U.S. patent application number 12/512857 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for tank lid lifter and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to SPOKANE INDUSTRIES, INC.. Invention is credited to Nathan S. Batson.
Application Number | 20110024418 12/512857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43526027 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110024418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Batson; Nathan S. |
February 3, 2011 |
TANK LID LIFTER AND METHODS
Abstract
A tank assembly including a tank, a lid, and an actuator
assembly. The tank defines a tank volume and has an opening defined
therein. The lid is sized to cover the opening in sealing
engagement with the tank. The actuator assembly includes a first
actuator arrangement and a second actuator arrangement. The first
actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid into and out of
sealing engagement with the tank. The second actuator arrangement
is configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment
with the opening, and a second position removed from alignment with
the opening to permit access into the opening.
Inventors: |
Batson; Nathan S.; (Colbert,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART
222 South Main Street, Suite 2200, P.O. Box 11583
Salt Lake City
UT
84110
US
|
Assignee: |
SPOKANE INDUSTRIES, INC.
Spokane
WA
|
Family ID: |
43526027 |
Appl. No.: |
12/512857 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2590/664 20130101;
B65D 90/585 20130101; B65D 90/66 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/211 |
International
Class: |
B65D 55/00 20060101
B65D055/00 |
Claims
1. A tank assembly, comprising: a tank defining a tank volume and
having an opening defined therein; a lid sized to cover the opening
in sealing engagement with the tank; an actuator assembly,
comprising: a first actuator arrangement configured to move the lid
into and out of sealing engagement with the tank; a second actuator
arrangement configured to move the lid between a first position in
alignment with the opening and a second position removed from
alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.
2. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein a periphery of the opening
is defined by a cylindrical shaped lip.
3. The tank assembly of clain 1, wherein the opening is arranged on
a top side of the tank.
4. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the first actuator
arrangement moves the lid vertically into and out of sealing
engagement with the tank.
5. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the second actuator
arrangement moves the lid horizontally between the first and second
positions.
6. The tank assembly of claim 1, further comprising a support
member arranged to support the lid vertically above the tank when
the lid is out of sealing engagement with the tank.
7. The tank assembly of claim 6, wherein the support member
includes a first segment arranged vertically, the support member
being rotatable about a longitudinal axis ofthe first segment.
8. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the first actuator
arrangement comprises one of a pneumatic actuator and an electronic
actuator.
9. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the second actuator
arrangement comprises a handle for manually rotating a portion of
the second actuator arrangement to move the lid between the first
and second positions.
10. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly
further includes at least one position stop, the at least one
position stop being configured to define at least one of the first
and second positions of the lid.
11. The tank assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator assembly
includes first and second position stops, the first position stop
defining the first position of the lid and the second position stop
defining the second position of the lid.
12. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator assembly
further includes at least one locking member, the at least one
locking member being operable to maintain the lid in at least one
of the first position and the second position.
13. The tank assembly of claim 7, wherein the support member
includes a second segment, the second segment extending from the
first segment at a non-parallel angle relative to the longitudinal
axis of the first segment, the first segment supporting the lid and
at least a portion of the first actuator arrangement.
14. The tank assembly of claim 1, wherein the tank is a wine vat
configured to retaining a volume of fermented grapes.
