U.S. patent application number 17/526911 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for apparatus and system for transferring materials and corresponding method of use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is JM TECHNOLOGIES LLC. Invention is credited to James Ekholm, Michael Walker.
Application Number | 20220177239 17/526911 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220177239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Michael ; et
al. |
June 9, 2022 |
APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING MATERIALS AND CORRESPONDING
METHOD OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
A vacuum nozzle includes a main body and at least one auxiliary
body. The main body has a first open end and a second open end. The
first open end is coupleable to a vacuum hose and the second open
end is configured for receiving materials to be transferred. The
auxiliary body has a first auxiliary opening and a second auxiliary
opening. The first auxiliary opening is positioned closer to the
first open end of the main body than the second open end of the
main body. The second auxiliary opening covers a portion of the
second open end of the main body. The auxiliary body provides a
dedicated auxiliary passageway for providing a consistent flow of
air to the second open end of the main body when the vacuum nozzle
is in use.
Inventors: |
Walker; Michael; (Gallatin,
TN) ; Ekholm; James; (Alvarado, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JM TECHNOLOGIES LLC |
Gallatin |
TN |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/526911 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16762714 |
May 8, 2020 |
11174111 |
|
|
PCT/US2018/059745 |
Nov 8, 2018 |
|
|
|
17526911 |
|
|
|
|
62583200 |
Nov 8, 2017 |
|
|
|
International
Class: |
B65G 53/42 20060101
B65G053/42; B65G 53/24 20060101 B65G053/24 |
Claims
1. A system for performing transport of materials comprising: a
vacuum device; a vacuum hose having a proximal end and a distal
end, the distal end coupled to the vacuum device; and a vacuum
nozzle coupled to the proximal end of the vacuum hose, the vacuum
nozzle including: a main body having a first open end and a second
open end, the first open end being open and connected to the
proximal end of the vacuum hose; one or more auxiliary air inlets
coupled along at least a portion of a length of the main body, each
auxiliary air inlet configured to receive air at a first opening
positioned closer to the first open end of the main body than to
the second open end of the main body and further configured to
expel air from a second opening into the second open end of the
main body, the second opening blocking at least a portion of the
second open end of the main body.
2. A method for providing transport of materials comprising:
coupling a first open end of a main body of a vacuum nozzle to a
vacuum hose; providing suction at a second open end of the main
body via the vacuum hose; directing air into a first auxiliary
opening of an auxiliary body coupled to the main body; directing
air from the auxiliary body out of a second auxiliary opening of
the auxiliary body into the second open end of the main body;
suctioning material into the second open end of the main body; and
providing the suctioned material to the vacuum hose.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: positioning the first
auxiliary opening closer to the first open end of the main body
than the second open end of the main body.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: covering at least a
portion of the second open end of the main body with the second
auxiliary opening.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: obstructing a portion
of the first auxiliary opening to limit the amount of air flowing
into the first auxiliary opening.
Description
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document
or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This present application is a divisional application of and
claims priority to and benefit from the following patent
applications each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
its entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/762,714, filed
May 8, 2020, titled "Apparatus and System for Transferring
Materials and Corresponding Method of Use Thereof," which is a
.sctn.371 National Stage application of PCT/US2018/059745 filed
Nov. 8, 2018, titled "Apparatus and System for Transferring
Materials and Corresponding Method of Use Thereof," which claims
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/583,200 filed Nov.
8, 2017, titled "Apparatus and System for Transferring Materials
and Corresponding Method of Use Thereof."
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally bulk handling of
grain, particulate, granular material, and/or liquid. More
particularly, the present disclosure pertains to an improved nozzle
for transferring materials using a vacuum apparatus.
[0004] Grain vacuums are used for removing particulates from
storage bins or piles and for transferring the particulates to a
transport device such a truck or trailer, and vice versa. Liquid
vacuums are used for removing and transferring liquids from one
place to another. These vacuum devices may utilize a vacuum engine
or suction device which draws air and particulates or liquids
("materials") into an input, typically a long vacuum hose and an
associated vacuum nozzle, and conveys the drawn air and materials
to a storage device or output. The vacuum engine or suction device
typically requires significant horsepower to drive a large fan or
blower, particularly if the vacuum device is being used to move
grain or other particulates a significant distance (e.g., greater
than 30 meters), or up a significant height (e.g., greater than 10
meters). Requiring moving the materials a long distance or a great
height can significantly impair the quality of suction at the input
end of a vacuum hose. There is therefore a need to improve the
effectiveness of such vacuum devices, vacuum hoses, and vacuum
nozzles in these circumstances.
[0005] A typical vacuum nozzle is connected to the input end of a
length of vacuum hose and includes a materials intake and an air
inlet. The air inlet is usually located near the grain intake but
not so close that materials are sucked into the air inlet. The air
inlet provides the fan or blower of the vacuum with air to maintain
suction at the input end and to provide high air speed within the
vacuum hose. Materials may enter the air inlet if the nozzle is
driven too deeply into the material or if the material shifts,
causing the air inlet to become covered. This situation will affect
the air flow and quality of suction.
[0006] A vacuum hose may pulsate during operation due to changes in
the amount of air and amount of material being introduced into the
vacuum hose via the vacuum nozzle. This pulsating may be further
affected by the direction from which air enters the nozzle and the
distance between the material intake and the air inlet. Pulsating
may cause increased wear on the components of the vacuum such as
the vacuum hose (e.g. based on vacuumed grain continuously
contacting the same portion of the vacuum hose). A pulsating of the
hose or nozzle also raises safety concerns, as it may cause grain
or other particulates to shift or the operator to fall, leading to
a dangerous working condition for the operator. There is,
therefore, a need to reduce or eliminate hose pulsation and
oscillation during operation.
[0007] A National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) alert bulletin, Iowa FACE 981A035, issued in 1998 warned of
fatal incidents occurring while vacuuming out grain bins. The NIOSH
alert bulletin was specifically concerned with preventing worker
death and injuries from engulfment caused by grain or particulate
shifts occurring during vacuum extraction.
[0008] The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
lists the grain handling industry as a high hazard industry. Most
recently, OSHA cited a report issued by Purdue University stating
that 51 workers were engulfed in 2010, 26 of which died-the highest
number on record. OSHA warned of operators being pulled into grain
funnel flows when the grain vacuum nozzle is place below the grain
surface. OSHA further warned of the hazards of maneuvering the
vacuum nozzle and associated hose, stating that grain shifts and
avalanches can be caused by hose movement and operator falls.
[0009] Based on the continued risks and high number of deaths
caused during grain vacuum operations, there is a need for better
and safer equipment which also maintains or increases
performance.
SUMMARY
[0010] Accordingly, one object of the present disclosure is to
provide an improved vacuum nozzle or adapter which permits grain,
particulates, liquids, or other matter as well as inlet air to
enter the vacuum nozzle intake at the same location, while moving
the point of air collection further from the vacuum nozzle
intake.
[0011] Advantageously, implementations consistent with the present
disclosure also may provide an improved material flow, may reduce
vacuum hose and nozzle pulsating, may improve operator safety
during material extraction, and may allow for a vacuum nozzle or
adapter to be inserted into places that are otherwise unsafe for
human occupancy.
[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a vacuum nozzle for attachment to a vacuum hose of a
particulate or liquid vacuum. The vacuum nozzle has a body having
first and second open ends. The first open end may be configured to
attach to a vacuum hose using a coupling mechanism. The second open
end may be used for suctioning particulates or liquids
("materials") into the vacuum nozzle and the connected hose. The
vacuum nozzle may include at least one air inlet apparatus coupled
to the cylindrical body. The air inlet apparatus may have a first
linear portion coupled along a length of the cylindrical body. The
first oblong portion may have an open input end for receiving air.
The air inlet apparatus may have a curved portion extending past
and back into the second open end of the cylindrical body. The
curved portion has an open output end for exhausting air into the
second open end of the cylindrical body of the nozzle.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a valve coupled to the open input end of the linear
portion of the air inlet apparatus for controlling air flow.
Additional air can be allowed to flow into the hose, via the valve,
to increase air flow and to increase air velocity to assist in
carrying the materials to be vacuumed.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
may be provided a filter coupled to the second open end of the
cylindrical body for filtering out solids when using the vacuum
nozzle on liquids possibly containing solids. This may further
protect the vacuum hose and vacuum from damage which may be caused
by solids.
[0015] According to further aspects of the present disclosure,
there is provided a method for utilizing the vacuum nozzle to
reduce and potentially eliminate vacuum hose and vacuum nozzle
pulsation, wherein the vacuum nozzle includes a first open end for
coupling to a vacuum hose, an intake opening at a second open end,
and an air inlet apparatus having a linear portion and a curved
portion. The linear portion may have an open input for receiving
air at a point distal the intake opening. The curved portion may
have an open output for exhausting air into the second open end of
the vacuum nozzle. The vacuum nozzle may be attached to the vacuum
hose of the vacuum. Suction may be provided at an input end of the
hose coupled to the vacuum nozzle using a coupling mechanism at the
first open end of the vacuum nozzle. Air may be suctioned into the
open input of the linear portion of the air inlet apparatus. Air
may be exhausted from the curved portion into the intake opening at
the second open end. The intake opening of the second open end of
the vacuum nozzle may be inserted into a mass of particulate matter
or body of liquid matter. Air may be suctioned via the air inlet
apparatus and particulate matter or liquid matter into the intake
opening at the second open end of the vacuum nozzle.
[0016] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, an air
control valve may be provided at a point along the linear portion
of the air inlet apparatus and controlling air flow into the second
open end of the vacuum nozzle by adjusting the air control
valve.
[0017] One advantage of implementations consistent with the present
disclosure relates to providing an improved vacuum nozzle and
method for introducing air into the nozzle which permits the
reduction or elimination of pulsating of the vacuum hose and vacuum
nozzle. The reduction or elimination of pulsating of the hose
reduces wear on the components of the vacuum. The position of the
open end of the linear portion of the air inlet apparatus allows
for insertion of the vacuum nozzle into places where grain might
collapse or is otherwise unsafe for human occupancy.
Advantageously, as vacuum hose and vacuum nozzle pulsating is
reduced or eliminated, operator safety increases because the hose
is less likely to cause an operator to fall or grain or other
particulate to shift and engulf the operator.
[0018] Another advantage of implementations consistent with the
present disclosure relates to providing a consistent supply of air
at the same opening where grain, particulates, liquids, or other
matter enters the vacuum nozzle, while simultaneously moving the
point where external air is taken in further away from the intake
opening of the vacuum nozzle without incorporating an extra
apparatus to manage such as an auxiliary air supply hose. This
advantage introduces air into the intake opening in the same
direction that the material is flowing and may allow for a greater
intake rate. One advantage of dedicating part of the intake opening
to inlet air is greatly stabilizing material intake rates. By
rigidly moving the external air input opening further from the
particulate intake while simultaneously moving the air output
opening closer to the point of material collection, the present
disclosure reduces the chance that grain, particulates, liquids, or
other matter will enter the nozzle though the air inlet, allowing
the vacuum nozzle to maintain a consistent air supply.
[0019] In a particular embodiment as discloser herein, a vacuum
nozzle apparatus includes a main body and an auxiliary body. The
main body has a first open end coupleable to a vacuum hose and has
a second open end opposite the first open end. The first open end
has a first profile and the second open end has a second profile.
The main body includes a main passageway defined between the first
open end and the second open end. The auxiliary body is coupled to
an outer surface of the main body and extends along a majority of a
length of the main body. The auxiliary body includes a first end
portion and a second end portion. The first end portion has a first
auxiliary opening positioned closer to the first open end of the
main body than to the second open end of the main body. The second
end portion has a second auxiliary opening covering a portion of
the second open end of the main body. The second auxiliary opening
is open to the main passageway. The auxiliary body includes an
auxiliary passageway defined between the first auxiliary opening
and the second auxiliary opening.
[0020] In an embodiment, the first profile shape is substantially
the same shape as the second profile.
[0021] In an embodiment, the main body is linear in a longitudinal
direction along the length of the main body.
[0022] In an embodiment, each of the first and second profiles are
circular.
[0023] In an embodiment, the first profile differs in shape from
the second profile.
[0024] In an embodiment, the main body includes a first portion, a
second portion and a transition opening. The transition opening is
positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The
first portion includes a uniform cross-sectional profile between
the first open end and the transition opening. The second portion
includes a variable cross-sectional profile between the transition
opening and the second open end.
[0025] In an embodiment, the second portion is positioned at an
angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees relative to the first
portion.
[0026] In an embodiment, the first cross-sectional profile is
cylindrical and the second cross-sectional profile is
rectangular.
[0027] In an embodiment, the first profile has a first
cross-sectional area and the second profile has a second
cross-sectional area. The second cross-sectional area is
substantially equal in size to the first cross-sectional area.
[0028] In an embodiment, the auxiliary body is coupled to an upper
portion of the outer surface of the main body.
[0029] In an embodiment, the auxiliary body is shaped to match an
upper profile of the main body defined by the upper portion of the
outer surface.
[0030] In an embodiment, the second end portion of the auxiliary
body extends at least partially beyond the second open end of the
main body toward the first open end.
[0031] In an embodiment, the second end portion of the auxiliary
body terminates flush with the second open end of the main
body.
[0032] In an embodiment, the vacuum nozzle apparatus further
comprises a valve coupled to the first auxiliary opening. The valve
is configured to adjust a size of a first auxiliary opening
cross-sectional area of the first auxiliary opening.
[0033] In an embodiment, the first auxiliary opening
cross-sectional area is at least as great as a second auxiliary
opening cross-sectional area of the second auxiliary opening when
the valve is in a fully open position.
[0034] In an embodiment, the first open end of the main body
includes a lip for coupling with the vacuum hose.
[0035] In a particular embodiment as discloser herein, a system for
performing transport of materials includes a vacuum device, a
vacuum hose, and a vacuum nozzle. The vacuum hose has a proximal
end and a distal end. The distal end of the vacuum hose is coupled
to the vacuum device. The vacuum nozzle is coupled to the proximal
end of the vacuum hose. The vacuum nozzle includes a main body and
one or more auxiliary air inlets. The main body has a first open
end and a second open end. The first open end is open to and
connected to the proximal end of the vacuum hose. Each auxiliary
air inlet is coupled along at least a portion of a length of the
main body. Each auxiliary air inlet is configured to receive air at
a first opening positioned closer to the first open end of the main
body than to the second open end of the main body. Each auxiliary
air inlet is further configured to expel air from a second opening
into the second open end of the main body. The second opening of
each auxiliary air inlet blocks at least a portion of the second
open end of the main body.
[0036] In a particular embodiment as discloser herein, a method for
providing transport of materials includes: coupling a first open
end of a main body of a vacuum nozzle to a vacuum hose; providing
suction at a second open end of the main body via the vacuum hose;
directing air into a first auxiliary opening of an auxiliary body
coupled to the main body; directing air from the auxiliary body out
of a second auxiliary opening of the auxiliary body into the second
open end of the main body; suctioning material into the second open
end of the main body; and providing the suctioned material to the
vacuum hose.
[0037] In another embodiment, the method further comprises
positioning the first auxiliary opening closer to the first open
end of the main body than the second open end of the main body.
[0038] In another embodiment, the method further comprises covering
at least a portion of the second open end of the main body with the
second auxiliary opening.
[0039] In another embodiment, the method further comprises
obstructing a portion of the first auxiliary opening to limit the
amount of air flowing into the first auxiliary opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates side view of an exemplary embodiment of a
vacuum nozzle in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective top view of the vacuum
nozzle of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial exploded view of the vacuum
nozzle of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a vacuum nozzle in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the vacuum nozzle of
FIG. 4.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vacuum
nozzle of FIG. 4 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a rear elevation view of the vacuum
nozzle of FIG. 4.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom plan view of the vacuum nozzle
of FIG. 4.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a system for providing
transport of materials in accordance with aspects of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth
herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the
present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance,
features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be
used with another embodiment to yield a still further
embodiment.
[0050] Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such
modifications and variations as come within the scope of the
appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and
aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious
from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a
description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as
limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.
