Drying and gas or vapor contact with solids – Process – Mechanical liquid removal
Reexamination Certificate
2007-04-10
2008-11-25
Lu, Jiping (Department: 3749)
Drying and gas or vapor contact with solids
Process
Mechanical liquid removal
C034S418000, C034S060000, C034S069000, C034S071000, C034S528000, C034S095300
Reexamination Certificate
active
07454846
ABSTRACT:
An apparatus and method for automatically drying a tennis court or other flat surface after rainfall is provided. A robotic vehicle cooperates with a sensing unit preferably mounted on a fence adjacent the court or other paved surface. A sensing unit detects the onset and cessation of rain and then waits a predetermined amount of time. After waiting, the sensing unit transmits a signal to the robotic vehicle which actuates the vehicle. The robotic vehicle includes an on-board controller which is internally programmed with a map of the court including obstructions. The robotic vehicle automatically sponge rolls the entire court. A thermal imaging camera connected to the sensing unit then scans the court to determine if any wet spots remain. The location of any remaining wet spots is recorded and transmitted to the on-board controller of the robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle then returns to the location of the wet spots and automatically sponge rolls and fan dries those remaining wet spots. The robotic vehicle then returns to a storage unit on or adjacent the paved surface where it is recharged and waits for further use.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6189179 (2001-02-01), Baird
patent: 6298578 (2001-10-01), Frampton
patent: 2008/0098611 (2008-05-01), Dancel
patent: 63196839 (1988-08-01), None
patent: 2006335298 (2006-12-01), None
Johnsonbaugh Bruce H.
Lu Jiping
LandOfFree
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