U.S. patent application number 10/402856 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels.
Invention is credited to Lorincz, Thomas A., Mays, Todd A..
Application Number | 20040020001 10/402856 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29715368 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040020001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lorincz, Thomas A. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2004 |
Apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels
Abstract
A barrel washing apparatus (10) for cleaning barrels,
particularly wine barrels (16). A wand assembly (14) has a spray
head (22) mounted on a fluid supply tube (28) which is bent in a
particular fashion such that it can be inserted through a bung hole
(20) of a wine barrel (16). A suction tube (24) has a cut away
portion (38) in a distal end (36) thereof for abutting the bottom
of the wine barrel (16). The suction tube (24) is also bent in a
particular fashion. A barrel stopper (26) is adapted for holding
the fluid supply tube (28) and the suction tube (24) in position in
the bung hole (20) of the wine barrel (16). A service cart (12) has
a pressure pump (55) for providing fluids under pressure to the
spray head (22) via a fluid line (50), A vacuum apparatus (62)
provides vacuum for removing fluids from the wine barrel (16) via
the suction tube (24) and a vacuum line (52) and for depositing the
fluids in a sump (63). A sump pump (64) removes the fluids from the
sump (63).
Inventors: |
Lorincz, Thomas A.;
(Hollister, CA) ; Mays, Todd A.; (Ben Lomond,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Henneman & Saunders
714 W. Michigan Ave.
Three Rivers
MI
49093
US
|
Family ID: |
29715368 |
Appl. No.: |
10/402856 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60385467 |
Jun 3, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/322 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B08B 9/093 20130101;
B08B 9/08 20130101; B08B 9/0813 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/322 |
International
Class: |
A47L 007/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A barrel cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inside of a barrel
with a fluid, comprising: a spray nozzle for spraying the inside of
the barrel with the fluid; a fluid stem for providing the fluid to
the spray nozzle; a suction tube for removing the fluid from the
barrel; a bung hole plug for accepting the fluid stem and the
suction tube, and further for holding the fluid stem and the
suction tube in place within the barrel.
2. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the barrel is
a wine barrel.
3. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the fluid
stem is generally curved.
4. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction
tube is generally curved.
5. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction
tube has a notch at the distal end thereof such that the distal end
will not be occluded even when the suction tube is against the
bottom of the barrel.
6. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction
tube includes a flexible section.
7. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the flexible
section includes a spring for providing flexibility to at least a
portion of the suction tube; and a tube section for preventing
leaking through the spring.
8. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the spray
nozzle is caused to rotate by the pressure of the fluid provided
through the fluid stem.
9. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the spray
nozzle has at least one jet that rotates simultaneously about at
least two axis.
10. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung
hole plug includes at least one vent hole.
11. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung
hole plug includes a securing means for securing at least one of
either the fluid stem or the suction tube thereto.
12. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the securing
means is a set screw.
13. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung
hole plug includes a fluid stem passage for passing the fluid stem
at least partially therethrough
14. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 13, and further
including: a set screw for securing the fluid stem within the fluid
stem passage.
15. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung
hole plug includes a drain tube passage such that the drain tube
can be passed through the bung hole plug.
16. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the drain
tube passage opens to the side of the bung hole plug such that the
drain tube can be placed into the drain tube passage from the side
of the bung hole plug.
17. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sum of a
width of said spray nozzel and the diameter of said suction tube is
at least as large as the diameter of said bung hole plug.
18. A wine barrel cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of a
wine barrel with a fluid, comprising: a nozzle for spraying the
fluid into the wine barrel; a high pressure pump for pumping the
fluid to the nozzle through a fluid supply hose; a suction tube for
removing the fluid from the wine barrel and a vacuum pump for
pulling the fluid from suction tube through a vacuum hose.
19. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further
including: a fluid sump for receiving the fluid from the vacuum
pump.
20. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further
including: a sump pump for pumping the fluid from the fluid
sump.
21. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further
including: a rolling cart for mounting the high pressure pump and
the vacuum pump thereon.
22. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further
including: a plug apparatus for holding and positioning the nozzle
and the suction tube within the wine barrel.
23. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sum
of the width of said nozzle and the diameter of said suction tube
are at least as large as the diameter of said plug apparatus.
24. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further
including: a controller apparatus for timing the operation of at
least the high pressure pump and the vacuum pump.
25. A method for cleaning a wine barrel, comprising: inserting a
fluid stem with a nozzle affixed thereto into the wine barrel;
inserting a vacuum tube into the wine barrel; providing a fluid
under high pressure to the fluid stem; and providing a vacuum to
the vacuum tube.
26. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 25, wherein: at
least one of either the fluid stem or the vacuum tube is
curved.
27. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 25, wherein: the
fluid stem and the vacuum tube are fixed in position within the
wine barrel by a plug apparatus.
28. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the
plug apparatus is secured into a bung hole of the wine barrel.
29. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the
fluid stem is rigidly affixed to the plug apparatus.
30. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the
plug apparatus has a recession in the side thereof for accepting
the vacuum tube therethrough.
31. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the
sequence and length of application of the high pressure fluid and
the vacuum are controlled by an electrical controlling device.
32. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 31, wherein: the
electrical controlling device is a digital controller operating
according to instructions recorded in a digital medium.
33. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein the
diameter of the plug apparatus is smaller than the sum of the width
of the nozzle and the diameter of the vacuum tube.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the right of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/385,467, which was
filed by the same inventors on Jun. 3, 2002, and is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to the fields of wine
making and mechanical washing apparatus, and more particularly to
an apparatus and method for washing the interior surfaces of
barrels. The predominant current usage of the invention is an
apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels while
the barrels remain in their normal storage locations within the
winery.
[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0005] Currently, washing the inside of wine barrels is a time
consuming and labor intensive process. A barrel must be removed
from its storage location in the winery, and transported to a
washing station. At the washing station, the barrel is inverted,
and water is sprayed into the barrel. The rinse water drains by the
force of gravity from the bung hole of the barrel, and runs into a
floor drain, or the like. Once the barrel has been rinsed, it must
be returned to its storage location in the winery. The current
barrel washing method suffers from several disadvantages.
[0006] One disadvantage is that neighboring barrels typically need
to be moved in order to remove a barrel from its storage location.
During the wine making process, it is desirable for any solids in
the wine to settle to the bottom of the barrel. Moving the barrel
disadvantageously disperses the sediment back into the wine.
[0007] Another disadvantage of the current barrel washing method is
that it increases the likelihood of worker injury. Whenever barrels
are moved, there is a risk that one or more barrels can fall on a
worker. Additionally, full barrels are extremely heavy, and workers
can injure themselves moving the heavy barrels. Further, the area
in and around the washing station is typically wet, and is
therefore likely to cause slip and fall injuries.
[0008] Yet another disadvantage is that the quality of wash
obtained with the current method varies greatly. In some cases, the
rinse water is simply squirted into the barrel with a garden hose,
or the like. In such case, there is no assurance that the entire
inner surface is thoroughly rinsed. Further, the quality of the
wash is highly susceptible to worker error. A less than
conscientious worker could perform only a quick wash, leaving the
barrel dirty.
[0009] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus and method for
washing the inside of wine barrels without moving the barrels from
their normal storage locations. What is also needed is an apparatus
and method for washing barrels that is safer than current methods.
What is also needed is an apparatus and method for washing wine
barrels that is more thorough, consistent, and reliable than
current methods.
SUMMARY
[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that it is quick
and easy to wash wine barrels using the inventive method and
apparatus.
[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that washing
wine barrels is made safer.
[0012] Still another advantage of the present invention is that
wine barrels are thoroughly cleaned.
[0013] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that
poorly cleaned wine barrels, due to worker negligence or mistake,
are essentially eliminated.
[0014] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
cost of cleaning wine barrels is greatly reduced.
[0015] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with
the prior art by providing an apparatus and method for washing the
inside of wine barrels. The invention facilitates washing the
inside of the wine barrels without moving the barrels from their
normal storage locations, such as on racks with other barrels of
wine.
