Abstract:
An automatic festoon hose handling system for mass transit vehicles such as buses or the like, includes a vacuum or pressurized fluid source, a hose connected to the source, and a lance portion disposed on a distal end of the hose. A festoon assembly is positioned for suspending the hose from an overhead support. The hose is pneumatically extendable and retractable.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/491,709, filed on Aug. 1, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this specific reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to systems for vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, or extracting fumes from mass transit vehicles, and more particularly to any such system which employs festooned hoses. 
   Commonly, public transit systems, having a large number of passenger buses, employ vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning stations, or fume extracting systems for such buses which comprise one or more lanes or service bays into which the bus is driven, adjacent to vacuuming, fume extracting, or cleaning equipment. The vacuuming, fume extracting, or cleaning equipment typically comprises a motorized or pneumatically driven vacuum pump or blower, additional vacuum pump (if needed), material collection system, and dumpster container, from which one or more lengthy hoses extend. At the distal end of each hose, which may be one or more inches in diameter, is provided a lance and nozzle. As is well known in the art of vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, or fume extraction systems, the hose functions to communicate the vacuum or blow nozzle air flow generated by the motorized vacuum pump or blower to the nozzle. Dirt, paper, or fumes are either picked up or blown away, as the case may be, by the nozzle, when being removed from the area being vacuumed or cleaned. Vacuumed material moves through the hose, ducting, and appropriate collector, and are deposited into a dumpster container to be emptied later, when full. Fume extraction systems do not require a collection system and dumpster container, but are usually exhausted to atmosphere directly. In prior art vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, and fume exhaust stations for vacuuming, cleaning or extracting fumes from mass transit buses and the like, an operator enters the bus for cleaning or goes to the bus engine exhaust pipe for fume extraction, which is parked in the cleaning station or service bay, carrying the lance end of the vacuum equipment for the purpose of vacuuming, cleaning, or extracting fumes from the bus. 
   A problem in such prior art vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, and exhaust extraction stations, is that the hose, because of its length, can be extremely unwieldy, making the vacuuming, cleaning, or fume extraction function difficult. Such hoses are most often deployed on hose reels, or manual counterbalance festoons. Hose reels include a large mounting structure system and a strong retraction mechanism to ensure that the hoses remain coiled about the reel, typically suspended from an adjacent wall or ceiling, except when extended for use. The pull forces exerted by the retraction mechanism makes hose manipulation by an operator difficult, can be a safety problem, because of the employment of large and powerful moving parts, and can also cause hose damage over time. As a practical matter, because of the retraction mechanism, hose reels typically require a remote control system at the distal (lance) end, so that the operator can alleviate the pulling force of the retraction mechanism when hose extension and manipulation are required. Such systems, however, are expensive and unreliable. Existing hose reel systems often fail or are more costly because of vacuum system plugging, are aesthetically displeasing, and are expensive to install or relocate. Manual counterbalance festoons utilize a counterweight that pulls the hose back to the fully retracted position. The “pull-back” force is greatest when the hose is fully extended and least when the hose is fully retracted. The hose operators must exert a continuous force against the counterweight “pull-back” while manipulating the extended hose and therefore becomes a burden to use. 
   What is needed, therefore, is a system for retaining lengthy hoses which eliminates the need for hose reels or manual counterbalance festoons, but permits the hoses to be retracted to a neat, attractive, and out-of-the-way disposition when the system is not in use, and permits the hoses to be readily deployed and manipulated, without “pull-back” during system usage. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, there is provided an automatic hose festooning system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention which meets the foregoing objectives. 
   More particularly, in one aspect of the invention, there is provided a festoon hose handling system for mass transit vehicles such as buses, or the like, which comprises a motorized vacuum or fluid pressure (blower) source, an additional motorized vacuum pump (if needed), a hose connected to the vacuum source, a distal end of the hose, through which fluid can pass, and a festoon assembly for suspending the hose from a suitable support, such as a ceiling or wall, wherein the hose is pneumatically extendable and retractable. 
