Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
-1-
PUMPING DEVICE FOR VISCOUS SLURRY MATERIAL
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a pumping device and, in particular, to
a portable device operative to pump viscous slurry materials and that is
readily positionable in enclosed spaces and restricted-access application
sites.
Background of the Invention
Various pumping devices are commonly used in the
application, laying, pouring, spraying or placement of viscous slurry
materials, such as concrete, plaster, mortar, shotcrete, grout, gunite,
refractories and the like. The pumping device is operative for moving the
viscous slurry material from a transport truck mixer or other source to the
application site. Pumping devices for such viscous slurry materials have
been traditionally rendered mobile for transport to and use at the application
site by integration with a conventional vehicle or by mounting on a trailer
for
towing by a conventional vehicle. However, conventional pumping devices
are impractical for placing viscous slurry materials in enclosed spaces,
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
remote locations beyond the throw of conventional pumps, or application
sites with restricted physical access.
Most pumping devices include a hopper that receives
successive supplies of viscous slurry material from the mixer and that holds
the viscous slurry material for pumping from the hopper to a supply line that
ends at the placement location of the application site. Typically, pumping
operations require a mixer operative for providing multiple supplies of the
viscous slurry material to the hopper of the pumping device. The mixer must
likewise be transported to the job site and positioned in a location proximate
to the pumping device.
One common type of pump is a swing tube pump having a
pair of movable pistons and an S-shaped swing tube with an inlet immersed
in the viscous slurry material and a discharge outlet rotatably attached to a
discharge port of the hopper. The swing tube is adapted for unidirectional
flow of cement under pressure from the discharge outlet in response to the
movement of the rams of the pistons. However, swing tube pumps suffer
from a significant deficiency in that the S-shape of the swing tube creates a
stagnant volume of viscous slurry material near the bottom, usually s-curved,
of the hopper. The viscous slurry material in this stagnant volume is not
periodically pumped from the hopper. As a result, the viscous slurry material
in the stagnant volume thickens, which hinders the operation of the pumping
device and reduces the pumping efficiency.
After the pumping device is used, the hopper and other portions
of the pumping device exposed to the viscous slurry material are
-2-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
contaminated with residues. The hopper is thoroughly cleaned with a stream
of water that dissolves the residues and suspends particles therein.
However, the hoppers of conventional pumping devices lack a convenient
means for effectively draining the soiled water from the interior of the
hopper.
Typically, it is inconvenient or impossible to simply tilt the hopper to
permit
the soiled water to drain from the inlet opening into which the viscous slurry
material is provided from the mixer. Drain ports are typically provided on a
bottom surface of the hopper. However, the positions of such ports are not
readily accessible for manual removal. As a result, draining the soiled water
from the hopper is a non-trivial task.
Conventional pumping devices include a pump that is
hydraulically powered and a hydraulic system that routes the hydraulic fluid
for controlling the operation of the pump. Such hydraulic control systems rely
on multiple hydraulic lines or hoses that interconnect the various components
constituting the system. These conventional hydraulic systems have
significant disadvantages, including their relatively large size and the
relatively large number of hoses required to provide the system
interconnections. In addition, large numbers of hoses are difficult to
maintain
and introduce numerous locations in the hydraulic system at which leaks may
develop.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved pumping device
for viscous slurry materials that can be positioned in enclosed spaces and
restricted-access application sites. Furthermore, there is a need for an
improved pumping device for viscous slurry materials that facilitates cleaning
-3-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
of the hopper, that provides thorough mixing in all portions of the hopper,
that
reduces the complexity and size of the hydraulic system, and/or that better
cooperates with mixers.
SummarYof the Invention
The invention provides a pumping device for viscous slurry
materials that, in one aspect, can be positioned in enclosed spaces and
restricted-access areas. The pumping device of the present invention
achieves this objective by defining a footprint between. opposite lateral
sides
spaced apart by a width of the apparatus so dimensioned as to be insertable
into the space between the side jambs of a standard walkthrough man-door.
The pumping device has various components, including a hopper having an
upper opening adapted to receive the viscous slurry material and an outlet
below the upper opening adapted to eject the viscous slurry material, a swing
tube pump adapted to pump the viscous slurry material from the hopper to be
ejected out of the hopper outlet, and rolling support members movably
supporting the frame. The swing tube pump includes a swing tube in the
hopper and a piston pump operatively associated with the swing tube.
According to principles of the invention, the components of the pumping
device are substantially entirely between at least the opposite lateral sides
of
the footprint.
By virtue of the foregoing, there is provided an improved
pumping device for viscous slurry materials that is self-contained and that is
readily movable on the rolling support members including movement, for
example, through the space between the side jambs of the standard
-4-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
waikthrough man-door. As a result, the pumping device may be readily
positioned into and out of enclosed spaces and restricted-access application
sites and, in certain embodiments, the pumping device may provide the
motive power to move a releasably attachable mixer into such spaces and
sites.
