JP7483279B2 - Mixing equipment for silty fine soils - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to the field of mixers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices used to facilitate underground mixing of materials.

It is known to strengthen soil by injection of structurally durable materials that improve the soil strength of existing structures such as houses and buildings. To achieve this, one method is to increase the strength of the soil by introducing ingredients underground that react to give stability to the soil. Therefore, a mixer is needed that facilitates this underground mixing and the reaction between the ingredients and the composition.

Several designs of mixers have been developed in the past, however, while they are compact and have easy to use construction, none are known to be usable for underground mixing.

Applicant believes that the relevant reference corresponds to U.S. Patent No. 5,104,233 filed by HISAO KOJIMA. The Kojima reference discloses a mixing element including a passage tube through which the fluids to be mixed pass, and a fluid structure providing multiple fluid passages within the passage tube. However, the Kojima reference does not disclose any means for facilitating the underground mixing of materials.

Another related application is U.S. Patent No. 7,040,802 filed by ALFRED FUEGLISTER. The Fueglister reference discloses a static mixer for high viscosity flowing fluids that includes a mixing element made as a monolith and a sleeve element in the form of a piece of pipe, whereby the mixing element is positioned similar to a house where the sleeve element is inserted along with the mixing element. However, the Fueglister reference does not show any means to facilitate mixing of materials underground.

Other documents describing the most similar subject matter introduce more or less numerous complex features that do not allow the problem to be solved in an efficient and economical manner. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT The present invention aims to provide a mixer for facilitating the mixing of materials underground.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a mixer having a simple construction to facilitate mixing of materials underground.

Further objects of the present invention will be disclosed in the following parts of the specification, the detailed description being for the purpose of fully disclosing the present invention without imposing any limitations.

With the above and other related objects in view, the invention comprises details of construction and combination of parts as may be more fully understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 illustrates a system 100 for improving soil conditions according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, a cap 108 is shown at the distal end of a first pipe 106, both of which have already been inserted a predetermined distance into the soil 104, and a composition is injected into an expansion element 114. Illustrated is a diagram of the expansion element 114 and filler tube 112 used to transport the composition underground and into the mixer 10. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an apparatus 20 for facilitating mixing of materials underground, including a base 24 and an expansion assembly 28. 10 demonstrates a view of an expansion segment 28A of an expansion assembly 28 that is connectable by a loop and clip structure 28D. 10. A view of fitting 28B is demonstrated having a hexagonal opening 28C connectable to hexagonal protrusion 10D on mixer 10. A view of the filler tube 112 terminating in the mixer 10 is demonstrated. Various elements are illustrated that facilitate proper placement of the filler tube 112 and expansion element 114 underground. 1 illustrates a plan view of the bottom bushing 14. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the bottom bushing 14. 1 illustrates a front view of the bottom bushing 14. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a flexible hose 34 used to guide the filler tube in a first pipe 106 . 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a filler tube 112 connected to the mixer 10 in the first pipe 106 . 1 illustrates a top view of a mixer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mixer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a front view of a mixer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a top view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a front view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a top view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a front view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a top view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a front view of a mixer 10 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a mixer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a mixer 10 in accordance with one alternative embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a front view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an isometric view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates a top view of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

By referring to the drawings, i.e., Figures 1 to 13, in which the present invention is generally referred to using the numeral 10, it can be seen that the mixer 10 is provided at the bottom end of a hose conveying raw materials or compositions that need to be mixed underground in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for strengthening the soil or foundation of a house 200. The system 100 includes a container 102 containing a composition or raw material that needs to be mixed into the soil 104 to strengthen the soil and any type of foundation, including but not limited to the foundation of a house or any other type of structure. The composition can also be added to the soil to stabilize the soil and associated foundation by filling voids. The system further includes a first pipe 106 disposed within a first hole 101 drilled into the soil 104. A distal end of the first pipe 106 is covered by a cap 108. The system further includes one or more filler tubes 112 in fluid communication with the container 102. The system further includes a mixer 10 disposed at an operative bottom end of the filler tube 112 to facilitate mixing of two or more compositions entering the mixer 10.

Optionally, system 100 may include an expansion element 114. The mixture of compositions exiting mixer 10 is collected inside expansion element 114. Sometimes, the compositions may cause a chemical reaction between the compositions upon mixing of the compositions in mixer 10 to cause the mixture to expand. The expansion may be accommodated by expansion element 114. After expansion, the mixture may turn into a hard block, which provides strength to the foundation of house 200.

With reference to FIG. 2, the ducts as well as the transitions of the expansion element 114 can be seen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, there are two filler tubes 112 that terminate into the mixer 10. After the formation of the mixture in the mixer 10, the mixture is discharged into the expansion element 114, followed by expansion of the mixture in the expansion element 114, as previously discussed. The top bushing 12 allows the filler tube 112 and the expansion element 114 to be held together. The bottom bushing 14 is provided at the working bottom end of the expansion element 114 to hold the filler tube 112 and the expansion element 114. FIG. 5 illustrates various components that facilitate proper placement of the filler tube 112 and the expansion element 114 underground, namely the top bushing 12, the bottom bushing 14, the metallic ring 16 that connects the filler tube 112 and the expansion element 114 to the top bushing 12, and the metallic cover 18 that connects the filler tube 112 and the expansion element 114 to the bottom bushing 14. Figures 6A-6C illustrate views of the bottom bushing 14. It should be noted that the bottom bushing configurations illustrated in Figures 6A-6C are merely exemplary. Other configurations of the bottom bushing are well within the scope of the present invention per application requirements.

3A-3C, an apparatus 20 for mixing two or more materials underground is seen. The apparatus 20 includes at least one hose 112 in fluid communication with a container 102 of materials or compositions to be mixed. The apparatus 20 further includes a mixer 10 into which the at least one hose 112 is terminated. The mixer 10 has at least one aperture 10A for receiving the at least one hose 112. The mixer 10 defines a mixing vessel 18 in fluid communication with the at least one aperture 10A for receiving materials passing through each hose 112 into each aperture 10A to facilitate mixing in the mixing vessel 18. The mixer 10 further defines an outlet 22 for discharging the mixture.

The apparatus 20 further includes a base 24 configured to mate with the outlet 22 of the mixer 10. The base 24 has an opening 24A for securely receiving the mixer 10. More specifically, the opening 24 may be provided with threads or other means for securely receiving or mating with the outlet 22 of the mixer 10.

The mixer 10 has a hole 26 provided on the operational surface of the mixer 10 in accordance with the present invention. The device 20 further includes an expansion assembly 28. The expansion assembly 28 includes a plurality of expansion segments 28A, one of which includes a handle 30, while another of the expansion segments 28A includes a protrusion 32. The expansion assembly 28 facilitates fitting of the mixer 10 onto the base 24. The base 24 is provided at the operational bottom end of the expansion element 114, which is below ground. The expansion assembly 28 facilitates fitting of the mixer 10 onto the base 24 by facilitating maneuvering of the mixer 10 through the first pipe 106 and towards the base 24. To this end, the handle 30 serves to maneuver the mixer down the first pipe 106, while the protrusion 32 is configured to mate with the hole 26 to facilitate mechanical coupling of the expansion segment 28A with the mixer 10 to facilitate rotation of the mixer 10 when the handle 30 is rotated. In one embodiment, protrusions 32 and holes 26 exhibit a rectangular outline, although other polygonal outlines are within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 3B illustrates one embodiment of an extension assembly 28 in which, instead of protrusions 32, extension segments 28A are provided with fittings 28B that define hexagonal openings 28C that are configured to engage with hexagonal protrusions 10D provided on mixer 10, as seen in Figure 3C. Connection between extension segments 28A is facilitated by loop and clip structures 28D, as seen in Figure 3B.

4 illustrates an isometric view of mixer 10 having three internally terminated filler tubes 112 that are used to carry a first composition in one of the filler tubes 112, a second composition in another one of the filler tubes 112, and air or water in a third filler tube 112, according to one example. Base 24 is also shown to have a threaded opening 24A that threadably receives outlet 22 of mixer 10 and is provided with a complementary thread formation.

Figure 7A illustrates the ducting in the apparatus 20. As seen in Figure 7A, the apparatus 20 includes a flexible hose 34 that houses a filler tube 112. Downstream of the flexible hose 34 is a first pipe 106 that houses the filler tube 112 underground. A drilling case 36 is used to connect the flexible hose 34 to the first pipe 106 as well as hold the filler tube 112.

Figure 7B illustrates the ducting in the apparatus 20 as another embodiment. As seen in Figure 7B, the apparatus 20 includes a filler tube 112 that is inserted into the first pipe 106 such that the filler tube 112 terminates into the mixer 10. The flexible hose 34 is not present in this embodiment. The drilling case 36 is used to connect the flexible hose 34 to the first pipe 106 and hold the filler tube 112 as well.

Figures 8A-8C illustrate views of a mixer 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mixer 10 has a cylindrical top 10A and an outlet 22 extending downwardly from the top 10B. As previously described, the mixer 10 includes a bore 10A and a bore 26. The bore 26 has a square outline in this embodiment of the mixer 10. The mixer 10 further includes a bore 10C that facilitates placement of a plug or needle while being fitted to another pipe in a concentric arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A-8C, the outlet 22 is provided with a threaded structure on its outer surface.

Figures 9A-9C illustrate views of a mixer 10 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the mixer illustrated in Figures 9A-9C is similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8A-8C, with the only difference being the structure provided on the outer surface of the outlet 22 of the mixer. As such, the construction of the mixer 10 illustrated in Figures 9A-9C will not be described again in order to brevity of this disclosure. Also, like elements in Figures 8A-8C and 9A-9C are referenced by like numerals for simplicity. The outlet 22 is provided with a helical protrusion 38 provided on the outer surface of the outlet 22.

10A-10D illustrate diagrams of a mixer 10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the mixer illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, with the only difference being the configuration of the holes 26. As such, the construction of the mixer 10 illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10D will not be described again in order to brevity this disclosure. Also, like elements in FIGS. 8A-8C and 10A-10D are referenced by like numerals for simplicity. The holes 26 are circular in shape in this embodiment. The circular shape of the holes 26 allows a cylindrically contoured extension segment 28A to be fitted into the holes 26 in order to operate the mixer 10.

11A-11C illustrate views of a mixer 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the mixer illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, with the only difference being the structure provided on the outer surface of the outlet 22 of the mixer. As such, the construction of the mixer 10 illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C will not be described again in order to brevity of this disclosure. Also, like elements in FIGS. 8A-8C and 11A-11C are referenced by like numerals for simplicity. The outlet 22 is provided with a protrusion 40 on the outer surface of the outlet 22. More specifically, in this embodiment, the base 24 is provided with a cavity for receiving the protrusion 40 provided on the outlet 22 of the mixer 10, with the cavity and the protrusion 40 having a complementary configuration to facilitate a snap-fit of the outlet 22 into an opening in the base 24.

12A and 12B illustrate views of a mixer 10 according to yet another embodiment. With reference to Fig. 12A, the mixer 10 further includes a pair of angled passages 42 extending from the periphery of the mixer 10 to the central axis of the mixer 10. With reference to Fig. 12B, the mixer 10 further includes a pair of horizontal passages 44 extending from the periphery of the mixer 10 to the central axis of the mixer 10.

13A-13C, an embodiment of the mixer 10 is illustrated that includes positioning protrusions 46 on the periphery of the mixer for fitting the mixer 10 to a concentric tube. In an alternative embodiment, the mixer 10 is known as a Y-mixer and is configured in a Y-shape. The mixer 10 can have a GPS device mounted thereon or housed therein to inform the user of the mixer's location as it travels underground.

From the foregoing description, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be best understood. Various embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted in an illustrative and not limiting sense.

Industrial Applicability
Industrial applicability of the present invention includes an apparatus for mixing two or more materials underground. The apparatus uses a simple configuration to facilitate the underground mixing process. The apparatus includes at least one hose in fluid communication with a container of materials that require mixing. The apparatus further includes a mixer in which the at least one hose terminates. The mixer includes at least one aperture for receiving the at least one hose. The mixer defines a mixing chamber in fluid communication with at least one aperture for receiving materials entering each aperture through each hose to facilitate mixing within the mixing chamber. The mixer further includes an outlet for discharging the resulting mixture.

Claims (12)

1. An apparatus for underground mixing of at least two materials, the apparatus comprising:
a. at least two hoses in fluid communication with a container of the at least two materials, the at least two hoses each including a distal end insertable into the ground;
a mixer located at the distal end, the mixer having at least two holes for receiving the at least two hoses, the mixer further defining a mixing chamber in fluid communication with and in direct communication with the at least two holes for receiving the at least two materials entering the at least two holes through the at least two hoses to facilitate mixing in the mixing chamber, the at least two holes being located at a top of the mixer, the mixer further including holes around its curved surface for inserting the at least two hoses therein in a concentric arrangement, the mixer including locating protrusions on an outer periphery of the mixer for fitting the mixer to a concentric tube, and the mixer including at least one outlet;
c) a base configured to be fitted to the at least one outlet of the mixer, the base having an opening for securely receiving the mixer, the opening having a first open portion that is semi-conical, the at least one outlet having an inwardly projecting first portion that defines a semi-conical shape, the first portion of the at least one outlet being received in the first open portion;
An apparatus comprising : 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second opening portion of the opening in the base is a threaded opening that receives a second portion of the at least one outlet of the mixer, and an outer surface of the second portion of the at least one outlet is provided with a thread-like formation complementary to that provided on the second opening portion . The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening in the base is provided with a cavity for receiving a protrusion on the at least one outlet of the mixer, the cavity and the protrusion having a complementary configuration to facilitate a snap-fit of the at least one outlet into the opening. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly including at least one expansion segment, one of the expansion segments having protrusions on a top working surface of the mixer that are complementary to the at least two holes. 5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein one of the extension segments includes a handle that facilitates providing a manual actuation to the extension assembly for mating the mixer to the base. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the protrusion and the at least two holes have a rectangular outline. The device of claim 6, wherein the expansion segments are configured to snap-fit together. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least two hoses are attached to the mixer through the at least two holes using quick connectors or by screw attachment. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a top bushing and a bottom bushing, each of the top bushing and the bottom bushing having at least one passage adapted to be guided through the at least two hoses as the at least two hoses travel underground. The device of claim 1, wherein the number of the two holes corresponds to the number of the at least two hoses. 1. An apparatus for underground mixing of at least two materials, the apparatus comprising:
a. at least two hoses in fluid communication with a container of the at least two materials, the at least two hoses each including a distal end for insertion into the ground;
a mixer located at said distal end, said mixer having at least two holes for receiving said at least two hoses, said mixer further defining said mixing chamber in fluid communication with and in direct communication with said at least two holes for receiving said at least two materials entering said at least two holes through said at least two hoses to facilitate mixing in the mixing chamber, said at least two holes being located at a top of said mixer, said mixer further including holes around its curved surface for inserting said at least two hoses therein in a concentric arrangement, said mixer including locating protrusions on an outer periphery of said mixer for fitting said mixer to a concentric tube;
a base configured to fit over at least one outlet of the mixer, the base having an opening for securely receiving the mixer, the opening having a first opening portion that is semi-conical, the at least one outlet having an inwardly projecting first portion that defines a semi-conical shape, the first portion of the at least one outlet being received in the first opening portion, a second opening portion of the opening of the base being a threaded opening for receiving a second portion of the at least one outlet of the mixer, an outer surface of the second portion of the at least one outlet being provided with a threaded formation complementary to that provided in the second opening portion, the opening of the base being provided with a cavity for receiving a protrusion on the at least one outlet of the mixer, the cavity and the protrusion having a complementary configuration to facilitate a snap-fit of the at least one outlet into the opening;
d. an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly including at least one expansion segment, one of the expansion segments having a protrusion complementary to the at least two holes in the top working surface of the mixer, one of the expansion segments including a handle, the handle facilitating a manual actuation of the expansion assembly to mate the mixer to the base, the protrusion and the at least two holes having a square outline, and the expansion segments configured to snap-fit together;
13. An apparatus comprising: 1. An apparatus for underground mixing of at least two materials, the apparatus comprising:
a. at least two hoses in fluid communication with a container of the at least two materials, the at least two hoses each including a distal end for insertion into the ground;
a mixer located at said distal end, said mixer having at least two holes for receiving said at least two hoses, said mixer further defining a mixing chamber in fluid communication with and in direct communication with said at least two holes for receiving said at least two materials entering said at least two holes through said at least two hoses to facilitate mixing in the mixing chamber, said at least two holes being located at a top of said mixer, said mixer further including holes around its curved surface for inserting said at least two hoses therein in a concentric arrangement, said mixer including locating protrusions on an outer periphery of said mixer for fitting said mixer to a concentric tube;
a base configured to fit over at least one outlet of the mixer, the base having an opening for securely receiving the mixer, the opening having a first opening portion that is semi-conical, the at least one outlet having an inwardly projecting first portion that defines a semi-conical shape, the first portion of the at least one outlet being received in the first opening portion, a second opening portion of the opening of the base being a threaded opening for receiving a second portion of the at least one outlet of the mixer, an outer surface of the second portion of the at least one outlet being provided with a threaded formation complementary to that provided in the second opening portion, the opening of the base being provided with a cavity for receiving a protrusion on the at least one outlet of the mixer, the cavity and the protrusion having a complementary configuration to facilitate a snap-fit of the at least one outlet into the opening;
d. an expansion assembly, the expansion assembly including at least one expansion segment, one of the expansion segments having a protrusion complementary to the at least two holes in the top working surface of the mixer, one of the expansion segments including a handle, the handle facilitating a manual actuation of the expansion assembly to mate the mixer to the base, the protrusion and the at least two holes having a square outline, and the expansion segments configured to snap-fit together;
An apparatus consisting only of

Images