   In a preferred embodiment, as just noted above, a control switch is disposed in proximity to the hose distal end, such as on the lance portion of the hose, or some other stationary remote location, for pneumatically extending and retracting the festooned hose. The festoon assembly preferably comprises a festooning tube having a movable piston disposed therein, and a chamber disposed adjacent to the piston. The chamber has a flow passage connected thereto for permitting the pressure in the chamber to be changed, in order to move the piston in a desired direction. Preferably, the flow passage includes a valve therein for controlling flow, which is selectively actuatable between a closed and an open position. In one embodiment, this valve comprises a three-position valve which is selectively actuatable between the closed position, an open to vacuum position, and an open to atmosphere position. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the aforementioned flow passage comprises two connected flow passages, wherein the valve is disposed in one of the flow passages, and a second valve, also selectively actuatable between a closed and an open position, is disposed in a second one of the flow passages. 
   A cord is attached to the piston on one end, and to the festooned hose on a second end, wherein when the piston moves in a first direction, the cord moves with the piston in the first direction to extend the hose, and when the piston moves in a second direction, the cord moves with the piston in the second direction to retract the hose. A brake is preferably disposed adjacent to the cord at a predetermined location, and is selectively actuatable between a set position, wherein the cord is prevented from moving, and a released position, wherein the cord is free to move. A plurality of pulleys are provided about which the cord is arranged to travel when moving in the first or second directions. Advantageously, because the system does not employ a hose reel, which would necessitate fully coiling the hose thereabout, a control wire may be disposed along the festooned hose along a substantial length thereof, electrically connecting the control switch to a control unit, rather than having to use a wireless remote control system. 
   In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a festoon hose handling system for mass transit vehicles such as buses, which comprises a motorized vacuum or fluid pressure source and a hose connected to the vacuum or fluid pressure source, and a festoon assembly for suspending the hose from a suitable support. The festoon assembly comprises a cord attached to the festooned hose on one end and to a movable member on a second end, wherein the movable member is actuatable to selectively retract and extend the hose. A control switch is preferably disposed in proximity to a distal portion of the festooned hose, such as on the lance portion thereof, or in a suitable remote location adjacent thereto, for actuating the movable member, which is preferably pneumatically driven. 
   Also provided in the inventive system is a festooning tube in which the movable member is disposed, and a chamber located adjacent to the movable member. The movable member, or piston, is arranged to reciprocate within the festooning tube responsive to changes in pressure in the chamber. 
   A flow passage is connected to the chamber for permitting the pressure in the chamber to be selectively changed, and a valve is disposed in the flow passage which is selectively actuatable between a closed and an open position. The flow passage connects the chamber to the vacuum or fluid pressure source, through the valve. 
   In operation, the system has a stowed configuration, wherein the hose is stowed in a retracted condition, and an extended configuration, wherein the hose is extended in an operational condition. The system further has a retracted configuration, in which configuration the hose is permitted to retract to the retracted condition from the extended condition, but it is not stowed away. 
   In still another aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a method of vacuuming, cleaning, or extracting fumes from a mass transit vehicle such as a bus or the like, using a system having a festooned hose which is suspended from a suitable support using a festoon assembly comprising a cord attached to the hose on one end, and to a movable member on a second end. The disclosed method comprises steps of actuating a control switch to cause the movable member and connected cord to move in a first direction toward the festooned hose, thereby extending the festooned hose to a desired cleaning location, and maneuvering the festooned hose as desired to vacuum, clean, or extract fumes from the desired location and any other desired locations within a range of travel of the vacuum hose and connected cord. A third step is disclosed, which comprises actuating the control switch to cause the movable member and connected cord to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby retracting the festooned hose to a storage position. 
   The inventive festooning system functions to advantageously provide immediate hose availability, reduce the time and motion needed to press control buttons, eliminates the need for remote control transmitter handset handling, and simplifies and eases hose handling by keeping the hose off the vehicle floor during cleaning operations. 
   The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawing. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1   a  is a schematic view of one embodiment of a festooned vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, or fume extraction system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein the hose and associated lance are disposed in a fully retracted position; 
       FIG. 1   b  is a schematic view similar to  FIG. 1   b , showing a second embodiment of the invention; 
       FIG. 2   a  is a schematic view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , wherein the hose and lance are in an extended position for vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, or extracting fumes from a mass transit vehicle or the like; 
       FIG. 2   b  is a schematic view, similar to  FIG. 2   a , of the embodiment of  FIG. 1   b;    
       FIG. 3   a  is a schematic view, similar to  FIGS. 1   a  and  2   a , wherein the system is in a retracting orientation for the purpose of retracting the extended hose and nozzle to the stowed position shown in  FIG. 1   a ; and 
       FIG. 3   b  is a schematic view, similar to  FIG. 3   a , of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1   b  and  2   b.    
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 1   a - 3   b , there is shown an automatic festooned vacuuming, blow nozzle cleaning, or fume extraction system  10  which is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The system  10  comprises a motorized vacuum blower source  12  and, optionally, a motorized vacuum pump  13 , both of known construction. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum blower  12  and the vacuum pump  13  have a combined negative pressure rating of approximately 40″ to 200″ water column. In certain applications, other vacuum or pressure fluid sources, such as, for example, a compressed air powered venturi vacuum pump, may be used. Compressed air powered venturi vacuum pumps of this type, which are small (about 1″×6″), inexpensive, easy to install, have no moving parts, and are excellent for on/off applications, may be particularly suitable for certain applications, particularly those where compressed air is available, one festoon is being installed, and the vacuum source must be a substantial distance away from the festoon system. An upright cylinder or festooning tube  14  includes an air-tight or close tolerance fitting piston  16  which is free to reciprocate vertically within the festooning tube  14 . Proximally of the piston  16 , at a lower end of the festooning tube  14 , is disposed a cylinder chamber  18 , from which extends a main flow line  20 , so that fluid (air) may flow through the main flow line  20  into and out of the cylinder chamber  18 . 
   Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 1   a ,  2   a , and  3   a , a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the main flow line  20  branches into two flow lines, namely first branch line  22  and second branch line  23 . The first branch line  22  extends from the main flow line  20 , and leads to a first valve  24 , the function of which will be described hereinbelow. The second branch line  23  extends from the main flow line  20 , and leads to a second valve  26 , the function of which will also be described hereinbelow. A third flow line  28  extends from a downstream end of the second valve  24  to a low pressure side of the vacuum pump  13  (if one is desired). A fourth flow line  29  extends from the high pressure side of the vacuum pump  13  and leads to the low pressure side of the vacuum blower  12 . 
   The piston  16  is connected to a cord and pulley system comprising a cord  30  disposed about pulleys  32 ,  34 , and  36 . The pulley  32  is optional and is attached to the piston  16 . One end of the cord  30  extends through the pulley  32 , out of the upper end of the festooning tube  14 , about the pulley  34 , and then about the pulley  36 , which is suspended from an overhead location, such as the ceiling. When pulley  32  is used, the other end of the cord  30  extends out of the upper end of the festooning tube  14  and is attached to an overhead support  37 . Pulley  34  and the overhead support  37  are both centered over the festooning tube  14  so as to keep the piston  16  in vertical orientation while it reciprocates in the festooning tube  14 . When pulley  32  is not used, one end of the cord  30  is attached directly to the piston  16 , and the other end of the cord  30  extends out of the upper end of the festooning tube  14 , about the pulley  34 , and then about the pulley  36 . The other end of the cord  30  is attached to a hose  38 . A brake  40  is associated with the cord  30 , for a purpose to be described hereinbelow. 
   The brake  40  functions between set and released configurations, as will also be described hereinbelow. A lance portion  42  is disposed on a distal end of the hose  38 , and the proximal end of the hose is attached to the motorized vacuum pressure or blower source  12  mounted in a suitable location. The low pressure side of the source  12  is connected to the high pressure side of the vacuum pump  13  (if present). The lance portion  42  may include a handle, of known construction in the art, for convenient vacuuming, or cleaning operation. A suitable filter (not shown), known in the prior art, such as a cyclone collector assembly or dust collector, is employed to collect the dirt and debris recovered by the lance portion  42 , metal ducting  43 , and the associated hose  38  when vacuuming dust, paper, or material. 
