Method and apparatus for dusting

Info

Publication number: 20030196295
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 30, 2003
Publication Date: Oct 23, 2003
Inventor: Michael R. Minor (St. Peter's, MO)
Application Number: 10426782

Abstract

A venturi tube attachment for dusting in extreme conditions. The inner panel is used with the forced air source for the triggering of aspiration through the venturi tube of airborne dust from the ingress opening, a vacuum hose in communication with the atmosphere and the ingress opening by narrow air gap to synergistically combine the features of a forced air component and a vacuum component. The forced air component acting as a trigger at the egress end of the venturi tube to start aspiration through the venturi tube at its ingress end which is in close proximity by narrow air gap to the vacuum hose intake. The aspiration of the venturi draws in airborne dust quickly and from a greater distance than the vacuum component acting alone. The forced air component can be used with the venturi tube alone to direct airborne dust to the floor, open window, or door.

Description

Description

[0001] The application that I am presenting is a Continuation In Part of Ser No. 09/924882 and Provisional No. 60/225932.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and device for suppressing the dust cloud generated by forced air cleaning devices such as leaf blower exhaust tubes, ventilation and abatement systems and compressed air sources, and, more particularly, to the introduction of an externally attached venturi tube bridged between the exhaust path of the forced air component and the intake path of the vacuum component. It is to be use in conjunction with a forced air component and a vacuum component while cleaning dusty areas. It may be used with the forced air component when the vacuum component is deemed unnecessary and only the displacement of dust to the floor is required.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Historically the problem with forced air cleaning/sweeping devices that utilize leaf blower tubes and compressed air cleaning nozzles is that dust is scattered and made airborne to become a problem elsewhere in the environment. Suppression of the dust cloud generated by these devices has not been addressed by sited references. While using forced air devices on sidewalks, parking lots, industrial areas, and granaries dust clouds develop that drift in cross winds. Factory and industrial ventilation systems and any device that relies upon a fan for cooling will draw in airborne dust and clog systems when these forced air devices are used. Operators of these forced air devices and nearby coworkers are subject to breathing in the airborne dust cloud that is stirred up. My method and device suppresses this dust cloud by deflecting the exhaust of the force air component with a venturi tube that aspirates airborne dust from a greater distance than just a vacuum alone could draw. The surrounding atmosphere is recycled back into the direct path of the forced air device exhaust and is also drawn closer to the vacuum nozzle intake. For large dust clouds a higher rate or air pressure/speed would be used, for light dusting a lower rate or air pressure/speed would be used. The dust that becomes airborne is aspirated. This airborne dust is drawn to my venturi tube and into the reach of the vacuum component. When the vacuum component is not used the synergy that develops continues to suppress airborne dust due to the recycling process that occurs. That is, dust particles that bypass the vacuum component are aspirated and recycled, then collide with and suppress new dust particles to suppress them from becoming airborne.

[0004] Solutions of sited references provided rely only on forced air devices intended for other specialized applications such as paper debris, leaves and litter, and not intended to aspirate and dissipate the dust cloud generated by these sited references. None of the sited references have a capacity or were intended to easily aspirate airborne dust.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to suppress airborne dust clouds associated with forced air devices such as leaf blowers, the exhausting port hose of a workshop vacuum, abatement systems, and compressed air devices.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to aspirate airborne dust from a greater distance and into the reach of the vacuum component by powerful aspiration generated through the venturi tube conduit.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a lightweight venturi tube conduit that can be attached to most forced air devices such as leaf blowers, the exhausting port hose of a workshop vacuum, abatement systems, and compressed air devices.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a method of use to suppress the dust cloud generated by forced air devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a venturi tube bridge comprised of a fixed tubular duct member having an ingress opening and an egress opening, an inner panel forced air directing surface adjacent to the egress opening and in communication with the forced air source to triggering aspiration through the venturi tube bridge for the aspiration of airborne dust from the ingress opening, a vacuum component in communication with the atmosphere and the ingress opening of the venturi tube bridge to synergistically combine the features of a forced air component and a vacuum component. The forced air component acting as a trigger at the egress end of the venturi tube bridge to start aspiration through the venturi tube at its ingress end which is in close proximity to the vacuum component intake. The aspiration of the venturi draws in airborne dust from a greater distance than the vacuum component acting alone. This distance will increase in proportion to the force generated by the forced air component. Aspiration of airborne dust will occur and be collected as the dust is drawn in closer into the reach of the vacuum component intake. When the vacuum component is deemed to be unnecessary the forced air component can be used with the venturi tube bridge alone to aspirate airborne dust to the floor, ground, open window or door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

