
between digging with said mechanical means of loosening solids, or
vacuuming with said telescoping section of vacuum conduit, and
having automated means to monitor or controls the operate of said
powered articulated vacuum conduit, said telescoping section of
said vacuum conduit or said mechanical means of loosening solids,
and said mobile means being chosen from a zero-turn radius vehicle,
a trailer, a truck, a skid steer, a fork lift, a track vehicle, or
a rail car.
11. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: said
vacuum container being chosen from a horizontal mounted vacuum
container, a vertical mounted vacuum container or a vacuum
container mounted at an inclined slope sufficient to allow debris
to empty from said debris container by gravity and to provide space
for said liquid storage container to be mounted below said incline
of said vacuum debris container, and further comprising the steps
of: having a means of mounting a filter housing adjacent to said
vacuum debris container with a single door access to both said
filter housing and said vacuum container, and said filter housing
having filters disposed within to remove debris from said air, and
having a means to open or close said debris access door using a
telescoping means disposed within said debris container, and said
telescoping means being chosen from a hydraulic cylinder or linear
actuator.
12. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having
a means of separating liquids from solids comprising a vibrating
screen disposed within said vacuum container, and having a means to
dispense said liquid or solid from said vacuum container without
eliminating the vacuum environment within said vacuum
container.
13. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having
a power plant comprising one or more of a vacuum blower exhaust
muffler, a vacuum pump, a motor, an engine, a water pump, a
hydraulic pump, an air compressor, a hydraulic reservoir, or fuel
reservoir.
14. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having
a means to remove hydrocarbons, or purify or sterilize the contents
within said vacuum container or vacuum conduit.
15. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: said
powered articulating vacuum conduit boom having one or more, boom
arms, 360 degree rotating elbow, 360 degree knuckle, or telescoping
vacuum conduit sections.
16. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having
one or more of a hydraulic torque wrench, 360 degree rotating
elbow, 360 degree knuckle, earth penetrating utility sensor, earth
penetrating utility locator, man hole cover remover, high pressure
water demolition means, sand blasting attachments, water jetter
nozzle, vacuum conduit tractor, concrete cutting means, asphalt
cutting means, surface cleaning attachments, vibrator excavation
means, aerodynamic rotary water jet surface cleaner, multiple
rotary pulse water nozzles arranged around the circumference of the
suction end of a vacuum conduit, a and pressurized water conduit,
or air over water demolition means mounted adjacently to the
suction end of said vacuum conduit.
17. A mobile vacuum boring and mud recovery method as described in
any one of claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising the steps of: having
a means to select between or change from one vacuum suction end
attachment to another.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non Provisional
application Ser. No. 09/722,797 filed 27 Nov. 2000 and U.S. Non
Provisional Application Ser. No. 10/217,055 filed 12 Aug. 2002 to
include it's 24 Sept. 2002 & 12 Mar. 2003 amendment and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/363,058 filed on 11 MAR. 2002 and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/384,719 filed on 3 JUN. 2002,
which were parent cases of CIP 10/217,055
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a mobile vacuum boring and
mud recovery method comprising a device that will create a vacuum
condition within a vacuum container, and having a vacuum conduit to
transport a liquid and or solid particles into the vacuum
container. The vacuum conduit may be configured as a powered
articulated boom with sufficient structural strength to support and
operate an earth-digging bucket mounted adjacent to the suction end
of the vacuum conduit. The vacuum conduit boom may have the added
feature or attachments chosen from a telescoping vacuum conduit
section, sensor to locate buried utilities, water spray nozzle, man
hole cover remover cutting tool grinding tool, saw, blasting tool,
surface cleaning tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to
pull vacuum hose, jetter nozzle, camera, monitors and controls to
operate the attachments and their function and power sources to
operate them. The vacuum container may be mounted horizontal,
vertical or in order to be compact and work better for recycling,
the vacuum container may be mounted on an incline to provide space
beneath it to locate a water storage container. The inclined vacuum
tank facilitates gravitational assistance in both separation of
liquids & solids as well as unloading debris. The vacuum
container may further comprise a means to separate a liquid from
solids. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a
solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum
environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container
having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents
simultaneously. The above described vacuum system may be mounted on
a variety of mobile platforms, chosen from but not limited to a
trailer, truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad car, or
zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature of being
convertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Current state of the art vacuum boring and mud recovery
systems have a vacuum container having the ability to be filled and
store liquid and solid particles. A manually movable vacuum hose is
used to vacuum solids and liquids into the vacuum container by
moving the suction end of the vacuum hose into proximity to the
solid or liquid to be vacuumed. A powered articulating boom is some
times used to move the vacuum hose. Loosening of dirt to be
vacuumed is often done with air pressure or water pressure. After
filling said vacuum container to a predetermined capacity, the
vacuum producing device must be discontinued, the filling must
discontinue, the vacuum environment within the vacuum container is
eliminated, the container opened and the contents dumped out. After
the container is emptied, the vacuum-producing device may be
restarted and the filling and storing may restart. Currently,
vacuum containers capable of vacuuming mud and boring earth are
operated as a batch process. The vacuum debris container is mounted
horizontal and filled with debris. After it is full of debris a
hydraulic jack tilts the tank for unloading. The vacuum tank, water
tank, and other support equipment are each mounted separately on a
trailer or truck bed, thus consuming a lot of floor space.