   In  FIG. 1   a , the system  10  is illustrated in its stowed configuration. In this configuration, the piston  16  is fully retracted to the bottom end of the festooning tube  14 , and both two-position valves  24  and  26  are closed. Because the piston  16  is retracted, the cord  30 , attached thereto, is fully retracted as well, meaning that the hose  38 , to which it is attached, is drawn upwardly to a suspended position adjacent to the pulley  36 , as shown. If desired, the lance portion  42  may be raised to the roof by means of additional optional pulleys such as pulley  44 , for convenient storage, using a provided hook  46  or the like, and a cord  47 , the other end of which is fastened to a cleat  48  on the wall or other convenient location. 
   The embodiment of  FIG. 1   b  is similar to that of  FIG. 1   a , also illustrating the system  10  in a fully retracted condition. The primary difference between the two embodiments is that, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1   b , a single three-way valve  49  is employed, rather than the first and second valves  24  and  26  employed in the  FIG. 1   a  embodiment. Thus, in  FIG. 1   b , the main flow line  20  leads to an upstream side of the three-way valve  49 , and the third flow line  28  extends from the downstream side of the valve  49 . The valve  49  is in a closed position in the  FIG. 1   a  (fully retracted) configuration. 
   Now with reference to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , the system  10  is shown in an extended or “fed out” configuration, for the purpose of vacuuming, cleaning, or extracting fumes from one or more mass transit vehicles or the like. To extend the hose  38  to an operable position, the operator actuates a control switch  50  which is preferably conveniently disposed on the lance handle portion  42 , as shown, although it may alternatively be disposed in any desired location. One advantage of the present invention over prior art hose reel systems is that the control switch need not be a relatively expensive remote wireless actuator, which uses RF control features known in the art, but may rather be a simple and relatively inexpensive hard-wired actuator, wherein the control wire  52  connecting the switch  50  to a control unit  54  is looped about the length of the hose  38 , from the lance handle portion  42  back to the control unit  54 , which may be mounted on the wall  55  or other suitable location. The use of a hard wire looped about the hose is feasible because the hose is not stored in a coiled configuration about a hose reel, which would twist and damage the wire as the hose reel rotates. 
   Now referring particularly to  FIG. 2   a , when the control switch  50  is actuated, valve  24  opens, while valve  26  remains closed, thereby directing air from the atmosphere into the system through the valve  24 , as shown by arrows  56 . Because the valve  26  remains closed, the air is directed through the second branch line  23  and main flow line  20  into the cylinder chamber  18 , thereby causing the piston  16  to move upwardly within the festooning tube  14 . Movement of the piston  16  upwardly in turn causes the cord  30  to move upwardly. 
   In the  FIG. 2   b  embodiment, actuation of the control switch  50  causes the valve  49  to move to an open to atmosphere position, as shown, thereby directing air from the atmosphere into the system through the valve  49 , as shown by arrows  57 . Because the valve  49  is in its open to atmosphere position, the air is directed through the flow line  20  into the cylinder chamber  18 , thereby causing the piston  16  to move upwardly within the festooning tube  14 . Movement of the piston  16  upwardly in turn causes the cord  30  to move upwardly, as is the case also with the  FIG. 2   a  embodiment. 
   Thus, in both the  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  embodiments, actuation of the control switch  50  ultimately causes the cord  30  to move upwardly. This action, in turn, causes the brake  40  to be released, thereby permitting the cord  30  to play outwardly from the pulley  36 , as shown in both  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , thus releasing the hose  38  and permitting the operator to utilize the lance handle portion  42  for desired cleaning operations. A slide gate valve  41 , forming a part of the vacuum source  12 , is also opened by actuation of the control switch  50 , thereby delivering vacuum pressure or blow nozzle air to the lance portion  42 . 
