Standpipe recirculation systems for material removal machines

Abstract

To provide recirculation systems for material removal machines, and material removal systems.SOLUTION: Provided are a recirculation system 200 for a material removal machine 102, and a material removal system 100. The material removal system 100 includes a recirculation system 200 in fluid communication with a material removal cabinet 104 housing the material removal machine 102. The recirculation system 200 may have an upper reservoir 300 configured to drain fluid into a lower reservoir 204 before recirculating the fluid. The upper reservoir 300 may have a standpipe 320 configured to allow swarf, debris and / or other material within the fluid to be entrained prior to flowing over the standpipe 320.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Technical Field This disclosure relates generally to standpipe recirculation systems, and more particularly to standpipe recirculation systems for material removal machines. [Background technology]

[0002] background Some material removal machines (e.g., saws, grinders, polishers, and / or more comprehensive material preparation and / or testing machines) use fluid to flush away debris and / or swarf generated during the material removal process. In some cases, a continuous supply of fluid is provided to the material removal machine during the material removal process. The used fluid can be recaptured, recycled, and / or recirculated to provide a continuous supply of fluid to the material removal machine.

[0003] By comparing such systems with the present disclosure, which is described in the remainder of this application with reference to the drawings, the limitations and disadvantages of the conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Quick Overview The present disclosure relates to a standpipe recirculation system for a material removal machine substantially as illustrated and / or described in connection with at least one of the drawings and more fully set forth in the claims.

[0005] These and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated examples of the present disclosure, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary material removal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B are perspective and front views, respectively, of an exemplary recirculation system of the material removal system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B are perspective and front views, respectively, of an exemplary recirculation system of the material removal system of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B with the upper reservoir removed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 3A] 3A through 3E are various views of the upper reservoir of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3A through 3E are various views of the upper reservoir of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 3A through 3E are various views of the upper reservoir of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] 3A through 3E are various views of the upper reservoir of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3E] 3A through 3E are various views of the upper reservoir of the recirculation system of FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 4] 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of alternative standpipes according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating examples of alternative standpipes according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 6]3B shows an example of a filter for use with the upper reservoir of FIGS. 3A-3E, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The figures are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numbers are used in the figures to refer to similar or identical components.

[0013] Detailed Description Some conventional recirculation systems use filters and / or filtration media to separate swarf and / or other particulate material from the fluid recirculated to the material removal machine. However, cleaning these filters and / or filtration media (in addition to other components) can be burdensome. Additionally, replacing the filters and / or filtration media can be expensive.

[0014] The disclosed example standpipe recirculation systems use a standpipe, rather than a traditional filter and / or filtration media, to separate shavings and / or other particulate material from the recirculated fluid. In some examples, the standpipe prevents the fluid from entering an outlet in the upper reservoir that leads to the lower reservoir. In some examples, the height of the standpipe may be sufficient to allow shavings, debris, and / or other material in the fluid to be entrained before flowing over the standpipe into the lower reservoir.

[0015] Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a recirculation system for a material removal machine, comprising: a first reservoir having a floor with an outlet; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; and a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upward from the floor to a first height, thereby preventing fluid accumulating on the floor in the first reservoir from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until the top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, the first reservoir configured to allow material entrained in the fluid to settle before the fluid exceeds the first height.

[0016] In some examples, the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir and receives the fluid dropping through the outlet. In some examples, the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine. In some examples, the material removal machine includes a cut-off saw. In some examples, the system further includes a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet.

[0017] In some examples, the system further includes a removable lid shaped to fit or match an opening in a ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to fluidly communicate with a cabinet outlet of a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, such that fluid can flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet. In some examples, when the removable lid is fitted into the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet. In some examples, the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir. In some examples, the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not include a filter or filtration media. In some examples, the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir.

