RU2163651C2 - Device for applying hot molten mix - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: machines for producing road-building materials. SUBSTANCE: heating system for hose 22 and distributing pipe 24 incorporated in device has three-phase heating element 30 supplied with power from generator. The latter is essentially ac generator 194 for vehicles driven by internal-combustion engine 52 and used for heating hose 22, distributing pipe 24, and hot mix material inside them. Regulator 46 is connected to temperature-sensor 122 placed on hose 22 for selective current supply to generator 166 for feeding heating element 30 so as to maintain desired temperature of hot mix material. Heating element incorporates conductors 98, 100, 102 of three-phase heating element wound on hose 22 and distributing pipe 24. EFFECT: improved service life and simplified design of device. 22 cl, 18 dwg

Description

 The present invention relates to a device for applying a hot molten mixture, intended for the distribution of heated fluid material of this type, as described in the preamble of paragraph 1 of the claims.

 A device of this type is known from US Pat. No. 4,096,973. A known device includes a flexible hose for passing fluid material from a source to a place of use. A flexible hose includes a heating element formed by a heating coil surrounding the length of the hose. As shown in the drawings, the heating coil is located on the outer surface of the hose. This embodiment of the heating coil can prevent the heating elements from bending at a very small bending angle during movement of the hose, however, on the other hand, the heating element is subject to wear, for example when the hose is on the floor.

 Devices for applying the hot molten mixture are used to apply the hot molten mixture in the form of asphalt or bituminous hot molten material to sites such as paved roads, etc., for the purpose of sealing, routine minor repairs of road surfaces or road repairs. These types of application devices are also used for applying hot molten material to hold raised or buried road marking elements in place and to seal and protect inductive overrun road signs.

 In one such commercialized hot melt dispenser, still sold by the assignee of the present application and disclosed in US Pat. handset on the road surface. During certain periods of work, when the operator does not want to apply the mixture, but wants the mixture to remain hot enough to be applied on demand, the distribution tube is inserted into a holder connected to the reservoir. When the distribution tube is in the holder, the pump provides continuous circulation of the mixture through the hose, distribution tube, holder and back to the tank so that this mixture will not solidify in the distribution tube or hose and impede its flow.

 Upon completion of use of the application device, the pump is briefly put into reverse mode to clean the hose and distribution tube of the hot molten mixture material before the hot molten mixture is cooled. Unfortunately, if the hot molten mixture hardens either inside the hose or inside the distribution tube, it can partially impede or completely block its flow through the hose, causing the operator to clean the hose and distribution tube before the applicator can be used to apply hot molten mixture.

 To improve this method of preventing obstruction in the hose and distribution pipe, a single-phase electric heating system was used to prevent the hardening of the hot mixture material in the hose and distribution pipe. During operation, the temperature sensor on the distribution pipe or hose transmits temperature data to the controller, which controls the heating provided by the heating element of the system, which is in contact with the hose and the distribution pipe, by adjusting the electrical power supplied to the element.

 When creating the heating element, one wire of the heating tube and a non-heating neutral wire form a two-wire cord of the heating element, which is wound around the hose and the distribution tube in a spiral or helical manner. Unfortunately, during operation with the aim of heating the hose and the distribution tube, a rather dangerous AC voltage of at least about 110 volts is supplied to the heating element. As a result, there is a high risk of electric shock if the wires become open to impact or otherwise become insufficiently insulated during operation.

 In addition, since only one wire from a pair of wires of a heating element cord wound around the hose can generate and transfer heat, the cord should be relatively tightly wound around the hose and distribution pipe with minimal clearance between turns to ensure proper heat flux so that prevent the solidification of the hot molten mixture. Unfortunately, since only one wire of a two-wire cord of the heating element can generate heat and since both wires of the cord encircle the hose and the distribution pipe, the size of the heating element per unit length of the cord is not the maximum possible, which leads to less efficient operation of the heating element.

 In addition, for particularly long hose lengths, such as for hoses with a length of the order of twelve feet (3.6576 m) or more, more than one temperature sensor must be used in a single-phase heating system to ensure proper temperature control so that the hose and distribution The tube was properly heated during operation. The need to use this additional sensor is a drawback, since its presence leads to an increase in the cost and possible operating costs for the maintenance of the heating system, while the complexity and difficulties associated with the proper heating of both the distribution tube and the hose increase in order to maintain them at temperature, which ensures proper flow of the hot molten mixture through the hose and distribution tube.

 When controlling the heating element, the temperature controller simply adjusts the electric current from the single-phase alternator to the heating element by turning the electric current on and off. To determine whether to apply electric current, the controller has a selectively adjustable temperature stabilizer that is connected to a temperature sensor. If the temperature measured by the sensor is too high, the temperature stabilizer will cause the controller to turn off the current supplied to the heating element. If the temperature measured by the sensor is too low, the temperature stabilizer will cause the controller to turn on the current supplied to the heating element.

 To regulate a single-phase current, the controller is wired in series with the heating element and functions simply as a two-position switch in response to an input signal from a temperature sensor connected to a hose or distribution pipe. The controller does not control the operation of either an alternator or motor. It simply serves as a switch to turn on and off the current supplied to the heating element.

 The alternator is a conventional alternator, which is connected via pulleys and a belt to the drive shaft of an internal combustion engine to provide power. The alternating current generator has an integrated power control circuit for converting its initial three-phase output signal of a reduced voltage into a single-phase alternating current with an adjustable voltage of at least about 110 volts. Unfortunately, this power control scheme raises the cost of the system without adding any benefits to its use or operation.

 Obviously, a more efficient and economical heating system for the distribution tube and hose is needed, which works more safely at reduced voltages and at the same time provides proper heating in order to keep the hot molten mixture inside the hose and distribution tube in a fluid state. A device for applying a hot molten mixture having a relatively compact and mobile design, which has a heated hose and a distribution tube in order to achieve maximum convenience and improve the operational characteristics of the device, is also needed.

 This is achieved by implementing the device described in paragraphs 1-22 of the claims.

 A heating system for a hose and distribution tube of a device for applying a hot molten mixture is described, which uses a three-phase electric heating element supplied with energy from a generator that can selectively supply current to heat the hose and distribution pipe to maintain the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose and distribution tubes in a fluid state. In order to selectively generate current from a generator to control the heat supplied to the hose and the distribution pipe, the heating system has (1) a temperature controller connected to a temperature sensor located on the hose or distribution pipe, and (2) a control output connected to the input generator. The control input of the generator enables the temperature controller to control the operation of the generator in order to regulate the electric current supplied to the heating element, thereby providing the possibility of regulating the heating of the hose and distribution tube.

 The device for applying the hot molten mixture has a source of material for the hot molten mixture, which is preferably contained in the boiler. The boiler preferably has a vertically standing, essentially cylindrical structure and preferably has a double heating boiler structure with a closed space between the inner and outer side walls, designed to receive hot oil to heat the hot molten mixture inside the inner wall of the boiler. In order to allow hot molten mixture material to be pumped out of the boiler when the mixture is heated to a fluid state, the application device has a pump with an inlet element entering the boiler and an outlet element connected to the hose.

 In a preferred embodiment of the application device, the boiler has a pump for the material of the hot molten mixture located between a pair of mixers inside the boiler, designed to mix the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler during operation. Preferably, the hot molten material pump is a hydraulic drive pump connected to a working fluid pump connected to a drive shaft of a prime mover, which is preferably an internal combustion engine.

 The motor output shaft is also connected to a power generator, which preferably generates three-phase electrical power. Preferably, the generator is a conventional vehicle alternating current generator, modified so that it does not require any rectifier, voltage regulator, current regulator or any other electric power control circuit on the alternator to directly supply a three-phase electric output power to a three-phase electric heating element.

 The generator has a stator with three outputs that are connected to a heating element for the hose and distribution tube, and a rotor, which has a control input to enable selective current supply to the generator to control heating of the hose and distribution tube. The control input is connected to the control output of the regulator, which generates a control current to turn on the rotor when the temperature of the hose or distribution tube drops below a predetermined temperature.

 In a preferred embodiment, the controller has its own power source, which is preferably a DC power source, preferably a battery. To measure the temperature of a hose or distribution pipe, the controller has a pair of inputs connected by wires to a temperature sensor that is attached to the hose or distribution pipe. Preferably, the temperature sensor is a thermocouple with an RID resistance thermometer for measuring the temperature of a hose or distribution pipe. Preferably, the temperature sensor is attached to the hose near the end of the hose connected to the boiler. Preferably, the sensor is attached to the hose at a distance of about 15.24 cm from the end of the hose connected to the boiler.

 To prevent the solidification of the material of the hot molten mixture both inside the hose and inside the distribution pipe, a three-phase heating element is connected to both the hose and the distribution pipe. The heating element consists of three wires of the heating element, each of which is designed to pass the phase of a three-phase electric current from the generator. The wires of the heating element are placed in an insulating material that separates the wires from each other, forming a cord. The cord of the heating element is wound spirally around the wall of both the hose and the distribution tube. At one end of the cord of the heating element, each of the wires of the cord of the heating element is connected to the output terminal of the generator. At the other end of the cord of the heating element, the ends of all wires are connected to each other. Each wire generates heat when current is supplied, and the cord of the heating element does not have wires that do not generate heat or neutral wires in contact with the hose and the distribution pipe when the heating element is wound around the hose and the distribution pipe.

Preferably, each portion of the spiral or cord of the heating element is spaced about 1.905 cm from adjacent turns to create a heat flux with a density of at least about 0.3875 watts per cm ² and preferably creates an optimal heat flux with a density of about 0.5425 watts per cm ² when a preferred combination of three-phase voltage and current passes through each wire of the heating element. Alternatively, adjacent turns of the cord can be spaced apart from about 1.27 cm to about 2.54 cm, creating a heat flux density sufficient to ensure proper heating of the hose and distribution tube.

 Preferably, the cord is wound relatively tight around the hose and the distribution pipe so that it covers the hose and distribution pipe to maximize the heat transfer from each of the wires of the heating element to the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose and distribution pipe.

 Preferably, the cord is attached directly to the hose and distribution tube, for example, with tape, which may be an insulating tape similar to silicone tape.

 The cord of the heating element of the hose is connected in series with the cord of the heating element of the distribution tube. To connect the hose to the distribution pipe, the cord of the heating element of the hose has a non-heating section, which is connected by an electrical connector to the non-heating section of the cord of the heating element of the distribution pipe, thereby creating a series connection of both cords. The connector provides the ability to quickly replace a hose or distribution pipe with another hose or distribution pipe if the need arises. Preferably, the cord also has a non-heating portion connected via such a connector to the power cord of the application device near the boiler.

 The wire of the heating element is made of a high-resistance wire of the heating element, such as a copper wire, a wire from a copper alloy, a wire from nichrome, a wire from an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, or another type of wire that can generate heat energy relatively efficiently by passing current through the wire. Each of the non-heating sections of the cord is preferably made of copper wire having a thickness of preferably at least about fourteen gauge.

 In a preferred design of the hose, the hose consists of an inner wall made of a strong and resilient material, preferably a type of stainless steel braided hose, the inner wall forming a channel through which the material of the hot molten mixture passes during operation. The inner wall has a silicone layer, which is preferably a silicone tape. Above this silicone layer is a cord of a three-phase heating element, which is wound in the form of a helical spiral around a layer of silicone and the inner wall of the hose. Around the cord is wound another layer of silicone, which is preferably a silicone tape. On its outer side, the hose has a strong, durable, flexible and resilient outer rubber coating located above the insulation layer, which may preferably be an insulating foam with open or closed pores. The temperature sensor is preferably located in the recess in the insulation and is pressed against the inner wall of the hose by a tape wound around the hose. At each end of the hose there is a threaded clamping device to enable the hose to be connected at one end to the boiler and at the other end to the distribution pipe, wherein the hose connections to the boiler and distribution pipe are impermeable to fluids.

 The distribution tube has a pistol type distribution device located adjacent to the junction of the distribution tube with the hose. Outside the dispensing gun, a substantially rigid and substantially cylindrical hollow barrel extends, which forms a tube for flowing the hot molten mixture through which the material of the hot molten mixture flows during operation. The cord of the heating element is wound spirally or helically, preferably around the radially outer surface of the tube for the flow of hot molten mixture in order to ensure the highest possible heat transfer from the cord through the tube to the hot molten mixture in the distribution tube. Preferably, the cord is attached to the tube by tape wrapped around the cord and tube, or by other means.

 To prevent burns to the user during operation, the distribution tube is made with an outer support tube of a larger diameter, essentially telescopically coaxially mounted on the tube for the flow of hot molten mixture. To prevent heat loss and to prevent burns to the user in an enclosed space, insulation can be placed between the radially outer surface of the tube for the flow of hot molten mixture and the radially inner surface of the support tube. For separating the tubes at a distance from each other, a gasket is preferably provided at the end of the tube for flowing the hot molten mixture. To prevent dripping from the distribution tube during operation, the nozzle at the free end of the distribution tube preferably has a duck nose valve.

 The temperature controller has a programmable circuit such as a temperature stabilizer circuit, which is controlled by an external control temperature input device, and the control temperature input can be selected by the user of the device for applying the hot molten mixture. Preferably, the external control temperature input device is a handwheel attached to the axis of a control device, such as a variable resistor, variable capacitor, potentiometer or other suitable variable control device, which may be analog or digital.

 During operation, the temperature of the material of the hot mixture in the hose is measured by the regulator and compared with the control temperature to determine whether to excite the generator to supply current to the heating element in order to heat the hose and distribution pipe. If the measured temperature of the hot molten mixture is above an acceptable threshold value that exceeds the control temperature, the controller will not cause current to flow from the generator, and no heat will flow to the hose and distribution pipe. If, however, the temperature of the hot molten mixture is less than the control temperature or less than a threshold value lower than the control temperature, the controller supplies current from the generator, thereby causing the heating element to heat the hose and distribution pipe. To supply current from the generator, the controller supplies the control current from its output to the input of the generator rotor.

 In a preferred embodiment of the heating system for the hose and the distribution pipe, the controller has a lower control temperature limiter indexed in accordance with the control temperature set by the user, and this lower value can be, for example, five degrees, ten degrees, fifteen degrees or other specified increment less than the set control temperature. Alternatively, the lower control temperature limiter may have the same value as the control temperature set by the user. To determine when the generator should be turned off, the regulator has an upper limit for the control temperature, which is indexed in accordance with the control temperature and which can be a set value that exceeds the control temperature, for example, by five degrees, ten degrees, fifteen degrees or another value .

 In another preferred embodiment of the regulator, the regulator can be designed and positioned so that it will control the operation of the engine to selectively control the output of the generator to control the heating of the hose and distribution tube by the heating element. The controller has an output connected to the engine operation controller, which preferably can in a controlled manner change the speed of the engine to control the generator output. Preferably, the engine governor is a solenoid connected to an engine throttle.

 In one preferred engine control mode, the controller measures the voltage, current, or power supplied by the generator to the heating element and adjusts the motor speed accordingly. In another preferred control mode, the controller adjusts the speed of the engine according to the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose or distribution tube.

 In yet another operation control mode, the controller supplies current to the generator based on the temperature of the hot molten mixture measured by the temperature sensor, and adjusts the engine speed when the generator is turned on. The current supply to the generator is preferably carried out selectively based on the measured temperature and / or electrical load of the heating element.

 In a new and preferred design of a heated hose, the hose contains a pipe sheathed with woven or braided tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon), which has a compression-resistant, flexible tube that slides telescopically into the pipe, which limits the degree of bending of the pipe, preventing twisting, and also increasing the resistance to crushing of the pipe. The heating element is preferably wound around the pipe in order to heat the heated fluid material inside the pipe. The pipe at each end is attached to a fitting, which is preferably a fitting for connecting plastic and steel pipes, and is enclosed in an outer protective casing telescopically mounted on the pipe, which is preferably a rubber hose having a relatively rigid reinforcing wire embedded in its side wall , which helps to increase resistance to bending, crushing and twisting. The wire is preferably a single spiral wire inside the side wall of the casing, which forms crush-resistant reinforcement of the corrugated side wall.

 The tube consists of a single continuous and elongated thin strip of metal, which is preferably aluminum, moreover, this thin strip is wound spirally and its edges are engaged to form a substantially cylindrical tube that can be bent, can be compressed in the axial direction and thus not less gives the pipe increased resistance to crushing. To install the tube into the tube, the slide tube is telescopically inserted into the tube so that it is at least slightly axially compressed inside the tube to allow bending while limiting the degree of possible bending, thereby preventing twisting. When the tube is installed in the pipe, it can be displaced inside the pipe, sliding relative to it, to facilitate the perception of bending strain of the pipe.

 The casing extends over the entire length of the hose and is fixedly attached to the assembly consisting of fittings and located at each end of the hose with a clamp that tightly clamps the casing around the assembly consisting of fittings. With this design, the casing transfers the tension of the hose, caused by pulling the hose, from one end of the hose to the other end of the hose, while the transmission of tension does not occur through the pipe, thereby minimizing the tension transmitted through the more fragile pipe and through it.

 Each assembly consisting of fittings preferably comprises a fitting with a union nut and a fitting for connecting plastic and steel pipes. Each collar preferably tightly clamps the casing around the body of one of the fittings with a union nut. Each fitting with a union nut is at least partially included in the casing to insulate it. Each fitting for connecting plastic and steel pipes fully enters the casing, thereby insulating it. Preferably, there is an air gap between the casing and the pipe inside the casing that insulates the pipe.

 A fitting with a union nut has a section with an internal thread that is screwed onto a section with an external thread of the fitting for connecting plastic and steel pipes. The other end of the union with a union nut has a male threaded portion that can rotate relative to the body to allow the hose to rotate relative to what it is attached to to help prevent the hose from twisting.

 The clamp is elongated, cylindrical and closes the hole in the casing, through which the wires of the heating element enter the hose to prevent a situation in which bending of the casing causes destruction of the casing at the hole. The clamp also has an opening substantially coaxial with the opening of the casing, which allows the wires of the heating element to pass through it as well.

 The objectives, features and advantages of this invention are intended to provide a heating system for the hose and distribution tube of the device for applying hot molten mixture and a method for regulating the heat supplied to the hose and distribution tube of the device for applying hot molten mixture, which: provide more efficient heating of the hose and distribution tubes when using three-phase electric power; simplify, reduce cost and increase reliability through the use of a three-phase generator, which is a commercially available alternator for vehicles that does not require a rectifier or regulator, which is an advantage; maximize heat transfer and achieve a more uniform heat flow through the use of a three-phase heating element that does not require a non-heating neutral or return wire; minimize the load on the engine and provide better control of the heating of the hose and distribution tube due to the selective supply of current to the generator only when there is a need for electric power; however, the heating system works more safely under reduced voltage and is a heating system for the hose and distribution tube, which has a minimum of components, is strong, simple, flexible, reliable and durable, and which is economical to manufacture, and which is easy to assemble and easy use, and the hose for transporting heated fluid material is flexible and at the same time provides increased resistance to twisting, has a high resistance to crushing, torsion resistance and is a hose that minimizes the tension applied to its flexible inner pipe in order to prevent pipe breakage and elongation of the pipe without one or both of its fittings, and is a hose that is durable, durable, easy to install reliable, easy to use, economical to manufacture.

These and other objectives, features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the best option, from the attached claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for applying a hot molten mixture having a heating control system for a hose and a distribution pipe according to this invention,
FIG. 2 is a side view of an application device,
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an application device,
FIG. 4 is a partial fragmentary side view of a hose of a dispensing device, taken apart to show a three-phase heating element of a hose and a temperature sensor,
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a hose taken along line 4A-4A in FIG. 4,
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a cord of a three-phase heating element taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4,
FIG. 5 is a side view of the distribution tube of the applicator, partially cut away to show a three-phase heating element of the distribution tube,
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a heating element and a control circuit for regulating a current supply to a heating element of a hose and a distribution tube,
FIG. 7 is a partial fragmentary perspective view of an internal combustion engine of a deposition apparatus that is coupled to a generator to generate electric power supplied to a heating element,
FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of a control unit for accommodating a temperature controller of a heating element and a control circuit;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting a second control system according to the present invention for controlling heat supplied to a hose and a distribution pipe by controlling engine speed and thereby controlling generator output power,
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side view of a prior art design of a hose cut in locally to show a new heating element wound around around an inner pipe through which heated fluid flows,
FIG. 11 is a cross section of a hose taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 10,
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal section of the hose shown in FIG. 10,
FIG. 13 is an end view of the hose shown in FIG. 10,
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a threaded end of a hose fitting shown in FIG. 10,
FIG. 15 is a side section of a new design of a heated hose,
FIG. 16 is a cross section of a hose taken along line 16-16 of FIG. fifteen,
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the hose fitting shown in FIG. fifteen; and
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a hose fitting fitting shown in FIG. fifteen.

I. Introduction
In FIG. 1 shows a device for applying a hot molten mixture 20, which uses a heated hose 22 and a heated distribution pipe 24 according to this invention, for controlling the distribution of heated fluid material 26 (indicated by a dash-dot line), which is preferably a hot molten material or mixture, such such as bitumen, tar, asphalt mix, resin, thermoplastic or other material that can be made fluid when heated to a desired temperature. To more efficiently heat the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 while minimizing the risk and power of electric shock for the user 28 (shown by dash-dotted lines) of the application device 20, to the heating element 30 (Figs. 4 and 5) in contact with both the hose 22 and with distribution tube 24, a three-phase current of relatively low voltage is supplied.

II. Device for applying hot molten mixture
As shown in FIG. 1-3, the device 20 for applying the hot molten mixture has a support frame 32 with a device 34 for coupling with the vehicle at one end, and next to its other end the frame 32 is supported by a pair of wheels 36. A source of heated fluid material is installed on the frame 32, which is preferably a mixture of hot molten material contained in an insulated and heated boiler 38.

 The boiler 38 has a bottom, a substantially cylindrical side wall 40, an upper wall 42, and is preferably mounted vertically as shown in FIG. 1-3. A hatch cover 44 is pivotally attached to the upper wall 42, which can be opened to accommodate one or more solid briquettes (not shown), from which the hot molten mixture is obtained, inside the boiler 38. Preferably, the boiler 38 has a double heating boiler design, having an inner wall remote at some distance from the outer wall with the formation of a closed space between them, in which hot oil circulates during operation in order to heat the hot molten mixture Utilize the boiler to a temperature at which the mixture becomes fluid or above a given temperature. Preferably, the boiler can be manufactured and positioned substantially in accordance with the design and location of a substantially cylindrical sealant melting tank, which is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,159,877, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

 To heat the oil and material of the hot molten mixture, one or more heating coils are preferably immersed in the oil. For direct heating of the material of the hot molten mixture, one or more heating coils can be placed inside relative to the inner wall of the boiler 38 in direct contact with the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38. Alternatively, you can use a gas burner (not shown), which is located under the boiler 38 and which is connected to a source of gaseous fuel, for heating the oil, which, in turn, heats the material of the hot molten mixture.

 In order to provide selective control of the temperature of the heated oil so as to ultimately control the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38, the application device 20 has a temperature controller 46 associated with (1) a temperature sensor immersed in oil to directly measure oil temperature, and with (2) a temperature sensor in contact with the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot melt temperature controller 46 is preferably constructed in such a way that it has a display for indicating the oil temperature, a handwheel below the display for setting the desired temperature of the hot oil, another display for indicating the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38 and the handwheel below it to set the desired temperature of the hot molten mixture.

During the initial operation, the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38 is heated to a temperature of from about 176.67 ^° C to about 204.4 ^° C, so that it will be in a fluid or even liquefied state. However, depending on the type and properties of the material inside the boiler 38, which is to be heated and applied, the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture may be more or less than the temperature in the above range.

 When the hot molten mixture is heated to a temperature at which it becomes fluid, can be pumped, or even liquefied, or heated to a temperature above this temperature, the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38 is preferably mixed using a mixing and pumping unit 48. Preferably, mixing and the injection unit 48 has at least one mixer inside the boiler 38, designed to mix the hot molten mixture to help maintain a more uniform temperature in it throughout the boiler 38. In addition, each mixer also helps to keep solid elements, such as fibers, granules or other particles, in suspension in the mixture when the mixture is in a heated and flowing state.

 The mixing and discharge unit 48 also includes a pump (not shown) having an inlet communicating with the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38, and an outlet communicating with the hose 22 to pump the heated material of the hot molten mixture from the boiler 38 into the hose 22 and into the distribution pipe 24 to distribute it from the distribution pipe 24. The hot melt mixture pump is preferably a hydraulically controlled pump, which preferably has a structure a rotary gear pump and is designed to feed the hot molten mixture from the kettle 38 to the hose 22 and wand 24. To control operation of the pump and stirrer hot molten mixture preferably has a control panel 49 located on the boiler 38.

 In one preferred embodiment of the apparatus for applying the hot molten mixture 20, the hot molten mixture pump is disposed within the boiler 38 between a pair of agitators spaced apart from the boiler 38 in order to allow solids, such as fibers, to be retained. or the like, in suspension in the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38. Preferably, a unit 48 for mixing and pumping the hot molten mixture is constructed and p zmeschen substantially in accordance with the design and placement of an embodiment of a pumping and mixing unit disclosed in U.S. Patent N 4859073, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein.

 In order to generate power to drive the hot molten mixture pump, the application device 20 has a prime mover 50, which is preferably an internal combustion engine 52, such as a diesel engine. Alternatively, prime mover 50 may be a gasoline engine, electric motor, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, or other type of energy source. As shown in FIG. 1, a working fluid pump 54 is connected to the engine 52 in the operating position, having an inlet line 56 and a return line 58 that communicates with the working fluid reservoir 60. To ensure the supply of fuel intended for operation of the engine 52, the application device 20 has a fuel tank 62 mounted on a support frame 32 of the device.

 During operation, the engine 52 drives a pump 54 for the working fluid, which delivers the working fluid under pressure to the pump for hot molten mixture to cause the injection of fluid hot molten mixture from the boiler 38 into the hose 22 and into the distribution pipe 24. To cool the engine 52 during operation, the engine 52 has a radiator 64. For cooling the working fluid during operation of the pump, the engine 52 preferably also has a radiator 66 for the working fluid.

 In order to control the application of the hot molten mixture pumped from the boiler 38 to the distribution pipe 24 and distributed from the distribution pipe 24, the distribution pipe 24 has a pistol type distributor 68 at one end. For the selective distribution of the hot molten mixture from the distribution tube 24, the distribution gun 68 has a trigger 70.

 In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for applying the hot molten mixture 20, the trigger 70 communicates directly with the hot molten mixture pump to control the pump to provide a relatively accurate control of the material flow of the hot molten mixture from the distribution tube 24. Preferably, the trigger 70 is pulled, it turns on the hot molten mixture pump, causing the distribution of the hot molten mixture material from the distribution tube 24. When the trigger 70 is released, the pump is turned off and the flow to the distribution pipe 24 is stopped, thereby regulating the flow of the hot molten mixture through the distribution pipe 24 and the hose 22. Preferably, a control device designed to enable selective distribution of the hot molten mixture material such thus, can be designed and arranged essentially in accordance with the design and location of the device for controlling the flow p fused mixture disclosed in US patent N 4692028, the description of which is hereby incorporated into this application.

 In order to minimize and preferably substantially prevent dripping of the hot molten mixture from the end of the distribution tube 24, the end of the distribution tube 24 preferably has an elastic and flexible duck nose valve 72 (FIGS. 1 and 5), which can be interchangeable. In an alternative embodiment, during operation, the hot molten mixture pump may be operated continuously to supply the hot molten mixture under pressure in a distribution pipe 24 having a dispenser with a conventional valve that can be selectively open to distribute the material of the hot molten mixture from the distribution pipe 24 and closed. to stop the distribution of material of the hot molten mixture.

III. Hose and distribution pipe design
A. Hose design
As shown in FIG. 1-3, the hose 22 is located in the support 74, which carries a rotary swing arm 76 attached to the boiler 38 in order to enable the user 28 of the device 20 for applying the hot molten mixture to more quickly and easily manipulate the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24 in the process work. The hose 22 has a flexible and resilient construction and is attached to a fitting extending outward from the boiler 38 at one end and to a distribution gun 68 of the distribution tube 24 at its other end.

 As shown in FIG. 4 and 4A, the hose 22 is elongated, substantially cylindrical and flexible to allow easy movement and positioning of the distribution tube 24 to allow the user 28 to accurately distribute the hot molten mixture material 26 at a desired location on the ground or pavement. At one end 106 of the hose 22 shown in FIG. 4, the hose 22 has a threaded fitting 80 for hermetically mating it with a complementary threaded fitting (not shown) of the boiler 38. At its other end 108, the hose 22 has another threaded fitting 81 for hermetically mating it with the mating threaded fitting 110 (Fig. 5) of the distribution pipe 24.

Hose 22 has a hollow pipe 82 formed by an inner wall 84 of substantially circular cross-section, which is preferably made of braided stainless steel and through which the material of the hot molten mixture can flow after heating to or above its pour point. Around the outer surface of the inner wall 84 of the hose is wound a layer of silicone 86, which is preferably formed by silicone tape. To ensure maximum heat transfer from the heating element 30 to the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose pipe 82, the heating element 30 is wound in a spiral or substantially helical fashion around the silicone coil 86 and the inner wall 84 of the hose 22. To electrically and otherwise insulate the heating element 30, another winding 88 of insulating material is used, which is also preferably a silicone tape. In order to provide both thermal and electrical insulation of the inner wall 84 of the hose and the heating element 30, the second silicone coil 88 is preferably coated with a thicker layer of insulating material 90, which preferably is, for example, open or closed cell foam rubber insulation. To create an elastic and durable outer surface, the foam rubber insulation layer 90 is coated with an outer layer of flexible, elastic and durable material 92, which is preferably rubber, which is also capable of providing both electrical and thermal insulation. It is rational that the design and arrangement of the various layers that form the hose 22 allow the hose 22 to transport hot molten mixture material having a temperature above 148.9 ^° C without causing a risk of burns to the user 28 and without exposing him to the danger of electric shock.

 Hose 22 is shown in more detail in FIG. 10-14. Resistance to pressure of the fluid flowing inside the pipe 82 is provided by a cylindrical layer 240 of stainless steel braiding or weaving, which contacts and surrounds the pipe wall 84. The wall 84 of the pipe is made of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) or sheathed with tetrafluoroethylene, which comes into direct contact with the current hot molten mixture during operation of the application device. A silicone layer 86 surrounds and contacts a stainless steel braid layer 240. The new heating element 30 is spirally wound around silicone 86 and extends substantially along the entire length of the hose 22. A layer of silicone tape 88 is wound around the heating element 30 to hold the heating element 30 in place. If desired, a foam rubber layer 90 can be used without pressing the tape to hold the heating element 30 to the silicone layer 86.

 Despite the fact that in FIG. 10 and 12 show only one end of the hose 22, it should be understood that both ends of the hose 22 are enclosed in a substantially cylindrical metal collar 242 that is worn on the outer protective rubber casing 92. The collar 242 has an axial length of approximately 7.9375 cm , and has a clamp 244 that projects axially outward from a clamp 242 clamped around a fitting 80 at the end of the hose 22. The clamp 242 is continuous, cylindrical, preferably made of steel, and there are no holes in it.

 In the event that the casing 92 is made of rubber, there is no internal reinforcing structure that would tend to counteract the twisting or crushing of the casing 92. In addition, it is not an element that perceives tension during operation, since it is not fixed to any the other part of the hose 22 and is not fixedly attached to either the pipe 82 or any fitting. It is simply located on the foam rubber 90 and covers the foam rubber 90 surrounding the pipe 82.

The wires of the heating element 30, as well as the wires leading to the temperature sensor 122 (Fig. 4), enter the hose 22 between the clamp 242 and the outer rubber casing 92. Although not shown in the figures, the rubber casing 92 has a slot or hole adjacent with fitting 80, closed with a clamp 242, providing
the possibility of inserting the wires 30 further in the radial direction inward into the hose 22 and winding them around the silicone 86, which covers the pipe 82. Although not shown in the figures, the flexible high-temperature tape is preferably wound around the outer surface of the rubber casing 92 under the clamp 242.

 As shown in FIG. 14, fitting 80 is a fitting 80 for connecting plastic and steel pipes, having a male threaded fitting 246 at the end that extends outward from the hose 22 to connect to the female fitting (not shown) of the distribution tube 24 or boiler 38. At its other end, the fitting 80 for connecting plastic and steel pipes has an insertable fitting 248, made and intended to be inserted at one end of the pipe 82. Typically, the covering fitting (not shown) of the distribution pipe 24 or boiler 38 is a second fitting part with a cap nut, which is located outside the hose 22 between fitting 80 and wand 24 and between the fitting 81 and the boiler 38, and permits rotation of the hose 22 relative to the wand 24 and / or kettle 38 during operation. Between the threaded fitting 246 and the inserted fitting 248 there is a square or hex nut 250 that can be clamped with a wrench or other tool to facilitate screwing the threaded end 246 into the female fitting (not shown) or unscrewing it. Fitting 80 is typically made of steel, brass, copper, or aluminum.

 As shown in FIG. 12, the insert fitting 248 is preferably a nipple 252 having spaced apart substantially substantially coaxial and radially outwardly projecting protrusions or burrs 254, each of which comes into contact with the inner wall 84 of the pipe 82 when the nipple is inserted into the pipe 82 in order to counteract and preferably prevent the fitting 248 from coming out of the pipe 82. When the fitting of the fitting is provided in the pipe 82, the inserted fitting 254 is dimensioned to provide a relatively tight a friction fit between it and pipe 82 to help counteract the fitting outlet. To provide additional resistance to the outlet of the fitting around the outer surface 86 of the wall 84 of the pipe 82, a metal tape, strip or ferrule (sleeve) (not shown) is tightened or tightened to bring the wall 84 into tight contact with the fitting 248 and its burrs 254.

 As shown in FIG. 13, the clamp 244 of the clamp 242 is clamped around the hex nut 250 of the fitting 80, thereby ensuring that the clamp 242 is fixedly mounted to the fitting 80. The nut 250 of the fitting 80 is sandwiched between a pair of arcuate clamping plates 256 and 258, which relatively tightly press the fitting 80 to the clamp 242. Although this is not shown clearly in FIG. 13, one clamping plate 256 is configured to completely separate it from the clamp 242 and, as shown more clearly in FIG. 10, has a pair of through holes 243 located at some distance from each other. Holes 243 are coaxial with threaded holes 245 in another clamping plate 258. The clamping plate 258 is welded to the clamp 242 to fix it fixedly to the clamp 242.

 When the fitting 80 is inserted between the clamping plates 256 and 258 so that the threaded end 246 protrudes outward from the end of the clamp 242, a head screw or bolt 260 inserted into each hole 243 in the detachable clamping plate 256 is screwed into the coaxial threaded hole 245 in the clamping plate 258 clamp. When the bolts 260 are inserted and tightened, the plates 256 and 258 are tightly pressed against the corners of the hex nut 256 of the fitting 80, providing a fixed clamp 242 to the fitting 80.

 As shown in FIG. 12, when the collar 242 is mounted around the durable rubber casing 92, it is not mounted around the casing 92 in a tightly frictional fit and is connected to the fitting 80 so that when removing the bolts 260, the clamp 242 can be moved off the casing 92 relatively easily and with relatively little effort . Clamp 242 serves only to minimize the bending of hose 22 adjacent to fitting 80 during operation. As a result, the clamp 242 does not provide a fixed mounting of the casing 92 to any fitting of the hose 22 and, of course, does not provide a fixed mounting of the casing 92 to the fitting 80.

 To further prevent bending and bending of the hose 22, a piece 262 of about one foot (0.3048 m) length of a two-inch (50.8 mm) diameter cylindrical ship drain hose is installed next to fitting 80 on collar 242 in a relatively tight friction fit, or this cut 262 is attached to the collar 242, as shown in FIG. 10-12. Section 262 of the ship drain hose is made of a thermosetting material, usually rubber, which has a spiral metal reinforcing wire 264 (Fig. 11) located inside the side wall 266 of this segment of the hose. Section 262 of the ship drain hose does not extend the entire length of the hose 22.

 Although the design of the hose 22 shown in FIG. 10-14, was a significant commercial success, however, it is desirable to carry out improvements to this design. For example, when the hose 22 is pulled, the tension is transmitted along the length of the hose 22 from one fitting 80 or 81 through the pipe 82 and the braided wall 240 surrounding the pipe 82 to another fitting 81 or 80. Due to the fact that the clamp 242 does not tightly press the outer rubber the casing 92 and the foam rubber layer 90 to the fitting 80, then very little tension is transmitted through the foam rubber layer 90 and the casing 92, if such a transfer occurs at all. As a result of the tension, the tension transmitted only through the braid layer 240 and the pipe 82, when repeatedly pulling the hose 82, as is usually the case during operation, can cause the pipe 82 to completely pull off the fitting 80 or 81, which leads to damage to the hose 22.

 Even assuming that the clamp 242 can be tightly clamped or fitted tightly around the casing 92, it must be borne in mind that this will not allow the casing 92 and / or the foam rubber layer 90 to transmit a large proportion of the tension along the length of the hose 22, since the foam rubber layer 90 is porous, highly compressible, has little tensile strength and extends along the entire length of the casing 92. Due to its porous structure, the foam rubber layer 90 will be compressed by the force exerted by the clamp 242, resulting in lotny contact collar 242 to the housing 92 and a fixed mounting housing 92 to any fitting 80 or 81 by a clamp 242 would be difficult, if not impossible.

 Another problem associated with this design of the hose 22 is that bending the hose 22 anywhere between the lengths 262 of the ship drain hose of both fittings 80 and 81 can cause unwanted twisting of the pipe 82, resulting in reduced flow or even complete cessation of flow hot molten mixture through the pipe 82. Even worse, repeated twisting (looping) in the same area of the pipe 82 can weaken the pipe 82, making it even more susceptible to repeated twisting until until it collapses and stops working.

 Another problem is that the hose 22 can be twisted during use, which can also lead to twisting, loosening and twisting of the pipe 82. Repeated twisting of the pipe 82 can ultimately lead to rupture of the pipe 82, leading to failure in its work .

 Another problem is that the outer casing 92 is made of uniform rubber, while the side wall of rubber has a thickness of only about 3.175 mm, and there is no reinforcing structure inside the side wall of the casing, which makes the casing relatively prone to crushing, if a large load is applied to the hose, which, for example, can happen if the road roller or pavement compactor moves hose 22. If the resulting load is enough In general, it can lead not only to crushing of the outer casing 92, but also to squeezing the pipe 82 in such a way that there will be an obstacle to the flow of hot molten mixture through the pipe 82, or this flow will completely stop, which causes a malfunction.

 Unfortunately, breaking the hose 22 generally requires replacement, since it is no longer suitable for transporting the hot molten mixture. When the damaged hose 22 is relatively new, the replacement is carried out under warranty, which leads to an undesirable significant increase in warranty costs. Even in cases where a damaged hose 22 can be repaired, this repair is expensive since repairing the hose is an expensive operation.

 In FIG. 15-18 depict a new construction of a hose 22 'according to this invention for transporting heated fluid materials, preferably such as hot molten mixture material, which consists at least partially of oil-based material or materials including - without restrictions - heated fluid tar, bitumen, asphalt or other appropriate fluid material, which is heated to cause it to flow, and applied in a hot state to the object, while the application operation is part of a machining or repair operation. While the hose structure of the present invention can be used to apply a conventional hot molten mixture, it can also be used to apply hot glue, hot polymer, hot elastomeric material, hot thermoplastic material and hot thermoset material that becomes hot flowing and which must be heated to a fluid state before applying it to the object in the process of performing part of the processing operation or repair operation. While the hose 22 'of the present invention is well suited for conveying heated fluid mixtures, it is also well suited for transporting heated fluid material that consists of only one component, one material, one chemical, one chemical compound, or for transporting another heated a fluid material that is not a mixture of materials.

 As shown in FIG. 15-18, the new hose 22 ' has an elongated inner flexible reinforced tube 270 through which heated fluid material flows and which is designed and positioned so that it is flexible so that the hose 22 ' can be bent during use, without bending the fluid permeable pipe 82 is limited to a radius of curvature of at least about 25.4 mm to prevent bending in the pipe 82 and the pipe 270. Preferably, the flexible pipe 270 is designed so that it cannot be bent relative to it d so that one portion of the tube 270 is folded over the other part of the tube 270 at the point where tube 270 is curved, with such a construction is intended in order to avoid twisting.

 As shown in FIG. 15, the flexible reinforcing tube 270 is preferably a flexible tube of conventional construction made of spirally wound aluminum tape, and the tube may also be made of steel, copper, or other material that is not permeable with respect to heated fluid material flowing through the tube during operation. Preferably, the tube 270 is made of aluminum, so that it is strong, crush resistant, corrosion resistant, torsion resistant and light in weight.

 The tube 270 is preferably formed from one continuous elongated strip 272 of a relatively thin, but basically rigid material having a curved edge 274 protruding outward in one direction along one edge of the strip 272, and another curved edge 276 protruding outward in the opposite direction along the other edge which are engaged with each other when the strip 272 is wound spirally and the edge 274 comes into contact with the adjacent edge 276 of the adjacent portion of the strip 272 to form a substantially cylindrical tube 270, which is It is flexible and axially compressible and at the same time provides excellent crush resistance. To limit the axial compression of the tube 270 and at the same time further increase the crush resistance of the tube, the strip 272 is made with a substantially U-shaped protrusion radially outward protrusion 278 between the edges 274 and 276, and with a flat part 280 passing near the protrusion 278. The width of the flat part 280 along with the design of the tube 270, in which the edges are mutually locked, helps to control the degree of possible bending of the tube 270 and at the same time limits the degree of possible compression and expansion of the tube 270 in the axial direction.

 Preferably, the aluminum flexible tube 270 has an outer diameter of from about 12.573 mm to about 12.446 mm so as to allow relatively free flow of the hot molten mixture through it. Preferably, the tube 270 has a protrusion height of from about 1.5875 mm to about 0.79375 mm and a wall thickness of about one millimeter. The tube 270 is placed inside the pipe 82 and can move axially relative to the pipe 82 during operation. Despite the fact that each end of the tube 270 can be fixed near each end of the pipe 82 by means of a friction fit, it is caught between the pipe 82 and the fitting 80 or otherwise attached so that each end of the tube does not move relative to the pipe 82 at its end or near its end, the tube 270 is preferably not fixed at each end.

 Since the tube 270 is axially compressible, during assembly, a length of tube having a longer length than the axial length of the pipe 82 is telescopically inserted into the pipe 82 so that it “floats” inside the pipe 82. For example, when the desired length 22 'hose (and pipe 82) is 4.2672 or 4.572 meters, a maximum of 6.7956 meters of pipe length 270 is stuffed into pipe 82. When pipe 82 is 3.048 meters long, a piece of pipe 270 is inserted into pipe 82 with a length of approximately 4.1148 meters . The axial compression of the tube 270 helps prevent twisting by limiting the radius of curvature of any bend of the tube 270.

The pipe 82 is preferably made of tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) or another suitable polymeric material or sheathed with tetrafluoroethylene or other suitable polymeric material, but it can be made of other flexible and elastic synthetic material, plastic or elastomer, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, plastic or other material that is relatively impermeable to the heated fluid material flowing through the flexible tube 270. Preferably, the pipe 82 is not permeable with respect to petroleum products, tar, bitumen and asphalt. Teflon is the preferred material for pipe 82 because it is flexible, relatively impervious to hot melt mixes available on the market, creates relatively little resistance to fluid flow and is resistant to temperatures above 350 ^o Fahrenheit (176.7 ^o C) which makes it particularly suitable for passing a flowing hot molten mixture having similar high temperatures. In one exemplary preferred embodiment, the pipe 82 has an internal diameter of about 19.05 mm for mounting the pipe 270 in such a way that there is a sliding or loose fit between them, and has a wall thickness slightly greater than about 0.79375 mm . A sliding or loose fit between the ends of the tube 270 and the pipe 82 allows the tube 270 to move relative to the pipe 82 during bending to facilitate bending of the tube 270 and pipe 82 substantially simultaneously.

 Preferably, the pipe 82 has an outer casing or sleeve 282 consisting of a woven material or braid, which is designed and positioned in such a way that it increases the resistance of the pipe 82 to the pressure of the fluid or fluid flowing through the pipe 270 and / or pipe 82. Despite that the sleeve 282 may be made of steel or an alloy thereof, such as stainless steel to form a fabric or braid, it is preferably made of a woven nylon or nylon braid, or other suitable synthetic material rial resistant to high temperature and also resistant to tearing. With this design, the sleeve 282 gives the pipe 82 increased resistance to tearing.

 Since the hose 22 'is designed to heat it during operation, the wires 30 of the heating element are preferably wound directly around the sleeve 282. In order to hold the wires 30 near the sleeve 282, there is a boundary layer 284 over the wires 30, which is preferably formed by silicone tape 284. However, if desired the wires 30 of the heating element can be wound around a layer of silicone or similar material that covers the sleeve 282. Although the hose 22 'of the present invention is well suited to use When used with the new three-phase heating element system disclosed herein, it can also be used with a single-phase heating element or other type of hose heater.

 Next, we proceed to consider the ends of the hose 22 '; it can be seen that, as an example of the execution of the ends in FIG. 15 shows the end 286 of hose 22 '. The end 286 of the hose shown in FIG. 15 has substantially the same construction as the opposite end of the hose (not shown), except that the opposite end of the hose can be made without wires 30 of the heating element entering or leaving the hose 22 '. As shown in FIG. 15, an assembly 287 consisting of fittings is inserted into each end of the hose 22 ', which includes a fitting 80' for connecting plastic and steel pipes and a fitting 288 with a union nut.

 As shown in FIG. 17, fitting 80 'is substantially the same as fitting 80 shown in FIG. 14. Preferably, it is virtually identical, and therefore will not be described further. The fitting 80 'is inserted inside the hose 22' further in the axial direction compared with how it is done in the hose 22, so as to place the fitting 288 with a union nut inside the hose 22 '. By deepening the fitting 288 with the union nut in the hose, the insulation 288 of the fitting with the union nut is insulated, thereby reducing the heat loss of the hot mix material flowing through the fitting 288 with the union nut. When reducing heat loss, less energy is required to maintain the temperature of the hot molten mixture flowing through the hose 22 ', thereby maximizing the flow rate of the material of the hot molten mixture through the hose 22'.

 Referring again to FIG. 15, it can be seen that the end 248 'of the fitting 80' made with burrs is inserted to provide fluid tightness at the end of the pipe 82, while the axially outer end portion of the end 248 'made with burrs is preferably located near the end of the flexible tube 270 or abuts against the end of flexible tube 270. To help hold pipe 82 on fitting 80 ', the structure has a metal retaining ring 290 clamped around pipe 82 to force pipe 82 to come into close tight contact with part of the end 248' of the fitting.

 As shown in FIG. 18, the union nut 288 is designed to allow rotation of the hose 22 'at each end relative to either the distribution tube 24, or the boiler 38, or the fitting of the distribution tube 24, or the boiler 38. By allowing the hose 22' to rotate, minimize twisting the hose 22 ', thereby further contributing to the prevention of twisting and rupture of the pipe 82, as well as the pipe 270.

 The union nut 288 has an outer casing 292 with a 294 fitting with an internal thread at one end that is screwed onto an end 246 'with an external thread of the fitting 80'. Outwardly from the inside of the fitting body 292 with a union nut, a male threaded fitting 296 protrudes, which is configured and positioned so that it can rotate relative to the housing 292, and which is preferably screwed into the female fitting either on the distribution pipe 24 or on the boiler 38 The male flare fitting 296 has a square or hexagonal nut 298 located adjacent to the housing 292, which is located outside the hose 22 ', so that it can be caught by a wrench or other tool m with the purpose of turning it to the screwing or unscrewing of the fitting of the fitting from the female fitting of the wand 24 or kettle 38.

 To create a tight seal between the part 300 of the threaded fitting 296 inserted into the fitting body 292 with the union nut and the housing 292, the fitting 296 has a grease seal or dust seal 302 between it and the housing 292, which preferably is an o-ring 302 made from BUNA-N or similar suitable sealing material. To facilitate rotation of the fitting 296 relative to the housing 292, the structure has a plurality of spherical bearings 304 located at some distance from each other in the axial direction between the fitting 296 and the housing 292, which are preferably made of chromium or other material suitable for the supports. In order to provide additional sealing, the union nut 288 has a pair of axial rings 306 located at some distance from each other in the axial direction, preferably made of HYTREL or similar material, between which there is another sealing ring 308 made of the corresponding sealing material, which preferably represents AFLAS or VITON.

 To prevent the fitting 296 from separating from the housing 292 while allowing the fitting 296 to rotate relative to the housing 292, the housing 292 can be made and preferably is provided with a radially inward set screw or bolt (not shown) that fits into the corresponding groove (not shown) on the outer surface the inner part 300 of the fitting, and this groove extends around the circumferential surface of the part 300 of the fitting. Preferably, both the housing 292 and the threaded fitting 296 of the fitting 288 with union nut are made of steel, which is galvanically coated with zinc, so that it is suitable for use with hydraulic oils, which makes it suitable for materials of hot molten mixtures.

 To transmit tension from (outside) the inner pipe 82 during the tensioning of the hose 22 ', the hose 22' is made with a hollow and essentially cylindrical outer protective casing 310, which extends from one end of the hose 22 'to the opposite end of the hose 22' and which is fixedly attached to each end of the hose 22 'to the assembly 287 consisting of fittings by attaching it either to the fitting body 292 with a union nut, or to the nut 250' of the fitting 80 ', or to both of these parts.

Preferably, the casing 310 is made of a durable, resilient and at least slightly flexible material, which is preferably resistant to relatively high temperatures in excess of about 148.9 ^° C. Preferably, the casing 310 has one continuous, substantially cylindrical side wall 312 consisting of made of a thermoset material that is durable, so that it can withstand contact with the road surface when the hose is dragged along the road surface, and this material also has abrasion resistance, over ezam and dents that may occur during use. Preferably, the casing 310 is made and arranged so that it limits the bending of the pipe 82 due to the fact that it is impossible to bend this casing with a radius of curvature at the bend that is less than about 38.1 mm.

 Preferably, the side wall 312 of the casing consists of rubber, such as polyvinyl chloride rubber (a mixture of butadiene-krylonitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride), or a similar material, and can be laminated with a relatively thin sheet of spirally woven woven material around its outer surface. If greater heat resistance is desired, the side wall of the casing may be made of neoprene rubber. The casing 310 with this design is quite rigid and yet flexible to allow the hose 22 'to be bent to a limited extent, while preventing the formation of a too small radius of curvature of the hose bend to prevent the pipe 82 from being twisted. To provide resistance to excessive bending and crushing the casing 310, the casing 310 is preferably reinforced with a continuous and essentially spiral wire 314, embedded in the side wall 312 of the casing. Preferably, the wire 314 is made of spring steel, stainless steel or other rigid material to help increase the resistance of the casing 310 to bending and crushing, thereby the pipe 82 and the tube 270 will be protected from crushing.

 As shown in FIG. 15, the casing 310 covers both fitting 80 'and fitting 288 with union nut, helping to isolate them. Preferably, the inner diameter of the casing 310 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 82, even with the heating element 30 wound thereon, so that an insulating annular air gap 316 is provided between the outer surface of the silicone tape 284 and the inner surface of the casing 310. If desired, an insulating foam can be provided in the gap 316. material (foam rubber) or other insulating material.

 In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the casing 310 is a corrugated flexible tube type hose having an inner diameter of about 31.75 mm and a wall 312 with a thickness of about 4.7625 mm and embedded in it, made in one piece, with a helical or spiral reinforcing wire 314, the adjacent turns of which are spaced apart from each other by a distance in the axial direction, slightly exceeding approximately 9.652 mm. For example, a suitable casing 310 may be a hose manufactured in accordance with J 1527 SAE (? SAE - Society of Automotive Engineers), which also complies with US Coast Guard Type B-2 ship hoses Type B-2). Preferably, the casing 310 is a marine fuel or drain hose having the above dimensions and meeting the above standards and / or specifications. Preferably, the casing 310 is a marine fuel or drain hose such as a corrugated flexible pipe. If desired, casing 310 may also be a conventional rubber hose for gasoline reinforced with a steel spiral, or a rubber hose for gasoline such as a corrugated flexible tube with a similar design.

 Preferably, the casing 310 of such a design is fluid impermeable, strong, durable, resilient, flexible, torsion resistant, crush resistant, relatively impermeable to most chemicals and torsion resistant to prevent twisting and rupture of the pipe 82 within it, while it also provides tension transfer from pipe 82, helping to prevent the pipe 82 from being pulled out of fitting 248 '.

 A protective outer casing 310 is fixedly attached at each end to the fitting body 292 with a union nut. Despite the fact that the casing 310 can be glued to the body 292 of the fitting with a union nut or attached to the body 292 by using one or more fasteners (not shown), the casing 310 is preferably attached to the body 292 to ensure liquid impermeability with using an external metal clamp 318, which presses the casing 310 against the housing 292. Preferably, the clamp 318 is compressed around the casing 310 and the housing 292 next to the fitting 296 with a union nut, while the casing 310 is forced into tight close contact t with a body 292 fitting with union nut. Due to this fastening design, ensuring tight crimping, none of the fittings 80 'and 288 will be pulled out of the casing 310 during operation, and as a result, the tensile forces (hose tension) will be transmitted mainly along the casing 310 to the fitting 288 and vice versa, the force transmitted to and through pipe 82 is minimized.

 If desired, one end of the collar 318 can be bent down so that it forms a bent edge 320 around the end of the casing 310. If desired, the bent edge 320 can extend radially inward beyond the axial end of the fitting body 292 with a union nut so that it contacts with the end of the housing 292 to counteract the exit of the housing 292 from the housing 310.

 Clamp 318 is preferably made of metal, which is preferably steel. However, if desired, collar 318 may be made of copper, brass, aluminum, or another suitable metal or non-metallic material. For example, the collar 318 may be made of material that may be heat-shrinkable, with the collar 318 being tightly worn on the casing 310 and fitting body 292 with a union nut due to heat shrinkage of the material.

 To allow the wires of the heating element and the temperature sensor to be inserted around the inner pipe 82, the casing 310 is provided with an opening 320 through which the wires pass. To prevent a situation in which bending of the casing 310 causes the casing 310 to rupture at or around the hole 320, the collar 318 extends axially beyond the hole 320 and around the hole 320, as shown in FIG. 15, in order to limit the amount of movement and the degree of bending that the casing 310 can undergo near the opening 320, in fact, stress relief is provided from the casing 310. The clamp 318 itself has a through hole 322 for receiving wires 30, through which the wires 30 also pass.

 During assembly, the pipe 82 is cut to a predetermined size and the fitting 80 'is inserted into the pipe 82. After that, the flexible tube 270 is inserted into the pipe 82, preferably until its axial end abuts the end of the inserted fitting 248' of the fitting 80 'or not will be near this end. Thereafter, a fitting 81 is attached to the other end of the pipe 82, capturing the pipe 270 inside. A fitting 288 with a union nut is attached to the threaded end 246 'of the fitting 80', and the pipe 82 is inserted into the casing 310. Before inserting the pipe 82 into the casing 310, it is wrapped with wires of the heating element 30. Each end of the casing 310 is attached to the fitting casing 292 with a union nut using a collar 318, which results in a high temperature resistant hose 22 'which is ready for use.

 After the hose 22 'has been assembled, it is attached at one end, preferably to a substantially stationary object, such as a boiler 38, and the other end of the hose 22' is attached to an object that can be maneuvered and which is usually maneuvered during work, such as distribution pipe 24. If desired, two or more hoses 22 'can be connected to obtain a longer hose.

 During operation, the material of the heated fluid hot molten mixture flows through the internal cavity of the flexible tube 270 from one end of the hose 22 'to the other end of the hose 22'. When twisting the hose 22 ', one or both fittings 288 with union nuts at both ends of the hose 22' allows the hose 22 'to rotate relative to the distribution tube 24 and / or the boiler 38 or relative to both of these elements, thereby preventing the hose 22' from twisting too much. , which helps prevent twisting and destruction of the pipe 82. The casing 310 also due to its inherent properties prevents the twisting of the hose 22 'and pipe 82.

 During the bending of the hose 22 ', the casing 310 resists bending more and more to help prevent a situation where the hose 22' reaches such a small radius of curvature that can cause the pipe 82 to twist. In addition to the casing 310 that counteracts the bending, the flexible tube 270 inside the pipe 82 further counteracts bending in a similar manner.

 When the hose 22 'is compressed due to external forces radially inward due to an external crushing force, the wire-reinforced structure of the casing 310 counteracts the crushing of the casing 310, thereby also protecting the pipe 82 and the tube 270 inside it. If the casing 310 is compressed to such an extent that it will come into contact with the pipe 82, the pipe 270 will give the pipe 82 additional resistance to crushing.

 In the process of pulling the hose 22 ', most, if not all, of the hose tension, and therefore the voltage, is transmitted from one end of the hose 22' along the casing 310 to the other end of the hose 22 'due to the fact that the casing 310 is rigidly attached to the fittings bodies 292 with with union nuts at both ends, and the housing 292 of fittings with union nuts are rigidly connected to the boiler 38 and to the distribution pipe 24. Preferably, the tension actually occurring in the pipe 82 during stretching of the hose 22 'is rationally minimized by this the new hose design, since most of the tension, if not all tension, is transmitted around the pipe 82 to the end fittings 288, thereby preventing any possibility of pulling the pipe 82 from the fitting 288.

3. New heating element
In order to prevent the hot molten mixture in the hose 22 from hardening during operation, a heating element 30 is wound around the inner wall 84 of the hose 22 coaxially in a spiral or helix. The heating element 30 consists of a cord 94 having three wires 96, each of which, during operation, a current flows to generate heat for heating the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose pipe 82.

 The three-wire heating element 30 is a three-phase heating element designed to pass a three-phase current in order to more efficiently heat the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22. As shown in FIG. 4 and 4B, the heating element cord 94 has a first wire 98 for passing one phase of a three-phase heating current, a second wire 100 for passing another phase of a three-phase heating current, and a third wire 102 for passing another phase of a three-phase heating current.

 As shown in FIG. 4B, in order to prevent electric current from flowing between the wires 98, 100, and 102 during operation, the outer cord material is an electrical insulation material 132, which preferably also allows each wire to be placed at a distance from the other wires to further prevent a short circuit. The cord 94 preferably has a substantially elongated and elongated cross section with an upper surface 134, a lower surface 136, and a pair of sides 138 formed and arranged so that the width of this section is at least slightly greater than its thickness. In order to ensure maximum heat transfer from wires 98, 100, and 102 to hose 22 and hot molten mixture material flowing through hose 22, cord 94 is wound around hose 22 so that one of its elongated surfaces 134 or 136 is in contact with hose 22. Preferably, cord 94 is wound around hose 22 so that its substantially flat bottom surface 136 is in contact with the silicone layer 86 covering the inner wall 84 of the hose and rests on the inner wall 84 of the hose. Thus, the heat generated by all three wires 98, 100 and 102 is effectively transferred through the silicone, the inner wall 84 of the hose, and enters the material of the hot molten mixture flowing through the hose 22 in order to help maintain the material in a fluid state.

To ensure the desired heat flux along the length of the hose 22 to prevent solidification, the distance a between adjacent loops or turns of cord 94 is about 19.05 mm. Alternatively, cord 94 may be wound around hose 22 so that the distance between adjacent loops or turns a is from about 12.7 mm to about 25.4 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the cord 94 of the heating element, the wires 98, 100 and 102, the distance a between adjacent turns of the cord 94 and the three-phase current supplied to the cord 94 are selected so as to create a heat flux (with a density) of about 0.5425 watts per cm ² .

 Each wire 98, 100, and 102 of the cord 94 is made of an electrically conductive material that has sufficient resistance to the passage of electric current, so that it generates heat when electric current is passed through the wire of the heating element. Preferably, each wire 98, 100, and 102 is made of resistive copper material, nichrome, an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy, or other electrically resistive, electrically conductive material that generates heat when an electric current is passed through it. Preferably, each wire 98, 100, and 102 is made of Teflon-coated copper and has a wire diameter of about eighteen gauge.

 Preferably, the heating element 30 is so constructed that each wire 98, 100 and 102 of the cord 94 of the heating element wound around the hose 22 generates heat when a three-phase electric current is supplied to the heating element 30. It is rational that no neutral wire or return wire is required, so that all wires 98, 100 and 102 of the heating element 30 generate heat in order to more efficiently heat the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24. As a result, the surface area on which thermal energy is generated, maximized per unit length of the cord 94 of the heating element compared to the cord of a single-phase heating element.

 At the end 106 of the hose 22 connected to the boiler, the input end 112 of the cord 94 of the heating element is preferably electrically connected to a three-phase power source 114 (FIG. 1) to receive three-phase electric power from the power source 114. As shown in FIG. 5, at the end 108 of the hose 22 connected to the distribution pipe, the cord 94 is preferably attached via a connector 116 to the heating element 30 of the distribution pipe 24. Since no heating is required at the point where the cable 94 is open between the distribution pipe 24 and the hose 22, the cord 94 preferably has a non-heating portion 118 between the distribution tube 24 and the hose 22, which is preferably made of a larger diameter copper wire, which may be fourteen gauge copper wire or copper th wire of greater thickness.

 Alternatively, the cord 94 of the heating element can be made and positioned so that it ends at the end 108 of the hose 22 connected to the distribution pipe, or near this end, as indicated by pos. 120 (FIG. 4), if during operation it is only necessary to heat the hose 22, and not the distribution pipe 24. If the cord 94 of the heating element ends at the end 108 connected to the distribution pipe, then all wires 98, 100 and 102 are connected together, preferably in the place indicated by pos. 120, to form a closed circuit of a three-phase heating element.

 In order to be able to measure the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22, the hose 22 preferably also has a temperature sensor 122. As shown in FIG. 4, the temperature sensor 122 enters the cavity in the foam rubber insulation layer 90 and is attached to the hose 22 by at least one layer of tape 124, which is preferably a silicone tape. Preferably, the sensor 122 is attached to the hose 22 so that it rests on the inner wall 84 of the hose to enable more accurate measurement of the temperature of the hose 22 and the material of the hot molten mixture in the hose 22 in the area of the sensor 122.

 Preferably, the temperature sensor 122 is a thermocouple 126 with a resistance thermometer, designed to generate an electric current characterizing the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22. In order to supply current from the sensor 122 to a device, such as preferably a regulator 128 (Fig. 1, 6 and 8), the sensor 122 has a pair of wires 130 extending from it. Preferably, the sensor 122 is located at a distance of at least about six inches (152.4 mm) from the axial end of the fitting 80 at the end of the hose 106 connected to the boiler to facilitate accurate temperature measurement. Alternatively, the sensor 122 may be a thermistor or another type of sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22.

 Alternatively, if desired, the temperature sensor 122 can be attached to the distribution tube 24 to measure the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture at a point remote from the boiler 38. Alternatively, a pair of sensors (not shown) can be used, for example, one of the sensors is connected with a hose 22, and the other of the sensors connected to the distribution tube 24. However, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, only one sensor 122 is required, which is mounted on the hose 22 and is capable of measuring or display the material temperature of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 and next to the sensor 122.

 Rationally, due to the design and location of the three-phase heating element 30, the design of the hose 22 and due to the use of a three-phase electric current, only one temperature sensor 122 is required to heat the hot molten mixture. Alternatively, if desired, more than one temperature sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the hot molten mixture at various locations along hose 22. Alternatively, if desired, more than one temperature sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture in the distribution pipe 24. or in various places along the distribution tube 24.

B. Distribution tube design
The distribution tube 24 has a distribution gun 68 with a substantially cylindrical and elongated hollow barrel 140 protruding outward from the gun 68 to enable the distribution of the hot molten mixture material from the distribution tube 24 in a rational manner to the ground, without the user 28 having to inconveniently bend or stoop into the process of work. The barrel 140 of the distribution tube 24 is preferably made of a rigid, essentially cylindrical and elongated pipe 142, which may be made of metal, such as stainless steel; plastic, such as thermoset; a composite material such as fiberglass-filled polyamide; ceramic material, a combination thereof, or other suitable material. The pipe 142 is hollow to allow hot molten mixture material to pass through the pipe 142. The pipe 142 is preferably threadedly inserted into the cooperative threaded female fitting of the distribution gun 68.

 The hot molten mixture flow pipe 142 is closed by a substantially coaxially extending outer jacket 144, which is preferably also substantially tubular and elongated. The outer casing 144 is spaced apart from the hot molten mixture pipe 142 a sufficient distance outward in the radial direction so that it isolates the user 28 of the distribution tube 24 from the heat of the hot molten mixture flowing through the pipe 142. Preferably, the casing 144 is a support pipe 146 that attached to the dispensing gun 68 at one end and to the cap 148 of the dispenser at the other end. To make it easier for user 28 to manipulate the rather long distribution tube 24 during operation, he can grab a handle 152 attached to the support tube 146 at a location located behind the distribution gun 68 along the course of the hot molten mixture.

 On the cover 148 at the nozzle 151 at the free end 150 of the distribution tube 24 is installed a valve 72 in the form of a duck nose. The cap 148 is also attached to the free end of the hot molten mixture pipe 142 and has an outer diameter greater than the external diameter of the hot molten mixture pipe 142 to allow the support pipe 146 to be installed so that it is removed from the hot molten mixture pipe 142 outward in the radial direction and at the same time passed coaxially to the pipe 142 for the hot molten mixture. If desired, the enclosed space 154 between the hot molten mixture tube 142 and the support tube 146 may include insulation, such as open or closed cell foam.

 As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution tube 24 of the apparatus for applying the hot molten mixture also has a heating element 30, which preferably reaches a location near the free end 150 of the distribution tube 24 to supply heat to the material of the hot molten mixture in the pipe 142 for flowing the hot molten mixture of the distribution tube 24 To form a closed circuit of a three-phase electric heating element, wires 98, 100 and 102 of the cord 94 of the heating element are electrically connected together preferably in end cap 148 or adjacent to it.

 As shown in FIG. 5, preferably the non-heating portion 118 of the cord 94 of the heating element of the hose 22 exits the clamp 158 near the end 108 of the hose 22 and is connected to another preferably non-heating portion 118 of the cord 94 of the heating element of the distribution tube 24. At the point where the material of the hot molten mixture exiting of the hose 22, enters the dispensing gun 68, the direction of movement of this material is preferably changed using a substantially perpendicular angled nozzle 156 in the gun 68, and the material is hot the melted mixture enters the pipe 142. To prevent the solidification of the material of the hot molten mixture in the area of the corner pipe 156, at least a portion of the cord 94 of the heating element preferably contacts directly with the corner pipe 156. If desired, one or more turns of the cord 94 can be wound around the corner nozzle 156. If desired, the corner nozzle 156 and the cord 94 of the heating element can be designed and arranged so that part of the cord 94 will be immersed directly in the material s the molten mixture.

 Preferably, the design, location and distance a of the cord 94 of the three-phase heating element wound spirally around the outer surface of the hot molten mixture pipe 142 of the distribution tube 24 are the same as that of the heating element cord 94 wound around the hose 22 described earlier in this application, therefore, they will not be described further.

IV. System, circuit and control of a three-phase heating element
In FIG. 6 shows a three-phase heating system 160 for controlled heat supply, preferably both to the hose 22 and to the distribution pipe 24 for heating and maintaining the material of the hot molten mixture in both the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24 at a temperature at which this material can flow . The three-phase heating system 160 consists of an electric circuit 160, which includes a three-phase power source 114 connected to a cord 94 of the three-phase heating element of the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, while the temperature controller 128 controls the operation of the power source 114 and the heating element 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the cord 94 of the heating element of the hose 22 is connected in series to the cord 94 of the heating element of the distribution tube 24.

A. Three-phase power supply
Preferably, the three-phase power source 114 is a three-phase phase-connected power source 162, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, for example, the power source 162 may be a three-phase power supply with phase connection star (not shown). To selectively control the power supply to the heating element 30, the three-phase power source 162 has a control input 164 connected to a control output 165 of the temperature controller 128, which allows the controller 128 to selectively control the operation of the heating element 30 by directly controlling the operation of the power source 114.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power supply 114 preferably comprises a three-phase generator 166 having a stator 168 electrically connected to the heating element 30 and a rotor 170 connected to the control input 164. The control input 164 of the generator is connected to the control output 165 of the temperature controller to allow direct control of the operation of the generator
166. The stator 168 is designed and configured with a delta configuration 162 having an output terminal 172 connected to the heating element wire 98 in the heating element cord 94, another output terminal 174 connected to the heating element wire 100, and another output terminal 176 connected to the wire 102 of the heating element.

 The rotor 170 has a winding 178, connected through a magnetic field to the winding 180 of the stator 168, while one section of the winding 178 is grounded, which is indicated by pos. 182, and another portion of the winding 178 is connected to the output 165 of the temperature controller. To prevent current in the opposite direction, a diode 184 is provided around the rotor winding 178, connected in parallel with the winding 178 to the control input 164.

 When controlling the operation of the generator 166, the stator 168 is turned on when a current is supplied from the output of the temperature controller 165 to the input 164 of the rotor, thereby leading to the generation and supply by the generator 166 of three-phase electric power to the three-phase heating element 30 of the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24. When to the rotor 170 no control current is supplied from the temperature controller 128; generator 166 does not generate any electrical power. Therefore, when the temperature controller 128 “desires” to stop the heat supply from the heating element 30 to the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, the controller 128 simply ceases to supply control current to the rotor 170. Thus, the amount of heat supplied to the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24 can be rationally regulate relatively accurately.

 When a control current from the temperature controller 128 is supplied to the rotor 170, this current causes the rotor winding 178 to create a magnetic field that interacts with the stator winding 180, thereby causing the generator to generate electrical power. Thus, the control current excites the stator 168, causing it to generate an electric current. If no control current is applied, no magnetic field is generated and no power is generated.

 As shown in FIG. 7, the generator 166 has a pulley 186 on its input shaft, connected to a pulley 188 on the drive shaft of the engine 52 using an endless flexible belt 190. The generator 166 is mounted on an arm 192 attached to the support frame 32, and has three outputs 172, 174 and 176 , one for each phase of the power supplied to the wires 98, 100 and 102 of the heating element.

 Preferably, generator 166 is a modified vehicle alternator 194 coupled to engine 52 as shown in FIG. 7. Preferably, the alternator 194 is modified so that three-phase current is supplied to its output terminals 172, 174, and 176. Preferably, the alternator 194 is a conventional alternator for vehicles, modified so that it does not require a rectifier and voltage control circuit, while electric power is supplied directly from the alternator 194 to the wires 98, 100 and 102 of the heating cord element, while there is no need to regulate it using any voltage or current regulator.

 The alternator 194 may preferably be a modified claw-shaped alternator, although the alternator may be a compact alternator, may be an alternator with an open pole rotor, may be an alternator without a winding or may be a different type of generator capable of generating three-phase electrical power. Preferably, the alternator 194 is a Southwest Products Model N 333 alternator for generating three-phase current. Such an alternator 194 preferably generates a voltage of not more than about sixty volts and not less than about twenty volts, and a current of several amperes during operation in order to supply electric power to the heating element 30 to cause it to generate the desired amount of heat in order to achieve and maintain the fluidity of the hot molten mixture material inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24. In a preferred embodiment, the alternator 194 is preferred It creates a voltage of about thirty-six volts under basically optimal operating conditions. Naturally, the load on the engine from the hydraulic pump and other loads on the engine can cause some fluctuations in the output voltage. Alternatively, the output voltage and current strength of the alternator 194 may more or less depend on the design of the alternator 194, the speed at the output of the motor 52, the load on the alternator 194 acting on the side of the heating element 30, and from other factors.

B. Temperature controller
Temperature controller 128 is shown in block diagram form in FIG. 6 with numbered pin contacts showing the different input and output connections of the controller 128. During operation, the temperature controller 128 is connected to a temperature sensor 122 attached to the hose 22 and supplies current or stops supplying current to the generator 166 in response to the temperature of the hot / molten hose the mixture measured by the sensor 122. If the temperature of the hot molten mixture is high enough, which indicates that the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 122 is at a temperature at which it will In a conventional manner, no current is supplied to the generator 166 or such supply is interrupted, and this causes the generator 166 not to supply any electric power to the heating element 30. If the temperature of the hot molten mixture drops below a predetermined value, which indicates that the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 (1) is not at a temperature at which it flows easily, or (2) approaches a temperature at which it will not flow easily, the temperature controller 128 preferably supplies current to the generator 166, h In order to cause electric power to be supplied to the heating element 30 in order to ensure adequate heating of the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 so as to facilitate the flow of material of the hot molten mixture.

 To supply power to the controller 128, the controller 128 is connected to a power source 196, which is preferably a direct current power source, such as a conventional battery pack or the like. As shown in FIG. 6, the positive terminal 198 of the battery is connected to the pin contacts 3 and 6 of the temperature controller 128 to supply electrical power to the controller 128. The negative terminal 200 of the battery 196 is connected to ground 202, which can preferably be electrically connected to the ground 182 of the rotor. In addition to connecting to ground 202, the negative terminal 200 of the battery 196 is also connected to the pin terminal 5 of the temperature controller 128.

 One wire 130 of the temperature sensor 122 is connected to the pin 1 of the temperature controller 128, and the other wire 130 of the sensor 122 is connected to the pin 2 of the controller 128 to allow the controller 128 to be connected to the sensor 122. To control the operation of the generator 166 based on the measured temperature of the hot molten mixture the pin 7 of the controller 128 is configured as an output 165, which is connected to the control input 164 of the generator 166. Preferably, the pin contacts 1 and 2 of the controller 128 exit the stabilizer integrated circuit 230 a temperature mash (Fig. 6A) of the controller 128, which has a switching mechanism 232 (Fig. 6A), such as a conventional switch, a semiconductor switch, a relay or the like, designed to enable selective supply of control current to the rotor input 164, when the temperature of the hot melt hose is too low. Preferably, the switching mechanism 232 of the controller temperature stabilizer circuit 230 provides direct or indirect control current from the battery 196 to the controller output 165, from which the control current is supplied to the control input 164 of the generator 166.

 As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature controller 128, including its internal circuits, is included in the control unit 204, which is attached to the outer surface of the boiler 38. If desired, the battery 196 can also be installed inside the control unit 204. The control unit 204 has a on / off switch 214 for driving the controller 128 and an indicator lamp 216 on the upper surface of the control unit 204. Preferably, the indicator lamp 216 is lit when the switch 214 is set to the on position.

As shown in FIG. 8, an indicator marking element 206 is mounted on the surface of the control unit 204, showing a plurality of control temperature settings that can be set to the controller 128 during operation. The tag 206 has a plurality of control temperature setpoints 208 that are located along half a circle around the control handwheel 210. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the temperature settings 208 vary from 200 ^° F (93.3 ^° C) to 400 ^° F (204.4 ^° C) and have intermediate temperature ranges of 10 ^° F (5.5 ^° C) marked with diverging radially outward lines on the surface of the marking element 206. Alternatively, depending on the desired range of control temperatures, limitations of the controller 128, the material being heated and applied, the flow rate of the material flowing through the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, as well as other factors, there may be another marking element temperature range. Software tests and experiments can be performed to determine the optimal temperature range for various hot molten materials, various applications, different flow rates, different operating conditions, and other factors.

 The control handwheel 210 has an indicator arrow 212, which indicates the desired control setting of the temperature controller 128. To transmit the control setpoint to the temperature regulator circuit of the temperature controller, the handwheel 210 is preferably attached to the axis of an electrical element capable of performing selective control, which is preferably a variable resistor, potentiometer or the like, which sets the desired control temperature for the controller 128.

 Alternatively, other means may be used to set the control temperature. For example, you can use digital or analog input to enter the control temperature. If digital input is used, the device for inputting digital data may comprise, for example, a pair of push buttons connected to a digital display device, which allows to increase the control temperature when one of the buttons is pressed and decrease it when the other button is pressed.

In one preferred embodiment of the temperature controller 128, setting the control temperature using the handwheel 210 allows you to control when the current should be supplied to the generator 166, thereby controlling the heating of the hose 22, the distribution tube 24 and the regulation of the heating of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tubes 24. For example, if the handwheel 210 is set to a reference temperature of 200 ^° F. (93.3 ^° C.) as shown in FIG. 8, controller 128 may be programmed to supply current to generator 166 when the temperature of the hot melt hose measured by thermocouple 122 and controller 128 drops to either (1) control temperature or (2) to a predetermined temperature below the control temperature.

 If the controller 128 is pre-programmed to supply current to the generator 166 when the temperature of the hot molten mixture is below the control temperature, it can be pre-programmed to supply current when the temperature of the hot molten mixture reaches a certain predetermined temperature below the control temperature. For example, the regulator 128 can preferably be pre-programmed or pre-configured so that it will supply current to the generator 166 when the temperature of the hot molten mixture is five, ten, fifteen, or even twenty degrees below the control temperature.

 Similarly, the controller 128 may be preprogrammed to cut off the current to the generator 166 when the temperature of the hot molten mixture rises to a value equal to the reference temperature, or when it reaches a temperature above the reference temperature. In a preferred embodiment, controller 128 cuts off current to generator 166 when the measured temperature of the hot melt hose rises to a predetermined temperature above the reference temperature. For example, the controller 128 may be pre-programmed or pre-configured so that it stops supplying current to the generator 166 when the temperature of the hot molten mixture is a temperature that is five, ten, fifteen, or even twenty degrees above the control temperature.

 As such, the controller 128 can be programmed so that it will have an upper reference temperature setting that will exceed a reference temperature set by user 28, and a lower reference temperature setting, which may be the same as a reference temperature set by user 28. or lower to allow the regulator 128 to control the operation of the generator so that the hose 22, the distribution pipe 24 and the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose and distributors The heating element was sufficiently heated during operation. Preferably, these upper and lower temperature settings “float” around or are indexed with respect to a control temperature set by user 28.

 Preferably, the controller 128 has a conventional temperature stabilizer circuit 230 for setting upper and lower temperature settings that are “tied” to a control temperature set by the user 28. Preferably, the controller 128 is a PAKSTAT Model N P64AO918904 manufactured by Paktronics Controls, Inc., Fort Worth , Texas and possessing these characteristics. Alternatively, regulator 128 may be another type of regulator, such as, for example, a programmable controller capable of controlling the operation of a generator based on the measured temperature of one or more of the following elements: hose 22, distribution pipe 24, hose 22 and distribution pipe 24, hot material molten mixture inside the hose 22 and / or distribution tube 24, or a corresponding combination thereof.

V. Regulation of engine operation
As shown in FIG. 9, in another preferred embodiment of the regulator 128 ', the regulator 128' can be designed and arranged to function as part of an engine control system 226 to regulate the operation of the engine 52 in such a way as to help control the temperature of the hot molten mixture material inside the hose 22 and the distribution tubes 24. To regulate the operation of the engine 52, the regulator 128 'has a control line 218 connected to the regulator 220 of the engine, which preferably is a throttle 222 throttle. Preferably, throttle controller 222 selectively controls the speed of engine 52 by directly adjusting the position of the throttle of engine 52 during operation. By directly controlling the speed of the engine 52 during operation, it is also possible to control the amount of electric power generated and supplied to the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, thereby providing the possibility of an adjustable heat supply to the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24.

 Preferably, the throttle controller 222 is a solenoid that is operably connected to the throttle of the engine 52, for example, by connecting to the cable of the throttle of the engine 52 or the like. In response to a control signal from controller 128 'sent via control line 218, throttle controller 222 changes the position of the motor throttle due to the fact that power is supplied to the solenoid and it causes the throttle to shift. If desired, the control signal of the controller 128 'can be directly applied to the solenoid itself in order to selectively control the position of the throttle. Alternatively, throttle controller 222 may be integrally formed with controller 128 '.

 If desired, the speed of the engine 52 can be adjusted based on the temperature of the hot molten mixture measured by the temperature sensor 122, wherein the speed of the engine increases if the measured temperature is too low, and decreases if the measured temperature is higher than necessary. For example, engine speed can be increased or decreased with respect to a reference temperature set and adjusted in the manner described above.

 Preferably, the speed of the engine 52 can be adjusted based on the load applied to the generator 166 to ensure that adequate heating power is supplied to the heating element of the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24. In one preferred embodiment, the controller 128 'has a line 224 (shown in broken lines) electrically connected to one or more of the output terminals 172, 174 and 176 of the generator 166 or with wires 98, 100 and 102 of the heating element for measuring (1) voltage, (2) current strength or (3) voltage and current to ntirovat that the heating element 30 generates heat corresponding to predetermined operating conditions.

 If the measured value of the electric parameter is too low, for example, below a predetermined reference voltage or current, the controller 128 'increases the speed of the motor 52 to force the generator 166 to supply more electric power to the heating element 30. Conversely, if the measured value of the electric parameter is too high, for example, above a given control voltage or current, the controller 128 'reduces the speed of the motor so that less electric power is supplied to the heating element 30, thereby freezing In order for heating element 30 to supply less heat to hose 22 and distribution pipe 24.

In one preferred embodiment, the controller 128 'controls the speed of the motor based on the measured voltage at the output of the generator 166. If the output voltage drops below the desired target voltage at the output, the controller increases the speed of the motor, thereby increasing the output voltage until it reaches or does not exceed the desired voltage accordingly. On the contrary, if the output voltage is too high, the speed of the motor 52 is preferably reduced until the output voltage approaches an acceptable range or is within an acceptable range of the desired target voltage. In one preferred embodiment, the output voltage of the generator 166 is, for example, about thirty-six volts to generate a heat flux of about 3.5 watts per square kilowatt by the heating element. inch (0.5425 watts per cm ² ).

 In addition, the controller 128 'can also function as a temperature controller 128 by regulating the operation of the generator 166 as described above. In combination, the engine speed and the operation of the generator can be appropriately controlled based on the temperature of the hot molten mixture and the electric power at the generator output in order to carefully control the heating of the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 in a thorough manner over a wide range of operating conditions, etc.

VI. Use and operation
A. Use
In use, the three-phase heating system 160 of the present invention for a hose and distribution pipe including a three-phase generator 166, a three-phase heating element 30, and a regulator 128 is well suited for controlling the heating of the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24 of the hot melt mixture dispenser 20 which can distribute hot molten materials, such as bitumen, tar, asphalt, asphalt mixtures, oil-based mixtures, oil-based sealants such as are for thermoplastic sealants, thermoplastic paints, thermoplastics, other thermoplastic materials, and other materials that can be made to flow at a cart to heat them. Preferably, the heating system 160 is particularly well suited for use in conventional hot melt spraying devices, asphalt spreaders, paving cracking machines, and other types of thermoplastic distribution and coating devices that use a hose 22, a distribution pipe 24, or both element - and the hose 22, and the distribution tube 24 for the distribution of thermoplastic material. Although the system 160 for heating the hose and distribution tube is well suited for use in heating heated mixtures of two or more materials, this heating system 160 of the present invention is also well suited for heating hot-melt materials that are not mixtures. The engine speed control system 226 of the present invention is also particularly well suited for these applications.

B. Operation
In preparation for starting, the switch 214 of the temperature controller 128 is switched to its “on” position and the control knob 210 is set to the desired control temperature for the specific material applied by the device 20 for applying the hot molten mixture. When starting the device 20 for applying the material of the hot molten mixture inside the boiler 38, inside the hose 22 and inside the distribution tube 24, it is heated to a temperature at which the material will melt by the hot-melt (hot molten) mixture, or heated to a temperature preferably above the temperature at which the material hot-melt mixture will flow.

 To do this, the engine 52 is started, allowing the three-phase electric power to be generated by the three-phase generator 166. To determine whether current should be supplied to the generator 166, the temperature controller 128 interrogates the temperature sensor 122 to determine the temperature of the hose 22 and the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22, which located next to the sensor 122. If the measured temperature is below the control temperature or below the lower control temperature setpoint, the controller 128 supplies current to the generator 166, causing rohozhdenie current in each of the wires 98, 100 and 102, three phase heating element that causes the heating of the hose 22 and wand 24.

 As the material is heated by the hot-melt mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24, the hot-melt material begins to melt, turning into a fluid material. After enough time has passed for heating (heating), the hot-melt mixture both inside the hose 22 and inside the distribution tube 24 will be hot enough so that it will flow. Preferably, when the material of the hot-melt mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 reaches a fluid state and the temperature controller 128 determines that the temperature of the hot molten mixture has reached the upper temperature setting, the controller 128 will stop supplying current to the generator 166, thereby cutting off the current supply to the heating element 30 .

 If desired, the regulator 128 can signal the operator 28 using an indicator lamp or other means (not shown), indicating that the material of the hot-melt mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 has reached the desired temperature and is in a fluid state. If desired, in order to accelerate the heating of the hot mixture material during start-up until it reaches a fluid state, the controller 128 can communicate with the engine 52 to cause the engine 52 to operate at least slightly faster than in normal mode.

 In operation, as the material of the hot molten mixture is injected from the boiler 38, it flows through the hose 22 and is distributed from the valve 72 in the form of a duck nose at the end of the distribution tube 24 onto a surface that is preferably a road surface, road surface or the like. If the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 falls below the lower control temperature or the lower temperature setting, the controller 128 drives the generator 166, thereby causing a current to be supplied to each of the wires 98, 100 and 102 of the heating element 30, which leads to heating of the material hot molten mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24. When the temperature measured by the sensor 122, reaches the upper temperature setting, the controller 128 stops the current supply to the generator 166, thereby stopping supplying current to the heating element 30.

 The control system 160 is particularly well suited for maintaining the material of the hot-melt mixture inside the hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 in fluid state during periods of inactivity, for example, when the application device 20 is operating but no distribution of the hot molten mixture occurs. When the application device 20 operates and the hot molten mixture is not distributed, the hot molten mixture does not flow through the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24 and, therefore, can cool inside the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, causing some solidification. During such periods, the three-phase heating system 160 rationally maintains the temperature of the material of the hot molten mixture at which it will flow easily, despite the cooling that usually occurs.

 Although the aforementioned heating system 160 is intended for controlled heating of both the hose 22 and the distribution pipe 24, it is within the scope of the invention that the system 160 can be modified to control the heating of only the hose 22, only the distribution pipe 24 or as a hose 22 and the distribution tube 24 independently of each other. When heated independently of each other, the hose 22 preferably has its own heating element and a temperature sensor, and the distribution tube 24 preferably has its own heating element and a sensor, while the flow of current is regulated so that it can be supplied to one of the heating elements independently from other heating elements.

 It should also be understood that, although the one or more embodiments of the present invention are described and illustrated in detail in the foregoing description and drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention provides many modifications and designs. as well as widely varying embodiments and applications that do not depart from the idea and do not go beyond the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that the present invention is limited only by the scope of the attached claims and the applicable prior art.

Claims (22)

 1. A device (20) for applying a hot molten mixture, intended for the distribution of heated fluid material, containing a source (38) of heated fluid material, a distributor (68) for distributing fluid material, a flexible hose (22, 22 '), one end communicating with a source (38) of heated fluid material, and at the other end in fluid communication with a distributor (68) for passing heated fluid material from a source (38) of heated fluid material to a distributor, a pump (48) for supplying fluid through a flexible hose (22, 22 ') to a distributor (68), an electric current source (114) and heating element wires (30) electrically connected to an electric current source (114), characterized in that the hose (22, 22' ) contains an elongated outer tubular flexible casing (310), an elongated tubular flexible inner tube (82) included in the casing (310) and an elongated flexible tube (270) telescopically inserted to slide into the flexible inner tube (82) through which flows fluid material in which wires (30) of a heating element cient wound around the flexible inner tube (82).  2. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains a three-phase electric current source (114) and a three-phase electric heating element (30), to which a three-phase electric current is supplied from the traphase current source and which is in thermal connection with a hose (22, 22 ') for heating the flowing material in the hose.  3. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 2, characterized in that it contains a temperature controller (128, 128 '), designed to control the heating of the fluid material in the pipe (82) by controlling the heating of the heating element, a temperature sensor (122), interacting with the pipe (82) and electrically connected to a temperature controller (128, 128 ') for measuring the temperature of the flowing material in said pipe (82) next to the sensor (122) and communicating the temperature to the controller (128), and in which the temperature controller (128) , 128 ') electric connected to a three-phase generator (114) to selectively supply current from the generator (114) depending on the temperature measured by the sensor (122), to regulate the heating of the fluid material in the pipe (82) to force the generator (114) to generate and supply a three-phase electrical power to the heating element (30) when a current is supplied to the generator. 4. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the inner flexible pipe (82) of a hollow and elongated structure has a side wall (84) with an essentially cylindrical cross section, and the cord (30, 94 ) a three-phase heating element is wound spirally around at least part of the pipe (82), while adjacent turns of the cord (30, 94) are removed from each other by a distance of 12.7 mm to 25.4 mm to form a heat flux with a density from about 0.3875 W / cm ² to 0.5425 W / cm ² .  5. Device for applying hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 2 to 4, characterized in that the three-phase current is supplied to the heating element (30) with an electric voltage not exceeding approximately 60 V between any two phases to reduce the risk of electric shock.  6. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 2 to 5, characterized in that the distributor (68) contains an elongated tubular element in the form of a distribution tube (24), and the three-phase heating element contains a cord (30) containing three wires through each of which a current phase passes, while the cord is spiral wound around a distribution tube (24) to heat fluid material inside the distribution tube.  7. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 2 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises a support frame (32) carrying a source of fluid material (38), a pump and a three-phase current source (114), the three-phase electric current source comprising an internal combustion engine (52) with an output interacting with a three-phase alternator (106) for supplying a three-phase electric current to the wires (30) of the heating element.  8. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 7, characterized in that the generator (114) delivers electric current directly to the heating element (30), without the need for an electric current regulator or voltage regulator electrically connected to the generator (166 ) or a heating element (30).  9. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the generator (166) is an alternator (194) for vehicles connected to the output shaft of the engine (52).  10. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 9, characterized in that there are no active electronic components in the alternator (194) for converting a three-phase current into a single-phase or direct current.  11. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 1, characterized in that the distributor (68) comprises an elongated tubular element in the form of a distribution tube (124) connected to the pipe (82), and the wires of the heating element are wound spirally around the distribution tube along substantially along the entire length of the distribution tube (24) for heating the fluid material within it.  12. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 3, characterized in that the temperature sensor (122) is mounted on the inner pipe (82) and is removed by a distance of at least about 152.4 mm from the end of the hose (22, 22 ' ) to measure the temperature of the inner pipe (82).  13. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the wires (30) of the heating element are connected at one end to a three-phase generator (166) and are connected to each other by their opposite ends.  14. Device for applying hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 7 to 13, characterized in that the three-phase generator (106) has 1) a rotor (170) connected to a heating element (30) for supplying a three-phase electric current to the heating element, when a current is supplied to the generator (166) and said generator generates electric power, 2) a stator (168), electrically connected with a temperature controller (128, 128 '), and the stator (168) has an output that communicates with the input of the rotor, and 3) the rotor (170) and the stator (168) have such the design and are arranged so that the controller (128, 128 ') excites the generator (166), substituting it to produce and apply a three-phase electric current to the heating element (30) due to the fact that the controller (128, 128 ') delivers the control current to the regulator output on the stator input.  15. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 7 to 14, containing 1) a throttle interacting with the engine to control the speed of the engine; 2) a solenoid connected to a throttle, 3) a temperature controller electrically connected to a solenoid (222), 4) a temperature sensor (122) mounted on a pipe (82) and electrically connected to a temperature controller (128, 128 '), and designed to measure the temperature of the flowing material in the pipe (82) next to the sensor, and transmitting an electrical signal characterizing the temperature of the specified controller, 5) the controller regulates the speed of the engine depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, to control the heating of the heater th element (30).  16. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 7 to 14, characterized in that it further comprises 1) a throttle interacting with the engine to control the speed of the engine, 2) a solenoid (222) connected to the throttle, 3) a temperature controller (128, 128 '), electrically connected to the solenoid (222 ) and electrically connected to the heating element (30) for measuring the voltage or current value of the heating element, 4) wherein the controller (128) adjusts the motor speed depending on the measured voltage or current value for regulating the heating of the heating element.  17. Device for applying hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 1 to 16, characterized in that the node (80, 80 '), consisting of fittings, is attached to each end of the flexible inner pipe (82').  18. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 1 to 17, characterized in that the outer casing (310) comprises a flexible rubber side wall of a substantially cylindrical structure and a steel reinforcing wire (314) embedded inside the side wall to prevent crushing and twisting of the casing (310), the inner pipe (82), and tube (270).  19. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to 17, characterized in that one end of the casing (310) is fixedly attached to one of the nodes (80, 80 '), consisting of fittings, and the other end of the casing is fixedly attached to the other end of the nodes consisting of fittings for transmitting hose tension from one of the assemblies consisting of fittings through a casing (310) to another of the assemblies consisting of fittings and outside a flexible inner pipe (82).  20. Device for applying material of hot molten mixture according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the tube (270) is an axially compressible, bendable, flexible metal tube made of a single elongated spirally wound strip (274) of metal with engaged edges, the tube being axially compressed inside the flexible inner tube (82) when it is inserted into the flexible inner tube (82).  21. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to one of paragraphs. 1 - 20, characterized in that the heating element (30) contains three wires (96, 98, 100, 102), through each of which passes the phase of a three-phase electric current, and each of the wires is wound in a spiral around a flexible inner pipe (82) essentially along the axial length of the pipe (82) for heating the pipe and fluid material inside the pipe (270).  22. A device for applying a hot molten mixture according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises a frame (32) carrying a source (38) of heated fluid material and a pump (48), wherein the electric current source (114) comprises an internal motor (52) combustion mounted on the frame (32) and the output of which is connected to an alternator (194) alternating current electrically connected to each of the wires (30) of the heating element. Priority on points:
06/25/96 - according to claims 1 - 15, 21, 22;
06/17/97 - on PP.16 - 20.

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