Method of inducing movement of a flowable material and/or treating a surface against which the flowable material is placed

Abstract

A method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system wherein the flowable material is guided by a surface assembly between first and second locations. The method includes the steps of: providing a first flexible tube; placing the tube at a first operating location with respect to the system; and directing a pressurized fluid through the tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a whipping action to at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material adhering to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate flowable material moving between the first and second locations.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part of my co-pending application Ser. No. 11/214,405, filed Aug. 29, 2005, entitled “Method for Separating Matter from an Exposed Surface”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to flowable materials, as placed against surfaces during storage and conveyance thereof and, more particularly, to a method for inducing movement of the flowable material between first and second locations and/or treating a surface against which the flowable material is placed.

2. Background Art

There are a multitude of different systems having containers/components with surfaces against which flowable material is placed for storage and/or conveyance between first and second spaced locations.

Generally, flowable material, in liquid form, maintains a constant, homogeneous state within confining components, such as storage tanks, conduits, troughs, etc. In the absence of there being environmentally changed viscous properties, or there being some extraneous substance, such as contamination, within the liquid, the liquid retains its flow properties such that there generally are not any complications encountered in consistently moving the liquid at a constant rate between locations, other than those resulting from the system geometry.

On the other hand, flowable material that is in particulate form may, because of system configuration and/or other outside influences, have changed properties or configure in a manner that the flow characteristics are detrimentally affected. This is particularly true with particulate material consisting of very small particles, such as cement, ash, talcum powder, etc.

As one example, electrostatic charges generated as the particulate moves against the various surfaces may cause electrical adherence of particles, resulting in localized, or more significant, buildups that may impede flow.

Similar problems may result from chemical reaction or bonding of particulate that is exposed to residue, from an uncleaned surface on a storage or conveying component, or chemicals or other “contaminant” present either naturally or by introduction at a particular site.

Material bonding is particularly a problem with surfaces that are irregular or rough and with those for which there is a high coefficient of friction between the material and the surface composition.

The weight of the particulate material in bulk quantities itself may create formations that impede flow. For example, a large volume of particulate material may cause compaction that tends to cause local or more widespread solidification into masses which do not flow and which obstruct flow.

Another problem results from the bridging of the particulate material that may be supported at spaced locations by component surfaces on a system. For example, in a funnel-shaped surface leading to a gravitationally fed outlet, the particulate material may accumulate on upwardly facing surfaces, eventually to the point that it bridges across the outlet, thereby partially, or potentially fully, blocking flow to and through the outlet. This problem is potentially aggravated by field conditions wherein the surfaces against which the particulate material moves have irregularities, such as those due to pitting or rusting over time. This contributes to a progressive buildup of the particulate material to the point that there is a detrimental impedance of the movement or flow of material.

Additional hangup may occur when the particulate material is exposed to moisture, as in a high humidity environment. Humid air may cause the particulate to adhere into clumps of progressively increasing size.

Additional buildups of residual cargo commonly occur on shelves and/or other surfaces that are oriented other than fully vertically. Representative of this configuration are slanted surfaces on hoppers.

The above phenomena are experienced in potentially all environments in which particulate is stored and/or moved against a bounding surface. Recognizing these problems, various industries have devised mechanisms and procedures for breaking loose the particulate material that might otherwise interfere with free flow thereof. Some of these remedial products/processes will now be described with respect to the rail industry in which the above problems are particularly vexatious.

In a typical rail hopper car, one or more hopper units are disposed beneath a storage container in which a bulk supply of particulate material is stored. A valve system is associated with each hopper and is reconfigurable to select full flow and blocked flow states, as well as states wherein flow rates range between those for the full and blocked flow states.

Many, if not all, of the above problems may be experienced in the storage of particulate material in, and discharge of particulate material from, rail hopper cars. In anticipation of these problems, the rail industry has devised a number of different mechanisms that are operable to induce flow that is otherwise prone to hangup due to one or more of the above conditions.

One solution is to install a pneumatic piston-type car “shaker”. The shakers are lodged in brackets mounted on the peripheral walls of the rail hopper cars, at a discharge site, and separated from the cars after use. The shakers function as high speed sledge hammers, inducing vibrations at a high frequency to agitate material therewithin. While car shakers are effective in certain respects, they also have a number of inherent limitations.

First of all, the shakers are relatively heavy, typically on the order of 100 pounds or more. Those responsible for effecting installation and separation thereof may be prone to injury by reason of maneuvering the shakers, often in somewhat awkward locations.

The shakers also generate a significant amount of noise, to the point that those engaged in the shaking operations must take into account local noise restriction regulations. This often limits the use of such shakers to daylight hours, which in turn may cause traffic congestion.

To be reasonably effective, the shakers may also have to impart forces of a magnitude that may cause structural failures that necessitate frequent and time consuming repairs. These forces become most potentially damaging as the cars become emptied. Thus, close supervision of these operations by skilled personnel becomes critical.

Most significantly, the car shakers may not, by themselves, effectively cause a complete discharge of the particulate material. Consequently, the rail car hopper may be refilled in a state wherein there is residual material from a previous shipment. In some cases, there could be cross contamination of cargos.

Further, residue from cargos is prone to being tainted or solidified by moisture. For example, cement solidifies in humid conditions. If an appreciable amount of the cement remains after discharge, a significant solidified mass thereof may ultimately be generated that might have to be removed using potentially extreme and expensive measures in the future.

Another problem with an incomplete discharge is that the residual cargo offers an attraction to potential thieves. Thieves may scavenge a number of cars to accumulate an appreciable amount of cargo that could represent lost income to the shipper. The attraction of thieves introduces other safety and liability issues.

Other mechanisms have been devised to address the above flow impedance problems. For example, it is known to fit a fluidizer or aeration device within hopper cars. In one form, the aeration device consists of a small diameter cone/saucer that is inverted and bolted to the rail hopper car. Compressed air is forced between the cone/saucer and the rail car, which causes the cone/saucer to move/vibrate in a manner that the air repositions accumulated particulate. Fluidizers/aerators commonly force air in a radial path that distributes accumulated particulate. Other fluidizers/aerators exist in the form of nozzles, pads, injectors, etc. A large number of such devices, and/or a complicated fluid flow network, may be required to produce the desired effect on a large accumulated volume of material.

These aerators, in addition to breaking up particulate material, may also be employed to pressurize a closed rail hopper car to induce flow. Such a mechanism is shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,466,558 (Dugge et al). Such systems may be relatively complicated and expensive, potentially taking up valuable usable storage space in a rail hopper car, or other system.

Another known mechanism is in the form of a rubber hose “flapper”. The hose has a flattened end that flaps open and shut to produce a fluttering movement that redistributes particulate.

One exemplary air delivery device that is provided in hoppers is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,641 (Reeves, Jr.).

It is also known to use augers, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,775, to break up compacted particulate to thereby increase flowability. Augers may be rather complicated and bulky. If made of manageable size, the augers may be able to loosen only a small volume of material. This necessitates repetitive relocation of the augers within a particular hopper car, thus making the process potentially time consuming and onerous.

Other types of aeration pads and nozzles are incorporated with the objective of inducing flow and avoiding hangup of particulate material.

Yet another method of addressing the above problem involves inversion of the individual hopper cars. This obviously requires expensive and heavy equipment that might additionally require skilled operators. The repeated inversion of the hopper cars could also compromise their structural integrity.

The industry continues to seek out structures and methods that effectively induce the flow of particulate against confining surfaces and facilitate separation of the particulate therefrom. Suitable mechanisms must be economically feasible and capable of operation with minimal inconvenience. Still further, these mechanisms should not take up valuable storage space in the environments in which they are used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the invention is directed to a method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system wherein the flowable material is guided by a surface assembly between first and second locations. The method includes the steps of: providing a first flexible tube; placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location with respect to the system; and directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a whipping action so as to thereby at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material adhering to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate flowable material moving between the first and second locations so as to avoid hanging up of flowable material moving between the first and second locations.

In one form, the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube involves directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a random whipping action.

In one form, the method includes the steps of providing a second flexible tube; placing the second flexible tube at an operating location that is either: a) at or adjacent to the first operating location; or b) at a second operating location spaced from the first operating location; and directing a pressurized fluid through the second flexible tube whereby the second flexible tube performs as the first flexible tube.

In one form, the system has a hopper with a funnel-shaped portion defining an outlet. The flowable material moves by gravity and is guided by a portion of the surface assembly bounding the funnel-shaped hopper portion to and through the outlet to the second location that is downstream of the outlet. The first operating location is at the hopper.

In one form, the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location involves placing the first flexible tube so that as the first flexible tube moves, the first flexible tube is situated at least partially within the funnel-shaped portion of the hopper.

In one form, the system is in the form of a rail hopper car with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for a supply of flowable material.

In one form, the flowable material is in particulate form.

In one form, the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location involves fixing a portion of the first flexible tube with respect to the surface assembly.

In one form, the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location involves providing a support that is movable relative to the surface assembly and fixing the support relative to the surface assembly.

In one form, the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location involves providing a support that is separate from and movable relative to the surface assembly and manually repositioning the support to strategically place the first flexible tube at the first operating location and any other operating location with respect to the system, as selected by a user.

In one form, the step of providing a support involves providing a support that can be lifted and controllably repositioned by a user.

In one form, the system is in the form of a rail hopper car with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for a supply of flowable material and a funnel-shaped portion through which flowable material moves from the storage space to an outlet. With the first flexible tube at the first operating location, the first flexible tube is at or adjacent to a portion of the surface assembly bounding the storage space to at least one of: a) break loose flowable material adhering to the portion of the surface assembly bounding the storage space; and b) agitate flowable material with the storage space to avoid hanging up of flowable material in the storage space.

In one form, the system is in the form of a stationary storage container with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for flowable material The storage space is in communication with an outlet.

In one form, the system has an open conveying section bounded by the surface assembly.

In one form, the system has a closed conduit with an internal passageway bounded by the surface assembly. The first operating location resides within the passageway.

In one form, the system is in the form of a storage container with the surface assembly bounding a storage space. The storage space is in communication with an outlet. The storage container has an upstanding wall assembly bounding a portion of the surface assembly with an area, and with the first flexible tube at the first operating location, the first flexible tube is moved continuously to either: a) come into close proximity to; or b) contact a majority of the area of the portion of the surface assembly to break loose flowable material tending to adhere to the portion of the surface assembly.

In one form, the system is in the form of a cargo hold in a floating vessel within which a bulk supply of the flowable material is contained in a storage space bounded by the surface assembly.

In one form, the cargo hold has an upstanding wall assembly bounded by a portion of the surface assembly with an area and with the first flexible tube at the first operating location, the first flexible tube is moved continuously to either: a) come into close proximity to; or b) contact a majority of the area of the portion of the surface assembly to break loose flowable material adhering to the portion of the surface assembly.

In one form, the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube involves directly the pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the flexible tube is continuously moved.