15. A method of opening and closing a tank assembly, the tank
assembly including a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly, the
tank including an opening at a top side thereof, the actuator
assembly including at least first and second actuator arrangements,
the method comprising: moving the lid with the first actuator
arrangement into and out of sealing engagement with the tank; and
moving the lid with the second actuator arrangement between a first
position in alignment with the opening and a second position
substantially removed from alignment with the opening to permit
access into the opening.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first actuator arrangement
includes a pneumatic actuator, and moving the lid with first
actuator arrangement including activating the pneumatic
actuator.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the second actuator arrangement
includes a support member, the support member including a first
segment arranged vertically and a second segment extending from the
first segment at an angle, the second segment supporting the lid
and at least a portion of the first actuator arrangement, and the
step of moving the lid with the second actuator arrangement
includes rotating the support member about a longitudinal axis of
the first segment.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the second actuator arrangement
further includes an actuator handle that extends from the second
segment, and rotating the support member includes applying a
rotational force to the support member with the handle.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein in the second position the lid
is at least partially covering the opening.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the second actuator assembly
further comprises at least one position stop that defines at least
one of the first and second positions of the lid, and a locking
member that maintains the lid in at least one of the first and
second positions.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to tank assemblies having a
removable lid, and more particularly relates to actuator assemblies
for use in moving the lid and related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The process of fermentation of red wines requires the
management of the wine cap. The cap is primarily composed of solid
grape skins and grape seeds. For the extraction of color and
tannins, the cap must remain in intimate contact with the grape
juice. As the wine ferments, carbon dioxide is generated. The
carbon dioxide gets trapped in the solids and in turn raises the
solids to the top of the juice, thus forming the cap. Typically,
the cap rises out of the liquid as the carbon dioxide rises. When
the cap is exposed out of the liquid, a combination of acetic
bacteria, warmth and oxygen that is present can convert the juice
to vinegar in a relatively short time.
[0003] Several methods are used to submerge the cap and keep it in
contact with the juice. For small batch, premium wines the
preferred method is the "punch down" method. The punch down method
involves manually punching down the cap into the juice several
times per day using a pole with a disk on the end. While the punch
down method can be a tedious process, it is also a relatively
gentle method as compared to alternative methods, thus causing
minimal disturbance to the solids and avoiding the harmful abrasion
that can release hard tannins from the outer layer of the skins
into the juice.
[0004] Typically, exposure of the juice to oxygen in the air is
limited by sealing the tank holding the juice with a sealing lid
that is positioned on top of the tank. Handling the lid can be a
time-consuming, labor-intensive task. Usually two to three people
are required to handle a lid needed for a typical sized wine tank
(e.g., a 250-1000 gallon tank). Handling the tank can require
manually climbing up step ladders, carrying the lid, setting the
lid in place, and latching the lid down with a latch mechanism. To
punch down the cap, the operators typically climb a step ladder,
undo the latch mechanism, remove the lid, carry the lid down, and
place the lid on the ground next to the tank while the punch down
operation is performed. After the punch down operation is
performed, the lid must then be carried up the step ladder, lifted
into place over the tank opening, manually aligned with the edge
seal, and latched down with the latch mechanism. This process of
handling the lid may permit contamination to enter the tank
interior as debris off of the top of the lid, debris collected on
the sides and bottom of the lid from setting the lid on the ground,
and other contaminants collected from excessive handling pass into
the tank. This process of handling also requires multiple operators
for every punch down operation. Handling a lid manually can also
pose a higher safety risk as the punch down operation must be
performed several times per day on every tank of wine being
fermented.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tank
assembly. The tank assembly includes a tank, a lid, and an actuator
assembly. The tank defines a tank volume and has an opening defined
therein. The lid is sized to cover the opening in sealing
engagement with the tank. The actuator assembly includes a first
actuator arrangement and a second actuator arrangement The first
actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid into and out of
sealing engagement with the tank. The second actuator arrangement
is configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment
with the opening, and a second position removed from alignment with
the opening to permit access into the opening.
[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method
of opening and closing a tank assembly. The tank assembly includes
a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly. The tank has an opening at
a top side thereof. The actuator assembly includes at least first
and second actuator arrangements. The method includes moving the
lid with the first actuator arrangement into and out of sealing
engagement with the tank, and moving the lid with the second
actuator arrangement between a first position in alignment with the
opening and a second position substantially removed from alignment
with the opening to permit access into the opening.
[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of the
invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example tank assembly
in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the example tank
assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 1
with the lid in a closed state in engagement with the tank.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view ofthe tank assembly shown in FIG. 1
with the lid in an open state out of engagement with the tank and
aligned with the tank opening.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG.
4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front view of the tank assembly shown in FIG. 1
with the lid moved laterally out of alignment with the tank
opening.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG.
6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the lid controls of the tank
assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the lid arranged in alignment with
the tank opening.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the lid controls of the tank
assembly shown in FIG. 6 with the lid arranged out of alignment
with the tank opening.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the pneumatic actuator shown
in FIG. 1 prior to being activated to move the lid out of
engagement with the tank.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the pneumatic actuator shown
in FIG. 4 in an activated state to move the lid out of engagement
with the tank.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another example tank
assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a first side view of the tank assembly shown in
FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a second side view of the tank assembly shown in
FIG. 12.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a top view of the tank assembly shown in FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present disclosure is directed to an actuator assembly
for use in moving a lid relative to a tank of a tank assembly. The
examples referred to herein provide for an apparatus and related
methods that permit a single person to lift the lid, move the lid
away from obstructing an opening of the tank, and securing the lid
in the removed position. With the lid removed out of the way, an
operator is able to access the interior of the tank via the tank
opening to perform, for example, a punch down operation in a wine
making process. When the operator has completed his access to the
tank interior, the lid may be moved back into position,
self-aligned with the tank opening, and moved into sealing
engagement with the tank to close the opening by a single
operator.
[0024] This process of handling the lid may reduce contamination to
the contents ofthe tank because contact with the lid by the
operator (i.e., a single operator) may be limited, and thus the lid
may remain suspended out of contact with other objects while the
tank interior is being accessed by the operator.
[0025] The actuator assembly may be operated at least in part using
a pneumatic actuator and compressed air supply. Other aspects of
the actuator assembly may be activated manually. In some
arrangements, some aspects of the actuator may be powered and
operated using alternative power sources such as hydraulic or
electronic power sources.
[0026] When using pneumatics, a small compressed air supply may be
provided to the location of the tank and connected at a tank air
fitting. In one example, a two-way, normally closed actuator valve
may be manually actuated by the operator, allowing the air supply
to reach a pneumatic cylinder attached to the lid. The action of
the pneumatic cylinder may then lift the lid, freeing the lid from
the tank and holding the lid in a raised position.
[0027] The pneumatic cylinder may be supported by a support member
that may be pivoted or rotated to move the lid away from alignment
with the tank opening. A position stop may be used to control the
start and end rotated positions of the support member. A locking
member may be used to retain the support member in at least the
start and end rotated positions. Reverse steps may be taken to
reposition and close the lid relative to the tank opening.
[0028] An example tank assembly 10 that may include these and
related features is shown and described with reference to FIGS.
1-11. The tank assembly 10 includes a tank 12, a lid 14, and an
actuator assembly 16. The actuator assembly 16 is configured to
move the lid 14 relative to an opening in the tank as will be
described in further detail below.
[0029] The tank 12 includes a top end 20, a bottom end 22 and a
sidewall 24 that define an internal volume 30 (see FIG. 7). A top
opening 28 is defined by an opening edge 26 at the top end 20 (see
FIGS. 1 and 7). As noted above, the tank 12 may retain a volume of
grapes in a process for making wine. The tank 12 holds both grape
juice as well as grape solids that are separated from the juice.
Typically, it is important to be able to access the internal volume
30 of the tank 12 in order to submerge the solids (also referred to
as a "cap" of solids) inthejuice on aperiodic basis. One aspect of
the present disclosure relates to improved management ofthe lid 14
relative to the top opening 28 to reduce the total amount of time
and manual effort involved in accessing the internal volume 30 to
submerge the cap during the process of maling wine.
[0030] The lid 14 includes a top surface 32, a bottom surface 34
and a peripheral edge 36. In some arrangements, the lid 14 may also
include a seal member (not shown) arranged around the peripheral
edge 36 or along the bottom surface 34 where the lid 14 mates with
the opening edge 26 of the tank 12. In some arrangements, the seal
member may be mounted to the tank 12 rather than to the lid 14.
Preferably, engagement between the lid 14 and the tank 12 along the
opening edge 26 provides sealing engagement. The sealing engagement
may be an air-tight seal to help reduce inflow of oxygen into the
internal volume 30. The lid 14 may also include a connector 40 (see
FIGS. 9 and 10). The connector 40 may be used as an interface
between the lid 14 and features of the actuator assembly 16.
