FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for dust reduction. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dust reduction system, which may be affixed to agricultural vehicles, for settling fugitive dust.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

During a variety of agricultural activities, fugitive dust is generated by equipment and machinery which may be used in the collection of crops, preparation of the soil, or application of pesticides or minerals for soil improvement. Fugitive dust is a general name for minute solid particles with diameters of less than 500 micrometers. Fugitive dust in the air is a known serious health threat to children, older people, and those with respiratory illnesses. In addition, fugitive dust increases wear and tear on machinery, frustrates community relations, and as particles that make up fugitive dust can easily become airborne, may spread dust, germs and particles into workers' lungs, thus decreasing productivity. In addition, dust polluted air may decrease productivity in workers due to impaired vision and in farm vehicles due to increased wear and tear.

Current methods for controlling fugitive dust include using chemical stabilization products or water sprays from tank trucks. Chemical stabilization products can be sprayed onto the dusty surface, or mixed into the soil at weekly or monthly intervals. Traditional products used for dust control and soil stabilization consist of used or recycled oil, virgin oils, chlorides, lignins, and emulsifications made with low-grade

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 petroleum resins, asphalt, oil, and pitch.

However, in recent years heightened awareness of environmental, health and safety issues has limited the viable use of chemical stabilization products, and has spawned the need for alternative, safer methods for controlling dust. In fact, heightened environmental awareness has given rise to legislation in most states curtailing the use of chemical products for dust control. Additionally, chemical stabilization products have limited value as dust suppressants, as they act as particle weighting agents by the process of adsorption, and do not have any significant cohesive action for soil stabilization and control of fine dust. Furthermore, the use of chemical stabilization products is disadvantageous and costly because it often requires repeat application, and the chemical constituents interfere with soil quality and may encourage pollutants in the soil, which migrate to and may contaminate the end product (harvested fruit and vegetables).

An alternative method for dust reduction incorporates water and other liquids sprayed in areas containing fugitive dust. Water sprays are typically performed by water trucks that have been adapted with large volume tanks and a spray distribution system attached to the front or rear of the truck's body. These water trucks travel a slow speed while spraying water at regular time intervals. While water truck spraying is easy to apply and readily available, it is also disadvantageous because the dust control only lasts a short duration of time, and the use of extra water in an effort to increase dust reduction tends to cause slippery conditions which may interfere with agricultural equipment and over-hydrate the soil. Furthermore, the use of water trucks may be impractical in narrow or sloping regions, typical in farming landscapes, and may lead to erosion and degradation of minerals in the soil on inclined farmland. Moreover, the practice can be costly due to the necessity to purchase, maintain and operate a water truck.

Due to the disadvantages associated with the current methods and apparatus for dust reduction, namely, chemical stabilization or liquid spraying, there exists a need for dust reduction methods and apparatus for controlling and mitigating fugitive dust generated in agricultural activities that is cost efficient, effective over long durations of time, and safe for farm workers and the environment.

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Figure 1 depicts an image of a partial cross section of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 depicts a rear quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 depicts a front quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts an interior view of a settling chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 depicts a side view of a settling chamber in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 depicts a side view of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 depicts a rear quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 depicts a front quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. One skilled in the art will recognize many methods, apparatus and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods, apparatus and materials described.

The present invention addresses the disadvantages of prior methods and apparatus for controlling dust produced during agricultural activities, such as separating

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DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 or cleaning crops, collecting crops, soil preparation and improvement, and other general agricultural activities. The present invention teaches a method and apparatus for capturing fugitive dust displaced during an agricultural activity; processing the fugitive dust through at least one duct, baffle, and chamber to settle the dust; and returning the dust to the ground.

In an embodiment of the invention, the dust reduction apparatus comprises ducting for capturing and transporting fugitive dust. The ducting comprises an entry end adjacent to a centrifugal fan, and an exit end for introducing the captured dust to a settling chamber. Agricultural machines often use at least one centrifugal fan in farming, such as crop collection. The entry end is configured adjacent to the centrifugal fan to capture the fugitive dust created by the centrifugal fan and using the vortex created by the centrifugal fan, drives the fugitive dust through the ducting to the settling chamber. The settling chamber contains an expansion chamber, which aids in depressurizing the high velocity fugitive dust, aided by using at least one baffle found in the settling chamber. The baffle contacts and redirects the high velocity fugitive dust, forcing a loss of energy by dissipation, which further decelerates the fugitive dust. The dissipative system used herein causes a loss of energy due to the action of friction, which converts the lost energy into heat. The at least one baffle is adjustable and the adjustable baffle may be positioned manually in a variety of positions by a lever located at the periphery of the settling chamber. Baffle position is optimized to dissipate the desired amount of dust based on dust particle size, dust particle speed, dust conditions and weather conditions. The expansion chamber is configured to be appreciably larger in volume than the ducting, which depressurizes the dust vortex created by the centrifugal fan thus slowing the velocity of the fugitive dust. Once the fugitive dust is adequately decelerated, and dissipated by the baffle, the dust settles and precipitates downward through the settling chamber to come to rest on the ground.