   Now with reference to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , at the conclusion of vacuuming or cleaning operations, when it is desired to retract the hose  38  to its storage position, the control switch  50  may be depressed in order to actuate the system to a retract mode. In the  FIG. 3   a  embodiment, initiation of the retract mode causes valve  26  to close and valve  24  to open, thereby permitting a flow of air from the cylinder chamber  18  through flow lines  20  and  22 , then through the valve  24 , to the flow lines  28  and  29 , which lead to the vacuum blower  12 . Arrows  58  illustrate the direction of airflow. Since the valve  26  is closed, no air flows through the second branch line  23 . The pressure drop in the cylinder chamber  18 , due to the open valve  24 , causes the piston  16  to retract downwardly within the festooning tube  14 , as shown, thus causing, in turn, the cord  30  to retract toward the pulley  36 , in the direction of arrow  58 . Ultimately, this action permits the hose  38  to be stowed in the manner shown in  FIG. 1   a . When the cord  30  reaches its fully retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1   a , the brake  40  becomes set once again, holding the cord  30  in its retracted position. 
   In the  FIG. 3   b  embodiment, at the conclusion of the cleaning operation, when it is desired to retract the hose  38 , the control switch  50  is actuated, thus initiating the retract mode. This mode is initiated by causing valve  49  to move to the open to vacuum position, as shown in  FIG. 3   b , thereby permitting a flow of air from the cylinder chamber  18  through flow line  20  and the valve  49 , as indicated by arrow  58 , to flow lines  28  and  29 , which lead to vacuum pump  13  (if needed) and the vacuum blower  12 . Since the valve  49  is in the open to vacuum position, no air flows through the valve to the atmosphere. The pressure drop in the cylinder chamber  18 , due to the valve  49  being in the open to vacuum position, causes the piston  16  to retract downwardly within the festooning tube  14 , as shown, thus causing, in turn, the cord  30  to retract toward the pulley  36 , in the direction of arrow  58 . Ultimately, this action permits the hose  38  to be stowed in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 1   b . When the cord  30  reaches its fully retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1   b , the brake  40  becomes set once again, holding the cord  30  in its retracted position. 
   Regarding the optional pulley  32 , discussed above, it should be noted that the diameter of the festoon piston  16  and the use or non-use of pulley  32  determines the festooned hose lifting force. The usage of pulley  32  permits the festoon tube piston to travel one-half of the distance that the hose travels, and thereby allows longer lengths of festooned hose in areas of low head room. However, using pulley  32  causes the festoon piston to have one-half the lifting force. Thus, there is a design trade-off which dictates the employment or non-employment of the piston  32 , depending upon individual application. 
   Thus, the resultant system comprises a festoon hose  38  which is suspended from the ceiling or other suitable overhead support to create a convenient mechanism for storing and maneuvering the hose during use. The inventive system  10  may be installed in an existing bay of a transit vehicle facility, such as a fueling or service station or the like. The advantages of such a system include: 
   a) the provision of an easily available hose to the operator; 
   b) the ability to use a reliable, hard-wired, customized lance handle for controlling the hose feed, retract, and vacuum functions, thereby eliminating the need for relatively unreliable, expensive, and fragile remote control handsets; 
   c) greater air flow and elimination of plugging of the vacuum or cleaning system caused by hose reel elbows and turns; 
   d) retraction of the hose with a user friendly pneumatic, rather than gear-driven, retraction force; 
   e) suspension of the hose by the cord  30  at the entry door of the transit vehicle, or near the bus engine exhaust tail pipe, thereby making it much easier to manipulate the hose in or around the vehicle, relative to alternative hose reel systems or hose brackets, wherein the hose must be dragged along the floor surface of the facility; 
   f) creation of a less congested, aesthetically pleasing fuel island and cleaning area; 
   g) a simplified duct system; 
   h) energy efficient, requiring very little electrical power to operate; 
   i) extremely reliable and easy to maintain; and 
   j) can be furnished and installed for substantially less cost than prior art hose reel systems. 
   The apparatus and method of the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.