[0031] The lid 14 may generally have a circular shape when viewed
from above that corresponds to the generally circular shape of the
top opening 28 of the tank 12. In alternative arrangements, the top
opening 28 may have alternative shapes and sizes, such as
rectangular or oval shapes. The shape of the lid 14 may generally
correspond to the shape of the top opening 28. Alternatively, a
portion of the lid 14 that is in sealing engagement with the
opening edge 26 may have a shape and size that corresponds to the
shape and size of the top opening 28, while an exterior or
peripheral edge portion ofthe lid may comprise shapes and sizes
that are different from the shape and size of the top opening
28.
[0032] The lid 14 may include a dome shaped upper surface to reduce
collection of moisture and dirt on the lid 14. The bottom surface
of the lid 14 may have a dome shape or concave shape.
[0033] The size and weight of the lid 14 may be significant in some
tank assembly arrangements given the size and volume of the tank 12
and the size and shape of the top opening 28. In one example, the
tank 12 may have an internal volume in the range of about 250-2,000
gallons, and more specifically about 600-900 gallons. Further, the
tank 12 may comprise ametallic material, such as stainless steal.
The lid 14 may comprise a similar material. The actuator assembly
16 described below may be helpful in moving a relatively heavy,
large lid 14 into and out of engagement withthe tank 12 and into
and out of alignment covering the top opening 28. Further, the
actuator assembly may be used with a single operator.
[0034] The actuator assembly 16 includes first and second actuator
arrangements 42, 44. The first actuator arrangement 42 may comprise
a plurality of features that may help to move the lid 14 into and
out of engagement with the tank 12. Second actuator assembly 44 may
comprise a variety of features that help move the lid, once out of
engagement with the tank 12, into and out of a position covering
the opening 28.
[0035] The first actuator assembly 42 may include an actuator
cylinder 46 and a control assembly 48. The actuator cylinder 46 may
be positioned adjacent to the top surface 32 of the lid 14. The
actuator cylinder 46 is operable between extended and retracted
positions. In the extended position (see FIG. 10), the lid 14 may
be positioned in sealing engagement with the tank 12. The extended
position of cylinder 46 may also be referenced as a rest position
wherein no application of force or activation of the cylinder 46 is
needed in order for the lid 14 to maintain sealing engagement with
the tank 12. In the retracted, or activated, position, the cylinder
46 lifts or otherwise moves the lid 14 out of engagement with the
tank 12 (see FIG. 11).
[0036] The control assembly 48 may be mounted to the tank 12, such
as along the sidewall 24 at a location that may be easily
accessible by the operator. The control assembly 48 may include a
regulator 50, a regulator gauge 52, a regulator adjustor 54, a
valve 56, a valve actuator 58, an air supply connector 60, and an
air supply 62. The regulator adjustor 54 may be used to adjust the
air pressure applied to the cylinder 46 upon opening of the valve
56 with the valve actuator 58. The regulator gauge 52 may provide a
visual indicator of the pressure levels. The air supply 62 is
attached to the regulator 50 via the air supply connector 60. The
air supply connector 60 may be positioned at any desired location,
such as at the bottom end 22 of the tank 12 (see FIG. 1). The air
supply 62 may be provided from an external air pressure source or
may be generated by an air pressure generating unit mounted to the
tank assembly 10.
[0037] While a pneumatic system is described with reference to tank
assembly 10 for the first actuator arrangement 42, other system
configurations are possible. For example, a hydraulic supply may be
used to actuate the cylinder 46. Alternatively, electrical motors,
electronic actuators, and other electronic devices may be used to
raise and lower the lid 14 and rotate the lid 14 away from the tank
opening 28. For example, an electric linear actuator may be used to
raise and lower the lid 14 as described in more detail below with
reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 12-14. In still further
arrangements, a manually activated system may be used in place of a
powered device, such as the actuator cylinder 46, motor or other
powered device. An example manually activated system may include an
assembly of linkage members and may include an eccentric or cam
member on a lever that provides a lifting action when manually
activated. Another example manually activated system includes a
cable with an eccentric on a lever, and activation of the lever
manually raises and lowers the lid relative to the tank. Any
combination of power supplies and manually activated features may
be used to move the lid 14 into and out of engagement with the tank
12.
