Dust suppression system

Abstract

A dust suppression apparatus 1000 for a tool (400, Figure 1) includes a fluid reservoir 200 to retain a dust suppressant fluid 500. The reservoir comprises a fluid outlet 122. A plate 150 is coupled

Description

The present disclosure relates to a dust suppression system. In particular, the disclosure is concerned with a dust suppression system for a (hand) tool, more specifically a power tool. Background The production of dust from abrasive and cutting tools can negatively impact air quality in a given area, which causes potential hazards. Individuals working with tools that generate high levels of dust particles could face health problems (e.g., respiratory issues) as a result. Additionally, producing significant levels of dust could form an environmental concern or even an operational issue, for example, if the dust obstructs vision (i.e., reduces visibility) and / or damages equipment. Therefore, the ability to control airborne particles produced by tool usage - e.g., to prevent them from escaping or capturing and returning them - is highly desirable. Existing dust suppression systems for hand tools can be costly to implement and can involve complicated electrical or battery-operated control systems to ensure suppressant is directed to the correct area and in the correct amounts. The addition of electronics to a fluid-based system not only provides a potential safety hazard, but also requires individuals to have access to a power source which limits where and how such systems can be used. Alternatively, fluid-based systems that are manually / mechanically controlled exist. For example, they may be pressurised with a hand pump, and then water is delivered from the pressurised container. However, because such systems require the user to ensure that the required pressure within the tank is reached, they are more susceptible to operator error as well as systems error from the pressure gauge. In other words, it is simple to over or under pressurise such systems, and it is generally arduous to maintain the dust suppression due to the need to continually repressurise. Hence an improved dust suppression system that is easily manually operated by a single person is highly desired. Summary The present invention is defined according to the independent claims. Additional features will be appreciated from the dependent claims and the description herein. Any embodiments which are described but which do not fall within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted merely as examples useful for a better understanding of the invention. The example embodiments have been provided with a view to addressing at least some of the difficulties that are encountered with current dust suppression techniques and devices, whether those difficulties have been specifically mentioned above or will otherwise be appreciated from the discussion herein. In one aspect of the invention there is provided a dust suppression apparatus for a tool. The apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir configured to retain a dust suppressant fluid. The fluid reservoir comprises a fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a plate coupled to a resilient element. The plate is arranged to span a cross section of the fluid reservoir. The resilient element is configured to cause the plate to push the dust suppressant fluid stored in the reservoir towards the fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a fluid output (i.e., a nozzle) in fluid communication with the reservoir outlet, the output being arranged to output the dust suppressant fluid from the fluid reservoir to an operational area of the tool. In this way the apparatus can output dust suppressant fluid to a desired area without a power or (mains) water source. The apparatus is portable and so can be used in a variety of settings. The resilient element in the apparatus acts on the plate such that fluid is expelled from the reservoir without input from a user. A single user is able to operate the tool whilst the apparatus outputs fluid to the tool without the need for additional input from the user. In an example, the apparatus comprises a lid. A first end of the resilient element may be secured to the lid, and a second end of the resilient element may be secured to a first surface of the plate such that the lid, the resilient element and the plate are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the lid provides a convenient structural element which the resilient element may act against to force the plate down / further into the fluid reservoir. Suitably the resilient element may be configured to bias the plate apart from the lid. In an example, the lid may comprise a first coupling means configured to be engageable with a second coupling means provided on the fluid reservoir. In an example, the first coupling means may be arranged on an internal surface of the lid, and the second coupling means is arranged on an external surface of the fluid reservoir. In an example, the first coupling means and the second coupling means may comprise mutually corresponding threading. In this way the lid is more easily located and positioned over the opening of the fluid reservoir, making the configuration simple and easy for a solo individual to use. In an example, the lid may comprise releasable locking means configured to secure the lid in coupling with the fluid reservoir, such as a pin, screw, or clip. The locking means may be configured to be engaged after the first coupling means is engaged with the second coupling means. The locking means may be configured to be locked to a locking point on the fluid reservoir. The locking point may be arranged on the external surface of the fluid reservoir. The locking means may be configured to prevent translational or rotational movement of the lid relative to the fluid reservoir. The locking means ensures that the lid does not become disengaged from the reservoir by accident. For example, when the priming the resilient element, or later when the resilient element is decompressing to push the plate into fluid in the reservoir. That is, the locking means ensures that the lid does cannot rotate to decouple from the reservoir. The locking means also prevents the user from needing to overtighten the first coupling means to the second coupling means. In an example, the plate may comprise a deformable rim section configured to abut an internal surface of the fluid reservoir. Suitably, the rim of the plate forms a seal with the internal surface of the fluid reservoir so that no / minimal fluid from the reservoir can flow between; for example, when the plate is forced downwards by the resilient element (i.e., away from the lid along the longitudinal axis). In an example an inlet of the fluid reservoir may comprise a taper. The taper aids in locating the plate into the reservoir. In an example, the plate may comprise a seat for the resilient element. The seat guides the resilient element along the longitudinal axis as it is compressed and decompressed. The seat prevents the resilient element from becoming tangled or from external elements coming into contact with the resilient element which may damage the resilient element. The seat also minimises radial deformation of the resilient element as it compresses / decompresses. In an example, the apparatus may further comprise an operating element. The operating element may comprise a body that extends from a handle to a surface of the plate. The handle enables to the user to more easily manipulate / move the operating element translationally and rotationally i.e., along and around the longitudinal axis respectively. The operating element allows a user to set the apparatus in a first or second configuration. In an example, the operating element may be configured to extend through an opening in the lid such that the handle of the operating element, the lid and the plate are provided in series along a longitudinal axis. In an example, the resilient element may comprises a hollow. The body of the operating element may be configured to extend through the hollow of the resilient element, thus providing a rigid structure about which the resilient element can compress / decompress. In an example, the body of the operating element may comprise at least one protrusion extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Relatedly, the lid may comprise at least one slot through which the at least one protrusion may pass. The slot may be formed as part of the opening in the lid. Suitably, the protrusions may pass through the lid but the handle and the plate may not. This ensures that the handle, lid and plate remain arranged in series i.e., the operating element cannot become disengaged from the lid either intentionally or by accident. In an example, the lid may comprise at least one recess corresponding to the at least one protrusion. The at least one recess may be offset radially about the longitudinal axis with respect to the at least one slot. The number of recesses may be equal to the number of protrusions. Suitably, once the protrusion(s) are moved through the opening in the lid they may then be located in the recess(es) such that the operating element is retained in a fixed position relative to the lid. The apparatus may be considered primed in a first state when the protrusion(s) are located within the recess(es) such that the resilient element is held in a compressed state. The apparatus may be considered to be in operation in a second state in which the operating element is rotated to allow the protrusion(s) to move through the slot(s) to allow the resilient element to decompress to cause the plate to push against the fluid in the reservoir. The user may switch the apparatus from the first to the second state using the handle. In another aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a dust suppression apparatus. The apparatus comprises a fluid reservoir configured to retain a dust suppressant fluid. The fluid reservoir comprises a fluid outlet. The apparatus also comprises a plate coupled to a resilient element. The plate is arranged to span a cross section of the fluid reservoir. The resilient element is configured to cause the plate to push the dust suppressant fluid stored in the reservoir towards the fluid outlet. The system also comprises a fluid connector and a tool. The tool comprises an operational component and an inlet coupled to the fluid outlet of the fluid reservoir via the fluid connector. The tool comprises an outlet, coupled to the inlet, configured to direct fluid to an area comprising at least part of the operational component. Optional features of the system are the same as those mentioned above in relation to the dust suppression apparatus. Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a representation of the dust suppression apparatus and tool according to the present application; Figure 2 shows an exploded side view of a representation of the dust suppression apparatus according to the present application; Figure 3 shows a sectional view of figure 2; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the dust suppression apparatus according to the present application; Figure 5 shows a plan view of the dust suppression apparatus according to the present application without a loading handle; Figure 6 shows a side view of the dust suppression apparatus according to the present application in a first configuration; Figure 7 shows a side view of the dust suppression apparatus according to the present application in a second configuration; Figure 8 shows a sectional view of figure 6; and Figure 9 shows a sectional view of figure 7. Detailed Description At least some of the following example embodiments provide an apparatus for suppressing dust that might arising when using a tool. The example apparatus is easily portable and simple to operate by a single person. Once started the example apparatus can function without continued input and does not require access to a power outlet. Many other advantages and improvement will be evident from the discussion herein. Figure 1 shows an example of a dust suppression apparatus 1000 and tool 400. The tool 400 may be, but is not limited to, a power tool and / or a handheld tool. The tool 400 comprises an operational portion 410. Figure 1 shows the operational portion 410 being circular, for example a circular saw head, however, the operational portion 410 is not so limited. For example, the operational portion 410 may be a saw, drill or any such tool bit that generates dust particles when the operational portion 410 makes contact with an object 10 (i.e., when the tool 400 is in use). Put another away, when the operational portion 410 of the tool 400 is used (i.e., comes into contact with) the base object 10, particles of the base object 10 will become air borne in an operational area 600 around the tool 400. The dust suppression apparatus 1000 shown in figure 1 comprises a fluid reservoir 200. The fluid reservoir 200 extends from a base 210 configured to provide a stable footing on (i.e., be in contact with) a support surface, for example the ground. The base 210 may have a greater cross-sectional area than the fluid reservoir 200 in order to stabilise the apparatus 1000 (e.g., to prevent it from toppling over). The fluid reservoir 200 may be configured to retain fluid 500. Suitably, the fluid reservoir 200 may be configured to retain a dust suppressant fluid 500 (i.e. a fluid capable of suppressing dust). An example fluid may be water. The fluid reservoir 200 may comprise a fluid outlet 122 that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 200. The fluid outlet 122 may be located towards the base 210 of the fluid reservoir 200. A shape of the base 210 of the fluid reservoir may be such to direct fluid towards the fluid outlet 122. A pipe (or fluid conduit) 124 may extend from the fluid outlet 122 of the fluid reservoir 200 to an output 126 (i.e., a nozzle / tap). Put another way, the pipe 124 may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 200 via the outlet 122, and is suitably provided to convey fluid 500 from the reservoir outlet 122 to the output 126. Suitably, fluid 500 from the fluid reservoir 200 may flow from the reservoir 200 through the fluid outlet 122, along the fluid pipe 124 and to (and out of) the fluid output 126. The fluid output 126 may be any standard nozzle / tap / fitting found at the end of a pipe / hose. The output 126 may also be of a specialist form designed to fit a fluid suppressant inlet for a particular tool 400. The fluid output 126 may comprise a regulating means to open and close the fluid output 126. That is to say, the regulating means of the fluid output 126 may be configured to be open such that the fluid 500 from the fluid reservoir 200 may pass through the fluid output 126, or closed such that the fluid 500 from the fluid reservoir 200 cannot pass through the fluid output 126. The regulating means may also be configured to adjust the rate of flow of fluid 500 from the fluid reservoir 200 passing through the fluid output 126. Figure 1 shows the fluid output 126 of directed towards the base object 10 and the tool 400. More specifically the fluid output 126 is directed above the surface of the base object 10 on which the tool 400 will be operating, here referred to as the operational area 600. In other words, fluid 500 is directed towards the area 600 in which particles of the base object 10 will become airborne when the operational part 