Vacuum system with improved mobility

Abstract

A self-propelled mobile vacuum system comprising a vacuum source that provides suction for the removal of debris, a collection tank for storing debris collected by said vacuum source suction, and at least two rolling drive systems for maneuvering the vacuum system within a work space. A motor provides power to the vacuum source and the two rolling drive systems, and the system has an overall width within the range of 24 to 48 inches, an overall length within the range of 5 to 10 feet, and an overall height within the range of 60 to 84 inches.

1 . A method of removing debris from a digging site, comprising the steps of:
 providing a self-propelled movable vacuum system, comprising
 a frame, 
 a vacuum pump mounted to the frame and having
 a low-pressure intake port, and 
 a high-pressure intake port, 
 
 a collection tank mounted to the frame and in fluid communication with the low pressure intake port, 
 at least two drive systems attached to the frame so that the drive systems move the frame, 
 a motor that is operatively connected to the vacuum source and the at least two drive systems, and 
 a digging tool in fluid communication with the collection tank interior, 
   wherein the mobile vacuum system has a width of less than approximately about 36 inches;   actuating the at least two drive systems and maneuvering the mobile vacuum system proximate a digging work space;   actuating the vacuum pump so that the vacuum pump produces a vacuum in the collection tank interior and draws a vacuum air stream through the digging tool;   receiving particulate matter into the collection tank interior from the vacuum air stream; and   after the receiving step, deactuating the vacuum pump and removing the particulate matter through an opening in the collection tank.   
     
     
         2 . A method of removing debris from a digging site, comprising the steps of:
 providing a self-propelled mobile vacuum system, comprising
 a frame, 
 a vacuum pump mounted to the frame and having
 a low-pressure intake port, and 
 a high-pressure outlet port, 
 
 a collection tank mounted to the frame and in fluid communication with the low pressure intake port, wherein the collection tank has a wall that defines an interior of the collection tank, wherein the wall defines an opening therethrough, and wherein the collection tank has a door pivotally attached to the wall so that the door is movable between a first position in which the door sealingly engages the wall and closes the opening and a second position away from the opening so that the opening communicates the interior with an area exterior of the tank, 
 at least two drive systems attached to the frame so that the drive systems move the frame, 
 a motor that is operatively connected to the vacuum source and the at least two drive systems, and 
 a digging tool in fluid communication with the collection tank interior, 
   wherein the mobile vacuum system has a width of less than approximately about 36 inches;   actuating the at least two drive systems and maneuvering the mobile vacuum system proximate a digging work space;   putting the door in the first position;   actuating the vacuum pump so that the vacuum pump produces a vacuum in the collection tank interior and draws a vacuum air stream through the digging tool;   receiving particulate matter into the collection tank interior from the vacuum air stream; and   after the receiving step, deactuating the vacuum pump, putting the door in the second position, and removing the particulate matter through the opening.   
     
     
         3 . The method as in  claim 2 , wherein, in the providing step, the collection tank is mounted at a non-zero angle with respect to the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The method as in  claim 3 , wherein, in the providing step, the collection tank is mounted at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the frame. 
     
     
         5 . A method of removing debris from a digging site, comprising the steps of:
 providing a self-propelled mobile vacuum system, comprising   a frame,   a vacuum pump mounted to the frame and having
 a low-pressure intake port, and 
 a high-pressure outlet port, 
   a collection tank mounted to the frame and in fluid communication with the low pressure intake port, wherein the collection tank has a wall that defines an interior of the collection tank, wherein the wall defines an opening therethrough, and wherein the collection tank has a door pivotally attached to the wall so that the door is movable between a first position in which the door sealingly engages the wall and closes the opening and a second position away from the opening so that the opening communicates the interior with an area exterior of the tank,
 a water reservoir tank mounted to the frame, 
 a water pump mounted on the frame in communication with the water reservoir tank, 
 at least two drive systems attached to the frame so that the drive systems move the frame, 
 a motor that is operatively connected to the vacuum source and the at least two drive systems, and 
 a digging tool in fluid communication with the collection tank interior and the water pump, 
   wherein the mobile vacuum system has a width of less than approximately about 36 inches;   actuating the at least two drive systems and maneuvering the mobile vacuum system proximate a digging work space;   putting the door in the first position;   actuating the water pump so that the water pump drives a water stream from the digging tool;   actuating the vacuum pump so that the vacuum pump produces a vacuum in the collection tank interior and draws a vacuum air stream through the digging tool;   receiving particulate matter into the collection tank interior from the vacuum air stream; and   after the receiving step, deactuating the vacuum pump, putting the door in the second position, and removing the particulate matter through the opening.   
     
     
         6 . The method as in  claim 5 , wherein, in the providing step, the at least two drive system comprises at least two moveable treads operatively coupled to the frame and moveable with respect to the frame. 
     
     
         7 . The method as in  claim 6 , wherein, in the providing step, the mobile vacuum system comprises a hydraulic motor mounted on the frame and operatively connected to the vacuum pump, the water pump, and the at least two moveable treads.