[0051] The words "connected", "attached", "joined", "mounted",
"fastened", and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner
of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of
any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and
clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or
pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG
welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering,
ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like;
using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed
as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction
fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit,
and the like; any combination thereof; and the like.
[0052] Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the
apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate
or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy,
polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination
thereof.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, a short segment of one end of a vacuum
hose 2 is illustrated, the vacuum hose 2 being further attachable
to a vacuum device 1 (FIG. 9) which, when the vacuum is
operational, provides suction via a vacuum motor 3 (FIG. 9) through
the attached vacuum hose 2 to thereby draw materials 6 (the flow of
which is represented by an arrow) and air 8 (the flow of which is
represented by an arrow) through the vacuum hose 2 and into the
vacuum device 1 for subsequent handling. The materials 6 as used
herein may be grains, particulates, liquids, or other materials. In
some embodiments, there may be multiple lengths of vacuum hose 2
connected end to end by a coupling member 4. In some embodiments,
the coupling member 4 may be a hose clamp or the like. The vacuum
hose 2 vary in diameter depending on the specific machine and
manufacturer. The vacuum device 1 may include a particulate vacuum
such as a grain bin vacuum, dry shop-vac, or other dry suction
source. Additionally or alternatively, the vacuum device 1 may
include a liquid vacuum such as a wet shop-vac, a hydro-vac
attached to a truck, or any other liquid suction source.
[0054] A vacuum nozzle 10 according to an exemplary embodiment
includes a nozzle body 12 and at least one air inlet member 22. The
vacuum nozzle 10 may also be referred to herein as an vacuum nozzle
apparatus 10. The vacuum nozzle 10 may can be used to receive
materials 6. The nozzle body 12 may also be referred to herein as a
main body 12. The at least one air inlet member 22 may also be
referred to herein as an auxiliary body 22. The vacuum nozzle 10
may include the nozzle body 12 having a main passageway 14. The
nozzle body 12 includes a cylindrically shaped body in the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, but may have a differently shaped
body in various alternative embodiments (e.g., square, oval,
triangular, or other shapes). In the illustrated embodiment, the
nozzle body 12 includes a length (L) and diameter (D). Although
illustrated as having a fixed diameter, the vacuum nozzle 10 may
include a fixed or varying diameter along at least a portion of the
length L of the nozzle body 12. The various embodiments, the vacuum
nozzle 10 may be provided having different lengths and diameters,
for example depending on a specific application or a specific
machine module or manufacturer.
[0055] The nozzle body 12 may include a first open end 16 and a
second open end 18 opposite the first open end 16. The first open
end 16 may optionally include a protruded rim 20 shaped to couple
to the vacuum hose 2 using a coupling member 4. Alternatively, the
first open end 16 may not include the protruded rim 20 and may be
attachable to the vacuum hose 2 by inserting the first open end 16
into the vacuum hose 2, for example using a hose clamp to secure
the vacuum hose 2 to the vacuum nozzle 10. In other embodiments,
the vacuum nozzle 10 and vacuum hose 2 may be coupled using any
applicable configuration.
[0056] The second open end 18 of the nozzle body 12 may be used for
drawing in grain, particulates, liquids, or other material into the
vacuum device 1 using the vacuum hose 2. In some embodiments, the
vacuum nozzle 2 may be used for drawing in liquids. When the second
open end 18 of the nozzle body 12 is used for liquids, the nozzle
body may include an optional filter attachment (not shown) for
filtering out solids that may be found in liquids, such as heavy
metals in sludge like liquid associated with fracking. In other
embodiments, the vacuum nozzle 10 may be used for drawing in
heavier matter such as gravel or the like.
[0057] The at least one air inlet member 22 having a linear portion
24 and a curved portion 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the
linear portion 24 and the curved portion 26 are integrally formed
together. In some embodiments, the linear portion 24 and the curved
portion 26 may be separate pieces permanently attached together. In
other embodiments, the linear portion 24 and the curved portion 26
may be separate removable, attachable pieces.
[0058] The linear portion 24 and the curved portion 26 have an
auxiliary passageway 28 running therebetween. The linear portion 24
may have a semicircular body and may be attachable to the nozzle
body 12 along at least a portion of the length L of the nozzle body
12. The linear portion 24 may include a flat side attachable to the
nozzle body 12 is open before attachment. The flat side of the
linear portion 24 may be attached to the nozzle body 12 as a
continuous closed part of the linear portion 24. The shape and/or
size of the linear portion 24 may differ in various embodiments
(e.g., may be triangular, circular, square, etc.).
[0059] The curved portion 26 may be coupled between the linear
portion 24 and the second open end 18 of the nozzle body 12. The
curved portion 26 may be configured to extend past and back into
the second open end 18 of the nozzle body 12. A free end 30 of the
curved portion 26 may extend at least partially into the second
open end 18 of the nozzle body 12 a distance D1. The free end 30 of
the curved portion 26 includes an opening capable of exhausting air
8 into the second open end 18 of the nozzle body 12. The shape
and/or size of the curved portion 26 may differ in various
embodiments (e.g., may be triangular, V-shaped, square, etc.).
[0060] The auxiliary passageway 28 of the at least one air inlet
member 22 is configured to draw air 8 into an open input 32 when
the vacuum device 1 operates. The open input 32 is positioned a
distance D2 from the second open end 18 of the nozzle body 12. The
distance D2 is selected or otherwise configured to ensure or at
least reduce the likelihood of particulates entering into the open
input 32 of the at least one air inlet member 20. The auxiliary
passageway 28 of the at least one air inlet member 22 is configured
to exhaust air 8 while the vacuum device 1 is operational at an
open output 34 located at the free end 30 of the curved portion 26.
The position of the open output 34 relative to the second open end
18 may be configured to provide a stream of air 8 at a point
located proximate to where the material 6 enters into the second
open end 18 of the nozzle body 12. A constant, uninterrupted supply
of air 8 may be provided due to curved portion 26 and associated
open output 34 occupying a portion of the opening of the second
open end 18 of the nozzle body 12.
[0061] The vacuum nozzle 10 may include a valve 36, optionally
positioned at the linear portion 26 of the at least one air inlet
member 22 for controlling at least one of air flow and air velocity
within the nozzle body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve
36 is a butterfly valve shaped complimentary to the auxiliary
passageway 28 of the at least one air inlet member 22. Adjusting
the rate of air flow via the valve 36 may change the rate of
material flow through the vacuum nozzle 10 and may also affect the
effectiveness of the vacuum nozzle 10 at suctioning larger and
heavier materials. In some embodiments, the valve 36 may be a gate
valve, a ball valve, a globe valve, or any other device capable of
regulating at least one of air flow and/or velocity. In various
other embodiments, the valve 36 may be a typical air slide disposed
over the open input 32 of the linear portion 24 of the at least one
air inlet member 22.
[0062] The at least one air inlet member 22 may be integrally
formed into the nozzle body 12. In other embodiments, the nozzle
body 12 may have a laterally open window (not shown) formed on a
side of the nozzle body 12 opening into the second open end 18 of
the nozzle body 12 and the at least one air inlet member 22 may
extend and feed air 8 through the laterally open window.
[0063] The at least one air inlet member 22 may include an
attachment mechanism (not shown) to be attached to the end of the
vacuum hose 2. This may enable the air inlet "nozzle" to be
universally compatible with any vacuum hose 2 or vacuum device
1.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4-9, a vacuum nozzle 100 according to an
exemplary embodiment is provided. The vacuum nozzle 100 may also be
referred to herein as an vacuum nozzle apparatus 100. The vacuum
nozzle 100 functions similarly to the vacuum nozzle 10 in an
exemplary embodiment. The vacuum nozzle 100 may can be used to
receive materials 6. The vacuum nozzle 100 includes a main body 110
and at least one auxiliary body 130. The main body 110 may also be
referred to herein as a nozzle body 110. An auxiliary body 130 may
also be referred to herein as an air inlet member 130. The main
body 110 of the vacuum nozzle 100 may include a first open end 112
and a second open end 114 positioned opposite from the first open
end 112 although not required to be opposite in various
embodiments. The first open end 112 may be coupled to a vacuum hose
2. The main body 110 may further include a main passageway 116. The
main passageway 116 may be defined at least partially between the
first open end 112 and the second open end 114.
