Patent Publication Number: US-2013248556-A1

Title: Blade assembly with liquid reservoir

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This patent disclosure relates, generally, to a blade assembly for a machine, and, more particularly, to a blade assembly with a reservoir for liquid. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Land disposal of solid wastes has been practiced for centuries. Landfills remain the primary solid waste disposal option for most countries. Solid waste in a landfill degrades through aerobic and anaerobic processes. The degradation products generated from the stabilization process include gas and leachate. 
     Landfill gas (LFG) is generated by the anaerobic biological degradation of organic material. The LFG can be used to generate electricity, fire boilers, or substitute for other energy sources, for example. 
     Landfill leachate is a fluid that is made of water which, after being in contact with the refuse, has “leached” chemicals from the landfill. The water—mainly from precipitation—can dissolve soluble organics and inorganics. Leachate can be handled by landfill operators as single pass leachate or recirculating leachate. 
     For single pass leaching, the liquid leachate stream is collected, stored in a lagoon or tank, and treated either onsite or offsite before being discharged to a receiving system. Landfill companies have to incur expenses and deploy resources to dispose of the single-pass leachate. 
     Under the recirculation strategy, the leachate is collected and recirculated through the landfill system by reintroducing the collected leachate into the landfill. Using leachate recirculation, a landfill operator can: increase LFG generation rate; augment energy recovery potential; increase waste settlement, leading to recoverable and ultimately more efficient use of landfill air space; and avoid leachate transport to a remote treatment facility. 
     A landfill bioreactor is an example of a landfill that can use recirculated leachate. A landfill operated as a bioreactor can take water from ponds, biosolids, and other outside moisture sources and operate at high moisture contents, approximately 45 percent. A landfill bioreactor can obtain rapid and enhanced degradation of the solid waste and biological stabilization of the leachate. Compared with single-pass leaching, landfill bioreactors can provide more rapid, complete, and predictable conversion of readily-degradable solid waste components, thereby enhancing the potential for landfill gas (LFG) recovery and utilization, diminishing management time, and reducing the potential for adverse health and environmental impacts. 
     Wetting the working face of the landfill with leachate can promote compaction, litter control, and uniform distribution of liquid throughout the waste mass. Conventionally, a landfill operator dispenses leachate from a stand-alone tank transported by a machine or from a manual sprayer. For other work operations, such as soil compaction, for example, an operator may also apply liquid to the worksite area to help facilitate the work operation. 
     The Japanese patent document JP 9177118A is entitled, “Blade With Storing Part of Construction Machine,” and is directed to providing a storing part at the back of a blade of a construction machine so that a space for storing components is available. A storing part is provided integrally in the central part of a blade. A cover is provided at the upper part of the storing part. The blade is fitted to the front or the rear of a running body in the lower part of the construction machine. Tools, periodic replacement components, such as oil and filters, and materials such as articles of consumption are stored in the storing part. The storing part may be provided so that it is removable from the blade. 
     It will be appreciated that this background description has been created by the inventor to aid the reader, and is not to be taken as an indication that any of the indicated problems were themselves appreciated in the art. While the described principles can, in some aspects and embodiments, alleviate the problems inherent in other systems, it will be appreciated that the scope of the protected innovation is defined by the attached claims, and not by the ability of any disclosed feature to solve any specific problem noted herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure is directed to providing a convenient means for storing liquid, such as leachate or water, for example, and dispensing the liquid at a worksite area. In an embodiment, a blade assembly includes a frame and a liquid storage tank integrally arranged with the frame. The liquid storage tank can include a fill port and at least one dispensing port. 
     In other embodiments, a machine includes a machine body and a blade assembly mounted to the machine body. The blade assembly includes a frame and an integral liquid storage tank supported by the frame. The liquid storage tank includes a fill port and at least one dispensing port. 
     In other embodiments, a method for dispensing liquid at a worksite is described. Liquid is stored in a liquid storage tank integrally formed with a frame of a blade assembly attached to a machine. The machine is moved over the worksite. Liquid is dispensed from the liquid storage tank upon a surface of the worksite. 
     Further and alternative aspects and features of the disclosed principles will be appreciated from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated, the blade assemblies, machines, and methods for dispensing liquid disclosed herein are capable of being carried out in other and different embodiments, and capable of being modified in various respects. Accordingly, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and do not restrict the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a machine having an embodiment of a blade assembly in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view, from the front and the bottom, of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view, from the rear and bottom, of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a view as in  FIG. 3 , illustrating a valve mechanism of the blade assembly in an open position. 
         FIG. 5  is a rear elevational view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1  with a side upright removed to illustrate an interior of an integral liquid storage tank of the blade assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 , with plates removed to illustrate the interior of a liquid storage tank. 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view, partially in section, of the blade assembly of  FIG. 1 , with portions of a first outer segment and a middle segment of the liquid storage tank removed for illustrative purposes. 
         FIG. 9  is a view as in  FIG. 8 , but viewed from the other side of the blade assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve mechanism suitable for use in a blade assembly constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method for dispensing liquid at a worksite according to principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of a blade assembly, a machine, and a method for dispensing liquid at a worksite are described herein. In embodiments, a blade assembly includes an integrated liquid storage tank. 
     In embodiments, an integrated liquid storage tank is disposed at a rear side of a blade assembly and incorporates at least one compartment space defined by a frame of the blade assembly. In embodiments, compartment spaces in the frame are joined together to form a tank suitable for containing a liquid by connecting these compartments through a system of channels to provide fluid flow from a top portion of the tank to a bottom portion. Cover plates are added to the frame to provide a tank with a sealed interior. 
     In embodiments, a closed compartment space can be formed between plates disposed at a rear side of the blade assembly and a moldboard at a front side in spaced relationship to the plates in a longitudinal direction and between a first upright and a second upright in spaced relationship to each other in a transverse direction. In some embodiments, the closed compartment space fits within the outer perimeter of the other components of the blade assembly. 
     In embodiments, a liquid-dispensing valve mechanism can be associated with the integral liquid storage tank to selectively dispense liquid from the tank upon, for example, a worksite. The valve mechanism can be selectively movable between a closed position and an open position. When the valve mechanism is in the closed position, the valve mechanism prevents liquid flow from the liquid storage tank. When the valve mechanism is in the open position, the valve mechanism allows liquid to flow from the liquid storage tank. The valve mechanism can be biased to the closed position. 
     In embodiments, an integrated liquid storage tank can define fill ports at either side of the blade assembly to facilitate the ready filling of the integrated liquid storage tank. An upper portion of the liquid storage tank can define the fill ports. The liquid storage tank can be filled with any suitable liquid, such as leachate (e.g., for leachate re-circulating at a landfill) or water (e.g., for soil compacting at construction sites). 
     The liquid storage tank can be configured such that liquid poured into the liquid storage tank using one of the fill ports disposed at an upper portion of the liquid storage tank can flow to a lower portion of the storage tank through the effects of gravity. The lower portion can define at least one dispensing port adapted to dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank. 
     In embodiments, each fill port of the liquid storage tank can be selectively occluded using a suitable device, such as a threaded plug, for example. In the event of a machine rollover, liquid stored in the integral liquid storage tank would not pour from the overturned liquid storage tank. 
     In embodiments, a blade assembly can include an integrated liquid storage tank configured such that, when the blade assembly is mounted to a machine, the integrated liquid storage tank does not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the blade assembly to maintain the visibility of an operator in a cab of the machine. The integrated liquid storage tank can also be configured to avoid interfering with blade use. The distance between the back of the blade assembly and the front of the machine can be maintained to provide a predetermined minimum clearance distance to allow a wide range of uses of the blade assembly. 
     In embodiments, a blade assembly includes an integral liquid storage tank that does not have to be disassembled from the blade assembly for differentiated applications. In use, the blade assembly can be used as a blade alone, as a liquid-dispensing system alone, or as both a blade and a liquid-dispensing system simultaneously. 
     Referring now to the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of a machine  50  in the form of a landfill compactor including an embodiment of a blade assembly  52  constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . It should be understood that, in other embodiments, many other types of machines, such as, road graders, wheel loaders, skid steer loaders, and the like, can include a blade assembly constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. Examples of other such machines include machines used for compaction, mining, construction, farming, transportation, etc. 
     The machine  50  includes a body  54  having a front portion or non-engine end  56  and a rear portion or engine end  58 . The non-engine end  56  and the engine end  58  of the body  54  are pivotally connected to each other at a hitch or articulation joint arrangement  62  by way of a pair of hinge joints  64 . A pair of steering cylinders  68  can be mounted between the non-engine end  56  and the engine end  58  of the body  54  to provide steering. 
     The engine end  58  of the body  54  can support an operator station or cab  74 . The engine end  58  can also support, for example, a power source and cooling system components (not shown). The power source can be operatively connected through a drive train (not shown) to drive at least one ground-engaging device (e.g., wheels, tracks, etc.) for movement of the machine  50 . In the illustrated embodiment, ground-engaging devices in the form of wheels  76  are supported by a front axle  78  and a rear axle  79 , which in turn are supported by the non-engine end  56  and the engine end  58 , respectively. The front axle  78  and the rear axle  79  are connected to the body  54  using any suitable technique as will be understood by one skilled in the art. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each wheel  76  includes a plurality of teeth  82  positioned on an outer surface  84  of the wheel  76 . The teeth  82  of a particular wheel  76  can be in predetermined, spaced relationship to each other in a specific pattern across the outer surface  84  of the wheel  76  in a well-known manner to provide sufficient compacting force to the ground or debris beneath each wheel  76 . 
     The blade assembly  52  is connected to the front portion  56  of the body  54 . The blade assembly  52  is pivotally mounted to the front portion  56  of the body  54  by a first push arm  90  and a second push arm  91 . A lift cylinder  94  is pivotally connected at a proximal end  95  to the front portion  56  of the body  54  and at a distal end  96  to the blade assembly  52 . The lift cylinder  94  can be operated to selectively raise and lower the blade assembly  52 . The lift cylinder  94  can be operated such that the blade assembly  52  is movable over a range of travel between a raised position and a lowered position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the blade assembly  52  includes a frame  102 , a moldboard  104  attached to the frame  102 , a cutting edge blade  106  attached to the moldboard  104 , a liquid storage tank  110  integrally arranged with and supported by the frame  102 , and a valve mechanism  114  adapted to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110 . The liquid storage tank  110  is integrated into a space defined by the frame  102  and the moldboard  104  at a rear side  120  ( FIG. 3 ) of the blade assembly  52 . The liquid storage tank  110  can be configured such that the liquid storage tank  110  is in non-interfering relationship with the body  54  of the machine  50  when the blade assembly  52  is moved over the range of travel between the lowered position and the raised position. The valve mechanism  114  can be operated to selectively dispense liquid stored in the tank  110  upon a surface of a worksite. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the frame  102  includes the first and second push arms  90 ,  91 , a first side upright  122  and a second side upright  123 , the side uprights  122 ,  123  disposed in spaced relationship to each other along a transverse axis  125  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 3 and 5 ), and an intermediate transverse support  128  and a lower transverse support  130  both extending along the transverse axis  125  between the first and second side uprights  122 ,  123 . A first cover plate  132  extends along the transverse axis  125  between the first side upright  122  and the first push arm  90 , and a second cover plate  133  extends along the transverse axis  125  between the second side upright  123  and the second push arm  91 . Each illustrated cover plate  132 ,  133  is a substantially planar sheet of material that is configured to cover an open area defined between the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130 . The cover plates  132 ,  133  are disposed between the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130  to help define the liquid storage tank  110 . The cover plates  132 ,  133  are in spaced relationship to the moldboard  104  with respect to a longitudinal axis  135 , which is perpendicular to the transverse axis  125 . The cover plates  132 ,  133  can help provide a sealed interior for the liquid storage tank  110  suitable for storing liquid therein. 
     A wear plate  140  can be attached to a bottom end  142  of each side upright  122 ,  123 . The wear plates  140  can be adapted to provide additional protection against wearing that occurs through use of the blade assembly  52  during typical blade applications, such as bulldozing, for example. 
     The frame  102  includes a top plate  146  extending between the side uprights  122 ,  123 . The top plate  146  is connected to a top end  148  of each side upright  122 ,  123  and a top end  150  of the moldboard  104 . A plurality of moldboard support gussets  152  extend vertically between the intermediate transverse support  128  and the top plate  146 . The moldboard support gussets  152  can help provide rigidity to the moldboard  104 . 
     The push arms  90 ,  91  extend from the rear side  120  of the blade assembly  52  from the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130 . Each push arm  90 ,  91  includes a distal end  156  defining a machine mounting hole  158  adapted to receive a connecting element therethrough to pivotally mount the blade assembly  52  to the body  54  of the machine  50 . A suitable fastening element can include a pin, for example. In other embodiments, the distal end  156  of each push arm  90 ,  91  can include another mechanism adapted to pivotally connect the blade assembly  52  to the machine  50 , e.g., a trunnion or a component of a ball and socket connection. 