[0006] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide
a means to mechanically loosen solids at the suction end of the
vacuum conduit.
[0007] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means of converting the vacuum conduit into a powered
articulated boom with sufficient structural strength to attach and
articulate mechanical means of loosening solids to be vacuumed.
[0008] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means of mounting an earth digging bucket adjacent to the
suction end of the vacuum conduit.
[0009] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means of mounting permanently or temporarily various
mechanical means to loosen solids to be vacuumed, chosen from an
excavator bucket, grinder, vibrator, hammer, ultra sonic or air
over water demolition.
[0010] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
mount the above mentioned bulk solids loosening and vacuum conduit
boom on to a vacuum container which is compact, concentrates
weight, and has the ability to operate as a continuous process by
dispensing liquids or solids as it vacuums.
[0011] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means of separating the stored contents by predetermined
category and dispensing them without stopping the vacuum fill and
store operation or eliminating the vacuum environment within the
vacuum container.
[0012] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
mount the above mentioned improvements on a mobile platform chosen
from a trailer, truck, skid steer, fork lift, track hoe, railroad
car, or zero turn radius vehicle which may have the added feature
of being convertible between a powered vehicle & a trailer.
[0013] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient
structural strength to allow an operator to move and control the
location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit and said suction
end of said vacuum conduit have an earth digging bucket mounted
adjacent to it, and said conduit boom with said earth digging
bucket being mounted on a mobile vehicle, and a preferred vehicle
being a powered zero turn radius vehicle having the ability to be
converted into a tow able trailer configuration for the purpose of
transporting from job to job.
[0014] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength,
power and articulated movement to allow an operator to move and
control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit into
a manhole lateral line along with a jetter spray nozzle.
[0015] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient
structural strength to allow an operator to remotely move and
control the location of the suction end of the vacuum conduit with
one or more attachments adjacently attached to the suction end of
said vacuum conduit and said attachments being chosen from an earth
digging bucket, a telescoping vacuum conduit, sensor to locate
buried utilities, monitors and controls to operate the attachments
and their function, water spray nozzle, manhole cover remover,
cutting tool, grinding tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning
tool, demolition tool, torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose,
jetter nozzle, or camera and power source to operate them.
[0016] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
separate hydrocarbons from the contents vacuumed into the vacuum
container.
[0017] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
provide a means to purify or sterilize the contents vacuumed into
the vacuum tank.
[0018] It is yet another objective of the present invention to
mount adjacently to the suction end of said vacuum conduit one or
more of a hydraulic torque wrench, 360 degree rotating elbow, 360
degree knuckle, earth penetrating utility sensor, earth penetrating
utility locator, man hole cover remover, high pressure water
demolition means, sand blasting attachments, water jetter nozzle,
vacuum conduit tractor, concrete cutting means, asphalt cutting
means, surface cleaning attachments, vibrator excavation means,
aerodynamic rotary water jet surface cleaner, multiple rotary pulse
water nozzles arranged around the circumference of the suction end
of a vacuum conduit, a and pressurized water conduit, or air over
water demolition means mounted adjacently to the suction end of
said vacuum conduit.