[0065] The auxiliary body 130 may be coupled to an outer surface
118 of the main body 110. The auxiliary body 130 may optionally
extend along a majority of the length 120 of the main body 110, or
along any portion thereof.
[0066] The auxiliary body 130 may include a first end portion 132
and a second end portion 134. The first end portion 132 may include
a first auxiliary opening 136. The first auxiliary opening 136 may
be referred to herein as an open input 136. The first auxiliary
opening 136 may be positioned closer to the first open end 112 of
the main body 110 then to the second open end 114 of the main body
110. The second end portion 134 may extend beyond the second open
end 114 of the main body 110 and may optionally curve back to cover
a portion of the second open end 114. The second end portion 134
may include a second auxiliary opening 138. The second auxiliary
opening 138 may also be referred to herein as an open output 138.
The second auxiliary opening 138 may extend over a portion of the
second open end 114 of the main body 110 and may be open to the
second open end 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the second
auxiliary opening 138 terminates flush with the second open end 114
of the main body 110. In various embodiments, the second end
portion 134 and associated second auxiliary opening 138 extends
partially into the main passageway 116 through the second open end
114. The auxiliary body 130 may further include auxiliary
passageway 140 defined between at least a portion of the first
auxiliary opening 136 and the second auxiliary opening 138.
[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary body 130 is
coupled to an upper portion 122 of the outer surface 118 of the
main body 110. The auxiliary body 130 may be shaped to match an
upper profile 124 of the main body 110 defined by the upper portion
122.
[0068] The auxiliary body 130 may include a valve 142 coupled to
the first auxiliary opening 136. The valve 142 may be configured to
adjust a size of a first auxiliary opening cross-sectional area 144
of the first auxiliary opening 136. The valve 142 may function
similarly to the valve 36 of the vacuum nozzle 10 discussed above.
In the illustrated embodiment, the valve 142 is a slide valve,
however, in other embodiments, different valve(s) or other
adjustment device(s) may be used. The second auxiliary opening 138
may have a second auxiliary opening cross-sectional area 146. The
first auxiliary opening cross-sectional area 144 may be at least as
great as the second auxiliary opening cross-sectional area 146 to
ensure that the valve when fully open (or in a fully open position)
does not restrict air 8 as it flows from the first auxiliary
opening 136 to the second auxiliary opening 138.
[0069] When in use, the vacuum nozzle 100 is attached at its first
open end 112 to the vacuum hose 2 which extends from a vacuum
device 1 (FIG. 9). A system for providing transport of materials 6
includes the vacuum device 1, the vacuum hose 2, and the vacuum
nozzle 10/100. When operational, the vacuum device 1 supplies
suction via a vacuum motor 3 (FIG. 9) to the vacuum hose 2 and
associated vacuum nozzle 100. The vacuum nozzle 100 is configured
to receive materials 6 (the direction of flow being indicated by an
arrow in FIGS. 4 and 6) through the second open end 114 of the main
body 110 and to dispel the received material 6 out of the first
open end 112 of the main body 110 to then be transferred through
the vacuum hose 2 to the vacuum device 1. The vacuum device 1 may
either collect the materials 6 or exhaust them, for example into a
transport truck (not shown). When operational, the auxiliary body
130 receives air 8 (the direction of flow being indicated by an
arrow in FIGS. 4 and 6) through the first auxiliary opening 136 and
exhausts the air 8 out of the second auxiliary opening 138. The air
8 being exhausted is mixed with material 6 received through the
second open end 114 of the main body 110 to thereby increase flow
rates of materials 6 through the vacuum nozzle 100 and vacuum hose
2. The disclosed configuration also reduces wear on the vacuum
motor 3 of the vacuum device 1 by helping to maintain a consistent
flow rate via its introduction of air 8 proximate to a point at
which materials 6 are suctioned (e.g., the second open end 114 of
the main body 110). This configuration may also greatly reduce and
even eliminate pulsation and movement of the vacuum hose 2 during
operation.
[0070] As shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, the first open end 112 of the
main body 110 may have a first profile 150 (e.g., a cross-sectional
profile) and the second open end 114 of the main body 110 may have
a second profile 152 (e.g., a cross-sectional profile). In various
embodiments, the first profile 150 of the first open end 112 and
second profile 152 of the second open end 114 differ. In the
embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 4-9, the first profile is a
cylinder and the second profile is a rectangle, although any shapes
may be used consistent with the present disclosure.
[0071] The main body 110 may include a first portion 160 and a
second portion 162. The first portion 160 may be defined between at
least a portion of the first open end 112 and a transition opening
164. The second portion 162 may be defined between at least a
portion of the transition opening 164 and the second open end 114.
As illustrated, the first portion 160 may have a uniform
cross-sectional profile matching the first profile 150. The second
portion 162 may have a variable cross-sectional profile which
changes from the first profile 150 at the transition opening 164 to
the second profile 152 at the second open end 114.
[0072] The second portion 162 of the main body 110 may be
positioned at an angle 166 relative to the first portion 160. In an
exemplary embodiment, the angle 166 may be between ninety and
one-hundred-eighty degrees when measured from the first portion 160
although any angle may be used. The angle 166 repositions the
second open end 114 so that the vacuum nozzle 100 is better able to
pick up materials 6 off of a flat surface while the first portion
160 of the main body is substantially parallel with the flat
surface.
[0073] The first profile 150 may have a first cross-sectional area
154. The second profile 152 may have a second cross-sectional area
156. The first cross-sectional area 154 may be substantially equal
in size to the second cross-sectional area 156. This ensures that
any suction applied at the first open end 112 is substantially the
same at the second open end 114. If the first cross-sectional area
154 is larger than the second cross-sectional area 156, then the
suction at the second open end 114 will be greater than the suction
at the first open end 112. If the first cross-sectional area 154 is
smaller than the second cross-sectional area 156, then the suction
at the second open end 114 will be less than the section at the
first open end 112.
[0074] A method is provided for using a vacuum nozzle 100. The
method of using the vacuum nozzle 10 is at least similar, thus, for
simplicity reference will only be made to the vacuum nozzle 100.
The method includes at least one of: (i) coupling the first open
end 112 of the main body 110 of the vacuum nozzle 100 to a vacuum
hose 2 coupled to a vacuum device 1, (ii) providing suction at the
second open end 114 of the main body 110, (iii) directing air 8
into the first auxiliary opening 136 of the auxiliary body 130
coupled to the main body 110 along a majority of the length 120 of
the main body 110, and/or (iv) directing the air 8 from the
auxiliary body 130 out of the second auxiliary opening 138 of the
auxiliary body 130 into the second open end 114 of the main body
110.
[0075] At least one of material 6 and/or air 8 may be suctioned
into the second open end 114 of the main body 110.
[0076] A amount of air 8 flowing into the first auxiliary opening
136 may be limited using the valve 142 to alter the size of the
first auxiliary opening 136.
[0077] Implementations consistent with the present disclosure may
be used in numerous fields. For example, in one exemplary
embodiment, the vacuum nozzle 10/100 may be coupleable to a vacuum
hose 2, or a vacuum device 1 via the vacuum hose 2, and used to
transport grain from a grain bin to an external storage source,
such as a vehicle used to transport the grain from the grain bin.
In another embodiment, the vacuum nozzle 10/100 may be coupleable
to a hydrovac truck and/or may attached to the vacuum device 1 and
used to clean a storage space of the hydrovac truck. In embodiments
where liquid may be or is intended to be transported via the vacuum
nozzle 10/100, at least a portion of the diameter of the second
open end 18/114 may be configured to be adjustable. For example, an
adapter (not illustrated) may be placed over or otherwise
associated with the second open end 18/114. The adapter may be a
fixed size or shape, or may be a configurable size or shape in
various embodiments.
[0078] The previous detailed description has been provided for the
purposes of illustration and description. Thus, although there have
been described particular embodiments of a new and useful
invention, it is not intended that such references be construed as
limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in
the following claims.
* * * * *