In one form, the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube involves directing a pressurized fluid in gaseous form through the first flexible tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in relationship to a surface, to which the treating apparatus is attracted, and which surface is treated with a treating assembly on the inventive apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the inventive treating apparatus in relationship to a ferrous surface to which the treating apparatus is attracted through a magnetic assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the inventive treating apparatus with the treating assembly attached to the carriage that acts against a ferrous or non-ferrous surface to be treated;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the treating assembly in FIG. 3 and including a treating element that directly contacts a surface to be treated;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cargo ship having a cargo hold which can be treated using the inventive apparatus and by a method according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of one of the holds on the cargo ship in FIG. 5 and with one form of the inventive apparatus being maneuvered by a user to treat a surface bounding a storage space defined by the cargo hold;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of the inventive apparatus shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, front elevation view of the inventive apparatus in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged, side elevation view of the inventive apparatus in FIGS. 7 and 8 in relationship to a surface being treated;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, perspective view of the carriage on the inventive apparatus in FIGS. 7-9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the carriage in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the carriage in FIGS. 10 and 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side elevation view of a modified form of treating element for the inventive treating assembly;

FIG. 14 is a view as in FIG. 13 of a further modified form of treating element;

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of the inventive carriage having a generic form of impacting assembly thereon of the type shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of the carriage, according to the present invention, and including a heat source;

FIG. 17 is view as in FIG. 16 wherein the carriage includes an illumination source;

FIG. 18 is a view as in FIGS. 16 and 17 wherein the carriage includes at least one mirror;

FIG. 19 is a view as in FIGS. 16-18 wherein the carriage includes a video camera;

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including at least one nozzle for directing pressurized fluid, which may be a liquid or gas, from a supply to against a surface being treated;

FIG. 21 is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, and including at least one opening in communication with a vacuum source to develop suction at the opening and a receptacle for accumulating foreign material drawn through the opening(s);

FIG. 22 is a schematic representation of a cargo hold with a flexible collecting element therein;

FIG. 23 is a view as in FIG. 22 wherein the collecting element, with foreign material accumulated therein, is being reconfigured and elevated towards an opening through a boom structure;

FIG. 24 is a view as in FIGS. 22 and 23 wherein the collecting element is further elevated and reconfigured to allow passage through the opening;

FIG. 25 is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including a vibration inducing assembly for part or all of the treating assembly;

FIG. 26 is a view as in FIG. 25 wherein a reciprocating assembly is provided in place of the vibration inducing assembly;

FIG. 27 is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including a treating element that is moved through a drive;

FIG. 28 is a schematic representation of a carriage, according to the present invention, including at least one wheel that is driven so that the carriage is self-propelled;

FIG. 29 is a schematic representation of the inventive carriage having a movable component/function that is operated electrically;

FIG. 30 is a schematic representation, corresponding to that in FIG. 29, wherein the movable component/function is operated hydraulically or pneumatically;

FIG. 31 is a flow diagram representation of one method of treating a surface, according to the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a flow diagram representation of another method of treating a surface, according to the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic representation of a kit, according to the present invention, including a carriage with interchangeable treating elements;

FIG. 34 is a view as in FIG. 33, wherein interchangeable treating assemblies are provided;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of a treating element, according to the present invention, for accessing a surface at the juncture of two transverse surfaces;

FIG. 36 is a schematic, side elevation view of a user operating the inventive apparatus from a bucket on a human lift device;

FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of an impact/vibration inducing device for acting against a part of a cargo ship preparatory to treating a surface thereon, according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is an elevation view of a pad, according to the present invention, through which a surface can be treated, and which includes a core element/carriage that is magnetically attracted to a ferrous surface, wherein a magnetic element is embedded in the core element;

FIG. 39 is a view as in FIG. 38 wherein magnetic elements are mounted to an exposed surface of the core element/carriage;

FIG. 40 is a view as in FIGS. 38 and 39 in combination with magnetic elements that can be selectively placed in receptacles to select a desired magnetic attractive force;

FIG. 41 is a modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in the form of a pad with an associated magnetic element for attracting the pad to a ferrous material and including a flexible cord for maneuvering the pad;

FIG. 42 is a flow diagram representation of another method of treating a surface, according to the invention, using the pad in FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a schematic representation of a modified form of apparatus, according to the present invention, including a pivot connection between an elongate operating pole and carriage;

FIG. 44 is a fragmentary, schematic representation of a further modified form of elongate pole, according to the invention, which is connected to a carriage with a reciprocating assembly associated therewith to impart a reciprocating action to the carriage;

FIG. 45 is a fragmentary, elevation view of a further modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, including rotary treating elements that are operated pneumatically;

FIG. 46 is a schematic representation of one form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, and consisting of an elongate support having at least one repositionable element thereon which interacts with matter on an exposed surface to separate and potentially control movement thereof after separation;

FIG. 47 is a schematic representation of another form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, in which tubes/conduits are provided on an elongate support to route pressurized fluid to direct matter separated from an exposed surface in a controlled fashion;

FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of one form of treating apparatus as shown in FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the elongate support on the treating apparatus taken along line 49-49 of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein a knob is provided at the distal end of the elongate support to facilitate guiding thereof against an exposed surface;

FIG. 51 is a view as in FIG. 50 wherein a wheel is used in place of a knob to guide the elongate support relative to the exposed surface;

FIG. 52 is a fragmentary, elevation view, corresponding to that in FIG. 51, wherein the guide wheel is movable in a first manner relative to the elongate support;

FIG. 53 is a view as in FIG. 52 wherein the guide wheel is movable in a second manner relative to the elongate support;

FIG. 54 is a view as in FIG. 53 wherein a pair of wheels is used in place of the single wheel in FIG. 1;

FIG. 55 is a view as in FIG. 54 wherein three guide wheels are used in place of the two wheels shown in FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is a view as in FIG. 55 wherein a carriage with four wheels is utilized in place of the three wheels, which carriage communicates fluid from a pressurized supply thereof to surface treating assemblies on the carriage;

FIG. 57 is a view as in FIG. 56, wherein a base is provided at the distal region of the elongate support, which base supports guide wheels and communicates pressurized fluid to surface treating assemblies on the base;

FIG. 58 is an enlarged, fragmentary, elevation view of the base and associated components in FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein surface treating assemblies are provided at spaced locations on the elongate support;

FIG. 60 is a view as in FIG. 59 wherein a different spaced arrangement of surface treating assemblies is shown;

FIG. 61 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein a manifold is provided at the distal region of the elongate support on which a plurality of surface treating assemblies is provided;

FIG. 62 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein a plurality of shafts, each having an associated surface treating assembly, is provided at the distal region of the elongate support;

FIG. 63 is a fragmentary, elevation view of a portion of the elongate support with a movable carriage thereon and having an associated arrangement of surface treating assemblies;

FIG. 64 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein a carriage is provided at the distal region of the elongate support, which carriage has a polygonal external shape on which surface treating assemblies are provided and which can be reoriented relative to the elongate support;

FIG. 65 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein the elongate support has a cleaning assembly thereon in addition to a surface treating assembly;

FIG. 66 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the distal region of the elongate support wherein a pad assembly is provided, which pad assembly is impacted by surface treating assemblies at one side thereof;

FIG. 67 is a fragmentary, elevation view of the elongate support, pad assembly, and surface treating assembly in FIG. 66;

FIG. 68 is a fragmentary, elevation view of a distal region of the elongate support at which a surface treating assembly is provided including repositionable tines which repeatedly impact an exposed surface to be cleaned;

FIG. 69 is a view as in FIG. 48 in which the surface treating assembly of FIG. 68 is placed against an exposed surface being treated;

FIG. 70 is a view as in FIG. 4 with a blooming assembly at the distal end of the elongate support;

FIG. 71 is a view as in FIG. 70 with a plurality of surface treating assemblies used in conjunction with the blooming assembly;

FIG. 72 is a view as in FIG. 48 of a modified form of blooming assembly with an optional mechanism for separating matter from an exposed surface in addition to the blooming assembly and having a frame upon which combined tubes/conduits can be selectively attached and detached;

FIG. 73 is a fragmentary, elevation view of a distal region of the elongate support with the blooming assembly in FIG. 72 whereas certain tubes/conduits have been detached from the frame;

FIG. 74 is a cross-section of a shell frame on a cargo ship hold and including compartments within the shell frame;

FIG. 75 is a view as in FIG. 48 wherein the elongate support has a curtain assembly at the distal end thereof to define a curtain and an accumulating tube for matter separated from an exposed surface within the shell frame compartment of FIG. 74;

FIG. 76 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a modified form of curtain assembly at the distal end of the elongate support;

FIG. 77 is a view as in FIG. 48, showing a modified form of surface treating assembly wherein repositionable elements, that are confined by a blocking assembly, perform functions of separating matter and blooming;

FIG. 78 is a view as in FIG. 75 wherein a shield assembly is provided to control escape of fluid from the shell frame compartment;

FIG. 79 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation view of the shield assembly of the distal end of the elongate support in which treating fluid is allowed to accumulate and controllably discharge;

FIG. 80 is a schematic representation of a remotely controlled surface treating apparatus, according to the invention;

FIG. 81 is a schematic representation of a system in which flowable material is moved with respect to a surface assembly between first and second locations and in which the potential for material hangup exists;

FIG. 82 is a side elevation view of one exemplary system as shown in FIG. 81 in the form of a rail hopper car, with a wall thereon broken away to expose an internal storage space in which an accumulation of particulate material is stored;

FIG. 83 is a partially schematic, enlarged, cross-sectional view of a hopper assembly on the rail hopper car taken along line 83-83 of FIG. 82;

FIG. 84 is a schematic representation of one arrangement of at least one flexible tube on a hand-held support that is useable to induce material flow in the system in FIGS. 81-83;

FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view of the rail hopper car taken along line 85-85 of FIG. 82;

FIG. 86 is an elevation view of another system in the form of a stationary storage container that has a gravitational discharge mechanism;

FIG. 87 is a fragmentary, perspective view of another form of system having an open conduit;

FIG. 88 is a fragmentary, elevation view of another form of system having a closed conduit;

FIG. 89 is an elevation view of a further modified form of system in the form of a storage container;

FIG. 90 is a schematic representation of the container in FIG. 89 incorporated into a floating vessel; and

FIG. 91 is a schematic representation of a method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1, a treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at 10. The treating apparatus 10 has a treating assembly 12 that is designed to perform a treating function with respect to a surface 14. The nature of the treating operation is not critical to the present invention. Virtually any treatment process, from cleaning to reconfiguration, is contemplated. FIG. 1 is shown in schematic form to encompass all types of surface treating operations.

According to the invention, the treating apparatus 10 is attracted to the surface 14 with a force tending to maintain the apparatus 10 against the surface 14, yet allow the apparatus 10 to move over the surface 14 to treat a desired area thereof. This force is generated through what is schematically shown as an attractive force generation system 16, which may take any of myriad different forms. As just one example, the attractive force generation system 16 may use vacuum to generate a suction force between the treating apparatus 10 and the surface 14. Alternatively, magnetic attraction can be utilized for surfaces 14 that are ferrous in nature. Again, this system 16 is shown generically in FIG. 1 to encompass virtually any type of structure that attracts the apparatus 10 to the surface 14, while allowing the apparatus 10 to move therealong to effect treatment of a prescribed area.

As shown in FIG. 2, one preferred form of attractive force generation system incorporates a magnetic assembly 18, which is attracted to a surface 14′ that is ferrous in nature.

In one preferred generic configuration for the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 20 acts directly against the surface 14, 14′. The treating assembly 12 is mounted operably upon the carriage 20 to act against the surface 14, 14′.

As shown in FIG. 4, the treating assembly 12 can incorporate any of a virtually limitless number of different treating elements, shown generically at 22.

What is common to the designs shown in FIGS. 1-4 is that the treating apparatus 10 has an overall configuration to be movable against a surface and controllably reoriented through the application of a maneuvering force upon the apparatus 10 by a user from a location spaced from the carriage 20. Ideally, the treating apparatus 10 is of such a construction that it can be easily lifted by a user, placed against the surface 14, 14′, and moved and reoriented without excessive exertion on the part of the user.

The designs in FIGS. 1-4 are shown schematically to incorporate virtually a limitless number of different designs that use the inventive concept(s) described herein. Various, specific designs, and methods of using the apparatus 10, will now be described, with it to be understood that the specific examples are intended to be representative, but not limiting, in nature.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the treating apparatus 10 has particular utility in the shipping and bulk cargo (dry-bulk and liquid-bulk) industry. As noted in the Background portion herein, treating/cleaning of holds in cargo ships is a particularly vexatious problem, for which the present invention is particularly suited. In FIG. 5, a cargo ship is shown at 28 and is of the type useable on any navigable body of water 30. The ship 28 has a hull 32 within which cargo holds 34 are formed. In this particular design, two such cargo holds 34 are shown. In a more typical ship construction that is currently used, more than two, and commonly five, cargo holds 34 are incorporated. However, the number and configuration of the cargo holds 34 is not critical to the present invention.

In FIG. 6, a portion of one of the holds 34 is shown in relatively schematic form. The cargo hold 34 is bounded by a ferrous surface 14′. The ferrous surface 14′ defines a floor 36, a peripheral wall structure 38, and a deck wall 40, through which openings 42 are formed. The openings 42 (FIG. 5) are in communication with a storage space 44 within the holds 34. Materials are introduced to, and withdrawn from, the holds 34 through the openings 42.

The hold 34 is shown in a simplified, schematic form. In actuality, there are a number of contours within the storage space 44 that make cleaning of the surface 14′ difficult. Additionally, a staircase and other structure are typically constructed within the space 44 and define obstacles to cleaning.

