WO2003041910A1

WO2003041910A1 - Cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2003041910A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/035934
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudy Publ; Brian Gutkowski
Original assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2001-11-09
Filing date: 2002-11-08
Publication date: 2003-05-22
Also published as: MXPA04004235A; CA2466048A1

Abstract

An apparatus (20) for cleaning using blast cleaning media including a cabinet (22), an evacuation device (26) in communication with the cabinet, and a delivery unit (24) containing cleaning media in communication with the cabinet. The delivery unit (24) includes a safety device for relieving pressure within the delivery unit prior to refilling. The cabinet includes ports in communication with a diverter channel for increasing visibility along a line of sight upon the activation of the evacuation device.

Description

CLEANING APPARATUS

Background of the Invention [001] This invention pertains to an apparatus for cleaning parts, and

more particularly, to an apparatus using a media blasting system to remove

dirt, scale, lime, rust, coatings or any other surface contaminant from an

object.

[002] Media blasting systems are known in the art. Specifically,

systems which include a cabinet, an evacuation device and a delivery unit

have been used for years. However, certain disadvantages of the prior art

systems remain. One such disadvantage is a clear line of sight into the

blasting cabinet. Visibility along the line of sight provided by a glass covered

opening in prior art devices is often obscured by the blast media and debris

swirling around in the blast cabinet. As a result, the operators line of sight

is often obscured enough to slow the progress of work and effect the

operators productivity. [003] Another disadvantage of prior art blast systems is related to the

refilling of the delivery unit. Usually the delivery unit is operated under

pressure in order to facilitate blast media flow. This pressure must be

relieved before the delivery unit can be refilled. In a properly designed blast

media cabinet system, an apparatus for relieving the pressure associated

with the delivery unit is usually provided. However, many times this

important step in the process is overlooked and the delivery unit remains

under pressure when the refill port is accessed by the operator. As a result,

the operator is often injured when the refill port cover is propelled from the

delivery unit by the pressure contained therein. As a result, costs increase,

productivity decreases and the employer is faced with another worker's

compensation claim.

[004] Yet another disadvantage of prior art blast media cabinet

systems is the actual refilling of the delivery unit. The conventional method

for refilling is to cut open the bag of blast media and dump the blast media

into the delivery unit. As a result of this crude process, blast media is

distributed about the workplace. Consequently, there is a hazardous situation in which other workers may be injured or potentially placed at

significant risk. Further, product loss is considerable which results in

higher costs of operation.

[005] Therefore, there is a significant need and demand for a cleaning

apparatus which provides the advantages of a clear line of sight, a safety

pressure relief, effective blast media transfer, decreased costs and increased

productivity.

Brief Description of the Drawings [006] In the course of the following detailed description, reference will

be made to the attached drawings wherein like reference numerals identify

like parts and in which:

[007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus in

accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the access panel of the cleaning

apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the evacuation device of the cleaning

apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the power head assembly and filtering

device of the evacuation unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view and partially broken awajr view of

the delivery unit of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a detailed front elevation view of the refill port and safety-

device of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the refill port and safety device of

FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1

configured in a media transfer mode; and

FIG 9 is a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1

configured in an alternative media transfer mode.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention [008] One principle aspect of the present invention is directed to an

apparatus for a cleaning process including a cabinet having an access panel

and a removable cover and an evacuation device. The cabinet is operatively

connected to a delivery unit for holding and supplying cleaning media and an evacuation device for collecting used cleaning media and debris

generated during the cleaning process. The cabinet includes a support

structure and a plurality of panels defining a cleaning chamber and a

hopper separated by a shelf. One of the plurality of panels is configured as

an access panel and includes a viewing aperture and at least one port

formed adjacent the viewing aperture. A cover including a transparent

element and an overhanging portion is removably connected to the access

panel such that the transparent element is aligned with the viewing aperture

to provide a line of sight. A gasket is disposed on the cover for contact with

the access panel to seal the cover and the access panel interface. The

overhanging portion includes a portion which is discontiguous with the

access panel and defines a gap when the cover is removably connected to

the access panel. The evacuation device is activated during the cleaning

process to remove used cleaning media and debris from the cabinet by

drawing air through the gap and each at least one port, whereby visibility

along the line of sight is increased. [009] In another principle aspect of the present invention, a blast

cabinet cleaning apparatus includes a delivery unit. The delivery unit

includes a container for blast media having a refill port and a safety device.

The safety device is operatively connected to the refill port for relieving

pressure in the container. The refill port is adapted for operative connection

to a media source for refilling the container with cleaning media. The refill

port includes a wall configured to define a bore. The wall has an outer

surface which includes a coupling element formed thereon. The wall further

has an inner surface including a first connection element formed thereon.

The safety device includes a head and a shaft extending from the head at a

shoulder. The shaft further includes a second connection element

complementary to the first connection element, a bore, and at least one vent.

The bore extends through the shaft from a free end of the shaft to an inner

end adjacent the shoulder. Each at least one vent is disposed adjacent the

inner end extending from the bore through a wall of the shaft. The safety

device relieves pressure in the container when the safety device is partially

disengaged from the refill port such that each at least one vent is exposed to enable communication between the pressurized container and an

environment exterior of the safety device.

[010] Yet another principle aspect of the present invention is directed

to a blast cabinet cleaning apparatus including a media transfer system for

refilling a delivery unit. The media transfer system includes a cleaning

media source, the delivery unit, and a conduit operatively connecting the

cleaning media source to the delivery unit. The delivery unit includes a

container having a refill port and a vacuum port. The delivery unit further

includes a safety device operatively connected to the refill port for relieving

pressure in the container when the safety device is partially disconnected

from the refill port. The conduit operatively connects the cleaning media

source to the refill port after the safety device has been removed. A vacuum

source is operatively connected to the vacuum port. A vacuum generated by

the vacuum source draws media from the media source, through the

conduit and refill port and into the delivery unit.

[Oil] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus in

accordance with the principles of the present invention. A cleaning media blasting apparatus 20 configured in accordance with one embodiment of the

present invention includes three main components, namely, a cabinet 22, a

delivery unit 24 and an evacuation unit 26. The cabinet 22 is operatively

connected to the delivery unit 24 which contains and supplies the cleaning

media and the evacuation device 26 which collects the used cleaning media

and debris generated during the cleaning process.

[012] The cabinet 22 includes a support structure 28 and a plurality

of panels 30 which define a cleaning chamber 32 disposed above a hopper

and separated by a shelf (not shown in this FIG. 1). The support structure

28 generally includes a plurality of elements joined to support the cleaning

chamber 32 and hopper at a comfortable working level. The elements in this

embodiment of the present invention are preferably conventional right angle

metal stock. The material of construction for the elements is preferably a

ferrous or non-ferrous material. However, it is within the teachings of the

present invention that the elements may be formed of any suitable material

and in any suitable shape so as to provide adequate support for the cleaning

chamber and receptacle. For example, the elements may be formed of any plastic, alloy, engineered material, or any other suitable material and may

have a flat, rectangular, tubular, or any other suitable configuration.

[013] The plurality of panels 30 generally include a front panel 34, an

access panel 36, a top panel 38, a pair of side panels 40a, 40b, a rear panel

42 and a plurality of hopper panels 44 (only the front and one side of which

are shown).

[014] The cleaning chamber 32 is defined by the front panel 34,

access panel 36, top panel 38, side panels 40a, 40b and rear panel 42. The

hopper is defined by the hopper panels 44. A shelf (not shown in this

FIG. 1) is generally disposed in a horizontal position in the cabinet 22

between the cleaning chamber 32 and the hopper. Preferably, the shelf (not

shown in this FIG. 1) is generally disposed at a level indicated by the line 46

separating the front panel 34 from the hopper panel 44. Further, the shelf

preferably has a wire form construction sufficient to support objects to be

cleaned while permitting the cleaning media and debris to be drawn from

the cleaning chamber 32 and the hopper into the evacuation device 26. [015] The front panel 34 includes a pair of apertures 48a, 48b which

are connected to gloves 50a, 50b which are disposed within the cleaning

chamber 32. An operator inserts his hands through the apertures 48a, 48b

into the gloves 50a, 50b in order to manipulate a gun-type device (not shown

in this FIG. 1) disposed inside the cleaning chamber 32 which directs the

flow of blast cleaning media as desired. Preferably, the gloves 50a, 50b are

conventional in design and material. However, it is within the teachings of

the present invention that the gloves 50a, 50b may be configured in any

suitable design from any suitable material for use in a particular cleaning

process. For example, the gloves may be formed from rubber, leather, an

elastomeric material, an abrasion-resistant material or any other material

suitable for use in a blasting cleaning process.