[0019] It is yet another objective of the present invention to have
a power plant comprising one or more of a vacuum blower exhaust
muffler, a vacuum pump, a motor, an engine, a water pump, a
hydraulic pump, an air compressor, a hydraulic reservoir, or fuel
reservoir mounted adjacent to the vacuum container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The above described objectives and others are met by a
method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition
within a vacuum container and the vacuum container being mounted on
a sufficient incline to allow debris to be empted out by gravity
and to provide space beneath the debris tank to locate a water
storage container and having a vacuum conduit to transport liquid
and or solid particles into the vacuum container. A dispensing
device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum
container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the
vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to
fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum
container may further comprise a means to separate a liquid from
solids. The vacuum conduit boom used to transport debris into the
vacuum container may have the added feature of being an articulated
powered vacuum conduit boom with sufficient structural strength to
allow an operator to remotely move and control the location of the
suction end of the vacuum conduit with one or more attachments
adjacently attached to the suction end of said vacuum conduit and
said attachments being chosen from an earth digging bucket, a
telescoping vacuum conduit, sensor to locate buried utilities,
monitors and controls to operate the attachments an their function,
water spray nozzle, manhole cover remover, cutting tool, grinding
tool, saw, blasting tool, surface cleaning tool, demolition tool,
torque wrench, tractor to pull vacuum hose, jetter nozzle, or
camera and power source to operate them. The boom also has a means
to select between or change from one vacuum conduit suction end
attachment to another. And said vacuum system being mounted on a
mobile platform chosen from a trailer, truck, skid steer, fork
lift, track hoe, railroad car, or zeroturn radius vehicle which may
have the added feature of being convertible between a powered
vehicle & a trailer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION of the DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a vacuum container according to a first
embodiment of the invention having both liquid and solid dispensers
and means disposed within the container to separate liquids from
solids.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation of a vacuum container
according to a second embodiment of the invention using a screen
cylinder to separate liquids from solids and having a pump
dispenser disposed within the screen and having a vibrator attached
to the screen. Purification means are disposed within the vacuum
container to remove contaminants from the liquids or solids.
Purification means 55, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and
sterilization means 57 are shown disposed within the vacuum
container although they can be attached to the container or
conduits. Purification, hydrocarbon absorbs ion or sterilization
means may chosen from, but are not limited to, zealite, ozone or
activated carbon or ultra violet light or phasing or ultra sonic or
chlorine or peat or diatomasious earth.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a vacuum container and liquid dispenser
according to the second embodiment of the invention using a powered
boom to articulate the vacuum conduit with vacuum conduit suction
end attachments, sensors & controls.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a vacuum container with liquid and solid
dispensers according to a third embodiment of the invention using
an articulated vacuum and jetter boom to reach into a lateral line
of a drain pipe. A vacuum conduit tractor is shown pulling a vacuum
conduit & the tractor is shown with a rotating vacuum nozzle,
controls, light and camera. A jetter is also shown loosening debris
to be vacuumed. The vacuum container is shown to separate solids
& liquids. The liquid is shown to be dispensed and recycled.
The solids are shown to be ground to a smaller size, and
transported to a mobile container.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows an inclined slope vacuum container with a
liquid storage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum
tank. Both solid and liquid dispensers are shown according to a
fourth embodiment of the invention. The vacuum unit is mounted on a
platform and is shown being moved by a skid steer. The liquid is
shown to be recycled and the solids are shown to be dispensed.
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a vacuum container according to the fourth
embodiment of the invention mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle
using a powered articulating vacuum conduit boom with telescoping
conduit and earth digging bucket. The vacuum conduit is shown with
the telescoping section of the vacuum conduit extended, and a
liquid spray nozzle or air pressure nozzle is shown to be loosening
the earth so it can be vacuumed. The earth digging bucket is shown
in the retracted position. An earth penetrating sensor is shown
mounted on the bucket.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows an articulating vacuum conduit boom with
multiple sections reaching into a drainage pipe lateral line to
loosen & vacuum debris from the drainage pipe. A telescoping
means is used to assist in reaching in the lateral line.
[0028] FIG. 8 shows an inclined slope vacuum container supported by
a liquid storage container mounted under the slope of the vacuum
tank. A filter housing containing filters is shown mounted adjacent
to the debris tank. A single door is shown to access both the
filter house and the debris tank simultaneously. A solids liquid
vibrating screen separator is shown mounted to the debris tank
portion of the access door. A powered telescoping cylinder or
linear actuator is shown to open or close the access door. A
powered articulating vacuum boom is shown with a manhole cover
removal attachment.
