CA3094861A1 - Pellet transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a system for transferring fuel pellets from a location external to a building to a location in an interior of the building. The system includes a first container positioned at a location external to the building and a second container positioned within the interior of the building. The first and second containers are connected to one another to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container to the second container by a pneumatic apparatus located external to the building.

Description

S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 PELLET TRANSFER SYSTEM
FIELD
[001] The present disclosure relates to pellet transfer systems and methods, and in particular to systems and methods for transferring pellets, such as fuel pellets, from a location outside of a building to a location in an interior of a building.
BACKGROUND

[002] Fuel pellets are pellets that can be used as a source of fuel in a combustion apparatus such as for example a stove or burner. Fuel pellets include biofuel pellets that may be made from compressed organic matter or biomass. Wood pellets are another common type of fuel pellets and are generally made from compacted sawdust and related wastes from the milling of lumber, manufacture of wood products and furniture, and construction. Wood pellets and other fuel pellets may be suitable for use in home and other buildings, and may be used as a source of energy when combusted, providing heat energy for heating the buildings. Accordingly, some homes and other buildings are equipped with fuel pellet burners. Some homes and other buildings rely on fuel pellets as a back-up source of fuel / energy, while others rely on fuel pellets primarily or exclusively as the source of fuel. For example, in remote geographical regions of the world, such as in Canadian rural areas, fuel pellets may be the primary source fuel for heating.

[003] Fuel pellets may be sold to the average consumer in bags, such as 40-pound bags. Such bags can usually be handled by a single individual who can transport such bags from one location such as a storage location (which may be detached from a building) to another location where they can be unpacked and the fuel pellets used to feed a fuel pellet burner. This substantially manual system / method of moving fuel pellets from a storage location to a location where they can be fed into a burner is cheap and easy to employ for small scale uses of fuel pellets (e.g. for feeding a back-up heater in case of power outage, or feeding a stove in a seldom used cottage).

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[004] However, particularly for homes and buildings that rely on the use of large amounts of fuel pellets, simply utilizing and moving bags that hold a relatively modest number / weight of fuel pellets to provide the necessary amount of fuel pellets for burners can be inconvenient. Such homes and buildings may utilize a storage container (e.g. a silo) having a large storage capacity and which may be located some distance remote from the building that contains the stove / burner. The large external storage container can typically hold several weeks or even one or more months supply of pellets at a time. Such storage silos are typically replenished by large orders of pellets that are delivered by a transportation apparatus, such as truck.
Storage silos are often positioned at a significant distance from the home or building that relies on the fuel pellets to accommodate deliveries by a truck. However, external storage silos may be inconvenient to reach and/or difficult to access when it is desired to draw fuel pellets from the storage silo, such as in cold winter months.

[005] Accordingly, alternate systems and methods are desired for receiving and storing fuel pellets at an external storage location and then when required, transferring fuel pellets from the storage location external to a building to a location in an interior of a building, in order to be able to supply a fuel pellet burner.
SUMMARY

[006] Accordingly, an aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a location external to a building, through an exterior wall of the building, to a location within the building. The system includes a first container positioned at a location external to the building and configured to hold a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity. The system also includes a second enclosed container positioned at a location in an interior of the building and configured to hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity.
The system also includes a first conduit providing fuel pellet communication from an inner cavity of the first container via the first conduit to the inner cavity of the second container to enable the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container to the second container. The system also includes a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 external of the building. The system also includes a second conduit extending from the second container the through the exterior wall of the building to the pneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from the second inner cavity through the second conduit. The pneumatic apparatus being operable for selectively generating an air pressure differential between the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, such that when operated, a first air pressure within the second inner cavity is less than a second air pressure in the first inner cavity. The air pressure differential developed by the pneumatic apparatus by air flow though the second conduit being sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the first container to be communicated with air flow from the first container through the first conduit to the second container.

[007] In another aspect, there is provided a method for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets. The method includes holding in a first container a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, the first container being positioned at a location external of a building and being in fuel pellet communication with an enclosed second container, the second container positioned in a location in an interior of the building, the first container and second container operable to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container through a first conduit to the second container, and the second container being positioned proximate a location external of the building. The method also includes selectively operating a pneumatic apparatus, the apparatus positioned at a location on the exterior of the building and interconnected for air flow transmission by a second conduit to the second container, to generate an air pressure differential between the first container and the second container, such that the air pressure within the second container is substantially less than the air pressure in the first container and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the first container to be communicated from the first container to the second container, thereby transferring fuel pellets to the second container.