In another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping
device for viscous slurry materials that thoroughly mixes the viscous slurry
material in all portions of the hopper. The pumping device of the present
invention achieves this objective by providing a swing tube with a wiper blade
that conforms to the curvature of a concave surface below the swing tube
inside the hopper. The pumping device includes the hopper having an upper
opening adapted to receive the viscous slurry material and an outlet below
the upper opening adapted to eject the viscous slurry material, and the
bottom wall below the opening and outlet defining the concave surface in the
hopper, and a swing tube pump adapted to pump the viscous slurry material
from the hopper to be ejected out of the hopper outlet. The swing tube pump
includes the swing tube adapted to move relative to the concave surface and
a piston pump operatively associated with the swing tube.
By virtue of the foregoing, there is provided a pumping
apparatus that is capable of agitating the viscous slurry material located in
the space between the swing tube and the concave surface of the hopper.
This provides thorough mixing of the entire volume of viscous slurry material
while contained in the hopper and awaiting pumping.
-5-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping
device for viscous slurry materials that has a simpler and physically smaller
hydraulic system. The pumping device of the present invention achieves this
objective by providing a control unit for the pumping device with a block
manifold having numerous internal passageways and various valves
controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to a pump. The control unit is
supported
on a frame of the pumping device and is operatively coupled to a power unit
and the pump. Also supported on the frame is the power unit operatively
coupled to the swing tube. The power unit includes a hydraulic pump
capable of pumping hydraulic fluid and a power supply operatively coupled
with the hydraulic pump.
By virtue of the foregoing, the pumping device for viscous slurry
materials is provided with a simpler and physically compact hydraulic system
due to the introduction of a manifold that is compact and that requires fewer
hoses to establish the requisite extemal hydraulic connections.
In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a pumping
device for viscous slurry materials that cooperates with multiple types of
mixers. The pumping device of the present invention achieves this objective
by providing a mixer movably supported on rollers so as to be movable
towards and away from the frame of the pump. The mixer further includes
one or more engagement elements normally at the elevation of any one or
more complementary engagement elements of the frame so as to be
engageable therewith by moving the pump and mixer together laterally and
without providing temporary stilts for, or lifting, the mixer. The pumping
-6-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
device further includes a hopper supported by the frame adjacent to the
frame-side engagement elements and having an upper opening adapted to
receive the viscous slurry material and an outlet below the upper opening
adapted to eject the viscous slurry material, and a pump adapted to pump
the viscous slurry material from the hopper to be ejected out of the outlet.
By virtue of the foregoing, the mixer is positionable, when
attached to the frame, for providing successive supplies of the viscous slurry
material to the hopper through its upper opening. Also when engaged, the
mixer is movable on its rollers with the pump so as to be transported about
the work site with the assistance of motive power provided from a self-
propelled pumping device. The ability to select among various mixers
provides versatility and flexibility in matching a particular mixer to the
pumping device.
These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and
description thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the
invention and, together with a general description of the invention given
above, and the detailed description of the embodiment given below, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a pumping device embodying
principles of the present invention;
-7-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
Fig. 1A is a side elevational view of another mixer for use with
the pumping device of Fig. 1;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the pumping device
of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the pumping device of Fig. 1, shown
with the pumping device inserted between the side jambs of a standard
walkthrough man-door;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one end of the pumping device
of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the containment hopper and
swing tube pump of the pumping device of Fig. 1;
Fig..6 is a side view showing a portion of the pumping device of
Fig. 1.
Fig. 7 is a partially-disassembled end view of a portion of the
pumping device of Fig. 1, illustrated with the removable panel in the removed
position; and
Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing the hydraulic control system
of the pumping device of Fig. 1.
Detailed Description
The present invention is a pumping device operative for
pumping viscous slurry materials, including concrete, plaster, mortar,
shotcrete, grout, gunite, refractories and the like, that typically consist of
an
aggregate or particles, such as grains of sand or gravel, suspended in a
viscous base liquid. The pumping device of the present invention has a
-8-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
compact size without a concomitant sacrifice of pumping capacity when
compared with conventional pumping devices.
With reference to Fig. 1, a pumping device 10 operative to
pump viscous slurry material 11 (Fig. 7) includes a frame 12, a containment
hopper 14 supported at one longitudinal end 15 of the frame 12, a power unit
16 supported at an opposite longitudinal end 17 of the frame 12, a hydraulic
control system 18 mounted centrally to the frame 12, a control unit 20
mounted to frame 12, and a pump 22 mounted to a lower portion of frame
12. The control unit 20 projects vertically at least partially above the frame
12 and is operatively coupled with the power unit 16, the pump 22, and
hydraulic control system 18. The pumping device 10 may be equipped with a
remote control (not shown) that interfaces with the control unit 20 for
controlling the operation of pumping device 10.
With continued reference to Fig. 1, the frame 12 has a pair of
relatively large rolling support members or wheels 23 at the first
longitudinal
end 15 and a pair of pivotally mounted rolling support members or wheels 24
at longitudinal end 17 that collectively rollingly support frame 12. Wheels 24
are pivotal about a vertical axis to permit directional guidance or steering
of
the pumping device 10. The containment hopper 14 is mounted to frame 12
generally above wheels 23 and the power unit 16 is mounted to frame 12
generally above wheels 24.
