MEETHOD OF OPERATING A RAKE SYSTEM

Abstract

A rake system and method may include a framework, a chain, an elongated rail, a support arm, and an engagement feature. The elongated rail may be pivotably connected to the framework. The support arm may be connected to the elongated rail at a first point and may be pivotably connected to the framework at a second point. The engagement feature may be connected to the support arm and may be configured to engage the chain. The rake system may be configured to discard debris.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method of operating a rake system, comprising: rotating a chain comprising a plurality of skimmers extending from the chain; receiving debris between the chain and a screen; moving the chain relative to a frame; pivoting an elongated rail to engage the chain to apply pressure to at least one of the plurality of skimmers toward the screen in response to debris disposed between the chain and the screen, the elongated rail coupled to a first support arm and a second support arm, the first and second support arms pivotably coupled to the frame; and moving the debris along the screen, via a skimmer, to discard the debris.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein moving the debris along the screen includes moving the debris in a direction parallel to the framework.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the elongated rail is disposed within a path of the chain and adapted to pivot towards the chain to apply outward pressure on the at least one of the plurality of skimmers toward the screen.

24. The method of claim 21, further comprising orienting the frame in a range of 0 to 15 degrees relative to a vertical position.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing a drive motor, the drive motor is operable to pivot and swing outwardly relative to the frame when debris moves up the screen, when the debris is removed, then the drive motor swings back towards the frame.

26. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing a drive motor, the drive motor is fixed and does not pivot relative to the frame when debris moves up the screen.

27. The method of claim 21, further configured such that as the chain rotates and moves debris via the skimmer up the frame, an opening in the frame permits collected debris to be dispensed from the rake system into a receptacle.

28. A method of operating a rake system comprising: providing: a framework, the framework having an upper portion and a lower portion, a chain, the chain is operable to advance between the upper and lower portions of the framework, an elongated rail pivotably connected to a first support arm, the elongated rail is located near the lower portion of the framework; a second support arm connected to the elongated rail and pivotably connected to the framework, the second support arm is located near the lower portion of the framework; a plurality of engagement members configured to engage the chain and apply pressure to said chain, the engagement members are located near the lower portion of the framework; and configuring the rake system to rotate the chain and discard debris.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising operating the chain in a normal position or a flexed position, when in the flexed position the chain moves away from a screen when debris encounters the rake system, when the debris is removed, the chain moves in a normal position wherein the chain is located towards the screen.

30. The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising locating the framework relative to ground in a non-vertical orientation.

31. The method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the chain rotates in a direction to aid in the capture of debris and advance debris along the framework.

32. The method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising locating a drive motor at an upper portion of the rake system, the drive motor is operable to rotate the chain without a sprocket at a lower portion of the rake system.

33. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing a drive motor, the drive motor is operable to a) pivot and swing outwardly relative to the framework when debris moves up the screen, when the debris is removed, then the drive motor swings back towards the framework, or b) the drive motor is fixed and does not pivot relative to the framework when debris moves up the screen.

34. A method of operating a machine that is configured to collect debris from water, the method comprising: rotating a chain in a first direction by a drive system that includes a motor; while rotating the chain, collecting debris from the water and positioning the debris between the chain and a screen; configuring a pair of downwardly extending swing arms to pivot the drive system in an outward direction when debris is collected from the water, and when no debris is being collected from the water, the swing arm pivots the drive system back to a normal position; advancing the motor and moving the debris in an upward direction along the screen, via a skimmer; configuring a first support arm that is connected to a lower portion of the machine, such that the first support arm is operable to move the chain in an outward direction when debris is collected from the water, and when no debris is being collected from the water, the first support arm moves to a normal position; and discarding the debris from the machine.

35. The method as claimed in claim 34, providing a plurality of skimmers that are operable to engage the debris and move the debris out of the water and relative to the screen.

36. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising providing a guide that is configured to engage the chain and apply a force on the chain when the machine is collecting debris from the water.

37. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the motor drives a sprocket that is only located on an upper portion of the machine, the sprocket is operable to pivot away from the screen to provide space for debris.

38. The method as claimed in claim 34, wherein the machine is configured such that there is no drive sprocket in a lower portion of the machine.

39. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising providing a guide, the guide is operable to apply a force on a skimmer to enhance debris removal.

40. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising providing a frame, wherein the debris is moved along the frame to an opening where the debris is discarded from the machine.

41. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising providing a second support arm that is connected to an elongated rail, a guide is connected to one of said second support arm or elongated rail, the guide is operable to engage the chain and apply a force on the chain.

