Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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METHOD FOR SEPARATING
MATTER FROM AN EXPOSED SURFACE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to exposed surfaces with separable, discrete matter
thereon and, more particularly, to a method for separating, and potentially
controllably removing, the matter from those surfaces.
BACKGROUND ART
Cargo ships, especially dry-bulk cargo and liquid-bulk cargo ships, are used
to transport a wide range of products and materials on waterways worldwide. In
one known dry-bulk cargo ship construction, multiple cargo holds are formed in
the
ship's hull to accept bulk quantities of particulate material. Each cargo hold
is
bounded by a ferrous wall structure and has an overhead access for loading and
unloading of the materials. A typical cargo hold may have length and width
dimensions on the order of 100 feet, a height on the order of 60 feet, and in
excess of 220,000 square feet of exposed, interior, surface area.
A description of the transportation of powdered cement in a dry bulk cargo
ship will be provided hereinbelow to demonstrate some of the problems that
have
plagued this industry. In a typical operation, a cargo hold will be filled
with the
cement at a load port. At the destination port, the cement is discharged.
Loading
and discharge of the cement is carried out using any of a number of different,
well-
known techniques and equipment. These techniques are designed to remove the
majority, but not all of the bulk cargo. The balance of the residual cargo, as
well
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as residues of previous cargo, other debris, loose rust, scale, loose paint
and other
potential contaminants such as stains, must also be removed prior to loading
another cargo at the same or a different load port.
In the event that the hold is refilled with cement, the preparation of the
hold
for reloading may be minimal. However, if the next cargo is different, all
interior
surfaces of the hold, including the walls of the hold, may have to be
thoroughly
cleaned so as to not contaminate the new product with the cement residue that
adheres to the walls, overhead and other structures, fittings within the hold,
and
hatch covers.
Heretofore, the cleaning of the walls and other surfaces within a cargo hold
has been time and labor intensive and has further required relatively
expensive
equipment. Ladders are sometimes used to clean the lower areas of the hold,
and
a lift structure is often introduced to each hold to clean the upper areas.
Each lift
consists of a self-powered vehicle with a repositionable support fora bucket,
within
which a worker resides during the cleaning process. The vehicle must be
strategically maneuvered into different locations to allow the worker to
access the
full areal expanse of the cargo hold wall.
The shipping industry has utilized the above techniques for decades and
has contended with a number of problems associated therewith due to the fact
that
better alternatives have not been available, especially to clean inaccessible
areas
of the hold and hatch covers. First of all, this type of cleaning equipment is
relatively expensive for a number of reasons, including the necessary delivery
time
and costs from anchor. The cleaning of the ship is very slow because only a
few
workers on the lift are able to clean the ship at one time. When working from
ladders, additional labor is required to hold the base of the ladder, further
depleting
the normally available labor pool and slowing the overall cleaning operation.
The
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refilling and deployment of the ships are therefore delayed, with a consequent
loss
of revenue.
Second, these conventional vehicles require that the workers be elevated
to heights that are inherently dangerous. Personnel manning these vehicles
must
be trained and certified in their operation, and thus have a relatively high
skill level
and must exercise extreme care to avoid injury. This type of labor is
generally
expensive and often unavailable at cleaning locations to meet demands. The use
of ladders at this height also causes workers to be precariously situated.
Third, the size and configuration of a hold may limit the number of vehicles
that can function at the same time therein. The use of a single vehicle in
each
hold may delay the cleaning process for days, during which cleaning and
docking
expenses are incurred without any generation of revenue.
Fourth, if multiple vehicles are operated at the same time in a given hold,
an even higher level of skill in operation may be required to coordinate the
efforts
of the workers in an efficient and safe manner and to place additional lifts
into the
hold of a rocking ship with a crane. In addition to the risk to workers, lift
equipment
is often damaged during these maneuvers. Safety and efficiency are further
challenged by reason of the fact that these operations, to remove fine
particulate
cement, may cause the particles to be entrained in the air and completely fill
the
space in the hold, which impairs visibility and additionally exposes the
workers to
health risks associated with inhalation of these particles.
Fifth, these vehicles are generally powered by fuels that cause byproduct
emissions that become confined in the hold. This introduces an additional
health
risk to the workers and limits the times when the ship can be cleaned. During
periods of precipitation, the holds cannot be cleaned due to the dangerous
emissions which accumulate when the holds are covered to keep them dry.