     Each push arm  90 ,  91  includes a handling tab  160  disposed adjacent the intermediate transverse support. Each handling tab  160  defines a hole  162  that is adapted to receive a coupling element therethrough, such as a hook or other coupling element, for example. A suitable chain or rope can be secured to the hooks at one end and to a suitable lifting machine at the other end. The lifting machine can lift the blade assembly  52  via the connection through the handling tabs  160  to facilitate the transport of the blade assembly  52  to a desired location. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the moldboard  104  extends between the first and second side uprights  122 ,  123 . The moldboard  104  can include a rack portion  168  disposed at the top end  150  thereof. The rack portion  168  defines a series of vertically extending slots  169 . The slots  169  can be configured to improve operator visibility from the operator station or cab  74  of the machine  50 . An operator in the operator station  74  can look through the slots  169  defined by the rack portion  168  of the moldboard  104  to increase the range of visible area in front of the machine  50  available to the operator. The moldboard  104  can include a towing tab  172  extending therefrom. The towing tab  172  can define a hole  174  suitable for receiving a connecting element therethrough to allow the blade assembly  52  to be used for a towing operation, for example. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a base edge  176  can be welded to a bottom end  178  of the moldboard  104 . The cutting edge blade  106  can be secured to the base edge  176  via a plurality of bolts  180 . In use, the cutting edge blade  106  can be replaced from time to time for maintenance or for replacement. 
     The lower transverse support  130  includes a bottom backup plate  190  that extends to the moldboard  104 . The bottom backup plate  190  is disposed adjacent the base edge  176  of the moldboard  104 . The bottom backup plate  190  defines a bottom of the integral liquid storage tank  110 . 
     A plurality of base edge support gussets  192  can be provided to increase the rigidity of the base edge  176  of the moldboard  104 . The base edge support gussets  192  can be welded to the base edge  176  and to the bottom backup plate  190 . In other embodiments, other suitable connection techniques can be used. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the liquid storage tank  110  of the blade assembly  52  extends along the transverse axis  125  and includes a plurality of dispensing ports  202  in spaced relationship to each other along the transverse axis  125 . The bottom backup plate  190  of the lower transverse support  130  of the frame  102  defines the dispensing ports  202  of the liquid storage tank  110 . The dispensing ports  202  are disposed adjacent a rear edge  204  of the bottom backup plate  190 . 
     The valve mechanism  114  is adapted to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  from at least one of the dispensing ports  202 . The valve mechanism  114  can control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202 . The valve mechanism  114  can be suitably supported by the frame  102 . To selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110 , the valve mechanism  114  can be moved over a range of travel from a closed position ( FIG. 3 ) in which the valve mechanism  114  sealingly occludes the dispensing ports  202  and an open position ( FIG. 4 ) in which the valve mechanism  114  is in displaced relationship with the dispensing ports  202  to allow liquid stored in the tank  110  to flow from the tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202 . The valve mechanism  114  can be arranged with each dispensing port  202  associated with the liquid storage tank  110  and can be adapted to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  from the dispensing ports  202 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the blade assembly  52  can include a lift cylinder trunnion  210  that is adapted for pivotal connection to the lift cylinder  94  of the machine  50 . The proximal end  94  of the lift cylinder  94  can be connected to the front portion  56  of the body  54  of the machine  50 , and the distal end  96  of the lift cylinder  94  can be connected to the lift cylinder trunnion  210  of the blade assembly  52  to facilitate the selective raising and lowering of the blade assembly  52  in operation. The lift cylinder trunnion  210  is disposed between the push arms  90 ,  91 . In other embodiments, a different connecting mechanism for pivotally connecting the blade assembly  52  to the lift cylinder  94  can be provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130  of the blade assembly  52  both have a substantially U-shaped cross section. The intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130  both include a backup plate  214 ,  215  and a top flange  216 ,  217  and a bottom flange  218 ,  219  extending from a respective end  220 ,  221 ,  222 ,  223  of each backup plate  214 ,  215  to define the U-shaped cross-section. The bottom flange  219  of the lower transverse support  130  comprises the bottom backup plate  190  in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the liquid storage tank  110  is defined by the intermediate transverse