U.S. patent application number 12/509822 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-27 for nozzle for providing particulate materials to a bulk transfer apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to REM ENTERPRISES INC.. Invention is credited to Paul Kerr, Kent Woods.
Application Number | 20110016664 12/509822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43496013 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110016664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kerr; Paul ; et al. |
January 27, 2011 |
NOZZLE FOR PROVIDING PARTICULATE MATERIALS TO A BULK TRANSFER
APPARATUS
Abstract
A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus is provided. A body
structure of the nozzle comprises comprising a connecting mechanism
for connecting to an end portion of the suction intake hose. A
support mechanism is mechanically connected to the body structure
for movably supporting the body structure. A particulate materials
transport mechanism is placed in front of the body structure. The
particulate materials transport mechanism comprises a movable
mechanical structure for mechanically transporting the particulate
materials into an airstream generated by suction through the
suction intake hose. A hood is mounted to a front portion of the
body structure for guiding the airstream towards an opening in
fluid communication with the connecting mechanism.
Inventors: |
Kerr; Paul; (Hodgeville,
CA) ; Woods; Kent; (Swift Current, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
575 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10022-2585
US
|
Assignee: |
REM ENTERPRISES INC.
Swift Current
CA
|
Family ID: |
43496013 |
Appl. No.: |
12/509822 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/415.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 15/003 20130101;
B65G 65/22 20130101; E01H 1/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/415.1 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/02 20060101
A47L009/02 |
Claims
1. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus comprising: a body
structure, the body structure comprising a connecting mechanism for
connecting to an end portion of the suction intake hose; a support
mechanism mechanically connected to the body structure for movably
supporting the nozzle; a particulate materials transport mechanism
placed in front of the body structure, the particulate materials
transport mechanism comprising a movable mechanical structure for
mechanically transporting the particulate materials into an
airstream generated by suction through the suction intake hose;
and, a hood mounted to a front portion of the body structure for
guiding the airstream towards an opening in fluid communication
with the connecting mechanism.
2. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1
wherein the particulate materials transport mechanism transports
the particulate materials to an area in immediate proximity to the
opening in fluid communication with the connecting mechanism.
3. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1
wherein the particulate materials transport mechanism comprises at
least an auger.
4. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1
wherein the connecting mechanism is designed such that the suction
intake hose is oriented substantially horizontal when connected
thereto.
5. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 1
wherein the support mechanism comprises two independently rotatable
wheels with a first wheel being mounted to a left hand side of the
body structure and a second wheel being mounted to a right hand
side of the body structure.
6. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 5
comprising a handle mounted to the body structure in proximity to a
plane through the center of the first wheel and the center of the
second wheel and oriented substantially vertical.
7. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 6
wherein the connecting mechanism is placed such that the end
portion of the suction intake hose is oriented substantially
horizontal when connected thereto and wherein the connecting
mechanism is placed in proximity to the plane between the first
wheel and the second wheel.
8. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 7
wherein the first wheel and the second wheel are mounted to a rear
portion of the body structure.
9. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake
hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in claim 8
comprising two casters for movably supporting the nozzle.
10. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction
intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in
claim 5 comprising a first drive mechanism and a second drive
mechanism for driving the first wheel and the second wheel,
respectively, wherein the first drive mechanism and the second
drive mechanism are capable of driving the first wheel and the
second wheel differently.
11. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction
intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in
claim 10 wherein the first drive mechanism and the second drive
mechanism are capable of simultaneously driving the first wheel in
a forward direction and the second wheel in a rearward
direction.
12. A nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction
intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus as defined in
claim 10 comprising a remote control mechanism for providing a
control signal to the first drive mechanism and the second drive
mechanism in a remotely operated fashion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bulk transfer
machines for particulate materials, and more particularly to a
nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction intake hose
connected to a bulk transfer apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Pneumatic bulk transfer apparatuses are widely used in
agriculture and industry for transferring grain and various other
types of particulate materials such as, for example, grain,
fertilizer, pellets, etc. Such devices have substantially
facilitated the bulk transfer of particulate materials, a
previously laborious and time-consuming task accomplished by
shoveling. For example, bulk transfer apparatuses are used for
transferring grain from a storage facility of a farm to a delivery
truck. Typically, an end portion of an intake hose is placed by an
operator in close proximity to the particulate materials that are
to be transferred, which are rendered airborne by an airstream
caused by suction through the intake hose.
[0003] To facilitate portability and enable use at different
locations, pneumatic bulk transfer apparatuses have been provided
as mobile units, for example, mounted on a trailer and powered by a
tractor.
[0004] Unfortunately, in various applications there is a need for
using a long intake hose making it difficult for an operator to
handle the end portion of the intake hose, in particular in a
confined storage facility. Furthermore, using a long intake hose
substantially increases suction loss, thus, the airstream for
rendering the particulate materials airborne is reduced causing a
substantial reduction in the efficiency of the transfer of the
particulate materials. This is of particular concern when mobile
units having limited power are employed.
[0005] It is desirable to provide a nozzle for being connected to
the end portion of the intake hose of a bulk transfer apparatus
that is simple and easily maneuverable.
[0006] It is also desirable to provide a nozzle for being connected
to the end portion of the intake hose of a bulk transfer apparatus
that has an improved rate of transfer of particulate materials when
suction is weak.
[0007] It is also desirable to provide a nozzle that is adapted for
providing an active area for receiving particulate material that is
significantly wider than the width of the vacuum hose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to
provide a nozzle for being connected to the end portion of the
intake hose of a bulk transfer apparatus that is simple and easily
maneuverable.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
nozzle for being connected to the end portion of the intake hose of
a bulk transfer apparatus that has an improved rate of transfer of
particulate materials when suction is weak.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
nozzle that is adapted for providing an active area for receiving
particulate material that is significantly wider than the width of
the vacuum hose.
[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a nozzle for providing particulate materials to a suction
intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus. A body
structure of the nozzle comprises a connecting mechanism for
connecting to an end portion of the suction intake hose. A support
mechanism is mechanically connected to the body structure for
movably supporting the nozzle. A particulate materials transport
mechanism is placed in front of the body structure. The particulate
materials transport mechanism comprises a movable mechanical
structure for mechanically transporting the particulate materials
into an airstream generated by suction through the suction intake
hose. A hood is mounted to a front portion of the body structure
for guiding the airstream towards an opening in fluid communication
with the connecting mechanism.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is further provided a nozzle for providing particulate materials to
a suction intake hose connected to a bulk transfer apparatus. A
body structure of the nozzle comprises a connecting mechanism for
connecting to an end portion of the suction intake hose. Two
independently rotatable wheels are mounted to a left hand side of
the body structure and a right hand side of the body structure in
proximity to a rear portion of the body structure. A first drive
mechanism and a second drive mechanism drive the first wheel and
the second wheel, respectively. The first drive mechanism and the
second drive mechanism are capable of simultaneously driving the
first wheel in a forward direction and the second wheel in a
rearward direction. A particulate materials transport mechanism is
placed in front of the body structure. The particulate materials
transport mechanism comprises a movable mechanical structure for
mechanically transporting the particulate materials into an
airstream generated by suction through the suction intake hose. A
hood is mounted to a front portion of the body structure for
guiding the airstream towards an opening in fluid communication
with the connecting mechanism.
[0013] The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a
nozzle for being connected to the end portion of the intake hose of
a bulk transfer apparatus that is simple and easily
maneuverable.
[0014] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a nozzle for being connected to the end portion of the
intake hose of a bulk transfer apparatus that has an improved rate
of transfer of particulate materials when suction is weak.
[0015] A further advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a nozzle that is adapted for providing an active area for
receiving particulate material that is significantly wider than the
width of the vacuum hose.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1a is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
perspective front view of a nozzle according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 1b is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
perspective rear view of the nozzle according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 1c is a simplified block diagrams illustrating the
perspective front view of the nozzle according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention with a plane through the centers of the
wheels added;
[0020] FIGS. 2a and 2b are simplified block diagrams illustrating a
perspective left hand side view and a perspective right hand side
view, respectively, of a detail of a nozzle according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIGS. 3a and 3b are simplified block diagrams illustrating
front views of nozzles according to yet other embodiments of the
invention; and,
[0022] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
perspective rear view of a nozzle according to yet another
embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although
any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, the preferred methods and materials are now
described.
