MOBILE CART COMBINING ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION AND DUST COLLECTION

Abstract

A combination cart providing independent electrical power generation and dust extraction capabilities finds utility in concrete processing and other operations that create unwanted dust using hand tools for cutting, grinding, polishing, coring, drilling, sanding, and the like. A propane tank powers a propane engine, and the propane engine drives an electrical generator providing power to an electrical outlet panel mounted on the frame. The cart further includes a dust extraction and filtration system driven by an electric motor, also mounted on the frame. The inventive cart facilitates multiple modes of operation, including: (a) dust extraction and filtration only, with the dust extraction system being powered by an available external source of electrical power; (b) electrical power generation only, with the dust extraction and filtration system being turned off; and (c) simultaneous dust extraction/filtration and electrical power generation, with the dust extraction and filtration system being powered by the electrical generator.

Claims

1. A combination cart providing independent electrical power and dust extraction, comprising: a walk-behind mobile frame with a handle and wheels; a propane engine and propane tank mounted on the frame; an electrical generator mounted on the frame and powered by the propane engine; wherein electrical energy provided by the electrical generator is delivered to an electrical outlet panel mounted on the frame; a dust extraction and filtration system driven by an electric motor mounted on the frame; and wherein the cart facilitates multiple modes of operation, including: (a) dust extraction and filtration only, with the dust extraction system being powered by an available external source of electrical power; (b) electrical power generation only, with the dust extraction and filtration system being turned off; and (c) simultaneous dust extraction/filtration and electrical power generation, with the dust extraction and filtration system being powered by the electrical generator.

2. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein the propane engine includes a catalytic muffler facilitating indoor use.

3. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein dust extraction and filtration system is a multi-stage extraction system including a first particulate filter with collection bag followed by a HEPA filter.

4. The combination cart of claim 1, wherein dust extraction system includes a hose connection fitting adapted for connection to a plurality of different tools, including hand-held tools with dust collection shrouds and/or ports.

5. The combination cart of claim 1 wherein, in mode (c), the electric motor driving the dust extraction and filtration system is plugged into the electrical panel.

6. The combination cart of claim 1 wherein the electrical panel provides electrical power at different voltages or with different types of electrical outlets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a first view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 2 is an opposing side view of the invention; and

[0030] FIG. 3 is an end view showing electrical outlets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] This invention improves upon the existing art by providing a mobile cart that provides both electrical power generation and dust collection. In the preferred embodiment, the dust collection incorporates HEPA filtration. The invention finds utility in many situations where electrically powered tools are used that create dust which must be collected and disposed of to reduce breathing hazards and/or in accordance with federal or local rules and regulations.

[0032] One such application is in concrete processing operations. Such operations may be performed in conjunction with concrete grinding or polishing but not necessarily. Other operations, such as coring, drilling, and sawing with hand tools also benefit from the invention whether or not grinding or polishing is performed. Indeed, the invention is not limited to concrete processing, as other operations that create unwanted dust with other materials would also benefit including wood, metal, drywall sanding, stone countertop cutting and finishing, and so forth.

[0033] The invention is particularly useful where power is not available and/or indoors, where a clean environment must be maintained whether power is available or not. For example, concrete processing is often performed in warehouses and “big-box” stores. In larger spaces, drop-down outlets may be available, but if the equipment used blows a breaker it can be a challenge to find and reset, wasting valuable time. In smaller rooms adjacent to larger floors, the use of conventional gas generators produce too much carbon monoxide and other harmful by products to be of any practical value.

[0034] The solution frequently adopted by work crews is the use of excessively long extension cords to reliable sources of power. This has obvious disadvantages, including the time required to unroll and retrieve the cords, disconnections, and damage, each of which can slow progress.

[0035] This invention solves the above problems and inconveniences with a mobile cart that provide two important functions; first, it provides reliable electrical power wherever it is needed; and second, it provides HEPA-filtered dust collection for any type of tool that generates dust, typically through a hose connection to the dust shrouds typically provided with such tools. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the cart is powered by a low-emission propane engine and catalytic muffler, thereby reduce harmful emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HCs).

[0036] FIG. 1 is a first view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is an opposing side view. The various components are mounted on a frame 102 supported by a plurality of wheels 118, 120 configured for floor contact. Some or all of the wheels may be pivotable and/or casters.

[0037] On frame 102 there are mounted subframes, including a shelf 208 to support propane canister(s) 108, miscellaneous tools such as angle grinder 202, and another platform 124 adapted to support vacuum filter housing 104. A handle 114 may be provided on either or both ends to push the cart to a desired location. The various frame components are preferably constructed of welded, painted steel. Propone tank 108 is ordinarily positioned in a tank holder 112, leaving space on the upper section of the cart for tool placement of a spare propane canister or other equipment.

[0038] High-pressure propane line 110 feeds propane engine 116 through propane regulator 130. The engine in this case a two-cylinder, 627 cc, 26 hp Briggs & Stratton propane engine, though engines form different manufacturers and with different power ratings may potentially be used. Importantly, the engine should be a low-emission propane unit with sufficient power to operate generator 210 with respect to desired power requirements and, to further ensure low emissions, a catalytic muffler 302 is preferably used, as best seen in FIG. 3.

[0039] The dust extractor and containment subsystem preferably comprises a multi-stage collection and filtration assembly. Dust-producing tools and equipment connect via flexible hoses (not shown) to connector 204 shown in FIG. 2. Connector 204 is compatible with standard 2″ and 3″ hoses but the invention is not limited in this regard, as adapters may be provided for any diameters and indeed, manifolds may be provided to receive dust from multiple sources including hoses of differing diameters. Connection may be made to any tool through any appropriate shroud or output port(s) including shrouds for blades, drills, etc.

[0040] Connector 204 feeds vacuum filter housing 104, which extracts larger particulates from the airstream and deposits them into debris collection bag 126. Air diverter valve allows for the purging of filter 104 enabling debris to settle into bag 126 for appropriate disposal. Smaller particulates are delivered to a removable/replaceable HEPA filter disposed in housing 122.

[0041] The vacuum for dust collection is created by an electric motor plugged into electrical panel 128 powered by generator 210. This is a versatile arrangement insofar as if electrical power is available, the vacuum may be plugged into that source with the inventive cart unpowered. Alternatively, if only electrical power is required, the generator 210 may be left ON and the vacuum pump turned OFF.

[0042] FIG. 3 is an end view of the mobile combination cart showing electrical outlets. 120-V outlets are provided at 304, and 220 VAC outlets are provided at 306, 308. Item 310 is an hour meter and voltage/frequency output meter. The electrical panel 128 need not be configured as shown in FIG. 3. More or fewer outlets may be provided and at different voltage ratings. Indeed, while system described may be connected to certain grinders and polishers, with different generators 210, 1- and/or 3-phase electrical power may be provided to power larger grinders, polishers and other equipment. In the embodiment shown, generator 210 is a 12 kW unit. With appropriate engineering modification, higher-output generators may be accommodated, particularly if higher HP engines are used.