support  128 , the first and second cover plates  132 ,  133 , the lower transverse support  130 , and the moldboard  104 . The liquid storage tank  110  extends between and includes the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid storage tank  110  extends between the first and second side uprights  122 ,  123  along the transverse axis  125 , between the bottom backup plate  190  and the top flange  216  of the intermediate transverse support  128  along a vertical axis  225  (perpendicular to both the transverse axis  125  and the longitudinal axis  135 ), and between the moldboard  104  and the backup plates  214 ,  215  of the intermediate transverse support  128  and the lower transverse support  130  and the first and second cover plates  132 ,  133  along the longitudinal axis  135 . In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank  110  is integrally arranged entirely within the frame and does not extend beyond an outer perimeter of the frame. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the liquid storage tank  110  of the blade assembly  52  is substantially U-shaped. The liquid storage tank  110  includes an upper portion  230  comprising the intermediate transverse support  128  that defines a first fill port  232  and a second fill port  233 . The first and second fill ports  232 ,  233  are respectively disposed adjacent the first and second side uprights  122 ,  123 . The top flange  216  of the intermediate transverse support  128  defines the fill ports  232 ,  233 . The liquid storage tank  110  includes a lower portion  236  that defines the dispensing ports  202 . The bottom flange  219  of the lower transverse support  130  defines the dispensing ports  202 . The upper portion  230  and the lower portion  236  can be configured such that liquid entering the liquid storage tank  110  through one of the fill ports  232 ,  233  flows from the fill port  232 ,  233  into the liquid storage tank  110  to the dispensing ports  202  in the lower portion  236 . 
     The fill ports  232 ,  233  can be each adapted to be selectively occluded such that liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  is prevented from being dispensed from the liquid storage tank  110  through the fill ports  232 ,  233  even in the event of the machine  50  undergoes a rollover. In some embodiments, each fill port  232 ,  233  can be equipped with a removable threaded plug that threadedly engages the fill port  232 ,  233  with which it is engaged. In other embodiments, a quick-type fill device such as a spring-loaded flap which opens inwardly can be provided to act as the cover for each fill port  232 ,  233 . The inward-opening flap can allow a user to readily fill the liquid storage tank  110  by, for example, inserting a fill hose into the liquid storage tank  110  by pushing the inward-opening flap into the liquid storage tank  110  to allow the fill hose to be inserted into the liquid storage tank through one of the fill ports  232 ,  233  without having to remove a threaded plug. The inward-opening flap can also prevent liquid from unintentionally flowing from the liquid storage tank  110  by way of the fill ports  232 ,  233 , even in situations where the machine  50  undergoes a rollover. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion  230  of the liquid storage tank  110  is adjacent the rack portion  168  of the moldboard  104 , and the lower portion  236  of the liquid storage tank  110  is adjacent the cutting edge blade  106 . In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank  110  can include an interior surface  238  having a corrosion-resistant coating. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid storage tank  110  includes a first outer segment  250 , a second outer segment  252 , and a middle segment  254  disposed between the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252 . Each outer segment  250 ,  252  is disposed in outward lateral relationship to one of the push arms  90 ,  91 . The middle segment  254  is disposed between the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252 . Each outer segment  250 ,  252  of the liquid storage tank  110  includes one of the fill ports  232 ,  233 . In some embodiments, a fill port can be provided in the middle segment  254 . 
     The first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110  is defined by the first side upright  122 , the moldboard  104 , a first portion  260  of the intermediate transverse support  128  defining the first fill port  232 , the first cover plate  132  ( FIG. 5 ), a first portion  262  of the lower transverse support  130  defining a first series  264  of the dispensing ports  202 , and the first push arm  90 . The second outer segment  252  of the liquid storage tank is defined by the second side upright  123 , the moldboard  104 , a second portion  270  of the intermediate transverse support  128  defining the second fill port  233 , the second cover plate  133  ( FIG. 5 ), a second portion  272  of the lower transverse support  130  defining a second series  274  of the dispensing ports  202 , and the second push arm  91 . 
     The first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  are substantially mirror images of each other. Accordingly, it should be understood that the description of one of the outer segments  250 ,  252  is applicable to the other, as well. 
     In the first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110 , the first portion  260  of the intermediate transverse support  128 , the moldboard  104 , the first side upright  122 , and the first push arm  90  define an upper compartment  280 . The bottom flange  218  of the intermediate transverse support  128 , the first cover plate  132 , the top flange  217  of the lower transverse support  130 , the moldboard  104 , the first side upright  122 , and the first push arm  90  define an intermediate compartment  282 . The first portion  262  of the lower transverse support  130 , the moldboard  104 , the first side upright  122 , and the first push arm  90  define a first outer lower compartment  284 . 
     The bottom flange  218  of the intermediate transverse support  128  includes a plurality of upper transfer holes  288  in communication with the upper compartment  280  and the intermediate compartment  282 . The upper transfer holes  288  are adapted to allow fluid to flow between the upper compartment  280  and the intermediate compartment  282  of the first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110 . For example, the upper transfer holes  288  allow liquid entering the upper compartment  280  of the first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110  through the first fill port  232  to flow through the upper compartment  280  into the intermediate compartment  282 . 
     The top flange  217  of the lower transverse support  130  includes a plurality of lower transfer holes  290  in communication with the intermediate compartment  282  and the first outer lower compartment  284 . The lower transfer holes  290  are adapted to allow fluid to flow between the intermediate compartment  282  and the first outer lower compartment  284  of the first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110 . For example, the lower transfer holes  290  are adapted to allow fluid in the intermediate compartment  282  to flow from the intermediate compartment  282  to the first outer lower compartment  284 . 
     The second outer segment  252  of the liquid storage tank  110  is a mirror image of the first outer segment  250 . The second outer segment  252  includes an upper compartment  300 , an intermediate compartment  302 , and a second outer lower compartment  304 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the first and second push arms  90 ,  91  each includes an outer sidewall  310 ,  311  that defines a plurality of middle transfer holes  314  in communication with the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110  and with, respectively, the first and second outer lower compartments  284 ,  304  of the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252 . The middle transfer holes  314  are adapted to allow fluid in the first and second outer lower compartments  284 ,  304  to flow from the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  to the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110 . In addition, liquid can flow from the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110  to one or both of the outer segments  250 ,  252  of the liquid storage tank  110 , by influence of gravity, for example, to allow liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  to achieve a self-balancing level across the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  and the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110  of the blade assembly  52  is defined by a middle portion  320  of the lower transverse support  130 , the outer sidewalls  310 ,  311  of the push arms  90 ,  91 , and the moldboard  104 . The middle portion  320  of the lower transverse support  130  defines a middle series  324  of the dispensing ports. The middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110  defines a middle compartment  326 . Liquid in the middle compartment  326  can selectively flow, via operation of the valve mechanism  114 , from the middle series  324  of the dispensing ports  202  in communication with the middle compartment  326 . Liquid in the middle compartment  326  can also flow to one or both of the outer lower compartments  284 ,  304 , under the influence of gravity, for example, to allow the liquid in the storage tank  110  to obtain a self-balancing level across the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  and the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the compartments  280 ,  282 ,  284 ,  300 ,  302 ,  304 ,  326  of the liquid storage tank  110  can have a coating applied to its interior to enhance the corrosion resistance of the storage tank  110 . In other embodiments, other corrosion resistance measures can be taken. 
     In use, the liquid can flow from one of the upper compartments  280 ,  300  to the associated outer lower compartments  284 ,  304 . Liquid can be selectively dispensed from the dispensing ports  202  across the lower compartments  284 ,  304  and the middle compartment  326  of the liquid storage tank  110 . The valve mechanism  114  can control the flow of liquid from the liquid storage tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202 . 
     A user can fill the liquid storage tank  110  by pouring liquid through one of the fill ports  232 ,  233  in the upper portion  230  of the liquid storage tank  110 . For example, liquid entering the liquid storage tank  110  through the first fill port  232  enters the upper compartment  280  of the first outer segment  250 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , liquid in the upper compartment  280  flows through the upper transfer holes  288  in the bottom flange  218  of the first portion  260  of the intermediate transverse support  128  and enters the intermediate compartment  282  disposed below the upper compartment  280  receiving liquid through the first fill port  232 . Liquid in the intermediate compartment  282  can flow through the lower transfer holes  290  disposed in the top flange  217  of the first portion  262  of the lower transverse support  130 , thereby entering the first outer lower compartment  284  of the first outer segment  250  of the liquid storage tank  110 . 
     Liquid in the first outer lower compartment  284  can also flow through the middle transfer holes  314  disposed in the first push arm  90  into the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110 . The liquid can continue to flow from the middle segment  254  to the second outer lower compartment  304  of the second outer segment  252  of the liquid storage tank  110 . Liquid can flow between the first and second outer lower compartments  284 ,  304  and the middle compartment  326  so that the liquid in the storage tank  110  can achieve a self-balancing level. When the first and second outer lower compartments  284 ,  304  and the middle compartment  326  are completely filled with liquid, the self-balancing action of the liquid continues in the intermediate compartments  282 ,  302  of the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  of the liquid storage tank  110 . Further, when the intermediate compartments  282 ,  302  of the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  are completely filled with liquid, the self-balancing action of the liquid continues in the upper compartments  280 ,  300  of the first and second outer segments  250 ,  252  of the liquid storage tank  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110 , the valve mechanism  114  can be provided. The valve mechanism  114  can be arranged with each dispensing port  202  associated with the liquid storage tank  110  and can be adapted to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  from the dispensing ports  202 . The valve mechanism  114  can be movable over a range of travel between a closed position ( FIG. 3 ), wherein the valve mechanism  114  is in occluding relationship with the dispensing ports  202  such that liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  is prevented from being dispensed from the dispensing ports  202 , and an open position ( FIG. 4 ), wherein the valve mechanism  114  is disengaged from the dispensing ports  202  such that liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  is allowed to flow from the liquid storage tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202 . 
     In embodiments, the valve mechanism  114  can include a plurality of valve segments  340 ,  342 ,  344  corresponding to the outer segments  250 ,  252  and the middle segment  254  of the liquid storage tank  110 . Each valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  can include a spring-loaded torsion bar  350  and a seal member  352  connected together by a framework  354 . The framework  354  can include a series of curved connecting arms  358  in spaced relationship to each other axially along the torsion bar  350 . 
     The torsion bar  350  and the seal member  352  are pivotally connected together via the framework  354  such that the seal member  352  is movable over a range of travel between a sealed position ( FIG. 3 ), wherein the seal member  352  is in occluding relationship with the dispensing ports  202  such that liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  is prevented from being dispensed from the dispensing ports  202 , and a disengaged position ( FIG. 4 ), wherein the seal member  352  is displaced from the dispensing ports  202  such that liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  is allowed to flow from the liquid storage tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202 . The torsion bar  350  can be biased to urge the seal member  352  to the sealed position. 
     In embodiments, each valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  can include a trigger mechanism  364  that is arranged with the torsion bar  350 . The trigger mechanism  364  can be operated to selectively move the seal member  352  from the sealed position to the disengaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger mechanism  364  is in the form of a handle. 
     In some embodiments, each valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  can be independently operated by the associated trigger mechanism  364  to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  from the dispensing ports  202  occluded by the respective valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  associated with the operated trigger mechanism  364 . 
     In other embodiments, the trigger mechanisms of various valve segments can be tied together such that operating one trigger mechanism operates the other trigger mechanisms so that the entire valve mechanism is in the open position. In still other embodiments, a trigger mechanism can be provided that is adapted to selectively operate multiple valve segments. 
     The valve mechanism  114  can be arranged with the dispensing ports  202  and adapted to selectively dispense liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  from the dispensing ports  202 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the valve mechanism  114  is shown in the closed position. The seal member  352  of each valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  is in the sealed position and sealingly occludes the dispensing ports  202  to which it is associated. Referring to  FIG. 4 , the valve mechanism  114  is shown in the open position. The seal member  352  of each valve segment  340 ,  342 ,  344  is displaced from the associated dispensing ports  202  of the liquid storage tank  110  to allow liquid stored in the liquid storage tank  110  to flow therefrom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a representative valve segment  340  of the valve mechanism  114  is shown. In embodiments, the valve mechanism  114  can include a suitable number of valve segments  340 ,  342 ,  344  to selectively occlude the dispensing ports  202  provided in the liquid storage tank  110 . Each seal member  352  of the valve segments  340 ,  342 ,  344  can include a sealing element  370  made from a material suitable for sealing the dispensing ports  202  to sufficiently prevent the flow of liquid from the tank  110  as desired for the intended application. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing element  370  comprises a neoprene pad. In other embodiments, other suitable materials can be used for the sealing element  370 . 
     The valve segment  340  can be biased to a sealed position in which the sealing element  370  sealingly occludes the dispensing ports  202  over which the seal member  352  is disposed. A biasing mechanism in the form of the torsion bar  350 , for example, can force the neoprene sealing element  370  against the dispensing ports  202  in the bottom of the liquid storage tank  110  to prevent liquid in the liquid storage tank  110  from flowing out of the tank  110  through the dispensing ports  202  while the valve segment  340  is in the sealed position. 
     The torsion bar  350  provides rotational force to the connecting arms  358  of the framework  354  to urge the seal member  352  against the dispensing ports  202  disposed at the bottom of the liquid storage tank  110  to prevent liquid flow from the tank  110 . An external force can be applied to the torsion bar  350  to overcome the biasing force it creates which urges the torsion bar  350  to the sealed position to rotate the seal member  352  from the sealed position to the disengaged position. 
     The trigger mechanism  364  can be provided to selectively rotate the valve segment  340  against the biasing rotational force of the torsion bar  350  to separate the neoprene sealing element  370  from the dispensing ports  202  at the bottom of the liquid storage tank  110  to release liquid from the storage tank  110 . In the illustrated valve segment  340 , a handle  374  is mounted to the torsion bar  350  to facilitate the movement of the torsion bar  350  from the sealed position to the released position. The illustrated handle  374  can be provided to facilitate the application of external force to the torsion bar  350 . 
     In embodiments, a latch mechanism (not shown) can be provided that is selectively engageable with the handle  374  to retain the handle  374  in place when the torsion bar  350  is acted upon to move the seal member  352  to the disengaged position. The handle  374  and the latch can be operated manually to open the dispensing ports  202  at the bottom of the tank  110 . 
     In other embodiments, the valve segment  340  can be provided with a trigger mechanism  364  that is adapted to be triggered so that the torsion bar  350  moves the seal member  352  from the sealed position to the disengaged position by lowering the blade assembly  52  to the point where the trigger mechanism  364  contacts an external object (e.g., a handle can be triggered by coming into contacting engagement with the ground or a part of the body  54  of the machine  50 ). In other embodiments, the trigger mechanism  364  can be in the form of an electric step motor adapted to be operated remotely to rotate the seal member  352  about the torsion bar  350 . In still other embodiments, the trigger mechanism  364  can be in the form of a hydraulically-activated actuator or valve provided within the torsion bar  350  and adapted to selectively rotate the framework  354 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , an embodiment of a method  400  for dispensing liquid upon a surface of a worksite can be performed using an embodiment of a blade assembly constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. Liquid can be stored in an integral liquid storage tank supported by a frame of a blade assembly attached to a machine (step  410 ). Liquid can be stored in the liquid storage tank by filling the liquid storage tank with a liquid poured through a fill port communicating with the interior of the liquid storage tank. The machine can be moved over the worksite (step  420 ). Liquid can be dispensed from the liquid storage tank upon a surface of the worksite (step  430 ). Liquid can be selectively dispensed from the liquid storage tank upon the surface of the worksite by operating a valve mechanism arranged with at least one dispensing port communicating with the interior of the liquid storage tank. Any suitable liquid can be used, e.g., leachate or water. The worksite can be any suitable environment. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The industrial applicability of embodiments of a blade assembly constructed according to principles of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion. The described principles are applicable to various machines and equipment and have applicability in many machines which use dozer blades. 
     For example, in some embodiments, a worksite can comprise a landfill. Leachate can be collected from the landfill and poured into an integral liquid storage tank  110  of a blade assembly  52  constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure. The leachate can be re-circulated to the landfill by reintroducing the collected leachate into the landfill. A machine  50  to which the blade assembly  52  is mounted can traverse a surface of the landfill and dispense the collected leachate from the liquid storage tank  110  of the blade assembly  52 . The surface of the landfill can be wetted with leachate to promote compaction, litter control, and uniform distribution of liquid throughout the waste mass of the landfill. 
     In another embodiment, an integral liquid storage tank  110  of a blade assembly  52  constructed in accordance with principles of the present disclosure can be mounted to a machine  50 . The liquid storage tank  110  can be filled with water. The machine  50  can be driven over a worksite that includes an area of soil selected for compaction. The machine  50  can traverse the worksite area. Water can be dispensed from the liquid storage tank  110  of the blade assembly  52  upon the worksite area to promote the compaction of the soil. 
     It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examples of the disclosed system and technique. However, it is contemplated that other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for the features of interest, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise specifically indicated. 
     Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.