As noted in the Background portion herein, the cargo hold 34 may have length and width dimensions, designated by the double-headed arrows L, W, respectively, on the order of 100 feet. The height dimension H, between the floor 36 and ceiling 46, may be on the order of 60 feet.

In one form of the invention, shown in FIGS. 6-12, the apparatus 10 consists of the carriage 20, with the treating assembly 12 mounted operatively thereupon. The carriage 20 is connected to an elongate pole 48 through which the treating apparatus 10 is reoriented and moved to cover a desired areal region.

The pole 48 may have a fixed length L between a manipulating end 50 and a carriage mounting end 52. More preferably, the pole 48 is made with telescoping lengths 54, 56. While two such lengths 54, 56 are shown, any number of lengths can be utilized.

The nature of the pole components is not critical to the present invention. It is desirable that the pole 48 be light in weight to allow controlled manipulation thereof and the attached treating assembly 12 by a user at 58 from the floor 36 to access the entire surface 14′, to include the portion thereof defining the entire peripheral wall structure 38 and the ceiling 46. The telescoping lengths 54, 56 may be made from a lightweight metal, plastic, composite, etc. At the same time, the pole 48 must have sufficient rigidity to allow controlled placement by the user 58 of the treating apparatus 10 and maneuvering thereof across the surface 14′.

The pole 48 may be straight, as shown, or shaped to access certain obstructed areas. As just one example, a “gooseneck” may be provided on the end of the pole 48.

In this embodiment, the carriage 20 has a frame 60 consisting of a base element 62, that is generally flat, with spaced flanges 64, 66 projecting substantially orthogonally therefrom.

The flanges 64, 66 support a pole mounting assembly at 68, consisting of a crosspiece 70 and a transverse portion defining a receptacle 72 for the carriage mounting end 52 of the pole 48. The crosspiece 70 has offset ends 74, 76 with stub shafts 78, 80 projecting oppositely away therefrom. The shafts 78, 80 have a like construction. The stub shaft 78 has a larger diameter portion 82 that is journalled for rotation in an opening 84 in the flange 66. The stub shaft 80 has a larger diameter portion 86 that is journalled for rotation in an opening 88 in the flange 64. The stub shafts 78, 80 have central axes 90, 92 that are coincident and about which the pole mounting assembly 68 is pivotable for movement relative to the frame 60. The stub shafts 78, 80 have smaller diameter portions 94, 96 that are threaded and define a support for the treating assembly 12, to allow the treating assembly 12 to pivot about the same axes 90, 92 relative to the frame 60.

The treating assembly 12 has a subframe 100, consisting of spaced end walls 102, 104 joined by a mounting wall 106. Triangularly-shaped mounting brackets 108, 110 are connected to the mounting wall 106 and are spaced so as to closely embrace the flanges 64, 66. The smaller diameter portions 94, 96 of the stub shafts 78, 80 project through the mounting brackets 108, 110, which are secured in place by nuts 112, 114. Through this arrangement, the subframe 100 is pivotable relative to the frame 60 about the same axes 90, 92.

In this embodiment, the treating element 22 is in the form of a rotary brush. The treating element 22 has a central shaft 116 which spans between the end walls 102, 104 and is journalled for rotation relative thereto around an axis 118, that is generally parallel to the axes 90, 92. Individual bristles 120 extend radially relative to the axis 118 regularly around the circumference of the shaft 116 and along the length thereof. The subframe 100 includes an integral shroud 122 with an opening 124 through which the bristles 120 are exposed.

A drive motor 126 is mounted to the mounting wall 106 on the subframe 100 through a bracket 128. A belt 130, extending in an endless path around the motor shaft 132 and central shaft 116 on the treating element 22, transmits the driving force of the motor to effect rotation of the treating element 22 around the axis 118.

The drive motor 126 is powered through a supply 134. The power supply 134 can be self-contained and mounted upon the carriage 20. Alternatively, as shown in dotted lines, a supply line 136 can be directed over and through the hold 48 to a remote location where a power supply 134 is located. For example, the power supply 134 may be a remote generator or a land supply accessed through a receptacle within the cargo hold 34 associated with the power supply 134.

The treating assembly 12 may have a fixed position relative to the carriage 20. More preferably, the treating assembly 12 is pivotable about the axes 90, 92 relative to the carriage 20 such that the treating element 22 is movable towards and away from the surface 14′. Preferably, a biasing assembly 138 acts between the carriage 20 and treating assembly 12 to normally bias the treating assembly 12 in the direction of the arrow 140 around the axes 90, 92. With the carriage 20 bearing against the surface 14′, this biasing force urges the treating element 22 towards and against the surface 14′.

The nature of the biasing assembly 130 is not critical to the present invention. For example, the biasing assembly 138 may be defined by one or more tension or compression springs. Alternatively, a torsion spring may be utilized for this purpose. Alternatively, pneumatic cylinders might be utilized to exert a constant force and provide some flexibility in movement of the treating assembly 12 about the axes 90, 92, oppositely to the direction of the arrow 140.

In this embodiment, the carriage 20 is equipped with structure to allow it to be rolled against the surface 14′ and also to be attracted thereto, as previously described. More specifically, spaced mounting blocks 142, 144 are fixed to the base 62 to support rotary wheels/shafts 146, 148, for rotation around parallel axes 150, 152. The wheels/shafts 146, 148 have the same construction. The exemplary wheel/shaft 146 has a core 154 around which axially spaced wheel elements 156 are formed. Each wheel element 156 defines a peripheral surface 158 for rolling against the surface 14′. Each wheel element 156 is made from, or incorporates, a magnetic material that is attracted to the ferrous surface 14′. The wheel/shaft 148 has corresponding wheel elements 156′ with peripheral surfaces 158′.

The magnetic material is incorporated depending upon the overall weight and configuration of the treating apparatus 10, including the pole 48. That is, the size, strength, and location of the magnetic material can be appropriately selected so that the attractive force between the treating apparatus 10 and the surface 14′ will urge the carriage 20 against the surface 14′ during the treating of all regions of the surface 14′ within the cargo hold 34.

In the absence of this attractive force, the maintenance of the carriage 20 in contact with the surface 14′ is dependent upon the user's ability to generate an adequate applying force. This is particularly a problem with overhead surfaces, such as the ceiling/overhead 46, and also with the treating assembly 12 manipulated through the pole 48 to the upper regions of the cargo hold 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in the absence of this attractive force, the pole 48 has a tendency to bow at extreme lengths such that the treating assembly 12 tends to move out of contact with the surface 14′. Selecting an appropriate magnetic attraction force overcomes this problem.

Even with the magnetic attraction, the treating assembly 12 may be difficult to manipulate through the pole 48 at extreme heights. To facilitate this manipulation, and additionally for purposes of added safety and avoiding user fatigue, a supplemental support system can be provided, as shown at 160. The supplemental support system 160 may be attached, as to the deck wall 40, and extends to the treating assembly 12 and/or the pole 48. The supplemental support system 160 may include flexible elements, such as cables, ropes, bungees, etc., and use pulleys, etc., to produce a vertical and/or horizontal locating force upon the treating apparatus 10. As one example, horizontal wires may be permanently or temporarily affixed to encircle the inner perimeter of the hold. These wires can be used to support the flexible elements. The supplemental support system 160 may be fixed, or may be reconfigurable, as through the operator, or through a remote operator 162, as shown in FIG. 6, during a cleaning operation.

The nature of the treating assembly 12 can vary considerably depending upon the particular treating procedure that is being carried out. For example, in the embodiment described above, the bristles 120 can be made with different configurations and from different materials. The bristles 120 may be made, for example, from plastic or metal. The bristles 120 may have the straight configuration shown, or may be made with a herringbone configuration, or otherwise.

Additionally, while the bristles 120 are shown to extend with their lengths radially aligned with the axis 118, by exposing like bristles 120′ at an angle to the corresponding axis 118′, shown in FIG. 13, the associated treating assembly 12 tends to advance itself by reason of the interaction between the bristles 120′ and the surface 14′ as the bristle support is rotated around its operating axis. This action thus assists the user in advancing the associated treating assembly 12 relative to the surface 14′. This facilitates treatment of the surface 14′ and reduces user fatigue associated with operating the apparatus.

As a further variation, as shown in FIG. 14, the bristles 120″ may have discrete weights 164 at the ends thereof to cause a repetitive impacting of the surface 14′, to produce a hammering action, thereby to break lose foreign material tending to adhere to the surface 14′. The structure in FIG. 14 represents one form of impacting assembly that can be utilized. In FIG. 15, a more generic disclosure of an impacting assembly is shown at 166 for attachment to the carriage 20, as to produce a hammering action. Structures, other than that shown in FIG. 14, are contemplated, so long as the structure is capable of producing a jarring impact that breaks loose foreign materials.

To assist the treating operation, a heat source 168, shown in FIG. 16, can be provided on the carriage.

As a still further alternative, an illumination source 170, shown in FIG. 17, can be provided on the carriage.

As a further variation, as shown at FIG. 18, at least one mirror 172 can be provided on the carriage 20. The mirror(s) 172 facilitates observation by a user of a surface being treated either before or after treatment thereof.

As a still further variation, in FIG. 19, a video camera 174 is shown mounted to the carriage 20. The video camera 174 facilitates remote viewing of the treating location.

The invention contemplates that functions other than abrasion, as through a device with bristles, be accomplished using the inventive concepts. In FIG. 20, the carriage 20 is shown associated with a supply of pressurized fluid 176. The fluid supply 176 may be directly on the carriage 20 or, alternatively, may be provided at a remote location and communicated to the carriage, as through an appropriate conduit. The carriage 20 has at least one nozzle 178 through which the fluid is directed against the surface 14, 14′. The nature of the fluid in the supply 176 could vary significantly, and may be air, a solvent, steam, or other flowable material, potentially in particulate form. For example, a supply of sand that is used to blast the surface 14, 14′ is considered to be a “fluid” for purposes herein.

As a still further alternative, as shown in FIG. 21, the carriage 20 may be associated with a vacuum source 180 that generates suction at an opening 182 on the carriage 20. The vacuum source 180 again may be directly on the carriage 20 or remote therefrom.

The various components, described above, may be used in any combination, as deemed appropriate. For example, the vacuum source 180 may be used on the carriage 20 in conjunction with a brush/bristled element and/or with the fluid supply 176 to thereby draw, through suction, foreign matter away from the surfaces 14, 14′, as the bristles 120″ are pivoted about the axis 118″. When the bristles of a cleaning layer are “tilted” as they are, for example, in the commercially available 3M® Brushlon™ products, and then vibrated, the magnetic force urging the apparatus against the wall prevents the assembly from falling and the tilted brushes tend to move it in a direction against the direction of the tilt.

In FIG. 21, the vacuum source may also be associated with a receptacle 184, which allows accumulation of the foreign material that is collected, for appropriate disposal thereof.

As an alternative to having a discrete receptacle 184, as shown in FIG. 21, a reconfigurable collection element 186 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 22-24. In FIG. 22, the collection element is shown as a reconfigurable, tarp-like structure that covers all or a portion of the floor 36 in the vicinity of where foreign material is broken loose from the surface 14′. As this occurs, the foreign material falls downwardly to against the collection element 186. At a certain point in the procedure, a draw cord 188 is lifted through a boom structure 190 outside of the cargo hold 34. Continued lifting causes the collection element 186 to be reconfigured under the weight of the collected foreign matter to the point that it can pass through the opening 42 for appropriate disposal.

Additional structure is contemplated for enhancing the ability of the treating apparatus 10 to break loose foreign material from the surfaces 14, 14′. As shown in FIG. 25, a vibration inducing assembly 192 may be provided on the carriage 20 to induce vibration to part or all of the treating assembly 12 on the carriage 20. This makes possible a scrubbing action, which adds another dimension to the movement of the treating assembly 12 relative to the surface 14, 14′.

As shown in FIG. 26, as an alternative to the vibration inducing assembly 192, a reciprocating assembly can be provided, as shown at 194, to reciprocatively move at least a part of the treating assembly 12 to provide an additional surface treating capability. The reciprocating and vibration inducing assemblies 194, 192 can be used in conjunction with other treating structure on the carriage 20, such as the structure in FIG. 20, wherein nozzles 178 direct pressurized fluid against the surface 14, 14′. In short, the invention contemplates virtually any single or multiple dimensional movement of the treating element 22 on the carriage 20. This generic concept is shown schematically in FIG. 27, wherein a drive 196 is associated with the treating element 22 to effect single or multi-dimensional movement i.e. vibrational and translational movement, or otherwise.

