Abstract
The present invention is directed to a hydroblasting system comprising a head assembly connected with some conveyance, whether now known or hereafter developed. Such head assembly may comprise, for instance, biasing elements configured to provide such head assembly with a floating functionality stemming from, for instance, the creation of an independent suspension, thereby enabling such head assembly to traverse irregular topographies. Further embodiments of such a head assembly may be configured to enable the same to be used on work surfaces such as a ceiling or wall, via a pneumatic assembly configured to apply force to such head assembly. Such a head assembly may further comprise a rotating manifold configured to supply the applicator thereof with high pressure fluid, during angular misalignment between the fluid source and the applicator. Further embodiments may use sensors and computing systems to allow for the autonomous movement of such head assembly and/or conveyance.
Claims
1. A hydroblasting system comprising: a hydroblasting head assembly mounted to a conveyance, said conveyance having a drive system capable of receiving electrical signals as inputs; a computerized control system disposed in communication with said drive system, said computerized control system being further operative to generate control instructions and transmit said control instructions to said drive system, said computer control instructions being operative to move said head assembly relative to a work surface.
2. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 further comprising wherein said control instructions match predetermined inputs of said drive system.
3. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said computerized control system is further configured to reference a three-dimensional model of said work surface.
4. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said computerized control system is further configured to receive a predetermined path for said hydroblasting head assembly.
5. The hydroblasting system of claim 4 wherein said computerized control system is further configured to generate and execute control instructions operative to move said hydroblasting head assembly through said predetermined path.
6. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of sensors on said hydroblasting head assembly configured to determine proximity of said head assembly to said work surface.
7. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of boundary control elements disposed about said work surface.
8. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said conveyance is selected from the group consisting of: a man lift, a track hoe, a scissor lift, a boom, a scaffolding system, and a wheeled cart.
9. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said head assembly further comprises an upper chassis and a lower chassis with at least one biasing member disposed there between; said lower chassis having an applicator disposed there below; said lower chassis having at least one mobility component disposed thereon; and said applicator disposed in fluid communication with a pump component through at least one manifold.
10. The hydroblasting system of claim 9 wherein said manifold further comprises an oscillation assembly configured to shift said applicator between at least a first position and a second position.
11. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said work surface includes a vertical surface.
12. The hydroblasting system of claim 1 wherein said work surface includes a ceiling.
13. A method for autonomous hydroblasting comprising: providing a hydroblasting head assembly mounted to a conveyance, the conveyance having a drive system capable of receiving electrical signals as inputs; further providing a computerized control system disposed in communication with the drive system, the computerized control system being further operative to generate control instructions and transmit the control instructions to the drive system, the computer control instructions being operative to cause the conveyance to move the head assembly relative to a work surface; obtaining a three-dimensional model of a work surface to be hydroblasted; utilizing the three-dimensional model of the work surface to generate pathways along the work surface which the hydroblasting head assembly will follow during a hydroblasting procedure; transmitting the pathways to the computerized control system as machine instructions; executing the machine instructions on the computerized control system.
14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the conveyance is selected from the group consisting of: a man lift, a track hoe, a scissor lift, a boom, a scaffolding system, and a wheeled cart.
15. The method as recited in claim 13 further comprising the step of permitting the computerized control system to move the hydroblasting head along the generated pathways in an autonomous fashion.
16. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the control instructions match predetermined inputs of the drive system.
17. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the hydroblasting head assembly comprises at least an upper chassis and a lower chassis with at least one biasing member disposed therebetween.
18. The method is recited in claim 13 wherein the work surface includes a vertical surface.
19. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the work surface includes a ceiling.
20. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein the hydroblasting head assembly further comprises an oscillating assembly configured to shift an applicator between at least a first position and a second position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0058] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the foregoing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which views of various embodiments of the present invention are presented.
[0059] FIG. 1A depicts a head assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 1B depicts a head assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIG. 2A depicts a bottom view of an applicator utilized by the head assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 2B depicts a bottom view of an applicator utilized by the head assembly of at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of a pump assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a head assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the head assembly depicted comprises an oscillation assembly.
[0065] FIGS. 5A-5C depict front schematic views of an oscillation assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the applicator of the oscillation assembly is serially disposed in an initial position, a secondary position, and a tertiary position, respectively.
[0066] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a system of interconnected head assemblies and operator consoles.
[0067] FIG. 7A depicts a side view of a mounting assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0068] FIG. 7B depicts a side view of a mounting assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a head assembly disposed in connection with a conveyance, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the conveyance depicted therein comprises a truck.
[0070] FIG. 9 depicts a top view of a plurality of head assemblies disposed in connection with a conveyance, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 10 depicts a side view of a conveyance disposed in connection with a head assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the conveyance depicted therein is a man lift.
[0072] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a head assembly disposed in connection with a conveyance and a pneumatic assembly, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the conveyance depicted therein comprises a scaffolding system
[0073] FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a pneumatic assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] FIG. 13 depicts a side view of a head assembly disposed in connection with a pneumatic assembly, for operation in connection with a wall, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0075] FIG. 14 depicts a side view of a head assembly disposed in connection with a conveyance and a pneumatic assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the conveyance depicted comprises wheeled cart.
