AU2018203058A1 - A spraying system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a spraying system 10 comprising an accumulator arrangement 12 having at least one fluid reservoir 14 for operatively storing fluid 16. The reservoir 14 has a substantially rigid outer shell 18 enclosing an inner bladder 20 for operative charging with fluid 16 whereby a gas 22 is compressed between the shell 18 and bladder 20 to pressurise the fluid. The system 10 also includes a charge circuit 26 for operatively charging the accumulator arrangement 12 and a discharge circuit 32 having an outlet regulated by manually actuable and electronically actuable valves 36 and 38. The components are housed inside a housing 40 containing thermal insulation 42 insulating the accumulator arrangement 12, charge and discharge circuits 26 and 32. CD) CoN . . . . . . . . . .. . C. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Description

A SPRAYING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to a spraying system and an associated vehicle comprising such a spraying system.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] A variety of spraying systems are known in the art. Such spraying systems can be used to spray a variety of fluids for a variety of reasons, such as firefighting, pest control, dust control, cleaning, supplying potable water, etc. One type of known spraying system uses an electrical pump which requires electrical power, typically via batteries or an electrical generator. Spraying systems with generators typically produce harmful emissions, such as exhaust gasses, or the like. Other known types of spraying systems, typically man-portable units, require manual pressurisation via a pumping handle, or the like.

[0004] As a result of such mechanical and electrical complexity, these known spraying systems generally require maintenance and servicing, which can be expensive. In addition, such added complexity may lead such known spraying

2018203058 02 May 2018 systems to become unreliable over time. A further drawback with generator-driven systems is the emission of harmful exhaust gasses.

[0005] The present invention seeks to propose possible solutions, at least in part, in amelioration of the known shortcomings in the art of spraying systems .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a spraying system comprising:

an accumulator arrangement having at least one fluid reservoir for operatively storing fluid, the reservoir having a substantially rigid outer shell enclosing an inner bladder for operative charging with fluid whereby a gas is compressed between the shell and bladder to pressurise the fluid, and a pressure gauge indicative of such fluid pressure;

a charge circuit defining an inlet arranged in fluid communication with a non-return valve, the charge circuit configured for operatively charging the accumulator arrangement with fluid;

a discharge circuit defining an outlet regulated by a manually actuable valve and an electronically actuable valve, the discharge circuit configured for operatively releasing the pressurised fluid from the accumulator; and a housing containing the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits so that the inlet and outlet are externally accessible from such housing, said housing further containing thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0007] In one example, the accumulator arrangement comprises a plurality of fluid reservoirs arranged in fluid communication via a single conduit which connects with the charge and discharge circuits.

[0008] Typically, each fluid reservoir sealingly contains a gas between the outer shell and inner bladder, charging of said inner bladder compressing said gas so that the fluid is pressurised inside the inner bladder.

[0009] It is to be appreciated that the substantially rigid outer shell of each reservoir is sufficiently unyielding to facilitate and accommodate such compression of gas, rather than being absolutely rigid.

[0010] Typ ically, the inner bladder is manufactured from a resiliently elastic material to facilitate pressurising of fluid charged into the reservoir.

[0011] Typ ically, the pressure gauge indicative of the fluid pressure is fast to the single conduit.

[0012] In one example, the accumulator arrangement includes an interconnection point for connecting an additional fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator arrangement to increase fluid capacity of the spraying system.

[0013] Typically, the interconnection point is located on the single conduit.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0014] In one example, the inlet comprises a snap-fit hose connection for receiving a charging hose to charge the accumulator arrangement with fluid.

[0015] Typ ically, the outlet is configured to accommodate a fitting via which the pressurised fluid is releasable from the accumulator arrangement .

[0016] In one example, the fitting comprises a nozzle.

[0017] In one example, the electronically actuable valve is configured to allow passage of fluid upon receipt of a specific input.

[0018] Typ ically, the specific input comprises a wireless electromagnetic signal.

[0019] In another example, the specific input comprises an unlocking code received via an electronic input.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is manufactured from a fireresistant material.

[0021] In one example, the housing is manufactured from a metal.

[0022] Typically, the thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits comprises fire-retardant foam.

[0023]

In a further example, the spraying system includes an additive reservoir and venturi connection configured to

2018203058 02 May 2018 operatively add an additive inside said additive reservoir to the discharge circuit, when in use.

[0024] In one example, the spraying system is adapted as a human-portable backpack.

[0025] In a further example, the spraying system is adapted to be fitted to a vehicle.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a spraying system having:

an accumulator arrangement having at least one fluid reservoir for operatively storing fluid, the reservoir having a substantially rigid outer shell enclosing an inner bladder for operative charging with fluid whereby a gas is compressed between the shell and bladder to pressurise the fluid, and a pressure gauge indicative of such fluid pressure;

a charge circuit defining an inlet arranged in fluid communication with a non-return valve, the charge circuit configured for operatively charging the accumulator arrangement with fluid;

a discharge circuit defining an outlet regulated by a manually actuable valve and an electronically actuable valve, the discharge circuit configured for operatively releasing the pressurised fluid from the accumulator; and a housing containing the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits so that the inlet and outlet are externally accessible from such housing, said housing further containing thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0027] In one example, the accumulator arrangement comprises a plurality of fluid reservoirs arranged in fluid communication via a single conduit which connects with the charge and discharge circuits.

[0028] Typically, each fluid reservoir sealingly contains a gas between the outer shell and inner bladder, charging of said inner bladder compressing said gas so that the fluid is pressurised inside the inner bladder.

[0029] It is to be appreciated that the substantially rigid outer shell of each reservoir is sufficiently unyielding to facilitate and accommodate such compression of gas, rather than being absolutely rigid.

[0030] Typ ically, the inner bladder is manufactured from a resiliently elastic material to facilitate pressurising of fluid charged into the reservoir.

[0031] Typ ically, the pressure gauge indicative of the fluid pressure is fast to the single conduit.

[0032] In one example, the accumulator arrangement includes an interconnection point for connecting an additional fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator arrangement to increase fluid capacity of the spraying system.

[0033] Typically, the interconnection point is located on the single conduit.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0034] In one example, the inlet comprises a snap-fit hose connection for receiving a charging hose to charge the accumulator arrangement with fluid.

[0035] Typically, the outlet is configured to accommodate a fitting via which the pressurised fluid is releasable from the accumulator arrangement .

[0036] In one example, the fitting comprises a nozzle.

[0037] In one example, the electronically actuable valve is configured to allow passage of fluid upon receipt of a specific input.

[0038] Typ ically, the specific input comprises a wireless electromagnetic signal.

[0039] In another example, the specific input comprises an unlocking code received via an electronic input.

[0040] Preferably, the housing is manufactured from a fireresistant material.

[0041] In one example, the housing is manufactured from a metal.

[0042] Typ ically, the thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits comprises fire-retardant foam.

[0043]

In a further example, the spraying system includes an additive reservoir and venturi connection configured to

2018203058 02 May 2018 operatively add an additive inside said additive reservoir to the discharge circuit, when in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0044] The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a spraying system, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side-view diagrammatic representation of an example of the spraying system of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a top-view diagrammatic representation of the example of the spraying system of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0045] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0046] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is shown one embodiment of a spraying system 10. Such

2018203058 02 May 2018 a spraying system 10 generally comprises an accumulator arrangement 12, a charge circuit 26, a discharge circuit 32, and a housing 40.

[0047] In the present example, the accumulator arrangement 12 includes at least one fluid reservoir 14 for operatively storing fluid 16. Typically, such a fluid reservoir 14 comprises a substantially rigid outer shell 18 which, encloses an inner bladder 20 which is charged with fluid 16 when in use. Typically, each fluid reservoir 14 sealingly contains a gas 22 between the outer shell 18 and inner bladder 20, so that charging of the inner bladder 20 with fluid 16 compresses this gas 22, so that the fluid 16 is pressurised inside the inner bladder 20.

[0048] In addition, the inner bladder 20 is typically manufactured from a resiliently elastic material, such as rubber or the like, to further facilitate pressurising of fluid 16 charged into the reservoir 14. In this manner, a gas 22 can be compressed between the shell 18 and the inner bladder 20, and/or the inner bladder's resilient elasticity

provides fluid 16	force inside	when charged, in order to the bladder 20.	pressurise	the
[0049] I	n one	example, the accumulator	arrangement	12
comprises	a plurality of fluid reservoirs	14 arranged	in

fluid communication via a single conduit which connects with the charge and discharge circuits 26 and 32, described in more detail below. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the embodiment of Figure 1 does not accurately represent a balanced fluid pressure representation of fluid in the respective fluid reservoirs 14. In this embodiment,

2018203058 02 May 2018 one fluid reservoir 14 is shown as charged with fluid 16, with the other not charged, although both reservoirs 14 are arranged in fluid communication with each other via a single conduit. This is done to show a change of internal structure between a charged, i.e. inner bladder 20 containing fluid 16, and an empty fluid reservoir, i.e. no fluid in inner bladder 20.

[0050] It is also to be appreciated that the substantially rigid outer shell 18 of each reservoir 14 is sufficiently unyielding to facilitate and accommodate such compression of gas, rather than being absolutely rigid.

[0051] The accumulator arrangement 12 also typically includes a pressure gauge 24 which is indicative of fluid pressure within the accumulator arrangement 12, i.e. inside the at least one charged fluid reservoir 14. In the current example, the pressure gauge 24 is arranged in fluid communication with the single conduit, as shown.

[0052] In one example, the accumulator arrangement 12 includes an interconnection point 44 for connecting an additional fluid reservoir 14 in fluid communication with the accumulator arrangement 12 to increase fluid capacity of the spraying system 10. Typically, the interconnection point 44 is located on the single conduit, but may be located elsewhere, as will be appreciated by the skilled addressee. Such an arrangement allows a plurality of reservoirs 14 to be chained together as required, in order to increase the system's capacity.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0053] In general, the charge circuit 26 defines an inlet 28 arranged in fluid communication with a non-return valve 30, as shown. The charge circuit 26 is configured for operatively charging the accumulator arrangement 12 with fluid 16. In one example, the inlet 28 comprises a snap-fit hose connection for receiving a charging hose to charge the accumulator arrangement 12 with fluid. However, other arrangements are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Similarly, the discharge circuit 32 defines an outlet 34 which is regulated by a manually actuable valve 36 and an electronically actuable valve 38, as shown. The discharge circuit 32 is configured for operatively releasing the pressurised fluid 16 from the accumulator arrangement 12. Typically, the outlet 34 is configured to accommodate a fitting (not shown) via which the pressurised fluid 16 can be released from the accumulator arrangement 12, such as a nozzle, or the like. For example, the outlet 34 may include a retractable hosepipe arrangement (not shown), to allow manual direction and spraying of fluid operatively discharged from the discharge circuit 32. Such a retractable hosepipe arrangement is typically mounted to the housing 40, or part of the housing 40, etc., but other arrangements are possible and within the scope of the invention.

[0055] In general, the manual valve 36 may comprise any suitable type of valve, as is well known in the art. In one example, the electronically actuable valve 38 is configured to allow passage of fluid upon receipt of a specific input. Such a specific input may comprises a wireless electromagnetic signal, such as a Wi-Fi signal, a radio

2018203058 02 May 2018 signal, or the like. In another example, the specific input may comprise an unlocking code received via an electronic input, e.g. a keypad, an RFID tag, or the like. It is to be appreciated that the electronically actuable valve 38 may comprise any electronic specific input able to provide a further level of security for authorising the release of fluid from the accumulator arrangement 12. It is further to be appreciated that the electronically actuable valve 38 may be electrically energised, as required, from a variety of sources, including electrochemical cells, hard-wired grid supply, and/or renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind power, etc.

[0056] The housing 40 which contains the accumulator arrangement 12, charge and discharge circuits 26 and 32 generally does so in a manner so that the inlet and outlet 28 and 34 are externally accessible from the housing 40. The housing 40 further typically contains some manner of thermal insulation 42 which insulates the accumulator arrangement 12, charge and discharge circuits 26 and 32. Preferably, the housing 40 is manufactured from a fire-resistant material, such as a metal, or the like. The thermal insulation 42 which insulates the accumulator arrangement 12, charge and discharge circuits 26 and 32 typically comprises fireretardant foam, but other arrangements are possible.

[0057] In a further example, the spraying system 10 includes an additive reservoir and venturi connection (not shown) which is configured to operatively add an additive inside said additive reservoir to the discharge circuit 32, when in use. In this manner, the additive and fluid 16 in

2018203058 02 May 2018 the accumulator arrangement 12 can be mixed and simultaneously discharged from the system 10.

[0058] In one example, the spraying system 10 can be adapted as a human-portable backpack, or the like. In addition, it is to be appreciated that another example includes the spraying system 10 adapted to be fitted to a vehicle, or the like. Similarly, the skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention accordingly includes such a vehicle comprising the spraying system 10. In a yet further example, the spraying system 10 can be a fixed installation for supplying, for example, potable water to a site, such as a remote mining site or camp, a construction site, a military site, or the like.

[0059] In use, a user is able to charge the accumulator arrangement 12 with a fluid 16, such as water, via the charge circuit 26, as described above. The pressure gauge 24 provides an indication of the fluid pressure. This charging enables the system 10 to store the fluid 16 in a pressurised manner. When necessary to discharge the fluid 16 from the accumulator arrangement 12, both manual and electronic valves 36 and 38 must be opened or activated in order to discharge or spray the fluid from the system 10.

[0060] For example, in a vehicle mounted embodiment of the system 10, such as a firefighting vehicle, the system 10 is charged with a fluid and the system is primed by opening the manual valve 36. A driver of the vehicle is then able to control the discharge of the pressurised fluid 16 remotely via, for example, a remote control unit, or the like.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0061] In a further backpack-mounted embodiment of the system 10, such as a pesticide application, a user walks around spraying pesticide fluid where required. However, the electronic valve 38 may comprise an electronic keypad or the like, which must be activated before fluid can be discharged using the manual valve 36. In such a manner, unauthorised spraying of dangerous fluids can be regulated.

[0062] The Applicant regards it as advantageous that system 10 can operate without requiring a power supply, the or use fuel or batteries, and that almost no maintenance or servicing required, as the system includes minimal moving parts . In system produces no emissions, such as exhaust gasses, or the like. The system is useable in a variety of for example as water supply systems in caravans, boats and aircraft, which [0063] Opt ional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0064] It is to be appreciated that reference to one example or an example of the invention is not made in an exclusive sense. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are

2018203058 02 May 2018 exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0065] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent

to those of ordinary skill in	the	art	upon reading this
application .
[0066] The inventor(s) expects	skilled	artisans to employ
such variations as appropriate,	and	the	inventor(s) intends

for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

2018203058 02 May 2018 [0067] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any nonclaimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0068] The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as front, back, rear, side, up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, forwards, backwards, towards, distal, proximal, in, out and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. The inventor (s) envisage that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations.

[0069] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values there between, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5,

2018203058 02 May 2018

6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all sub-ranges there between, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

[0070]

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description.

It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure .

[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, technologies are not described in detail.

and well known

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0072] As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated

2018203058 02 May 2018 features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0073] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein, if any, are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance.

[0074] In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly formed on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0075] Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Claims (17)

1. A spraying system comprising:

an accumulator arrangement having at least one fluid reservoir for operatively storing fluid, the reservoir having a substantially rigid outer shell enclosing an inner bladder for operative charging with fluid whereby a gas is compressed between the shell and bladder to pressurise the fluid, and a pressure gauge indicative of such fluid pressure;

a charge circuit defining an inlet arranged in fluid communication with a non-return valve, the charge circuit configured for operatively charging the accumulator arrangement with fluid;

a discharge circuit defining an outlet regulated by a manually actuable valve and an electronically actuable valve, the discharge circuit configured for operatively releasing the pressurised fluid from the accumulator; and a housing containing the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits so that the inlet and outlet are externally accessible from such housing, said housing further containing thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits.

2. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the accumulator arrangement comprises a plurality of fluid reservoirs arranged in fluid communication via a single conduit which connects with the charge and discharge circuits.

3. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the fluid reservoir sealingly contains a gas between the outer shell and inner bladder, charging of said inner bladder

2018203058 02 May 2018 compressing said gas so that the fluid is pressurised inside the inner bladder.

4. The spraying system is manufactured from facilitate pressurising of of claim 1, wherein the inner bladder resiliently elastic material to fluid charged into the reservoir.

5. The spraying system of claim 2, wherein the pressure gauge indicative of fluid pressure is arranged in fluid communication with the single conduit.

6. The spraying system of claim 2, wherein the accumulator arrangement includes an interconnection point for connecting an additional fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator arrangement to increase fluid capacity of the spraying system.

The spraying system of claim

6, wherein the interconnection point is located on the single conduit.

The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the inlet comprises a snap-fit hose connection for receiving a charging hose to charge the accumulator arrangement with fluid.

9. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the outlet is configured to accommodate a fitting via which the pressurised fluid is releasable from the accumulator arrangement.

10. The spraying system of claim 9, wherein the fitting comprises a nozzle.

2018203058 02 May 2018

11. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the electronically actuable valve is configured to allow passage of fluid upon receipt of a specific input.

12. The spraying system of claim 11, wherein the specific input comprises a wireless electromagnetic signal.

13. The spraying system of claim 11, wherein the specific input comprises an unlocking code received via an electronic input.

14. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the housing is manufactured from a fire-resistant material.

15. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the housing is manufactured from a metal.

16. The spraying system of claim 1, wherein the thermal insulation insulating the accumulator arrangement, charge and discharge circuits comprises fire-retardant foam.

17. The spraying system of claim 1, which includes an additive reservoir and venturi connection configured to operatively add an additive inside said additive reservoir to the discharge circuit, when in use.

18. The spraying system of claim 1, which is adapted as a human-portable backpack.

19. The spraying system of claim 1, which is adapted to be fitted to a vehicle.