Patent Publication Number: US-2015086306-A1

Title: Fly Ash Storage and Distribution System

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/343,166 filed Jan. 4, 2012. This application is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No. 13/343,166 application. The Ser. No. 13/343,166 application is currently pending. The Ser. No. 13/343,166 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable to this application. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the storage and distribution of particulate matter and more specifically it relates to a fly ash storage and distribution system for storing and distributing fly ash in bulk. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     Fly ash, generally comprised of residues generated during combustion, is commonly used in construction, mining and oil retrieval operations, among other things. In the past, large numbers of bags of fly ash have been delivered to sites of such operations for use. The bags of fly ash are individually carried and, because they are manually opened by a knife or other cutting device, can often lead to injury or lost time due to spill clean-up. 
     While the use of bags of fly ash works for such operations, it is unnecessarily messy, bulky and difficult to handle. Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved fly ash storage and distribution system for storing and distributing fly ash in bulk. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to a fly ash storage and distribution system which includes a storage tank having an upper opening positioned at its upper end and a hopper positioned at its lower end. A support frame and skid guard assembly are provided for allowing the present invention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport. A valve is preferably positioned within the hopper and a plurality of fluidizers are provided for more efficiently distributing particulate matter such as fly ash through a distribution hose which is connected to an outlet of the hopper. An end cap positioned on the outlet may include additional fluidizers for additional efficiency in fly ash distribution. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a front sectional view of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A. Overview. 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 through 5  illustrate a fly ash storage and distribution system  10 , which comprises a storage tank  20  having an upper opening  23  positioned at its upper end  21  and a hopper  24  positioned at its lower end  22 . A support frame  30  and skid guard assembly  34  are provided for allowing the present invention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport. A valve  25  is preferably positioned within the hopper  24  and a plurality of fluidizers  46  are provided for more efficiently distributing particulate matter such as fly ash through a distribution hose  56  which is connected to an outlet  50  of the hopper  24 . An end cap  54  positioned on the outlet  50  may include additional fluidizers  46  for additional efficiency in fly ash distribution. 
     B. Storage Tank. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention will generally include a storage tank  20  for storing large quantities of particulate matter such as fly ash. The storage tank  20  will generally include an upper end  21  and a lower end  22 . The upper end  21  of the storage tank  20  will preferably include an upper opening  23  through which bulk amounts of fly ash may be distributed by a carrier vessel such as a tanker truck. The lower end  22  of the storage tank  20  will preferably include a hopper  24  through which the fly ash will be distributed for use. 
     It is appreciated that the storage tank  20  of the present invention may be comprised of various shapes, sizes and configurations. Thus, the shape, size and configuration of the storage tank  20  should not be construed as being limited by the exemplary figures hereto. Preferably, the storage tank  20  will taper inwardly from its central portion to its upper end  21  and taper inwardly from its central portion to its lower end  22  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Fly ash may be transferred in bulk into the storage tank  20  through its upper opening  23  and selectively distributed through the hopper  24  at its lower end  22 . 
     As best shown in  FIG. 5 , the hopper  24  of the lower end  22  of the storage tank  20  will preferably include a valve  25  positioned therein. When the present invention is utilized solely for storage of fly ash, the valve  25  will be closed. When the present invention is utilized to distribute fly ash, the valve  25  may be opened. It is appreciated that a wide range of valves  25  may be utilized with the present invention. The structure and orientation of the valve  25  should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary configuration shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The present invention will also preferably include a valve control  26 . The valve control  26  may be comprised of any mechanism which controls the opening and shutting of the valve  25 . While the figures illustrate the use of a wheel for the valve control  26 , it is appreciated that a wide range of valve controls  26  may be utilized without affecting the overall operation of the present invention so long as the valve control  26  selectively opens and closes the valve  25 . Thus, it is appreciated that the valve control  26  may be comprised of electrical, hydraulic, mechanical and other types of valve controls  26  which may efficiently control operation of the valve  25 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the present invention may also include a winch  27  positioned on the storage tank  20  for controlling operation of a connector  28  which links the winch  27  with the distribution hose  56  of the present invention. Various types of winches  27  may be utilized, including electric, hydraulic, mechanical and the like. The present invention should not be construed as being limited to the simple, exemplary hand-crank winch  27  shown in the figures. 
     In some embodiments, the present invention may include a ladder  29  which is fixedly or removably secured to the storage tank  20 . The ladder  29  may be utilized for various purposes, including providing access to the winch  27 , providing access to the upper opening  23  and/or any other areas which need servicing or maintenance. It is appreciated that the positioning of the ladder  29  on the present invention may vary for different applications and, in some embodiments, the ladder  29  may be excluded entirely. 
     C. Support Frame. 
     The present invention includes a support frame  30  for allowing the storage tank  20  to stand upright. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the support frame  30  is preferably secured around the storage tank  20  and is comprised of a frame having a plurality of legs. An equipment mount  32  may be formed in the support frame  30  for supporting the motor  40  and blower  41  of the present invention. It is appreciated that the size, shape and configuration of the support frame  30  may vary for different applications. Thus, any type of support frame  30  may be utilized so long as the storage tank  20  may freely stand upright when in use. 
     The support frame  30  may also include cross arms  33  which extend between the hopper  24  and the support legs  31 . The cross arms  33  improve stability of the entire invention. The structure, configuration, size, shape, and orientation of the cross arms  33  may vary in different embodiments. Different numbers of cross arms  33  may be utilized, or they may be omitted entirely. In a preferred embodiment, at least three cross arms  33  extend between the hopper  24  and the support legs  31  in an X-pattern. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the fluidizer assembly  44  may be mounted on one of the cross arms  33 . 