[0076] FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of a head assembly disposed in connection with a pneumatic assembly, for operation in connection with a ceiling, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0077] FIG. 16 depicts a top schematic view of a plurality of head assemblies disposed on a work surface having a plurality of boundary components disposed thereon, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0078] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] The present invention is directed towards a hydroblasting system comprising a head assembly 100, wherein the head assembly 100 may be disposed in connection with a conveyance 200 such that the head assembly 100 may be applied across a work surface 101. More specifically, the present invention comprises a head assembly 100 which itself may comprise a plurality of components configured to enable such head assembly 100 to be applied to a work surface having an irregular topography. Even further, the present invention may additionally comprise further components disposed in connection with such head assembly 100, which may enable such head assembly 100 to be employed on work surfaces such as walls and ceilings, or further enabling such head assembly 100 to be used as part of an autonomous hydroblasting system.
[0080] For instance, two alternative embodiments of the head assembly 100 are depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B. As may be seen, each such head assembly 100 may comprise a chassis assembly 110, which may comprise an upper chassis 111 disposed in connection with a lower chassis 112. As previously stated, the term upper as used herein refers to the portion of the head assembly disposed furthest from the work area, whereas the term lower refers to the portion of the head assembly disposed closest to the work surface. As depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the upper chassis 111 and the lower chassis 112 may comprise two distinct components, connected through other components of the head assembly 100. However, alternative embodiments envisioned herein may instead comprise a head assembly 100 having an upper chassis 111 and a lower chassis 112 formed of one single structure.
[0081] As may be seen with continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the chassis assembly 110, and particularly the upper chassis 111 of alternative embodiments of the present invention may comprise a variety of different shapes, whether comprising a square or rectangular shape, a triangular prism, an irregular prism, a half sphere, or any other shape now known or hereafter developed. Likewise, such lower chassis 112 may comprise a variety of different shapes as well.
[0082] Additionally, it may be noted the upper chassis 111 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may have a rotatable coupling 119 disposed thereon. Such a rotatable coupling 119 may be configured for operative engagement with a conveyance 200, whether through an attachment arm or otherwise, thereby enabling such conveyance to move the head assembly 100. Further, such rotatable coupling 119 may be configured to allow rotation of such head assembly 100 in at least one degree of freedom, such that the head assembly 100 may be appropriately rotated for use on a work surface having varying orientations, independent of the orientation of the conveyance 200 and/or the attachment arm thereof. Such a rotatable coupling 119 may comprise, for instance, a universal joint, a ball point, or any other like component configured for the aforementioned functionality associated with such rotatable coupling 119.
[0083] With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, it may be seen the lower chassis 112 may comprise at least one, and in some cases a plurality of, mobility component(s) 118 disposed thereon. Such mobility component(s) 118 may be disposed in operative engagement with the work surface 101 when the head assembly 100 is in operation and may further be configured to allow the head assembly 100 to move about the topography of the work surface 101. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may comprise alternative types of mobility component(s) 118, such as castor wheels, whether arranged for free or static rotation, or some variation thereof, or alternative types of wheels, or even a continuous track system.
[0084] Further, such mobility component(s) 118 may be configured to dispose the head assembly 100, and the various components thereof, at an operative distance from the work surface 101. As such, it may be understood such mobility component(s) 118 may, in at least certain embodiments, be appropriately dimensioned to ensure the work surface 101 remains at such operative distance from the head assembly 100, and the various components thereof.
[0085] As may be seen with continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, at least one embodiment of the head assembly of the present invention may comprise such upper chassis 111 and lower chassis 112 may be conjoined via a biasing assembly 113 disposed there between. More particularly, such upper chassis 111 and lower chassis 112 may be conjoined via a plurality of biasing members 114, such as springs, wherein such biasing members 114 are configured to absorb force, such as that provided by the irregular topography of a given work surface 101.
[0086] As may be understood, such biasing assembly 113, and by extension the upper chassis 111 and the lower chassis 112 as well, may be configured to shift between a first position, namely when the biasing members 114 are at their initial position when no force is applied thereto, and a second position, namely when the biasing members 114 are compressed upon the application of force thereto. As may further be understood, the biasing assembly 113 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may be configured in connection with the mobility component(s) 118, thereby forming an at least partially independent suspension. In so doing, it may be understood at least one, or, in some embodiments, all of the mobility components 118, and, by extension, each biasing member 114 of the biasing assembly 113, may be independently moveable with respect to the remaining mobility components 118 and biasing members 114. Accordingly, it may be understood the shifting between the first position and the second position of the biasing members 114 may enable such mobility component(s) 118 to react to the irregular topography of a work surface 101, and thereby enable the head assembly 100 to easily traverse the same.
[0087] Alternative embodiments of the present invention may utilize alternative structural arrangements to dispose the biasing assembly 113 in connection with the chassis assembly 110. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 1A, the head assembly 100 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may utilize an inner pipe 116 and an outer pipe 117, wherein the biasing member 113 is attached to the inner pipe 116 and covered by the outer pipe 117. Alternatively, as depicted in FIG. 1B, such biasing member 113 may instead be disposed in connection with the chassis assembly 110 via a lower attachment component 117 and a fastener component 115, such as an all-thread rod disposed in connection with a lock nut.
[0088] As depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the head assembly 100 of various embodiments of the present invention may further comprise an applicator assembly 130 disposed in connection with the chassis assembly 110. More specifically, such applicator assembly 130 may be disposed in connection with the lower chassis 112 such that the applicator 131 is disposed at the lower portion of the head assembly 100, and thus is disposed near the work surface 101. Such an applicator assembly 130 may be configured to apply a high-pressure fluid, such as water, to the work surface, thereby effectuating the cleaning and/or destructive purposes of the hydroblaster system.