[0018] Some examples of the present disclosure relate to a material removal system comprising: a material removal cabinet housing a material removal machine; and a recirculation system in fluid communication with the material removal cabinet, the recirculation system comprising: a first reservoir having a floor with an outlet; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; and a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upward from the floor to a first height, thereby preventing fluid accumulating on the floor in the first reservoir from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until the top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, and the first reservoir configured to allow material entrained in the fluid to settle before the fluid exceeds the first height.

[0019] In some examples, the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir and receives the fluid dropping through the outlet. In some examples, the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine. In some examples, the material removal machine includes a cut-off saw. In some examples, the system further includes a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet.

[0020] In some examples, the system further includes a removable lid shaped to fit within an opening in a ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to fluidly communicate with a cabinet outlet of a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, such that fluid can flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet. In some examples, when the removable lid is fitted within the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet. In some examples, the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir. In some examples, the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not include a filter or filtration media. In some examples, the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a material removal system 100. In the example of FIG. 1, the material removal system 100 includes a material removal machine 102 enclosed within a cabinet 104 and a recirculation system 200 in fluid communication with the cabinet 104. In the example of FIG. 1, the material removal machine 102 includes a material removal tool 108, such as a (e.g., cutting) saw blade, an abrasive saw, a grinder, a sander, and / or some other material removal tool. Also in the example of FIG. 1, the material removal tool 108 is encased within a shield 112. As shown, the shield 112 is attached to a cooling system.

[0022] In the example of FIG. 1 , the cooling system includes several coolant hoses 114 attached to shield 112 via manifold 116. Each hose 114 terminates in a nozzle 118. Nozzle 118 is configured to spray (and / or otherwise provide) coolant into cabinet 104. In the example of FIG. 1 , hoses 114 are configured to receive coolant from hose inlets 120, which are also attached to manifold 116. Hose inlets 120 are in fluid communication with cabinet inlets 122 via coolant pipes 124. As shown, coolant pipes 124 are configured to deliver coolant from cabinet inlets 122, through coolant pipes 124, to hose inlets 120. The coolant introduced into cabinet 104 by the coolant system serves to cool and / or clean material removal machine 102 and / or other components of material removal system 100, while also removing debris, swarf, and / or other particulate material from cabinet 104.

[0023] 1, cabinet 104 further includes cabinet outlet 126. As shown, cabinet outlet 126 includes a porous sieve (and / or mesh, filter, screen, etc.) configured to allow the passage of coolant while inhibiting the passage of larger particulate matter (e.g., misaligned, loose, and / or unattached components of material removal machine 102). In some examples, cabinet outlet 126 may omit the sieve and simply include an opening. In the example of FIG. 1, cabinet outlet 126 is in fluid communication with outlet pipe 128, which leads to an inlet of coolant recirculation system 200.

[0024] 1, recirculation system 200 is positioned below cabinet 104, such that gravity may be sufficient to propel the coolant into recirculation system 200 via outlet pipe 128. In some examples, recirculation system 200 may instead be positioned above and / or to the side of cabinet 104, and some other force (e.g., a pump) may propel the coolant from cabinet 104 to recirculation system 200 via outlet pipe 128. In the example of FIG. 1 (and FIGS. 2A and 2B), recirculation system 200 further comprises pump 202 configured to propel the recaptured coolant from recirculation system 200 via conduit 130 to cabinet inlet 122 of cabinet 104.

[0025] 2A and 2B show perspective and front views, respectively, of an exemplary recirculation system 200. As shown, the recirculation system 200 includes an upper reservoir 300 and a lower reservoir 204. The pump 202 is carried by a lower lid 206 of the lower reservoir 204 and extends some distance into the lower reservoir 204 to capture coolant collected by the lower reservoir 204 and pump the fluid back into the cabinet 104. For purposes of illustration and / or understanding, the walls of the upper reservoir 300 and the lower reservoir 204 are depicted as transparent in certain drawings (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2C and 3B-3C).

[0026] 2A and 2B, the lower reservoir 204 is significantly (e.g., three to four times) larger than the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, the larger size of the lower reservoir 204 may reflect an intention for the lower reservoir 204 to serve as the primary reservoir and / or primary storage for the coolant fluid prior to recirculation. In some examples, the smaller size of the upper reservoir 300 may make it easier to carry and / or clean, and may allow the upper reservoir 300 to serve more as an intermediate and / or filtering reservoir.

[0027] Also, in some examples, lower reservoir 204 (and / or recirculation system 200 generally) can be sized such that recirculation system 200 can comfortably fit beneath and / or generally within the perimeter of material removal cabinet 104. In FIG. 1 , for example, cabinet 104 and recirculation system 200 are vertically aligned or aligned with similar widths such that material removal cabinet 104 and recirculation system 200 form an approximately rectangular or cubic shape. Such a configuration can allow material removal system 100 as a whole to be stored together in a neat, compact, and / or aesthetically appealing configuration.

[0028] 2A and 2B , the lower reservoir 204 is a hollow cube (and / or cuboid) with a lower floor 208 connected to four lower sidewalls 210, which are themselves connected together and form an upper opening opposite the floor 208. The lower lid 206 is shaped to fit into the opening and, when inserted into the opening, creates a ceiling for the lower reservoir 204. In some examples, the lower lid 206 can be removable from the lower reservoir 204 (e.g., using a lower handle 212) so that the interior of the lower reservoir 204 can be accessed and / or cleaned. In some examples, the lower lid 206 (and / or lower sidewall 210) can include features, such as complementary lips, rims, ledges, joints, posts, recesses, protrusions, and / or flanges, that make it easier to secure and / or remove the lower lid 206. In some examples, the lower lid 206 can be secured to the upper reservoir 300 using fasteners, and such fasteners can be configured to be relatively easily loosened and / or removable to allow for removal of the lower lid 206 without breaking it.

[0029] 2A and 2B, the upper reservoir 300 is retained above the lower reservoir 204. However, in some examples, the upper reservoir 300 can be configured to be removed from the lower reservoir 204 and / or the recirculation system 200. FIG. 2C, for example, shows a view of the recirculation system 200 with the upper reservoir 300 removed. As shown, when the upper reservoir 300 is removed, the window 214 is visible in the lower lid 206 of the lower reservoir 204. In some examples, the window 214 can be sized and / or configured to receive the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, coolant fluid can flow from the upper reservoir 300 to the lower reservoir 204 through the window 214 in the lower reservoir 204.

[0030] In some examples, the lower lid 206 can include retention features that assist in removably retaining the upper reservoir 300 on the lower reservoir 204 (e.g., across and / or within the window 214). In some examples, the retention features can enable the upper reservoir 300 to be securely held on the lower reservoir 204 during operation and also enable the upper reservoir 300 to be non-destructively removed from the lower reservoir 204 when desired (e.g., for cleaning). In some examples, the upper reservoir 300 can include complementary retention features. Such retention features can include, for example, a lip, a rim, a ledge, a joint, a post, a recess, a protrusion, a fastener, and / or a flange.

[0031] 3A-3E show various views of upper reservoir 300. As shown, upper reservoir 300 is a hollow cube (and / or rectangular parallelepiped) with an upper floor 308 connected to four upper sidewalls 310, which are themselves connected together and opposite floor 308 to form an upper opening. An upper lid 306 is shaped to fit into the upper opening. When inserted into the opening, upper lid 306 creates a ceiling for upper reservoir 300, which can help displace unwanted debris and / or limit fluid loss (e.g., due to splashing).