The power unit 16 is operatively coupled to a hydraulic motor
19 that drives at least one of the wheels 23 with power transferred by a drive
assembly 26 known to those of ordinary skill in the art, such as a
-9-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
conventional belt-and-pulley drive or a conventional chain-and-sprocket drive.
The power unit 16 provides motive power for self-propelling the pumping
device 10. The power unit 16 may be selected from gas, diesel, and propane
intemal combustion engines and electric motors. Advantageously, at least
18 horsepower to 25 horsepower motors are used, although lower
horsepower motors may be used where the motor provides high torque. A
suitable unbalanced pressure or force applied to a guide bar 28 provided at
longitudinal end 17 causes the pumping device 10 to be steered or
directionally guided by pivoting of wheels 24. The guide bar 28 may include
a deadman's safety switch interfaced with the hydraulic control system 18
and the control unit 20. Advantageously, pump 10 is, overall, of sufficiently
low weight so that it can be moved on its wheels 23 and 24 without motor
assistance by pushing or pulling on guide bar 28.
With reference to Fig. 2, the frame 12 of the pumping device 10
may advantageously be assembled from components that are laser cut from
sheets of material, such as with a numerically controlled laser cutting
system.
The frame 12 includes a pair of lower, longitudinally-extending side members
30, a pair of upper, longitudinally-extending side members 32, a plurality of,
for example, six vertical members 34 interconnecting side members 30 and
32, a pair of transversely-spaced attachment members 36 at longitudinal end
17 for guide bar 28, and a plurality of transversely-extending cross members
38. The members 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 collectively provide an open support
network for supporting the components of the pumping device 10, including
containment hopper 14 and pump 22. For example, the containment hopper
-10-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
14 is supported at longitudinal end 15 by a pair of laterally-spaced support
surfaces 39, 40 to which hopper 14 is attached by conventional fasteners
and the pump 22 is attached with conventional fasteners to frame 12.
With reference to Fig. 3, the pumping device 10 has a length
defined by the distance between one longitudinal extremum at longitudinal
end 17 and an opposite longitudinal extremum at longitudinal end 15. The
extrema, indicated generally by reference numerals 42 and 43 in Fig. 1, are
defined as the lengthwise, outermost points of the structure of pumping
device 10 and may vary according to the configuration of device 10. The
pumping device 10 also has opposite lateral sides 44, 46 that are spaced
apart by a width, D,, so dimensioned as to be insertable into the space
between confronting side jambs 48, 49 of a standard walkthrough man-door
50 having a width D2 (typically about 30 inches). The longitudinal extrema 42,
43 and the lateral sides 44, 46 collectively define a footprint and the frame
12, the containment hopper 14, the pump 22, and the wheels 23, 24 are
positioned substantially entirely between the opposite lateral sides 44, 46 of
the footprint. The pumping device 10 is self-contained and is readily
movable on the wheels 23, 24, such as between the side jambs 48, 49, so
that the pumping device 10 can be moved through standard walkthrough
man-door 50 and positioned readily in enclosed spaces or restricted-access
areas that conventional pumping apparatus cannot access. In an exemplary
embodiment, the distance or width between the lateral sides 44, 46 is about
29 inches.
-11-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
With reference to Fig. 1, a mixing apparatus or mixer 52 is
provided for use with the pumping device 10 and,is removably attachable to
the frame 12, as will be described below. The mixer includes a support
frame 53, a drum or mixing basin 58 mounted to the support frame 53, and a
laterally-spaced pair of rolling support members or wheels 59
attached to a lower portion of the support frame 53. The mixer 52 is adapted
to mix an amount of viscous slurry material from, for example, a quantity of
dry mix and a volume of water loaded into a drum or mixing basin 58 of the
mixer 52. To that end, the mixer 52 includes a mixing element (not shown)
positioned in the mixing basin 58 operable for agitating and thoroughly mixing
the dry mix and water to form the viscous slurry material. After the viscous
slurry material is fully mixed by the mixer 52, the mixing basin 58 is tipped
to
load the containment hopper 14 with the amount of slurry material. As the
viscous slurry material within the containment hopper 14 is depleted by the
pumping operation, successive batches of viscous slurry material are
prepared using the mixer 52. The successive batches are loaded periodically
into the containment hopper 14, thereby maintaining a continuous pumping
operation.
The mixer 52 includes a pair of hydraulic lines 54, 55 that are
adapted with fittings to couple releasably in fluid communication with
complementary fittings carried by the hydraulic control system 18. As a
result, the pumping device 10 can provide power to a hydraulic motor 56
powering the mixing element of mixer 52. It is understood that the mixer 52
-12-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
may be self-powered and, therefore, independent of hydraulic power provided
by the pumping device 10.