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The shipping industry is highly competitive. Consequently, efficiency
becomes a primary focus of those in this industry. A ship in port is doing
nothing
more for its owner/operator/charterer than generating expenses. Any crew that
is
not participating in the cleaning process is being paid for downtime. Docking,
fuel,
and other fees accrue on a daily basis. Charter times are usually calculated
in six
minute intervals. Thus, it is clearly in the interest of the owner/operator to
quickly,
safely and efficiently clean the cargo holds and refill the same to allow
transportation of materials and generation of income after the ship is
certified
clean and placed "on hire". Unfortunately, an emphasis on efficiency may cause
a compromise in safety in the cleaning operations. Even on an expedited
schedule, however, the preparation of five to nine separate cargo holds may
take
as long as 3-5 days, or longer.
Many of the above problems are inherent to cargo ship holds by reason of
their significant expanse. However, other exposed surfaces in those
environments in which discrete, pourable matter is stored and/or conveyed
present
a particular problem to those that are required to treat them, either by
reason of
separating matter therefrom or applying a surface preparation product thereto.
There are a number of exposed surfaces, both flat and contoured, that exist
in cargo holds, on hatch covers, and in other environments, that require
special
measures to separate adhered matter. The matter may be foreign matter that
becomes adhered to a surface by reason of contact with that surface, such as
in
the event of a separately stored material that contacts the surface.
Alternatively,
the matter may have been generated from the surface itself, be it by rust,
corrosion, loose paint, interaction with a component, or infliction of some
damage
to the surface. Regardless of the origin of the matter, it is often present in
such
a manner that it is either a) adhered with a significant tenacity to the
surface or b)
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located at a contour such that is not readily accessible to be dislodged, as
by a
brush or scraper.
As noted above, these conditions may be present in ship cargo holds and
other environments, such as silos, storage tanks, barns etc. Further, this
condition
5 is not peculiar to environments in which materials are stored. As one
example,
material conveyors have surfaces which support matter and otherwise come into
contact with the matter that must be cleaned during use. For purposes of
explanation herein, the number of the field conditions with which the present
invention is adapted to address will be described with respect to the shipping
industry, with it being understood that the application is not so limited.
In a ship's cargo hold, a number of surface configurations are routinely
encountered. In addition, each cargo hold may have its own unique
configuration
which impairs access and complicates the process of separating matter from
exposed surfaces thereon.
Typical to ship holds are corners at which side walls, floors, and ceiling
surfaces meet. Ladders and stairs for ingress and egress are also common to
this
environment. A crew cleaning a ship's cargo hold can also anticipate
encountering
ledges, hatches with various recessed contours, etc. It is also common in the
shipping industry to bound cargo holds with corrugated panels and steel beams.
Heretofore, those cleaning ship cargo holds have had essentially two
options. The first option is to use currently available equipment to access
these
hard-to-reach areas directly by the worker on a lift or ladder. This typically
involves
using lifts for higher surfaces to situate the worker in close proximity to
the
particular condition. While some such surfaces may be reasonably accessible,
most surfaces are not, due in part to their height. At some locations, the
matter
to be separated, by reason of this inaccessibility due to either height or
some
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obstruction, may be accessed as by a blast of pressurized air, which causes
light
particles to become entrained in the surrounding area. As previously noted,
this
creates a health risk to the workers and also potentially obstructs vision.
Some structures also create other unique conditions that must be
contended with by those cleaning surfaces in these environments. For example,
at upwardly facing ledges and other transition areas, a significant
accumulation of
matter may occur. Breaking up a large accumulation of such matter typically is
accomplished by directly accessing the accumulations, potentially at
dangerously
high locations. Alternatively, blasting such accumulations may aggravate the
aforementioned problem of entraining the lighter particles, which creates
health
risks and obscures workers' vision within the hold.
Accordingly, a second option in the industry to avoid these time consuming
efforts is to focus the cleaning operation on bulk recovery, without spending
the
time required to separate matter by accessing these surfaces. This practice
may
contribute to the deterioration of surfaces over time. The residue may also
contaminate subsequently loaded materials. This latter option is almost
inevitable
in certain environments in which surface intricacies are such that it would be
impractical for workers to directly access and/or break loose the matter at a
number of different locations.
As eluded to above, the cleaning process is not limited to separately
adhered matter, but may also involve removing stain and rust and scale that is
adhered with a tenacity sufficient that it is not easily broken loose, as by a
brush
passing thereagainst. Consequently, there is a need to take other measures to
remove this type of potential contaminant. In a large volume space, in which
there
may be over 220,000 square feet of surface to treat, such a cleaning operation
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may represent an enormous amount of down time as crews maneuver and use
equipment that requires that the ship be at rest in port.
Another operation that is commonly undertaken is the application of a
component preparatory to storage of a particular type of material. Ideally, an
additive would be applied to each surface which the material contacts. This
may be
a labor intensive process, particularly in large spaces wherein workers have
been
required to be placed in close proximity to the surfaces to which the additive
is
applied. Conventional application techniques may be inadequate to apply the
additive
to surfaces that are intricate, in tight spaces, or not readily accessible.
