Apparatus for collection of non-metallic and metallic foreign object debris
OwnerJohn MAGUIRE, Brian WEBERinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for collection of non-metallic and metallic foreign object debris (FOD) is disclosed. The foreign object debris system consists of one or more debris collection modules and can be deployed in various width configurations. Debris collection modules can be pulled, pushed, attached to moving equipment, vehicles or to a tow trailer to provide motion. Each pickup module consists of a frame, a debris bin area, a brush, one or more rigid ramp(s) with replaceable tip(s). Multiple debris collection modules can be connected to form a wider or narrower sweeping width. As the foreign object debris system travels forward, debris travels up the tip(s) and ramp(s) and is deposited into a debris bin.
Claims20
A debris collection apparatus for the collection of non-metallic and metallic foreign object debris, configured for motion, the debris collection apparatus comprising:
- a chassis;
- a plurality of wheels mounted on the chassis;
- a debris bin mounted at the distal end;
- a brush mounted at the proximal end;
- a ramp and tip assembly mounted between the brush and debris bin, the ramp and tip assembly further comprising:
- one or more rigid main ramps with rifling and side wheels;
- a latch to connect the apparatus to a tow trailer;
- wherein foreign object debris is collected by the brush, tips, ramps and deposited into the debris bin in the direction of motion.
A tow trailer apparatus for the collection of non-metallic and metallic foreign object debris, configured for motion, the tow trailer, further comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels;
- a connection mechanism to connect to a tow vehicle;
- a pair of foldable side arms that can be folded in a travel or narrow configuration and un-folded in a wide configuration;
- and
- a connecting latch to connect the one or more collection debris modules to the tow trailer;
- wherein the tow trailer apparatus is figured to store one or more collection debris modules in travel configuration;
- wherein the tow trailer apparatus connects to one or more debris collection modules in a sweeping configuration in the direction of travel.
A ramp and tip assembly configured for the collection of non-metallic and metallic foreign object debris, the ramp and tip assembly comprising:
- a ramp connected to tip which is close to or contacting the ground surface;
- wherein the ramp assembly consists of an angled ramp with rifling and a replaceable tip;
- wherein the tips collect debris and direct it to the ramps and into the debris bin.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.