To assist operation of the apparatus 10, and avoid user fatigue, the wheels 156, 156′ on the carriage 20 may be driven, as through a drive 198, to make the apparatus 10 either full time, or selectively, self-propelled.

As shown in FIG. 29, it is contemplated that any movable component/function associated with the carriage 20, shown generically at 200, could be operated electrically through an appropriate supply 202, that may be self-contained or otherwise designed. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 30, the same function can be accomplished pneumatically or hydraulically using a pressurized fluid supply 204.

A method of using the above-described apparatus will now be described with respect to a flow diagram, shown in FIG. 31. As shown at block 208, the treating apparatus is provided. The treating apparatus has a carriage with a treating assembly on the carriage. As shown at block 210, the apparatus is caused to be attracted to the surface to be treated. This may be accomplished magnetically, in the event of a ferrous surface, or otherwise, as by suction, in the event that the surface to be treated is non-ferrous in nature. As shown at block 212, the apparatus is moved over a surface, to effect treatment thereof, through manual orientation of the apparatus through application of a maneuvering force by a user from a location spaced from the carriage, that allows controlled movement of the apparatus over the surface. The step of causing the apparatus to be attracted to the surface may involve initially placing the apparatus against the surface using an elongate pole. Alternatively, a pole can be connected after the apparatus is placed against the surface. As shown at block 214, any foreign matter removed from the surface 14, 14′ can be accumulated and disposed of appropriately, as shown in block 216. The accumulation may be carried out, as by using a receptacle 184, as shown in FIG. 21, utilizing the collecting element 186, as shown in FIGS. 22-24, or otherwise.

The invention also contemplates that the attractive force, as effected through a magnetic element, may be varied, as shown in the flow diagram of FIG. 32. The treating apparatus is provided with a magnetic element, as shown at block 218. With an apparatus as shown in FIGS. 7-12, wheels/shafts 146, 148 may be provided with different configurations, as by using a different number of magnetic wheel elements 156, 156′, and/or by using magnetic elements having different strengths. Depending upon the application, and the weight of the apparatus, an appropriate magnetic force is selected, as shown at block 220. After installation of the appropriate wheel/shaft, the apparatus is moved over a surface to be treated, as shown at block 222.

As shown in FIG. 33, kits can be provided, including treating elements 22, 22′ having different configurations. Treating elements 22, 22′ can be interchangeably mounted into an operative position on the carriage.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 34, a kit can be provided wherein entire treating assemblies 12, 12′ are interchangeably mounted on the carriage 20, depending upon the particular job application or configuration of a surface being treated.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 35, a treating element 22′ is shown as having a base 224 with a V-shaped surface 226 with bristles 228 thereon to facilitate cleaning a juncture of transverse surfaces, such as at an inside corner. Myriad other treating element configurations are contemplated by the invention for treating contoured surfaces or surfaces that may be difficult to access.

Access may also be facilitated by using a human lift device, as shown in FIG. 36 at 230. The lift device 230 has a bucket 232 within which the user 58 can be situated to operate the apparatus 10 from an elevated position.

The invention also contemplates that an additional step may be carried out preparatory to using the apparatus 10, as described above. As shown in FIG. 37, an impact/vibration inducing device 234 may be used and placed against the cargo ship 28 strategically, as at an external location on the hull, or internally of the cargo hold 34. This action provides a preliminary breaking up of the foreign material adhered to the surface 14′, after which the aforementioned cleaning steps may be carried out.

As shown in FIG. 38, the invention also contemplates that, as an alternative to using a bristled treating element, a pad, as shown at 236, may be utilized. The pad 236 consists of a core element 238, that is preferably made from a non-ferrous material. At least one exposed surface 240 of the core element 238 has a surface treating layer 242 applied thereto. At least one magnetic element 244 is provided on the core element 238. In this construction, the magnetic element 244 is embedded in the core element 238. The surface treating layer 242 can be provided on any or all exposed surfaces on the core element 238.

In one form, the surface treating layer 242 is at least one of a) sandpaper; b) an absorbent pad; c) a bristled layer; d) a layer of a hook component of a hook and loop fastener system; e) a non-skid layer; f) a squeegee) and g) an absorbent pad. In operation, the surface with the surface treating layer 242 is then applied to the surface 14′ to be treated. The pad 236 may be manipulated through the aforementioned pole 48.

To enhance treatment, a vibration-inducing assembly 246 may be provided to vibrate the core element 238. This produces a scrubbing action.

In FIG. 39, a modified form of pad is shown at 236′ with a core element 238′ having magnetic elements 244′ attached on an external surface 240 thereon. A surface treating layer 242 is applied to at least one surface of the core element 238′.

In all embodiments, the distance between the magnetic elements and ferrous surface can be changed/selected to controllably vary the attractive force to that surface.

In FIG. 40, a further modified form of pad is shown at 236″ with a core element 238″ having a series of receptacles 250 into which magnetic elements 244″ can be placed. The magnetic elements 244″ can be placed in one or all of the receptacles 250 to select the desired attractive force between the pad 236″ and the surface 14′. A surface treating layer 242 is provided on the core element 238″.

It should be understood that the use of a pad can be practical to treat a non-ferrous material. Attraction can be generated between the pad and surface 14, as by the use of suction.

In FIG. 41, a further modified form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at 10′. The apparatus 10′ consists of a pad 252 with a core element 254, made preferably from a non-ferrous material, and having a series of flat sides. In this embodiment, the core element 254 has a squared block shape with six, flat, exposed surfaces 256, 258, 260, 262, 264, 266. On each of the exposed surfaces 256-266, a surface treating layer 242′ is applied, corresponding to the surface treating layer 242.

A magnetic element 268 is embedded in the core element 254 and has a strength, configuration, and location within the core element 254, so as to support the weight of the core element 254 against a ferrous surface.

With the pad 252, the user can place any of the surfaces 256-266 against a ferrous surface, to be attracted thereto. Through a flexible cord 268, the user can draw the pad 252 over the surface to effect treatment thereof. A fitting, such as a ring 270 can be provided to facilitate maneuvering of the pad 252, by drawing the same through the flexible cord 268.

For purposes of consistency in the claims, the core elements 238, 238′, 238″, 254 will be considered a “carriage”. The “carriage” is maneuvered by the user in all embodiments to effect treating of a surface 14, 14′.

Using the pad 252, a treating process can be carried out, as shown in flow diagram form in FIG. 42. As shown at block 272, a pad is provided. As shown at block 274, the pad is caused to be attracted to a ferrous surface by either placing the pad against such a surface or by propelling the same towards the surface, wherein it becomes magnetically attracted thereto. As shown at block 274, the pad is then maneuvered to treat the surface.

With this embodiment, the pad 252 can be made to be sufficiently light in weight that it can be propelled/thrust at a surface, such as a high ceiling or difficult to reach location. The user can then simply maneuver the pad 252 through the flexible core 268 to effect the desired treatment of the surface 14′.

A still further variation, according to the present invention, is shown in FIG. 43. In FIG. 43, an elongate pole 48 is shown attached to the carriage 20 through a pivoting pole mount 276, that allows at least two degrees of movement of the pole 48 relative to the carriage 20. As seen in FIG. 7, the pole 48 is mounted to the carriage 20 for movement relative thereto about a single pivot axis. By adding another dimension of movement, the treating assembly 12 on the carriage 20 is allowed to conform more readily to surfaces when applied from potentially awkward angles. In one preferred form, the pivoting pole mount permits universal pivoting of the mounting end 52 of the pole 48 relative to the carriage 20.

In FIG. 44, a modified form of elongate pole 48′ is shown and includes separate sections 278, 280, which are movable, each relative to the other. Through a reciprocating assembly 282, the section 278 is moved reciprocatingly in the line of the double-headed arrow 284 relative to the section 280. This produces a repeating force against the carriage 20 to which the section 280 is connected. Alternatively, the reciprocating assembly 282 may act between the elongate pole 48 and a mount upon the carriage 20. The structures in FIGS. 43 and 44 may be used on any of the embodiments described above.

In FIG. 45, a modified form of treating apparatus is shown at 10″. The apparatus 10″ has an elongate pole 48″ with a shaft 286 extending substantially orthogonally to the length of the pole 48″. Separate treating elements 288, of like construction, are attached to the shaft 286, where it projects oppositely from the connection to the pole 48″. The treating elements 288 may have bristles, abrasive material, etc. The shaft 286 is rotated by an air motor 290, which is driven through air from a pressurized supply 292. An air outlet 294 is provided in the pole 48″.

Magnetic wheels 296 are provided on opposite sides of the pole 48″. The wheels 296 are preferably made from a magnetic material or incorporate magnets to produce an attractive force with respect to a ferrous surface.

As noted previously, many of the mechanisms and components are shown schematically in the attached figures. That is because, using the inventive concept, the form of the apparatus and components may vary significantly to achieve an optimal design. The depicted structures that are shown in detail are intended only to be exemplary in nature.

During the transition from bulk cement powder to another bulk cargo, the process of cleaning usually takes place in two stages: dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Lifts, or ladders, are commonly used during the dry cleaning. The tools and methods of this invention have the potential to significantly improve the speed, efficacy and safety of both processes, and may often entirely eliminate the need for the dry cleaning phase, typically conducted at anchor after initial discharge of cargo. Instead, dry cleaning may be carried out after the cargo is unloaded and while the ship is en route to the next port.

Potentially, the invention can be practiced in such a manner that a liquid can be used to simultaneously break loose foreign matter and effect rinsing of the exposed surfaces, thereby eliminating the separate dry cleaning process. Also, the surfaces may be cleaned to a higher standard than currently possible during wet cleaning. This could translate into increased revenues for cargoes requiring higher standards for cleanliness.

The inventive structure and method potentially extend the ability of relatively unskilled workers to further prepare the holds for subsequent cargo by giving them the tools they need to remove not only residual cargo, but also loose paint, rust, scale, and other potential contaminants from areas, previously inaccessible, except by using manlifts or ladders, which cannot be used with the ship underway. Further, they potentially provide crews with an alternative method of stain removal, which has previously been accomplished with the use of acids and other dangerous and polluting chemicals, and a much improved method of protective chemical application.

In FIG. 46, another form of treating apparatus, according to the present invention, is shown at 300. The treating apparatus 300 has an elongate support 302 with a proximal region, that is engageable by a user, and a distal region. At least one repositionable element 304 is provided at the distal region of the elongate support 302. More preferably, a plurality of said elements 304 are provided. The repositionable element 304 is designed to at least one of: a) repeatedly contact an exposed surface 306 at which the repositionable element 304 is situated; and b) discharge pressurized fluid from a source at least one of i) against the exposed surface 306 and ii) in a manner to control movement of matter 308 separated at the exposed surface 306 at which the repositionable element 304 is situated, as an incident of pressurized fluid from a supply being directed through the repositionable element 304.

The repositionable element 304 may take virtually a limitless number of different forms and may be moved likewise through virtually a limitless number of different mechanisms. As one example, the repositionable element 304 may be in the form of a tube or conduit through which a fluid can pass under pressure as an incident of which movement is imparted to the repositionable element 304, as in a random or repetitive manner. As a further alternative, the repositionable element 304 could be designed so as not to communicate pressurized fluid, whereby the desired movement can be imparted by another mechanism, such as one that randomly moves or reciprocates the repositionable element 34 to produce a whipping action. As one example, a hinge mechanism may be incorporated to facilitate controlled bending. Fluid might alternatively be directed against the repositionable element 304 externally thereof to produce the desired action.

The nature of the exposed surface 306 is likewise not critical to the present invention. The exposed surface 306 can be virtually any surface upon which matter 308 is adhered and from which the matter 308 is to be separated. The invention is particularly adapted to environments in which discrete matter, such as particulate in pourable form, is handled. For example, in a cargo ship hold, peripheral, top, and bottom walls bound a space within which such matter is stored, as described above. All of the surfaces, which may be flat or contoured as with corrugations, their transition locations, together with additional structures therein, such as shelves, ladders, stairs, hatch covers, angle iron protecting surfaces, etc. are prone to having the matter 308 adhered thereto.