[0016] Briefly, the barrel washing apparatus includes a spray head,
a fluid supply tube fixed to the spray head, a suction tube, and a
novel stopper adapted to engage the fluid supply tube and the
suction tube within the bunghole of a barrel. In a particular
embodiment, the fluid supply tube and/or the suction tube have one
or more bends formed therein in order to facilitate insertion of
the spray head and the suction tube through the bung hole of the
barrel even when there is limited overhead clearance. The stopper
includes one or more vent holes, a hole to accept the fluid supply
tube, and a channel formed to accept the suction tube. In the
embodiment shown, the stopper is fixed to the fluid supply tube.
However, the stopper may alternatively be fixed to the vacuum tube,
not affixed to either, or the like.
[0017] The barrel washing apparatus further includes a high
pressure fluid source and a vacuum source. The fluid source is
coupled to the fluid supply tube via a fluid supply line, and the
vacuum supply is coupled to the suction tube via a vacuum supply
line. In the particular embodiment shown by way of example herein,
the fluid source and the vacuum source are mounted on a cart to
facilitate transportation of the washing apparatus to the storage
locations of the barrels in the winery.
[0018] A method of inserting a spray head and a suction tube in a
barrel is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of fixing a
spray head to a fluid supply tube, inserting the spray head into
the barrel through the bung hole, inserting the suction tube into
the barrel through the bung hole, engaging the fluid supply tube
and the suction tube with a stopper, and positioning the stopper in
the bung hole of the barrel. The method facilitates the insertion
of a spray head and a vacuum tube through the bung hole of a
barrel, where the sum of the diameters of the spray head and
suction tube exceed the diameter of the bung hole.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of
the description of modes of carrying out the invention, and the
industrial applicability thereof, as described herein and as
illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. The objects and
advantages listed or discussed herein are not an exhaustive list of
all possible objects or advantages of the invention. Moreover, it
will be possible to practice the invention even where one or more
of the intended objects and/or advantages might be absent or not
required in the application.
[0020] Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that
various embodiments of the present invention may achieve one or
more, but not necessarily all, of the above described objects
and/or advantages. Accordingly, the listed objects and advantages
are not essential elements of the present invention, and should not
be construed as limitations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front elevational view of an
example of a barrel washing apparatus, according to the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional front elevational view of the
wine barrel of FIG. 1, showing a wand apparatus inserted
therein;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of the distal end of the
suction tube of FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the stopper of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the stopper of FIG.
2;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a spray head and a
suction tube of the barrel washing apparatus of FIG. 1 coupled to
respective supply lines, prior to insertion into a barrel;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the
service cart of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment
of the service cart;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of a suction tube;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method of
washing a barrel according to the present invention; and
[0031] FIG. 11 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method of
performing the fourth step (spraying inside of barrel) of the
method of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] This invention is described in the following description
with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the
same or similar elements. While this invention is described in
terms of modes for achieving this invention's objectives, it will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be
accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the
spirit or scope of the present invention. The embodiments and
variations of the invention described herein, and/or shown in the
drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting
as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically
stated, individual aspects and components of the invention may be
omitted or modified, or may have substituted therefore known
equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed
in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes
in the future. The invention may also be modified for a variety of
applications while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is
great, and since it is intended that the present invention be
adaptable to many such variations. In the following description,
details of well known and/or commonly commercially available
electronic control and plumbing apparatus, such as electronic
controllers, fluid manifold assemblies, and the like, have not been
specifically discussed in detail, so as to avoid unnecessary
complexity which might obscure disclosure of the true nature of the
present invention.
[0033] A known mode for carrying out the invention is a wine barrel
washing apparatus. The inventive barrel washing apparatus is
depicted in a diagrammatic front elevational view in FIG. 1 and is
designated therein by the general reference character 10. The
barrel washing apparatus 10 has a service cart 12 and a wand
assembly 14. The wand assembly 14 is adapted for insertion into a
wine barrel 16 for cleaning the wine barrel 16. A connecting hose
18 connects the wand assembly 14 to the service cart 12.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevational view of the wine
barrel 16 of FIG. 1, showing the wand assembly 14 inserted therein.
In the view of FIG. 2 it can be seen that the wand assembly 14 is
inserted into the wine barrel 16 through a bung hole 20 in the wine
barrel. The wand assembly 14 includes a spray head 22, a suction
tube 24, a barrel stopper 26, and a fluid supply tube 28. The fluid
supply tube 28 is rigid, and supports the spray head 22 within the
wine barrel 16. The barrel stopper 26 holds the suction tube 24 and
the fluid supply tube 28 in position during a wash operation, as
will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
[0035] The spray head 22 is a commercially available Model VII
spray head available from Gamajet.TM. Cleaning Systems, Inc. of
Malvern, Pa. However, it is anticipated that other brands and types
of spray head apparatus could be successfully employed to achieve
the objectives of the present invention. During a cleaning
operation, the spray head 22 sprays the inner walls of the wine
barrel 16 with cleaning/rinsing solution. High pressure solution
which is provided to the spray head 22 via the fluid supply tube 28
causes the spray head 22 to rotate about its longitudinal axis
longitudinal axis 30. The high pressure fluid also causes a
multi-aperture spray jet 32 to rotate about a second axis not
parallel to (in this particular embodiment, perpendicular to) the
longitudinal axis 30, as indicated by rotational directional arrow
34 in the view of FIG. 2. In this manner, the entire inner wall is
subjected to the spray, although portions of the inner wall in the
"shadow" of the suction tube 24 will not receive the full force of
the spray. Slightly rotating the suction tube 24 within the barrel
stopper 26 at some point during the wash operation will ensure that
even that portion is subjected to the direct spray.
[0036] Note that the fluid supply tube 28 includes a plurality of
bends. These bends facilitate the insertion of the spray head 22
through the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16, even when the wine
barrel 16 is stored on racks with other such wine barrels 16. When
the wine barrels 16 are stored on racks, the clearance between the
top of one wine barrel 16 and the bottom of the wine barrel 16
above it is typically only about 8 to 10 inches, making it
difficult, if not impossible, to insert long, straight tubes into
the barrels. The bends in the fluid supply tube 28 allow the spray
head 22 to be inserted into the wine barrel 16 even in such
restricted spaces.
[0037] As can be seen in the view of FIG. 2, the suction tube 24 is
also bent. The bend in the suction tube 24 provides several
advantages. The bent shape allows the suction tube 24 to be
inserted through the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16 in the
restricted spaces, as described above in relation to the
description of the shape of the fluid supply tube 28. Additionally,
the bent shape prevents the suction tube 24 from mechanically
interfering with the operation of the spray head 22. Also, the
closer the suction tube 24 is to the wall of the wine barrel 16,
the smaller will be the shadow cast thereby. In the embodiment
being described, the suction tube 24 has a generally large radius,
curved bend. It should be understood however, that the advantages
described above can also be achieved by forming a plurality of
spaced apart angular bends, or the like, in the suction tube
24.
[0038] The suction tube 24 is dimensioned such that it has an open
distal end 36 which can be positioned as close to the bottom of the
wine barrel 16 as possible. The distal end 36 is irregularly shaped
such that even when it is abutted against the bottom of the wine
barrel 16 the distal end 36 of the suction tube 24 will not be
occluded, and fluids will still be able to enter the suction tube
24. Keeping the open distal end 36 as close as possible to the
bottom of the wine barrel 16 minimizes the amount of fluid
remaining in the barrel following a washing operation.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of the distal end 36 of the
suction tube 24. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 3, the shape of
the distal end 36 insures that fluids can enter a cut away portion
38 of the distal end 36 even when the distal end 36 is abutted
against the wine barrel 16.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the barrel stopper 26. In the
view of FIG. 4 it can be seen that the barrel stopper 26 has a
supply tube feed-through aperture 40, a suction tube feed-through
aperture 42, and at least one vent hole 44 (two are shown in the
example of FIG. 4). The supply tube feed-through aperture 40
facilitates the passage therethrough of the fluid supply tube 28,
which is held in place therein by a set screw 46. The suction tube
feed-through aperture 42 provides a passage wherethrough the
suction tube 24 can be passed. The vent holes 44 prevent excess
positive or negative pressure from building up in the wine barrel
16, which pressure might cause damage to the wine barrel 16, injury
to workers, or else might interfere with the washing operation.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the barrel stopper 26
showing a threaded screw receiving aperture 48 for receiving the
set screw 46 (FIG. 4). As can be seen in the view of FIG. 5, the
sides of the barrel stopper 26 are tapered in the general manner of
a conventional stopper, such that the barrel stopper 26 can be
snugly inserted into the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16 (FIG.
2).
[0042] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the wand assembly 14 of
FIGS. 1 and 2. In the view of FIG. 6 it can be seen that the fluid
supply tube 28 is connected to a high pressure fluid line 50 and
the suction tube 24 is connected to a vacuum line 52. At some
distance from the wand assembly 14, the fluid line 50 and the
vacuum line 52 are joined together to form the connecting hose 18
assembly. Near the wand assembly 14 the fluid line 50 and the
vacuum line 52 are separated so as to facilitate the independent
manipulation of the tubes 50 and 52 to allow for the insertion
thereof into the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16, as will be
described in more detail hereinafter. In the present embodiment of
the invention, the fluid line 50 and the vacuum line 52 are joined
together side by side to form the connecting hose 18. In an
alternate embodiment (not shown) the fluid line 50 has been placed
inside the vacuum line 52 in a generally concentric
arrangement.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the spray head 22 and
the suction tube 24 are inserted into the wine barrel 16 as
follows. Initially, the barrel stopper 26 is secured to the fluid
supply tube 28 by the set screw 46. The fluid supply tube 28 with
the spray head 22 attached is then inserted through the bung hole
20 of the wine barrel 16. Because there are no other lines passing
through the bung hole 20 at this time, the spray head 22 can have a
diameter almost as large as the diameter of the bung hole 20. Next,
the fluid supply tube 28 is advanced through the bung hole 20 a
sufficient distance such that neither the spray head 22 nor the
barrel stopper 26 interferes with the bung hole 20 opening. Next,
the suction tube 24 is inserted through the bung hole 20 along side
the already inserted fluid supply tube 28. This method allows the
diameter of the suction tube 24 to be almost as large as the
diameter of the bung hole 20 minus the diameter of the fluid supply
tube 28. The suction tube 24 is then advanced through the bung hole
20 until its distal end 36 rests upon the bottom of the wine barrel
16. The fluid supply tube 28 is the further advanced until the
barrel stopper 26 is near the bung hole 20, and the suction tube 24
is positioned in the suction tube feed-through aperture 42. When
the components are properly aligned, the barrel stopper 26 is
forced down into the bung hole 20, thereby securing the wand
assembly 14 in place. Optionally, the barrel stopper 26 can
initially be loosely secured to the fluid supply tube 28, and then
be tightened after the remaining components are adjusted in
place.
[0044] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the
service cart 12 of FIG. 1. In the view of FIG. 7 it can be seen
that the service cart 12 has a plurality (four in this example, two
of which can be seen in the side view of FIG. 7) of wheels 53, and
a handle 54, such that the barrel washing apparatus 10 can be
easily moved to and about the barrel storage locations within a
winery. In the embodiment of the invention here described, the
wheels 53 are castor type wheels having eight inch pneumatic
tires.
[0045] The service cart 12 has a pressure pump 55, a manifold 56, a
controller 58 including a user interface 60, a vacuum apparatus 62,
and a sump 63 with a sump pump 64 located therein. The pressure
pump 55 provides one or more high pressure cleaning fluids to the
fluid line 50 via the manifold 56. In the present embodiment of the
invention, the pressure pump 55 is capable of providing
approximately four gallons per minute at approximately 1100 pounds
per square inch of pressure. In one embodiment of the invention,
the manifold 56 has a single input and output. The manifold 56 can
optionally be configured to select one or more of several inputs,
under control of the controller 58. The manifold 56 can also
optionally be equipped with a pressure regulator and/or a high
pressure safety release valve.
[0046] It is presently contemplated that fluids used to clean the
wine barrel 16 will be chosen from one or more of cold water, hot
water and/or ozonated water (which is already frequently available
in wineries). However, it is within the scope of the invention that
other cleaning fluids could be employed for the purpose, keeping in
mind that whatever is used should neither affect the taste of wine
to be stored in the wine barrel 16 nor should it present any sort
of a health hazard.
[0047] The controller 58 controls the operation of the service cart
12 by providing control signals to the manifold 56 , the pressure
pump 55, the vacuum apparatus 62 and the sump pump 64. Electrical
control lines are omitted from the view of FIG. 7 for the sake of
clarity. The user interface 60 which in this example is a keypad,
but which could also be or include a keyboard, a computer interface
for programming the controller 58 from an external computer, a
removable media storage device, or the like, provides a means for a
user to interact with and program the controller 58.
[0048] The vacuum apparatus 62 is a vacuum pump, similar to the
type of vacuum pump used on conventional shop "wet" vacuum
cleaners. In the present example of the invention, the vacuum
apparatus 62 is capable of creating a vacuum equal to approximately
seven inches of mercury at approximately thirty cubic feet per
minute. The vacuum apparatus 62 draws fluid(s) 70 from the wine
barrel 16 through the vacuum line 52, and such fluid(s) 70 drop
into the sump 63 of the service cart 12, as shown in the example of
FIG. 7. The sump pump 64 then pumps the fluid(s) 70 out through a
fluid discharge port 72. In the embodiment of the invention
described, the sump 63 has an approximately fifty gallon capacity,
and the sump pump 64 is capable of pumping approximately ten
gallons per minute at a discharge height of approximately twenty
feet.
[0049] The fluid discharge port 72 is a conventional garden hose
bib, to which a conventional garden hose (not shown) can be
attached to remove the fluid(s) 70. As will be discussed in more
detail hereinafter, since the fluid(s) 70 are generally non toxic
(frequently just tap water with some residue from the prior
contents of the wine barrel 16), they will usually be discharged
into the commonly available drain facilities which are already
available in wineries. Alternatively, the fluid(s) 70 can be pumped
into a collection receptacle (not shown) for proper disposal. A
drain fitting 74 is provided for draining the sump 63 when the
operation of the barrel washing apparatus 10 is completed.
[0050] The controller 58 has a computer readable medium 76 which,
in the present example, is the memory containing the programming
that causes the controller to coordinate and control wash cycles
performed by the barrel washing apparatus 10. Generally any
desirable cleaning cycle, as will be discussed in more detail
hereinafter, may be implemented by the controller 58 according to
the programming in the computer readable medium 76. Optionally, the
controller 58 can cause a record to be printed out (or otherwise
displayed or recorded) to verify that a particular wash cleaning
cycle has been completed. In a particularly simple alternate
embodiment, the controller 58 could be replaced with a simple
timer, in which case the user interface 60 could be a simple start
button, switch, or the like.
[0051] In the example of the invention shown and described in
relation to FIG. 7, the service cart 12 is optionally equipped with
a tubing storage rack 78 for the storage of the connecting hose 18
and any other hoses or tubes that might be necessary or useful for
the connection and use of the barrel washing apparatus 10.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment
of the service cart 12a. The operations and components of the
service cart 12a are not greatly different from those discussed in
relation to the first described embodiment of the service cart 12.
It is thought by the inventors that the configuration of the
service cart 12a may make the components somewhat more accessible.
In the service cart 12a, an alternate sump 63a is generally round,
and the vacuum apparatus 62 is affixed to a sump lid 80 which can
be easily lifted out of the way. As can be seen in the view of FIG.
8, the pressure pump 55, the manifold 56 and other components of
the service cart 12a are rearranged to more conveniently fit on the
service cart 12a .
[0053] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate
embodiment of the suction tube 24. As can be seen in the view of
FIG. 9, the alternate suction tube 24a has a flexible portion 82
such that the suction tube 24a will bend slightly at that point.