410 of the tool 400 makes contact with the base object 10. The fluid output 126 is shown in figure 1 as being separate to the tool 400. In another configuration (not shown) the fluid output 126 may be attached to the tool 400 by a securing means so that the fluid output 126 is directed towards the operational area 600 around any base object 10 that the tool 400 may be used on. Such a configuration ensures that the fluid output 126 is always directed towards the operational area 600, thus making the system simpler to use by a single operator. In the configuration (not shown) where the fluid output 126 is attached to the tool 400, the fluid pipe 124 may be sized to provide the user with sufficient scope to move the tool 400 relative to the fluid reservoir 200. In yet another configuration, the fluid output 126 is configured to connect to a fluid inlet 420 provided on the tool 400. That is, the pipe 124 may act as a fluid connector between the reservoir outlet 122 and the tool inlet 420. The inlet 420 may be suitably coupled to an outlet 430 which is arranged to direct received fluid 500 to the area 600; that is, the area 600 comprising at least part of the operational component 410 in which dust is likely to be generated due to contact with the object 10. The dust suppression apparatus 1000 may further comprise a lid 100. The lid 100 may be configured to be secured to the fluid reservoir 200 such that the fluid reservoir 200 extends from the base 210 to the lid 100; that is, the fluid volume contained by the reservoir 200 may be considered as maximally defined by the internal walls of the reservoir 200 and the lid 100. Suitably, the lid 100 may be configured to fit over an inlet 220 of the fluid reservoir 200. Here, the inlet 220 corresponds to an opening at the top of the reservoir 200, the opening 220 spanning essentially the full width of the reservoir 200. It will however be appreciated that in other embodiments, not shown, the opening / inlet 220 may be shaped and dimensioned differently. Suitably the lid 100 is configured to seal / close the inlet 220 of the fluid reservoir 200. The fluid reservoir 200 may extend along a longitudinal axis 202 such that the lid 100, fluid reservoir 200 and the base 210 are provided in series along the longitudinal axis 202. Figures 2, 3 show an exploded side view of the apparatus 1000. Here can be seen that the apparatus 1000 comprises a plate 150. The plate 150 comprises a first (bottom) surface 154 which faces the base 210 of the reservoir 200. The first surface 154 comprises a cross-sectional area which corresponds to an internal cross-sectional area of the fluid reservoir 200. Put another way, the cross-sectional area of the first surface 154 may substantially match the cross-sectional area of the reservoir 200. In one example, this may be achieved by sizing a diameter of the first surface 154 to be slightly greater than a diameter of the reservoir 200 cross-section, while manufacturing the plate 150 (or at least its rim) from a suitably flexible material such as rubber such that it deforms to the shape and size of the internal cross section of the reservoir 200. Put another way, it may be considered that the plate 150 comprises a deformable rim section made from a suitably deformable material such as rubber. The deformable rim section may be held in place by a flange. In an example, the fluid reservoir inlet 220 may be tapered to allow for easier insertion of the plate 150. Suitably, it will be appreciated that when the plate 150 is located within the fluid reservoir 200 an outer radial edge 156 of the plate 150 is in direct contact with the internal surface of the fluid reservoir 200. In this way, fluid 500 from within the fluid reservoir 200 is prevented from travelling past the plate 150, i.e., a seal is generated between the outer radial edge 156 of the plate 150 and the internal surface of the reservoir 200 such that no fluid 500 may pass therethrough (or at least minimal / negligible fluid 500 may pass through). The apparatus 1000 further comprises a resilient element 130. The resilient element 130 may be a spring. The resilient element 130 may comprise a first end 132 secured to the lid 100 and a second end 134 secured to the plate 150. The second end 134 of the resilient element 130 may be secured to a second (top) surface 152 of the plate 150. The plate 150 may comprise a seat 138 into which the second end 134 of the resilient element 130 is receivable. The seat 138 and the plate 150 may be provided in series along the longitudinal axis 202. The resilient element 130 may be configured to bias the plate 150 apart from the lid 100. The resilient element 130 may be compressible such that it shortens in length along the longitudinal axis 202 which in turn brings the plate 150, which is connected to the resilient element 130, towards the lid 100. The seat 138 may be dimensioned to accommodate a full length of the resilient element 130 in its compressed form; that is, the seat 138 may guide the compression of the resilient element 130. When the resilient element 130 is decompressed, it pushes the plate 150 into the fluid 500 in the reservoir 200 to force fluid 500 