42. The method as claimed in claim 34, further comprising providing a frame, wherein the frame is orientated in a position that is not vertical to ground.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] FIG. 1 is a full side view of a prior art flex rake for cleaning debris from water.

[0030] FIG. 2A is a full side view of a flexing apparatus of this disclosure mounted within a flex rake, inside the chain, in a normal operating position, wherein the drive head is stationary.

[0031] FIG. 2B is a full side view of a flexing apparatus of FIG. 2A wherein the flexing apparatus is in a flex position wherein the drive head is stationary.

[0032] FIG. 2C is an enlarged full side view of a flexing apparatus of FIG. 2A showing detail of the mounting.

[0033] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the dual wiper blade mounted on the flex rake apparatus.

[0034] FIG. 3B is a full side view of the dual wiper blade apparatus mounted on the flex rake apparatus.

[0035] FIG. 3C is a full back view of the dual wiper blade apparatus mounted on the flex rake apparatus.

[0036] FIGS. 3D to 3H illustrate the progressive movement of the dual wiper blades across the skimmer moving from left to right.

[0037] FIG. 4A is a full side view of the mounting apparatus for the pivotal drive head showing the normal operating position of the drive head.

[0038] FIG. 4B is a full side view of the mounting apparatus for the pivotal drive head showing the pivoted position when a large object is encountered on the skimmer blade.

[0039] FIG. 4C is a full front view of the mounting apparatus for the pivotal drive head.

[0040] FIG. 4D is an isometric view of the mounting apparatus for the pivotal drive head.

[0041] FIG. 4E is a full side view of the mounting apparatus for the pivotal drive head.

[0042] FIG. 4F is an enlarged view in perspective of a stop foot of this disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 4G is a view in perspective of a pivot head of this disclosure illustrating the placement of the stop foot.

[0044] FIG. 5A shows a view in perspective from the front of a screen module.

[0045] FIG. 5B shows a full side view of the screen module.

[0046] FIG. 5C shows a full view in perspective from the back of a drive module and flexing component.

[0047] FIG. 5D is a full side view of the drive module and flexing component of FIG. 5C.

[0048] FIG. 5E is a full view in perspective of the enclosure module of this disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5F is a full side view of the enclosure module of FIG. 5E.

[0050] FIG. 5G is a full view in perspective from the front of the flex rake showing a bar screen module.

[0051] FIG. 5H is a full view in perspective from the front of the flex rake showing an effector module.

[0052] FIG. 5I is a full back view of an effector module showing the water system and other components.

[0053] FIG. 6A is a full side view of the normal operating position of the enclosure cap.

[0054] FIG. 6B is a full side view of the pivot out position of the enclosure cap of FIG. 6A.

[0055] FIG. 6C is a full side view of the pivoting position for inspection of the interior of the enclosure cap and the pivot head.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a full view in perspective from the front, of a primary skimmer bar showing the skimmers.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an enlarged primary skimmer showing the secondary skimmers in place.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a full view in perspective of the plate with attached secondary skimmer that is used to mount the secondary skimmer on the primary skimmer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0059] Turning now to the detailed description of the disclosure, there is shown in FIG. 1, a prior art flex rake apparatus 1 having a thin plate apparatus for removing debris from water. The purpose of inclusion of this in the disclosure is to show the conventional parts of such an apparatus.

[0060] There is shown in FIG. 2A, which is a schematic of the internal apparatus of a flex rake, a portion of the first novel component of this disclosure. There is shown two, parallel elongated rails 33 (only one shown). There is a first support arm 2 used in conjunction with the pivotal head 8 (FIG. 4A) of the flex rake to move the drive chain 3 out of line with regard to any large object 4 (e.g., debris) (FIG. 2B) that is brought from the water to the surface for disposal and at the same time, maintaining the skimmers 5 in position near the screen 6. The large object 4 has a tendency to obstruct the apparatus and make it ineffective for the work that it is supposed to do. FIG. 2A shows the normal position of the chain 3, and FIG. 2B shows the chain 3 in a flexed position. FIG. 2C is an enlarged figure to show the mounting 10 of an upper and a lower first support arm 2 and the elongated rail 33. The distal end 42 of the upper first support arm 2 may be attached to a side wall 40 of a housing for the flex rake apparatus at attachment point 41 and the distal end of the lower first support arm 2 may be attached to the side wall 40 at attachment point 45. Also shown is a guide device 34 (e.g., a roller, a guide, a contour member, and/or an engagement feature) mounted at or about the top 43 and at or about the bottom 44 of the elongated rail 33. Each of the support arms 2 may have mounted on it at a distal end a guide device 35 (e.g., a roller, a guide, a contour member, and/or an engagement feature) configured to assist the movement of and/or engage the chain 7.

[0061] The pivoting drive head is comprised of a hinging drive head 8, drive sprocket 9, parallel support members 53.

[0062] When the flex rake is installed at 30 degrees from vertical, two mechanisms accomplish this. First, the weight of the chain 3 and skimmers 5 leaning at 30 degrees along the surface of the screen 6 along with the flexing capability of the flex links 7 (FIG. 2A) of the chain 3 creates skimmer contact with the screen 6 along with the ability to flex away for larger debris. The second feature that creates this functionality at 30 degrees is the hanging drive head (pivotal drive head) 8, FIGS. 4A to 4E. The pivotal drive head 8 and the drive sprocket 9 swing out of the way (See FIG. 4B) when large debris moves up to the top of the screen 6. In a vertical or near vertical application, this functionality is lost. At vertical or near vertical, the skimmers 5 do not push up against the screen 6, but instead they hang freely from the drive sprocket 9. This creates a problem because without the pressure of the skimmers 5 to the screen 6, debris can get between the skimmers 5 and the screen 6 and fall back down into the water channel.

[0063] In order to create this functionality at all angles including vertical, the inventors herein have created a novel disclosure that gives the same functionality at all angles. The pivotal head 8, the drive sprocket 9, and the support arm 2 are attached to the structure of the machine in such a way that they pivot to engage with the chain 3 in order to apply pressure to the skimmers 5 into the screen 6 while still allowing the chain links 7 to flex away from the screen 6 by pivoting out of the way.

[0064] This apparatus can be used in flex rakes having fixed drive heads, as well as pivotable drive heads. In prior apparatuses, the drive heads were not fixed, that is, they had to be pivotable in order to pass the obstructions provided by large objects. Now, there is a means of using fixed heads in such apparatuses. This component allows the flex rake to be used essentially vertically, or it can allow the flex rake to be used on an angle relative to vertical.

[0065] The pivotal drive heads 8 of this disclosure are also novel, in that, the same functionality can be had in all configurations of the flex rake. The pivoting drive head 8 can be used without the flexing apparatus in flex rakes installed at 15 degrees from vertical or higher.

[0066] A shown in FIG. 4A, the pivotal drive 8 head comprises a pair of space-apart, parallel support members 54, wherein each such member 54 has a near end 55, a distal end 56 and a middle portion 57 (see FIG. 4D). Each of the near ends 55 is pivotally attached at 58 to a framework 59 of the rake screen. Each member 54 is pivotally attached at 60 to a drive sprocket 9 that is mounted on the ends of a common drive shaft 62. Each of the drive sprockets 9 is attached to each respective parallel support member 63 near the middle portion 57 of the parallel support member 54. The distal end of the member 54 has attached thereto a stop foot 65 for the apparatus (see FIGS. 4F and 4G). The stop foot 65 has mounted on it a foot 68 having two faces 66 and 67. These two faces 66 and 67 are stop points for the rotation of the pivot head and essentially stop the pivot head 8 from a full rotation. The pivot head 8 can only rotate to the extent that it engages with one of the two faces 66 and 67. Each of the support members 54, sprocket 9 and the common drive shaft 62 are pivotable away from the rake screen framework to that extent.

[0067] The flexible chain links 7 function by holding pressure to the screen 6 using the weight of the chain links 7 and skimmers 5, then flexing out of the way for large debris 4 when the large debris 4 gets to the top of the screen. Instead of the drive head 8 swinging out of the way with the anchor points 30 above the drive head 8, it pivots out of the way with the anchor points 30 below the drive head 8. The pivoting drive head 8 can also be used in applications installed at 0 to 15 degrees in conjunction with the flexing apparatus.

[0068] Turning now to the duel wiping blades 11 of this disclosure, there are several known debris blades currently in use, however, they are single wiper blade apparatuses. Wiper blades of this disclosure are shown in FIGS. 3A to 3H. One of the largest problems in the industry with cleaning skimmers 5 is the fact that they may not completely clean each skimmer or wipe the wrapped rags off when they swipe the skimmers 5. The novel duel blades 11 of this disclosure wipe each skimmer 5 twice each time that the skimmer 5 passes this cleaning mechanism. This ensures that debris is cleaned off the skimmer 5 by fully wiping the skimmer 5 at least two times. Shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, is the position of the dual wiper blades 11 within the flex rake apparatus.

[0069] Shown in FIG. 3D is the first wiping blade 47 that is fixed in a first notch 37 in support 38 and second wiping blade 48 is fixed in a second notch 37 in support 38. Moving from FIG. 3D to FIG. 3H, the operation of the dual wiper blades 11 is sown.

[0070] The enclosure cap 12 of this disclosure is designed to cover the top of the flex rake and its top most components (See FIG. 6A). The enclosure cap 12 of this disclosure is also designed to allow the enclosure cap 12 to pivot out of the way (See FIG. 6B) when a large object 4 arrives at the top of the mechanism. In addition, the enclosure cap 12 of this disclosure will open widely to allow for the inspection and removal of debris that may become jammed in the apparatus (See FIG. 6C). the closure cap 12 is comprised of a top panel 49, a bottom panel 50, two side panels 51 (only one side shown) and a front panel 52. As shown in FIG. 6C, the cap 12 opens, or pivots away from the top of the flex rake apparatus to allow access into the interior of the flex rake upper area.

[0071] A very novel feature of this disclosure is the modularity that is built into the flex rake. The newest versions of the flex rake that are covered by this disclosure are designed in modules such that each section of the machine houses different components. The flex rake has a screen module 13, FIGS. 5A and 5B, a drive module 14, FIGS. 5C and 5D, an enclosure module 15, FIGS. 5E and 5F, and an effector module 16. FIGS. 5H, and a portion of an effector module 5I, can also be added as different modules to the flex rake. Each section can be used or exchanged to accommodate various functionalities as needed. FIG. 5G shows the drive module 14 and screen module 13 in combination. FIG. 5H shows a combination of a drive module 14, a screen module 13 and an effector module 16 in combination.

[0072] For example, in order to modify a inch teardrop bar screen 17 as shown in FIG. 5G, to a inch teardrop bar screen the only module affected would be the screen module 13. The drive module 14 and enclosure module 15 would remain the same. This modularity allows for greater flexibility in design and functionality for the new flex rake equipment. The new equipment could have a inch teardrop bar screen that has been unchanged except for the screen module that has been changed to a inch teardrop bar screen. If a customer had this need the flex rake can be adapted to that need without replacing the whole piece of equipment.

[0073] The disclosure herein has another novel feature, and that is the capability of not only replacing individual modules, but also to add modules as necessary to increase or change the functionality of the flex rake.

[0074] With reference to FIGS. 5G and 5H, there is shown a machine with a inch teardrop screen in the screen section that is replaced by a 2 mm perforated screen 6 for that section (FIG. 5G). A flexing apparatus is added to the machine to work in conjunction with the 2 mm perforated screen (FIG. 5H). The existing drive section 14 and enclosure sections 15 remain the same except for the addition of a drive shaft and gearbox that is used to power the flexing apparatus module.

[0075] Various screen sizes and configurations can be exchanged in the screen section without affecting the other modules. The enclosure section can be modified or exchanged to accommodate larger debris as required without affecting the other sections of the machine. The drive section can be modified to accommodate higher speeds or lifting capacity without affecting the other modules, and other modules can be added to the machine for other capabilities such as the flexing apparatus modules as shown in the FIG. 5H.

[0076] It is also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure to completely enclose the flex rake of this disclosure with all of its component parts. Such an enclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 5E and 5F.

[0077] The novel effector module 16 of this disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 5I and consists of a frame 32 consisting of two sides 18 and 18 and a common axle 19 between them which is located near the top 20 of the effector module 16.

[0078] There is also shown a second common axle 21 which is located between the sides 18 and 18. Shown at one end of the axle is a drive mechanism that in this particular case, is commonly driven by a motor 22 shown in FIG. 5H and a drive mechanism 23 consisting of normal accompanying gears and the like. The second common axle 21 is driven by the drive mechanism 23 and drives sprockets (not shown) that have flex linked chains 24 on each end of the second common axle 21 that has attached to it a series of effector plates 25, which effector plates 25 are configured to align with the perforated screen 6 (best shown in FIG. 5H). The effector plates 25 are perforated 26 such that water can flow from them.

[0079] The effector plates 25 are equipped to receive water from a delivery system illustrated generally as 27, and are synchronized to allow the flow of water when they are aligned with the perforated plate 6. Only one series of effector plates is shown for clarity, it being understood that there are multiple cross members 25 and multiple series of effector plates 25 in the apparatus.