Among the other environments in which exposed surfaces 306 are encountered, and from which matter must be separated, are storage containers, including those that are stationary and those that are mobile, with the latter commonly moved through a wheeled vehicle. These storage containers may be over-the-road hopper trucks rail cars, silos, dry or liquid tanks, boilers such as in power plants, etc. Another exemplary environment is in the conveyor area, wherein conveying surfaces bear such matter 308 for transportation between first and second locations. Aside from the actual conveying surfaces, spillover causes contact by matter with associated structure used to support and advance such conveying surfaces. The inventive structure and method are contemplated for use in these environments, and others.

Further, the nature of the matter 308 to be separated is not limited. The matter 308 may adhere by reason of being placed against the exposed surface 306. Alternatively, the matter 308 may be generated by reason of rust, corrosion, or chemical interaction. The matter 308 may be generated through impact or may otherwise result from damage inflicted upon the exposed surface 306.

In another form of the invention, as seen in FIG. 47, a treating apparatus 300′ is provided having at least one associated tube/conduit 310 with an outlet 312. Preferably, a plurality of tubes/conduits 310 is employed. Fluid from a pressurized supply 314 is directed through the tube/conduit 310 and discharged at the outlet 312 to thereby control movement of the matter 308 separated from the exposed surface 306 by either the fluid from the outlet 312 or by a mechanism independent of the tube/conduit 310. This controlled movement of separated matter is commonly referred to in this industry as “blooming”, which is a combination of brooming/sweeping and blowing. The tube/conduit 310 is carried on an elongate support 302′ that can be strategically located at selected locations with respect to the exposed surface 306. The outlet 312 can have a fixed orientation relative to the elongate support 302′ or may be capable of being reoriented relative thereto to facilitate the blooming process.

The nature of the fluid used with the apparatus 300, 300′ may vary considerably. The fluid may be in liquid or gaseous form. Air might be used to break loose and controllably direct separated matter 308. Water and other fluids may be used for this purpose. Liquids or gases with a chemical component may be used to facilitate cleaning. In another form, a liquid or gas may be used as a preparing medium that is adhered to the exposed surface 306 preparatory to placing thereagainst a supply of material to be stored/conveyed. The invention also contemplates that pressurized liquid and gas may be combined. For example, aerated water under pressure may be used.

Details of specific forms of the treating apparatus 300, 300′ will now be described with respect to FIGS. 48-79 In FIGS. 48 and 49, the treating apparatus 300 is shown with the elongate support 302 in the form of a pole having a length that may be in the range of several feet to fifty feet, or more. The elongate support 302 has a proximal region at 316 and a distal region at 318. The proximal region 316 is engageable by a user 320, as through an appropriate handle 322, which may be defined simply by a graspable part on the periphery of the elongate support/pole 302, or by some more intricate structure.

At the distal region 318, a surface treating assembly is provided, as shown at 324. The surface treating assembly 324 consists of a plurality of the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e. The number of the repositionable elements can vary from as few as one to greater than the five shown.

As noted above, the repositionable elements 304a-304e may be solid and tubular. The repositionable elements 304a-304e can be rigid or flexible. For purposes of illustration herein, in the embodiments described hereinbelow, the repositionable elements, including those identified as 304a-304e, will be described as flexible, elongate tubes/conduits.

The repositionable elements 304a-304e are mounted upon a support/manifold 326 to be in fluid communication with a chamber 328 bounded thereby. The chamber 328 is in turn in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply 314 through a supply line 330.

In this embodiment, the supply line 330 is located on the outside of the elongate support/pole 302. A series of straps 332 surrounds the elongate support/pole 302 and supply line 330 at spaced locations along the length of the elongate support/pole 302. With this arrangement, by grasping the treating apparatus 300 at the proximal region 316, the user 320 can controllably direct the distal region 318, at which the surface treating assembly 324 is located, to a desired location with respect to the exposed surface 306.

In this embodiment, the user 320 can manipulate the surface treating assembly 324 into a desired relationship with the exposed surface 306 so that the repositionable elements 304a-304e either a) treat the exposed surface 306 from a location in spaced relationship therewith or b) so that the repositionable elements 304a-304e repeatedly contact the exposed surface 306 to effect treating thereof.

An optional carriage 334 may be used to magnetically attract the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 32 to the exposed surface 306, in the event that there is ferrous material at the surface 306. The carriage 334 might otherwise interact with the exposed surface 306 to be guided therealong in a predetermined manner, as through a rail structure or other mechanism. Alternatively, the movement of the carriage 334 is dictated entirely by forces applied by the user 320 from the proximal end 316 of the elongate support/pole 302.

In this embodiment, the individual repositionable elements 304 are made from a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic. Plastic or rubber tubing, typically with an inside diameter of 1/16 to ⅛ inch, and outside diameter of ⅛ to ¾ inch may be used. The lengths of the repositionable elements 304a-304e may be the same or different. The lengths of the repositionable elements 304a-304e may be on the order of 10 inches to 30 inches in length. Longer and shorter lengths are also contemplated. In one embodiment, lengths of 14.5 inches and 27 inches are used. The lengths of the repositionable elements 304a-304e, their materials of construction, and the inside and outside diameters thereof, are dictated by the particular application and the volume and pressure available from the pressurized fluid supply 314. Commonly available pressurized fluid supplies 14 may deliver fluid, such as air, at a pressure of 90 to 170 psi.

A desired action of the repositionable elements 304 can be further affected by causing a pulsed delivery of the pressurized fluid. Means are well known by those skilled in the art to accomplish this. This potentially produces a more violent movement of the repositionable elements 304.

With the arrangement as shown in FIG. 48, fluid from the pressurized supply 314 communicates through the supply line 330 and the manifold 326 to each of the repositionable elements 304a-304e from where the fluid is discharged through outlets 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d, 336e at the free ends thereof. As the fluid is continuously discharged through the outlets 336a-336e, the repositionable elements 304a-304e repeatedly whip in a random manner. With the surface treating assembly 324 in close enough proximity to the exposed surface 306, the repositionable elements 304a-304e repeatedly impact the exposed surface 306. This repeated impacting breaks loose the foreign matter 308 adhered to the surface 306. This may occur by either the direct impacting of the matter 308 by the repositionable elements 304a-304e, and/or by reason of the localized vibration induced at the surface 306 by the repeated contact by the impacting repositionable elements 304a-304e.

The elongate support/pole 302 can be made, for example, as described previously for the pole 48. The elongate support/pole 302 may be made as a single piece or with telescoping or otherwise extendable components so that it has a variable length. The elongate support/pole 302 may be made from metal, plastic, or a composite material. Metal, such as aluminum, is desirable for its light weight, as are certain composites, among which is a material utilizing carbon fiber or fiberglass. Fiberglass, bamboo, wood and other materials are suitable as well. As one example, the elongate support/pole 302 may be made from a semi-rigid hose material, such as PVC. The elongate support/pole 302 is thus light in weight and performs the function of communicating fluid and supporting one or more treating assemblies as hereinafter described.

In the embodiment shown, the elongate support/pole 302 has a square shape with a hollow chamber 338 extending between the ends thereof. The square shape, or another polygonal shape, is desirable since the bending of the associated elongate support/pole 302 therewith is more predictable, to facilitate placement of the surface treating assembly 324 at a desired location. However, a circular or other cross-sectional shape, such as elliptical, etc., is contemplated. As an alternative to using the supply line 330 at the exterior of the elongate support/pole 302, the supply line 330 can be directed through the chamber 338. Alternatively, the elongate support/pole can be used as a conduit, with the fluid passing through the chamber 338 between the pressurized fluid supply 314 and the manifold 326.

For extended lengths of the elongate support/pole 302, it may be desirable to use a supplemental support/guide structure, shown at 340. This supplemental support/guide structure 340 may take any form and may be operable from above the operating height of the treating apparatus 300, at a location near the floor surface 342 on which the user 320 is situated, or at another location.

While the elongate support/pole 302 is shown having a straight configuration in FIGS. 48, 49, the elongate support/pole 302 may have other configurations. For example, as noted previously, a gooseneck may be provided at the distal region 318. Virtually any shape can be incorporated into the elongate support/pole 302, as at the distal region 318, or elsewhere, to facilitate access to different surfaces.

To facilitate repositioning of the treating apparatus 300, a guide surface 344 may be provided on the elongate support/pole 302, as shown in FIG. 50. In FIG. 50, the elongate support/pole 302 has an extension 346 which, in this case, incorporates a rounded knob 348 with a curved surface 350 at its free end that can be borne against the exposed surface 306 to a) maintain the surface treating assembly 324 at a desired spacing relative to the exposed surface 306 and b) facilitate guided movement of the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302 therealong. The knob 348 can be formed integrally with the elongate support/pole 302, as previously described, or be separately attached in the form of the extension 346 shown. Any other type of guide surface appropriate to the particular application may be used. There is no requirement that the surface 350 be curved, and in some cases a supplemental tool, such as a brush or scraper, will be attached to the end of the pole. However, this is desirable for purposes of avoiding hangup of the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302 as it is moved along the surface 306 and to facilitate universal reorientation of the elongate support/pole 302 relative to the surface 306.

In FIG. 51, as an alternative to the rounded knob 348, a wheel 352 is provided at the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302. The wheel 352 has a peripheral guide surface 354 that can be rolled against the exposed surface 306 to guide the surface treating assembly 324 therealong to a desired location at which treating is to occur. In this embodiment, the wheel 352 is designed to rotate around a fixed axis 356 relative to the elongate support/pole 302.

In FIG. 52, a modification to the elongate support/pole 302 is shown wherein a base 358 is mounted to the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302 for pivoting movement around an axis 360. The base 358 may be normally biased, as by a spring structure (not shown) in one pivoting direction around the axis 360 towards the surface 306 to be treated. The aforementioned wheel 352 is connected through the base 358 through at least one arm 362. The wheel 352 rotates relative to the arm 362 about an axis 364 that is parallel to the axis 360. Accordingly, the arm 362 and wheel 352 are pivotable together relative to the elongate support/pole 302 about the axis 360 back and forth in an arc, as indicated by the double-headed arrow 366. The peripheral surface 354 of the wheel 352 is movable against the exposed surface 306 in the same manner as shown in FIG. 51.

As a further alternative, as shown in FIG. 53, the wheel 352 can be mounted to the elongate support/pole 302 through an arm 368 that is pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole 302 about an axis 370 that extends generally parallel to the length of the arm 368 and the elongate support/pole 302. The peripheral guide surface 354 on the wheel 352 can be borne and rolled against the exposed surface 306, as described with respect to FIGS. 51 and 52. The wheels can be fitted with magnets or magnets can be suspended from the wheel assembly/axle, etc. to cause the wheels to be attracted to the surface.

The structures shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 can be combined so that there are multiple dimensions of pivoting of the wheel 352 relative to the elongate support/pole 302. As another variation of the structure shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the surface treating assemblies 324 might be provided on a movable portion of the wheel mounting structure, rather than at a fixed location at the distal region of the elongate support/pole 302.

Multiple wheels can be used in any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 51-53. In FIG. 54, the support/pole 302 is shown with two guide wheels 352a, 352b at its distal region 318 spaced beyond the surface treating assembly 324. The wheels 352a, 352b could be spaced closer to the proximal region of the elongate support/pole 302, to reduce the likelihood of interference with the surface treating assembly 324 in use.

In FIG. 55, three wheels are shown in the same relationship to a surface treating assembly 324 at the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302.

In FIG. 56, a base 372 is shown at the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302. The base 372 supports in this embodiment four guide wheels 352a, 352b, 352c, 352d. The base 372 is defined at least in part by tubing 374 through which fluid from the pressurized supply 314 is delivered to, in this embodiment, three different surface treating assemblies 324, at spaced locations along the base 372. In this embodiment, one of the surface treating assemblies 324 is at a leading end, with the other two surface treating assemblies 324 projecting oppositely from a manifold 326′ at a central location 376.

With the arrangement in FIG. 56, there is a cumulative treating effect resulting from the simultaneous use of the three surface treating assemblies 324 at the spaced locations. There is no requirement that the number, spacing or locations of the surface treating assemblies 324 be precisely as shown in FIG. 56.

In FIGS. 57 and 58, a modified form of wheeled base is shown at 372′ at the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302. In this embodiment, the base 372 has a T-shaped body 378 with the cross bar 380 of the “T” defining a support/axle relative to which wheels 352a, 352b rotate around an axis 382. The base 372′ is configured so that fluid from the pressurized supply 314 is introduced through the supply line 330 into the stem 384 of the “T”, from where the fluid flow branches, as indicated by the arrows 386, for communication oppositely through the cross bar 380 to surface treating assemblies 324 at the ends 388, 390 of the cross bar 380. Additional fluid flows from the stem 384 in the direction of the arrow 392 to a surface treating assembly 324 approximately midway between the ends 388, 390 of the cross bar/axle 380. Accordingly, fluid from the pressurized supply 314 flows oppositely relative to the axis 382 for discharge through the surface treating assemblies 24 at the ends 388, 390 and generally orthogonally to the axis 382 through the surface treating assembly 324 midway between the ends 388, 390 of the cross bar/axle 380.

The invention contemplates that surface treating assemblies 324 can be provided in other arrangements at spaced locations. As one example, as shown in FIG. 59, the elongate support/pole 302 is shown with one surface treating assembly 324 at the distal end 392 of the elongate support/pole 302, with a separate surface treating assembly 324 projecting radially from the elongate support/pole 302, spaced from the distal end of the elongate support/pole 302 toward the proximal region 316 thereof.

In FIG. 60, separate surface treating assemblies 324 project radially oppositely away from the elongate support/pole 302 at the distal end 392 thereof, with a third surface treating assembly 324 projecting radially from the elongate support/pole 302 at a location spaced from the distal end 392 of the elongate support/pole 302 toward the proximal region 316 thereof.

In FIG. 61, a primary manifold 394 is provided at the distal end 392 of the elongate support/pole 302 and has an internal chamber 396 bounded by a spherical wall 398. Three supports/manifolds 326a, 326b, 326c are in fluid communication with the internal chamber 396, which is supplied with fluid from the pressurized supply 314. In this embodiment, fluid is directed through the chamber 338 through the elongate support/pole 302. The manifolds 326a, 326b, 326c are mounted at the spherical wall 398 at spaced locations. In one form, the manifolds 326a, 326b, 326c can be repositioned strategically upon the primary manifold 394 as a particular application may dictate.

The spherical wall 398 may function to support the manifolds 326a, 326b, 326c as well as potentially provide a peripheral guide surface 400 that can bear against the exposed surface 306 that is being treated.

Another structure for mounting multiple surface treating assemblies 324 at spaced locations and/or at desired orientations is shown in FIG. 62. In FIG. 62, multiple, and in this case five, shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e are mounted at the distal end 392 of the elongate support/pole 302. Each of the shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e is in fluid communication with the manifold 404 so that fluid from the pressurized supply 314 is communicated through each of the shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e to surface treating assemblies 324 at the free ends 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d, 406e at which manifolds 326 on the surface treating assemblies 340 are mounted.

The shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e may be preset in a fixed shape i.e. straight, curved, etc. Alternatively, the shafts 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, 402e are made from a material that can be formed by the end user to virtually any desired shape and maintained.

In FIG. 63, a carriage 408 is shown at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302 and has a generally straight/flat configuration to conform to a flat portion of the exposed surface 306. The carriage 48 is disposed at an angle θ to the length of the elongate support/pole 302, which angle θ may be fixed or variable. Surface treating assemblies 324 are provided at spaced locations upon the carriage 408.

In FIG. 64, a carriage 410 is shown that is rotatable about an axis 412 relative to the elongate support/pole 302. In this embodiment, the carriage 410 has a polygonal shape, and more specifically a squared shape, as viewed along the axis 412, with multiple sides 414, 414a, 414b, 414c, 414d at which one or more surface treating assemblies 324 are provided. The carriage 410 can be maintained in one orientation relative to the elongate support/pole 302, or may be moved, as by pivoting relative thereto around the axis 412.

In FIG. 65, a treating apparatus is shown including a cleaning assembly 416 at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. The cleaning assembly 416 may take virtually a limitless number of different forms, and may be, for example, a pad, a bristled component, etc. for wiping, cleaning, scraping, etc. the exposed surface 306.

A surface treating assembly 324 is provided on the elongate support/pole 302 between the distal end 390 and the proximal region 316 of the elongate support/pole 302. The cleaning assembly 416 and surface treating assembly 324 may be designed to be complementary in terms of their functions. As one example, the cleaning assembly 416 may be used to break loose more tenaciously held matter 308 that may not be separable from the surface 306 through the surface treating assembly 324.

In FIGS. 66 and 67, a surface treating apparatus is shown including a pad assembly 420 at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. The pad assembly 420 may take any of a number of different shapes and has a surface 422 to engage the exposed surface 306. The surface 322 may be provided with bristles, hooks such as on a component of a hook and loop fastener, an abrasive, chemicals, etc. The pad assembly 420 may be made from a relatively thin polycarbonate sheet or a carbon fiber sheet.

Adjacent to the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302, at least one, and in this case multiple, surface treating assemblies 324 are provided. In operation, the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d on each surface treating assembly 324 are caused to repeatedly impact against the side 424 of the pad assembly 420 facing oppositely to the surface 422. With this arrangement, the impact forces are distributed through the pad assembly 420 and therethrough over a substantial area of the treated surface 306, as determined by the configuration of the surface 422.

In FIGS. 68 and 69, a modified form of surface treating assembly is shown at 324′ at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. The surface treating assembly 324′ consists of a manifold 426 with a housing 428 that is secured at the distal end 390 either fixedly or for movement relative thereto, as around an axis 430 and/or a transverse axis 431.

A plurality of tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d project in diverging fashion from one region 434 of the housing 428. A guide arm 436 projects from the housing 428 diametrically oppositely to the direction of projection of the tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d at the region 434. The guide arm 436 and tines 432a-432d have surfaces that reside in a reference plane P and can be simultaneously placed against the surface 306 and slid guidingly therealong. The guide arm 436 stabilizes the surface treating assembly 324′ in use.

Repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d are associated, one each, with the tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d. The repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d project to beyond the free ends 438a, 438b, 438c, 438d of the tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d and are connected thereto whereby fluid from the pressurized supply 314 directed through the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d tends to cause the repositionable elements 304a-304d to whip. This tendency is confined by the stiffness of the tines 432a-432d. The forces induced on the tines 432a-432d causes the tines 432a-432d to bend and thereby to repeatedly lower and raise so as to produce a repeated impacting/hammering of the exposed surface 306. This action potentially induces vibrations to the structure defining the surface 306 to further enhance treatment. The tines 432a-432d can also be oriented to move generally parallel to the exposed surface whereby they may contact the exposed surface to effect scraping thereof, or may be operable in spaced relationship therewith.

The repositionable elements 304a-304d may alternatively extend to, or near, but short of, the free ends 438a-438d.

The lengths of the tines 432a-432b, their cross-sectional configurations and their materials of construction are chosen to produce the desired flexing action in use. Preferably, the tines 432a-432d do not bend significantly as a result of which the pattern of fluid departing from the outlets 336a-336d is relatively constant and generally parallel to the place of the surface 306. As a result, a flow of a fluid results that moves the matter 308 separated from the exposed surface 306 in a controlled matter. This “blooming” action is complemented by the hammering of the exposed surface 306 through the tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d and scraping action produced by translating the tines 432a, 432b, 432c, 432d against and relative to the surface 306.

In FIG. 70, a treating apparatus 300′ is shown with another form of blooming assembly at 440 at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. The blooming assembly 440 consists of a frame 442 made of tubing that communicates pressurized fluid from the supply 314 to and through at least one, and this case a plurality of, tubes/conduits 444a, 444b, 444c, 444d. These tubes/conduits 444a-444d function as nozzles to generate a controlled pressurized fluid flow layer moving in the direction of the arrows 446, generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole 302 in a direction towards the proximal region 316 thereon. The frame 442 is pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole 302 around an axis 448 to facilitate alignment of the apparatus to the surface and for surface treatment from different attack angles.

The tubes/conduits 448a, 448b, 448c, 448d have extensions 450a, 450b, 450c, 450d, which, in conjunction with the fluid directing portions of the tubes/conduits 444a, 444b, 444c, 444d, define a substantial contact area to stabilize and guide the frame 442 along the exposed surface 306 so as to maintain the line of the air flow indicated by the arrows 446 generally parallel to the plane of the surface 306, from the outlets 452a, 452b, 452c, 452d at which the fluid is discharged.

In FIG. 71, a hybrid blooming and surface treating apparatus is shown consisting of the previously described blooming assembly 440 at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. Additionally, at least one surface treating assembly 324, and in this case two such surface treating assemblies 324, are provided projecting diametrically oppositely from the elongate support/pole 302 at a location spaced from the distal end 390 towards the proximal end 418. With this arrangement, the surface treating assemblies 324 break loose matter 308 from the exposed surface 306, which matter 308 is then controllably directed in the line of the arrows 446 by the pressurized fluid discharging from the blooming assembly 440.

A further modified form of blooming assembly is shown at 440′ at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. The blooming assembly 440′ consists of a frame 454 that may be fixed to the elongate support/pole 302 or be movable relative thereto by either rotation around the length of the elongate support/pole 302, pivoting about an axis transverse to the length of the elongate support/pole 302 and/or by lengthwise movement relative to the elongate support/pole 302, as indicated by the double-headed arrow 456. The frame 454 has a series of straight sleeve receptacles 458a, 458b, 458c, 458d, 458e, 458f, each with a length aligned generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole 302. Additional tools such as brushes, scrapers can also be attached.

At least one surface treating assembly 324 is provided at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302 with repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f through which pressurized fluid from the supply 314 passes and is discharged. In this embodiment the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f can be selectively attached to the frame 454 by being directed, one each, into the sleeve receptacles 458a, 458b, 458c, 458d, 458e, 458f. The repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f can be selectively detached from the frame 454 by being withdrawn from the sleeve receptacles 458a, 458b, 458c, 458d, 458e, 458f, whereupon the detached repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f produce the aforementioned repeated whipping action. With the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f attached to the frame 454 by being extended into the sleeve receptacles 458a, 458b, 458c, 458d, 458e, 458f, the pressurized fluid from the supply 314 directed through the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f is caused to be discharged as indicated by the arrows 446, generally parallel to the length of the elongate support/pole 302 towards the user to thereby create an air flow pattern that performs the blooming function, described previously.

In FIG. 72, the blooming assembly 440′ is shown at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302. A mechanism, in addition to the repositionable elements 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, 304e, 304f, may be utilized to separate matter 308 from the exposed surface 306. The mechanism is shown generically at 460 in FIG. 72 and in FIG. 73 as a pair of surface treating assemblies 324 projecting diametrically oppositely with respect to the elongate support/pole 302 at the distal end 390 thereof.

With the arrangement in FIGS. 72 and 73, the user has the option of using the apparatus as a dedicated blooming structure by attaching all of the repositionable elements 304a-304f to the frame 454. Alternatively, the blooming assembly 440′ can be converted to both separate matter 308 from the exposed surface 306 and controllably direct separated matter 308 along/away from the exposed surface 306 by selectively detaching the repositionable elements 304a-304f from the frame 454 in a manner to produce the desired action. In addition, the optional mechanism 460 can be utilized to add another dimension to the matter separating process, as by utilizing surface treating assemblies 324 or other mechanism described herein, or as otherwise devised, to separate matter 308 from an exposed surface 306.

In certain applications, it may be necessary to direct separated matter 308 controllably away from a particular exposed surface 306 other than by blooming. As one example, as shown in FIG. 74, the exposed surface 306 may be the inside surface of the external wall 462 of a cargo ship in the hold 464. Reinforcing shell frames 466 are formed on the wall 462 and typically extend vertically and then angularly downwardly near the base of the ship hull. The frames 466 each have a web 468 and flange 470 which bound discrete, generally rectangular, compartments 472 with an opening 474 defined between adjacent flanges 470 through which the compartment 472 is accessible. The compartments 472 have a tendency to trap matter 308 stored in the hold 464. According to the invention, the various treating apparatus described herein can be introduced to the compartments 472 through the openings 474. If not re-directed, matter 308 separated from the exposed surface 306 tends to accumulate at the bottom of the compartment 472 and become trapped therein.

According to the invention, as shown additionally in FIG. 75, a curtain assembly is provided at 476 on the elongate support/pole 302 at the distal region 318. The curtain assembly 476 consists of a frame 478 upon which a flexible sheet material 480 is mounted in depending fashion to block the opening 474. A tubular portion 482 is defined below the frame and has an upper inlet 484.