[016] The access panel 36 includes a viewing aperture and at least

one port formed adjacent the viewing aperture as will be described in detail

in connection with FIG. 2. The access panel 36 is moveably connected to

the cabinet 22 such that it pivots about its top edge. A latch assembly 260 is partly disposed on the access panel 36 and the front panel 34 to secure

the access panel 36 in a closed position, as shown.

[017] The top panel 38 includes an aperture (not shown in this FIG. 1)

formed therein and a light fixture 52 disposed thereon in communication

with the aperture. The light fixture 52 is preferably a conventional

fluorescent light fixture. However, it is within the teaching of the present

invention that the light fixture 52 may be configured as any conventional

lighting apparatus. For example, an incandescent, metal-halide, zenon-arc,

halogen or other suitable lighting apparatus may be used.

[018] An outlet 54 is disposed at the lower end of the hopper for

connection with a hose 56 so that the evacuation device 26 is in

communication with the cleaning chamber 32 and the hopper in order to

generate a vacuum therein as will be described in detail below.

[019] The delivery unit 24 is preferably connected to the cabinet 22 by

a bandstrap 58 and appropriate fasteners 60. Preferably, the bandstrap is

made from metal or another suitable material having similar strength and

other associated properties and the fasteners include a stud and wing nut assembly which capture the bandstrap between the wing nut and the linear

element support member 28. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art

that any other suitable assembly of parts may be used to connect the

delivery unit 24 to the cabinet 22 for use as described herein.

[020] Blast media is loaded into the delivery unit 24 as will be

discussed below with regard to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[021] A control assembly 60 is disposed on a side panel 40a of the

cabinet 22. A pneumatic source is connected to the control assembly 60 by

a hose 62. The pneumatic source may be from any available external

source, such as shop air or a small adjacently disposed compressor which is

configured to meet the system airflow requirements. The hose 62 includes a

quick disconnect fitting 64 which engages a complementary quick

disconnect fitting 66 of the control assembly 60.

[022] The compressed air from the pneumatic source passes through

an air/water separator 68. A ball valve 70 or other suitable device for

controlling the flow of air through the control system 60 is in

communication with an outlet of the air/ water separator 68. A fitting 72 is connected to an outlet of the valve 70. The lower port of the fitting provides

air pressure via a hose 74 to a valve disposed adjacent the outlet port of the

delivery unit 24 in order to provide air for purging the cleaning blast hose as

will be discussed in detail below. The upper port of the fitting 72 is in

communication with a hose 76 which routes the compressed air through a

cabinet interlock switch 78.

[023] The cabinet interlock switch 78 includes a plunger (not shown

in this FIG. 1) which contacts a flange 80 on the access panel such that if

the access panel 36 is disposed in an open position, the control system 60 is

inoperative. Another hose 82 extends from the cabinet interlock switch 80

to the footswitch 84 which ultimately controls the discharge of blast media

from the delivery unit 24 to the gun-type delivery device (not shown in this

FIG. 1) disposed within the cabinet 22, as will be discussed in detail below.

[024] A pressure regulator 86 is connected to the middle port of the

fitting 72 for controlling and adjusting the compressed air pressure within

the remainder of the control system 60. A T-fitting 88 is connected to the

air pressure regulator 86 for directing regulated air to the delivery unit 24 via hose 90 and a differential pressure gate valve 92. The hose 90 is

connected to a port disposed on an upper surface 94 of the delivery unit 24

so that compressed air supplied to a space above the cleaning media inside

the delivery unit 24 pressurizes such space and cleaning media. A hose 96

connects the differential gate valve 92 to a T-fitting disposed below the

container of the delivery unit 24 for forcing the blast media through a hose

98 through the gun-type device disposed within the cleaning chamber 32 as

will be discussed below in detail.

[025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded detail view of the access panel 36

of the cleaning apparatus shown and described in FIG. 1. The access panel

36 includes a viewing aperture 100 and at least one port 102 formed in the

access panel adjacent the viewing aperture 100. A plurality of threaded

studs 104 are connected to the access panel 36 in order to connect a cover

106 to the access panel 36. The cover 106 includes a transparent element

108 and an overhanging portion 110 which may be generally described as

the top element 112 and all depending elements 114 extending away from

the transparent element 108. A plurality of apertures 116 are formed in the top element 112 for engaging the threaded studs 104 such that the cover

106 may be removably connected to the access panel 36. A plurality of

knobs 118 each have a threaded receptacle (not shown in this FIG. 2)

configured for complementary engagement with the threaded studs 104 in

order to secure the cover to the access panel. It will be recognized by those

of skill in the art that other suitable complementary connecting apparatus

and devices may be used with this present invention.

[026] The cover 106 is removably connected to the access panel 36

such that the transparent element 108 is aligned with the viewing aperture

100 in order to provide a line of sight therethrough. A gasket (not shown in

this FIG. 2) is disposed on the bottom surface of the top element 112 for

contact with the access panel 36 to seal the cover/ access panel interface.

[027] The access panel 36 further includes a diverter channel 120

disposed on the bottom thereof, as primarily shown in phantom in this

FIG. 2. The diverter channel 120 has an opening 122 disposed immediately

adjacent an edge of the viewing aperture 100. Each diverter channel 120 is

disposed on the access panel 36 such that each at least one port 102 is in communication therewith. The overhanging portion 110 includes at least

one element discontiguous with the access panel 36 when the cover is

connected thereto which defines a gap 126. In this embodiment of the

present invention, at least one depending element 114 depends a distance

from the top element 112 less than adjacent depending elements 114.

[028] Activation of the evacuation device during the cleaning process

removes used cleaning media and debris from the cabinet by drawing air

through the gap 126 and each at least one port 102, whereby visibility along

the line of sight is increased. The air drawn through the gap 126 and each

at least one port 102 enters the diverter channel 120 and is redirected

through the opening 122 such that the air travels across the transparent

element 108 before being drawn downward into the receptacle in the

direction of the evacuation device. Accordingly, a consistent flow of air

passes across the transparent element 108 such that the used cleaning

media and debris are drawn away from the line of sight. Therefore, the

disadvantage of the prior art regarding poor visibility within the cleaning

chamber is overcome. [029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the evacuation device 26

of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1. The evacuation device 26 includes a

base container 128, a first bolt ring assembly 130, a transition collar 132, a

second bolt ring assembly 134 and a power head assembly 136.

[030] The base container 128 includes a wall 138 and a bottom 140

which define a receptacle 142. A rim 144 is formed at the upper edge of the

wall 138.

[031] The transition collar 132 includes a wall 146 which defines a

bore 148. The transition collar 146 further includes an air inlet port 150

disposed on one side of the transition collar 132 such that the inlet port 150

is oriented tangential to the transition collar 132. The hose 56 is connected

to the inlet port 150 by any conventional apparatus or device, such as a

hose clamp or friction fit. A longitudinal axis of the inlet tube 150 is

oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis extending through the

transition collar 132 and the base container 128. A lower rim 152 is formed

on the lower edge of the wall 146 and an upper rim 154 is formed on an

upper edge of the wall 146. [032] The transition collar 132 is connected to the base container 128

by abutting the lower rim 152 and the upper rim 144 such that, the bolt ring

assembly 130 may engage both rims securely.

[033] The power head assembly 136 is connected to the transition

collar 146 in a similar manner. A rim 156 of the power head assembly 136

is disposed abutting the upper rim 154 of the transition collar 146 such that

the bolt ring assembly 134 engages both securely. When assembled in this

manner, air enters the evacuation device only through the hose 56.

[034] The material of construction of each element of the evacuation

device may be of any conventional well-known material suitable for the

purpose, such as metal or high strength plastic for the base container,

transition collar, power head assembly and bolt ring assemblies, or some

flexible, elastomeric material for the hose.

[035] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the power head assembly

136 of the evacuation unit shown in FIG. 3. The power head assembly 136

includes a cone 158, a filter 160 and a cover assembly 162. [036] The cone 158 includes a side wall 164, a bottom wall 166 and a

mounting flange 168 which cooperatively define a receptacle for receiving the

filter 160. The bottom wall 166 has an inlet aperture 170 formed therein

such that air may pass therethrough. The mounting flange 168 includes a

plurality of apertures 172 formed therein to receive threaded studs 174

attached to a blower 176 for connecting the cone 158 to the blower 176.