[0011] FIG. 1A is a side view of a tubular embodiment with angular support;

[0012] FIG. 1B is a top view of a tubular embodiment displaying anti clog openings and tapered egress end;

[0013] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of a tubular embodiment with angular support;

[0014] FIG. 1D is a rear view of a tubular embodiment with angular support;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tubular embodiment attaced to blower tube with angular support and strap;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment with top strap attachment of vacuum hose and bottom screw attachment of blower tube with adaptive plate/platform;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment attached to a compressed air source and vacuum hose with adaptive plate/platform;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a tubular embodiment with screw on type and strap on type attached to a compressed air handgun with angular support and adaptive plate/platform;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment for a compressed air handgun with adaptive plate/platform;

[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment for bottom attachment of blower tube using an adaptive plate/platform and top attachment of vacuum hose using a strap;

[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a tubular embodiment for bottom screw attachment of blower tube with adaptive plate/platform and top strap attachment of vacuum hose;

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment with opposing dual tube bodies;.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view of a rectangular embodiment with dual opposing tube bodies;

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multiple tubular embodiment attached to a blower tube extension;

[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a flattened tubular embodiment for multiple placement on blower tubes;

[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a method to be used while operating apparatus with both vacuum and forced air hoses;

[0027] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a method to be used with forced air sources only;

[0028] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a funnel type tubular embodiment; and

[0029] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a funnel type tubular embodiment.

[0030] For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components will bear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0031] FIG. 1A is a side view of a first embodiment of the apparatus displaying an angular support 17,tube body 20, and anti clog openings 21.

[0032] FIG. 1B is a top view of a tubular embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of a tubular embodiment which shows the inner panel forced air directing surface 16 and the egress opening 18.

[0034] FIG. 1D is a rear view of a tubular embodiment and the ingress opening 19.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tubular embodiment attached to a blower tube.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of tubular embodiment with top strap attachment of vacuum hose and bottom adaptive plate 23/platform screw attachment of blower tube.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment attached to a compressed air source and vacuum hose.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a side view of a tubular embodiment with screw on and strap on with adaptive plate 23/platform attached to a compressed air handgun.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment with adaptive plate 23/platform for a compressed air handgun.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tubular embodiment for bottom attachment of blower tube and top attachment of vacuum hose with adaptive plate 23/platform.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a tubular embodiment for bottom attachment of blower tube and top attachment of vacuum hose with adaptive plate 23/platform.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rectangular embodiment with opposing dual tube bodies.

[0043] FIG. 10 is a top view of a rectangular embodiment with opposing dual tube bodies.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a multiple tubular embodiment attached to a blower tube extension.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a flattened tubular embodiment for multiple placement on blower tubes FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the method 22 to be used with a vacuum and a forced air source

[0046] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the method 22 with forced air only.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 13 the inner panel forced air directing surface 16 of apparatus is properly positioned by angular support 17 that is attached under the ingress end of the tube body 20 and on top of the adaptive plate 23/platform. The inner panel forced air directing surface 16 receives forced air to direct it downward that when striking dust causes the dust to become airborne. As the forced air slides down the inner panel forced air directing surface 16 a vacuum is created through the tube to the ingress end where aspiration occurs at the ingress opening 19 and anti clog openings 21. Aspirated air is then combined with the forced air source at the egress opening 18 and also introduced to the vacuum hose at the ingress opening 19. The dust cloud is aspirated in part by the vacuum hose and in part by the venturi tube until dust cloud is dissipated.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a funnel type tubular embodiment.

