Filter tube installation apparatus

{
  "publication_number": "US10508011B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Filter tube installation apparatus",
  "abstract": "An apparatus for unloading and installing palletized filter tubes which includes a rack having an attachment for a roller cage assembly. The cage includes at least one roller and is positioned horizontally and outward from the rack. The filter tube is positioned through the cage and over at least one roller and fastened at the free end to the ground or other filter tubing. The apparatus is attached to a skid steer, truck bed or other movable machinery and as the machinery moves forward the palletized filter tube is pulled through the cage assembly. Retention bars may be provided to retain the palletized filter tube in place as the vehicle moves. In one iteration, the retention bars are hydraulically operated and can be opened for loading of palletized filter tube.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A filter tube installation apparatus for use with a vehicle to install a palletized filter tube, the apparatus comprising: at least one vertical beam attachable to the vehicle, at least one retention bar attached to the at least one vertical beam, and a roller cage assembly attached to the at least one vertical beam; the roller cage assembly comprising at least one cage beam forming a cage, a plurality of rollers mounted on the inner periphery of the cage, and a mounting member attached to the cage; wherein the at least one retention bar may be translated from a lowered position to a raised position.",
    "2. The filter tube installation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one cage beam comprises eight cage beams joined to form an octagonal cage; and the plurality of rollers comprises eight rollers.",
    "3. The filter tube installation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one retention bars translate along the at least one vertical beam between the raised position and the lowered position.",
    "4. The filter tube installation apparatus of claim 3 wherein the at least one retention bars in the lowered position retain the palletized filter tube on the apparatus.",
    "5. The filter tube installation apparatus of claim 4 wherein the at least one retention bars in the raised position are above the palletized filter tube.",
    "6. The filter tube installation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one retention bars in the lowered position are disposed around the palletized filter tube."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The instant invention comprises a novel apparatus for unloading and installing palletized filter tubes. Filter tubes are low impact development tools that are typically used during construction projects to facilitate bank stabilization, to limit sediment runoff and to protect inlets to storm water drains. Commonly, filter tubes are used as perimeter controls during construction to stabilize topsoil, mulch or other landscaping materials to prevent those materials from being dislodged and swept away by rainwater or storm water runoff. In many locations, the use of filter tubes to limit soil runoff during construction is required by building code. The filter tubes are typically tubes having a cylindrical cross-sections which are used to trap the physical, chemical and biological pollutants in storm water. Moreover, filter tubes can be used to create a temporary ponding area behind the tube to allow suspended solids to settle out of the ponded water. Generally, filter tubes are manufactured by filling a porous fabric tube with a clean filter media. Common materials for the fabric tube include polypropylene and other plastic derivatives. The filter media may include woodchips, fabric, charcoal, absorbent sponge or any number of other materials depending on the intended application.\n\nGenerally, filter tubes are provided in lengths of 25 to 200 feet in length. They are often provided by manufacturers on pallets with the pallet then wrapped for shipping. Current installation methods for a filter tube are labor intensive and time consuming.",
  "cpc": [
    "B66F 9/18",
    "B65H 49/32",
    "B65H 57/06",
    "B65H 57/18",
    "F16L 3/01"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B65H 49/32",
    "B65H 57/06",
    "B65H 57/18",
    "B66F 9/18",
    "F16L 3/01"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "TCT INNOVATIONS LLC"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "GATHMAN TRAVIS"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2019-03-18",
  "publication_date": "2019-12-17",
  "grant_date": "2019-12-17",
  "priority_date": "2015-03-20",
  "application_number": "US-201916356780-A",
  "family_id": "56924735",
  "citations": [
    "CH709487A2",
    "US2009020369A1",
    "US2009304460A1",
    "US2014070045A1",
    "US2016325945A1",
    "US2018118553A1",
    "US7566024B2",
    "US8876032B1",
    "WO2011001183A1"
  ]
}