The reason for this variation is that all wine barrels 16 are not
exactly the same size. For example, both fifty five gallon and
sixty gallon barrels are common in the industry. Since it is
desirable to have the distal end 36 of the suction tube 24a close
against the bottom of the wine barrel 16 (FIG. 2), and since all
such wine barrels 16 are not exactly the same size, the inventors
have found that providing this small amount of flexibility will
enhance the positioning of the suction tube 24a. In this example of
the alternate suction tube 24a, a spring section 84 is provided at
the flexible portion 82. The spring section 84 is essentially a
conventional stainless steel spring. Since fluids and/or vacuum
pressure would leak through the spring section 84, a flexible hose
86 is provided which completely covers the spring section 84 and
provides a generally hermetic seal thereover.
[0054] FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method
500 of washing a wine barrel 16 according to the present invention,
which will be described with references to FIGS. 1 through 8. In a
first step 502, the spray head 22 is inserted into the wine barrel
16. Then, in a second step 504, the suction tube 24 is inserted
into the wine barrel 16. Next, in a third step 506, the fluid
supply tube 28 and the suction tube 24 are engaged with the bung
hole 20 of the wine barrel 16. As can be appreciated in light of
the description and drawings previously discussed herein, the fluid
supply tube 28 is affixed to the barrel stopper 26 (by the set
screw 46) prior to the first step 502. However, the suction tube 24
is not slipped into the suction tube feed-through aperture 42 until
the third step 506. Accordingly, even though the completely
assembled wand assembly 14 could not be fitted through the bung
hole 20, according to the above described method, the wand assembly
14 is secured in the wine barrel 16 as previously described
herein.
[0055] In a fourth step 508, high pressure fluid is provided to the
spray head 22 to spray the inside of the wine barrel 16. Generally
vacuum will be provided to the suction tube 24 during the entire
wash operation. However, in a fifth step 510, even after fluid has
ceased to be sprayed through the spray head 22, vacuum continues to
be applied to the suction tube 24 to finish removing any remaining
fluid from the wine barrel 16. It should be noted that, in some
cases, it may be necessary to remove residue fluids from a wine
barrel 16 even before beginning to spray the inside of the wine
barrel 16 . In that case, vacuum would be applied to the suction
tube 24 prior to spraying.
[0056] In a sixth step 512, the fluid supply tube 28 and the
suction tube 24 are disengaged from the bung hole 20. In a seventh
step 514, the suction tube 24 is removed from the barrel, and in an
eighth step 516 the spray head 22 is removed from the wine barrel
16.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram summarizing one particular method
600 of performing the fourth step (spraying inside of barrel) of
the method 500 of FIG. 10. In a first step 602 the controller 58
determines (based on user input through the user interface 60)
whether a custom wash cycle is required. If not, then in a second
step 604 the controller 58 sets the time for a standard wash. In a
third step 606, spraying the inside of the wine barrel 16 begins.
In a fourth step 608, the controller 58 determines whether the
standard wash time has elapsed. If so, then in a fifth step 610,
spraying is terminated. In a sixth step 612, the controller 58
determines if printed verification of the completed wash cycle is
required. If so, then in a seventh step 614, verification is
printed, after which method 600 ends.
[0058] If, in first step 602, the controller 58 determines that a
custom wash is desired, then method 600 proceeds to an eighth step
616 where the custom wash parameters are set. In a ninth step 618,
the custom wash begins. In a tenth step 620, the controller 58
determines whether the custom wash is completed. Tenth step 620
repeats until it is determined that the custom wash cycle is
complete, then method 600 proceeds to fifth step 610.
[0059] Many of the described features may be substituted, altered
or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For
example, alternate spray heads may be substituted for the
particular spray head disclosed. As another example, alternate
manifolds may be employed depending on the complexity and number of
different fluids required for a particular wash operation.