A surface treating assembly 324, spaced beyond frame 478, can be directed to within the compartment 472. Matter 308 separated by the surface treating assembly 324 is blocked from escaping from the opening 474 by the sheet material 480 and is guided thereby into the tubular portion at the inlet 484 and directed therethrough out of the compartment 472 and downwardly to an outlet 486 for appropriate accumulation or discharge.

An optional source of vacuum 488 can be used to enhance the flow of matter 308 to and through the tubular portion 482 between the inlet 484 and outlet 486.

A modified form of curtain assembly is shown at 476′ in FIG. 75. The curtain assembly 476′ has a frame 478′ which attaches at the distal region 318 of the elongate support/pole 302. The frame 478′, as the frame 478, may be fixedly attached or attached so as to be selectively reoriented relative to the elongate support/pole 302. Alternatively an “air curtain” can be formed by attaching air nozzles (not shown) to the pole or frame.

The frame 478′ defines at least a partial ring/shroud near the region at which a surface treating assembly 324 at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302 is located. That is, the frame 478′ defines an inlet at 484′ adjacent to, or within, which at least a part of the surface treating assembly 324 resides, so as to more positively capture matter 308 that is separated from the exposed surface 306. In the inlet region 484′, the gathered matter 308 is directed downwardly through a tube 482′ defined by a flexible sheet material 480′.

A further modification of the invention is shown in FIG. 77. In FIG. 77, a blocking assembly is shown at 490 acting between a blooming assembly 440″ and the elongate support/pole 302. The blooming assembly 440″ is attached at the distal end 390 of the elongate support/pole 302 so as to be movable about an axis 492 relative to the elongate support/pole 302 so as to pivot relative thereto in a direction as indicated by the double-headed arrow 494. The blooming assembly 440″ includes one or a plurality of tubes/conduits 444 arranged to direct fluid under pressure in the direction of the arrow 496 generally parallel to the plane of the exposed surface 306 that is being treated.

This same type of blocking assembly 490 may be used to limit the movement of the aforementioned tines 432a-432d moving either transversely, or parallel, to an exposed surface being treated.

In this embodiment, the tubes/conduits 444′ are flexible to produce a whipping action. According to the invention, a blocking assembly 490 confines the whipping action so that the tubes/conduits 444′ do not orient substantially from the alignment shown in FIG. 76 whereby the discharge fluid is propelled in the direction of the arrow 496. This produces a controlled hammering action, as for the tines 432a-432d shown in FIG. 68. The blocking assembly 490 may act on the tubes/conduits 444′, or any structure, as shown generically at 432, that may be used to generally fix the orientation of the tubes/conduits 444′ in the manner that the tines 432a-432d do, as previously described. Consequently, the same tube/conduits 444′ that impact the surface 306 with a hammering action are confined to an extent that they additionally perform a blooming function.

In another variation, as shown in FIGS. 78 and 79, a shield assembly at 498 is used in conjunction with the elongate support/pole 302, at its distal region 318, in combination with one or more surface treating assemblies 324.

The shield assembly 498 has particular utility in cleaning the compartments 472, as shown in FIG. 74. Fluid, such as a liquid, delivered into the compartments 472 is blocked from escaping from the openings 474 by the shield assembly 498. The rebounding fluid impacts a wall 500 on the shield assembly 498 and is accumulated in a receptacle 502, at the bottom thereof, from where the fluid can be recovered through a drain pipe 504. Through this arrangement, the shield assembly 498 controls the discharge of fluid pressure and facilitates recovery thereof.

The wall 500 may be pivotable relative to the elongate support/pole 302 about an axis 506, thereby facilitating flush placement of the wall, as against the flanges 470 so as to effectively block the opening 474 therebetween. The lower portion of the wall at 508 may be narrowed relative to the rest of the wall 500 to permit passage through an opening that is blocked by the wall 500.

The inventive structure and method can be used to potentially break loose, and control movement of, released matter 308 from exposed surfaces in myriad different environments by directly impacting such surfaces, indirectly impacting such surfaces, inducing vibrations thereto, propelling fluid thereagainst, etc. The inventive concepts can be used to perform many different procedures, including many not specifically described above.

As one example, the structures described above to propel a treating fluid at an exposed surface 306 to remove matter 308 therefrom can be used in a similar fashion to apply a surface preparation component to the exposed surface 306. Application of such a component to an exposed surface may be desirable, or required, before introducing certain matter, as into a ship cargo hold, against such a surface. The inventive structure may permit application to such surfaces that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach using conventional means.

As a further example, stain treating components may be applied. Oily stains from coal or pet coke might be treated by applying a baking soda solution under pressure and then striking or rubbing the surface. An abrasive might also be applied by being mixed with a pressurized liquid and/or gas

As just one other example, the inventive structure can be used to break up a significant vertical accumulation of particulate matter. Whereas conventionally pressurized fluid might be propelled against such an accumulation, placement of one or more of the repositionable elements 304 within the accumulation may allow dispersion thereof without causing elevation of light particles that might obscure vision and are proven to being inhaled.

More specifically, matter such as cement may accumulate between sheet frames and in transition areas at locations that are 4-14 meters above the floor in a ship's hold. Most commonly, these areas are accessed by climbing up ladders, or using lifts to situate workers in close proximity to the accumulations so that the same can be directly accessed, as by a shovel. This is inherently dangerous by reason of the height at which workers are required to maneuver.

According to the invention, the pole can be “stabbed” into such an accumulation at a base/lower region therein. This causes a controlled collapse of the accumulation and cascading to a lower collection area either guidingly against an adjacent surface or freely as from a ledge. One or more repositionable elements at the inserted pole end may facilitate this process. Dust generation is controlled by reason of the immersion of the repositionable element in the accumulated matter. The accumulations can thus be progressively broken down to controllably, safely, and conveniently eliminate this condition.

The invention can likewise be used to agitate a wet mixture, such as a slurry. As one example, a wet cement mixture might be agitated and also treated by introducing an additive, such as sugar or other hardening retardant.

With all embodiments, the force of the whipping action of the repositionable elements 304, the frequency of the repetitive hammering thereby etc., can be selected by varying the nature and interaction of components. For example, in the event the repositionable elements 304 are tubes/conduits, the “whipping” properties are dictated by the tube size, wall thickness, materials of construction, length, flow volume and pressure of the pressurized fluid, etc. Those skilled in the art, with the above inventive concepts in hand, would be able to change system components to achieve desired ends as a particular environment and application may demand or dictate. Different surface interactions may be carried out by controlling pressurized flow, be it by flow pressure variations, intermittently changing pressure, as to cause oscillations, etc.

Further, it is contemplated that the various components described in different embodiments herein might be combined. As just one example, for purposes of weight reduction, the external supply line 330 can be partially eliminated in each embodiment in favor of using the chamber 338 in the elongate support/pole 302 as a part of the means to communicate pressurized fluid. This potentially simplifies, and reduces the weight of, the overall system.

As a still further example, the repositionable elements 304 may be treated as by using a coating, to alter their performance. The coating may increase hardness and/or embed an abrasive, such as silica sand, silica carbide, etc. Alternatively, each repositionable element 304 may be made up of different types/sizes of tubing that are united. For example, short lengths of harder material may be provided at the free ends of the repositionable elements to increase flexing and impacting effect at the surface 306. As a further alternative, each repositionable element 304 could branch to one or a plurality of separate treating arms. Weights, such as beads, may be placed on the repositionable elements 304 at or near the free ends thereof.

A significant aspect of the present invention is that it may permit surface treatment, as in a ship cargo hold while the vessel is transiting in the open sea with hatches opened or closed. This potentially avoids the expenses of dry cleaning at anchor. The accumulated residue can be conventionally discharged legally 25 nautical miles offshore during the cleaning process.

Further, by reason of providing interactive tools on a relatively lightweight pole/support, surface treating can be carried out quickly without exhausting workers in a manner that is typical to using prior art brushes and the like, that must be borne under pressure against a surface to be treated, and repetitively manually moved, as to effect a scrubbing action.

The inventive system can also be used as a diagnostic device and standard to test the state of a surface against which material will be placed. Observing the type and quantity of the matter separated from a surface by the repositionable elements 304 allows an inspector to easily and quickly anticipate the debriding that is likely to occur as a result of introducing material against these surfaces. That is, objective qualitative and quantitative analysis of the state of the hold can be made, particularly to determine the suitability of the surface to contact and confine the next loaded cargo.

As a still further variation, an inventive surface treating apparatus, shown generically at 520, to encompass all different components described herein and identified collectively as 522, may be repositioned through a moving mechanism 524 selectively throughout a space bounded by an exposed surface to be treated. The moving mechanism 524, and potentially the treating components 522 on the apparatus 520, may be selectively operated through a control 526 that may be wired to, or in wireless communication with, receivers 528, 530 on the surface treating components 522 and moving mechanism 524, respectively. This facilitates remote treating at hard-to-reach and potentially dangerously high locations. The moving mechanism 524 may interact with the surface or be otherwise controlled, as through an independent support.

As shown schematically in FIG. 81, the invention is further directed to a method of inducing the movement of a flowable material 600 in a system at 602, wherein the flowable material 600 is guided by a surface assembly 604 between first and second locations 606, 608, respectively. The system 602 is shown schematically in that the method can be practiced in systems having virtually a limitless number of different configurations used in different environments and for potentially different applications within those environments.

The invention is particularly suitable for inducing the movement of a particulate material that is flowable and that has a tendency to adhere to the surface assembly 604 and accumulate or hang up as it is moved between the first and second locations 606, 608. The inventive concepts can be employed likewise in handling bulk liquid supplies.

One exemplary system 602 is shown in FIGS. 82 and 83 in the form of a rail hopper car. The rail hopper car 602 is of conventional construction and consists of a box/container 610 supported upon a frame 611 with a wheeled undercarriage 612 for guided movement along conventional tracks. End couplers 614 allow the rail hopper car 602 to be towed and to connect to additional rail hopper cars to be towed therethrough.

The box/container 610 has a floor 616 upon which a bulk supply of the flowable material 600 is supported. An upstanding, peripheral wall assembly 618 extends upwardly from the floor 616 and confines the flowable material 600 within a storage space 620 that is bounded by the surface assembly 604. The surface assembly 604 is defined cooperatively by the floor 616 and the peripheral wall assembly 618. In this embodiment, the surface assembly 604 is additionally defined by a top wall 622. In some rail hopper cars, the top wall 622 is absent so that the storage space 620 is open at the top region thereof.

To effect discharge of the flowable material 600 from the storage space 620, at least one, and in this embodiment two, hopper assemblies 624 are provided at the bottom of the storage space 620. Each hopper assembly 624 includes a hopper 626 with an outlet 628. The hopper 626 has a wall 630 with a funnel-shaped portion 632. The funnel-shaped portion 632 causes the flowable material 600 moving downwardly under gravitational forces to converge toward the outlet 628.

The hopper assembly 624 consists of the hopper 626 and a valve system 634. The valve system 634 is reconfigurable to different states, thereby to selectively control the passage of flowable material 600 to and/or through the outlet 628. In one state for the valve system 634, flow through the outlet 628 can be fully blocked. Alternatively, the valve system 634 can be configured to a “full flow” state or adjusted to vary flow rates with the valve system 634 in states between the full flow and blocked states. The precise nature and construction of the valve system 634 are not critical to the present invention.

In operation, when it is desired to discharge the flowable material 600 from the storage space 620, the valve system 634 is changed from its blocked state, wherein it blocks movement of the flowable material 600 through the outlet 628. As this occurs, the flowable material 600 moves from the aforementioned first location within the storage space 620, and is guided by the surface assembly 604 to a second location at the bottom of the storage space 620, and from there to and through the outlet 628 downstream to a point of use 636, that may be at another collection container, a staging location, or any other suitable location. As the flowable material 600 moves, it is guided by a portion 638 of the surface assembly 604 within the hopper 626.

Under its weight, the flowable material 600 tends to compact within the storage space 620 and within the hopper 626. As a result of this phenomenon, the flowable material 600 tends to hang up and become set at discrete locations in a configuration that impedes, or potentially blocks, movement of the flowable material 600. This is particularly a problem in the hopper 626 as at A, where the surface assembly portion 638 faces upwardly and tends to support and cause stagnation of the flowable material 600. This may progressively lead to a bridging effect, across the diameter of the hopper, whereby flow is impeded or altogether blocked.