[0089] As such, the applicator assembly 130 may comprise an applicator 131 having at least one, in some instances a plurality, of applicator outlet(s) 131a disposed thereon, wherein such applicator outlet(s) 131a may be configured to apply high pressure fluid to a work surface, and may comprise, for instance, nozzles or spray tips, such as those made from crystal or sapphire. As may be seen with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, such applicator 131 may comprise various shapes in various embodiments, whether rectangular, circular, or otherwise, as depicted in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Such an applicator 131 may further comprise other components, such as vacuum lines 131b disposed therein, which may facilitate the use of such applicator 131 on work surfaces 101 such as a ceiling and/or wall. In at least one embodiment, such applicator 131 may be disposed beneath the lower chassis 112, such that the applicator 131 is operatively disposed at a location closer to the work surface 101 than the lower chassis 112.
[0090] Returning to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator assembly 130 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a pump assembly 134 configured to receive the fluid to be applied to the work surface 101, and further direct such fluid to the applicator 131. As such, it may be understood such pump assembly 134 may be operatively disposed in fluid communication with such applicator 131. In certain embodiments, such pump assembly 134 may be disposed above the lower chassis 112, such that the lower chassis 112 at least partially supports such pump assembly 134. Such a pump assembly 134 may comprise, in at least one embodiment, a plurality of different components configured for application in a high-pressure fluid environment. For instance, such pump assembly may comprise a pump component 135, such as a positive-displacement pump or an air diaphragm, configured to move the fluid through the pump assembly.
[0091] For instance, as depicted in FIG. 3, such a pump component 135 may comprise a fluid chamber 1351 disposed in fluid communication with a fluid channel 1352, into which a given fluid, such as the high-pressure water utilized by the head assembly 100, may be configured to flow both into and out of. Accordingly, such fluid channel 1352 may represent an ingress and egress point into the fluid chamber 1351, and thus may be attached to lines or other components configured for the transportation of a fluid both into and out of the fluid chamber 1351. Alternatively, it may be understood such fluid channel 1352 may instead comprise two separate components, namely, one for fluid ingress and one for fluid egress.
[0092] Disposed in connection with such fluid chamber 1351 may be an air diaphragm chamber 1353. In one embodiment, such air diaphragm chamber 1353 may be configured to be flexible, wherein such air diaphragm chamber 1353 may both expand and contract, thereby applying pressure, or a lack thereof, onto the fluid chamber 1351. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, such flexibility of the air diaphragm chamber 1353 may be conferred via the diaphragm piston component 1358, which may be configured to move between an extended position and a contracted position, thereby expanding and contracting the air diaphragm chamber. Such diaphragm piston component 1358 may be securely affixed onto the pump component 135 via a piston seat 1357, which may comprise any appropriate fastener, fixture, or other like component. Further, such diaphragm piston component 1358 may be disposed within a diaphragm piston chamber 1356. As may be understood, such diaphragm piston chamber 1356 may be fully enclosed, but attached to a diaphragm inlet 1354 and diaphragm outlet 1355, such that air or some other gaseous medium may be withdrawn into the diaphragm piston chamber 1356 and expelled therefrom. In so doing, the resultant increase and decrease of pressure within the constant volume of the fully enclosed piston diaphragm piston chamber 1356 may therefore drive the diaphragm piston component 1358 into the aforementioned extended and contracted positions, thereby driving the air diaphragm chamber 1353 to both expand and contract.
[0093] Accordingly, it may be understood the expansion and contraction of the air diaphragm chamber 1353 may result in the ingress and egress of fluid into and out of the fluid chamber 1351. For instance, upon contraction of the air diaphragm chamber 1353, a vacuum may result in the fluid chamber 1351, thereby withdrawing a certain amount of fluid into the fluid chamber 1351. Then, upon the expansion of the air diaphragm chamber 1353, the fluid disposed within the fluid chamber 1351 will therefore be expelled therefrom.
[0094] Further, as depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pump assembly 134 of various embodiments of the present invention may additionally comprise at least one rotating manifold 133. Such a rotating manifold 133 may be disposed in fluid communication between the pump component 135 and the applicator itself 131, such that any fluid flowing into and out of the pump assembly 134 may flow through the rotating manifold 133 prior to flowing into the applicator 131. Such a rotating manifold 133 may comprise, for instance, a swivel joint or a flexible joint, or any other like component configured to allow for the angular misalignment between the pump assembly 134 and the applicator 131 whilst maintaining both fluid communication and fluid flow there between.
[0095] Accordingly, it may be understood such an embodiment wherein the applicator 131 is disposed in connection with such a rotating manifold 133 may be configured to allow such applicator 131 to rotate freely in relation to the pump assembly 134, and by extension the remaining portions of the head assembly 100, whilst still providing high pressure fluid to the work surface 101. As such, the applicator 131 in such an embodiment may be understood to have a floating functionality, wherein the applicator 131 may self-align itself with the topography of the work surface 101. Thus, in so doing, such an applicator 131 may remain appropriately oriented at an optimal distance from the work surface 101. More specifically, such applicator 131 may remain substantially parallel to the work surface 101 throughout the operation of the head assembly 100. Accordingly, the fluid expelled from the applicator 131 may orthogonally engage the work surface 101, thus ensuring the fluid expelled from the applicator 131 is applied at the best angle.
[0096] Yet additional embodiments of the head assembly 100 of the present invention may comprise additional components. For instance, at least one such embodiment of the head assembly 100, such as the one depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5A-5C, may further comprise an oscillation assembly 120, which may be configured to move the applicator 131 in an oscillatory, back-and-forth, vibratory, and/or positionally-dynamic motion, thereby enabling the fluid expelled from such applicator 131 to be applied to the entirety of the work surface 101, independent from the movement of the head assembly 100 itself. More specifically, the oscillation assembly 120 of at least one embodiment may be configured to oscillate the applicator 131 between an initial applicator position 131a, a secondary applicator position 131b, and a tertiary applicator position 131c, thereby enabling the applicator 131 to continuously change position during operation, and thus apply the high-pressure fluid to the entirety of the work surface 101. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such as the one depicted in FIG. 4, the oscillation assembly 120 may be configured to oscillate the applicator 131 in a directed transverse to the direction the head assembly 100 is moving. However, alternative embodiments of such an oscillation assembly 120 are envisioned herein, such as one wherein the oscillation assembly 120 is configured to oscillate the applicator in alternative directions or, instead, rotate the applicator about an axis of rotation.
[0097] Specifically, the oscillation assembly 120 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention may comprise an upper track 121 and a lower track 122. Such upper track 121 and such lower track 122 may be integrally formed into either, or both, the upper chassis 111 and the lower chassis 112 of the chassis assembly 110, or may alternatively comprise components distinct therefrom. Each of the upper track 121 and the lower track 122 may comprise, for instance, pins, rails, or any other like structure upon which a component may be disposed and configured for movement there along.
[0098] Specifically, such upper track 121 and lower track 122 may be cooperatively configured to allow for the oscillatory motion of the applicator 131. For instance, such lower track 122 may be configured for operative engagement with the applicator 131, which may be disposed on and/or about the lower track 122. Accordingly, such applicator 131 may be configured to move longitudinally along such lower track 122, thereby enabling such applicator 131 to oscillate between the initial applicator position 131a, the secondary applicator position 131b, and the tertiary applicator position 131c.
[0099] In conjunction therewith, such upper track 121 may be configured for operative engagement with a drive mechanism 123. More specifically, such drive mechanism 123 may be disposed on and/or about such upper track 121, and may be configured to move longitudinally along such upper track 121. Alternatively, it may be understood such drive mechanism 123 may instead be configured to move an alternative component about such upper track 121. Such a drive mechanism 123 may comprise, for instance, a drive motor or any other like component configured to provide such movement along the upper track 121. Disposed in connection with such drive mechanism 123 may be an attachment apparatus 124 which may be attached to such applicator 131. Accordingly, it may be understood any movement provided by the drive mechanism 123 may be imparted onto the applicator 131 through the drive arm 124. As such, the applicator 131 may move along such lower track 122 due to the movement provided by the drive mechanism 123.
[0100] Yet additional embodiments of the head assembly 100 of the present invention may comprise further components configured to assist in the operation of same. For instance, the head assembly 100 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a sensor assembly 150 configured to detect and analyze various data pertaining to the operation of the head assembly 100. For instance, such sensor assembly 150 may be configured to detect the distance between the head assembly 100 and various obstacles present on the work surface 101, such as the topography itself or other obstructions, barriers, or impediments which may prevent the head assembly 100 from traversing the work surface 101. Alternatively, such sensor assembly 150 may instead, or additionally, be configured to detect a variety of other data, such as those pertaining to physical properties, such as temperature, pressure or radiation, physical presences, such as flames, metals, or the presence of gases or chemicals, or any other chemo-electromechanical presences deemed appropriate for use in connection with a head assembly.
[0101] For instance, the sensor assembly 150 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may, as depicted in FIG. 6, comprise at least one, and in some instances a plurality of sensor component(s) 151 configured to provide such sensing functionality to the head assembly 100. Such sensor component(s) 151 may comprise, for instance, distance sensors, vision and imaging sensors, temperature sensors, radiation sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, motion sensors, gas and chemical sensors, photoelectric sensors, metal sensors, leak sensors, or any other sensor now known or hereafter developed. Such sensor component(s) 151 may additionally comprise at least one transducer configured to monitor the vital signals of the system, thereby ensuring such head assembly remains in proper condition throughout the operation thereof.
[0102] As further depicted in FIG. 6, a sensor assembly 150 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention may additionally comprise an electrical computing system 152 configured to collect the data gathered by the sensor component(s) 151, convert such data in binary code, and transmit such binary code to a processor, such as a computer. Accordingly, it may be understood such sensor assembly 150 may be configured to collect any pertinent information from such sensor component(s) 151 and transmit such information, whether through an internet protocol suite, TCP/IP, or otherwise, to an operator of the head assembly 150, thereby enabling such operator to see a variety of information pertaining to the operation of the same. Likewise, it may be understood such sensor assembly 150 may instead be configured to enable the remote and/or autonomous operation of the head assembly 100 through such interaction between the sensor component(s) 151 and the electrical computing system 152.
[0103] Accordingly, it may be understood such electrical computing system 152 may be configured to transmit information and/or data to distinct operator consoles 400, or, alternatively, to other head assemblies 100. As such, it may be understood such sensor component(s) 151 may thus be disposed in connection with at least one operator console 400 through the internet or some other connection over a peer-to-peer network. Such at least one operator console 400 may likewise have an operator processor 410, which may itself comprise a memory having computer-readable instructions disposed thereon. Moreover, such operator processor may have a graphic user interface having input/output buttons 420 disposed thereon, wherein such input/output buttons 420 may be configured to interact with the information provided by the sensor component(s) 151. For instance, such input/output buttons 420 may be configured such that a user of such operator console 400 may selectively view certain data associated with at least one of such sensor component(s) 151. Even further, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, such input/output buttons 420 may be configured to control at least a portion of the head assembly 100 through the electrical computing system 152. For instance, such input/output buttons 420 may be configured to control the pressure of the fluid applied by the head assembly, thereby enabling an operator to selectively control the amount of pressure applied to a given work surface 101. In so doing, it may be understood such operator may thus operatively switch between various modes of hydroblasting activity, such as cleaning and destruction, or alternatively, apply a different level of pressure for a work surface comprised of different materials.
[0104] Even further, as also depicted in FIG. 6, such head assembly 100 may be communicatively configured in connection with other head assemblies 100.sub.2-100.sub.n. In so doing, it may be understood the sensor components 151.sub.1 of the head assembly 100.sub.1 may therefore communicate with the remaining head assemblies 100.sub.2-100.sub.n, and the components thereof, via the head processor 152.sub.1. As such, it may be understood such head assemblies 100.sub.1-100.sub.n may therefore operate in conjunction with each other, thereby reducing or even vitiating instances of interference and/or collisions therebetween. Likewise, in so doing, it may be understood any operations dictated to one head assembly 100.sub.1 by an operator console 400.sub.1-400.sub.n may, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, be imparted onto the remaining head assemblies 100.sub.2-100.sub.n. In so doing, operator work may be reduced, and the efficiency of the fleet of head assemblies 100.sub.1-100.sub.n may thus be increased.
[0105] As previously stated, alternative embodiments of the head assembly 100 of the present invention may be disposed in connection with at least one type of conveyance 200. For instance, the rotatable coupling 119 may be configured to provide removable engagement with a plurality of conveyances 200. However, it may be understood various conveyances 200 may have various types of connections, or otherwise be disposed for use with a mounting assembly 140 disposed between such conveyance 200 and such rotatable coupling 119. Accordingly, it may be understood at least some embodiments of the conveyances 200 envisioned herein may be configured for use with such a mounting assembly 140.
[0106] Alternative embodiments of such a mounting assembly 140 may be seen with reference to FIGS. 7A-7B. For instance, one such mounting assembly 140 may be seen in FIG. 7A, wherein such a mounting assembly 140 may comprise a conveyance plate 141, for attachment to a conveyance 200. Such conveyance plate 141 may be disposed in connection with at least one, and in some instances a plurality of, brace arm(s) 142. As may be understood, such conveyance plate 141 may be configured for attachment with any type of conveyance, such as through a variety of fasteners or otherwise. Such brace arm(s) 142 may further be disposed in connection with an attachment arm 143, upon which the head assembly 100 may be attached. As may be understood such brace arm(s) 142 and attachment arm 143 may comprise a beam, rod, bar, or any other like structure configured to provide structure, support, and/or relative moment to, and between, the conveyance 200 and the head assembly 100. Attached to such attachment arm 143 may be a mounting plate 145, upon which the head assembly 100 may be attached, such as through the rotatable coupling 119. Further, disposed between such mounting plate 145 and the attachment arm 143 may be a swivel mount 144 configured to enable the mounting plate 145 to rotate in at least one degree of freedom relative to the attachment arm 143.
[0107] An alternative embodiment of such a mounting assembly 140 may be seen in FIG. 7B. There, it may be seen such a mounting assembly 140 may comprise a brace arm 142 disposed in connection with an attachment arm 143 through a junction component 148, such as a hinge or flexible joint, configured to enable the attachment arm 143 to move relative to the brace arm 142. Such brace arm 142 may be attached to a connector 146, which may itself be attached to a conveyance 200. Such connector 146 may be configured, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, to rotate amongst a variety of angles, such as through a pin structure, as depicted by the dashed lines in FIG. 7B. Further, disposed in connection with both the brace arm 142 and the attachment arm 143 may be a mounting biasing member 147, which may be configured to provide support to the attachment arm 143 when the same is rotated about the junction component 148. As before, attached to such attachment arm 143 may be a mounting plate 145, which may include fasteners 149 configured for attachment of the mounting plate 145 to a head assembly 100, whether through a rotatable coupling 119 or otherwise.
[0108] As previously discussed, alternative embodiments of the head assembly 100 of the present invention may be disposed in connection with alternative types of conveyances 200. More specifically, the rotatable coupling 119 attached to the upper chassis 111 of the head assembly 100 may be disposed in operative engagement with any given conveyance 200, whether through an attachment arm or other like apparatus, or through some other means attached thereto. As may be understood, such rotatable coupling 119 may be configured for operative engagement with numerous types of conveyances 200, each of which may be preferable dependent upon the type of work surface 101 to be treated by such head assembly 100. Accordingly, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, such rotatable coupling 119 may be configured for removable engagement with any conveyance 200, or alternatively any component of which such conveyance 200 is comprised, such that the rotatable coupling 119, and by extension the head assembly 100 as a whole, may be removed from one such conveyance 200 and subsequently attached to another, thereby enabling an operator thereof to selectively apply such head assembly 100 to a conveyance 200 appropriate for the task at hand.