[0080] The removal of debris from a statically positioned perforated screen for the purpose of water filtration requires a very distinct series of dynamics to effectively remove the debris without applying destructive forces to the perforated screen element.

[0081] The application of a statically positioned screen inherently requires the debris to be removed from the screen area that is at the effect of the hydrostatic and flow forces of the incoming dirty water. The first dynamic necessity is to reduce or remove the hydrostatic pressure holding the debris against the screen over an area large enough to dislodge the debris relative to the size of the debris.

[0082] In the case of the application of a statically positioned perforated screen in municipal waste water, this debris can range from essentially 0.0001 m2 to 0.1 m2. Failure to reduce or remove the hydrostatic force holding the debris to the screen element will result in the failure to effectively remove the debris, unless scraping forces that exceed the hydrostatic forces are applied to the moving of the debris along the screen surface, which in prior art devices, damage occurs to the screen element.

[0083] To reduce or remove this hydrostatic force in the case of the perforated plate screen, a device called an Effector (Duperon Innovations, Saginaw, Michigan USA) is positioned very near to or intimate to the downstream side of the perforated screen. This device reduces or removes the hydrostatic on the debris by transferring these forces to the surface of the device near or intimate to the screen. In addition to this transfer of force, a diverted flow pattern is created about the device.

[0084] This diverted flow pattern has a distinct effect on any debris that is dislodged. This effect can and will move debris along the surface of the screen by utilizing the higher velocity flows diverting around the surface of the Effector device that is near or intimate to the screen. In addition and related to this diverted flow pattern, a low force pocket is formed on the upstream side of the screen in front of the Effector, relative to the size of the Effector and the velocity of the incoming water stream.

[0085] This low force pocket forms a space for the debris to gather after it has been removed from the screen. In addition to the function of the Effector, there is a sprayer integrated into the Effector, spraying from the downstream through the screen to the upstream side of the screen. The purpose of the sprayer is to positively dislodge the debris from the screen that has stapled (reached through) the perforations of the screen. The sprayer is positioned relative to the low force pocket.

[0086] To collect the dislodged debris and transfer it to discharge point, a skimmer device 5 positioned on the upstream side of the screen 17 moves relative to the position of the Effector plate 25. The position of the skimmer device, relative to the Effector, is critical to the distinct formation of the low force pocket and the direction of the diverted flow pattern in front of the Effector plate 25.

[0087] Each of these dynamics are interdependent. The reduction or exclusion of any of these dynamics greatly reduces or negates the ability to remove the debris from the statically positioned perforated screen in the design of the perforated plate. For example, by eliminating the low force pocket in front of the Effector, the sprayer, in and of itself, is unable to neatly remove the range of debris from the screen so the skimmer device can collect the debris for transport. This is due to the effective spray force required for debris with a large area which differs greatly from that required for small debris, in an uncontrolled environment. The combined effects of the low force pocket and the diverted flow patterns, equilibrate the spray forces required to neatly dislodge the debris from the screen and allows the skimmer device 5 to collect the debris.

[0088] In addition to the primary debris removal device used in the clearing of debris from a perforated plate filtration screen, such as a skimmer, scraper or sprayer, a novel secondary skimming device 28 follows after the primary, attached to, or near to the primary device (trash screen), or in a position preceding the introduction of more debris to the perforated screen. Preferred mounting is to have the secondary skimmer mounted on the bottom of the primary skimmer, and extending forward past the leading edge of the primary skimmer, (See FIGS. 7 and 8), using a mounting plate 29 as shown in FIG. 9.

[0089] The purpose of this device is to clear fibrous material from the screen that has reached through the perforated screen and is unaffected by typical primary removal devices. This failure of fibrous debris remaining on the screen is called stapling.

[0090] The device is a thin and flexible sheet that is formed, or fixed to its attachment point, in a manner to allow consistent force along its edge, to the surface of the perforated screen. The material hardness of the sheet is designed to be sacrificial to the perforated screen and the thickness of the sheet is designed to maintain a consistent effective sharpness along its edge regardless of wear along the edge of the sheet.

[0091] The ability of the device to remove singular fiber or masses containing multiple fibers lies in the combination of the low consistent force and consistent effective sharpness. As the device moves along the inlet side surface of a perforated screen, the sharp edge gathers the fibrous material and moves it along the surface of the perforated screen to a point where it can be discharged.

[0092] This device is affixed to the bottom surface of the primary skimmers such that it touches the perforated screen, and hence, the fibrous material positioned in the perforations of the perforated screen. (See FIG. 4A).