The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 11, 2005
Filed:
Jul. 08, 2002
David E. Sisk, Bonne Terre, MO (US);
Roger L. Breakfield, Potosi, MO (US);
William Spencer, Kansas City, MO (US);
Scott A. Finnell, Parkville, MO (US);
David E. Sisk, Bonne Terre, MO (US);
Roger L. Breakfield, Potosi, MO (US);
William Spencer, Kansas City, MO (US);
Scott A. Finnell, Parkville, MO (US);
Delaware Capital Foundation (Dela.Corp.), Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A remotely operated manhole cover for a tanker, trailer, or other storage unit is provided. The manhole cover includes a hollow neck which is welded in place in the shell of the tanker or trailer. The neck defines an opening which allows access to the interior of the tanker or trailer for filling or cleaning of the tanker. A lid is pivotable about an axis between a closed position in which the manhole cover is closed, and an open position in which the lid is clear of the neck opening to allow access to the interior of the tanker. The lid is provided with an inflatable seal and locking flanges which extend from a rim of the lid. Movable locking members are provided on the neck and are movable between a locked position in which locking member engages the lid locking flange and an unlocked position in which the locking members are disengaged from the lid locking flange. Separate actuators are provide for the cover and the locking members. A control unit is provided to energize the cover and locking member actuators and to inflate and deflate the seal. The control unit activates the locking member and lid actuators and inflates or deflates the seal in sequence to unlock and open the lid or to close and lock the lid. The control unit includes a manually operable switch assembly which activates the manhole cover to open and close the lid. The switch assembly is located remote from the manhole cover, and preferably near the bottom of the tanker.