Wing nuts 178 engage the studs 174 after the cone 158 has been properly

positioned and secure the cone 158 to the blower 176.

[037] Before the cone 158 is attached to the blower 176, the filter 160

is attached to the blower 176. Preferably, the filter 160 includes an aperture

in a lower end 180 which engages a threaded rod 182 so that a wing nut

184 may secure the filter 160 to the blower 176.

[038] The cover assembly 162 includes the blower 176, a motor 186

and a lid 188. The blower 176 is connected to the lid 188 in any

conventional manner. The motor 186 is operatively connected to the blower

176 in order to provide rotative movement therefor. The blower 176

includes an inlet aperture 190 such that when rotative movement is applied thereto, air is drawn through the inlet aperture 190, filter 160, cone

aperture 170, inlet port 150 and associated hose 56. This same action

draws air through the cabinet including the diverter channels and the ports

associated therewith. The lid 188 includes a rim 156 and a plurality of

handles 192.

[039] It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the cone 158

may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the cone may be

formed from a metal, plastic, mesh, filter, combination of any of the

aforementioned or any other suitable material. When the cone 158 is

formed of a substantially solid or impermeable material, the aperture 170 in

the bottom wall 166 allows air to be drawn into the cone and filtered by the

filter 160 for discharge into the atmosphere. A cone made of semi-

permeable or filter-type material performs an initial or preliminary filtering

function in addition to the filter 160.

[040] In operation, air is drawn into the evacuation device 26 through

the tangential air inlet port 150 so that the air moves in a cyclonic or

circular motion within the base container 128 such that used cleaning media and debris is disposed around the inner perimeter of the base

container 128. As more air is drawn into the base container 128, the

tapered surface of the inverted cone 158 forces the air, used cleaning media

and debris combination towards the wall 138 of the base container 128. As

the air, used cleaning media and debris combination is forced downward,

velocity of such is increased as a result of the decreased area between the

cone side wall 164 and the wall 138 of the base container 128.

[041] The air, used cleaning media and debris combination is

discharged past the lower edge of the cone 158, so that the used cleaning

media and debris is forced to the bottom wall 140 of the base container 128.

The air is then drawn through the aperture 170 of the cone 158 and the

filter 160 to be discharged into the atmosphere.

[042] Separation of the used cleaning media and debris from the air

increases the efficiency of the evacuation device 26 and reduces the required

filter 160 surface area. Accordingly, a more compact design is available. In

this embodiment, more than 80 pounds of used blast media and debris may

be efficiently collected in the evacuation device 26 prior to servicing. It will be recognized that any blast cleaning media may be used, such as baking

soda, walnut shells, glass beads, sand, proprietary media or any other

suitable cleaning media.

[043] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed perspective view and partially

broken away view of the delivery unit 24 of the cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1.

The delivery unit 24 includes a container 194 for the cleaning media, a refill

port 196 and a safety device 198 operatively connected to the refill port 196

for relieving pressure in the container 194 as will be discussed in detail

below. The refill port 196 is adapted for operative connection to a media

source for refilling the cleaning media as will be discussed in detail below.

[044] As shown in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7, the refill port 196 includes

a wall 200 configured to define a bore 202. The wall 200 has an outer

surface 204 including a coupling element 206 formed thereon. The wall 200

further includes an inner surface 208 including a first connection element

210 formed thereon.

[045] In this embodiment of the present invention, the refill port 196

is configured as a male cam lock fitting. It is within the teachings of the present invention that any other suitable coupling element may be formed

on the refill port 196 for operative connection to a conduit for refilling the

container.

[046] The safety device 198 includes a head 212 and a shaft 214

extending from the head 212 at a shoulder 216. The shaft 214 includes a

second connection element 218 complementary to the first connection

element 210 for operative engagement therebetween. Moreover, the shaft

214 further includes a bore 220 and at least one vent 222 formed therein.

The bore 220 extends through the shaft 214 from a free end 224 to an inner

end 226 adjacent the shoulder 216. Each at least one vent 222 is disposed

adjacent the inner end 226 and extends from the bore 220 through the shaft

214. The safety device 198 relieves pressure in the container when the

safety device 198 is partially disengaged from the refill port 196 such that at

least one vent 222 is exposed to enable communication between the

pressurized container and an environment exterior of the safety device 198.

