Patent · US Expired

Separating tank assembly and method of draining separating tank

US7156896B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
12References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 4, 2004
Grant dateJan 2, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 24, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB01D21/302
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A separating tank assembly enables a dental vacuum separating tank to be drained without using a pump and without turning off or isolating the vacuum source from the tank. A drain tank is provided in fluid communication with the separating tank, and a control valve controls a pressure differential between the drain tank and the fluid tank. When the separating tank is filling, the drain tank and separating tank pressures are equalized, and the tanks are in fluid communication. When the fluid in the drain tank reaches a predetermined level, the solenoid opens the drain tank to atmosphere, blocking fluid communication between the separating tank and the drain tank and opening fluid communication between the drain tank and a sewer drain. After the fluid is drained, the solenoid reopens fluid communication between the separating tank and the drain tank, and the pressures in the respective tanks are equalized.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.