US 4,134,174 A · Sewer and catch basin cleaner

Abstract

A sewer and catch basin cleaner includes a system for injecting water under pressure into a sewer lateral for cleaning same and a vacuum loading system for removing the cleaning water and resultant debris from the sewer catch basin or manhole. The cleaner includes a water storage tank for providing the cleaning water and a body for receiving the liquid and debris removed from the catch basin or manhole. Water filtration and reclamation means are provided intermediate the body and water tank to provide a continuous supply of cleaning water without the need for interrupting operation of the cleaner to load water. This feature reduces the total amount of clean water which is consumed during sewer cleaning. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes means for periodically cleaning the water filters, means for sensing the water level in the vacuum body, means for venting the vacuum body to the atmosphere when the water level reaches a predetermined height and ejector means for pushing accumulated debris from the body when the sewer cleaning operation is completed. The sewer cleaner of the present invention also includes a novel water and vacuum hose arrangement and boom means for properly locating the two hoses over the manhole or catch basin. For truck mounted equipment, the latter feature reduces obstruction of traffic when sewer cleaning is being carried out on or adjacent to busy streets or highways. Variations of these and other components of the cleaner of the present invention are also described.

Claims35

Dependent claims

In a mobile combination sewer and catch basin cleaner of the type including water injection and vacuum loading systems, said water injection system comprising a water tank, a water hose and a first pump means for delivering the water under pressure through said hose, said vacuum system comprising a body and a vacuum hose and a vacuum pump downstream of said vacuum hose and body for vacuum loading said body through said vacuum hose, the improvement comprising:

(a) fluid conduit means coupling the interior of said body to the interior of said water tank;
(b) means for delivering water from said body to said water tank through said conduit means;
and
(c) filter means for removing solids from said water delivered to said water tank from said body wherein said filter means comprises a first screen means in said body to remove solids from said water before said water reaches said conduit means, a second screen means in said body intermediate said first screen means and said conduit, said second screen means having smaller openings than said first screen means for removing additional solids from said water, said second screen means comprising a cylindrical screen having a closed end and an open end, said open end of said cylindrical screen surrounding the opening of said conduit to said body and means being provided for periodically cleaning said second screen means, said periodic cleaning means comprising means for periodically admitting air to said conduit means, whereby vacuum pressure in said body will cause said air to pass through second screen means in a direction which is reverse to that of water flow therethrough.

1 more element

A mobile sewer and catch basin cleaner comprising a vehicle, a water tank mounted to said vehicle, a first water pump coupled to said water tank for pumping water therefrom and a water hose coupled to said first pump, a material collection body mounted to said vehicle and having an inlet open generally at its roof, vacuum pump means for creating a vacuum in said body, a vacuum hose coupled to said inlet opening for conveying water and solids from a collection site into said body, said mobile cleaner also comprising:

(a) a tailgate for said body normally closing a debris discharge opening at the rear of said body and means for selectively opening and closing said tailgate;
(b) ejector plate means mounted in said body for being moved toward and away from said discharge opening for pushing debris from said body and means for selectively operating said ejector plate means, said ejector plate being normally positioned forwardly of said inlet opening, and having a height which exceeds the height of the water to be loaded in said body and a width just slightly less than the width of said body whereby water can pass along the sides and bottom of said ejector plate, while large solid particles are maintained rearwardly of said ejector plate;
(c) fluid conduit means coupling the interior of said body to the interior of said water tank;
(d) means for delivering water from said body to said water tank through said conduit means;
and
(e) filter means for removing solids from said water delivered to said water tank from said body.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Sewer and catch basin cleaner

Life of this patent

Sewer and catch basin cleaner

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims35