Fluid delivery attachment for a heavy equipment vehicle

Abstract

A fluid delivery attachment device for a heavy equipment vehicle is disclosed. The device includes a water tank and a nozzle mounted at opposite ends of a rigid frame. The frame is configured to couple to the under chassis of a heavy equipment vehicle, such as an excavator. Because the nozzle is not mounted to an excavator bucket arm, or other tool, the operator is able to direct water onto the work site using a controller within the vehicle cab independently of the bucket or similar tool. The disclosed system eliminates the need for additional personnel used for dust mitigation, soil packing, wilderness firefighting, and other activities where heavy construction vehicles are commonly used.

Description

FLUID DELIVERY ATTACHMENT FOR A HEAVY EQUIPMENT VEHICLEREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATOINS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 539,911 entitled “Fluid Delivery Attachment for a Heavy Equipment Vehicle” fded on 22 September 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUNDTechnical Field

[0002] The disclosures herein relate to devices to provide water to heavy equipment operations. Specifically, the disclosed invention relates to a device and methods for conveyance of water or fluids to excavation or other activities by an operator of a heavy equipment vehicle.State of the Art

[0003] Many settings require provision of water when excavating a construction site, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. For example, laws and regulations often require addition of water to soil at a job site to condition such soil for dust mitigation, for example, to meet a specified moisture content. Local regulations may also require the threshold moisture content to achieve a “compaction percentage” when soils are backfilled into a hole or trench. Heavy equipment construction vehicles, such as an excavator or large track-driven backhoe, are used to backfill and compact the soil. Delivery of water for dust control or firefighting where heavy equipment vehicles are in operation is used in many settings, including during normal excavation operations, house or building demolition, trenching a fire line, and dousing “hot spots” during active firefighting or forest fire mitigation activities, and the like.

[0004] Large amounts of water typically needed for these and other construction-related applications must currently be transported to the site with a water tank parked at the site, such as on a trailer or tanker truck. The jobsite tank is coupled to a soft line hose extending from the tank to the excavation location. Delivery of water to the excavation location requires at least one person standing on the ground next to or near the excavatormanning the hose to disperse water onto the excavation as directed by the excavator operator. Despite being the industry standard, this practice has many disadvantages and is inherently unsafe. Excavation requires an operator, a second person to deliver water from the hose to the excavation location, and often a third person-driver of the tanker truck. The hose operator works near the excavator or other heavy equipment vehicle and risks being injured by the excavation equipment operated from the vehicle. Along with extra personnel, additional heavy equipment-a water truck-is needed on site. The need for extra operators and an on-site water tank increases job costs. Additionally, coordination between the excavator operator and the fluid delivery person for fluid delivery timing, volumes and placement locations can be difficult, usually relying on hand signals between the 2 or 3 persons.

[0005] Moreover, access to the job site work area by a secondary water truck or towed water tank may be difficult, limited, or impossible. Many construction sites are crowded and have little or no room for an additional piece of large equipment, such as a water truck. Also, access to many firefighting sites are impossible for a water truck or towable tank.

[0006] When an excavator or related heavy equipment operator wants to deliver water to a specific work area, they must signal water operator standing near the excavator vehicle to initiate, pause, or terminate water flow. In a noisy construction environment, this can be difficult and inefficient. Where soil compaction testing is required, such as with backfilling of a hole or trench, the percentage water content of backfilled media is critical. Communication errors, whether communication is by hand signals or radio, are frequent. The water operator must remain in the line-of-site of the excavator operator for communication and safety reasons. Excavator operation, particularly when the excavator equipment is large and rotatable, creates many large blind spots for the excavator operator. If the water operator inadvertently enters the “rotation zone” of the excavator arm and bucket, the water operator could be struck by the excavator bucket and seriously injured or killed. The water operator much remain cognizant of their position with respect to both the excavator equipment and the excavation site. The water operator’s proximity to a hole, trench, demolition area, or forest fire line being worked by the excavator is also dangerous for the water operator. Expenses associated with excavation site waterdelivery, such as operation and maintenance of a water truck and / or towable tank and payroll for water operators, increase construction costs.

[0007] Thus, communication between the excavator operator and the water operator is inefficient, prone to errors, is inherently unsafe, and increases the time and costs required for a job activity.

[0008] For at least these and other reasons, improved devices, and methods to eliminate needs for additional personnel and equipment for delivery of water to a construction, fire mitigation, or other site where heavy equipment is in operation, to reduce risk, improve safety, and to reduce cost are needed.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0009] The disclosures herein are directed to a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle, such as an excavator. As noted, it is generally necessary to provide an intermittent or constant stream of water or other fluid in conjunction with construction site preparation and other related construction activities, including digging, back-fill, demolition, forest firefighting, or fire mitigation operations, for example. Disclosed herein are embodiments of a heavy equipment vehicle fluid delivery device to enable the operator of a heavy equipment vehicle to control delivery of water onto soil or structures associated with the worksite directly from the vehicle cab and without the need for additional personnel.

[0010] Disclosed is fluid delivery device comprising a frame configured for coupling to a heavy equipment vehicle wherein the vehicle has a rotatable body mounted on a fixed chassis; a fluid tank coupled to the frame; and a nozzle having a base coupled to the frame, and wherein the nozzle is fluidly coupled to the fluid tank; wherein upon rotation of the rotatable body, the frame does not rotate when the frame is coupled to the heavy equipment vehicle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises a rotatable body coupled to the base such that the body is configured to rotate independent of the base. In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises a fluid shut-off valve. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a pump mounted on the frame and fluidly coupled between the tank and the nozzle. In some embodiments, the pump is mounted on the frame proximate to the tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a manifold mounted on theframe, comprising a pump; a fluid coupling connector configured for attachment of an external fluid source separate from the tank; and a valve configured to select a fluid source from either the tank or the external fluid source to the nozzle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device comprises a controller disposed in a cab of the heavy equipment vehicle and configured to allow an operator of the heavy equipment vehicle to point the nozzle at a desired fluid distribution location with at least two degrees of freedom. In some embodiments, the controller additionally allows the operator to control and flow volume of a fluid flowing through the nozzle.

[0014] In some embodiments, a heavy equipment vehicle is coupled to the fluid delivery device.

[0015] Disclosed is a fluid delivery device comprising a frame configured for coupling to a heavy equipment vehicle; a fluid tank coupled to the frame; and a nozzle having a base coupled to the frame, and wherein the nozzle is fluidly coupled to the fluid tank; wherein the nozzle is not mounted directly to a tool element of the heavy equipment vehicle.

[0016] The device is configured such that the nozzle base does not move and movement of the tool element does not cause a corresponding movement of the nozzle base. In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises a fluid shut-off valve. In some embodiments, the device comprises a pump mounted proximate to the tank and fluidly coupled between the tank and the nozzle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0001] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0002] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0003] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0004] FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0005] FIG. 5 is a front view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0006] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0007] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0008] FIG. 8 is an additional perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a chassis of a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0009] FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0010] FIG. 10 is an additional front perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle;

[0011] FIG. 11 is a manifold of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle; and

[0012] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a controller circuit for a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Elements disclosed in the following description and related drawings are directed to specific embodiments disclosing features and aspects of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of certain embodiments may not necessarily be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

[0002] To facilitate an understanding of the following descriptions, the intended meanings of several terms used herein are set forth.

[0003] As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are offered as examples. The described embodiments are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention,” “embodiments,” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0004] As used herein, “heavy equipment vehicle” means a purpose-built vehicle designed and built for specific tasks within many industries and applications such asagriculture, construction, oil & gas, forestry, mining, quarry & aggregates, road construction, demolition, landscaping, and other industries. A heavy equipment vehicle is not designed or intended for non-commercial use.

[0005] As used herein, “fluid” means water, which may be plain water, water with one or mor additional compositions mixed therewith, an aqueous solution of one or mor compositions, non-aqueous fluid materials or compositions, or similar liquid materials that may flow or be pumped through a fluid conduit system and through a nozzle for dispersal. “Fluid” is intended to mean any liquid for dispersal at a construction site, excavation, demolition, wilderness firefighting operation, or similar industrial applications, without limitation.

[0006] As used herein, “fluidly coupled” means joined together in a manner wherein a liquid can move between two or more structures that are fluidly coupled. For example, a hose or rigid pipe conduit may connect to fittings on a storage tank and a nozzle to fluidly couple the tank and the nozzle.

[0007] As used herein, stating a physical element or component “does not move,” “does not rotate,” “remains fixed in position,” and the like means the element or component to not significantly move forward, backward, up, down, left, right, or rotate about an axis with the understanding the component or element may move insignificantly due to vibration, generalized movement to include an entire vehicle structure rather than a part of a vehicle structure such as a tool, a door, an engine, etc. For example; a nozzle, a tank, or other components mounted on a frame that is coupled to a chassis of a heavy equipment vehicle “does not move,” “does not rotate,” “remains fixed in position,” etc. when a tool, such as an excavator bucket or other tool of the heavy equipment vehicle, or a cab or body of the vehicle is rotatably coupled the vehicle fixed chassis, the element or component which “does not move,” etc. does not directly track with a moving tool, cab, or body of the vehicle. The element may move in insignificant or significant magnitudes, however, by transmitted vibrations, linear, or rotational movements of the chassis to which the frame is coupled.

[0008] Embodiments of the fluid delivery system comprise a frame assembly configured for attachment to a vehicle , such as an excavator, a heavy track-driven vehicle, or the like. The frame assembly includes a storage tank for filling and transport of water orother appropriate fluid oriented toward the rear of the vehicle? to which the frame is attached. The storage tank gravity feeds fluid contained within the tank to a pump located near the storage tank. Operation of the pump may be actuated by the vehicle operator using a controller within the cab of the excavator, wherein the controller delivers signals activating the pump to deliver a tank fluid under pressure through a system of conduits to a discharge nozzle disposed near the front of the vehicle The controller may also enable the operator to regulate the flow volume and direction of the fluid stream exiting the nozzle such that a desired volume of fluid is delivered to the precise site location as directed by the excavator operator.

[0009] Importantly, direction of the fluid steam operates independently of any tool position, including an excavator bucket or bucket arm, and can be directed by the operator in any direction independent of the position of the bucket / arm. This represents a substantial improvement over the prior art wherein current job site fluid distribution systems are only capable of directing a fluid spray in a direction that corresponds with the bucket / arm position. Flow rate and spray pattern are totally adjustable by the system, as opposed to prior art devices wherein only one spray pattern is possible and may be directed in only one direction without moving the bucket / arm, vehicle body, or the entire vehicle itself. Additionally, because fluid sprayers of prior art systems are disposed on or near the working tool itself, these sprayers clog or are very easily damaged during excavation or other construction activities. The fluid distribution nozzles disclosed herein, however, are disposed far removed from the bucket / are or other tool and are largely protected from damage or clogging during excavation operations.

[0010] System components are mounted on a frame structure that may be rapidly attached to the underside of a heavy equipment vehicle chassis, wherein the system moves around the job site with the heavy equipment vehicle. The frame may project forward and aft of the vehicle chassis such that system components may be disposed at a location either at the front or rear of the vehicle, as may be advantageous for the safe, efficient operation of a vehicle coupled to the fluid delivery system. In some embodiments, the system components include a fluid storage tank, a nozzle, and a conduit for conveyance of the fluid to the nozzle, all separate from the vehicle but mounted to the frame structure attached to the underside of the vehicle. Where the fluidstorage tank is located at the rear of the vehicle, the vision of the forward-facing vehicle operator is not hindered. Conversely, delivery of tank fluid to the soil site is provided by a specialized nozzle positioned at the front of the vehicle. This facilitates control by the excavator operator under the operator’s direct vision. In some embodiments, a system controller used by the operator is present in the vehicle cab.

[0011] Embodiments of the fluid delivery system, therefore, eliminate both the need for a secondary water truck or towable mobile water tank to supply water for dispersal by spraying or similar dispersal means, and for additional personnel to control water delivery or mobile tank operation. The entire system is operated solely by the driver / operator of the heavy equipment vehicle.

[0012] Several embodiments of a fluid delivery attachment for heavy equipment vehicle will now be illustrated through a description of the several drawing figures. The disclosures that follow are offered by example only and are not intended to be limiting with respect to the described embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 1 shows a fluid delivery system 100 comprising a frame 108, having a tank 120 and a nozzle assembly 140 each mounted on frame 108. In some embodiments, frame 108 is configured for coupling to a heavy equipment vehicle 101 oriented such that tank 120 is disposed at the rear of vehicle 101 and nozzle assembly 140 is disposed away from tank 120 at the front of vehicle 101. The configuration of system 100 positioning a fluid storage tank 120 and dispersal nozzle assembly 140 in this manner confers many advantages over existing systems for job site water dispersal, is shown in FIGs. 2-6 and is discussed in detail herein below. As shown in FIG. 1, tank 120 and nozzle assembly 140 are coupled to opposite ends of a fluid conduit 136 configured such that fluid stored in tank 120 may be controlled by an operator of system 100 to pass through fluid conduit 136 to nozzle assembly 140 and be dispersed onto the job site.

[0014] Frame 108, with various components of system 100 mounted thereon, is configured to be removably coupled to a chassis 104 of heavy equipment vehicle 101, in some embodiments. Non-exclusive examples of heavy equipment vehicle 101 include a variety of industrial track vehicles, such as an excavator or “backhoe,” a “dozer,” a “rope shovel,” a “forest machine (similar to an excavator), a hydraulic mining shovel, a trackloader, an underground mining loader, an underground mining truck, a compactor, a wheel loader, and the like. Such vehicles typically have a body with a cab wherein the body is mounted to a fixed chassis along with an engine, tracks or wheels, a suspension mechanism, etc. The fixed chassis is the “backbone” supporting the vehicle and is, accordingly, engineered to withstand heavy loads and is a generally suitable and stable structure for coupling system 100 to a great many types and models of vehicle 101

[0015] Frame 108 is formed from steel in the form of members welded together, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, “I” -beam segments of steel of a grade typically used in construction of a chassis for an excavator or other corresponding heavy equipment vehicle is used to form frame 108. A person of skill in the industrial vehicle design and manufacturing arts will be knowledgeable of other materials and details of methods used for form frame 108. Various structural sub-components of frame 108 present in some embodiments of system 100 are discussed further with the description of additional drawing figures herein below.

[0016] Frame 108 is substantially rigid and formed from welded steel or aluminum of suitable gauge to support a minimum of eight thousand three hundred fifty (8,350) pounds (3,795 kilograms) of fluid contained within tank 120, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, tank 120 is coupled to support frame 108 via tank mount 110, shown in FIG. 1 as contoured to the external shape of tank 120 to stabilize tank 120 on frame 108.

[0017] Tank 120 is configured to hold a volume of water or other fluid intended for dispersal onto the job site. The capacity of tank 120 is dependent on the relative size and type of vehicle 101 to which frame 108 is to be coupled. In many cases, such as with an excavator-type vehicle 101, Tank 120, in some embodiments, has a capacity of about 650 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 600 and about 650 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 550 and about 600 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 500 and about 550 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 450 and about 500 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 300 and about 450 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of less than about 300 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about650 and about 700 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 700 and about 750 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 750 and about 800 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity of between about 800 and about 1,000 gallons. In some embodiments, tank 120 has a capacity greater than about 1,000 gallons.

[0018] Tank 120 may be formed from any material suitable for holding water or waterbased fluids, such as steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, polyethylene, other suitable plastic polymers, and the like, for example. Other materials may be used to form tank 120 when system 101 is designed to disperse non-aqueous fluids according to the particular use case of the embodiment and are considered within the scope of these disclosures. In some embodiments, tank 120 is filled with water or other fluid from an outside source through a fill pipe 121, as shown in FIG. 1 and several other figures, particularly FIG. 9 discussed later herein. In some embodiments, tank 120 is filled with water or other fluid through a fill hole 121 as shown in FIG. 1, e.g. In some embodiments, one or more tank mounts 110 are bolted, welded to, or formed as a unitary body with frame 108 for receiving tank 120 and holding tank 120 in a stable position upon frame 108. In some embodiments, one, two, or more than two tank straps 123 are used to secure tank 120 to tank mount 109, as shown in FIG 1, and several other of the drawing figures. Tank mount 109 and tank strap(s) 123 are configured to stabilize tank 120 on frame 108 and to maintain tank 120 generally level with respect to chassis 104 supported by the ground or other surface upon which vehicle 101 operates.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 2 shows frame coupled to vehicle 101. Vehicle 101, in this example and in some other embodiments, comprises a body 106 having a cab 102. Body 106 is coupled to a chassis 104 (not shown in FIG. 2) An example of a typical heavy equipment vehicle 101 to which system 100 is coupled to disperse fluid onto a job site is an excavator. An excavator is a heavy equipment vehicle having a body 106 that includes a cab 102 and a tool 103 mounted to the body via a movable tool arm 107, wherein body 106 is rotatably mounted to a vehicle frame (chassis 104), which in turn is mounted to a set of tracks or wheels, in some embodiments. Where vehicle 101 is an excavator, tool 103 is often a bucket, as is depicted by FIG. 2, although many other configurations of tool 103 arepossible, including wood says, rock grinders, rock drills, jack hammers, and many other tool attachments configured for use coupled to an excavator tool arm, for example. In some embodiments, an excavator operator moves and rotates the excavator cab 102 and tool 103 (bucket) as a single unit about chassis 104 with respect to the vehicle tracks / wheels that generally remain fixed in position when operating tool 103. By coupling frame 108 of system 100, with the various system components mounted thereto, to the substantially rigid excavator vehicle chassis 104, system 100 remains stationary with respect to vehicle chassis 104 but excavator cab 102 and bucket / tool 103 may rotate via a rotatable coupling 105 upon chassis 104, unimpeded by components of system 100.

[0020] Fixing components of system 100, through frame 108, to the vehicle chassis versus mounting water dispersal elements on a vehicle body, cab, or tool represents a significant advance over the prior art. When using system 100, a vehicle operator may both rotate vehicle cab 102 and move the excavator bucket (or other vehicle tool 103) completely independently of fluid dispersal nozzle assembly 140, fluid conduit 136, or other fluid dispersal components of system 100 which remain generally fixed in position with respect to the bucket or other tool 103 and vehicle cab 102. Moreover, fluid dispersal nozzle assembly 140 is not coupled to the vehicle bucket, other tool 103, or a tool arm 107. The inventors are unaware of any other system from the prior art wherein upon rotation of a rotatable vehicle body (including cab 102, arm 107, and tool 103, for example), prior art fluid dispersal components do not rotate when coupled to any component of heavy equipment vehicle 101. No such system is known to be in use at construction and demolition sites in North America or elsewhere.

[0021] A person of skill will recognize, upon examination of FIG. 2, for example, that nozzle assembly 140 is within direct view of a vehicle operator present in cab 102 at all times when cab 102 is generally facing forward irrespective of the position of tool 103 and / or arm 107. Because the operator has a direct view of nozzle assembly 140 when the operator is operating tool 103 at a worksite, inadvertent striking and damaging nozzle assembly 140 with any part of tool 103 or arm 107 while the operator operates tool is unlikely. Nozzle assembly 140 is removed from excavation operations of tool 103 and therefore not likely to clog with dirt manipulated by tool 102. Also, tank 120 does not impair the operator’s view of tool 103 or arm 107.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of vehicle 101 depicted as an excavator, with arm 107 and an excavator bucket representing tool 103. Tank 120 is positioned at the rear vehicle 101 where it will not impair the view of an operator working from cab 102. Arm 107 and tool 103 may be operated away from nozzle assembly 140, as shown. Additional detail of frame 108 is also shown in FIG. 3, including an end plate 111. End plate 111, in some embodiments, is a structural member of frame 108 that may be configured to partially protect nozzle assembly 140, a wire conduit 130, fluid conduit 136, and the various other components of system 100 from damage arising from rocks, dirt, or other debris from striking and damaging components of system 100 mounted behind end plate 111 on frame 108 as shown. FIG. 3 additionally shows a portion of chassis 104 to which frame 108 is coupled, in some embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a top front perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 4 shows an additional view of system 100 mounted to chassis 104 of vehicle 101. A wire conduit 138 is shown running along a frame member of frame 108. wire conduit 138, in some embodiments, carries electrical wire for transmission of power, control signals, or both power and control signals from a power source and a controller to nozzle assembly 140 such that an operator of system 110 may activate / deactivate flow of fluid from nozzle assembly 140, direct fluid flow toward a desired location by moving nozzle assembly 140 on its base, and controlling other parameters such as volume and spray pattern of flow, for example in some embodiments. Additional components, controls, and functionality of nozzle assembly 140 are discussed in greater detail below.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a front view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 5 shows forward-facing surfaces of system 100 coupled to an excavator heavy equipment vehicle 101. Front plate 111 of frame 108 protects nozzle assembly 140, including power and signal connections that energize and control actions of valve 140. Chassis 104 is seen slightly above frame 108, of which plate 111 is an element. Embodiments of system 100 that reversibly coupled to vehicle 101 do so to the underside of chassis 104, as will be discussed later herein. FIG. 5 shows how nozzle assembly 140 may be directly viewed by an operator in cab 102 while tool 103, such as the excavatorbucket of FIG. 5, is in operation. It is additionally appreciated that nozzle assembly 140 may remain fixed and also move independent of any movement of arm 107 or tool 103, as can all other components of system 100 that are mounted to frame 108.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 6 shows system 100 coupled to vehicle 101. As seen, tank 120, which is large compared with an overall size of body 106 of vehicle 101, is out of the operator’s field of view when the operator located in cab 102 is facing forward. A robust arrangement of paired tank mounts 110 and tank straps 123 conform to the curved, outer surface of tank 120 to secure tank 120 to frame 108, in this and some other embodiments. Tank mount(s) 110 may be formed in a variety of shapes conforming to an outer shape of tank 120, which may be cylindrical as shown in FIG. 6 and the several drawing figures, in some embodiments, spherical, rectilinear, or other shapes, without limitation. In some embodiments, system 100 comprises tank mount(s) 110 only and does not comprise tank strap(s) 123.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 8 is an additional perspective view of a fluid delivery system mounted to a chassis of a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show system 100 comprising frame 108, tank 120, and nozzle assembly 140. Frame 108 comprises a pair of front mount tabs 113 and a pair of rear mount tabs 114, in some embodiments. Mount tabs 113 and 114 are a means of coupling frame 108 to chassis 104, in some embodiments. Mount tabs 113 and 114 may be fixed to frame 108 by welding, be bolted to frame 108, or, in some embodiments, be formed as a unitary body with frame 108. Each of mount tabs 113 and 114 comprises components configured to removably couple frame 108 to chassis 104, in some embodiments. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, these (unlabeled) components include a mount bolt or pin passing through central hole in each pair of tabs and capped with a mount nut or locking ring. Other coupling means wherein features of frame 108 and chassis 104 are possible and considered within the scope of the disclosures herein. Frame 108 may be mounted to chassis 104 by driving vehicle 101 over frame 108 such that chassis 104 is positioned directly over frame 108. Chassis 104 of a vehicle 101 configured for use with system 100 comprises a set of complementary features to mounting tabs 113 and 114. Close inspection of FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 show that tabs 1 13 and 114 are formed as a pair of plates spaced apart and bearing a central hole through which a mounting nut and bolt or pins are shown. To couple frame 108 to chassis 104, the mounting nuts and bolts or pins of tabs 113 and 114 are removed. Chassis 104 comprises one corresponding plate for each of tabs 113 and 114 (now shown) facing downward, also with a central hole configured to receive the mounting bolts or pins of system 100. With chassis 104 positioned over frame 108 and aligned such that each corresponding plate of chassis 104 is centered over each pair of tabs 113 and 114 on frame 108. Either the front or the rear end of frame 108 is then lifted off upward until either the front mount tabs 113 or the rear mount tabs 114 receive corresponding tabs on chassis 104 wherein the central holes of each tab / corresponding tab are substantially aligned. Mounting bolts or pins are passed through the central holes and mounting nuts are threaded on and tightened onto the mounting bolts, locking rings are affixed to the pins, or alternative locks to secure the coupling means are engaged After either the front mount tabs 113 or the rear mount tabs are coupled to chassis 104, the opposite end of frame 108 is elevated and the remaining mount tabs are aligned with the corresponding tabs of chassis 104, the mount bolts or pins are replaced, and the mount nuts threaded on and tightened or locking rings attached. Frame 108 is elevated to align mount tabs 113 and 114 with corresponding tabs on chassis 104, in some embodiments, by placing a chain hooked to frame 108, such as to a lift hole 117, hook, or other structure, around bucket or other tool 103 and using arm 107 to lift frame 108 to align tabs with chassis 104.

[0027] To summarize, in the example embodiment shown by FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, mount tabs 113 and 114 removably engage with a complementary feature on vehicle chassis 104, such as with a removable hardened steel pin or bolt in the illustrated example. The operator of vehicle 101 couples system 100 to vehicle 101 by positioning vehicle 101 directly over support frame 108 resting on the ground or shop floor and then uses the vehicle bucket to lift support frame 108 such that mount tabs 113 / 114 and corresponding features disposed on chassis 104 become aligned. In some embodiments, coupling is completed by additional personal passing a bolt, a removable pin, or similar component through mount tab(s) 113 / 114 and the corresponding chassis 104 features. In some embodiments, coupling is completed by self-engagement of frame mount tabs 113 / 114,such as by a latch-type interaction between the frame 108 and corresponding features on chassis 104.

[0028]

[0029] Some embodiment of system 100 comprise mount tabs 113 and 114 wherein frame 108 is removably coupled to vehicle 101 at chassis 104. It is conceivable, however, that some embodiment of system 100 will be irremovably coupled to chassis 104, such as by welding or bolting frame 108 to chassis 104.

[0030] FIG. 9 is an enlarged rear perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 9 shows system 100 having tank 120 secured into a pair of tank mounts 110 by straps 123. Fil pips 112 passes around / down a rear surface of tank 120 and terminates at a source couple 126. Source couple 126 is a coupling means, such as a fire-hose couple or similar standard fluid conduit coupling means known in the art. source couple 126 is configured to connect to a source of water or other fluid, such as a hose or other fluid conduit form a water truck, a fire hydrant, or the like. In this way, tank 120 may be filled with water or other fluid for distribution onto the job site from an external source. Alternatively, tank 120 may be filled through fill hole 121 from an overhead external source, such as an elevated water tank commonly used at construction and excavation locations. A cover 125 is fitted to overlay and secure to file hole 121, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a fluid supply hose is fluidly coupled directly to the pump, bypassing tank 120, for continuous uninterrupted supply of fluid to the system. In some embodiments, system does not comprise tank 120 and receives fluid from an external source through the fluid supply hose.

[0031] Fluid conduit 136, in some embodiments, comprises segments of conduit, such as rigid pipe, flexible or semi-rigid hose, or a combination of pipes and hoses, coupled to other components of system 100 with a suitable fluid conduit coupling means known in the art. An example configuration of fluid conduit 136 includes rigid steel or hardened aluminum pipe having a diameter between about 2.0 inches and about 4.0 inches coupled using threaded or welded connections throughout fluid conduit 136. Additional examples of suitable materials for forming fluid conduit 136 include semi-rigid nitrile rubber tubing with engineered couplings, and other suitable industrial conduit materials known in the art capable of operation at pressures of at least about sixty (60) pounds per square inch(“psi”). In some embodiments, fluid conduit 136 is formed from a segment of flexible rubberized fabric hose, such as a nitrile rubber tube insulated by a woven fabric jacket made from polyester or nylon, for example. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 136 is formed from a cotton canvas similar to what is used to construct a fire hose. Many configurations are possible. In some embodiments, fluid conduit 136 is secured to frame 108 by clips, mounting brackets, or other suitable means.

[0032] FIG. 9 also shows a pair of lift holes 117 in a section of frame 108 beneath tank 120 at the rear of system 100, the use of which to elevate frame 108 for removably coupling to chassis 104 at rear mount tabs 114 is discussed herein above.

[0033] In some embodiments, nozzle assembly 140 is a high-volume delivery nozzle. In some embodiments, the fluid outflow direction of nozzle assembly 140 is fixed in position with respect to frame 108. In some embodiments, nozzle assembly 140 is moveable, wherein the operator of system 100 can change the fluid outflow direction. In some embodiments, nozzle assembly 140 is moveable through one, two, or three degrees of freedom; namely, horizontal, vertical, and rotational (wherein the outlet of nozzle assembly 140 has a non-circular cross section). Movement of nozzle assembly 140 is controlled by the operator from the vehicle cab using a controller 150 (discussed herein below), allowing the operator to direct fluid flow by “pointing” nozzle assembly 140 at a desired location for distributing the tank fluid, controlling flow volume and spray pattern, and other parameters, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, operator control of nozzle assembly 140 is by a wired electrical connection. In some embodiments, operator control of assembly 140 is effected wirelessly by Bluetooth or Wi-Fi signal. A nozzle assembly may be used, in some embodiments, such as a High-Volume Remote Control Nozzle manufactured by Industrial Fire and Hazard Control of Johannesburg, South Africa, for example. Other nozzles known in the art are suitable for use as nozzle 140, depending on the particular embodiment of system 100, such as shown by FIG. 9 and discussed further below.

[0034] FIG. 10 is an additional front perspective view of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 10 shows additional components through which fluid for distribution pass into nozzle assembly 140, with labeling of other structures omitted for clarity. Thes additional components will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 9 andFIG. 10

[0035] At an end of frame 108 opposite tank 120, FIG. 9 shows additional components through which fluid for distribution passed into nozzle assembly 140. Fluid conduit 135 runs along the left inside aspect of frame 108, in this and some other embodiments, to fluidly couple tank 120 to nozzle assembly 140 through the various couplings, conduits, a pump 124, and other elements as may be disposed between tank 120 and nozzle assembly 140or pump 124 and nozzle assembly. Fluid conduit 136 brings tank fluid that has been pressurized by a pump 124 mounted proximate to tank 120, in some embodiments, to a nozzle base 141. From base 141, the water or other fluid flows through a rotatable couple 142 upon which nozzle assembly 140 may be rotated across a horizontal arc. Base 141 remains immovably fixed to frame 108 while nozzle assembly 140 may rotate across the horizontal arc about couple 142. In some embodiments, pipe forming the fluid path changes direction by about ninety (90) degrees and passes through an additional couple 142 configured to rotate nozzle assembly 140 in a vertical arc. In this manner, one or both rotatable couples 142 may be actuated to move nozzle assembly 140 within two degrees of freedom, one in the horizontal plane and one in the vertical plane. A nozzle shut-off valve 143 is located in the fluid path between the two rotatable couples 132, in some embodiments. An actuator motor (not shown), in some embodiments, receives power and control signals through a power cable 145 electrically coupled to a power source, such as a battery or alternator of vehicle 101, and also communicatively coupled to a controller 150. Movement of rotatable couples 142 and nozzle shut-off valve 143 is effected by the actuator motor, in some embodiments. Nozzle shut-off valve 143 and each rotatable couple 142 is controlled by the operator of system 100, such that the operator can direct movement of nozzle assembly 140 with two degrees of freedom, and also control whether nozzle shut-off valve 143 is positioned along a continuum between fully closed and fully open. By pointing nozzle assembly 140 and controlling nozzle shut-off valve 143 in this way, the operator of system 100 precisely controls where and how much water or other fluid is dispersed without the need for any additional personnel outside of vehicle 101. In some embodiments, a preset control allows for automatic repeating oscillations in the horizontal and / or vertical planes, rotation, and cycle through changing spray patterns, in some embodiments. 1

[0036] FIG. 11 is a manifold of a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 11 shows a manifold 127 to which is mounted pump 124. Manifold 127, in turn, is mounted to frame 108 beneath tank 120. Manifold 127 is configured to fluidly couple pump 124 to and between tank 120 through a pump feed tank outflow 133, a gravity feed pump outflow 134, and to nozzle assembly 140 through fluid conduit 136. Pump 124 pressurizes water or other fluid for delivery by system 100 from tank 120 to nozzle assembly 140. In some embodiments, pump 124 draws water from an external source, such as a water truck, a holding pond or lake, or a water tank installed at a construction or other work site for delivery to nozzle, either bypassing tank 120 or supplementing flow from tank 120. In some embodiments, pump 124 is a hydraulically driven pump that is hydraulically powered by coupling to a hydraulic system of vehicle 101 at a pair of pump hydraulic lines 160, as shown in FIG. 11. Track drive and other hydraulic systems used on a heavy equipment vehicle will be familiar to those of skill in the art.

[0037] In some embodiment of system, manifold 127 is absent and pump 124 is mounted directly to frame 108.

[0038] Pump 124 receives water or other fluid from tank 120 via a non-pressurized gravity feed, in some embodiments, and delivers pressurized fluid through fluid conduit 136 to nozzle assembly 140. Several non-limiting examples of suitable pump models include a Dayton 555JJ66 3 hp 230V AC Stainless Steel Centrifugal Pump with 2” Intake and Discharge, an Access Truck Parts 4” x 3” Centrifugal PTO Water Truck Pump - Model B3Z-Sand, a Pentair Hypro Roller Pump having cast iron 1.5 NPT ports, 15 / 16” pump shaft diameter and a capacity of about 62 gallons per minute at 150 pounds per square inch pressure operating at 1,000 revolutions per minute, and others known in the art. In some embodiments, Pump 124 delivers fluid from tank 120 to nozzle assembly 140 at about sixty-five (65) pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure at a flow rate of up to about 750 gallons per minute (“gpm”). In some embodiments, pump 124 delivers fluid to nozzle 140 at about sixty-five (65) pounds per square inch at 750 gpm.

[0039] FIG. 11 also shows a selector valve 128 placed within the fluid path and configured to select a fluid source for delivering to nozzle assembly 140 between either tank 120 or tank outflow 134 (by pumping fluid from an external source through outflow 134 to nozzle assembly 140).

[0040] FIG. 12 is a diagram of a controller circuit for a fluid delivery system for a heavy equipment vehicle. FIG. 12 shows controller 150 communicatively coupled to tank 120, pump 124, and nozzle assembly 140, in some embodiments. Tank 120 comprises a sensor of at least one parameter. The parameter is, for example, a tank fill state. Additionally, nozzle assembly 140 comprises at least one sensor, such as an attitude sensor detecting the orientation of rotatable couples 142, a flow volume sensor, a pressure sensor, for example, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, pump 124 comprises at least one sensor, such as a pressure sensor, a pump motor operating temperature, and the like. The direction of information flow is indicated by arrowheads on the communication signal pathways shown by FIG. 12 and described below. Controller 150 is located proximate to the operator of vehicle 101, such as in cab 102 for example. Controller 150 includes a microprocessor and at least one solid-state or electronic switch, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, controller 150 includes a user interface comprising a joystick, a knob, a button, a touchscreen, a display screen, any combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, controller 150 communicates wirelessly with any or all of tank 120, Pump 124 and nozzle assembly 140, such as by wireless Bluetooth, for example. Other wireless communication platform components well known and commonly in use may be employed in embodiments of system 100.

[0041] For example, controller 150 allows the vehicle / system operator to control operation of system 100 via communication links with system components. In some embodiments, a tank sensor signal 121 communicates information from tank 120 to the user, such as the volume of fluid (fdl state) remaining in tank 120, or fluid pressure within tank 120, for example. In some embodiments of system 100, a tank control signal allows the operator to lock or release a fill pipe cover or tank cover, allowing access for personnel to fill tank 120 with fluid. In some embodiments, a pump sensor signal 153 communicates information about pump 124 operating parameters to the operator, such as a pump pressure, for example. In some embodiments, a pump control signal 154 allows the operator to initiate pump operation, regulate pump pressure, pump outflow, or other operational parameters of pump 124. In some embodiments, a nozzle assembly sensor signal 155 communicates information about nozzle assembly 140 operating parameters to the operator, such as whether the nozzle assembly 140 is open or closed to fluid flow,nozzle pressure, nozzle direction, and the like. In some embodiments, a nozzle assembly control signal 156 allows the operator to control various aspects of nozzle assembly 140 operation, such as starting and stopping outflow and controlling the direction of the fluid outflow, in some embodiments.

[0042] It is not required for embodiments of system 100 to comprise all of the sensor signals and control signals disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, pump 140 receives fluid from tank 120 by a gravity feed and a separate switch not comprised by controller 150, such as a separate foot switch, powers pump 124 on and off. In this and some other embodiments, the operator may use controller 150 to direct parameters associated with operation of nozzle assembly 150 as discussed herein, s

[0043] In some embodiments, controller 150 includes preset parameters for system operations. For example, the operator determines and sets parameters for nozzle operations that become activated with a single switch. In some embodiments, the switch is a foot-activated button switch disposed near or in floor surface of the cab.

[0044] Several embodiments of a fluid delivery attachment for a heavy equipment vehicle have been presented. The fluid delivery attachment allow a heavy equipment vehicle, such as an excavator, to carry and control delivery of water or other fluid in an excavation, fill compaction, dust mitigation, or wildfire mitigation operation, et al. The fluid delivery attachment eliminates the need for additional personnel and equipment to deliver water to an excavation site, greatly increasing safety and reducing costs of the operation. Although tank 120 does require filling when emptied, by eliminating the need for an auxiliary tanker truck or towable tank from which water is directly distributed continuously, the fluid delivery attachment increases versatility. An excavator or other heavy equipment vehicle carries its own water supply to its site of operation. Moreover, the vehicle operator directly controls the flow volume and direction of water or other fluid. This obviates the need for additional operators responsible for water delivery, eliminates miscommunication, reduces accidents and risk of injury, increases precision of fluid delivery, and reduces job time.

[0045] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purpose of illustration and example. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible, in light of the teachings herein above.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A fluid delivery device comprising: a frame configured for coupling to a heavy equipment vehicle wherein the vehicle has a rotatable body mounted on a fixed chassis; a fluid tank coupled to the frame; and a nozzle assembly having a base coupled to the frame, and wherein the nozzle is fluidly coupled to the fluid tank; wherein upon rotation of the rotatable body, the frame does not rotate when the frame is coupled to the heavy equipment vehicle.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a rotatable body coupled to the base such that the body is configured to rotate independent of the base.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a fluid shut-off valve.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pump mounted on the frame and fluidly coupled between the tank and the nozzle.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the pump is mounted on the frame proximate to the tank.

6. The device of claim 4 further comprising a manifold mounted on the frame, comprising a pump; a fluid coupling connector configured for attachment of an external fluid source separate from the tank; and a valve configured to select a fluid source from either the tank or the external fluid source to the nozzle.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a controller 150 disposed in a cab of the heavy equipment vehicle and configured to allow an operator of the heavy equipment vehicle to point the nozzle at a desired fluid distribution location with at least two degrees of freedom.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the controller additionally allows the operator to control and flow volume of a fluid flowing through the nozzle.

9. A heavy equipment vehicle coupled to the fluid delivery device of claim 1.

10. A fluid delivery device comprising: a frame configured for coupling to a heavy equipment vehicle; a fluid tank coupled to the frame; and a nozzle assembly having a base coupled to the frame, and wherein the nozzle is fluidly coupled to the fluid tank; wherein the nozzle assembly is not mounted directly to a tool element of the heavy equipment vehicle.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is configured such that the nozzle base does not movement of the tool element does not cause a corresponding movement of the nozzle base.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the nozzle comprises a fluid shut-off valve.

13. The device of claim 10, further comprising a pump mounted proximate to the tank and fluidly coupled between the tank and the nozzle.

14. A heavy equipment vehicle coupled to the fluid delivery device of claim 10.

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