[0032] In some examples, the upper lid 306 can be removable from the upper reservoir 300 (e.g., using the upper handle 312) to allow access to and / or cleaning of the interior of the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, the upper lid 306 can be omitted entirely. In some examples, the upper lid 306 (and / or the upper sidewall 310) can include features that make it easier to secure and / or remove the upper lid 306, such as complementary lips, rims, ledges, joints, posts, recesses, protrusions, fasteners, and / or flanges configured to removably secure the upper lid 306 to the upper reservoir 300 so that the upper lid 306 can be removed without breaking it. Figures 3D and 3E show perspective and top views of the upper reservoir 300 with the upper lid 306 removed.

[0033] 3A and the examples of Figures 3D-3E, the upper lid 306 includes two lid inlets 302. In some examples, one of the two lid inlets 302 is aligned with the outlet pipe 128 and can receive coolant fluid from the cabinet 104. In some examples, having two lid inlets 302 can provide flexibility in positioning the upper reservoir 300 to align with the outlet pipe 128.

[0034] In some examples, the aligned lid inlet(s) 302 can help position the outlet pipe 128 at the proper height so that there is an air gap between the top of the fluid held in the upper reservoir 300 and the bottom of the outlet pipe 128. In some examples, this air gap can help prevent backflow, clogging, and / or other adverse effects. In some examples, a lid inlet 302 that is not aligned with an outlet pipe 128 may be used as a vent. In some examples, a lid inlet 302 that is not aligned with an outlet pipe 128 may be covered. In some examples, there may be two (or more) outlet pipes 128, each aligned with a lid inlet 302. In some examples, the upper lid 306 may include only one lid inlet 302, or three or more lid inlets 302.

[0035] 3B-3E, the upper reservoir 300 includes an outlet 304 in its upper floor 308. With the upper reservoir 300 positioned over the window 214 in the lower lid 206, coolant fluid flowing through the outlet 304 flows by gravity into the lower reservoir 204. In some examples, an outlet pipe can help guide the fluid flowing through the outlet 304 into the lower reservoir 204.

[0036] 3B-3E, the upper reservoir 300 also includes a standpipe 320. While one standpipe 320 is shown, in some examples, multiple standpipes 320 (and / or multiple outlets 304) may be present in the upper reservoir 300. In the examples of FIGS. 3D and 3E, the standpipe 320 and outlet 304 are offset and / or misaligned from the lid inlet 302, such that fluid entering the upper reservoir 300 through the lid inlet 302 does not flow directly into the outlet 304. In some examples, the fluid (and / or outlet pipe 128) may be directed through the lid inlet 302 to a location within the upper reservoir 300 opposite the standpipe 320 and / or outlet 304, allowing the fluid time and / or space to settle and / or become less turbulent before approaching the standpipe 320 and / or outlet 304.

[0037] 3B and 3C , the standpipe 320 has a base 324 below the upper floor 308. In some examples, the base 324 may be secured to the underside of the upper floor 308 of the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, the base 324 (and / or the standpipe 320) may be secured to the top surface of the upper floor 308 of the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, the standpipe 320 may be molded with the upper floor 308. In some examples, the standpipe 320 may be a friction fit within the outlet 304.

[0038] 3B and 3C, the standpipe 320 has a wall 322 that extends upward from a base 324 through the outlet 304 and into the upper reservoir 300. Within the upper reservoir 300, the wall 322 extends upward from the upper floor 308. As shown, the wall 322 forms a boundary around the outlet 304 to prevent fluid on the upper floor 308 from flowing directly into the outlet 304.

[0039] 3B and 3C , the wall 322 of the standpipe 320 extends upward from the floor 308 to the standpipe height. In some examples, only coolant fluid that accumulates and / or pools in the upper reservoir to a height above the standpipe height can flow over the wall 322 of the standpipe 320 and through the outlet 304 (and window 214) into the lower reservoir 204. In some examples, the time required for the coolant entering the upper reservoir 300 to reach the standpipe height can be sufficient to allow shavings, debris, and / or other particulate material entrained in the coolant fluid to settle on the upper floor 308 of the upper reservoir 300. As a result, the shavings, debris, and / or other particulate material settle below the top of the standpipe 320 and are not transported through the outlet 304 to the lower reservoir 204. Thus, in some examples, the standpipe 320 may enable the recirculation system 200 to separate swarf, debris, and / or particulate matter from the recirculating coolant fluid without the use of traditional filters and / or filtration media.

[0040] 3B and 3C, the standpipe height is approximately one-quarter to one-third the height of the upper reservoir 300. In some examples, the standpipe height may be higher or lower than this height. In some examples, the standpipe height may be greater or smaller. In some examples, the standpipe height is below an upper height threshold at which there is a risk of the pump 202 running out of coolant fluid. For example, at the upper height threshold, the standpipe 320 may allow the upper reservoir 300 to hold so much fluid that there is a risk of the fluid level in the lower reservoir 204 remaining too low for the pump 202 to draw fluid into the cabinet 104 for recirculation (i.e., thereby running the pump 202 out of service). In some examples, the upper height threshold depends on the relative sizes of the upper reservoir 300 and the lower reservoir 204, as well as the extent to which the pump 202 extends into the lower reservoir 204, the total amount of fluid in the system, and / or other factors.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates one example of another exemplary standpipe 420 that can be used in place of the standpipe 320 shown in FIGS. 3A-3E. As shown, the exemplary standpipe 420 has a base 424 that is secured to the upper floor 308 of the upper reservoir 300 using a fastener 426 that extends via a compressible spring 428. The spring 428 serves to bias the standpipe 420 upward. The fastener 426 is attached with a shaft that extends downward from the upper floor 308, and the base 424 (and connected standpipe 420) can move downward onto and / or across the fastener 426 when sufficient downward force is supplied (e.g., by an operator) to overcome the bias of the spring 428. Thus, the standpipe 420 can be moved to a lower height via the fastener 426 and the spring 428.

[0042] In some examples, the fastener 426 can have a shaft long enough to allow it to be moved down to half the standpipe height (or less), a quarter of the standpipe height (or less), the height of the upper floor 308 and / or the outlet 304, or slightly above the height of the upper floor 308 and / or the outlet 304. As the standpipe height is lowered, the upper reservoir 300 can more easily bleed fluid. Once bled, the upper reservoir 300 can be more easily removed from the recirculation system 200 (e.g., for cleaning). Once the fluid is removed and the downward force is released, the biasing force of the spring 428 can push the standpipe 420 back up to the original standpipe height.

[0043] 5 illustrates another exemplary standpipe 520. As shown, the standpipe 520 is configured to be raised rather than pushed down to remove residual fluid within the upper reservoir 300. As shown, the standpipe 520 has a lower portion 528 that is typically positioned below the base 524 and below the upper floor 308 of the upper reservoir 300. When raised (e.g., by an operator), the lower portion 528 of the alternative standpipe 520 enters the upper reservoir 300 from below and forms a boundary around the outlet 304.

[0044] In the example of FIG. 5 , the lower portion 528 of the second alternative standpipe 520 has a slit 526. In some examples, the slit 526 can be made narrow enough to act as a coarse filter. In some examples, the slit 526 may instead be a hole or other shaped opening. In some examples, when the standpipe 520 is raised, fluid in the upper reservoir 300 can flow through the slit 526 and into the outlet 304, regardless of the fluid height. As shown, the lower portion 528 of the wall 522 also has a protruding protrusion 530 that prevents the second alternative standpipe 520 from being raised beyond the base 524. As such, in some examples, the second alternative standpipe 520 can allow an operator to easily drain fluid from the upper reservoir 300 by raising the lower portion 528 of the second alternative standpipe 520 and allowing fluid to drain through the slit 526.

[0045] The example recirculation system 200 disclosed in the present disclosure enables separation of swarf, debris, and / or other particulate material from the recirculated fluid without the use of conventional filters and / or filtration media. The absence of conventional filters and / or filtration media can facilitate easier and / or less costly cleaning. However, if desired, conventional filters and / or filtration media may be used with the example recirculation system 200 described in the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows an example of a filter 600 positioned within, for example, the upper reservoir 300. As shown, the filter 600 extends horizontally across the upper reservoir, from sidewall 310 to sidewall 310, to a height above the upper floor 308 and below the height of the standpipe 320. In some examples, the filter 600 can fit tightly around the standpipe 320. In some examples, the outlet pipe 128 of FIG. 1 discharges fluid from the cabinet 104 to the volume between the upper floor 308 and the filter 600. As such, fluid rising from the upper floor 308 to the standpipe height may need to pass through the filter 600 before passing through the outlet 304. In some examples, the filter 600 can have one or more openings aligned with the inlet(s) 302 to allow fluid to enter the upper reservoir 300 without passing through the filter 600. In some examples, the outlet pipe 128 can extend into the upper reservoir 300 (e.g., via the inlet 302) to better direct the fluid to the opening(s) in the filter 600.

[0047] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is not intended that the present method and / or system be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but rather that the present method and / or system include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0048] As used in this disclosure, "and / or" means any one or more of the items in the list connected by "and / or." As an example, "x and / or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x,y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y." As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z."

[0049] As used in this disclosure, the term "for example" emphasizes a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0050] As used in this disclosure, the terms "about" and / or "approximately," when used to modify or describe a value (or range of values), position, orientation, and / or action, mean reasonably close to that value, range of values, position, orientation, and / or action. Thus, examples described in this disclosure are not limited solely to the recited values, ranges of values, positions, orientations, and / or actions, but rather are to include reasonably achievable deviations.

[0051] As used in this disclosure, the term "coupled" means a structural and / or electrical connection, whether attached, adhered, connected, joined, fastened, coupled, and / or otherwise secured. As used in this disclosure, the term "attach" means attached, coupled, connected, joined, fastened, coupled, and / or otherwise secured. As used in this disclosure, the term "connect" means attached, adhered, connected, joined, fastened, coupled, and / or otherwise secured.

[0052] As used in this disclosure, the term "fluid," when used as a noun, refers to a freely flowing, deformable substance without a fixed shape, including, among other things, liquids (e.g., water, solutions, etc.) and / or plasma. [Configuration 1] 1. A recirculation system for a material removal machine, comprising: a first reservoir having a floor, the floor having a drain; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upwardly away from the floor to a first height, whereby fluid accumulating above the floor in the first reservoir is prevented from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until a top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, the first reservoir being configured to allow settling of material entrained in the fluid before the fluid exceeds the first height; A recirculation system comprising: [Configuration 2] 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir to receive the fluid that falls through the outlet. [Configuration 3] 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine. [Configuration 4] 4. The recirculation system of claim 3, wherein the material removal machine includes a cut-off saw. [Configuration 5] 4. The recirculation system of claim 3, further comprising a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet. [Configuration 6] 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, further comprising a removable lid shaped to fit into an opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a cabinet outlet of a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet. [Configuration 7] 6. The recirculation system of claim 5, wherein when the removable lid is fitted within the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet. [Configuration 8] 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir. [Configuration 9] 10. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not contain any filters or filtration media. [Configuration 10] 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir. [Configuration 11] 1. A material removal system comprising: a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine; a recirculation system in fluid communication with the material removal cabinet, a first reservoir having a floor, the floor having a drain; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upwardly away from the floor to a first height, whereby fluid accumulating above the floor in the first reservoir is prevented from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until a top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, the first reservoir being configured to allow settling of material entrained in the fluid before the fluid exceeds the first height; a recirculation system comprising: 1. A material removal system comprising: [Configuration 12] 12. The material removal system of claim 11, wherein the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir to receive the fluid that falls through the outlet. [Configuration 13] 12. The material removal system of claim 11, wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine. [Configuration 14] 14. The material removal system of claim 13, wherein the material removal machine includes a cut-off saw. [Configuration 15] 14. The material removal system of claim 13, further comprising a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet. [Configuration 16] 12. The material removal system of claim 11, further comprising a removable lid shaped to fit into an opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a cabinet outlet of a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet. [Configuration 17] 16. The material removal system of claim 15, wherein when the removable lid is fitted within the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet. [Configuration 18] 12. The material removal system of aspect 11, wherein the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir. [Configuration 19] 12. The material removal system of aspect 11, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not include any filters or filtration media. [Configuration 20] 12. The material removal system of claim 11, wherein the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir.

Claims

1. 1. A recirculation system for a material removal machine, comprising: a first reservoir having a floor, the floor having a drain; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upwardly away from the floor to a first height, whereby fluid accumulating above the floor in the first reservoir is prevented from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until a top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, the first reservoir being configured to allow settling of material entrained in the fluid before the fluid exceeds the first height; Equipped with the standpipe is attached to the floor of the first reservoir via a compressible spring that biases the standpipe upward, such that when a downward force acting on the standpipe exceeds the bias of the spring, the standpipe moves downward and the wall height becomes less than the first height; Recirculation system.

2. 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir to receive the fluid that falls through the outlet.

3. The recirculation system of claim 1 , wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with a material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine.

4. The recirculation system of claim 3 , wherein the material removal machine comprises a cut-off saw.

5. The recirculation system of claim 3 , further comprising a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet.

6. 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, further comprising a removable lid shaped to fit over an opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a cabinet outlet of a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, whereby fluid can flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet.

7. 7. The recirculation system of claim 6, wherein when the removable lid is fitted within the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet.

8. 10. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir.

9. 10. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not include any filters or filtration media.

10. 2. The recirculation system of claim 1, wherein the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir.

11. 1. A material removal system comprising: a material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine; a recirculation system in fluid communication with the material removal cabinet, a first reservoir having a floor, the floor having a drain; a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir through the outlet; a standpipe having a wall forming a boundary around the outlet in the first reservoir, the wall extending upwardly away from the floor to a first height, whereby fluid accumulating above the floor in the first reservoir is prevented from flowing into the second reservoir through the outlet until a top of the fluid in the first reservoir exceeds the first height, the first reservoir being configured to allow settling of material entrained in the fluid before the fluid exceeds the first height; Equipped with the standpipe is attached to the floor via a compressible spring that biases the standpipe upward, such that when a downward force acting on the standpipe exceeds the bias of the spring, the standpipe moves downward and the height of the wall becomes less than the first height. a recirculation system; 1. A material removal system comprising:

12. The material removal system of claim 11 , wherein the second reservoir is positioned below the outlet of the first reservoir to receive the fluid that falls through the outlet.

13. The material removal system of claim 11 , wherein the second reservoir is in fluid communication with the material removal cabinet that houses the material removal machine.

14. The material removal system of claim 13 , wherein the material removal machine comprises a cut-off saw.

15. The material removal system of claim 13 , further comprising a recirculation pump configured to pump the fluid from the second reservoir to the material removal cabinet.

16. 12. The material removal system of claim 11, further comprising a removable lid shaped to fit into an opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir, the removable lid having a lid inlet configured to be in fluid communication with a cabinet outlet of the material removal cabinet housing the material removal machine, whereby fluid can flow from the material removal cabinet to the first reservoir via the cabinet outlet and the lid inlet.

17. 17. The material removal system of claim 16, wherein the lid inlet is disaligned from the outlet when the removable lid is fitted within the opening in the ceiling of the first reservoir.

18. The material removal system of claim 11 , wherein the first reservoir is smaller than the second reservoir.

19. The material removal system of claim 11 , wherein the first reservoir and the second reservoir do not include a filter or filtration media.

20. The material removal system of claim 11 , wherein the height of the standpipe is based on a first volume of the first reservoir and a second volume of the second reservoir.

Images