[0109] In accordance therewith, it may be understood various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a variety of different conveyances 200. For instance, alternative embodiments of the conveyance of the present invention may comprise a man lift, a track hoe, a scissor lift, a boom, a scaffolding or some other frame and/or track system, a wheel cart, or any other conveyance 200 whether now known or hereafter developed. As previously discussed, such conveyances 200, their interaction with the head assembly 100, and their application to a given work surface 101 are merely exemplary, as myriad conveyances 200 and applications thereof are envisioned herein. Likewise, it may be understood at least certain components of the present invention, such as the pneumatic assembly 300 discussed heretofore and hereafter may also be used in connection with myriad conveyances 200, whether explicitly recited herein or otherwise.
[0110] For instance, as depicted in FIG. 8, one embodiment of the conveyance 200 of the present invention may comprise a truck 210. As may be understood, such truck 210 may have a truck arm 213, such as a beam or rod extending therefrom, or alternatively the aforementioned mounting assembly 140, wherein such truck arm 213 may be operatively engaged with the rotatable coupling 119 of the head assembly 100. Accordingly, it may be understood such operative engagement between the truck arm 213 and the rotatable coupling 119 may enable such truck 210 to move such head assembly 100, via the wheels 214 or other like truck mobility components, about the work surface 101, which may itself comprise a floor, whether having a flat or irregular topography.
[0111] As further depicted in FIG. 8 such truck 210 may comprise yet additional components. For instance, at least one embodiment of such truck 210 may comprise a vacuum component 211 configured to collect any particles and/or debris dislodged by the head assembly 100. For instance, such vacuum component 211 may be disposed such that it collects any such particles and/or debris which pass underneath such truck, thereby enabling the truck 210 to automatically collect such particles and/or debris as it follows the path of the head assembly 100 on the work surface 101. Alternatively, such vacuum component 211 may be interconnected with the vacuum lines 131b of the head assembly 100 and/or applicator 131. Even further, it may be understood at least one embodiment of such truck 210 may further comprise a fluid tank 212, which may be configured to feed the hydroblasting fluid to the head assembly 100 at a high pressure, whether through connecting lines or otherwise.
[0112] Even further, it may be understood such a truck 210 may be further configured for the operation of at least two, and in some instances a plurality of, head assembly 100. For instance, FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment wherein one truck 210 is configured for use with three independent head assemblies 100. As may be seen, in such an embodiment, the truck 213 may be configured to be attached to the rotatable coupling 119 of each of such three independent head assemblies 100, thereby enabling such truck 210 to move all three head assemblies 100 at one time. Accordingly, such an embodiment may thus enable a single operator to affect an even greater surface area of the pertinent work surface 101 through a single conveyance 200.
[0113] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, such as the one depicted in FIG. 10, the head assembly 100 may instead be configured to be applied to a work surface 101 comprising a wall. Accordingly, such an embodiment of the present invention may instead comprise a conveyance 200 comprising a man lift 220 disposed in connection with such a head assembly 101. Such a man lift 220 may be attached directly to the head assembly 100 via the rotatable coupling 119 disposed thereon, or instead may be attached thereto via an intervening connection, such as the aforementioned mounting assembly 140, disposed there between. Such a man lift 220 may, in various embodiments, include a man basket 221 attached to said man lift 220 via a man lift arm 222.
[0114] An additional embodiment of the present invention configured to apply the head assembly 100 to a work surface 101 comprising a wall may be seen with reference to FIG. 11. As may be seen, such a conveyance 200 may comprise a scaffold assembly 230, wherein such scaffold assembly 230 may be configured to traverse about a floor surface, via wheels 236, which may themselves be disposed as part of a wheel-and-track system. Such scaffold assembly 230 may further be configured to enable such head assembly 100 to be moved in a vertical manner about the work surface 101. More specifically, such scaffold assembly 230 may comprise a cable assembly comprising a winch 233 disposed in connection with cable(s) 234 and a pulley system 235. Such cable assembly may be configured in connection with a cable arm 238 upon which the head assembly 100 is attached, wherein such attachment arm is slidably engaged between a guide bar 231 and a backing bar 232. Thus, it may be understood any movement provided by the cable assembly via the winch 233 will be imparted upon the cable(s) 234, and onto the cable arm 238, thus providing vertical movement to the head assembly 100, wherein the load imparted on the cable(s) 234 may be effectively reduced by the pulley system 235.
[0115] With continued reference to FIG. 11, it may be seen the cable arm 238 of such a scaffold assembly 230 may, in at least one embodiment, have a pneumatic assembly 300 disposed therein and/or connected therewith. Such a pneumatic assembly 300 may be configured to apply a certain amount of force to the head assembly 100 attached thereto, thereby enabling such head assembly 100 to remain in constant and/or sufficient contact with the work surface 101 throughout the operation thereof.