With reference to Figs. 1 and 4, the support frame 53 of mixer
52 includes at least one but advantageously a pair of laterally-spaced arms
64, 65 that extend outwardly away in a parallel fashion and pins 62, 63
mounted on respective arms 64, 65. At least one but advantageously a pair
of laterally-spaced pivotal latches 60, 61 are mounted on opposite lateral
sides of the containment hopper 14. Each of the pivotal latches 60, 61
includes a keeper 57 that is pivotal about a respective horizontal pivot axis
generally aligned in the lateral direction. Each keeper 57 is pivotal between
a
secured position (Figs. 1 and 4) that captures a respective one of the
respective pins 62, 63 in a recess in a respective one of the pivotal latches
60, 61 and an unsecured position (not shown). In the unsecured position,
the pins 62, 63 are disengaged from the pivotal latches 60, 61 so that the
mixer 52 is not engaged with the frame 12 of the pumping device 10 and the
mixer 52 is readily movable on wheels 59. Pivotal latches 60, 61 and pins
62, 63 comprise conventional, complementary engagement elements that
are configured to provide a releasable engagement between frame 12 and
mixer 52. The complementary engagement elements are at the same level
or elevation when mixer 52 is separated from pump 10 so that mixer 52 may
be moved laterally into and out of engagement with pump 10 without the
need for temporary stilts for, or lifting of, mixer 10. It is apparent that
the
releasable engagement between frame 12 and mixer 52 may be provided by
-13-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
other types of complementary engagement structures familiar to persons of
ordinary skill in the art.
In use, the mixer 52 may be manipulated manually on its
wheels 59 so that the pins 62, 63 on arms 64, 65 move into and out of
engagement with respective ones of the pivotal latches 60, 61. When the
pins 62, 63 are secured by the keepers 57, the frame 12 and the mixer 52
are engaged and are movable as a unit with propulsion provided by the
pumping device 10. However, it is appreciated that the mixer 52 is movable
separately from the frame 12 when the pins 62, 63 are disengaged from the
pivotal latches 60, 61.
With reference to Fig. 4, the frame 12 includes a laterally-
spaced pair of support surfaces 66, 67 that may support the arms 64, 65
when they are engaged with each other. However, the invention is not so
limited
and the mechanical support between the frame 12 and mixer 52 may be
limited to the physical contact between the pivotal latches 60, 61 and the
pins
62, 63. When the mixer 52 is attached to the frame 12, the mixer 52 is
positioned relative to the pumping device 10 for providing successive
supplies of viscous slurry material 11 (Fig. 5) to the containment hopper 14.
The pumping device 10 is configured to be removably
attachable with multiple different types of mixing apparatus. For example
and with reference to Fig. IA, a pan mixer 69 is shown, which is operative for
mixing amounts of viscous slurry material 11 (Fig. 5) and providing fully
mixed viscous slurry material 11 to the containment hopper 14 of the
pumping device 10 via trap door mechanism 69a. Mixer 69 is likewise
-14-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
removably attachable to the pumping device 10 with arms 64a, 65a having
respective pins 62a, 63a that are adapted to releasably engage pivotal
latches 60, 61 by moving mixer 69 laterally into and out of position with pump
10. Mixers 52 and 66 may be freely interchanged for use with pumping
device 10 without limitation so that the specific type of mixing apparatus can
be tailored to the specific type of viscous slurry material 11 being mixed.
Additionally, other types of mixers may be used with pumping device 10,
such as a continuous mixer (not shown), and which may advantageously be
provided with arms and pins (both not shown) to engage with latches 60
and/or 61.
With reference to Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the containment hopper 14
includes a downwardly converging, polygonal funnel portion 68, a curved
bottom wall 70, opposite side walls 71, 73 that longitudinally enclose the
bottom wall 70, an upper opening 72 surrounded by portions of the funnel
portion 68 and adapted to receive the viscous slurry material 11, and a
discharge outlet fitting 74 extending though side wall 73 at a position below
the upper opening 72. The outlet fixture 74 is generally tubular and is
adapted with an internal passageway 75 of a circular cross-section. Viscous
slurry material 11 is discharged from the containment hopper 14 through the
passageway 75 under the action of pump 22. The funnel portion 68 and
gravity direct the viscous slurry from the mixer 52 into the containment
hopper 14 and guide the viscous slurry material to fill the hopper 14 from the
curved bottom wall 70 upwardly toward the upper opening 72. The curved
-15-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
bottom wall 70 defines a concave inner surface 76 which is wetted by the
viscous slurry material during use.
With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the pump 22 of the pumping
apparatus 10 is illustrated as a swing tube pump adapted to pump the
viscous slurry material from the containment hopper 14 to be ejected out of
the discharge outlet fitting 74, generally in the direction indicated by arrow
77
(Fig. 5). The discharge outlet fitting 74 is connected to an inlet end of a
hose
(not shown), through which the viscous slurry material is conveyed to an
outlet end of the hose at a desired application site.