The shipping industry has for the most part contended with the above
problems, most notable which are significant down time, expensive cleaning
processes, and potentially ineffective cleaning of ship cargo holds. The
industry
continues to be in need of improved methods and apparatus for cleaning foreign
matter from, and treating, such surface areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one form, the invention is directed to a method of treating an exposed
surface. The method includes the steps of: providing a treating apparatus
having an
elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region and at least one
flexible
surface contacting element at the distal region; manipulating the elongate
support at
the proximal region to thereby place at least one flexible surface contacting
element
at the exposed surface to be treated; and causing the at least one flexible
surface
contacting element at the exposed surface to be treated; and causing the at
least one
flexible surface contacting element to be repeatedly moved at the exposed
surface to
effect treatment of the exposed surface, wherein the step of causing the at
least one
flexible surface contacting element to be repeatedly moved at one exposed
surface
comprises the at least one flexible surface contacting element to be moved in
a
whipping action.
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In one form, the exposed surface at least one of a) bounds a space within
which matter is stored; and b) is associated with an apparatus that conveys
matter
between spaced locations.
In one form, the step of manipulating the elongate support involves bearing
a guide surface on the treating apparatus against the exposed surface and
moving
the guide surface guidingly against the exposed surface to thereby selectively
place the at least one flexible surface contacting element at different
locations with
respect to the exposed surface.
The guide surface may be on a wheel that is rolled against the exposed
surface.
The guide surface may be moved slidingly against the exposed surface to
resituate the at least one flexible surface contacting element.
In one form, the step of causing the at least one flexible surface contacting
element to be repeatedly moved involves causing the at least one flexible
surface
contacting element to be moved in a whipping action.
In one form, the flexible surface contacting element is in the form of a tube.
In one form, the step of causing the at least one flexible surface contacting
element to be repeatedly moved involves directing a fluid under pressure from
a
source through the tube.
The fluid may be at least one of a liquid and a gas.
With the guide surface defined by a wheel having a rotational axis, the
method may further involve the step of changing a relationship between the
elongate support and the rotational axis of the wheel.
In one form, the wheel is mounted on a base and the method further
involves the step of directing a pressurized fluid from a source through a
part of
the base.
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In one form, the base may be reoriented relative to the elongate support.
In one form, the at least one flexible surface contacting element is mounted
on the base.
The method may further include the step of directing a pressurized fluid
from a source to the distal region of the elongate support.
The fluid may be directed through the elongate support or be separately
supplied.
In one form, a plurality of flexible surface contacting elements are provided.
In another form, a plurality of the flexible surface contacting elements are
provided at each of first and second spaced locations at the distal region of
the
elongate support.
In another form, a cleaning assembly is provided at the distal region of the
elongate support. The method may further involve the step of sliding the
cleaning
assembly against the exposed surface as the elongate support is manipulated.
In another form of the invention, a curtain is provided at the distal region
of
the elongate support. The curtain is in one form situated in depending fashion
and
directs downward movement of matter separated from the exposed surface.
The curtain may have a tubular shape.
In one form, a frame is provided. A flexible sheet material is attached to the
frame and defines the curtain.
In one form, the treating apparatus further includes a pad assembly. The
method may further involve the steps of placing the pad assembly against the,
exposed surface and causing the at least one surface contacting element to
indirectly contact the exposed surface by repeatedly impacting the pad
assembly.
The step of providing a treating apparatus may involve providing at least
one fluid conduit. The method may further include the step of directing
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pressurized fluid from a source through the at least one fluid conduit so as
to
controllably direct matter separated from the exposed surface.
The method may further include the step of generating a controlled
pressurized fluid flow at the distal region of the elongate support to control
5 movement of matter separated from the exposed surface.
In one form, the step of providing a treating apparatus involves providing a
frame at the distal region of the elongate support. With the flexible surface
contacting element in the form of a flexible tube, the method may further
include
the step of connecting the at least one flexible tube to the frame so that a
10 pressurized fluid directed through the at least one flexible tube can be
directed
generally in a first direction relative to the frame.
The frame may be reoriented relative to the elongate support to change the
air flow direction/location.
The method may include the step of causing at least a second flexible
surface contacting element to be repeatedly moved at the exposed surface to
effect treatment of the exposed surface. The step of connecting the at least
one
flexible tube to the frame may involve connecting the at least one flexible
tube to
the frame so that the pressurized fluid can be directed to control movement of
matter separated by the at least second flexible surface contacting element.
The step of causing the at least one flexible surface contacting element to
be moved may involve causing the at least one flexible surface contacting
element
to be moved repeatedly one of: a) directly against the exposed surface and b)
generally parallel to the exposed surface.