[0116] An exemplary embodiment of such a pneumatic assembly 300 may be seen in FIG. 12. As depicted therein, such a pneumatic assembly 300 may comprise a housing having an outer seal 311 and an inner seal 312. Such inner seal 312 and such housing may be configured to create an air chamber 313 at one end of the pneumatic assembly 300. Formed between such outer seal 311 and inner seal 312 may be a piston chamber 319, wherein such piston chamber 319 may house a piston 314. Such piston 314 may be attached to the inner seal 312 and may extend beyond such outer seal 311 for connection with a moveable plate 310. In certain embodiments, such moveable plate 310 may be attached to an attachment arm, moveable beam, or some other component of a given conveyance, or, conversely, to the head assembly 100 itself. Further, disposed in connection with such piston 314 may be a pneumatic biasing element 318, which may be predisposed to apply force to such piston 314 in at least one direction, thereby driving such piston 314 towards an initial pneumatic orientation.
[0117] As further depicted in FIG. 12, at least one embodiment of such a pneumatic assembly 300 may further comprise various components configured to control the air flow both into, and out of, the same. More specifically, such a pneumatic assembly 300 may further comprise an air inlet 315 and an air outlet 316, each of which may be disposed in connection with the air chamber 313, thereby enabling air or some other gaseous medium to flow into and out of the air chamber 313. Such an air inlet 315 may comprise, for instance, an air regulator, whereas such an air outlet 316 may comprise, for instance, a discharge valve, although alternative components are envisioned herein. As may be understood, by controlling the amount of air disposed within the air chamber 313, the pressure disposed within such air chamber 313 may therefore be manipulated. Accordingly, upon the provision of sufficient pressure within the air chamber 313, the force applied to the inner seal thereby may be sufficient to overcome the force applied by the pneumatic biasing member 318, thereby enabling the piston 314 to be driven in at least one direction. In so doing, it may be understood the volume of the piston chamber 319 may likewise be altered. Thus, such piston chamber 319 may have a piston vent 317 disposed in connection therewith, which may allow air to freely flow both into and out of the piston chamber 319, thereby ensuring the pressure of the piston chamber 319 does not fluctuate along with the volume thereof.
[0118] Accordingly, it may be understood the pneumatic assembly 300 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to longitudinally expand and/or contract dependent upon the amount of air pressure disposed within the air chamber 313. In so doing, it may be understood anything connected to the moveable plate 310 may thus be moved by such pneumatic assembly 300 as well. As such, in an embodiment wherein the head assembly 100 is engaged with such pneumatic assembly 300, such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13 whether directly, through an attachment arm disposed there between, or otherwise, it may be understood such pneumatic assembly 300 may be configured to apply a sufficient amount of force to such head assembly 100 to ensure the same remains in operative engagement with the work surface 101. In so doing, it may be understood the pneumatic assembly 300 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to apply variable amounts of force to the head assembly 100, thereby controlling the level of engagement between such head assembly 100 and the work surface 101.
[0119] As previously stated, such a pneumatic assembly 300 may be used in various embodiments of the present invention, and particularly those wherein the head assembly 100 is meant to be applied to a work surface 101 comprising a wall, a ceiling, or some other structure wherein gravity may work to impede the head assembly 100 from maintaining sufficient contact with such work surface 101. For instance, one such embodiment utilizing such a pneumatic assembly 300 may be seen with reference to FIG. 14, wherein one embodiment of the head assembly 100 of the present invention may be disposed in connection with a conveyance 200, such as a wheeled cart 250, for application of such head assembly 100 on a work surface 101 comprising a ceiling, wherein such head assembly 100 is disposed in connection with such wheeled cart 250 via a pneumatic assembly 300. Such a wheeled cart 250 may comprise, for instance, a cart base 251 disposed in connection with a plurality of cart wheels 252. Such wheeled cart 250 may be moved, steered, or otherwise controlled via a cart handle 253.
[0120] With further reference to FIG. 14, it may be seen the head assembly 100 may be disposed in connection with such pneumatic assembly 300 and such wheeled cart 250 via a stationary cart beam 254 and a moveable cart beam 255. More specifically, such moveable cart beam 255 is disposed in operative engagement with the rotatable coupling 119 of the head assembly 100, while the stationary cart beam 254 is statically disposed in connection with the cart base 251. Operatively disposed in connection with both the stationary cart beam 254 and the moveable cart beam 255 is the pneumatic assembly 300, wherein the moveable plate 310 of the pneumatic assembly 300 may be attached to the moveable cart beam 255. Accordingly, it may be understood the pneumatic assembly 300, by expanding the moveable plate 310 through the aforementioned processes, may be disposed to likewise expand the moveable cart beam 255, thus applying force to the head assembly 100 through the operative engagement of the moveable cart beam 255 with the rotatable coupling 119. As such, the pneumatic assembly 300 may therefore be configured to cause the head assembly 100 to remain operatively engaged with the work surface 101 throughout the operation thereof.
[0121] With continued reference to FIG. 14 and additional reference to FIG. 15, it may be seen the head assembly 100 for such an embodiment may comprise yet additional components configured to assist in the hydroblasting operation of the work surface 101 comprising a ceiling. More specifically, such embodiments depict a head assembly 100 configured for use in applications wherein the work surface 101 comprises a ceiling, wherein such head assembly 100 comprises additional components configured to prevent debris from falling off the ceiling and onto the conveyance 200, the operator thereof, and/or the floor. Accordingly, it may be seen such an embodiment of the head assembly 100 may further comprise an enclosure assembly 160 configured to trap any such falling debris and safely remove same from the head assembly. Such an enclosure assembly 160 may comprise, for instance, a funnel structure 161 disposed over and around the head assembly, thereby covering a broader area of work surface than the applicator 131 of the head assembly 100. Accordingly, it may be understood any debris loosened by the applicator 131 during the operation of the head assembly 100 may be ensnared by the funnel structure 161, and collected therein, thereby preventing such debris from falling beyond the head assembly 100.