[0024] While the description of the preferred embodiments herein
below is with reference to a nozzle for being connected to the end
portion of the intake hose of a portable bulk transfer apparatus
used in agriculture for transferring grain, it will become evident
to those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention
are not limited thereto, but are also applicable for being
connected to a stationary bulk transfer apparatus as well as be
used for transfer of various particulate materials in agriculture
and industry.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1a to 1c, a nozzle 100 for providing
particulate materials to a suction intake hose connected to a bulk
transfer apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention is provided. A body structure 7 of the nozzle 100
comprises a connecting mechanism 3 for connecting to an end portion
of the suction intake hose (not shown) of the bulk transfer
apparatus. The intake hose is connected using, for example, mating
connectors, a screw mechanism, a clamp mechanism, or a tight fit
between the intake hose and a tube portion of the connecting
mechanism 3. A support mechanism such as, for example, wheel
spindle assembly 4 is mechanically connected to the body structure
7 for movably supporting the nozzle. A hood 1 is mounted to a front
portion of the body structure 7. The hood 1 comprises an opening 3A
which is connected via a duct to the connecting mechanism 3 which
is placed at a rear portion of the body structure 7. A particulate
materials transport mechanism 2 is placed in front of the body
structure 7 and is covered at least partially by the hood 1. The
particulate materials transport mechanism 2 is movable mounted to
the hood 1 (as shown in FIG. 1a) or, alternatively, mounted to the
front portion of the body structure 7 using a suitable holding
mechanism such as, for example, a cantilever structure. The
particulate materials transport mechanism 2 comprises a movable
mechanical structure such as, for example, an auger, for
mechanically transporting the particulate materials into an
airstream generated by suction through the suction intake hose. For
example, the particulate materials transport mechanism 2 transports
the particulate materials to an area in immediate proximity to the
opening 3A. The hood 1 guides the airstream with the airborne
particulate materials towards the opening 3A in the hood 1. The
particulate materials transport mechanism 2 is rotatably mounted to
the hood 1 using mounts known in the art such as, for example,
various types of bearings. The particulate materials transport
mechanism 2 is driven using a drive mechanism such as, for example,
electric motor 15A and belt drive 15B comprising a belt and pulleys
mounted to the electric motor 15A and the particulate materials
transport mechanism 2 outside the hood 1.
[0026] The body structure 7, the connecting mechanism 3, the hood
1, and the auger are preferably made of a metal such as, for
example, steel or aluminum. Of course other materials such as, for
example, plastic materials or carbon fiber materials are also
employable.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1a, the particulate materials
transport mechanism 2 preferably comprises an auger rotatable
mounted to the hood 1 and oriented substantially horizontal with a
left hand portion and a right hand portion each transporting the
particulate materials towards the center, i.e. in front of the
opening 3A. Employment of the particulate materials transport
mechanism 2 increases the amount of particulate materials rendered
airborne into the airstream and, therefore, improves the rate of
transfer of the particulate material, in particular when suction is
weak. The problem of weak suction is frequently encountered in
agriculture when a long intake hose is needed or the hose becomes
fully or partially clogged or filled.
[0028] Preferably, the support mechanism comprises two
independently rotatable wheel spindle assemblies 4 with a first
wheel spindle assembly 4 being mounted to a left hand side of the
body structure 7 and a second wheel spindle assembly 4 being
mounted to a right hand side of the body structure 7. The wheel
spindle assemblies 4 are rotatably mounted to the body structure 7
using mounts known in the art such as, for example, various types
of bearings. Further preferably, the wheel spindle assemblies 4 are
mounted to a rear portion of the body structure 7. In the preferred
embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1b, a first drive mechanism
and a second drive mechanism are employed for driving the first
wheel and the second wheel, respectively. The first drive mechanism
and the second drive mechanism are capable of driving the first
wheel and the second wheel differently. For example, the first
drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are capable of
simultaneously driving the first wheel in either a forward or
rearward direction and the second wheel in either a forward or
rearward direction. The first drive mechanism and the second drive
mechanism comprise, for example, preferably variable speed electric
motors 8 and 9 in concert with belt drives 6 and 10, respectively.
