Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Combined
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-08
2001-04-03
Coe, Philip R. (Department: 1746)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Combined
C134S034000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210492
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a vehicle-based cleaning solution spraying system and method for cleaning buildings, signs roadways, and the like.
2. Background of the Prior Art
Devices that wash buildings, roadways and driveways, signs, and the like are known in the art. These devices work on various principles and with various levels of efficiency and productivity, however, they each suffer from one or more drawbacks.
Many devices are relatively small and are unable to effectively clean a relatively large structure such as a commercial building. Others are relatively complex in design and construction, resulting in relatively high acquisition and maintenance costs that make such devices prohibitive to use. Some devices lack sufficient controls to achieve delivery of a cleaning solution having a desired concentration and a desired discharge pressure.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a cleaning solution spraying system that can be used in commercial settings yet that is of relatively simple design and construction and is relatively easy to use. Such a device must have adequate controls to allow delivery of a desired solution concentration at a desired discharge pressure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The cleaning solution spraying system of the present invention addresses the aforementioned needs in the art. The device, which can be effectively used in a commercial setting, delivers a cleaning solution of a desired concentration at a desired discharge pressure. This discharge pressure control allows the cleaning solution spraying system to be operated in a low pressure mode such as when the cleaning solution is being sprayed onto the structure and a high pressure mode such as during the rinse phase. The device is of relatively simple design and construction and is relatively easy to use.
The cleaning solution spraying system of the present invention is comprised of a base, a first tank and possibly a second tank secured to the base. A first T-fitting fluid flow connects the two tanks with a nozzle. A first pump, a first valve, and a first check valve are fluid flow disposed between the first T-fitting and the first tank while a second pump, a second valve, and a second check valve are fluid flow disposed between the first T-fitting and the second tank. Appropriate filters are disposed within the system. A second T-fitting can be fluid flow connected to the first tank, the first pump and a water source such as an ordinary water faucet. A pressure regulator and a pressure gauge are fluid flow disposed between the second T-fitting and the water source. The first tank can be omitted and the first T-fitting can be fluid flow connected directly to the water source. A manifold system is fluid flow disposed between the first T-fitting and the first pump for regulating the amount of fluid flowing therefrom during the cleaning solution spraying process. The manifold comprises an inlet port fluid flow connected to the first pump, an outlet port fluid flow connected to the first T-fitting, and a plurality of feeder tubes, each feeder tube fluid flow connected to the inlet port and to the outlet port, and at least some of the feeder tubes having a valve of any appropriate type. In order to control the pressure of the fluid at the outlet port, an appropriate number of valves on the feeder tubes are opened. For a relatively low pressure, a relatively small number of valves are opened, for a relatively high pressure, a relatively large number of valves are opened. A variable rate control valve and a pressure gauge are fluid flow disposed between the first T-fitting and the nozzle for regulating and monitoring the discharge pressure of the fluid at the nozzle.
The cleaning solution spraying system of the present invention can be mounted on a vehicle, either a towable trailer or directly onto a vehicle capable of self-locomotion, such as a truck. Such mounting is ideally suited for use by government entities and others in cleaning and tracking roadway signs. Specifically, an operator may take the cleaning solution spraying system to a sign and using a ground positioning system (GPS) receiver, obtain the GPS location coordinates of the sign. These location coordinates can then be entered into an entry within a database, the database having a data structure with one of its data elements being a location data element, and optionally, a sign type data element, and a date data element. The sign type data and the date data are also entered. Once the operator cleans the sign and enters the data, the operator moves on to the next sign and repeats the process. Once all the signs within a given area are cleaned, the locations and cleaning status of the signs will be accurately known to the responsible entity, thereby allowing tracking of the signs within the area.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3680786 (1972-08-01), Levy
patent: 4553702 (1985-11-01), Coffee et al.
patent: 4597720 (1986-07-01), Friedrichs
patent: 4725004 (1988-02-01), Baran, Jr.
patent: 5230471 (1993-07-01), Berfield
patent: 5299767 (1994-04-01), Simpson
patent: 5626291 (1997-05-01), Flinn et al.
patent: 5643476 (1997-07-01), Garmire et al.
patent: 5706548 (1998-01-01), Schabacker
Coe Philip R.
Loffler Peter
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