[0029] FIG. 9 Shows a cross sectional view of an earth excavator
digging a hole in the earth using a vacuum container mounted on a
zero-turn radius vehicle & having a solids and liquid
separation and unloading means. The Vacuum container is shown
connected to an articulated vacuum conduit boom with an earth
digging bucket attached in the retracted position. A telescoping
section of the vacuum conduit is shown in the extended position
vacuuming dirt that has been by water sprayed from a liquid spray
nozzle which is shown mounted in the outside circumference of an
indention in the suction end of the vacuum conduit. The indention
reduces the size of solid that can enter the vacuum conduit, thus
reducing the frequency of solids being clogged in the vacuum
conduit. The earth excavator is shown to be convertible between a
zero turn radius vehicle and a tow able trailer. The excavator is
shown in the excavating configuration. With the spreader blade
being used as a jack. The debris access door is shown opening by a
powered telescoping cylinder which in turn moves the pull bars and
dried dirt out of the vacuum tank.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows the earth excavator in the towing
configuration as a trailer attached behind a truck. The trailer
hitch has been towered & the swivel front wheels have been
raised. The articulated vacuum boom has been configured into a
stored position and the combination dirt pushing blade and jack has
been raised.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Using the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will now be explained.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment of the invention, being
one example of various possible arrangements of apparatus within a
vacuum container 12 for the purpose of accomplishing a method of
separating solids 6 or liquids 2 by predetermined category and then
dispensing said solids 6 or liquids 2 using a dispensing means 1
without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum
container 12. In FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention
include a vacuum container 12, a vacuum producing means 11, a
conduit 13 to allow air to move from vacuum container 12 to vacuum
producing means 11, a second conduit 14 dispenses air from the
vacuum producing means 11. Vacuum container 12 has an access door
18 having a hinge 20 and a latching means 19. Solids 6 or liquids 2
are vacuumed into vacuum container 12 by means of a vacuum conduit
17. In FIG. 1, the ground 35 is earthen dirt. Liquid 2, which has
been stored in container 8, is pumped by pump 7 through pump
discharge conduit 5 to a spray nozzle 26. The pressurized liquid 2
dislodges and emulsifies the ground 35 so it becomes vacuum able.
The vacuum able ground 35 and liquid 2 are vacuumed through conduit
17 and into vacuum container 12. The solids 6 and liquids 2 fall
onto a screen 21 which is vibrated by vibrator 23. Screen 21 is
mounted on springs 22 which are supported by support means 24.
Liquid 2 passes through screen 21 and is dispensed from the vacuum
container 12 by means of a liquid dispenser means 1 which is shown
as a rotary void style in this example. The solids 6 which are too
large to pass through the vibrating screen 21 are vibrated to a
solids dispensing means 10 which in this example is a rotary void
style dispenser. The solids 6 are dispensed into solids conveyor
49. The vacuum container 12 is supported by a pivot arm 28 and a
cylinder 29 which may be extended to dump contents out of container
access door 18. The above system is mounted on a mobile platform 31
with wheels 30. FIG. 1 is shown excavating ground 35 in order to
locate a utility 15 without doing damage to said utility 15.
[0033] In a second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and
3, the screen 21 is formed in the shape of a cylinder. The solids 6
and liquids 2 which are vacuumed through conduit 17, are deposited
into vacuum container 12 around the vibrated screen well 21. The
solids 6 which cannot pass through the screen well 21, remain in
the vacuum container 12 to be dumped out through access door 18
when it is opened and cylinder 29 is extended. Liquid 2 passes
through screen 21 thus dewatering the solids 6 which remain in
vacuum container 12. Liquid 2, which passes through screen 21, is
dispensed from vacuum container 12 by means of liquid dispenser 1,
which in this example is a pump. The liquid 2 passes through
conduit 16 and into hydrocyclone 25 where the solids 6 and liquid 2
separation is further refined. The solids 6 are discharged through
solids discharge conduit 4 into vacuum container 12 and liquids are
discharged through conduit 3 which discharges into a liquid 2
storage container 8 thus providing a method to reclaim and recycle
vacuumed liquids 2. Purification elements 55 such as ozone,
activated carbon or zealite, hydrocarbon absorbing means 56 and a
sterilization means 57 is located within the vacuum container 12 in
order to purify, sterilize or remove hydrocarbons from the liquids
2 or solids 6 as they pass through vacuum container 12. The
sterilization means 57, or purification means 55 or hydrocarbon
means 56 may also be disposed within the suction conduit 17 or
dispensing conduit 16, or dispensing means 1 or 10.
[0034] FIG. 3 has the added features of a mobilization means 36
being a powered mobile boom to articulate the movement of vacuum
conduit 17 and vacuum conduit attachments 32 which may consist of
cutters, demolition means, surface grinders, cleaners, air jets,
water jets, scoops, etc. Utility location sensors 33 with
monitor/controller means 34 are shown to assist in locating and
accessing a utility 15 buried under ground 35 which may consist of
dirt, stone, asphalt, concrete or a combination there of. The
system of FIG. 3 is shown to also be recycling the liquid 2 as it
locates, uncovers or avoids a utility 15.
[0035] In a third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, the
solids 6 are passed through a solids grinder 27 in order to reduce
the solids 6 size to a predetermined size before being dispensed by
a solids dispenser 10 which in this example is a progressive cavity
screw. The dispensed solids are collected in solids receiver
container 9 to be hauled off. The liquid 2 is shown being dispensed
by liquid dispenser means 1, which in this example is a diaphragm
pump. The recycled liquid 2 is pumped through hose reel 37 by
transfer pump 7 to a water jetter 39 spraying a water jet 40, thus
cleaning drain pipe 38 with recycled water as it moves.
[0036] The recycled liquid 2 along with solids 6 washed from drain
pipe 38 are vacuumed up by the vacuum conduit 17 which is shown as
an articulated powered vacuum conduit boom 36. The articulated
powered boom 36 also has means to place the jetter 39 into location
down a manhole 59 and into a lateral drainage conduit 38 and
dispense the jetter conduit 58. In this example, telescoping
cylinder 41 is used to articulate the vacuum conduit boom 36 and
jetter 39. Vacuum boom structure 44 allows the vacuum conduit 17 to
be rigid enough to move, support weight and force in order to
articulate and operate attachments such as the vacuum conduit
tractor 51 which is articulated into a starting position by the
vacuum conduit boom 36. Vacuum conduit powered tractor 51 then
moves vacuum conduit 17 to debris 45 to be vacuumed. Vacuum hose
reel 54 unreels and retracts vacuum hose 17 as needed. Vacuum
conduit tractor 51 can have a sensor controller means 52 attached
so as to monitor and control the vacuuming process. Vacuum conduit
tractor 51 can also be fitted with an articulating suction head
means 53, which allows the vacuum conduit tractor to access debris
45 in multiple degrees. Although the articulating vacuum conduit
boom 36 is shown vacuuming debris from a drain pipe, said vacuum
conduit boom 36 works equally well vacuuming substances from
railcars, barges, tankers, silos, or shavings and dung from the
barn and stables.
[0037] In a fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5,
& 6 the container 12 is placed on an inclined slope which also
creates a location beneath vacuum container 12 to locate a water
storage container 8, thus providing a compact vacuum container with
water tank 8 system. The vacuum container 12 having an inclined
screen 21, which continues as a portion of the solids dispenser 10
hopper. In this example, the solids dispenser 10 is in the form of
a screw conveyor. Liquid 2, which passes through the screen 21, is
dispensed by liquid dispenser 1, which in this embodiment is shown
as a pump.
[0038] In FIG. 5, the system is skid mounted and being mobilized on
a skid steer 74. A forklift, track vehicle, railroad car, truck,
backhoe or track hoe may be used as well.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an earth excavator which can alternate
between the use of vacuum excavation & bucket 43 excavation.
This is illustrated in this example by a vacuum container 12, with
its components, mounted on a zero turn radius vehicle 31. An
articulated powered vacuum conduit boom 36 is also mounted to the
zero turn radius vehicle 31. The articulated powered vacuum conduit
17 boom 36 is constructed with sufficient strength to mount &
operate an earth digging bucket 43 adjacent to the suction end of
the vacuum conduit 17. The added means of a telescoping 42 section
of vacuum conduit 17 extended to vacuum excavate or may be
retracted to allow use of a bucket 43 for digging. The suction end
of the telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 is shown to have a liquid
spray nozzle 26 attached to the outer circumference of an indention
75 in the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention
serves both to restrict the size of a solid entering vacuum conduit
17 to a size too small to get clogged in the conduit 17 & to
serves as a location to mount the spray nozzle 26 at an orientation
which will aim the s liquid 2 spray in a direction which will
loosen & emulsify the earth 35 located at the suction end
entrance of vacuum conduit 17. Controller 34 represents the sensors
& monitors used to automate the sequencing of the articulation
of the vacuum conduit boom 36 into location, the locating of
utilities 15 by earth penetrating utility sensor 33, and the
selection between & sequencing between earth digging bucket 43
& telescoping 42 vacuum conduit 17 & liquid spray nozzle
26. In this illustration a liquid spray nozzle 26 is shown to be
used to loosen the dirt, but an air pressure nozzle may be
substituted for the liquid spray nozzle 26 to loosen dirt thus
making it vacuum able. A liquid 2 supply conduit 5 is shown to be
mounted adjacent to the vacuum conduit 17 boom 36.
