VACUUM SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED MOBILITY
A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising a vacuum source that provides suction for the removal of debris, a collection tank for storing debris collected by said vacuum source suction, and at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the vacuum system within a work space. A motor provides power to the vacuum source and the two rolling drive systems, and the system has an overall width within the range of 24 to 48 inches, an overall length within the range of 5 to 10 feet, and an overall height within the range of 60 to 84 inches.
This invention relates generally to an earth reduction vacuum system for removing soil to expose underground utilities (such as electrical and cable services, water and sewage services, etc.), and more particularly to a vacuum system with improved mobility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWith the increased use of underground utilities, it has become more critical to locate and verify the placement of buried utilities before performing digging or excavation work. If the location of a buried utility is unknown, the use of conventional digging and excavation methods such as shovels, post hole diggers, powered excavators, and backhoes can cut, break, or otherwise damage the lines during excavation.
Devices have been previously developed to create holes in the ground to non-destructively expose underground utilities to view. One design uses high pressure air delivered through a tool to loosen soil and a vacuum system to vacuum away the dirt after it is loosened to form a hole. Another system uses high pressure water delivered by a tool to soften the soil and create a soil/water slurry mixture. The tool is connected with a vacuum system for vacuuming the slurry away from the utility and into a collection tank. The tank may then be emptied by opening a door on the tank.
Prior art vacuum systems are typically very large and heavy, and therefore must be mounted onto the bed of a carrier vehicle such as a heavy duty truck or trailer. One disadvantage of such prior art vacuum systems is that the work space must be large enough to accommodate the size of the system and its carrier vehicle. When working in small areas or areas with access points too small for a large vehicle, it may be impossible to position both the vacuum system and the vehicle in close proximity to the work area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages of prior art constructions and methods, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising a vacuum source that provides suction for the removal of debris, a collection tank for storing debris collected by the vacuum source, and at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the vacuum system within a work space. A motor provides power to the vacuum source and the two rolling drive systems, and the system is sized appropriately to pass through a standard residential fence gate having a opening width of about 36 inches.
In another embodiment, a self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising a vacuum source that provides suction for the removal of debris, a collection tank for storing debris collected by the vacuum source, and at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the vacuum system within a work space. A motor provides power to the vacuum source and the two rolling drive systems, and the system has an overall width within the range of 24 to 48 inches, an overall length within the range of 5 to 10 feet, and an overall height within the range of 60 to 84 inches.
In still another embodiment, a self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprises a collection tank with a first low-pressure intake port and a first high-pressure port defined though the collection tank's external wall. A vacuum source with a second low-pressure intake port is operatively connected to the first high-pressure outlet port and creates a low-pressure condition inside the collection tank relative to ambient air pressure. The system also includes an elongated suction implement detachably connected to the first low pressure intake port for channeling debris into the collection tank, at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the mobile vacuum system within a work space, a motor providing power to the vacuum source and rolling drive systems; and a remote control used by an operator to direct the motion of the rolling drive systems when maneuvering said mobile vacuum system within the work place. The mobile vacuum system has an overall width within the range of 24 to 48 inches, an overall length within the range of 5 to 10 feet, and an overall height within the range of 60 to 84 inches.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
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Motor 20 is mounted to a frame 26 attached to chassis front end 14 and has an output shaft (not shown) that drives a hydraulic pump 30 as shown in
A battery box 42 (
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In a preferred embodiment, a “T” 98 and a valve 100, located intermediate valve 96 and filter 94, connect the pump high pressure output 82 to a plurality of clean out nozzles 102 mounted in collection tank 18 to clean the tank's interior, but it should be understood that the mobile vacuum system will function properly if the clean out nozzle apparatus is omitted. A return line 104 connects a low pressure port 106 of valve 96 to water tank 22. Thus, when a predetermined water pressure is exceeded in valve 96, water is diverted through low pressure port 106 and line 104 to tank 22. A hose 108, stored on a hose reel (not shown), connects an output port 110 of valve 96 to a valve 112 on a digging tool 114 (
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Each nozzle is set in a countersunk hole 146 formed in a bottom surface 148 of head 124 such that the end of each nozzle is recessed from bottom surface 148. During the manufacture of a head that includes an integrally cast feed line 140, a plurality of tap holes 150 (
During use of drilling tool 114, nozzles 142 and 144 produce a spiral cutting action that breaks the soil up sufficiently to minimize clogging of large chunks of soil within vacuum passage 128 and/or vacuum hose 130. Vertically downward pointing nozzles 144 enhance the cutting action of the drilling tool by allowing for soil to be removed not only above a buried utility, but in certain cases from around the entire periphery of the utility. In other words, the soil is removed above the utility, from around the sides of the utility, and from beneath the utility. This can be useful for further verifying the precise utility needing service and, if necessary, making repairs to or tying into the utility.
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In some embodiments, head 124 may be integrally formed with elongated pipe 122, and air feed passage first opening 154 may be located anywhere along the length of the elongated pipe, provided the air feed passage first opening is located at a position distal from head second end 158. Thus, it should be understood that head 124, whether separate from or integral with elongated pipe 122, is considered to be a part of the elongated pipe. For purposes of this discussion, distal from the head second end may refer to a position anywhere from several inches away from the head second end to a point proximate the elongated body first end. What should be understood by those of skill in the art is that air intake opening 154 should not be located at any point along head 124 or elongated pipe 122 that would be covered by the material to be removed by the digging tool. It should also be understood in that some embodiments, digging tool 114 may not come equipped with a water feed system.