[008] In another aspect, there is provided a method for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a first container to a second container with a system including a first Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 container positioned at a location external to the building and configured to hold a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity. The system also includes a second enclosed container positioned at a location in an interior of the building and configured to hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity.
The system also includes a first conduct providing fuel pellet communication from an inner cavity of the first container via the first conduit to the inner cavity of the second container to enable the transfer of fuel pellets from the first container to the second container. The system also includes a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of the building. The system also includes a second conduit extending from the second container the through the exterior wall of the building to the pneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from the second inner cavity through the second conduit. The method includes activating the pneumatic apparatus to generate an air pressure differential between the first inner cavity and the second inner cavity, such that a first air pressure within the second inner cavity is less than a second air pressure in the first inner cavity, the air pressure differential developed by the pneumatic apparatus by air flow though the second conduit, is sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the first container to be communicated with air flow from the first container through the first conduit to the second container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[009] In the figures which illustrate example embodiments,

[010] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of components of a pellet transfer system in accordance with one embodiment;

[011] FIG. 2A shows a perspective isolated view of a first container of the components depicted in FIG. 1;

[012] FIG. 2B shows an enlarged perspective isolated view of part of the first container of FIG. 2A;

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[013] FIGS. 3A-3B show partial schematic views of some of the components depicted in FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments;

[014] FIG. 4A shows a front view of a second container of the components depicted in FIG. 1;

[015] FIG. 4B shows a front view of the interior surface of a rear plate portion of the second container of FIG. 4A;

[016] FIG. 4C shows a top view of the rear plate portion of the second container of FIG. 4A and components extending therethrough;

[017] FIG. 40 shows an enlarged bottom front perspective view of the second container of FIG 4A;

[018] FIG. 5 show a schematic view of part of a pellet transfer system employing the first container of FIG. 2 and a fuel pellet delivery truck, in accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[019] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, a schematic view of a system 100 for transferring / moving fuel pellets 232 is illustrated that may include a truck 600 (FIG.
5), a first container 200, a second container 300, and a pneumatic apparatus 120 as well as various conduits interconnecting those components. Second container 300 is located in the interior 340 of a building 150 that may have an exterior wall 352 (which may be a vertical wall as shown or in other embodiments, another wall or barrier such as a floor slab - at another orientation). Building 150 may include a fuel pellet burner 509. Wall 352 may have an interior surface 354 and an exterior surface 356.
First container 200 is positioned at a location at the exterior 342 of building 150, and that may be remote from second container 300. For example, first container 200 may be positioned apart from building 150 at an approximate distance in the range of about 10 (or less) feet to 70 feet, or possibly more.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[020] First container 200 may have a housing that defines an inner cavity 202 that may hold a first volume of fuel pellets 232. The housing defining the cavity 202 of first container 200 may be made of one or more strong, durable, air permeable and non-water permeable, materials. For example, the housing of container 200 may be made of wood, rigid plastic, or metal. In some embodiments, the one or more materials forming first container 200 may be non-air permeable materials, but first container 200 may otherwise have openings or channels that allow air to flow into the inner cavity 202 of first container 200, such as from the environment, in order to create the required air flows described herein.

[021] The housing of first container 200 may be a multi-layer construction and may include an outer layer and an inner layer providing a surface that defines the wall of the inner cavity 202. Both inner and outer layers may be made of materials that are plyometric, wooden, composite or metallic. For example, first container 200 may be made from fibreglass.

[022] Second container 300 may also be generally enclosed and may be positioned in the interior 340 of building 150. Second container 300 may have a housing that defines an inner cavity 399 that may hold a second volume of fuel pellets 232.
The housing defining the cavity of second container 300 may be made of one or more strong, durable, non-air and non-water permeable materials. For example, the housing of container 300 may be made of wood, rigid plastic, metal. The volume of inner cavity 399 inside second container 300 may be substantially smaller than the volume of inner cavity 202 inside first container 200.

[023] The housing of second container 300 may also be a multi-layer construction and may include an outer layer and an inner layer providing a surface that defines the wall of the inner cavity 399. Both inner and outer layers may be made of materials that are plyometric, wooden, or metallic. In a specific embodiment, second container 300 is made from fibreglass.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[024] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be positioned proximate / adjacent to building 150, but is located external to / outside of building 150.
For example, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be affixed to the exterior surface 356 of exterior wall 352. Pneumatic apparatus 120 may for example be powered by a source of electrical power and be operated by an electronic or electro-mechanical switch, another wireless or wired activation/de-activation device, or a similar type of operational device that may be physically located within the building 150, but which is in communication with and capable of operating the pneumatic apparatus 120 located outside of said building (eg. such as by electrical wiring incorporated into a circuit that includes an electrical switch and pneumatic apparatus 120 and the source of electrical power).