[0049] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional funnel type tubular embodiment

[0050] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[0051] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

Claims

1. A method and dusting apparatus for controlling the scattering of airborne dust particles and aspirating dust clouds while using forced air dusting/sweeping devices in combination with or without a vacuum comprising:

means for directing forced air exhaust downward and out of egress opening to initiate aspiration from the ingress openings at its other end.;

means for support and angular positioning of tube egress end into the path of the forced air source;

means for aspirating airborne dust and introducing it to the vacuum hose;

means for combining aspirated air with forced air;

means for mounting apparatus to vacuum and forced air components;

means for durable strength under normal use, rigidly connected to said means for combining aspirated air with forced air, rigidly connected to said means for aspirating airborne dust and introducing it to the vacuum hose, angularly connected to said means for support and angular positioning of tube egress end into the path of the forced air source, and rigidly connected to said means for directing forced air exhaust downward and out of egress opening to initiate aspiration from the ingress openings at its other end.;

means for the continued operation of the apparatus when other openings become clogged with debris, integrally housed to said means for durable strength under normal use; and

means for stirring up dust into a cloud and aspirating the dust cloud in the desired direction consists of pointing the apparatus at the target dust making it airborne and holding the nozzle up into the dust cloud for aspiration.

2. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for directing forced air exhaust downward and out of egress opening to initiate aspiration from the ingress openings at its other end. comprises an angular, concave, oblique, elongated inner panel forced air directing surface.

3. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for support and angular positioning of tube egress end into the path of the forced air source comprises a circular, height adjusting, thin walled ring, positioned below ingress opening angular support.

4. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for aspirating airborne dust and introducing it to the vacuum hose comprises a circular, upper end of tube body ingress opening.

5. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for combining aspirated air with forced air comprises an underside, elongated, oblique, angular egress opening.

6. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for mounting apparatus to vacuum and forced air components comprises a ridigid, concave, elongated adaptive plate.

7. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for durable strength under normal use comprises a light weight plastic, circular pipe tube body.

8. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for the continued operation of the apparatus when other openings become clogged with debris comprises a multiple, circular anti clog openings.

9. The method and dusting apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for stirring up dust into a cloud and aspirating the dust cloud in the desired direction consists of pointing the apparatus at the target dust making it airborne and holding the nozzle up into the dust cloud for aspiration comprises a two step method.

10. A method and dusting apparatus for controlling the scattering of airborne dust particles and aspirating dust clouds while using forced air dusting/sweeping devices in combination with or without a vacuum comprising:

an angular, concave, oblique, elongated inner panel forced air directing surface, for directing forced air exhaust downward and out of egress opening to initiate aspiration from the ingress openings at its other end.;

a circular, height adjusting, thin walled ring, positioned below ingress opening angular support, for support and angular positioning of tube egress end into the path of the forced air source;

a circular, upper end of tube body ingress opening, for aspirating airborne dust and introducing it to the vacuum hose;

an underside, elongated, oblique, angular egress opening, for combining aspirated air with forced air;

a ridigid, concave, elongated adaptive plate, for mounting apparatus to vacuum and forced air components;

a light weight plastic, circular pipe tube body, for durable strength under normal use, rigidly connected to said egress opening, rigidly connected to said ingress opening, angularly connected to said angular support, and rigidly connected to said inner panel forced air directing surface;

a multiple, circular anti clog openings, for the continued operation of the apparatus when other openings become clogged with debris, integrally housed to said tube body; and

a two step method, for stirring up dust into a cloud and aspirating the dust cloud in the desired direction consists of pointing the apparatus at the target dust making it airborne and holding the nozzle up into the dust cloud for aspiration.

11. A method and dusting apparatus for controlling the scattering of airborne dust particles and aspirating dust clouds while using forced air dusting/sweeping devices in combination with or without a vacuum comprising: