Liquid pick-up unit and method for a pavement grooving machine

Claim 2

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a cutting head assembly for cutting a work surface, the cutting head assembly including a mounting structure, at least one driven rotary cutter rotatably connected to the mounting structure having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the work surface, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the cutter, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the cutter, said enclosure having, an opening facing the work surface through which the cutter projects into engagement with the work surface, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in sorrounding spaced relation to the cutter, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the work surface to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said closure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing towards the second side of the cutter positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the work surface by the cutter flung centrifugally from the second side of the cutter towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected to said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of the enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within the enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against the rotary cutter; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated thereby to said swarf separator means.

Claim 3

A liquid pick-up unit as defined in claim 1 wherein said air separator means comprising: a generally vertical, closed chamber, an inlet adjacent an upper end of said chamber communiCating with said suction port in said enclosure, a vacuum connection adjacent an upper end of said chamber communicating with said vacuum means, a foraminate, substantially liquid-impervious, baffle positioned between said vacuum connection and said inlet to prevent passage of liquid therebetween while permitting the flow of air; and a second outlet adjacent the lower end of said chamber on an opposite side of said baffle from said vacuum connection for outflow of liquid from said chamber, said second outlet communicating with said conduit means.

Claim 4

A liquid pick-up unit as defined in claim 2 wherein said baffle is configured as a wall extending entirely across said chamber at a downward inclination.

Claim 5

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a cutting head assembly including a mounting structure, at least one driven rotary cutter rotatably connected to the mounting structure having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the work surface, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the cutter, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the cutter, said enclosure having, an opening facing the work surface through which the cutter projects into engagement with the work surface, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding spaced relation to the cutter, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the work surface to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of the enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within the enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a generally horizontal first housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the axis of rotation of the cutter spaced from the second side thereof, said housing defining a collecting chamber; a lengthwise first slot in said housing facing towards the cutter positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the work surface by the cutter flung centrifugally from the second side of the cutter towards said first slot; at least one pipe communicating with said collecting chamber; a pump connected to said pipe for withdrawing liquid mixed with swarf from said collecting chamber; a second housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the cutter spaced from the second side thereof, said second housing defining a second chamber spaced above said collecting chamber; a lengthwise second slot in said second housing facing toward the cutter spaced above said first slot, said second slot constituting said suction port; and means connecting said vacuum means to said second housing for placing said second chamber in communication with said vacuum means.

Claim 6

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a cutting head assembly including a mounting structure, at least one driven rotary cutter rotatably connected to the mounting structure having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the work surface, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the cutter, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the cutter, said enclosure having, an opening facing the work surface through which the cutter projects into engagement with the work surface, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding spaced relation to the cutter, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the work surface to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of the enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within the enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a generally horizontal first housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the axis of rotation of the cutter spaced from the second side thereof, said housing defining a collecting chamber; a lengthwise first slot in said housing facing towards the cutter positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the work surface by the cutter flung centrifugally from the second side of the cutter towards said first slot; at least one pipe communicating with said collecting chamber; a pump connected to said pipe for withdrawing liquid mixed with swarf from said collecting chamber; a second housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the cutter spaced from the second side thereof, said second housing defining a second chamber spaced above said collecting chamber; a lengthwise second slot in said second housing facing toward the cutter spaced above said first slot, said second slot constituting said suction port; and means connecting said vacuum means to said second housing for placing said second chamber in communication with said vacuum means.

Claim 7

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, An outlet communicating with said enclosure facing toward the second side of the grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against the grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated there by to said swarf separator means.

Claim 8

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, An outlet communicating with said enclosure facing toward the second side of the grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against the grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated there by to said swarf separator means.

Claim 9

A liquid pick-up unit as defined in claim 5 wherein said air separator means comprises: a generally vertical, closed chamber, an inlet adjacent an upper end of said chamber communicating with said suction port in said enclosure, a vacuum connection adjacent an upper end of said chamber communicating with said vacuum means, a foraminate, substantially liquid-impervious, baffle positioned between said vacuum connection and said inlet to prevent passage of liquid therebetween while permitting the flow of air; and a second outlet adjacent the lower end of said chamber on an opposite side of said baffle from said vacuum connection for outflow of liquid from said chamber, said second outlet communicating with said conduit means.

Claim 10

A liquid pick-up unit as defined in claim 6 wherein said baffle is configured as a wall extending entirely across said chamber at a downward inclination.

Claim 11

A fluid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a generally horizontal first housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the axis of rotation of said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof, said housing defining a collecting chamber; a lengthwise first slot in sAid housing facing towards the cutter positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said first slot; at least one pipe communicating with said collecting chamber; a pump connected to said pipe for withdrawing liquid mixed with swarf from said collecting chamber; a second housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof, said second housing defining a second chamber spaced above said collecting chamber; a lengthwise second slot in said second housing facing toward said grooving head spaced above said first slot, said second slot constituting said suction port; and means connecting said vacuum means to said second housing for placing said second chamber in communication with said vacuum means.

Claim 12

A fluid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a generally horizontal first housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to the axis of rotation of said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof, said housing defining a collecting chamber; a lengthwise first slot in sAid housing facing towards the cutter positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said first slot; at least one pipe communicating with said collecting chamber; a pump connected to said pipe for withdrawing liquid mixed with swarf from said collecting chamber; a second housing connected to said enclosure extending in parallel relation to said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof, said second housing defining a second chamber spaced above said collecting chamber; a lengthwise second slot in said second housing facing toward said grooving head spaced above said first slot, said second slot constituting said suction port; and means connecting said vacuum means to said second housing for placing said second chamber in communication with said vacuum means.

Claim 13

A grooving apparatus for grooving a pavement comprising: mounting structure; a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to said mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, said grooving head having first and second sides rotating downwardly towards, and upwardly from, the pavement, respectively; a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of said grooving head; an enclosure connected to said mounting structure enclosing said grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which said grooving head projects into engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to said grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing towards the second side of said grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by said grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of said grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement, the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against said grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated thereby to said swarf separator means.

Claim 14

A grooving apparatus for grooving a pavement comprising: mounting structure; a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to said mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, said grooving head having first and second sides rotating downwardly towards, and upwardly from, the pavement, respectively; a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of said grooving head; an enclosure connected to said mounting structure enclosing said grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which said grooving head projects into engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to said grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing towards the second side of said grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by said grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of said grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement, the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against said grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated thereby to said swarf separator means.

Claim 15

Equipment for grooving a pavement comprising: a vehicle movable along the pavement; at least one horizontal grooving head rotatably connected to said vehicle for rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of motion of said vehicle along the pavement, said grooving head having first and second sides rotating downwardly towards, and upwardly from, the pavement, respectively; a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of said grooving head; an enclosure connected to said vehicle enclosing said grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which said grooving head projects into engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with saId enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to said grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing towards the second side of said grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement, said grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of said grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement, the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against said grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated thereby to said swarf separator means.

Claim 16

Equipment for grooving a pavement comprising: a vehicle movable along the pavement; at least one horizontal grooving head rotatably connected to said vehicle for rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of motion of said vehicle along the pavement, said grooving head having first and second sides rotating downwardly towards, and upwardly from, the pavement, respectively; a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of said grooving head; an enclosure connected to said vehicle enclosing said grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which said grooving head projects into engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with saId enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to said grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing towards the second side of said grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement, said grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of said grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement, the application of vacuum through said suction port causing some liquid mixed with air to be withdrawn through said suction port; swarf separator means connected to said withdrawal means for separating the liquid from the mixed liquid and swarf withdrawn from said enclosure; recirculation means connected with said swarf separator means for redirecting the separated liquid against said grooving head; air separator means interposed between and communicating with said vacuum means and said suction port for separating the liquid drawn through said suction port from the air mixed with the liquid; and conduit means connected with said air separator means for delivering the liquid separated thereby to said swarf separator means.

Claim 17

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing toward the second side of the grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a first portion of said seal extending generally parallel to said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof; an intermediate wall parallel to said first portion of said peripheral seal spaced therefrom on the side adjacent said grooving head, said intermediate wall being spaced sufficiently above the pavement to permit liquid to flow into a seal chamber defined by said first portion of said seal and said intermediate wall; a plenum chamber connected with said enclosure communicating with said seal chamber at the upper end thereof; and at least one duct connecting said plenum chamber with the interior of said enclosure at a location adjacent said suction port Whereby vacuum applied through said suction port draws liquid upwardly from said seal chamber via said plenum chamber and said duct.

Claim 18

A liquid pick-up unit for use with a grooving head assembly for grooving a pavement, the grooving head assembly including a mounting structure, a horizontal rotary grooving head rotatably connected to the mounting structure for cutting a plurality of parallel grooves in the pavement, the grooving head having first and second sides rotating towards, and away from, the pavement, respectively, and a liquid supply member for directing liquid against the first side of the grooving head, the liquid pick-up unit comprising: an enclosure connected to the mounting structure enclosing the grooving head, said enclosure having, a downwardly facing opening through which the grooving head projects into cutting engagement with the pavement, a peripheral seal connected with said enclosure in surrounding, spaced relation to the grooving head, said seal extending from said enclosure into sliding, sealing contact with the pavement to substantially reduce escape of liquid from said enclosure, an outlet communicating with said enclosure facing toward the second side of the grooving head positioned to receive liquid mixed with swarf removed from the pavement by the grooving head flung centrifugally from the second side of the grooving head towards said outlet; withdrawal means connected with said enclosure for withdrawing the liquid and swarf therefrom through said outlet; a suction port communicating with said enclosure; vacuum means connected with said suction port for applying vacuum to the interior of said enclosure to assist said seal in preventing liquid within said enclosure from flowing outwardly thereof between said seal and the pavement; a first portion of said seal extending generally parallel to said grooving head spaced from the second side thereof; an intermediate wall parallel to said first portion of said peripheral seal spaced therefrom on the side adjacent said grooving head, said intermediate wall being spaced sufficiently above the pavement to permit liquid to flow into a seal chamber defined by said first portion of said seal and said intermediate wall; a plenum chamber connected with said enclosure communicating with said seal chamber at the upper end thereof; and at least one duct connecting said plenum chamber with the interior of said enclosure at a location adjacent said suction port Whereby vacuum applied through said suction port draws liquid upwardly from said seal chamber via said plenum chamber and said duct.