The at least one flexible surface contacting element may be repeatedly
moved in a random manner at the exposed surface.
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The method may include the step of restricting random movement of the at
least one flexible surface contacting element away from the exposed surface.
The method may involve the steps of directing a pressurized fluid through
the at least one flexible surface contacting element and controlling discharge
of
pressurized fluid from the at least one flexible surface contacting element to
thereby control movement of matter separated by repeatedly moving the at least
on flexible surface contacting element at the exposed surface.
In one form, the step of providing a treating apparatus involves providing a
tine assembly having at least a first repositionable tine with which the at
least one
flexible surface contacting element is associated. The method may further
include
the step of repeatedly moving the first tine relative to the exposed surface
as an
incident of the at least one flexible surface contacting element repeatedly
moving.
The first tine may be repeatedly moved relative to the elongate support
against the exposed surface.
In one form, the first tine has a free end and the at least one flexible
surface
contacting element extends one of: near to, up to, or beyond, the free end of
the
first tine.
In one form, the step of providing a treating apparatus involves providing a
shield assembly on the elongate support. The method may further include the
steps of discharging fluid under pressure through the at least one flexible
surface
contacting element and controlling movement of fluid discharge from the
flexible
surface contacting element through the shield assembly.
In one form, the step of causing the at least one flexible surface contacting
element to be repeatedly moved without causing the at least one flexible
surface
contacting element to be repeatedly moved to cause matter on the exposed
surface to be separated from the exposed surface. The method may further
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include the steps of determining a type and quantity of matter separated from
the
exposed surface and, based on at least the type of quantity of matter
separated,
making an analysis of the state of the exposed surface and the suitability to
contact and confine a supply of a particular matter.
The invention is further directed to a method of treating an exposed surface,
which method includes the steps of: providing a treating apparatus having an
elongate support with a proximal region and a distal region and a tube with an
outlet at the distal region; directing a pressurized fluid through the tube
for
discharge at the tube outlet; and manipulating the elongate support at the
proximal
region to thereby place the tube outlet at the exposed surface to be treated
and
so that pressurized fluid at the tube outlet can be directed by a user to
control
movement of matter separated from the exposed surface.
The method may further include the step of changing an orientation of the
tube outlet relative to the elongate support.
The method may further include the step of separating matter adhered to
the exposed surface with a mechanism in addition to the tube.
The step of separating matter with a mechanism in addition to the tube may
involve separating matter by impacting the exposed surface.
The step of providing a treating apparatus may involve providing, a frame
at the distal region of the elongate support. The tube in one form has a
flexible
portion that is attached to the frame to fix the orientation of the tube
relative to the
elongate support. The method may further include the step of detaching the
tube
from the frame so that the pressurized fluid directed through the tube causes
the
tube to move in a random manner at least one of a) against and b) adjacent to
the
exposed surface.
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The method may further include the step of directing a surface preparing
pressurized fluid through the at least one flexible surface contacting element
to
thereby cause a) the at least flexible surface contacting element to be
randomly
moved and b) the surface preparing the fluid to be applied to the exposed
surface.
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;
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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;
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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);
5 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;
10 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;
15 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;
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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;
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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;
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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;
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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;
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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;
5 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
10 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
15 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;
20 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;
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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; and
Fig. 80 is a schematic representation of a remotely controlled surface
treating apparatus, according to the 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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
5 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.
10 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
15 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
20 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
25 48 to a remote location where a power supply 134 is located. For example,
the
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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
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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 maybe permanently
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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
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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.
Asa 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.
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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
5 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 BrushlonTM 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.
10 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.
15 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
20 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
25 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.
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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 'Figs. 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
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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.
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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
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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".
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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
5 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,
10 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
15 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',
20 238", 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
25 the pad against such a surface or by propelling the same towards the
surface,
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
5 306. 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
10 312. 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
15 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
20 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
25 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
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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
-20 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.
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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 1/8 inch, and outside diameter of
1/8
to 3/4 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-
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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
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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.
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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
5 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,
10 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
15 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
20 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
25 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
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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.
Asa 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
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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
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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
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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 0
to
the length of the elongate support/pole 302, which angle 0 may be fixed or
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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
5 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.
10 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.
15 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
20 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
25 422 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,
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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
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
5 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
10 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,
15 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
20 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
25 a web 468 and flange 470 which bound discrete, generally rectangular,
compartments 472 with an opening 474 defined between adjacent flanges 470
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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
5 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
10 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
15 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.
20 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
25 potentially simplifies, and reduces the weight of, the overall system.
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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 inspectorto 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
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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.
The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is intended to be
illustrative of the broad concepts comprehended by the invention.
