GB2477792A

GB2477792A - Auger

Info

Publication number: GB2477792A
Application number: GB1002528A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Heselden
Original assignee: Hesco Bastion Ltd
Current assignee: Hesco Bastion Ltd
Priority date: 2010-02-15
Filing date: 2010-02-15
Publication date: 2011-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-15
Also published as: GB2477792B; GB201002528D0

Abstract

An auger 1 has a sleeve 11, and a helical flange 9 on a supporting shaft 3, and is normally deployed in a vertical orientation. In this manner upon rotary activation, the auger may take in flowable material such as sand 25, and store it in a cavity 17. The auger may then be moved and the rotation reversed, to deposit the stored flowable material at another location.

Description

AUGER

The present invention relates generafly to an auger and, more particularly, to augers of the type for transferring flowable material between different locations.

There is also provided a method of transferring flowable material using the same.

Augers have been used for many years to convey material. Such conveyors generally include a helical shaped member which rotates within a housing or trough such that rotation of the screw thread along its longitudinal or central axis results in movement of the bulk material along the length of the device. In agriculture, augers are frequently used to move grain from a grain cart to a grain cart, silo, truck, or other storage facility. A typical grain auger includes an auger screw of constant diameter and pitch that is housed inside a tubular housing or shaft to form an auger assembly. An intake end of the auger assemb'y can draw from an attached hopper (usually by gravity) to receive grain or other material and the other end, that is the discharge end, has a chute or the like to guide the grain or other material to its destination.

An auger may also be used in agriculture or animal farming for digging post holes. Such an auger is called an earth auger or soil auger. This kind of auger can be a manually turned, handheld device, or powered by an electric motor or internalcombustion engine, possibly attached to a tractor.

Other appUcations of augers indude its use in construction drius, snow blowers, combine harvesters, ice resurfacers, rubbish compactors, oil fields (as a method of transporting rock cuttings away from the shakers to skips), and injection moulding machines.

These applications have in common that the auger generally has an intake end for receiving material, and an output end for discharging material, The material, therefore, travels from the intake end towards the output end, which output end may be connected to a chute or the like for directing the outputted material.

Without use of the chute, a typical auger may expel material from the output end in an unpredictable manner, which can be undesirable. An auger of this type may also require additional means for storing the material so that it may be relocated to a different destination, Additional components such as chutes for directing material and containers for storing material can complicate the process of moving material.

From the discussion that is to follow, it will become apparent how the present invention addresses the aforementioned deficiencies, while presenting numerous additional advantages not hitherto contemplated or possible with known constructions.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an auger for transferring flowabe rnateria, comprising a shaft having a proxima' end and a distal end, a helical flange coaxially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, wherein the auger is operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve S upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and is operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve.

This auger has the advantage that the flowable material may be collected and dispensed via the same opening thereby simplifying the mechanism by which such material may be transferred. The auger functions by a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve whereby to uptake or collect the flowable material into the sleeve via the opening. The sleeve acts to retain and store, even temporarily, flowable material passing thereinto, Having repositioned the opening of the shaft or relocated the auger itself, a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve causes the contents of the sleeve to be deposited at the new location. Accordingly, such an auger can readily function without the necessity of additional components such as chutes or storage containers. The auger is more efficient than known constructions for performing its intended function and also saves considerabie time in transporting materials, It is particularly advantageous in the handheld applications, where flowable material, such as soD for example, may be collected from one location and deposited in another in a short space of time, 2i The sleeve may be operable to store flowable material before dispensation. In this way, the flowable material may be moved to a desired location before being dispensed. The flowable material may be stored in space between the helical flange and the sleeve; more particularly the internal wall of sleeve, The forward relative rotation acts to urge the flowable material to remain in the sleeve.

The helical flange may comprise a helically wound ribbon blade. This may allow the flowable material to be stirred to uniformity, or if different types of flowabie material are collected these may be mixed prior to dispensation.

The helical flange may be operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the sleeve. The shaft and helical flange may be configured such that clockwise rotation of the helical flange is required in order to collect flowable material.

The sleeve may be in a fixed state and the helical flange may be rotatable to effect reJative rotation therebetween, The sleeve may be operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the helical flange. The shaft and helical flange may be configured such that clockwise rotation of the sleeve is required in order to collect flowable material.

The helical flange may be in a fixed state and the sleeve may be rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween.

The helical flange and the sleeve may rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

The shaft and the helical flange may be integrally formed thereby increasing the structural integrity and robustness of the auger.

The sleeve may be closed towards the distal end of the shaft, thereby enhancing the ability of the sleeve to retain flowable material therein.

The sleeve may be tubular. It may, therefore, complement the shape of the shaft and helical blade so as to ensure smooth transit of the flowable material thereth rough.

The auger may further comprise agitating means. The agitating means may inc'ude a sonicator for example. The agitating means may act to agitate the flowable material when in the vicinity of the sleeve so as to prevent the flowable material from hardening, agglomerating, aggregating, freezing and the like, which could cause undesirable functioning of the auger were itto become congested.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of transferring flowable material, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger according to any of Claims 1 to 11; b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable material; c) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve; d) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired location; and e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material.

The step of repositioning the opening of the shaft may include moving the auger itself.

The flowable material may comprise granulate material, such as sand or soD for

example.

The flowable material may comprise a Uquid, such as rainwater for example.

The forward relative rotation speed may be sufficient to urge the flowable material to be collected in the sleeve, Such a speed may allow the auger to function more efficiently due to the creation of high momentum of the flowable material as it passes through the sleeve.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of the auger as described herein (according to any of Claims 1 to 11) for transferring flowable material between at least two locations.

In a particular application, the auger may be used for transferring a granulate material, such as sand, into a holding structure, such as a gabion structure. The auger may be particularly advantageous in military applications due to the requirement of rapid erection of gabion structures in hostile environments.

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of an auger formed according to an embodiment of the present invention: Figure 2 is a side e'evation of the auger of Figure 1 collecting flowable material from a first location; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the auger of Figure 1 and Figure 2 depositing the flowable material at a second location; Figure 4 is a side elevation of an auger formed according to a different embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a side elevation of an auger formed according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated an auger I constituted by a shaft 3 having a proximal end 5 and distal end 7, a helical flange 9 co-axially associated with the shaft 3, and a sleeve II which houses the shaft 3 and helical flange 9.

The sleeve 11 is tubular in shape, is formed from steel (although any suitable rigid material could be used) and has an opening 13 towards the proximal end 5 of the shaft 3. The sleeve 11 may be considered a cylindrical conduit. The sleeve 11 is slightly shorter in length than the shaft 3 so that the proximal end 5 of the shaft 3 protrudes through the opening 13. The sleeve 11 is of substantially circular cross section and complements the shape of the helical flange 9. The sleeve 11 has a closed end 27 towards the distal end 7 of the shaft 3.

The shaft 3 is pole-like and is integrally formed with a helical flange 9 running along its length. Of course, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the shaft and helical flange may not be integrally formed, but connected in an alternative manner. The shaft 3 and helical flange 9 may thus be considered a helical screw. The proximal end 5 of the shaft 3 tapers to a point 15 to enable the shaft 3 to penetrate flowable material with ease during collection.

The shaft 3 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by any suitable rotating means 19 (not specified in diagram). In this embodiment, the forward relative rotation between the shaft 3, and consequently the helical flange 9, and the sleeve 11 is actuated by rotation of the helical flange 9 in an anti-clockwise direction indicated by arrow 21 while the sleeve 11 remains in a fixed state. The forward direction is dictated by the configuration of the helical flange 9; that is the way in which it winds around the shaft 3, In other embodiments, the sleeve may also rotate to effect relative rotation.

Figure 1 illustrates the auger 1 positioned over a square container 23 which holds flowable material, namely sand 25, such that the opening 13 of the sleeve 11 is adjacent the sand 25, while the point 15 of the shaft 3 penetrates the sand 25.

Use of the auger I is demonstrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows the auger 1 rotating the shaft 3, and consequently the heIica flange 9, in an anticIockwise direction, This causes the auger I to collect sand through the opening 13 in the sleeve 11 by virtue of the helical flange 9. The sand 25 is advanced along the sleeve 11 where it may be retained or temporarily stored before being deposited. The closed end 27 of the sleeve 11 acts to retain the sand 25 in the sleeve 11 more effectively. The sand 25 is distributed evenly in the space between the flange 9 and the sleeve 11.

Figure 3 illustrates the auger I positioned in a different location, that is over a round bowl 29. In this embodiment, the auger I itself has been moved, whereas in other embodiments simply the sleeve opening 13 may be repositioned. Figure 3 shows the rotating means 19 rotating the shaft 3, and consequently the helical flange 9, in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow 31; that is to actuate a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange 9 and the sleeve 11. This causes the helical flange 9 to withdraw and convey the sand 25 from the sleeve 11 and dispense it into the round bowl 29 via the opening 13 of the sleeve 11.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is depicted an auger la formed according to an a'ternative embodiment of the present invention. The auger la is similar to that of Figure 1 and, therefore, Uke reference numerais represent Uke features.

However, auger 1 a differs to auger 1 in that, in this embodiment, in order to effect forward reiative rotation the sleeve 33 is rotated by the rotating means 19a in an anticlockwise direction indicated by arrow 33, while the shaft 3a and the flange 9a remain in a fixed state. This causes the sand 25 to be collected via the opening 13a of the sleeve 1 Ia in a similar manner to that described in relation to Figure 2.

With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated an auger lb formed according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The auger lb is similar to that of Figure 1 and, therefore, like reference numerals represent like features. Auger lb further comprises agitating means in the form of a sonicator 35 which lines the interior surface 37 of the sleeve llb and acts to inhibit the sand 25b from agglomerating when in the sleeve lIb, during storage for example. This aids smooth transit of the sand 25b into and out of the sleeve 11 b during use. In this embodiment, the helical flange 9a is constituted by a helically wound ribbon blade, which helps preserve or achieve a uniform consistency of the sand 25.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For examp'e, embodiments in accordance with the invention are not limited to any of the particular materials or construction disclosed herein. Other materials and constructions suitable for performing the function described herein for a particular matera may also be utflized n embodiments of the invenUon.

The scope of the present thsc!osure nc!udes any nove' feature or corn bnation of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention.

The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during prosecution of this application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in specific combinations enumerated in the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An auger for transferring flowable material, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical flange coaxially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, wherein the auger is operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and is operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve.
2 The auger according to Claim 1, wherein the sleeve is operable to store flowable material before dispensation.
3. The auger according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the helical flange comprises a helically wound ribbon blade.
4. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the helical flange is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the sleeve.
5. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the sleeve is in a fixed state and the helica' flange is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween, 6. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the sleeve is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the helical flange.7. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 3 and Claim 6, wherein the helical flange is in a fixed state and the sleeve is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween, 8. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the shaft and the helical flange are integrally formed.9. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the sleeve is dosed towards the distal end of the shaft.10. The auger according to any of C'aims 1 to 9, wherein the sleeve is tubular.11. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 10, further comprising agitating means.12. A method of transferring flowable materiaft, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger according to any of Claims 1 to 11; b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable material; c) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve; d) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired location; and e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material.13. The method according to Claim 12, wherein the step of repositioning the opening of the shaft includes moving the auger.14. The method according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the flowable material comprises granulate material.15. The method according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, wherein the flowable material comprises a ftiquid.16. The method according to any of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the forward relative rotation speed is sufficient to urge the flowable material to be collected in the sleeve.17. Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 11 in transferring flowable material between at least two locations.18. Use of the auger of any of Claims Ito 11 in transferring sand into a gabion structure.19. An auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.20. A method of transferring flowable material substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.21. Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 11 substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1. An auger for transferring flowable material, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical flange co-axially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, the auger being operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and being operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, wherein the helical flange is in a fixed state and the sleeve is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween.2 The auger according to Claim 1, wherein the sleeve is operable to store flowable material before dispensation. * a ***. ** ***.. * *3. The auger according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the helical flange ***. * **.* comprises a helically wound ribbon blade.S....,S p. * a * *4. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the sleeve is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the helical flange.5. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the shaft and the helical flange are integrally formed.
6. The auger according to any of Claims I to 5, wherein the sleeve is closed towards the distal end of the shaft.
7. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve is tubular.
8. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising agitating means.
9. A method of transferring flowable material, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger according to any of Claims 1 to 8; b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable *... * *material; * * c) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange * * **I* and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve; * S * .. * S d) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired * location; and * * * .S e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material.
10. The method according to Claim 9, wherein the step of repositioning the opening of the shaft includes moving the auger.
11. The method according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the flowable material comprises granulate material.
12. The method according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the flowable material comprises a liquid.
13. The method according to any of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the forward relative rotation speed is sufficient to urge the flowable material to be collected in the sleeve.
14. Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 8 in transferring flowable material between at least two locations. * * I..* *****
15. Use of the auger of any of Claims 1 to 8 in transferring sand into a *** S * * gabion structure.S. .5.S S * 0. . * I*
16. An auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. I.
17. A method of transferring flowable material substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.It Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 8 substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown In, the accompanying drawings. * ** ***.SS..... . . S. *..