     The present invention will also preferably include a skid guard assembly  34  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The skid guard assembly  34  will preferably be comprised of rigid members extending along one side of the storage tank  20 . The skid guard assembly  34  is utilized for transport of the present invention. When being transported, the storage tank  20  may be placed on a trailer in a manner such that only the skid guard assembly  34  contacts the floor of the trailer; thus preventing damage to the various components of the present invention. It is appreciated that the skid guard assembly  34  preferably includes an upper extension  35  which extends over the upper end  21  of the storage tank  20  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     D. Fluidizers. 
     The present invention will preferably include a plurality of fluidizers  46  positioned at various locations on the storage tank  20  and end cap  54  to ease flow of particulate matter such as fly ash out of the outlet  50  and distribution hose  56  and to prevent back-ups. Each of the fluidizers  46  is fed by a fluidizer conduit  45 . In a preferred embodiment, the fluidizers  46  are positioned at various locations on the inside of the hopper  22 . 
     A motor  40  and blower  42  will preferably be provided for operating the fluidizers  46 . Various types of motors  40  may be utilized, including electric, hydraulic, gas-powered, and other types of motors  40 . Additionally, different blowers  42  may be utilized, including gas-powered, electric and the like so long as compressed air may be efficiently distributed to the fluidizers  46 . 
     The motor  40  and blower  41  will generally be secured to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the motor and blower  41  will preferably be secured to the equipment mount  32  on the present invention, which extends from the support frame  30 . However, other mounting configurations may be utilized for the motor  40  and blower  42 . 
     A blower pipe  42  will preferably extend from the blower  41  to a fluidizer assembly  44 , which distributes compressed air to each of the plurality of fluidizers  46  through a plurality of fluidizer conduits  45 . As shown throughout the figures, the blower pipe  42  extends between the blower  41  and the fluidizer assembly  44  of the present invention. Preferably, the blower pipe  42  will run along and be secured to one of the support legs  31  of the support frame  30 , such as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The fluidizer assembly  44  is generally comprised of a hub for the fluidizer conduits  45  through which compressed air is directed thereto. It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the blower  42  may be directly connected to the fluidizers  46  and thus the fluidizer assembly  44  may be omitted in such embodiments. Different types of fluidizer assemblies  44  may be utilized, such as manifolds and other multi-outlet chambers with a single inlet. 
     It is appreciated that the number of fluidizers  46  utilized with the present invention may vary for different applications. Thus, the numbering and orientation of the fluidizers  46  shown in the figures should not be construed as being limiting. Preferably, a plurality of fluidizers  46  will be positioned around the hopper  24  and a plurality of fluidizers  46  will be positioned within the end cap  54  of the outlet  50  of the present invention. 
     E. Outlet. 
     The present invention will generally include a bi-directional outlet  50  which is fluidly connected to the hopper  24 . When the valve  25  of the present invention is opened, particulate matter will flow through the hopper  24  and into the outlet  50 . In some embodiments, it is appreciated that the outlet  50  may be angularly disposed at the lower end of the hopper  24  as shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet  50  will be disposed at an approximately  20  degree angle to encourage flow out of the outlet  50 . 
     The outlet  50  of the present invention will preferably include a first end  51  and a second end  52 . A distribution hose  56  will preferably be fluidly and removably connected to the first end  51  of the outlet  50 . The particulate matter being distributed will flow through the outlet  50  and distribution hose  56  before being expelled from the distribution hose  56  for use, such as into a bin  12 . 
     The distribution hose  56  will vary for different applications; and thus the size, orientation, gauge and the like of the distribution hose  56  shown in the figures should not be construed as being limiting on the scope of the present invention. Preferably, a mount member  57  will be fixedly secured to an outer end of the distribution hose  56 . The connector  28 , which is preferably comprised of a wire, rope or other elongated support member, will be connected at one end to the winch  27  and at the other end to the mount member  57 . Thus, the positioning of the distribution hose  56  may be adjusted during use of the present invention. 
     The second end  52  of the outlet  50  will generally include an end cap  54  positioned thereon. Preferably, a plurality of fluidizers  46  will be connected to the end cap  54 , such as by the fluidizer conduits  45 , to further assist distribution of particulate matter through the outlet  50  and distribution hose  56 . In some embodiments, only one fluidizer  46  will be utilized in the end cap  54 . In other embodiments, the end cap  54  fluidizers  46  may be omitted entirely. The lower end of the outlet  50  may include a valve  59  to allow controlled release of materials through the bottom of the outlet  50  or to allow clearing for maintenance or removal of blockages. 
     F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment. 
     In use, the present invention may be transferred to a work site on the trailer of a vehicle by resting the present invention on its skid guard assembly  34  when positioning the present invention on the trailer. After transferring the present invention to a work site, the present invention may be unloaded from the trailer and stood upright on its support frame  30  for use. 
     Bulk fly ash may be distributed into the storage tank  20  of the present invention through its upper opening  23 . Thus, instead of having a large number of individual bags of fly ash distributed to a work site, bulk fly ash may be delivered with a carrier vessel such as a tanker truck and then distributed in bulk into the storage tank  20  for future use. 
     When fly ash is needed, the winch  27  is first used to position the distribution hose  56  in the proper orientation for distribution of fly ash, such as into a bin  12  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The motor  40  and blower  41  may then be powered on to activate the fluidizers  46 . The valve control  26  may be manipulated to pen the valve  25  for distribution of fly ash through the distribution hose  56 . 
     When completed, the valve  25  may be closed with the valve control  26  and the fluidizers  46  deactivated by powering down the motor  40  and blower  41 . The distribution hose  56  may be raised into a non-use position using the winch  27 . 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.