out of the reservoir outlet 122. Suitably, the pressure forces the fluid 500 through the nozzle 126 to spray down the area 600 and thus suppress dust. In the present example the apparatus 1000 may further comprise an operating element 300. The operating element 300 comprises a body 310 which extends from a handle 312 to the plate 150. The plate 150 may be substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the body 310. The handle 312 shown in the figures is solid, however it will be appreciated the handle 312 may comprise a through hole or indent(s) to aid in gripping / manipulation of the handle 312, as will be familiar to those in the art. The body 310 of the operating element 300 may be configured to extend through an opening 110 in the top surface of the lid 100. The opening 110 in the top surface of the lid 100 may be sized to be smaller than the largest cross-section of the plate 150 such that the plate 150 cannot pass through the opening 110. The opening 110 in the top surface of the lid 100 may be sized such that the handle 312 of the operating element 300 cannot pass through the opening 110. The handle 312, the top surface of the lid 100 and the plate 150 may be arranged in series and cylindrically centred on the longitudinal axis 202. The resilient element 130 may comprise an aperture that extend from the first end 132 to the second end 134. Put another way, the resilient element 130 may be hollow in the direction / axis between the lid 100 and the plate 150. Suitably, the operating element 300 may be disposed such that the body 310 of the operating element 300 extends through the hollow of the resilient element 130 (as shown in e.g., figures 3, 8, 9). The lid 100, the resilient element 130 and the plate 150 may be arranged in series along the longitudinal axis 202. Suitably, lifting the handle 312 of the operating element 300 upwards along the longitudinal axis 202 (away from the lid 100) compresses the resilient element 130. The body 310 of the operating element 300 may further comprise at least one protrusion 320. For example, the body 310 of the operating element 300 may comprise two protrusions 320 as shown in the figures, but of course the body 310 may comprise more than two protrusions 320. The protrusions 320 may be closer to the plate 150 than the handle 312. The protrusions 320 may be configured to extend radially outwards from the body 310 of the operating element 300. The protrusions 320 may be integrally formed with the body 310 of the operating element 300, or may be separate components fixed to the body 310 of the operating element 300. The protrusions 320 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 202. The protrusions 320 may be radially spaced apart from one another around the longitudinal axis 202. The protrusions 320 may be provided in the same plane (i.e. at the same point along the longitudinal axis 202). When there are two protrusions 320 as shown in the figures the protrusions 320 may be positioned such that they are diametrically opposed (i.e., positioned on opposite one another on either side of the body 310). Figure 4 shows a plan view of the apparatus 1000. Figure 5 shows a plan view apparatus 1000 with the handle 312 removed. The opening 110 in the lid 100 may be sized to allow the body 310 of the operating element 300 including the protrusions 320 to pass through the lid 100. The opening 110 in the lid 100 may may be configured to allow the protrusions 320 to pass through the lid 100 when the protrusions 320 are correctly aligned with said opening 110. The opening 110 in the lid 100 may be configured not to allow the protrusions 320 to pass through the lid 100 when the protrusions 320 are not aligned with said opening 110. Put another way, the opening 110 may be provided with at least one slot corresponding to a size and shape of the at least one protrusion 320. The operating element 300 may be biased towards an unaligned configuration; that is, a configuration in which the protrusions 320 are not aligned with the opening 110 in the lid 100. The operating element 300 may be biased towards the unaligned configuration by the resilient element 130 (as both the operating element 300 and resilient element 130 are connected to the lid 100). The compressible nature of the resilient element 130 means that the handle 312 may be rotated around the longitudinal axis 202 into the aligned configuration such that the protrusions 320 are aligned with, and may pass through, the opening 110 in the lid. The lid 100 may further comprise protrusion retaining means 120 in the lid 100. The number of protrusion retaining means 120 may be equal to the number of protrusions 320. The protrusion retaining means 120 may be indents / channels / recesses in the lid 100, sized to receive a protrusion 320. The depth of the protrusions 320 (along the longitudinal axis 202) may be at least half the height of the protrusions 320 (along the longitudinal axis 202). The protrusion retaining means 120 may be of sufficient depth to prevent the operating element 300 from rotating (around the longitudinal axis 202) relative to the lid 100. The protrusion retaining means 120 are configured to secure the operating element 300 relative to the lid 100 in a loaded configuration. Returning to Figure 3, the fluid reservoir 200 may further comprise a first coupling means 212. The first coupling means 212 may be configured on the outer (i.e., external) surface of the fluid reservoir 200. The first coupling means 212 may be disposed towards the inlet end 220 of the fluid reservoir 200. The lid 100 may comprise a corresponding second coupling means 102 configured to engage with the first coupling means 212 of the fluid reservoir 200. The second coupling means 102 may be located on the inner (i.e., internal) surface of the lid 100. The first coupling means 212 and the second coupling means 102 may be threadedly connected or otherwise suitably removably engaged to ensure that the lid 100 can be secured to, and removed from, the fluid reservoir 200 by the operator. As shown in figures 2 and 3, the lid 100 may further comprise a releasable locking means 112. The locking means 112 may be configured to lock the lid 100 to the fluid reservoir 200. That is to say, once the lid 100 has been secured to the fluid reservoir 200 via the first and second securing means 212, 102, the locking means 112 may be engaged to lock the lid 100 to the fluid reservoir 200 so that the first and second securing means 212,102 cannot be disengaged before the locking means 112 are disengaged. This provides an additional measure to ensure that the first and second securing means 212,102 (and therefore the lid 100 and the fluid reservoir 200) do not become disengaged by accident. The locking means 112 may extend downwardly (along the longitudinal axis 202) from the lid 100 towards the fluid reservoir 200 and may be secured to the fluid reservoir by a bolt, screw, or clip as will be familiar to those in the art. The lid 100, as shown in figure 1, also comprises 100 comprises handles 104 so that, when assembled, the dust suppression apparatus 1000 can be moved more easily, using the handles 104. The handles 104 may extend above the top surface of the lid 100 and comprise through-holes to assist a user with gripping said handles 104. This is especially important when the fluid reservoir 200 is filled with the dust suppressant fluid 500 as the apparatus 1000 will be heavy and therefore difficult to move without said handles 104. The handles 104 also provide the user with a better grip by which to engage and disengage the lid 100 from the fluid reservoir 200. Figures 6, 7, 8, 9 show side views of the apparatus 1000 when assembled (i.e., when the lid 100 is engaged with the fluid reservoir 200 via the first and second securing 212, 102 means and locked together by the locking means 112). When assembled the plate 150 is located within the fluid reservoir 200 such that the fluid 500 within the fluid reservoir 200 is located below the plate 150 (i.e., the top surface of the fluid 500 within the fluid reservoir 200 may be located below the bottom surface 154 of the plate 150). When assembled the plate 150 may be located within the fluid reservoir 200 such that fluid 500 within the fluid reservoir 200 may be in contact with the plate 150 (i.e., the top surface of the fluid 500 within the fluid reservoir 200 may be in contact with the bottom surface 154 of the plate 150). It should be appreciated that the reservoir 200 will have been previously filled via the inlet / opening 220. Figures 6 and 8 show the assembled apparatus 1000 in a first (unloaded) configuration, and figures 7 and 9 show the apparatus 1000 in a second (loaded) configuration. In the first configuration the resilient element 130 may not be compressed (i.e., in a state at rest). In the first configuration the handle 312 of the operating element 300 is a distance d1 from the lid 100. In the second configuration the handle 312 of the operating element 300 is at a distance d2 from the lid 100. The distance d2 between the lid 100 and the handle 312 in the second configuration is greater than the distance d1 between the lid 100 and the handle 312 in the first configuration. In the second configuration the plate 150 may be raised along the longitudinal axis 202 towards the lid 100 such that the resilient element 130 is compressed. In the second configuration the operating element 300 may be moved relative to the lid 100 such that the protrusions 320 pass through the opening 110 in the lid 100. That is to say, the operating element 300 may be rotated in order to align the protrusions 320 with the opening 110 in the lid 100 such that the protrusions 320 may pass through the opening 110 in the lid 100 and then be located within the protrusion retaining means 120 of the lid 100, thus securing the apparatus 1000 in the second configuration. Suitably, an operator may rotate the operating element 300 (via the handle 312) such that the protrusions 320 of the operating element 300 align with the opening 110 in the lid 100. This may require the operator to lift the operating element 300 upwardly along the longitudinal axis 202 such that the protrusions 320 are raised above the protrusion retaining elements 120 in the lid 100, and then rotate the operating element 300 around the longitudinal axis 202 to