Automatic waste dump and cleaning system
US4905325A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 1986 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 17, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D11/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A waste tank cleaning system in a preferred embodiment includes a flowmeter interposed in the line carrying cleaning fluid to the tank. A pair of solenoid valves are controlled by an electronic counter coupled to the flowmeter. In response to predetermined volumetric flows of fluid, the solenoid valves alternatively deliver fluid to a hydraulically operated drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the waste tank. In one alternative embodiment, a flowmeter is mechanically coupled to a valve structure which alternatively applies fluid to the drain valve and to a spray/rinse outlet in the tank, directly. In other embodiments, the volume of flow can be determined by liquid level sensors in the tank and a predetermined cleaning sequence can be carried out based on the signals sent by the sensors. Power can be furnished by a rechargeable power supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.