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The vacuum air stream pulled through vacuum pump 34 produces a vacuum in collection tank 18 that draws a vacuum air stream through a collection tank inlet port 200. When inlet port 200 is not closed off by a plug 202 (
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Nozzle pipe 103, apart from being a conduit for delivering water, is also a structural member that includes a threaded male portion (not shown) on an end thereof adjacent discharge door 64. When discharge door 64 is shut, screw-down type handle 68 mounted in the door is turned causing a threaded female portion (not shown) on pie 103 to mate with the male portion. This configuration causes the door to be pulled tightly against collection tank sealing flange 70 (
In a preferred embodiment, operation of motor 20 provides power to a hydraulic drive system 400 through an input shaft (not shown) of hydraulic pump 30. It should be understood that the motor output shaft (not shown) and the pump input shaft may be connected by any suitable alternative power transmission mechanism, such as a vee-belt, a chain, or a gear set. In one preferred embodiment, hydraulic pump 30 is a model 26004-RZC gear pump manufactured by the Eaton Hydraulics division of Eaton Fluid Power Group of Cleveland, Ohio. Pump 30 pressurizes hydraulic oil that energizes a first and a second hydraulic motor 416 and 418 as described in further detail below. Pump 30 has a low pressure inlet port 420 connected by a suction line 422 to a hydraulic oil reservoir 424 that holds between 15 and 20 gallons of hydraulic oil. Pump 30 also has a high pressure outlet port 426 that is connected by a supply line 428 to the inlet port (not shown) of a hydraulic manifold 430. Hydraulic manifold 430 also has an exhaust port (not shown) connected to reservoir 424 by a return line 432. Preferably, manifold 430 has three solenoid valves (not shown) that selectively direct the flow of pressurized hydraulic oil through motor supply lines 434A, 434B, 434C, and 434D to hydraulic motors 416 and 418 in response to the operator's manipulation of a remote controller 436 (
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It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising wherein said mobile vacuum system has a width of less than approximately about 36 inches for maneuvering through small openings.
- a. a frame; a vacuum pump mounted to said frame having i. a low-pressure intake port, and ii. a high-pressure outlet port;
- b. a collection tank mounted to said frame and in fluid communication with said low pressure intake port, said collection tank for storing debris collected by said vacuum source;
- c. at least two drive systems for maneuvering said mobile vacuum system into and around a work space; and
- d. a motor that is operatively connected to said vacuum source and said at least two drive systems;
2. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, wherein said mobile vacuum system has an overall length of approximately 8 feet and an overall height of approximately 72 inches.
3. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, further comprising a remote controller operatively connected to said at least two drive systems for actuating said at least two drive systems.
4. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, said at least two drive systems each further comprising a plurality of wheels.
5. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, said at least two drive systems each further comprising a tank tread.
6. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 5, wherein each tank tread operates independently of the other.
7. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, wherein said motor is a hydraulic motor.
8. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 1, wherein said collection tank is mounted at an angle of between approximately 30-60 degrees with respect to said frame.
9. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 8, wherein said collection tank is mounted at an angle of between approximately 35-45 degrees with respect to said frame.
10. A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising
- a. a frame;
- b. a vacuum pump mounted on said frame and having i. a low-pressure intake port, and ii. a high-pressure outlet port;
- c. a collection tank mounted on said frame at an angle of between approximately 30-60 degrees with respect to said frame, said collection tank being in fluid communication with said vacuum pump low pressure intake port;
- d. at least two moveable treads operatively coupled to said frame and moveable with respect to said frame;
- e. a water pump mounted on said frame; and
- f. a hydraulic motor mounted on said frame and operatively connected to said vacuum pump, said water pump and said at least two moveable treads wherein said mobile vacuum system has a width within the range of approximately 24 to 48 inches, a length within the range of approximately 5 to 10 feet, and a height within the range of approximately 60 to 84 inches.
11. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 10, further comprising a remote control operatively connected to said at least two moveable treads.
12. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 10, wherein said remote control varies the hydraulic pressure delivered to each of said at least two moveable tank treads.
13. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 10, wherein said vacuum system has an overall width of approximately 36 inches, an overall length of approximately 8 feet, and an overall height of approximately 72 inches.
14. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 10, further comprising a cyclone separator mounted intermediate said vacuum pump and said collection tank.
15. A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising
- a. a frame;
- b. a collection tank coupled to said frame and having i. a first low-pressure intake port, and iii. a first high-pressure outlet port;
- b. a vacuum pump coupled to said frame and having i. a second low-pressure intake port operatively connected to said first high-pressure outlet port, and ii. a second high-pressure outlet port;
- c. a tool detachably connected to said collection tank first low pressure intake port for channeling debris into said collection tank;
- d. a drive system operatively mounted to said frame for maneuvering said mobile vacuum system into and around a work space;
- e. a motor operatively coupled to said vacuum pump and said drive system for powering said vacuum pump and said drive system; and
- f. a wireless remote control operatively coupled to said motor, said vacuum pump and said drive system for independently controlling each of said motor, said vacuum pump and said drive system, wherein said self-propelled vacuum system has a width within the range of approximately 24 to 48 inches, a length within the range of approximately 5 to 10 feet, and a height within the range of approximately 60 to 84 inches.
16. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 15 wherein said motor is a hydraulic motor.
17. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 16 wherein each of said drive system further comprises at least two hydraulic-powered tank treads.
18. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 16, wherein said drive system is a hydraulic-powered wheel set.
19. The self-propelled mobile vacuum system of claim 9, wherein
- a. said collection tank defines a longitudinal axis;
- b. said frame defines a horizontal plane; and
- c. said collection tank is mounted to said frame so that said collection tank longitudinal axis is disposed at an angle to said frame plane of at least approximately 20 degrees.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 3, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 9, 2008
Inventor: Charles Robert Maybury (Greer, SC)
Application Number: 11/695,782
International Classification: E01H 1/08 (20060101); A47L 5/00 (20060101);