The pump 22 includes a swing tube 78 (Fig. 5) horizontally
disposed within a lower portion of the containment hopper 14 and a pair of
piston pumps 80, 81 (Fig. 6) attached to a bottom portion of frame 12. The
piston pumps 80, 81 are operatively associated with the swing tube 78 and
are hydraulically coupled with the hydraulic control system 18, which
regulates their pumping action and coordinates their pumping action
synchronously with the oscillatory movement of the swing tube 78. The
pump 22 may be constructed in a manner that eliminates the need for a
water box, such as are used in conventional swing tube pumps, by providing
one or more flexible fluid hoses 82 (Figs. I and 6) extending from the piston
pumps 80, 81. The hoses 82 may be in fluid communication, as shown, or
may each terminate separately. The fluid hoses 82 permit ingress and
egress of a fluid that provides a cleaning action on the drive rods or rams
(not
shown) of piston pumps 80, 81. The fluid hoses 82 are readily routed
between piston pumps 80, 81 through the open support network furnished by
-16
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
frame 12. A swing tube pump having this construction is disclosed in
commonly-assigned U.S. Patent 6,511,302 issued January 28, 2008
and entitled "Slurry Piston Pump".
With the use of hose(s) 82, the size of pump 10 is not too large as might
typically be thought to occur with a standard water box. However, a standard
water box may be employed in certain applications.
With continued reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the hydraulic control
system 18 is also hydraulically coupled with a hydraulic shift cylinder 128
(Fig. 8) that periodically moves a relatively-pivotal, segmented shift arm
(not
shown) for moving or oscillating the swing tube 78 relative to the inner
concave surface 76 of the containment hopper 14. The oscillatory motion of
the swing tube 78 periodically aligns a circular inlet opening (not shown) in
a
rearward inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78 with the line of movement of one
of the rams (not shown) of the piston pumps 80, 81. The piston pumps 80,
81 are supported by a spectacle flange 87 (Fig. 5) having suitable
intake/discharge openings (not shown) that permits the rams to alternatingly
pump successive volumes of viscous slurry material into and out of the
front ends of the piston pumps 80, 81. The inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78
receives successive volumes of viscous slurry material under the action of
the piston pumps 80, 81. The viscous slurry material is transported through
an internal passageway (not shown) of the swing tube 78 to a flanged
forward end 86 in fluid communication with the passageway 75 of the outlet
fixture 74. The flanged forward end 86 is mounted for rotation to side wall 73
-17-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
of the containment hopper 14 to accommodate the oscillation of the swing
tube 78.
According to an aspect of the invention and with reference to
Fig. 5, a wiper blade 88 projects downwardly from an exterior side portion of
the swing tube 78 toward the concave inner surface 76 of the containment
hopper 14. A bottom edge 90 of the wiper blade 88 has a curvature that
closely conforms to the curvature of the concave inner surface 76 so that the
two are substantially coextensive. Typically, concave inner surface 76 will
have uniform radius of curvature over the range of movement of the wiper
blade 88 and the bottom edge 78 will be substantially linear. The wiper blade
88 provides a substantially planar panel that is dimensioned and configured
to fill the open space between the underside of the swing tube 78 and the
concave inner surface 76. As the swing tube 78 oscillates, the wiper blade
88 operates to agitate the viscous slurry material located between the
underside of the swing tube 78 and the concave inner surface 76. Blade 88
is advantageously a flat wall piece, as shown, but could alternatively be a
wedge to further move the slurry material toward the piston pumps 80, 81.
With reference to Fig. 7, an aperture 92 is provided in sidewall
73 of the containment hopper 14 and located vertically between the
discharge outlet fitting 74 and a portion of concave inner surface 76 so as
not
to be in the bottom wall 70. Sidewall 73 may also be considered the rear wall
of hopper 14. The aperture 92 is normally closed by a removable panel 94.
A pair of spaced-apart notched arms 99 are attached to the exterior of side
wall 73 adjacent to the periphery of the aperture 92. A pair of swing latches
-18-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
93, 95 are pivotally attached to an exterior portion of removable panel 94 and
are movable, as indicated generally by arrows 97, between a secured
condition, shown in dashed lines, and a released condition, shown in full
lines. In the secured condition, a side portion of each of the swing latches
93, 95 is captured within one of the notched arms 99. When swing latches
93, 95 are in the released condition, the removable panel 94 is removed from
the aperture 92 so that the interior of the containment hopper 14 is
accessible for cleaning, such as draining cleaning liquid introduced through
upper opening 72.
Another removable panel 96 may be attached to removable
panel 94 and is dimensioned and configured to fill at least a portion of
aperture 92. A gasket sheet 98 is positioned between the removable panels
94, 96 and overlaps portions of the side wall 73 about the periphery of the
aperture 92. The overlapping portion of gasket sheet 98 provides a
substantially fluid-tight seal between the panel 94 and the periphery of the
aperture 92 when panel 94 is in the secured condition. When the removable
panels 94, 96 are installed in aperture 92, the interior surface of the side
wall
73 is substantially smooth and continuous due to the presence of removable
panel 96 and lacks any areas that would readily trap amounts of viscous
slurry material.
The hydraulic control system 18 includes a control manifold 102
formed of a metal block precision drilled with multiple passageways (see Fig.
8). A plurality of flow control devices 103 are within or appending from the
metal block, and a plurality of hoses (not shown) couple multiple outlet ports
-19-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
of the passageways of the control manifold 102 into fluid communication with
flow control devices 103. For example, the hydraulic control system 18
routes pressurized hydraulic fluid for controlling the cyclical application of
the
hydraulic pressure to piston pumps 80, 81 and correlating the application of
hydraulic pressure to operate piston pumps 80, 81 with the application of
hydraulic pressure that provides the oscillating movement of the swing tube
78. The hydraulic pressure is selectively applied so that the inlet end 84 of
the swing tube 78 is positioned relative to one or the other of the piston
pumps 80, 81 for receiving successive volumes of viscous slurry material 11.