[0040] FIG. 8 shows a vacuum boring & mud recovery system
similar to FIG. 6 preparing to clean a drainage pipe 38. A manhole
cover 46 is being removed to gain access to the drainage pipe 38 by
a manhole cover 46 removal attachment 47 mounted to the articulated
powered vacuum conduit boom 36. A conduit 48 supplies power to the
manhole cover removal attachment means 47. The manhole cover
removal attachment means 47 may be an electro magnet, a suction cup
or a mechanical attachment means. FIG. 8 represents a fifth
embodiment of the vacuum container 2 showing the vacuum container 2
mounted on an inclined slope, supported by a liquid container 8
located beneath the incline of the vacuum container 12, and mounted
on a generic mobile platform. The inclined angle is sufficient to
allow the contents of the vacuum container to be removed by gravity
when the door 18 is opened. A filter housing 64 having air filters
disposed within it, is shown mounted adjacent to the vacuum
container 12 in a configuration to allow simultaneous access to it
& the debris tank 12 by a single door 12. A powered telescoping
cylinder 63, chosen from a linear actuator or hydraulic, or air
cylinder is shown mounted within the vacuum container 12 and to the
access door 18. This telescoping cylinder 63 opens or closes the
access door 18. A vibrating screen 21 is shown mounted to the
access door 18 in this illustration. Mounting the vibrating screen
21 solids 6 liquids 2 separator to the access door 18 allows
improved access for emptying & cleaning.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows an articulated powered jetter boom 60 having
multiple boom sections 50 attached to a mobile platform. The boom
60 is shown loosening debris 45 from a drain pipe 38. Telescoping
jetter conduit 61 provides extension of water jetter's reach.
Rotary structural support means 44 provide swivel and rotating
means.
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of an vacuum boring
& mood recovery unit digging a hole in the earth 35 using a
vacuum container 12 mounted on a zero-turn radius vehicle 31 &
having a solids 6 and liquid 2 separation means being a vibrating
screen 21 and solids unloading drag bar 62 means. The Vacuum
container 12 is shown connected to a vacuum conduit 17 articulated
boom 36 with an earth digging bucket 43 attached in the retracted
position. A telescoping section 42 of the vacuum conduit 17 is
shown in the extended position vacuuming dirt 6 that has been
emulsified by water 2 sprayed from a liquid spray nozzle 26 which
is shown mounted in the outside circumference of an indention 75 in
the suction end of the vacuum conduit 17. The indention reduces the
size of solid 6 that can enter the vacuum conduit 17, thus reducing
the frequency of solids 6 being clogged in the vacuum conduit 17.
The earth excavator is shown to be converted from a self propelled
zero turn radius vehicle 31 to a tow able trailer, by using the
scrapper blade 66 as a jack to raise the front swivel wheels 68 of
the ground 35. As shown in FIG. 10 the front swivel wheels 68 may
be raised and the tow bar tongue 67 may be lowered thus readying
the unit for towing as shown in FIG. 10. The excavator is shown in
the excavating configuration. With the spreader blade 66 being used
as a jack to sturdy the machine while digging. The debris access
door 18 is shown opening by a powered telescoping cylinder 63,
which in turn moves the pull bars 62 and dried dirt 6 out of the
vacuum tank 12. In this illustration the water tank 8 and the power
plant 76 which may include an engine, hydraulic motor, vacuum pump,
air compressor, water pump, muffler or controls, are both
positioned beneath the slope of the inclined slope vacuum container
12 thus creating an even more compact vacuum boring & mud
recovery system with an even greater concentration of weight. The
water tank 8 in FIGS. 8, 9 & 10 are shown supporting the vacuum
container 12. The operator controls the device from the operator
seat 73. Control center 34 includes means to control solids 6
liquid 2 separation & recycling, functions of excavation,
location & avoidance of utilities, mapping of work area,
recording of performance.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows the device in towing position behind a towing
vehicle 70.
