Patent ID: 8833608
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
1. A method of using a system for accurate placement of a compressed air blast point to initiate flow of bulk particulate material in a containment vessel comprising the steps of: a. providing a compressed air system comprising a motor, an air compressor, and an air reservoir; b. providing a hydraulic fluid system comprising a motor, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and a pump; c. providing a slew drive rotatable to about 20° of each side of vertical; d. providing a hydraulically-powered, articulating boom arm comprising hydraulic cylinders, in which said hydraulic cylinders remain in a plane parallel to the boom arm throughout operation of the system; e. providing a blaster assembly with first and second ends comprising an air reservoir proximate the first end, a mount assembly, a discharge tube assembly, and a discharge tip assembly further comprising a shooting valve proximate the second end; f. providing a wireless control system with an effective range of about 50 feet and capable of controlling the compressed air and hydraulic fluid systems to further control the hydraulic cylinders of the boom arm, the slew drive, and the blaster assembly; g. positioning the discharge tip assembly at a desired location in the containment vessel; h. charging the blaster assembly with compressed air; and i. triggering the release of the compressed air from the blaster assembly into or onto the bulk material to fluidize and initiate flow of the bulk material.