Pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning system
First Claim
1. A pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning system comprising:
- a steel mounting plate with a bolt pattern designed to be installed on a pipeline padding machine elevator comprising a plurality of flights;
a flexible wire cable directed at an angle to engage built up soil or clay in a space between the elevator flights and an elevator side wall; and
an adjustable spacer fixture for securing the flexible wire cable to the mounting plate, wherein the spacer fixture provides for adjusting the cable and a clearance between the cable and elevator side wall;
wherein the system is installed by bolting onto at least one of the elevator flights;
wherein the system is driven upwards and around the elevator by an elevator drive mechanism; and
wherein the upwards travel engages the flexible wire cable into the built up soil or clay, removing debris that would occur between the flights and the side wall of the elevator and allows the padding machine to be operated for longer periods of time before stoppage for cleaning and power washing.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-cleaning elevator flight bracket system is described for attachment to an elevator or conveyor flight for pipeline padding and backfill operations. The system is designed for bolt-on installation to padding equipment elevator flights, or cleated conveyor feeders. Built-up soil, clay, and other debris, which interfere with elevator drive mechanisms, are self-cleaned with the system. The assembly is universal to fit a variety of existing bolt patterns on elevator flight plates or feeder conveyor cleats. Flexible cables are directed to engage and remove excessive backfill material build-up. While operating padding machinery in heavy soil, or clay, material builds up in the space between the elevator flights and the elevator side wall. This leads to impeding the drive mechanism. With the use of the presently described elevator flight bracket and flexible cable or fingers, the upward movement of the elevator acts to self-clean the machinery and allows for longer operation.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A pipeline padding machine elevator self-cleaning system comprising:
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a steel mounting plate with a bolt pattern designed to be installed on a pipeline padding machine elevator comprising a plurality of flights; a flexible wire cable directed at an angle to engage built up soil or clay in a space between the elevator flights and an elevator side wall; and an adjustable spacer fixture for securing the flexible wire cable to the mounting plate, wherein the spacer fixture provides for adjusting the cable and a clearance between the cable and elevator side wall; wherein the system is installed by bolting onto at least one of the elevator flights; wherein the system is driven upwards and around the elevator by an elevator drive mechanism; and
wherein the upwards travel engages the flexible wire cable into the built up soil or clay, removing debris that would occur between the flights and the side wall of the elevator and allows the padding machine to be operated for longer periods of time before stoppage for cleaning and power washing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification