GB2474695A

GB2474695A - Auger

Info

Publication number: GB2474695A
Application number: GB0918634A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Heselden
Original assignee: Hesco Bastion Ltd
Current assignee: Hesco Bastion Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-23
Filing date: 2009-10-23
Publication date: 2011-04-27
Also published as: GB0918634D0

Abstract

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

Description

AUGER

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

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

Augers have been used for many years to convey material. Such conveyors generally include a helical shaped member which rotates within a housing or trough such that rotation of the screw thread along its longitudinal or central axis results in movement of the bulk material along the length of the device. In agriculture, augers are frequently used to move grain from a grain cart to a grain cart, 5iO, truck, or other storage facility. A typical grain auger includes an auger screw of constant diameter and pitch that is housed inside a tubular housing or shaft to form an auger assembly. An intake end of the auger assembly can draw from an attached hopper (usually by gravity) to receive grain or other material and the other end, that is the discharge end, has a chute or the like to guide the grain or other material to its destination.

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

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

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

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

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an auger for transferring flowable material, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical flange coaxially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, the helical flange extending only part way along the shaft thereby defining a sleeve cavity towards the distal end of the shaft, wherein the auger is operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve cavity upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and is operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve.

This auger has the advantage that the flowable material may be collected and dispensed via the same opening thereby simplifying the mechanism by which such material may be transferred. The auger functions by a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve whereby to uptake or collect the flowable material into the sleeve via the opening. ln contrast to known augers, the present invention includes a helical flange which extends only part way along the shaft thereby providing a sleeve cavity, which acts to retain and store, even temporarily, flowable material passing thereinto. Having repositioned the opening of the shaft or relocated the auger itself, a reverse relative rotation between the helica' flange and the sleeve causes the contents of the sleeve to be deposited at the new location, Accordingly, such an auger can readily function without the necessity of additional components such as chutes or storage containers. The auger is more efficient than known constructions for performing its intended function and also saves considerable time In transporting materials.

It is particularly advantageous in the handheid applications, where flowable material, such as soil for example, may be collected from one location and deposited in another In a short space of time.

It may be that the helical flange extends along no more than two thirds of the length of the shaft, preferably no more than half of the length of the shaft, more preferably no more than a third of the length of the shaft. When the helical flange extendsalong nomorethanathlrdofthelength oftheshaft,thisratlomay provIdes optimum performance of the auger In terms of the proportions of the shaft assigned to uptake and storage of the flowable material.

The sleeve cavity may be operable to store flowable material before dispensation. In this way, the fiowable material may be moved to a desired location before being dIspensed.

The foiward relative rotation causes the flowable material to advance towards the sleeve cavity via the cavity and beyond the helical flanges. The forward relative rotation acts to urge the flowable material to remain in the sleeve cavity. Even without the sleeve cavity having a dosed end towards the distal end of the shaft, the flowable material remains in the sleeve cavity due to the absence of helical flanges along the shaft in the sleeve cavity.

Advantageously, absence of helical flanges along the shaft in the sleeve cavity adds to the volume of the sleeve cavity so that it may store more flowable material.

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

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

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

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

The helical flange may be in a fixed state and the sleeve may be rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween, The helical flange and the sleeve may rotate simultaneously in opposite directions.

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

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

The sleeve may be tubular. It may, therefore, complement the shape of the shaft and helical blade so as to ensure smooth transit of the flowable material therethrougft The auger may further comprise agitating means. The agitating means may include a sonicator for example. The agitating means may act to agitate the flowable material when in the vicinity of the sleeve so as to prevent the flowable material from hardening, agglomerating, aggregating, freezing and the like, which could cause undesirable functioning of the auger were it to become congested. / Sj

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of transferring flowable material, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger as described herein (according to any of Claims I to 12); b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable material; c) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve cavity; d) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired location; and e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material.

O The step of repositioning the opening of the shaft may include moving the auger itself, The flowabie material may comprise granulate material, such as sand or soii for

example.

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

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

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use of the auger as described herein (according to any of Claims I to 12) for transferring flowable material between at least two locations.

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

According to a fourth aspect of the present Invention, there Is provided a helical screw for an auger, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a helIcal flange co-axially extending only part way along the shaft from the proximal end towards the distal end.

it may be that the helical flange of the helical screw extends along no more than athirdofthelengthoftheshaft.

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of an aUger formed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the auger of Figure 1 collecting flowable material from a first location; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the auger of Figure 1 and Figure 2 depositing the flowable material at a second location; Figure 4 is a side elevation of an auger formed according to a different embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a side elevation of an auger formed according to another embodiment of the present invention, Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated an auger I constituted by a shaft 3 having a proximal end 5 and distal end 7, a helical flange 9 coaxially associated with the shaft 3, and a sleeve 11 which houses the shaft 3 and helical flange 9.

The sleeve 11 is tubular in shape, is formed from steel (although any suitable rigid material could be used) and has an opening 13 towards the proximal end 5 of the shaft 3. The sleeve 1 1 may be considered a cylindrical conduit. The sleeve 1 1 is slightly shorter in length than the shaft 3 so that the proximal end 5 of the shaft 3 protrudes through the opening 13. The sleeve 11 is of substantially circular cross section and complements the shape of the helical flange 9. The sleeve 11 has a closed end 27 towards the distal end 7 of the shaft 3.

The shaft 3 is polelike and is integrally formed with, at its proximal end 5, a helical flange 9. Of course, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the shaft and helical flange may not be integrally formed, but connected in an alternative manner. The shaft 3 and helical flange 9 may thus be considered a helical screw. The helical flange 9 extends along approximately a third of the length of the shaft 3; the remaining part of the shaft 3 is free of any protrusions and defines a sleeve cavity 17. ifl other embodiments, the helical flange part of the shaft and free part of the shaft may be formed according to different ratios.

The proximal end 5 of the shaft 3 tapers to a point 15 to enable the shaft 3 to penetrate fiowabie material with ease during collection.

The shaft 3 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by any suitable rotating means 19 (not specified in diagram). In this embodiment, the forward relative rotation between the shaft 3, and consequently the helical flange 9, and the sleeve 11 is actuated by rotation of the helical flange 9 in an anticIockwise direction indicated by arrow 21, while the sleeve 11 remains in a fixed state. The forward direction is dictated by the configuration of the helical flange 9; that is the way in which it winds around the shaft 3. In other embodiments, the sleeve may also rotate to effect relative rotation. I 0

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

Use of the auger 1 is demonstrated in Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 2 shows the auger 1 rotating the shaft 3, and consequently the helical flange 9, in an anticlockwise direction. This causes the auger 1 to collect sand through the opening 13 in the sleeve 11 by virtue of the helical flange 9. The sand 25 is advanced along the sleeve 11 towards the distal end 7 of the shaft 3 and into the sleeve cavity 17, where it may be retained or temporarily stored before being deposited. The closed end 27 of the sleeve 11 acts to retain the sanc b n tne sieeve ii more eTrecuvey.

Figure 3 illustrates the auger 1 positioned in a different location, that is over a round bowl 29. In this embodiment, the auger 1 itself has been moved, whereas in other embodiments simply the sleeve opening may be repositioned. Figure 3 shows the rotating means 19 rotating the shaft 3, and consequently the helical flange 9, in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow 31; that is to actuate a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange 9 and the sleeve 11. This causes the helical flange 9 to withdraw and convey the sand 25 from the sleeve cavity 11 and dispense it into the round bowl 29 via the opening 13 of the sleeve 11. ii

Referring now to Figure 4, there is depicted an auger la formed according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The auger la is similar to that of Figure 1 and, therefore, like reference numerals represent like features.

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

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

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For 1) example, embodiments in accordance with the invention are not limited to any of the particular materials or construction disclosed herein. Other materials and constructions suitable for performing the function described herein for a particular material may also be utilized in embodiments of the invention.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention.

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

Claims

CLAIMS1. An auger for transferring flowable material, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical flange coaxially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, the helical flange extending only part way along the shaft thereby defining a sleeve cavity towards the distal end of the shaft, wherein the auger is operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve cavity upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and is operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve.
2. The auger according to Claim 1, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than two thirds of the length of the shaft.
3. The auger according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than a half of the length of the shaft.
4. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than a third of the length of the shaft, 5. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the sleeve cavity is operable to store flowable material before dispensation.6. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the helical flange comprises a helically wound ribbon blade.7. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the helical flange is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the sleeve.8. The auger according to any of Claims I to 7, wherein the sleeve is in a fixed state and the helical flange is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween.9, The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the helical flange.10. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 6 and Claim 9, wherein the helical flange is in a fixed state and the sleeve is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween 11. The auger according to any of Claims Ito 10, wherein the shaft and the helical flange are integrally formed.12. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the sleeve is closed towards the distal end of the shaft, 13. The auger according to any of Claims I to 12, wherein the sleeve is tubular.14. The auger according to any of Claims I to 13, further comprising agitating means, 15. A method of transferring fiowabie material, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger according to any of Claims 1 to 14; b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable material; c) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve cavity; d) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired location; and e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material. 1.616. The method according to Claim 15, wherein the step of repositioning the opening of the shaft includes moving the auger.17. The method according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the flowable material comprises granulate material.18. The method according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the flowable material comprises a liquid.19. The method according to any of Claims 15 to 18, wherein the forward relative rotation speed is sufficient to urge the flowable material to be collected in the sleeve.20. Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 14 for transferring flowable material between at least two locations.21. Use of the auger of any of Claims 1 to 14 for transferring sand into a gabion structure.22. A helical screw for an auger, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a helical flange coaxiaUy extending only part way along the shaft from the proximal end towards the distal end.23. The helical screw according to Claim 22, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than a third of the length of the shaft.24. An auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.25. A method of transferring flowable material substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.26. Use of the auger of any of Claims I to 14 substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.27. A helical screw for an auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 1.8Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:-CLAIMS1. An auger for transferring flowable material, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a helical flange co-axially associated with the shaft, and a sleeve which houses the shaft and helical flange, the sleeve having towards the proximal end of the shaft an opening for collecting and dispensing flowable material, the helical flange extending only part way along the shaft thereby defining a sleeve cavity towards the distal end of the shaft, wherein the auger is operable to collect flowable material in the sleeve cavity upon a forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve, and is operable to dispense flowable material upon a reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve.2. The auger according to Claim 1, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than two thirds of the length of the shaft. *.*S * . ****3. The auger according to Claim I or Claim 2, wherein the helical flange *::::* extends along no more than a half of the length of the shaft. * ***** * * *S..... * . ** * * S **4. The auger according to any of Claims I to 3, wherein the helical flange extends along no more than a third of the length of the shaft.
5. The auger according to any of Claims I to 4, wherein the sleeve cavity is operable to store flowable material before dispensation.
6. The auger according to any of Claims I to 5, wherein the helical flange comprises a helically wound ribbon blade.
7. The auger according to any of Claims I to 6, wherein the helical flange is operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative rotation with the sleeve.
8. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the sleeve is in a fixed state and the helical flange is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween.*****
9. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the sleeve is *1*** * * operable to rotate in a clockwise direction during the forward relative ***** rotation with the helical flange. a**S.S. * S a*a.... * * S. * a * S S **10. The auger according to any of Claims I to 6 and Claim 9, wherein the helical flange is in a fixed state and the sleeve is rotatable to effect relative rotation therebetween.11. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the shaft and the helical flange are integrally formed.12. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the sleeve is closed towards the distal end of the shaft.13. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the sleeve is tubular.14. The auger according to any of Claims 1 to 13, further comprising agitating means.15. A method of transferring flowable material, comprising the steps of: a) providing an auger according to any of Claims 1 to 14; *::: b) positioning the opening of the sleeve adjacent flowable material; C) actuating forward relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to collect said flowable material in the sleeve cavity; ** SSd) repositioning the opening of the sleeve towards a desired location; and e) actuating reverse relative rotation between the helical flange and the sleeve to dispense said flowable material.16. The method according to Claim 15, wherein the step of repositioning the opening of the shaft includes moving the auger.17. The method according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the flowable material comprises granulate material.18. The method according to Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the flowable material comprises a liquid.19. The method according to any of Claims 15 to 18, wherein the forward relative rotation speed is sufficient to urge the flowable material to be collected in the sleeve.20. Use of the auger of any of Claims 1 to 14 in transferring flowable * material between at least two locations. * * I.. ** * 21. Use of the auger of any of Claims ito 14 in transferring sand into a ::::. gabion structure.22. A helical screw for an auger, comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a helical flange co-axially extending along no more than a third of the length of the shaft from the proximal end towards the distal end.23. An auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.24. A method of transferring flowable material substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.25. Use of the auger of any of Claims 1 to 14 substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.26. A helical screw for an auger substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.* S. ** * S *** * * **** * *5SSSI * * * L *S * * .s * .1