In an embodiment, the settling chamber may also employ the use of a filter to further separate solid particles from the dust and air to settle the fugitive dust. The filter may be fitted below the at least one baffle and/or at the ducting exit end. The filter may be composed of fibrous materials or foam, pleated paper, or spun fiberglass. The filter may consist of an absorbent or catalyst for removing airborne molecular contaminants

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 such as volatile organic compounds or ozone.

In another embodiment, the dust reduction apparatus may be fitted with at least one inertial separator to dissipate fugitive dust prior to precipitating the dust. The inertial separator may be fitted within, before or after the settling chamber. As used herein, the term "inertial separator' refers to an instrument for separating dust from gas streams using a combination of forces, such as centrifugal, gravitational, and inertial. These forces move the dust to an area where the forces exerted by the gas stream are minimal. The separated dust is moved by gravity into a hopper, where it may be stored and cleared. In another embodiment, the dust reduction apparatus may be fitted with drapes affixed to the settling chamber to aid in settling the fugitive dust, repressing surrounding dust and precipitating dust to the earth. The drapes may also be utilized to enclose the settling chamber, ensuring dust is settled prior to release. The drapes may be constructed of rubber, plastic, or other suitable materials known in the art, or combinations thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, the invention further describes a method and apparatus for dust reduction utilizing an electrostatic dust reduction apparatus which employs an ion cloud containing charged particles for attracting or charging floating dust by bonding to the dust molecules. The particles are introduced to an electrode of the electrostatic dust reduction apparatus, which introduces an electrostatic charge to the particles as the particles are being dispersed onto the earth. The dispersement of the electrostatically charged particles is accomplished by a pressurized particle stream. The electrostatically charged particles attract or charge the fugitive dust and cause the formation of large agglomerates that gravitationally fall to the earth and/or are electrostatically attracted to the earth, thus suppressing dust.

In various embodiments, the present invention may be fitted with an inertial separator to separate fugitive dust for more efficient dust reduction prior to precipitating and settling the dust. Inertial separation is a method of removing particulates from a gas, water or component stream, using the particles velocity as the force for separation. Inertial effects and gravity are used to separate mixtures of solids, gases and fluids. High speed directional airflow is established within an inertial container. The air in the

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 inertial container flows in a circular pattern, with particulates being introduced at the top of the inertial container and ending at the bottom. Denser particles in the inertial container have too much inertia to follow the tight curve of the circular pattern, thus striking the outside walls, which cause the particles to lose their inertia and fall to the bottom of the inertial container where they can be dissipated to the earth.

In various embodiment, the inertial container may be shaped such that as the rotating flow moves down towards the earth, the rotational radius of the airflow stream is reduced, separating smaller and smaller particles. In various embodiments, the shape of the inertial container may be circular, round, or conical. The shape of the inertial container, as well as the flow rate, may be adjusted, independently or in accord, to define the cut-point of the inertial separator. The cut-point may be defined as the size of particle that will be removed from the inertial separator with relative efficiency. Particles larger than the cut point will be removed with a greater efficiency, while smaller particles will be removed with a lesser efficiency. In a further embodiment, the adjustable baffles may be positioned to define the desired cut-point, or may be adjusted in accord with the shape and/or flow rate of the inertial container to define the desired cut-point.

In another embodiment, the dust reduction apparatus may be fitted with at least one drape affixed to the bottom of the expansion chamber to aid in settling the fugitive dust, and to repress fugitive dust precipitating to the ground. Alternatively, the dust reduction apparatus may employ the use of at least one filter for manipulating and separating dust particles, in promoting the reduction of dust in agricultural machinery.

Agricultural machinery often use vacuum forces generated by one or more centrifugal fans to collect, separate and/or clean crops during harvesting. The centrifugal fans displace large quantities of air and are capable of collecting or separating crops without clogging. The present invention cleverly utilizes the centrifugal fans in combination with a series of ducts and a settling chamber to drive, precipitate and settle the fugitive dust through the inventive apparatus. Figures 1-3 depict a dust reduction apparatus attached to an agricultural harvester. The harvester is shown for illustrative purposes only and the dust reduction

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DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 apparatus may be fitted to any agricultural vehicle or agricultural machinery. Figures 4- 6 depict the settling chamber of the dust reduction apparatus, and mechanism for adjusting the at least one baffle. Figures 7 and 8 depict the dust reduction apparatus of Figures 2 and 3, respectively, exclusive of the agricultural harvester. Referring now to the drawings in which like parts are designated by like reference characters throughout the several views. Figure 1 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of a dust reduction apparatus 10 attached to an agricultural harvester 22, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 1 , the dust reduction apparatus 10 depicts ducting 12 for leading fugitive dust to an exit end 30. The ducting 12 is attached to the settling chamber 14 at the exit end 30 and delivers fugitive dust collected at the entry end 32 (see Figures 2 & 3) to the settling chamber 14. The settling chamber 14 contains at least one baffle 16 for decelerating the high velocity fugitive dust, and an expansion chamber 18 which further decelerates fugitive dust and precipitates the dust to the ground. Figure 1 further depicts at least one curtain 20 for aiding dust reduction and settling, and for confining the dust in the settling chamber 14 prior to precipitation.

Figures 2 and 7 depict a rear quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus 10, with Figure 2 showing the dust reduction apparatus 10 attached to an agricultural harvester 22, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2 and 7 show an entry end 32 of ducting 12 adjacent to the at least one centrifugal fan (see Figure 3), common in an agricultural harvester 22. The ducting 12 is configured to capture and lead fugitive dust created by the centrifugal fan through an exit end 30 (see Figure 1 ) to a settling chamber 14, where fugitive dust is decelerated by the at least one baffle 16 (see Figure 1 ) in the settling chamber 14 and precipitated through the expansion chamber 18, settling dust to the ground. Figures 2 and 7 further depict at least one curtain 20 for enclosing the settling chamber 14 and for aiding in dust reduction and settling. The vacuum forces generated by the centrifugal fan 24 (see Figure 3) are harnessed to provide the force necessary in driving the fugitive dust through the ducting 12. The settling chamber 14 dissipates the fugitive dust by colliding the dust particles with the baffle 16, and depressurizes the high velocity dust by slowing the dust in the larger settling chamber 14.

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 Figures 3 and 8 depict a front quarter view of a dust reduction apparatus 10, with Figure 3 showing the dust reduction apparatus attached to an agricultural harvester 22, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An entry end 32 of ducting 12 is attached to the agricultural harvester 22, adjacent to a centrifugal fan 24, and configured to collect fugitive dust created by the centrifugal fan 24. Vacuum forces generated by the motion of the centrifugal fan 24 drive fugitive dust through the entry end 32 into the ducting 12. The entry end 32 of the ducting 12 is optimally positioned adjacent to the centrifugal fan 24 to capture the displaced fugitive dust. The ducting 12 transports the fugitive dust to the settling chamber 14 for settling and precipitation.

Figure 4 depicts an internal view of a portion of a settling chamber 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The settling chamber 14 contains at least one baffle 16 affixed to an adjustable plate 26, whereas the adjustable plate 26 may be adjusted to vary the angle of the at least one baffle 16. The adjustable plate 26 may be repositioned and secured by an exterior lever 28. Each adjustable plate 26 may be adjusted independently. The exit end 30 is illustrated to show the variance in volume between the ducting 12 (not shown) and settling chamber 14. The variance is significant in decelerating the high velocity fugitive dust created by the centrifugal fan 24 and harnessed by the inventive apparatus. Figure 5 depicts a side view of a portion of a settling chamber 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The settling chamber 14 contains at least one exterior lever 28 for adjusting the angle of at least one baffle 16 (see Figure 1 ). A locking mechanism may be incorporated into the exterior lever 28 for adjustably affixing the at least one baffle 16 position. Figure 6 depicts a side view of a settling chamber 14 depicting an expansion chamber 18 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At least one exterior lever 28 is visibly affixed to the periphery of the settling chamber 14 for ease of manipulation of at least one baffle 16. At least one curtain 20 is affixed to the settling chamber 14 for enclosing the settling chamber 14, ensuring settled dust does not escape the dust reduction apparatus 10 prior to precipitation.

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0 Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventors that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. The present description is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

DWT 13677357v3 0084878-002WO0