[0044] It is recognized that while each of the figures show
different types of vacuum methods, vacuum booms, vacuum containers
with different types of solid or liquid separation and dispensing,
the various apparatuses are interchangeable and can replace one
another. Further more, although some of the articulated powered
vacuum conduit booms are shown with vacuum containers having liquid
or solid dispensers, it is recognized that the articulated powered
vacuum conduit boom and its attachment means can be used alone or
in conjunction with any type of vacuum system.
[0045] The preceding description has been presented only to
illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching.
[0046] The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application. The preceding description is intended to enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the following claims.
DEFINITION
[0047] 1--Dispensing means [0048] 2--Liquid [0049] 3--Liquid
Discharge conduit from Hydro cyclone 25 [0050] 4--Solids Discharge
conduit from Hydro cyclone 25 [0051] 5--Discharge conduit from
Liquid transfer pump 7 [0052] 6--Solids [0053] 7--Liquid Transfer
pump [0054] 8--Container to hold dispensed liquids [0055]
9--Container to hold dispensed solids [0056] 10--Solids dispenser
[0057] 11--Vacuum producing means [0058] 12--Vacuum container
[0059] 13--Conduit to connect Vacuum container 12--vacuum producing
means 11 [0060] 14--Discharge conduit from Vacuum producing means
11 [0061] 15--Utility [0062] 16--Inlet conduit to Hydro cyclone 25
[0063] 17--Vacuum conduit [0064] 18--End door to Vacuum container
12 [0065] 19--Means to secure end door 18 [0066] 20--Hinge for End
door 18 [0067] 21--Screen [0068] 22--Spring on Screen 21 [0069]
23--Vibrator [0070] 24--Support for Springs 22 [0071] 25--Hydro
cyclone [0072] 26--Liquid sprayer [0073] 27--Grinder [0074]
28--Pivot support for Vacuum container 12 [0075] 29--Cylinder to
Raise and Lower Vacuum Container 12 [0076] 30--Wheels on Mobile
Platform 31 [0077] 31--Zero Turn Radius Vehicle [0078] 32--Cutting,
Demolition, Cleaning and Blasting attachment means [0079]
33--Utility Sensor means [0080] 34--Monitor and/or Controller for
Utility Sensor means 33 [0081] 35--Ground Surface being dirt,
asphalt, stone, or concrete [0082] 36--Articulated Vacuum conduit
17 boom with attachments 32 [0083] 37--Hose Reel [0084] 38--Drain
Conduit [0085] 39--Jetter [0086] 40--Water Jet [0087] 41--Means to
power the Articulating Vacuum Boom [0088] 42--Telescoping Vacuum
conduit [0089] 43--Digging Bucket [0090] 44--Structural Means to
Support and Articulate Vacuum Conduit [0091] 45--Debris [0092]
46--Manhole Cover [0093] 47--Means to Remove Manhole Cover such as
Electric Magnet, suction, mechanical fastener [0094] 48--Power to
Manhole Cover removal means 47 [0095] 49--Solids Conveyer [0096]
50--Boom Section [0097] 51--Vacuum conduit Tractor [0098]
52--Vacuum conduit Tractor Sensor, Controller, Camera, or light
[0099] 53--Vacuum conduit Tractor Articulating Suction Head [0100]
54--Vacuum Hose Reel [0101] 55--Purification Elements such as
ozone, activated carbon or zealite [0102] 56--Hydro carbon
Absorbing means [0103] 57--Sterilization means [0104] 58--Jetter
Hose [0105] 59--Man Hole [0106] 60--Articulating Jetter Boom [0107]
61--Telescoping Jetter Conduit [0108] 62--Solids Debris Drag Bar
[0109] 63--Telescoping Rear Door Closure means [0110] 64--Filter
Housing [0111] 65--Filter [0112] 66--Scraper Blade/Jack [0113]
67--Pivot able Towing Tongue [0114] 68--Pivot able/Swivel Wheels
[0115] 69--Pivot Axel for Combination Tongue 67 and Wheels 68
[0116] 70--Towing Vehicle [0117] 71--Boom Platform [0118]
72--Hydraulic Drive Motor [0119] 73--Operator Seat [0120] 74--Skid
Steer [0121] 75--Indention in the suction end if the vacuum conduit
17 [0122] 76--Power Plant
* * * * *