[025] Also shown schematically in FIG. 1 is a first conduit 212, that may fluidly connect the inner cavities 202, 399, of respectively first and second containers 200, 300 to provide for air flow as well as fuel pellet communication through exterior wall 352 of building 150. A second conduit 314 (shown schematically in FIG. 1) may fluidly connect inner cavity 202 of second container 200 and pneumatic apparatus 120 to provide for air flow communication from inner cavity 399 of second container through exterior wall 352 to produce a reduced air pressure within inner cavity 399 compared to the air pressure within inner cavity 202, sufficient to cause an air flow from inner cavity 202 to inner cavity 399 through conduit 212, as described further hereinafter.

[026] In close proximity to a sealable opening 302 of second container 300 may be a placed a third container 504 (such as by a manual operator or an automated apparatus) for receiving fuel pellets 232 that flow through an opening 302 in second container 300 when opening 302 is in an open operational configuration.

[027] Accordingly, first container 200 is also in fuel pellet communication with second container 300, through first conduit 212, to permit the transfer of fuel pellets 232 from first container 200 to second container 300. As such, fuel pellets are transferred from the exterior 342 to the interior 340 of building 150.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[028] Reference is now made to FIG. 2A illustrating an example embodiment of first container 200 in a perspective isolated view. First container 200 may be constructed to provide inner storage cavity 202 from lower and upper wall halves 208 and respectively. Lower wall half 208 may have a lower cylindrical portion that widens to form a half-ovoid cavity that terminates at a flanged opening. Upper wall half 210 may have a similar profile but is inverted with respect to lower wall half 208 and joined together such that flanged openings are in communication with and adjacent to each other. Lower and upper wall halves 208 and 210 may be secured by a ring clamp 207.
Through this arrangement, first container 200 can be readily dissembled and reassembled for maintenance and transportation. When secured together lower and upper wall halves 208 and 210 form a generally ovoid shaped inner cavity 202.

[029] The ovoid shaped wall surface of first container 200 may allow, at least in part, fuel pellets to be forced at least in part by gravity towards the bottom wall portion 204 of container 200. First conduit 212 may extend through lower wall half 208 and may include an inlet end 214 that extends downwards at an angle 0 (FIG. 2A) towards the bottom wall portion 204 of container 200. Inlet end 214 terminates at inlet 211, located in proximity to bottom wall portion 204 and operable to permit the transfer of fuel pellets 232 from the bottom wall portion 204 of first container 200 and into conduit 212.

[030] First container 200 may have a total height of by way of example only, 84 inches and the flanged openings of lower and upper halves 208 and 210 may have inner diameters where they are joined of, by way of example only, 47 inches. The angle 0 of inlet end 214 of conduit 212 as indicated on FIG. 2A may be between 23 and degrees and preferably 23 degrees, for example. The inlet 211 of conduit 212 may also be raised from the bottom portion 204 of first container 200 by approximately 2 inches.

[031] First container 200 may have a first opening 205 with a hinged door 206 that may be selectively opened and closed. When the door 206 is in an open configuration, as shown in FIG. 2B, an operator may transfer fuel pellets from a bag or sack.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 Conveniently, when in an open configuration, door 206 may act as a funnel to aid the transfer of fuel pellets into opening 205. Opening 205 may also allow an operator to access the inner cavity 202, for example to clean first container 200.

[032] First container 200 may also have second and third openings 213a, 213b respectively located on opposite sides of the cylindrical portion of upper wall half 210.
Openings 213a, 213b may allow the transfer of fuel pellets to first container 200 from a delivery apparatus (e.g. truck 600 in FIG. 5) into the inner cavity 202 using a pellet movement system such as a pneumatic system. Openings 213a, 213b may each have respective fittings 215a and 215b attached thereto, which extend downwards from first container 200 in order to prevent (or at least minimize) the ingress of weather elements such as rain or snow into first container 200.

[033] Importantly, when pneumatic apparatus 120 (which is located outside of building 150), is activated from inside building 150, air is drawn from inner cavity 399 of second container 300, through conduit 314 (that extends through exterior wall 352), into pneumatic apparatus 120 from which it may be expelled. The movement of air out of second container 300 causes air to flow from inner cavity 202 of container 200 (which is then at a higher air pressure that inner cavity 399 of second container 300) and into inlet 211 of conduit 212 due to the pressure differential that is created between inner cavity 202 of first container 200 and inner cavity 399 of second container 300 by pneumatic apparatus 120. Fuel pellets in container 200 may then be drawn by the air flow generated, through the gap between the bottom of conduit 212 and bottom portion 204 of container 200, into conduit 212 and through exterior wall 352, and subsequently into inner cavity 399 of second container 300.

[034] By locating pneumatic apparatus 120 on the exterior 342 of building rather that in its interior 340, noise and vibrations within building 150 may be reduced or even substantially eliminated. The noise and vibrations within building 150 may also be reduced by limiting the air flow passages between the exterior and interior of the building 150, such as by providing conduit 314 as the only air flow /
passageway link between pneumatic apparatus 120 and inner cavity 399 of second container 300, Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 and/or providing conduit 212 as the only air flow link between second container 300 and first container 200.

[035] By also providing a gap between inlet 211 of conduit 212 and the bottom surface 204 of container 200, additional air flow from first container 200 to second container 300 (through conduit 212) may be permitted when pneumatic apparatus 120 is activated. As a result, this may help ensure that fuel pellets held in first container 200 are communicated through first conduit 212 in combination with an air flow to second container 300. This may reduce the likelihood that the inlet 211 of first conduit 212 will become clogged by fuel pellets during operation of pneumatic apparatus 120.

[036] Further, as fuel pellets may be communicated in combination with an air flow which passes through inlet 211 of conduit 212, the number of fuel pellets that can enter first conduit 212 may be controlled; reducing the likelihood that first conduit 212 will become clogged.

[037] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B where example embodiments of enclosed second container 300 connected with pneumatic apparatus 120 are shown.
Notably, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of second conduit 314 connecting second container 200 and pneumatic apparatus 120 through exterior wall 352 of building 150 in order to create a desired low air pressure in the cavity of second container 300. Second conduit 314 may extend horizontally through exterior wall 352 of building 150 and terminates within second container 300.

[038] As shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, second container 300 may be an enclosed container mounted (such as with screws, nuts/bolts or similar devices) to the interior surface 354 of external wall 352 of building 150 by any suitable means. In FIG. 3A, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be mounted (such as with screws, nuts/bolts or similar devices) to the exterior surface 356 of external wall 352 whilst in FIG. 3B, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be located at another location in the exterior 342 of building 150 remote from external wall 352. Pneumatic apparatus 120 may be within a storage container 322 to protect pneumatic apparatus 120 from weather elements and wildlife.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[039] FIG. 3A illustrates a convenient place to locate pneumatic apparatus 120 for several reasons. First, pneumatic apparatus 120 can be placed in close proximity to second container 300, thereby increasing its effectiveness at transporting fuel pellets.
Further, by locating pneumatic apparatus 120 on the exterior 342 of building rather than the interior 340, noise and vibrations within building 150 may be reduced or even substantially eliminated.

[040] Second container 300 may have a housing that defines inner cavity 399 that may hold a second volume of fuel pellets that is significantly less that the volume of fuel pellets that can be held in first container 200. By way of example, first container 200 may have an inner cavity 202 of a volume in the range of 50 to 80 ft3 that provides a fuel pellet storage capacity in the range of 900 to 1500 kilograms, whereas second container 300 may have an inner cavity 399 with a volume in the range of 1.5 to 4 ft3 that provides a storage capacity of fuel pellets in the range of 25-60 kilograms.

[041] In some embodiments, second container 300 may be located in a basement level of building 150 (eg. entirely below the level of the ground outside upon which first container 200 rests). In other embodiments, as the filling of container 300 with fuel pellets is not reliant, at least not entirely, upon the use of the force of gravity to transfer fuel pellets from first container 200 to second container 300, second container 300 may (with an appropriately configured system 100 including an appropriately selected pneumatic apparatus 120) be located at the ground level of building 150 or at an above ground level of the building 150 (eg. container 200 is entirely located at a height that is above first container 200)

[042] With reference again to FIG. 1, first conduit 212 connects first and second containers 200, 300 and places first container 200 in fuel pellet and air flow communication with second container 300 to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from first container 200 to second container 300. First conduit 212 may be connected at inlet 211 to the bottom portion 204 of first container 200, and the second end 209 to the top portion / region of second container 300, and above the outlet 315 of conduit 314.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[043] In conditions when neither pneumatic apparatus 120 (nor on-board vacuum generating unit 602 of truck 600 as described below) is operating, the air pressure in first container 200, second container 300 and conduits 212 and 314 will be at normal atmospheric / ambient pressure.

[044] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic view of second conduit 314 connecting second container 200 and pneumatic apparatus 120. Second conduit 314 may be connected at an inlet end 315 to a top portion / region of second container 200, and at the second end to suction end 324 of pneumatic apparatus 120, which is configured to draw air out of enclosed second container 300. Inlet end 315 of second conduit may be positioned suitably in relation to outlet end 209 of first conduit 212 to efficiently create a reduced pressure within the cavity of second container 300 and an air flow that passes through the upper portion of the cavity of second container 300.

[045] It will however be appreciated, that the air flow created by pneumatic apparatus 120 should not be such that fuel pellets exiting outlet end 209 of first conduit 212 are drawn into inlet end 315 of second conduit 314. Rather, fuel pellets exiting outlet 209 should remain in second container 300. This may be achieved in some embodiments, at least in part, by arranging inlet end 315 and outlet end 209 at an offset along a vertical axis relative to one another. This may also be achieved or assisted by attaching a mesh at inlet end 315 of second conduit 314, which blocks wood/fuel pellets from entering conduit 314 but permits air to flow there through.

[046] During operation, dust and sufficiently small pieces of debris within second container 300, may be drawn though inlet end 315 of second conduit 314, into pneumatic apparatus 120 and be exhausted to the exterior 342 of building 150.
Such material is not of a sufficient size to cause damage to pneumatic apparatus 120 and by removing it from second container 300, dust within the interior 340 of building 150 is minimized.

[047] Other than via conduits 212 and 314, inner cavity 399 of second container 300 is generally enclosed, at least when transferring fuel pellets from first container 200 to Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 second container 300, such that air is prevented air from flowing through opening 302 into inner cavity 399 of second container 300. Thus, when pneumatic apparatus is selectively operated to generate an air pressure differential between first container 200 and second container 300 (e.g. by reducing the air pressure in second container 300), air will flow from the inner cavity of container 300 to pneumatic apparatus 120.
This will create an air flow from conduit 212 from first container 200 into conduit 212.
This air flow will thereby selectively generate an air flow force that generates forces that moves fuel pellets held in first container 200 through first conduit 212 to said second container 300.

[048] By drawing air from second container 300, pneumatic apparatus 120 reduces the air pressure inside enclosed second container 300 relative to the air pressure of first container 200 and relative to atmospheric air pressure. Pneumatic apparatus 120 therefore generates an air pressure within cavity 399 of enclosed second container 300 that is lower than the air pressure within inner cavity 202 of first container 200. If the difference in air pressure between first and second containers 200, 300 is sufficiently large, then pneumatic apparatus 120 will cause fuel pellets 232 held in first container 200 to be communicated from first container 200 to second container 300 by the resultant air flow.

[049] After pneumatic apparatus 120 is switched off, the pressure differential between first container 200 and second container 300 may decrease substantially such that the air pressure within second container 300 (and throughout the rest of system 100) returns to atmospheric air pressure.

[050] As discussed above, second container 300 may have an inner cavity that is substantially air-sealed. It is generally easier for a pneumatic apparatus 120 to reduce the air pressure of a substantially air-sealed container 300. Accordingly, for a given pneumatic apparatus 120, when second container 300 is substantially air-sealed, pneumatic apparatus 120 will generate a larger pressure difference between first and second containers 200, 300 than if second container 300 was not substantially air-sealed.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[051] Similarly, when second container 300 is substantially air-sealed, a pneumatic apparatus 120 providing a relatively lower-maximum suction power may be used.

[052] Similarly, to compensate for any air-leakage in second container 300, a pneumatic apparatus 120 device having a relatively higher maximum suction power may be used. However, a more powerful pneumatic apparatus 120 will require more power and energy to operate and may generate more noise and heat. Further, if second container 300 has large openings and large air-leaks, then pneumatic apparatus 120 may not be able generate a sufficient pressure difference between first and second containers 200, 300 to create an air flow that causes fuel pellets held in first container 200 to be communicated from first container 200 to second container 300. This may particularly be the situation where second container 300 is generally located at a higher location than first container 200 (or at least outlet 209 of conduit 212 is higher than inlet 211) such that the air flow must be sufficient to overcome gravity in addition to other resistance forces when fuel pellets travel within conduit 212.

[053] While the inner cavity of second container 300 may be generally enclosed and airtight, second container 300 also has openings to receive first conduit 212, second conduit 314 and opening 302. To improve the air-seal of second container 300, the pipes of each of first conduit 212 and second conduit 314 may be provided with sealed connections to the walls of container 300 and/or the openings into the inner cavity 399 of container 300, using glue, caulking, or other sealing compounds. Further, any gaps or openings in or between the walls of container 300 may be sealed using glue, caulking or other sealing compounds. Further, opening 302 may be designed to be substantially airtight to reduce loss of pressure when in a closed position.

[054] Inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 may be connected at the top portion (eg. at the uppermost top region) of second container 300 to minimize the risk / avoid suction of fuel pellets 232 stored in second container 300 being sucked into pneumatic apparatus 120.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[055] During operation of pneumatic apparatus 120, fuel pellets 232 held in inner cavity 202 of first container 200 may be communicated at least in part, by gravity, to the bottom portion 204 of first container 200. The air pressure difference between first and second containers 200, 300 (when sufficiently large) causes fuel pellets to be communicated from bottom portion 204 of first container 200, into inlet 211 of first conduit 212, through conduit 212, and into the top portion of second container 300.

[056] The flow rate of fuel pellets between first and second containers 200, 300 will depend, in part, on the suction power of pneumatic apparatus 120, the length of first conduit 212 (and the internal resistance associated therewith), the cross sectional size / profile of conduit 212, the proficiency/efficiency of the air-seal of second container 300 and the system generally, and the size and weight of the fuel pellets (which may have a range of sizes and weights).

[057] Depending upon the relative height positioning of inlet 211 to second container 300 compared to the outlet 209 from first container 200, pneumatic apparatus 120 may have to generate sufficient air flow between first container 200 and second container 300 to overcome not only physical / frictional resistive forces resisting movement of the fuel pellets, but also gravitational forces.

[058] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B showing interior 340 of building 150 where second container 300 may be affixed to the interior surface 354 of exterior wall 356 by any suitable means. Second container 300 may include a rear plate and a front housing 310, which may be sealed together using glue, caulking, or other sealing compounds to form an airtight seal to form inner cavity 399.

[059] FIGS. 4B and 4C show the preferred relative positions of second end 209 of first conduit 212 and inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 within inner cavity 399. Rear plate 308 may have two openings located towards the upper end for receiving first and second conduits 212, 314 therethrough. Rear plate 308 may have a total length of 36 inches and be 22 inches wide at the widest point, for example.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[060] The inner surface of front housing 310, along with the inner surface of rear plate 308, define inner cavity 399 for receiving pellets through first conduit 212.

[061] With reference to FIG. 40, opening 302 of second container 300 may be in either an open operational configuration, or a closed operational configuration where the opening 302 is sealed by a trap door 304. Trapdoor 304 may be retained by tracks 305 and may be movable horizontally within tracks 305 between a closed position and an open position through movement of handle 306 by an operator. When in the open position, trapdoor 304 permits the selective transfer of fuel pellets out of second container 300 through opening 302 due to gravity. When in the closed position, trapdoor 304 seals opening 302, assisting in sealing second container 300.
Trapdoor 304 may be made of plexiglass, which may aid in creating an air seal.
Other/additional sealing mechanisms may be employed to provide a seal between trapdoor 304 and opening 302.

[062] In other embodiments, trapdoor 304 may be operable by another mechanism, such as a hinged connection, for example.

[063] In another embodiment, second container 300 may be affixed to any other internal or external wall of building 150. In yet another embodiment, second container 300 may be free standing and positioned at any other location within the interior 340 of building 150.

[064] Trapdoor 304 will assist in sealing the interior cavity of container 300 such that any air flow generated within the interior cavity will flow from conduit 212 and into the pneumatic apparatus 120, thus increasing the efficiency of the pneumatic apparatus in creating the desired low air pressure in the cavity of second container 300 and the consequent air flow through conduit 212 from first container 200.

[065] With particular reference to FIGS. 4B and 4C, first conduit 212 and second conduit 314 may extend through wall 352 and through back plate 308 of second container 300 at substantially the same height, and terminate within inner cavity 399 of second container 300 at substantially the same vertical height but may be spaced apart Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 horizontally. Further, the second end 209 of first conduit 212 may be angled downwards and/or the inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 may be angled upwards.
Furthermore, the second end 209 of first conduit 212 may be located vertically below the inlet end 315 of second conduit 314. Such an arrangement may also help ensure (or at least minimize the risk that) the pellets exiting through second end 209 of first conduit 212 are not drawn into inlet end 315 of second conduit 314 as a result of the airflow into second conduit 314, thus avoiding suction of fuel pellets 232 stored in second container 300 into pneumatic apparatus 120

[066] In the interior of building 150, at the receiving end of opening 302, may be located third container 504. Third container 504 may have an open top portion and may be a movable container that can be positioned to receive fuel pellets flowing out of trapdoor 502 of second container 300 at the interior surface 354 of exterior wall 352.
Movable third container 504 may then be used by an operator to move fuel pellets inside building 150 to a fuel pellet stove and/or furnace or other burner.

[067] In one illustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 120 is a vacuum generating / pump type system, which generates suction.
In one illustrative embodiment, pneumatic apparatus 120 may have a 120V, 8A, 2-stage electric motor, which is capable of generating 84.3 cubic feet per minute of air flow within second conduit 314. Further, first and second conduits 212, 314 may be made of PVC
piping.
A 1.5 inch inner passageway diameter pipe may be suitable for second conduit 314.
Further, a two-inch inner passageway diameter pipe may be suitable for first conduit 212. This example setup may be suitable for moving fuel pellets (in particular, wood pellets) of standard industry size and weight (i.e. approx. 1.5 inch in length and approximately 0.25 inch in diameter) along a first conduit 212 of up to 16 inches.
Accordingly, first container 200 may be placed approx. up to 70 feet away from building 150. In this embodiment, it is observed that approx. 40 pounds of fuel pellets may be communicated every minute from first container 200 to second container 300.
The air pressure generated in second container 300 when pneumatic apparatus 120 is activated may be below atmospheric pressure and may be in the range of 3 to 5 psi.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358 The air pressure differential created between first container 200 and second container 300 when pneumatic apparatus 120 is activated may be in the range of 3 to 5 psi.

[068] By way of example only, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be an electrical powered vacuum air pump capable of generating a volume flow rate of 84 cfm at the pump inlet.
For example, pneumatic apparatus 120 may be a Lamb 116336 vacuum blower motor manufactured by Ametek.

[069] In some embodiments, first container 200 may be configured with an inner cavity 202 having a volume of approx. 50 ft3 that provides a fuel pellet storage capacity of approx. 900 kilograms (eg. an amount sufficient for approx. 1 months' use) and second container 300 may be configured with an inner cavity 399 having a volume having a volume of approx. 3 ft3 that provides a fuel pellet storage capacity of approx. 50 kilograms (eg. an amount sufficient for 1-3 days' use). However, as indicated above, first container 200 may be significantly larger in fuel pellet storage volume than second container 300.

[070] System 100 is therefore suited for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a location external to building 150 to a location in an interior of the building. In operation, an operator causes first container 200 to receive and hold a first volume of fuel pellets 232. With reference to FIG. 5, in one example a first volume is delivered to first container 200 by a truck 600. The truck 600 may have an on-board vacuum generating unit 602 and a pellet reservoir 604 containing a supply of pellets. An operator may connect a vacuum conduit 606 in communication with the vacuum unit 602 to fitting 215b of third opening 213b of first container 200 and a conduit 608 in pellet communication with pellet reservoir 604 to fitting 215b of second opening 213a of first container 200. The vacuum conduit 606 is in communication with the vacuum generating unit 602 on the truck 604 in order to generate an air pressure within inner cavity 202 of first container 200 that is lower than the air pressure within the pellet reservoir 604 of the truck and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in the pellet reservoir 604 to be communicated from the pellet reservoir 604 to first container 200 through conduit 608.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 0008107-8/87119358

[071] In another example, a volume of pellets is delivered to first container through opening 205 from sacks or bags.

[072] Once first container 200 is holding volume 232 for storage, an operator may selectively operate pneumatic apparatus 120 through a switch located on the exterior second container 300 (not shown), or other activation device, to generate first air pressure within enclosed second container 300 that is lower than a second air pressure in first container 200 and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in first container 200 to be communicated from first container 200 to second container 300. The air pressure difference created by pneumatic apparatus 120 thereby creates an air flow sufficient to transfer fuel pellets held in first container 200 to second container 300 mounted at a location in an interior of building 150. Transfer of fuel pellets 232 to second container 300 may continue until the operator deactivates pneumatic apparatus 120, and/or until second container 300 is full of fuel pellets 232.

[073] Once second container 200 is holding a volume of fuel pellets 232, an operator may move trapdoor 304 on second container 300 from a closed position to an open position through operation of handle 306 to communicate fuel pellets from second container 200 to movable third container 504. In one embodiment, fuel pellets held in second container 200 are communicated to third container 504 by gravitational force.

[074] Of course, the above described embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting. The described embodiments are susceptible to many modifications of form, arrangement of parts, details, and order of operation.
The invention is intended to encompass all such modification within its scope, as defined by the claims.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30

Claims (25)

S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358

1. A system for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a location external to a building, through an exterior wall of said building, to a location within said building, said system comprising:
(i) a first container positioned at a location external to said building and configured to hold a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity;
(ii) a second enclosed container positioned at a location in an interior of said building and configured to hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity, (iii) a first conduit providing fuel pellet communication from an inner cavity of said first container via said first conduit to said inner cavity of said second container to enable the transfer of fuel pellets from said first container to said second container; and (iv) a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of said building;
(v) a second conduit extending from said second container said through said exterior wall of said building to said pneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from said second inner cavity through said second conduit;
said pneumatic apparatus being operable for selectively generating an air pressure differential between said first inner cavity and said second inner cavity, such that when operated, a first air pressure within said second inner cavity is less than a second air pressure in said first inner cavity, said air pressure differential developed by said pneumatic apparatus by air flow though said second conduit, being sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in said first container to be communicated with air flow from said first container through said first conduit to said second container.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said air pressure differential generates an air flow through said first conduit from said first container to said second container which creates forces acting upon fuel pellets in said first inner cavity to cause said fuel pellets in said first container to move from the first container through said first conduit which ends at, and flows into, an upper region of the second inner cavity.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein said pneumatic apparatus is operable to reduce said air pressure within said second inner cavity such that the air pressure within said second inner cavity is substantially less than atmospheric air pressure.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an outlet of said first conduit within said second inner cavity is positioned below an inlet of said second conduit within said second cavity.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an outlet of said first conduit in said second inner cavity is angled downwards.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inlet of said second conduit in said second inner cavity is angled upwards.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said second container has a substantially sealed inner cavity.

8.
The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said first container has a conically shaped bottom surface.

9. The system of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein said first conduit has an inlet end in communication with a lower region of said first inner cavity and said outlet end of said first conduit is in communication with a top region of said second inner cavity.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said second container is mounted to an interior surface side of said exterior wall of said building.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pneumatic apparatus is mounted to an exterior side surface of said external wall of said building.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising mobile third container positioned proximate said location in said interior of said building for receiving fuel pellets from an outlet of said second container.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said second container further comprises a trapdoor, said trapdoor movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein said open position permits the transfer of fuel pellets from said second container to said third container.

14. The system of claim 12 or 13, wherein said system is operable to transfer fuel pellets from said second container to said third container at least in part by gravity.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said pneumatic apparatus is configured to be activated and deactivated by a switch device located within said building.

16. The system of claim 15 wherein said pneumatic apparatus is connected to said switch device by wiring extending through said exterior wall.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein said fuel pellets are wood pellets.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358

18.The system of any one of claims 1 to 17 further comprising:
(a) a second pneumatic apparatus operable for selectively generating a low pressure within said first inner cavity, through third conduit extending between said first inner cavity and said second pneumatic apparatus;
(b) a fourth conduit operable for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a source of fuel pellets to said first inner cavity.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said second pneumatic apparatus and said source of fuel pellets are located on a transport vehicle.

20. A method for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets comprising:
-holding in a first container a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets, said first container being positioned at a location external of a building and being in fuel pellet communication with an enclosed second container, said second container positioned in a location in an interior of said building, said first container and second container operable to permit the transfer of fuel pellets from said first container through a first conduit to said second container, and said second container being positioned proximate a location external of said building; and - selectively operating a pneumatic apparatus, said apparatus positioned at a location on the exterior of said building and interconnected for air flow transmission by a second conduit to said second container, to generate an air pressure differential between said first container and said second container, such that the air pressure within said second container is substantially less than the air pressure in said first container and sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in said first container to be communicated from said first container to said second container, thereby transferring fuel pellets to said second container.

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 further comprising operating said pneumatic apparatus from a location within said interior of said building.

22. A method as claimed in claims 20 or 21 wherein said method further comprises operating a trapdoor of said second container from a closed position to an open position, thereby communicating fuel pellets from said second container to a third container.

23. The method of any one of claim 20 to 22, wherein fuel pellets in said second container are communicated to said third container at least partially by gravitational force.

24. A method for transferring a plurality of fuel pellets from a first container to a second container with a system comprising:
(i) a first container positioned at a location external to said building and configured to hold a first volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a first inner cavity;
(ii) a second enclosed container positioned at a location in an interior of said building and configured to hold a second volume of a plurality of fuel pellets in a second inner cavity, (iii) a first conduit providing fuel pellet communication from an inner cavity of said first container via said first conduit to said inner cavity of said second container to enable the transfer of fuel pellets from said first container to said second container; and (iv) a pneumatic apparatus positioned at a location external of said building;
(v) a second conduit extending from said second container said through said exterior wall of said building to said pneumatic apparatus and providing air flow communication from said second inner cavity through said second conduit;

Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30 S&B Ref.: 00081 07-8/871 19358 said method comprising activating said pneumatic apparatus to generate an air pressure differential between said first inner cavity and said second inner cavity, such that a first air pressure within said second inner cavity is less than a second air pressure in said first inner cavity, said air pressure differential developed by said pneumatic apparatus by air flow though said second conduit, is sufficient to cause fuel pellets held in said first container to be communicated with air flow from said first container through said first conduit to said second container.

25.
A method as claimed in claim 24 further comprising operating said pneumatic apparatus from a location within said interior of said building.
Date Recue/Date Received 2020-09-30