MOBILE CART WITH HIGH-POWER SLURRY VACUUM AND CONTAINMENT

Abstract

A high-power slurry vacuum cart is well suited to collect and contain any slurry or wet residue produced through concrete and other surface processing operations. A multi-horsepower propane engine and propane tank are mounted on a mobile frame, along with a suction pump powered by the propane engine. A slurry containment vessel mounted on the frame has an input in communication with a squeegee and an output coupled to the suction pump. The squeegee may be adapted for floor contact to collect slurry for transfer to the slurry containment tank. The suction pump is directly coupled to the propane engine through a universal joint, thereby obviating the use of belts, chains or pulleys. The output of the pump may optionally be used as an air blower for surface drying, or the like, as well as use as an air blower to assist in emptying the slurry containment tank.

Claims

1. A high-power slurry vacuum cart, comprising: a walk-behind mobile frame with a handle and wheels; a propane engine and propane tank mounted on the frame; a suction pump mounted on the frame and powered by the propane engine; a slurry containment tank mounted on the frame receiving suction from the air pump; and a squeegee in communication with the slurry containment tank, the squeegee being adapted for floor contact to collect slurry for transfer to the slurry containment tank.

2. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the propane engine includes a catalytic muffler facilitation operation of the cart in enclosed environments.

3. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the air pump is directly coupled to the propane engine without the use of belts, chains or pulleys.

4. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the air pump is directly coupled to the propane engine through a universal joint.

5. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the output of the pump is optionally used as an air blower.

6. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the output of the pump is optionally used as an air blower to assist in emptying the slurry containment tank.

7. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the slurry is produced through a wet concrete processing operation.

8. The combination cart of claim 7, wherein the wet concrete processing operation includes one or more of the following: grinding, polishing, sawing, cutting, coring, and drilling.

9. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the squeegee may be raised or lowered from the handle for use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] FIG. 2 is front perspective view of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a mobile cart with a high-powered, low-emission wet vacuum and containment system. Slurry collection is currently performed inefficiently, using equipment designed more for clean water collection or janitorial type work, and this equipment cannot collect or process the thick slurry being generated during certain concrete processing operations.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment, the cart uses a propane engine directly coupled to a pump feeding a high-capacity containment vessel. The invention is directly suited to collection and containment of slurry generated during concrete grinding and polishing operations, though the equipment is applicable to any situation that would benefit from wet vacuuming and containment. For example, besides grinding and polishing, many operations, including coring, drilling, and sawing with hand tools performed in wet environments often leave wet reside that must be collected, contained and disposed of. This invention serves these goals.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is a different perspective view. The system includes a lower frame 102 with wheels 104, 106 adapted for floor contact. The cart comprises a walk-behind system using handle 108, in which case the wheels 106 closest to the user are preferably casters to enhance maneuverability.

[0030] On the forward portion of the cart there is mounted a propane engine 120 which is directly coupled to pump 118 through universal joint 121. Note that in the preferred embodiment direct coupling is used in lieu of belts or chains that could require wear and maintenance. The motor 120 and pump 118 are preferably mounted on stepped subframe 103 to achieve desired alignment between the components. A battery and electric starter motor are also mounted on subframe 103. Motor 120 may be a 9-hp 205 cc propane engine manufactured by Briggs & Stratton, though other units may alternatively be used. Optional side bars 204 are preferably provided to protect the engine, pump and related components.

[0031] A holder 122 holds the propane tank (not shown), coupled to the engine 120 through high-pressure fuel line 124 through regulator 126. In the preferred embodiments, a catalytic muffler 125 is used to further reduce emission for enclosed environments. Pump 118 develops suction through hose 116 connected to containment vessel 114. The vessel 114 may comprise a 35-gallon vessel, though other sizes may alternatively be used.

[0032] The input to vessel 114 is, in turn, coupled to suction squeegee 110 through hose connection 111. For the sake of convenience, squeegee 110 hangs from handle bar 108 through hanger 113, enabling the operator to raise and lower the squeegee at will. While a straight squeegee is shown, curved devices may alternatively be used.

[0033] Note that a hose (not shown) may be attached to the output of pump 118, enabling the unit to function as a blower. Indeed, hose 116 may so configured for such purpose. The provision of a blower could serve various convenient purposes, including floor drying between wet grinding/polishing operations. Further, hose 116 may be connected to the output of the pump 118 to assist in emptying the tank 114 (through hose 112), as come collected slurries have a very thick, viscous consistency.