[0060] Various other modifications may be made to the invention
without altering its value or scope. For example, the sizes, shapes
and quantities of components shown and described in relation to the
examples discussed herein could each or all be varied according the
needs or convenience of a particular application. All of the above
are only some of the examples of available embodiments of the
present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily observe
that numerous other modifications and alterations may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the disclosure herein is not intended as limiting and
the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the
entire scope of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0061] The inventive barrel washing apparatus 10 is intended to be
widely used for the cleaning of barrels, particularly the wine
barrels 16 discussed herein. The present invention overcomes the
problems associated with the prior art, by providing an apparatus
and method for washing the inside of wine barrels 16, without
moving the barrels 16. Although there are many different processes
and practices used in the production of wine, and although such
practices vary widely from country to country and depending upon
the exact type of wine being produced and the personal preferences
of the producer, it is believed that all wine production facilities
that use barrels could benefit from the use of the present
invention. Although, because of the great variation in possible
applications it will require some experimentation to discover
exactly how long the operations should cycle according to the
present inventive method, it is presently believed that a wash time
of approximately 31/2 minutes at approximately 700 PSI and 4
gallons per minute of ordinary tap water should result in a
thorough cleaning of most wine barrels.
[0062] Therefore, since the barrel washing apparatus 10 of the
present invention may be readily produced and integrated with
existing wine making systems and practices, and since the
advantages as described herein are provided, it is expected that it
will be readily accepted in the industry. For these and other
reasons, it is expected that the utility and industrial
applicability of the invention will be both significant in scope
and long-lasting in duration.
[0063] NOTICE: This correspondence chart is provided for
informational purpose only. It is not a part of the official Patent
Application.
CORRESPONDENCE CHART
[0064] 10 BARREL WASHING APPARATUS
[0065] 12 SERVICE CART
[0066] 14 WAND ASSEMBLY
[0067] 16 WINE BARREL
[0068] 18 CONNECTING HOSE
[0069] 20 BUNG HOLE
[0070] 22 SPRAY HEAD
[0071] 24 SUCTION TUBE
[0072] 26 BARREL STOPPER
[0073] 28 FLUID SUPPLY TUBE
[0074] 30 LONGITUDINAL AXIS
[0075] 32 SPRAY JET
[0076] 34 ROTATIONAL DIRECTIONAL ARROW
[0077] 36 DISTAL END
[0078] 38 CUT AWAY PORTION
[0079] 40 SUPPLY TUBE FEED-THROUGH APERTURE
[0080] 42 SUCTION TUBE FEED-THROUGH APERTURE
[0081] 44 VENT HOLE
[0082] 46 SET SCREW
[0083] 48 SCREW RECEIVING APERTURE
[0084] 50 FLUID LINE
[0085] 52 VACUUM LINE
[0086] 53 WHEELS
[0087] 54 HANDLE
[0088] 55 PRESSURE PUMP
[0089] 56 MANIFOLD
[0090] 58 CONTROLLER
[0091] 60 USER INTERFACE
[0092] 62 VACUUM APPARATUS
[0093] 63 SUMP
[0094] 64 SUMP PUMP
[0095] 70 FLUID(S)
[0096] 72 FLUID DISCHARGE PORT
[0097] 74 DRAIN FITTING
[0098] 76 COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM
[0099] 78 TUBING STORAGE RACK
[0100] 80 SUMP LID
[0101] 82 FLEXIBLE PORTION
[0102] 84 SPRING
[0103] 86 FLEXIBLE HOSE
[0104] 500 BARREL WASHING METHOD
[0105] 502 INSERT SPRAYHEAD OPERATION
[0106] 504 INSERT SUCTION TUBE OPERATION
[0107] 506 ENGAGE SUPPLY LINE AND SUCTION TUBE OPERATION
[0108] 508 SPRAY BARREL OPERATION
[0109] 510 FINISH DRAINING OPERATION
[0110] 512 DISENGAGE TUBES OPERATION
[0111] 514 REMOVE SUCTION TUBE OPERATION
[0112] 516 REMOVE SPRAYHEAD OPERATION
[0113] 600 SPRAY BARREL SUBOPERATION
[0114] 602 CUSTOM WASH DECISION OPERATION
[0115] 606 BEGIN SPRAYING OPERATION
[0116] 608 TIME EXPIRED DECISION OPERATION
[0117] 610 TERMINATE SPRAY OPERATION
[0118] 612 PRINTOUT DECISION OPERATION
[0119] 614 PRINT VERIFICATION OPERATION
[0120] 616 SET WASH PARAMETERS OPERATION
[0121] 618 BEGIN CUSTOM WASH OPERATION
[0122] 620 WASH COMPLETE DECISION OPERATION
* * * * *