With reference to Fig. 8, a hydraulic circuit, indicated generally
by reference numeral 100, for the hydraulic control system 18 (Fig. 1) is
diagrammatically illustrated. The hydraulic control system 18 consists of the
manifold, indicated generally on Fig. 8 by reference numeral 102, having the
form of a generally rectangular block of aluminum, and the hydraulic circuit
100, which includes numerous interconnected internal passageways
machined in the manifold 102. The hydraulic circuit 100 controls the
operation of the pump 22, the hydraulic motor 19 that drives at least one of
the wheels 23 and, optionally, the hydraulic motor 56 powering the mixing
element of mixer 52.
The control system 18 includes a variable displacement
hydraulic pump 104 energized by power unit 16. Hydraulic pump 104 is a
variable displacement pump which has an output that can be changed by
varying the speed of power unit 16. Power unit 16 is powered on and off by a
switch 106 provided on control unit 20 (Fig. 1). The hydraulic pump 106
-20-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
withdraws hydraulic fluid from a reservoir 108 through a suction strainer 109
and provides pressurized hydraulic fluid via a supply line 110 to a
passageway 112 in manifold 102 and via line 111 to a passageway 113 in
manifold 102. A pressure gauge 115 senses the hydraulic pressure in
passageway 112 via passageway 114 and provides a visual indication of the
hydraulic pressure. A relief valve 116 in passageway 118 monitors the
pressure in passageway 112 and diverts the pressurized hydraulic fluid from
passageway 112 back to the reservoir 108 over passageway 120 and line
122 if the pressure exceeds a given threshold.
Two solenoid-operated two-way directional-control valves 124,
126 regulate the diversion of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a double-acting
hydraulic cylinder 128 that supplies the motive power to oscillate the swing
tube 78 and the piston pumps 80, 81 under the control of a conventional
pumping electrical circuit (not shown) that synchronizes the oscillation of
the
swing tube 78 with the operation of the piston pumps 80, 81. Such timing
electrical circuits are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and may
include, for example, proximity switches on the piston pumps 80, 81 that
indicate when the respective piston (not shown) is at the opposite extremes
of its stroke. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided from directional-
control
valve 124 through passageway 125 in manifold 102 to a solenoid-operated
four-way directional-control valve 130. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is
directed
through a passageway 131 in manifold 102 to the line 122 in fluid
communication with reservoir 108. A check valve 129 is provided in
passageway 125 and a pressure reducer 127 is provided in passageway 131.
-21-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
The hydraulic cylinder 128 has a movable piston (not shown)
dividing the interior into a rod end portion and a head end portion, a head
end-port end at the head end, and a rod-end port at a rod end, as
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Pressurized hydraulic fluid
is
suppled from four-way directional-control valve 130 via passageway 132 in
manifold 102 and line 134 to the head-end port and returned to the four-way
directional-control valve 130 via passageway 136 in manifold 102 and line
138 from the rod end port to the reservoir 108. This flow directionality
extends the piston to position the swing tube 78 to receive viscous slurry
material from piston pump 80. The flow paths for the pressurized hydraulic
fluid are reversed to retract the piston of hydraulic cylinder 128 so that
pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the rod end port via passageway
136 and line 138 and returned from the head end port to the reservoir via
passageway 132 and line 134.
With continued reference to Fig. 8 in which the piston of piston
pump 80 is extended, pressurized hydraulic fluid is provided to a solenoid-
operated two-way directional-control valve 140 from solenoid-operated two-
way directional-control valve 124 via passageways 142 and 144 in manifold
102. Passageway 142 includes a check valve 146 and a needle valve 147
that is operative for controlling the speed of piston pumps 80, 81 by
regulating the volumetric flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to pumps 80, 81.
The piston pumps 80, 81 have the form of double-acting hydraulic cylinders,
each having a movable piston (not shown) dividing the interior into a rod end
portion and a head end portion, a head end-port end at the head end, and a
-22-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
rod-end port at a rod end, as understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art.
As shown in Fig. 8, the solenoid-operated two-way directional-control valve
140 is switched to direct pressurized hydraulic fluid through a passageway
148 in manifold 102 and a line 150 to the head-end port of piston pump 80
and to drain pressurized hydraulic fluid from the head-end port of piston
pump 81 via a line 152, a passageway 154 in manifold 102, the passageway
120 and the line 122 to reservoir 108. The rod-end ports of the piston pumps
80, 81 are both connected to a line 156 leading to a passageway 158 in
manifold 102. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is withdrawn and supplied, as
required, from passageway 158 via passageways 160, 162, respectively, in
manifold 102. Passageway 160 includes a relief valve 164 that permits
pressurized hydraulic fluid to flow into passageway 120 above a threshold
pressure. Passageway 162 includes a check valve 166, a relief valve 168
selectively connected at a threshold pressure with passageway 169 in
manifold 102 that is in fluid communication with the passageway 120.
Passageway 162 is in fluid communication with the two-way directional-
control valve 126. To extend the piston of piston pump 81, two-way
directional-controk valve 140 reverses the flow paths for the pressurized
hydraulic fluid so that pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the head-
end
port of pump 81 via line 152 and passageway 154 and returned from the
head-end port of pump 80 to the reservoir via passageway 148 and line 150.
A pressure switch 170 is connected via passageway 171 to passageway 125
and is operative for switching valves 124, 126 to provide the two fluid flow
-23-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
conditions that alternatingly move the piston pumps 80, 81 and the hydrauiic
cylinder 128 for swing tube 78.
With continued reference to Fig. 8, hydraulic pump 172,
powered by hydraulic pump 104, withdraws hydraulic fluid via strainer 173
from the reservoir 108 through a strainer and provides pressurized hydraulic
fluid over hydraulic line 174 to a passageway 176 in manifold 102. A relief
valve 178 in passageway 176 monitors the pressure passageway 179 and
diverts the pressurized hydraulic fluid from passageway 176 back to the
reservoir 108 over passageway 186 and line 188 if the pressure exceeds a
given threshold. A oil cooler 190 and a filter 192 are coupled in fluid
communication with line 188. Oil cooler 190 includes a motorized blower 194
with switched power controlled by switch 196 which is operable to reduce the
temperature of the pressurized hydraulic fluid. Filter 192 continuously
removes contamination, such as foreign particles, that accumulate in the
hydraulic fluid.
Passageway 176 branches into a passageway 180 connected
to a solenoid-operated four-way directional-control valve 181, and into a
passageway 182 connected to a solenoid-operated four-way directional-
control valve 183. A needle valve 177 is provided in passageway 180. One
side of each of the four-way directional-control valves 181, 183 is connected
in series by a passageway 184. Four-way directional-control valve 181 is
operative for selectively and bidirectionally providing pressurized hydraulic
fluid through a pair of passageways 198, 199 in manifold 102 to a respective
pair of lines 200, 201 that are in fluid communication with the hydraulic
motor
-24-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
19 driving at least one of the wheels 23 (Fig. 1). A pair of cross-port relief
valves 202, 203 and a needle valve 204 interconnect the passageways 198,
199. A switch 206 is provided for actuating one solenoid of four-way
directional-control valve 181 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid
into
passageway 198 and line 200 operative to rotate the hydraulic motor 19 in a,
for example, forward direction. Similarly, a switch 208 is provided for
actuating the other solenoid of four-way directional-control valve 181 to
direct
a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid into passageway 199 and line 201
operative to rotate the hydraulic motor 19 in a, for example, reverse
direction.
With continued reference to Fig. 8, four-way directional-control
valve 183 selectively and bidirectionally provides pressurized hydraulic fluid
through a pair of passageways 122, 123 in manifold 102 to a pair of auxiliary
ports 211, 213 on an outer surface of manifold 102. The auxiliary ports 211,
213 are provided with quick disconnect fittings for the attachment of lines
for
providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to, for example, mixers, tools, and
chemical systems. For example, hydraulic lines 54, 55 of mixer 52 are
provided with complementary quick disconnect fittings so that the pressurized
hydraulic fluid can be transferred from the auxiliary outlet ports 211, 213 to
a
hydraulic motor 56 providing rotational kinetic energy to the mixer 52 (Fig.
1).
A switch 214 is provided for actuating one solenoid of four-way directional-
control valve 183 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid into
passageway 210 to port 211 and, for example, line 55 operative to rotate the
hydraulic motor 56 in a, for example, forward direction. Similarly, a switch
216 is provided for actuating the other solenoid of four-way directional-
control
-25-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
valve 183 to direct a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid into passageway 212
to port 213 and, for example, line 54 operative to rotate the hydraulic motor
56 in a, for example, reverse direction. The circuitry used for controlling
the
switches 206, 208, 214 and 216 is conventional and familiar to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
A sight glass 220 and filter breather 222 are coupled in fluid
communication with a passageway in manifold 102 that is further coupled
with the passageway 125. An accumulator 224 is coupled in fluid
communication with a passageway 225 in manifold 102 that leads to the
passageway 125. A dump valve 226 is provided for exhausting the
pressurized hydraulic fluid to the reservoir 108 over passageway 120 and line
122.
In use, the mixer 52 is associated with the frame 12 of pumping
device 10 by moving mixer 52 and pump 10 laterally together to engage
pivotal latches 60, 61 with pins 62, 63. Switch 106 of control system 18 is
actuated to start operation of power unit 16, which in turn energizes
hydraulic
pumps 104 and 172 to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic
circuit 104. The pumping device 10 and mixer 52 are collectively moved to a
location proximate the application site by switching switches 206, 208 as
needed to provide forward and rearward propulsion by selectively providing
pressurized hydraulic fluid from hydraulic pump 172 to hydraulic motor 19,
which drives at least one of wheels 23 via drive assembly 26. The guide bar
28 is used to manually direct the pumping device 10 by pivoting wheels 24.
The pumping device 10 may be positioned in enclosed spaces and restricted-
-26-
CA 02398026 2008-10-31
access areas, unaccessible to convention pumping devices, for applying or
delivering viscous slurry material. For example, the pumping device 10 is
dimensioned to be insertable into the space between confronting side jambs
48, 49 of a standard walkthrough man-door 50, as described above.
However, the present invention is not so limited and it is understood that
pumping device 10 may be positioned at application sites that are readily
accessible to conventional pumping devices and used thereafter to apply
viscous slurry material.
At the application site, switches 206, 208 are switched as
required to terminate propulsion of the pumping device 10 by discontinuing
the provision of hydraulic pressure to hydraulic pump 172. After being fixed
in position, one end of a distribution hose (not shown) is attached in fluid
communication with the discharge outlet fitting 74. The distribution hose may
be extended either horizontally or vertically, or in both dimensions and a
discharge nozzle is attached to an opposite end of hose. Compressed air
may be provided from a compressor (not shown) to suitable outlets adjacent
to or within the discharge nozzle for operations that spray the viscous slurry
material from application. .
The mixer 52 is utilized to mix an amount of viscous slurry
material, which is supplied to the upper opening 72 in containment hopper
14. Hydraulic lines 54, 55 of mixer 52 are connected to the ports 211, 212 of
hydraulic control system 18 for providing power to agitate and mix the
viscous slurry material. Successive batches of viscous slurry material are
prepared using the mixer 52 and provided to the pumping device 10 as the
-27-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
viscous slurry material within the containment hopper 14 is depleted during
application.
To pump the viscous slurry material from the containment
hopper 14 into the hose for subsequent application, the pumping electrical
circuit (not shown) is energized to initiate the operation of the piston pumps
80, 81 and the hydraulic cylinder 128 oscillating the swing tube 78. The
application of the hydraulic pressure from hydraulic pump 104 to the piston
pumps 80, 81 is timed cyclically with the movement of the swing tube 74 by
the action of hydraulic cylinder 128, also from hydrauiic pressure supplied
from hydraulic pump 104. Pressurized hydraulic fluid is selectively applied
when the inlet end 84 of the swing tube 78 is periodically and alternatingly
positioned relative to one or the other of the piston pumps 80, 81. The
hydraulic circuit 100 accomplishes this synchronous performance by the
operation of valves 124, 126, 130, and 140, which diverts the pressurized
hydraulic fluid as required to piston pumps 80, 81 and hydraulic cylinder 128.
During operation, hydraulic pressure is provided to the head-
end port and relieved from the rod-end port of hydraulic cylinder 128 to align
the inlet end 84 of swing tube 78 with the line of discharge of viscous slurry
material from piston pump 80. Hydraulic pressure is provided to the head-
end port of piston pump 80 and relieved from the head-end port of piston
pump 81 so that piston pump 80 extends to perform a discharge stroke that
discharges a volume of viscous slurry material and piston pump 81 retracts to
perform an intake stroke that intakes a volume of viscous slurry material.
When the discharge stroke of piston pump 80 has been completed, hydraulic
-28-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
pressure is provided to the rod-end port and relieved from the head-end port
of hydraulic cylinder 128 to align the inlet end 84 of swing tube 78 with the
line of discharge of viscous slurry material from piston pump 81. The
hydraulic pressure to the head-end port of piston pump 80 is relieved and
hydraulic pressure is provided to the head end port of piston pump 81. The
pressurization and release steps are repeated cyclically to provide a flow of
viscous slurry material to the internal passageway 75 of discharge outlet
fitting 74.
After application is complete, the pumping device 10 and mixer
52 are collectively or separately removed from the application site by
switching switches 206, 208 as needed to provide forward and rearward
propulsion by selectively providing pressurized hydraulic fluid from hydraulic
pump 172 to hydraulic motor 19, which drives at least one of wheels 23 via
drive assembly 26. The guide bar 28 is used to manually direct the pumping
device 10 by pivoting wheels 24. The pumping device 10 is cleaned to place
it in a state suitable for storage until the next use. In particular, residual
viscous slurry material in the containment hopper 14 is removed by providing
a flow of a cleansing fluid, such as water, to the upper opening 72 and
draining the soiled cleansing fluid from the aperture 92 in side wall 73. The
aperture 92 is opened by pivoting swing latches 93, 95 from the secured
condition to the released condition and removing removable panels 94, 96
that normally occludes aperture 92.
As can be seen, pumping device 10 is self contained, and need
not include any seat or cab portion as is typical of large truck concrete pump
-29-
CA 02398026 2002-05-30
systems, and so can be handled and moved about by a single user (not
shown) while standing on the ground.
While the present invention has been illustrated by the
description of an embodiment thereof and specific examples, and while the
embodiment has been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to
restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled
in
the art. For example, it is contemplated that the pumping device present
invention is not limited to having a swing tube pump and may be configured
with other types of pumps, such as a ball valve pump. The invention in its
broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details,
representative
apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing
from the scope or spirit of applicant's general inventive concept.
Having described the invention, what is claimed is:
-30-