align the protrusions 320 with the opening 110 in the lid 100. Once the protrusions 320 are aligned with the opening 110 in the lid 100 the operator may release the operating element 300 such that the resilient element 130 is no longer constrained, and is free to expand (i.e., decompress) along the longitudinal axis 202. In other words, the resilient element 130 may impart a force on the plate 150 to move downwardly along the longitudinal axis 202. Put another way, the resilient element 130 may exert a force that is transmitted onto the fluid 500 within the fluid reservoir 200 via the plate 150. The seal between the radial outer surface 156 of the plate 150 and the internal surface of the fluid reservoir 200 may be such that the fluid 500 within the reservoir 200 is forced out of the fluid outlet 122, along the fluid pipe 124 and out of the fluid output 126 and directed towards the operating area 600. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A dust suppression apparatus for a tool, the apparatus comprising:a fluid reservoir configured to retain a dust suppressant fluid, the fluid reservoir comprising5 a fluid outlet,a plate coupled to a resilient element, wherein the plate is arranged to span a cross section of the fluid reservoir, and the resilient element is configured to cause the plate to push the dust suppressant fluid stored in the reservoir towards the fluid outlet, anda fluid output in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, the output being arranged to output 10 the dust suppressant fluid from the fluid reservoir to an operational area of the tool.wherein the dust suppression apparatus further comprises a lid, wherein a first end of the resilient element is secured to the lid, and a second end of the resilient element is secured to a first surface of the plate such that the lid, the resilient element and the plate are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis.

152. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid comprises a first coupling means configured to be engageable with a second coupling means provided on the fluid reservoir.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first coupling means is arranged on an 20 internal surface of the lid, and the second coupling means is arranged on an external surface of the fluid reservoir.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim, 2 or 3, wherein the first coupling means and the second coupling means comprise mutually corresponding threading.

255. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lid comprises a releasable locking means configured to secure the lid in coupling with the fluid reservoir.

6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an inlet of the fluid 30 reservoir comprises a taper.

7. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the plate comprises a deformable rim section configured to abut an internal surface of the fluid reservoir.07 10 258. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the plate comprises a seat for the resilient element.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further comprises 5 an operating element, the operating element comprising a body that extends from a handle to a surface of the plate.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the operating element is configured to extend through an opening in the lid such that the handle of the operating element, the lid and the plate 10 are provided in series along a longitudinal axis.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the resilient element comprises a hollow, and the body of the operating element is configured to extend through the hollow of the resilient element.1512. The apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the body of the operating element comprises at least one protrusion extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lid comprises at least one slot 20 corresponding to the at least one protrusion through which the at least one protrusion may pass.14 The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lid comprises at least one recess corresponding to the at least one protrusion.25 15. A system comprising:a dust suppression apparatus, comprising:a fluid reservoir configured to retain a dust suppressant fluid, the fluid reservoir comprising a fluid outlet,a plate coupled to a resilient element, wherein the plate is arranged to span a 30 cross section of the fluid reservoir, and the resilient element is configured to cause the plate to push the dust suppressant fluid stored in the reservoir towards the fluid outlet,a lid, wherein a first end of the resilient element is secured to the lid, and a second end of the resilient element is secured to a first surface of the plate such that the lid, the resilient element and the plate are arranged in series along the longitudinal axis;LO CXIa fluid connector,a tool, comprising:an operational component,an inlet coupled to the fluid outlet of the fluid reservoir via the fluid connector, and5 an outlet coupled to the inlet and configured to direct fluid to an area comprisingat least part of the operational component.

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