Collection means for a mobile vacuum apparatus for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials
The apparatus comprises a front-mounted collection means for a vacuum tank for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials. The collection means comprises a substantially V-shaped housing with a scraper at the bottom thereof, a height adjustable suction inlet at the apex thereof, and a pair of laterally adjustable pivoting wings for varying its width to correspond to that of an alley or gutter. A plurality of rotary feeders, each having a vertical axis of rotation, are mounted to the housing adjacent the scraper to prevent accumulation of the materials on the scraper. The feeders do not contact either the surface upon which the scraper is operated, nor the scraper itself, but serve to mix thick consistency materials with thinner consistency materials and also to dislodge any accumulation that does occur.
1. A collection means for use with a mobile vacuum apparatus for the collection of liquid or semi-liquid materials, the collection means comprising:
a) a central portion having an interior within which the materials are collected;
b) at least one scraper element at a bottom of the central portion;
c) a suction inlet located at a middle of the central portion; and,
d) a plurality of rotary feeders within the interior of the central portion adjacent the scraper element, each rotary feeder having a vertical axis of rotation and comprising a plurality of radially extending protrusions for engagement with the collected material.
2. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein the central portion comprises at least two forward angled sides for guiding the collected material toward the suction inlet when the apparatus is in use.
3. The collection means according to claim 2 , wherein the central portion is substantially trapezoidal or V-shaped in top view.
4. The collection means according to claim 3 , wherein the suction inlet is located at an apex of the central portion.
5. The collection means according to claim 2 , wherein there is a scraper element provided at the bottom of each forward angled side.
6. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein at least one rotary feeder has a rotational speed that is adjustable.
7. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein at least two of the rotary feeders have a rotational speed that is separately adjustable.
8. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein the collection means includes a pair of wings pivotally attached on opposite sides of the collection means and movable about a vertical pivot axis to vary a width of the collection means.
9. The collection means according to claim 8 , wherein there is a rotary feeder provided for each wing.
10. The collection means according to claim 9 , wherein there is a scraper element provided at the bottom of each wing and wherein the rotary feeder is located adjacent the scraper element.
11. The collection means according to claim 8 , wherein the wings are able to be biased against a side-wall of an alley and able to move about the vertical pivot axis in response to changes in distance between the side-wall and the collection means when the apparatus is in use.
12. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein the suction inlet is variable in height with respect to ground level.
13. The collection means according to claim 12 , wherein the suction inlet includes a snorkel that permits air to be entrained with the liquid or semi-liquid materials entering the suction inlet.
14. The collection means according to claim 12 , wherein each rotary feeder has a rotational speed that is adjustable and wherein the rotational speed is determined according to the height of the suction inlet and the rate of travel of the apparatus.
15. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are scoop shaped.
16. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusions are rigid.
17. The collection means according to claim 1 , wherein each rotary feeder is elevated with respect to ground level.