Utility valve access and performance evalutation method

• US 20100024153A1
• Filed: 09/04/2009
• Published: 02/04/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Don M. Buckner, Lynn A. Buckner
• Original Assignee: Don M. Buckner, Lynn A. Buckner
• Inventors: Buckner, Lynn A., Buckner, Don M.
• Granted Patent: US 8,033,299 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/339
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/2245 Adaptations for loading or unloading
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/227 Methods for tracing the load
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/6914 Vehicle supports fluid compressor and compressed fluid storage tank

Abstract

A vacuum container having a vacuum producing means, mounted on a vehicle, a trailer, or skid mounted, with options chosen from an articulating boom, a water jetter system, a liquid pressure dissipating means, a valve actuator, and a drive motor for the valve actuator being either hydraulic, air, or electric powered, a global positioning system to determine and log the position of work, service or hardware, controls and measuring devices and de-chlorinator.

Claims

1. An apparatus for accessing, opening or closing a utility valve, comprising:

a mobile platform, and having mounted on said mobile platform, a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access an in ground utility valve, a valve actuator, a boom means comprising two or more arms for placing said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve,

whereby said vacuum means can be used for removing dirt in order to provide access to said utility valve and said boom means can be used for supporting and positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and said valve actuator can open or close said utility valve when attached to said utility valve.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a first end of said boom is pivot ably mounted adjacent to said mobile platform, and a second end of said boom being connected to said valve actuator, wherein said boom is used for placing said valve actuator relative to said utility valve and said valve actuator is used for opening or closing said utility valve.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said boom includes at least one power source selected from the group consisting of a spring, a hydraulic cylinder, an air cylinder, and a linear actuator.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said vacuum means comprises a conduit means for vacuuming solids or liquids into a vacuum container.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, further comprises said attachment means for coupling said valve actuator to said utility valve being an extension rod.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said valve actuator comprises at least one power source selected from the group consisting of hydraulic, air, and electric.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises a control means for operating said utility valve.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises a recording means for recording at least one condition relative to said utility valve.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises means for measuring and determining at least one condition relative to said utility valve.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said mobile platform means is selected from the group consisting of a mobile vehicle, a trailer, a truck, a skid steer, a forklift, and a zero turn radius vehicle.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises at least one option selected from the group consisting of a toolbox, a workstation, a computer station, a hydraulic tool and a hydraulic tool connection means for powering at least one portable hydraulically operated tool.

17. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprises an air compressor placed relative to said mobile platform means.

2. An apparatus for accessing, opening or closing a utility valve, comprising:

a mobile platform, and having mounted on said mobile platform, a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access an in ground utility valve, a valve actuator, a boom means comprising one or more arms for placing said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve, and a Global Positioning System for documenting a location,

whereby said vacuum means can be used for removing dirt in order to provide access to said utility valve and said boom means can be used for supporting and positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and said valve actuator can open or close said utility valve when attached to said utility valve, and said Global Positioning System may be used for documenting the location that service work is performed on a utility.

11. An apparatus for accessing, opening or closing a utility valve, comprising:

a mobile platform, and having mounted on said mobile platform, a vacuum means for vacuuming dirt in order to access an in ground utility valve, a valve actuator, a boom means comprising one or more arms for placing said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, an attachment means for connecting said valve actuator to a valve stem of said utility valve, and a measuring and recording means for documenting the torque required to open or close said utility valve,

whereby said vacuum means can be used for removing dirt in order to provide access to said utility valve and said boom means can be used for supporting and positioning said valve actuator relative to said utility valve, and said valve actuator can open or close said utility valve when attached to said utility valve, and said measuring and recording means may display the torque required to open or close said utility valve.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprises a water storage container and water pressure system placed relative to said mobile platform means.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, further includes a liquid pressure dissipating means comprising at least a housing and a liquid inlet conduit attachment.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprises a de-chlorinator for removing chlorine from water before said water is placed on to the ground or into a storm drain.

18. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprises an engine mounted relative to said mobile platform.

19. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprises a hydraulic power supply placed relative to said mobile platform and said hydraulic power supply having means to power said valve exerciser and said hydraulic power supply having a hydraulic tool connection means for operating at least one portable hydraulic tool.

20. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprises one or more hose reels placed relative to said mobile platform means.