Flexible or portable closure – partition – or panel – Automatic control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-12
2001-03-27
Purol, David M. (Department: 3634)
Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel
Automatic control
C049S031000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206073
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to grain bins, and, more particularly, to a safety system for reducing the risk of a suffocation accident occurring in a grain bin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Grain bins are large, generally cylindrical sheds for storing grain. An exemplary grain bin
10
is shown in FIG.
1
. An auger (not shown) is disposed within the bin
10
adjacent the bottom of the bin
10
. The auger is electrically powered and is run to remove grain from the bin
10
via a discharge opening
12
. When the auger is actuated, the grain inside the bin
10
drains downward in a funnel-like fashion.
As illustrated in
FIG. 1
, grain bins are provided with an access opening
14
in their roofs through which a person may enter the bin
10
. The access opening
14
is usually provided with a hinged door or manhole cover
16
(see
FIG. 1
) to protect the grain stored in the bin
10
from weather elements such as rain. From time to time, grain can become jammed in the bin
10
such that the auger does not move or, if it moves, little or no grain is discharged. Although it is quite dangerous to do so, individuals sometimes respond to such jamming by entering the grain bin
10
and jumping in the grain to release the jam. Sometimes this process is performed while the auger is supplied with power (i.e., with the auger in the “on” or “run” condition). If a person jumping in the grain releases the jam with the auger in the run state, the auger can start to pull the grain downward in a funnel like manner. If a person is in the grain bin
10
when the grain starts to flow in this manner, they will quickly be pulled under the grain and may subsequently be suffocated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a safety apparatus is disclosed for use with a grain bin having an auger, a motor for driving the auger, and an access opening. The safety apparatus includes an electrical switch in circuit with the motor. The switch has a first state wherein the switch prevents operation of the motor and a second state wherein the switch permits operation of the motor. The apparatus also includes a cover mounted adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. The switch and the cover are positioned to place the switch in the second state when the cover is in the first position and to place the switch in the first state when the cover is displaced from the first position. The apparatus is further provided with a latch for securing the cover in the first position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a spring for biasing the cover toward the second position such that, when the latch and cover are released, the cover moves to the second position and the switch enters the first state to preclude operation of the motor and auger.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a kit is disclosed for use with a grain bin having an auger, a motor for driving the auger, and an access opening for entering the bin. The kit includes an electrical switch adapted to be connected in circuit with the motor to selectively prevent operation thereof. It also includes a cover adapted to be mounted adjacent the access opening of the grain bin for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. The cover is adapted to disengage the switch to permit operation of the motor when the cover is displaced from the first position and to operatively engage the switch to prevent operation of the motor when the cover is in the first position. The kit is further provided with a latch which is adapted to secure the cover in the first position. Moreover, the kit includes a spring adapted to bias the cover toward the second position such that, when the kit is assembled and mounted to the grain bin and the latch and cover are released, the cover moves away from the first position and the switch precludes operation of the motor and auger.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a safety apparatus is provided for use with a grain bin having an auger, a motor for driving the auger, and an access opening. The safety apparatus includes an electrical switch in circuit with the motor. The switch has a first state wherein the switch prevents operation of the motor and a second state wherein the switch permits operation of the motor. The apparatus is also provided with a cover mounted adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. Additionally, the apparatus includes means for placing the switch in the second state when the cover is in the first position and for placing the switch in the first state when the cover is displaced from the first position. The apparatus further includes a latch for securing the cover in the first position. Moreover, the apparatus is also provided with a spring for biasing the cover toward the second position such that, when the latch and cover are released, the cover moves to the second position and the switch enters the first state to preclude operation of the motor and auger.
In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a method is disclosed for reducing a risk of suffocation within a grain bin having an auger, a motor for running the auger, and an access opening. The method comprises the step of mounting a cover adjacent the access opening for movement between a first position wherein the cover precludes human entry through the access opening and a second position wherein the cover is displaced from the first position. It also includes the step of placing a switch in circuit with the motor such that placing the switch in a first operative state precludes operation of the auger and placing the switch in a second operative state permits operation of the auger. The method additionally includes the step of locating the cover and the switch for interaction such that the switch enters the first operative state when the cover is displaced from the first position. Further, the method includes the step of biasing the cover toward the second position such that the auger cannot be operated unless the cover is secured in the first position.
Other features and advantages are inherent in the disclosed apparatus or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.
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Marshall O'Toole Gerstein Murray & Borun
Purol David M.
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