[0122] Even further, such enclosure assembly 160 may additionally comprise vacuum component(s) 162 configured to remove such debris from the head assembly 100. Such vacuum component(s) 162 may comprise, for instance, vacuum lines or any other like component configured to remove such debris from the head assembly 100. As may be understood, such vacuum component(s) 162 may, in at least some embodiments, be disposed in connection with the conveyance 200 with which the head assembly 100 is operatively engaged, such that any debris removed from the head assembly 100 by the vacuum component(s) 162 is transferred from the head assembly 100 and into the conveyance 200, such as into a debris receptacle disposed thereon.
[0123] As previously stated, at least one embodiment of the present invention may be configured for the autonomous operation of the head assembly 100 and/or the conveyance 200 disposed in connection therewith. For instance, in an embodiment such as the one depicted in FIG. 17, a sensor assembly 150 may be utilized to collect data from sensor component(s) 151 and use such collected data to control the operation of such head assembly 100 and/or conveyance 200. Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 17, such an embodiment may further be disposed in connection with at least one, and in some instances a plurality of bounding components 153. Such bounding component(s) 153 may, in at least one embodiment of the present invention, be configured to bound, constrain, or otherwise direct the head assembly 100 and/or conveyance 200 as it moves about a given work surface 101. In other words, such bounding component(s) 153 may be configured in connection with such sensor component(s) 151 such that the sensor component(s) 151 may detect the presence of such bounding component(s) 153, and thereby utilize such bounding component(s) 153 to form the boundary of the work surface intended to be treated by the head assembly 100. In so doing, it may be understood such a head assembly 100 and/or conveyance 200 having sensor component(s) 151 disposed thereon may automatically detect the boundaries of the work surface, and thereby remain within such a bounded work surface area for the treatment thereof.
[0124] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, such as the one depicted in FIG. 17, such bounding component(s) 153 may comprise, for instance, a plurality of bounding poles disposed at operative locations around a given work surface 101. Such bounding component(s) 153 may have, for instance, certain components disposed thereon and configured to communicate with the sensor component(s) 151 of the head assembly 100. For instance, one such component may be configured to issue communications when a sensor component(s) 151 is disposed within a certain communicative distance, thereby indicating a distance between the head assembly 100 and a boundary of the work surface 101. Alternatively, such a bounding component(s) 153 may instead be configured to simply enable the sensor component(s) 151 to locate same. For instance, such bounding component(s) 153 may instead comprise a structure configured to enable a sensor component 151, such as an ultrasonic echolocation sensor, to locate such bounding component(s) 153.
[0125] Even further, it may be understood the boundary component(s) 153 of at least one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to bound a given head assembly 100 and/or conveyance 200 within a certain portion of a work surface 101. Alternatively put, such boundary component(s) 153 may be configured to define certain zones of a given work surface 101 intended to be treated by a single head assembly 100. In so doing, it may be understood a plurality of head assemblies 100 may treat a work surface 101 at a given time, without the possibility of unintentionally crossing paths, colliding, or otherwise treating an area of the work surface 101 already treated by another head assembly 100.
[0126] For instance, as depicted in FIG. 17, such boundary component(s) 153 may be grouped such that: (1) a first head assembly 100a can be configured to treat the boundary of the work surface 101 defined by boundary components 153a-153h; and (2) a second head assembly 100b can be configured to treat the boundary of the work surface 101 defined by boundary components 153i-153p. Alternatively, such boundary component(s) 153 may be grouped such that: (3) the first head assembly 100a is configured to treat the boundary of the work surface 101 defined by the rectangular potion having vertices 153b, 153c, 153n, and 153o, and the triangular portion formed by the vertices 153d, 153e, and 153m; and (4) the second head assembly 100b is configured to treat the boundary of the work surface 101 defined by the rectangular portion having vertices 153f, 153g, 153j, and 153k, and the triangular potion formed by the vertices 153e, 153l, and 153m. Accordingly, it may be understood the boundaries formed by the boundary components 153 may be fully customizable, may be configured to apply abstract boundaries, and may be suitable to form any number of boundaries within a work surface 101 dependent upon the number of boundary components 153 available to a user. In so doing, it may be understood the autonomous nature of the head assembly 100 and/or conveyance 200 of the present invention may be fully customizable, and configurable by a user to obtain greater efficiency levels.
[0127] In view of the foregoing, it may be understood various embodiments of the present invention may be configured to resolve some, if not all of the problems currently present in traditional hydroblasting systems. Indeed, certain embodiments of the head assembly 100 are configured to traverse irregular topography and efficiently clean the entirety of a work surface in a single pass. Even further, various head assemblies 100 and hydroblasting systems are configured for use in connection with walls and ceilings, such as through the use of a pneumatic assembly 300. And finally, other various components enable the head assembly 100 to be used in connection with a variety of conveyances 200, to automatically collect debris from various work surfaces 101, and to autonomously operate on a given work surface 101.
[0128] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described and preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative, exemplary, and non-limiting. For example, any use of the terms preferably or preferred embodiment, as well as other language akin thereto, is intended to refer to one particular embodiment, and solely one particular embodiment. As such, it may be appreciated other embodiments are possible, envisioned, and considered part of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