[0038] The second actuator arrangement 44 may include a support arm
having first and second segments 72, 74, a collar assembly 76, and
an actuator handle 78. The first segment 72 has first and second
ends 80, 82 and is arranged generally vertically along the sidewall
24 of the tank 12. The second segment 74 includes first and second
ends 84, 86 and is arranged generally horizontally across the top
side of the tank 12 and vertically above the lid 14. The first end
80 of the first segment 72 is connected to the second end 86 of the
second segment 74. The second end 82 of the first segment 74 is
supported at the bottom end 22 of the tank 12. The first segment 72
is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, which extends vertically
along the sidewall 24 of tank 12. The actuator handle 78 may be
used to manually rotate the first segment 72. The first end 84 of
the second segment 74 supports the actuator cylinder 46 at a
central location above the lid 14.
[0039] The collar assembly 76 may include abase 8 8, first and
second position stops 90, 92, at least one stop pin 94, first and
second pin apertures 96, 98, and a stop member 100 (see FIGS. 8 and
9). The collar assembly 76 is shown positioned adjacent to the
controls assembly 48 of the first actuator arrangement 42. In other
arrangements, the collar assembly 76 may be positioned at a
location removed from the controls assembly 48. Positioning the
collar assembly 76 at the same general location as the controls
assembly 48 may provide a convenience for the operator of the tank
assembly 10.
[0040] The first and second position stops 90, 92 define two
specific rotated positions of the lid 14 relativeto thetank 12. The
firstposition stop 92 defines afirstposition inwhichthe lid 14 may
be arranged in alignment with and covering the top opening 28. By
maintaining the stop member 100 in engagement with the first
position stop 90, the operator may be able to determine that the
lid 14 is in proper alignmnent with the top opening 28. The
operator may then activate the cylinder 46 to move the lid 14 into
sealing engagement with the tank 12. Similarly, maintaining the
stop member 100 in engagement with the second position stop 92 may
enable the operator to determine that the lid 14 is moved out of a
position covering the top opening 28 so that the operator may
access the internal volume 30 of the tank 12.
[0041] The position of stop member 100 in engagement with one of
the first or second position stops 90, 92 may be maintained using
the stop pin 94. The stop pin 94 may be inserted through one of the
first and second apertures 96, 98, which are associated with the
first and second position stops 90, 92, respectively, to hold the
stop member 100 in a specific rotated position.
[0042] Many other configurations are possible to provide desired
rotated positions of the lid 14 relative to the tank 12. For
example, a pneumatic cylinder could be used to rotate the first
segment 72 ofthe support member 70 with preset settings ofthe
cylinder defining the desired rotated positions of the lid 14.
Variations of the collar assembly 76 may be used to provide the
same or similar functionality as described above for collar
assembly 76. For example, additional stop members 100 and stop pins
94 may be used. Further, the position of the position stops 90, 92
may vary to provide the different rotated position of the lid 14
relative to tank 12.
[0043] The first and second segment 72, 74 of the support member 70
are shown arranged in a generally perpendicular arrangement with
the first segment 72 arranged generally vertically and the second
segment 74 arranged generally horizontally. In other
configurations, at least a portion of the second segment 74 may
include a portion that is arranged out of a horizontal plane, such
as at an angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees relative to the
vertically arranged first segment 72. Generally, the second segment
74 may be arranged at an angle relative to the first segment 72 to
provide a non-parallel arrangement between the first and second
segments 72, 74.
[0044] The first segment 72 of the support member 70 is shown
extending from the top end 20 to the bottom end 22 of the tank 12.
Alternatively, the first segment 72 may extend along only a portion
of the total height of the tank 12, such as along only a portion of
the sidewall 24 between the top and bottom ends 20, 22.
[0045] The actuator assembly 16 may be modified to accommodate
different tank designs, such as a tank having an opening along the
sidewall 24 of the tank 12 or at any other suitable location as an
alternative arrangement to the top most end of the tank as shown
with reference to FIGS. 1-11.
[0046] Further, the actuator assembly 16 may have many other
configurations and alternative embodiments that may provide, for
example, moving the lid into and out of engagement with the tank in
the same motion as moving the lid into and out of alignment
covering the opening.