The belt drives 6 and 10 each comprise a belt, a pulley mounted to
the electric motor and a pulley mounted to the wheel spindle
assembly. Preferably, each belt drive comprises a protective cover
covering the pulleys and the belt.
[0029] Alternatively, pneumatic or hydraulic motors are employed.
Further alternatively, chain drives, shaft drives or direct drives
are used instead of the belt drives 6 and 10. In a further
alternative embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement of
one or more belts may be provided mounted on various diameter
pulleys to provide the wheels with operator variable speed in a
manner known to a person skilled in the art.
[0030] The capability of simultaneously driving one wheel forward
and the other rearward substantially increases the maneuverability
of the nozzle 100 by enabling turning of the nozzle 100 around a
substantially vertically oriented axis placed between the two
wheels 4. Increased maneuverability is advantageous when the nozzle
100 is used in confined spaces which are frequently encountered in
storage facilities.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment the nozzle 100 comprises a
handle 5 mounted to the body structure 7 in proximity to a plane 19
through the center of the first wheel 4 and the center of the
second wheel 4 and oriented substantially vertical, as illustrated
in Figure 1c. This placement of the handle 5 substantially
simplifies handling of the nozzle by an operator by slightly
pushing down the handle 5 for lifting the hood 1 off the ground and
driving the nozzle using controls 11 disposed on switch mount 12.
For example, a left hand control is used for controlling the left
hand drive and a right hand control is used for controlling the
right hand drive. Further controls are optionally placed on the
switch mount such as, for example, a control for controlling the
particulate materials transport mechanism 2 and a control for
remotely controlling the bulk transfer apparatus.
[0032] Handling of the nozzle 100 is further simplified by placing
the connecting mechanism 3 in proximity to the plane 19 between the
first wheel 4 and the second wheel 4, in order to minimize movement
of the intake hose during turning of the nozzle.
[0033] Optionally, the first drive mechanism and the second drive
mechanism are omitted and the support mechanism comprises only the
two independently rotatable wheels 4. The nozzle is then manually
moved by an operator using the handle 5.
[0034] Further optionally, the nozzle 100 comprises a left hand
side caster 20 and a right hand side caster 20 mounted, for
example, to the hood 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a and 2b, or,
alternatively, to the front portion of the body structure 7.
[0035] In alternative embodiments, the movable mechanical structure
of the particulate materials transport mechanism 2 comprises, for
example, one or more rotatably mounted cylinders having rods or
bristles, made of, for example, metal or plastic material,
protruding there from, as illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b. In a
further alternative embodiment of the present invention, drag chain
conveyors (not shown) are connected to the front of the nozzle to
draw particulate material into the airstream of the nozzle.
[0036] The nozzle 100 is, for example, electrically operated with
the power being provided, for example, via an electric power cable
attached to the intake hose.
[0037] Optionally, the nozzle 100 comprises headlights 14 mounted,
for example, to a top front portion of the hood 1, as illustrated
in FIG. 1a, facilitating use of the nozzle in sparse lighting
conditions.
[0038] Further optionally, the nozzle 100 comprises a sensor or
camera 13 mounted, for example, to the handle 5. The sensor or
camera 13 are useful, for example, for remotely sensing the intake
of the particulate materials and/or for sensing a dust
concentration in the air surrounding the nozzle, thus, increasing
safety by, for example, warning an operator when there is an
explosive dust concentration in the air.
[0039] In a further embodiment 200 the nozzle is remotely operable
by providing a remote control mechanism 30 for remotely controlling
the first and the second drive mechanism. For example, a remotely
located operator is provided with video images from the camera 13
displayed on a monitor (not shown) and moves the nozzle 200 by
using, for example, a joystick providing control commands to the
nozzle via cable 32. Optionally, the particulate materials
transport mechanism 2 is also remotely controlled using remote
control mechanism 30. Alternatively, wireless transmission is
employed.
[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, in place of
wheels, preferably rubberized tracks (not shown) are provided to
support and guide the nozzle.
[0041] The present invention has been described herein with regard
to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons
skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications
can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as
described herein.
* * * * *