To alleviate this condition, at least one flexible tube 640, corresponding in structure and function to those previously described, is employed to avoid hanging up of the flowable material 600 as it moves in its intended path between the spaced locations. As shown in FIG. 83, the flexible tube(s) 640 is placed at a first operating location with respect to the rail hopper car 602 by any of a number of different means, as hereinafter described. By directing fluid from a pressurized supply 642 through the flexible tube(s) 640, the flexible tube(s) 640 is caused to be moved in a whipping action so as to thereby at least one: a) impact the surface assembly 604 at or adjacent to the surface assembly portion 638; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material 600 moving through the hopper 626; and (ii) against the surface assembly portion 638; and c) move within the flowable material 600 upstream of the hopper 626 and/or within the hopper 626.

This action has a number of benefits. The flexible tube 640 agitates flowable material 600 moving up to and/or through the hopper 626 so as to improve fluidity and avoid hangup of flowable material. Additionally, this action potentially breaks loose flowable material 600 momentarily adhering to the surface assembly 604 in the vicinity of, or within, the hopper 626, or material that remains adhered, as from an earlier operation.

As seen in FIG. 84, the flexible tube(s) 640 may be provided on a hand-held support 644, that is separate from the rail hopper car 602 and that can be transported and repositioned selectively by a user thereof, as explained for several of the embodiments hereinabove.

Alternatively, as shown schematically in FIG. 83, a support 644′ for the flexible tubes(s) 640 may be attached to some part of the rail hopper car 602. The support 644′ may attach a portion of the flexible tube(s) 640 fixedly to a part of the rail hopper car 602. Alternatively, the support 644′ may be attached to the rail hopper car 602 whereby the flexible tube(s) 640 can be repositioned relative to the support, preferably by a mechanism that guides such movement in a consistent path.

In one form, the support 644′ incorporates a magnet to allow it to be temporarily fixed at one or more strategic locations to a metallic or other attracted surface, i.e. one that is also magnetized. Alternatively, the support 644′ may be permanently fixed. In one form, a tube stub, at a strategic location and in communication with a pressurized fluid supply, can be permanently fixed to, or pressed into engagement with, a flexible tube 640. The tube stub may be a permanently installed fitting, or one that can be moved and strategically mounted, as through a threaded or press fit connection, at one or more selected locations.

As noted, the nature of the flexible tube supports is not limited to any particular construction, manner of mounting, or operation.

One or more flexible tube(s) 640 can be mounted through a support 644″, as shown in FIG. 82, to another part of the rail hopper car 602 at a second operating location to allow the at least one flexible tube(s) 640 to operate within the storage space 620 similarly to the manner in which the at least one flexible tube 640 associated with the support 644′ operates in the vicinity of, or within, the hopper 626.

At each operating location, one or more flexible tubes 640 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 85, multiple flexible tubes 640 are maintained at the depicted operating location within the storage space 620 by the support 644″. Each flexible tube 640 is shown with a length whereby each such tube 640 can either come into close proximity to, or contact, the majority of the area of the surface assembly 604 defined by the peripheral wall assembly 618, and more preferably the entirety of the surface assembly 604 bounding the storage space 620. In this embodiment, the extra flexible tube 640 causes a redundant action.

Similarly, a single flexible tube 640 on the support 644′ may be capable of coming into close proximity to, or contacting, the majority of the area of the surface assembly portion 638.

In each embodiment shown in FIGS. 83 and 85, it is contemplated that the flexible tube(s) 640 each be capable of contacting or coming in close proximity to a majority of the area of the associated surface. Alternatively, multiple flexible tube(s) 640 can be strategically mounted to achieve this same end.

Through the continuous whipping action of the flexible tube(s) 640, which is either controlled to a prescribed path or more preferably random in nature, the flexible tube(s) 640 effect the desired flow inducement and/or surface assembly treatment.

It should also be noted that while the supports 644′, 644″ are shown directly connected to the rail hopper car 602, the invention contemplates that the supports 644′, 644″ might be separate from the rail hopper car 602, as on a separate structure at a terminal, or the like, where the flowable material 600 is discharged.

The number, configuration, and arrangement of the one or more flexible tube(s) 640 is dictated primarily by the particular field objectives. For example, one or more flexible tube(s) 640 can be strategically located simply at locations where there is a tendency of the flowable material 600 to hang up. Alternatively, a different arrangement may be dictated if the objective is to thoroughly clean most or all of the surface assembly 604, at the completion of the discharge of the flowable material 600.

Still further, the flexible tube(s) 640 and/or their associated components, such as the pressurized fluid supply 642, may be integrated into the rail car hopper 602 to at all times travel therewith. Alternatively, the components may be temporarily installed at a terminal to allow their use, as described above, or maintained in a stored, but accessible state in association with the systems.

As noted above, the schematic showing of the system 602 is intended to encompass virtually any type of system in which the need for flow inducement and/or cleaning is present. As shown in FIG. 86, another alternative system at 602′ consists of a stationary storage container 646 with an internal surface assembly 604′ bounding a storage space 648 for a bulk supply of the flowable material 600. The container 646 is maintained by suitable framework 650 elevated above a support surface 652, whereby an outlet 654 in communication with the storage space 648 is disposed conveniently so as to allow discharge into a subjacent vehicle or other container or conduit. The lower region of the container 646 at 656 is funnel-shaped to guide the contained flowable material 600 toward the outlet 654.

One or more flexible tubes 640 are either internally located, or directed inwardly from externally of the container 646, to induce flow vertically from a top location to a bottom location within the storage space 648 and/or from a location within the storage space 648 to and through the outlet 654 to a downstream external location.

As an alternative to a system that is primarily closed, the system 602″, as shown in FIG. 87, includes an open conveying section 656 along which the flowable material 600 is advanced between first and second locations 658, 660. The advancement of the flowable material 600 may be induced through gravitational forces and/or by using mechanical assistance, such as vibration. One or more flexible tube(s) 640 are strategically located in association with the surface assembly 604″ for the purpose as stated above. The flexible tubes 640, as with all embodiments herein, may be on a hand-held support 644, on an external support, or fixed temporarily or permanently onto the system directly or indirectly through a support, such as the supports 644′, 644″. The supports may incorporate magnets and/or mechanical fasteners and components.

As shown in FIG. 88, a system 602′″ incorporates a closed conduit 662 with a storage space/internal passageway 664 bounded by a surface assembly 604′″. Through the closed conduit 662, flowable material 600 is advanced between first and second locations 666, 668, respectively. The first and/or second locations 666, 668 may reside within the passageway 664 or may be defined by another component or at a separate location. One or more flexible tube(s) 640 are incorporated to induce flow and/or treat the surface assembly 604′″ as previously explained.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a system 602″″, as shown in FIG. 89, incorporates into a container 670 at least one flexible tube 640 to induce movement of flowable material 600 between different locations. In this embodiment, the movement may be from a location within a storage space 620″″ at the top of the container 670 towards a location at the bottom thereof, as to primarily compact the flowable material 600 preparatory to introducing additional quantities thereof. The flexible tube(s) 640 may also move through the material to effect aeration thereof, that increases fluidity as the material is removed/discharged from the storage space 620′″. At the same time, the flexible tube(s) 640 may be utilized to treat the surface assembly 604″″ bounding the storage space 620′″.

In one form, as shown in FIG. 90, the container 670 is integrated into a floating vessel, as previously described, and shown additionally in schematic form in FIG. 90 at 672, to define a cargo hold within the floating vessel 672.

Regardless of the configuration of the particular system, the following method can be practiced, as shown and described hereinabove, and as seen in a more general schematic sense in FIG. 91.

As shown at block 672, at least one flexible tube 640 is provided. As shown at block 674, the at least one flexible tube 640 is placed at a first operating location with respect to the system. This may be a temporary or permanent placement. Additionally, one or more flexible tubes 640 may be placed at other operating locations. As shown at block 676, a pressurized fluid, preferably in gaseous form, is directed through the at least one flexible tube 640 in a manner whereby the flexible tube 640 is moved in a whipping action so as to thereby at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material tending to adhere to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate/aerate flowable material moving between the first and second locations so as to avoid hangup of flowable material moving between the first and second locations. As noted above, the first and second locations may be any spaced locations inside a system component or externally thereof.

Through this action, the flexible tubes 640, and the pressurized fluid discharging therefrom, break up compacted or accumulated masses of material and, even in the absence of such accumulation, aerate and thereby enhance the fluidity of the material. If the flexible tubes 640 are situated to impact the surface assemblies, the combined effect of the repeated impacts and application of pressurized fluid break loose materials tending to adhere, or momentarily adhering, to the surface assemblies. The flexible tubes 640 can be made so that they induce vibrations that effectively rid the surface assemblies of adhered particles without generating high levels of noise or potentially damaging any part of the system.

The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.

Claims

1. A method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system wherein the flowable material is guided by a surface assembly between first and second locations, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first flexible tube;

placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location with respect to the system; and

directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a whipping action so as to thereby at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material adhering to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate flowable material moving between the first and second locations so as to avoid hanging up of flowable material moving between the first and second locations.

2. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube comprises directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a random whipping action.

3. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of providing a second flexible tube, placing the second flexible tube at an operating location that is either: a) at or adjacent to the first operating location; or b) at a second operating location spaced from the first operating location, and directing a pressurized fluid through the second flexible tube whereby the second flexible tube performs as the first flexible tube.

4. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a hopper with a funnel-shaped portion defining an outlet, the flowable material moves by gravity and is guided by a portion of the surface assembly bounding the funnel-shaped hopper portion to and through the outlet to the second location that is downstream of the outlet, and the first operating location is at the hopper.

5. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 4 wherein the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location comprises placing the first flexible tube so that as the first flexible tube moves, the first flexible tube is situated at least partially within the funnel-shaped portion of the hopper.

6. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 5 wherein the system comprises a rail hopper car with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for a supply of flowable material.

7. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 6 wherein the flowable material is in particulate form.

8. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 5 wherein the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location comprises fixing a portion of the first flexible tube with respect to the surface assembly.

9. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 5 wherein the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location comprises providing a support that is movable relative to the surface assembly and fixing the support relative to the surface assembly.

10. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 4 wherein the step of placing the first flexible tube at a first operating location comprises providing a support that is separate from and movable relative to the surface assembly, and manually repositioning the support to strategically place the first flexible tube at the first operating location and any other operating location with respect to the system as selected by a user.

11. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 10 wherein the step of providing a support comprises providing a support that can be lifted and controllably repositioned by a user.

12. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a rail hopper car with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for a supply of flowable material and a funnel-shaped portion through which flowable material moves from the storage space to an outlet, and with the first flexible tube at the first operating location the first flexible tube is at or adjacent to a portion of the surface assembly bounding the storage space to at least one of: a) break loose flowable material adhering to the portion of the surface assembly bounding the storage space; and b) agitate flowable material within the storage space to avoid hanging up of flowable material in the storage space.

13. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a stationary storage container with the surface assembly bounding a storage space for flowable material, the storage space in communication with an outlet.

14. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises an open conveying section bounded by the surface assembly.

15. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a closed conduit with an internal passageway bounded by the surface assembly and the first operating location resides within the passageway.

16. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a storage container with the surface assembly bounding a storage space, the storage space in communication with an outlet and having an upstanding wall assembly bounding a portion of the surface assembly with an area, and with the first flexible tube at the first operating location, the first flexible tube is moved continuously to either: a) come into close proximity to; or b) contact a majority of the area of the portion of the surface assembly to break loose flowable material tending to adhere to the portion of the surface assembly.

17. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the system comprises a cargo hold in a floating vessel within which a bulk supply of the flowable material is contained in a storage space bounded by the surface assembly.

18. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the cargo hold has an upstanding wall assembly bounded by a portion of the surface assembly with an area and with the first flexible tube at the first operating location, the first flexible tube is moved continuously to either: a) come into close proximity to; or b) contact a majority of the area of the portion of the surface assembly to break loose flowable material adhered to the portion of the surface assembly.

19. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube comprises directly the pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube in a manner whereby the flexible tube is continuously moved.

20. The method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system according to claim 1 wherein the step of directing a pressurized fluid through the first flexible tube comprises directing a pressurized fluid in gaseous form through the first flexible tube.