[0047] The support member 70 may be configured with a hollow
interior sized to retain, for example, cables, wiring, supply
lines, and other features needed for operation of the controls
assembly 48, actuator cylinder 46 or other features associated with
the first and second actuator arrangements 42, 44.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, another example tank assembly
100 is shown and described. The tank assembly 100 includes a tank
112, a lid 114, and an actuator assembly 116. The actuator assembly
116 is configured to move the lid 114 relative to an opening in the
tank as will be described in filter detail below. The tank 112 and
lid 114 may include similar features and constructions as the tank
12 and lid 14 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The
actuator assembly 116 may include an electronic actuator, such as
an electronic linear actuator 146, to raise and lower the lid 114
relative to the tank 112.
[0049] The actuator assembly 116 includes first and second actuator
arrangements 142, 144. The first actuator arrangement 142 may
comprise aplurality of features that may help to move the lid 114
into and out of engagement with the tank 112. Second actuator
arrangement 144 may comprise a variety of features that help move
the lid, once out of engagement with the tank 112, into and out of
a position covering an opening 128 of the tank 112. For example,
the second actuator arrangement 144 may include a support arm
having first and second segments 172, 174, a collar assembly 176,
and an actuator handle 178.
[0050] The first actuator arrangement 142 may include a electronic
linear actuator 146 and a control assembly 148. The electronic
linear actuator 146 may be positioned adjacent to a top surface 132
of the lid 114. The electronic linear actuator 146 may include a
motor 145 and an actuator 147 that is driven by the motor 145.
[0051] The electronic linear actuator 146 is operable between
extended and retracted positions. In the extended position the lid
114 may be positioned in sealing contact with the tank 112 (e.g.,
see lid 14 in contact with tank 112 in FIGS. 1-3) along a top
opening 128. The extended position of the electronic linear
actuator 146 may also be referenced in some arrangements as a rest
position wherein no application of force or activation of the
electronic linear actuator 146 is needed in order for the lid 114
to maintain sealing engagement with the tank 112. In other
arrangements, the extended position of the electronic linear
actuator 146 may provide application of a downward force to the lid
114 by the electronic linear actuator 146 to provide an improved
seal between the lid 114 and the tank 112.
[0052] In a retracted or activated position, the electronic linear
actuator 146 lifts or otherwise moves the lid 114 out of engagement
withthe tank 112 (e.g, see raised position of lid 114 in FIG.
11).
[0053] The control assembly 148 may be mounted to the tank 112,
such as along the sidewall 124 at a location that may be easily
accessible by the operator. The control assembly 148 may include a
plurality of control features used, for example, to operate the
electronic linear actuator 146, provide an indication to the
operator of a position of the lid 114 relative to the tank 112, and
provide power usage and applied pressure information to the
operator.
[0054] The actuator assemblies described herein may be operable to
lift a lid relative to a tank opening, and return the lid to a
position in contact with the tank to seal closed the tank opening.
In some arrangements, the actuator assemblies may be configured to
apply a force to the lid in a direction toward the tank. For
example, an actuator assembly may be configured to lift a lid
vertically out of contact with the tank to provide access to an
opening into the tank, and also apply a downward force to the lid
when the lid is in contact with the tank to create a seal between
the lid and the tank. The downward force applied to the lid by the
actuator assembly may be greater than a downward force applied
solely by the weight of the lid.
[0055] In at least some arrangements, the weight of the lid alone
is insufficient to create the desired seat between the lid and tank
when the tank assembly is used for certain applications. For
example, the weight of the lid may be sufficient when the tank
assembly is used for liquid storage only (storage tank
application), but a greater downward force applied by the actuator
assembly is needed when the tank assembly is used for closed top
red wine fermentation, open top red wine fermentation, closed top
white wine fermentation, and variable capacity (i.e., with a
Nitrogen purge) juice storage. Using an actuator assembly that can
apply varying amounts of downward force to the lid provides the
tank assembly with improved versatility in producing and storing
many different types of wine, wherein multiple tank assemblies were
needed previously.
[0056] While this invention has been described with reference to
certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be recognized by
those skilled in the art that many variations are possible without
departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. The
invention, as described by the claims, is intended to cover all
changes and modifications of the invention which do not depart from
the spirit of the invention. The words "including" and "having," as
used in the specification, including the claims, shall have the
same meaning as the word "comprising."
* * * * *