[047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and

second connection elements 210, 218 are configured as conventional screw threads. However, it will be recognized by one of skill in the art that other

suitable connection elements may be used to achieve the same function.

[048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the safety device

198 further includes a gasket 226 disposed adjacent the shoulder 216 to

seal an interface between the safety device 198 and the refill port 196. It

will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the gasket 226 may be

formed from any elastomeric material which provides suitable sealing

qualities. For example, the gasket may be formed of rubber, nylon or any

other suitable material.

[049] In one embodiment of the present invention, the head 212 of the

safety device 198 further includes a grip enhancing feature 228 which may

be formed by knurling the surface of the head 212 or by configuring the

head 212 such that a plurality of flat surfaces are disposed about the

circumference of the head 212 normal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft

214.

[050] In one embodiment of the present invention, each at least one

vent 222 is configured such that relieving pressure therethrough generates an audible tone indicative of such pressure relief. It will be recognized by

those of skill in the art that differently configured vents will generate

different audible tones.

[051] The bore 220 is in communication with the container at its free

end and with the perpendicularly aligned vents 222 extending through the

shaft 218 disposed adjacent the shoulder 216.

[052] During normal parts cleaning operations, the safety device 198

is operatively connected to the refill port 196 and compressed air from hose

90 pressurizes the container 194 in order to maintain the system pressure

of approximately ninety pounds per square inch. During service when

cleaning media must be added to the container 194, the system must be

depressurized, preferably using a dedicated vent valve. The safety device

198 may then be removed. In the event an operator fails to properly

depressurize, or if there is residual pressure, the safety device vents 222

relieve the pressure remaining in the container 194 to the atmosphere before

the safety device 198 can be fully removed. [053] In connection with the discussion above, with respect to FIG. 5

a ball valve 230 is connected to an outlet port of the container 194 in order

to control discharge of the cleaning media from the container 194. As

shown, the cleaning media passes through the ball valve 230 and a T-fitting

232. If the cabinet interlock switch and foot switch are actuated, control

valve 234 opens so that the cleaning media may flow there through into

another T-fitting 236. Compressed air available in hose 96 moves the

cleaning media through hose 98 into the cleaning chamber for use in the

cleaning process.

[054] When the cleaning apparatus is scheduled for maintenance, the

ball valve 230 is closed and ball valve 238 is moved to the open position so

that compressed air via hose 74 may be used to purge the cleaning media

from hose 98.

[055] The delivery unit 24 further includes a vacuum port 240 which

includes a fitting 242 and a valve 244 for use in connection with a media

transfer mode which will be discussed in detail below. [056] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus

20 of FIG. 1 configured in a media transfer mode. In this configuration,

bulk cleaning media is transferred from a cleaning media source 246 to the

delivery unit 24. The delivery unit 24 includes a container 194 having a

refill port 196 and a vacuum port 240. The delivery unit further includes a

safety device 198 operatively connected to the refill port 196 for relieving

pressure in the container when the safety device 198 is partially

disconnected from the refill port 196 as discussed in detail above. A conduit

248 operatively connects the cleaning media source 246 to the refill port 196

after the safety device 198 has been removed.

[057] A vacuum source is operatively connected to the vacuum port

240. In this embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation device 26

functions as the vacuum source. The hose 56 is removed from the outlet 54

and reconnected to the fitting 242 of the vacuum port 240. Upon opening

the valve 244 in the vacuum port 240, a vacuum generated by the vacuum

source 26 draws cleaning media from the cleaning media source 246

through the conduit 248 and refill port 196 into the delivery unit 24. The evacuation device 26, when operational in the media transfer system,

creates a continuous vacuum in the range of 100-110 cubic feet per minute.

[058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the conduit 248

includes a standpipe 250 and a flexible tubular conduit 252 attached

thereto. A female cam lock fitting 258 is connected to an end of the flexible

tubular conduit 252 opposite the standpipe 250. The female cam lock

fitting 258 locks on to the refill port 196 by complimentary engaging the

coupling contour. Upon insertion of the standpipe 250 into the cleaning

media source 246, bulk cleaning media is transferred from the cleaning

media source 246 to the delivery unit 24. In this manner, bulk cleaning

media is transferred quickly without creating nuisance dust as is the result

when using other prior art methods. Preferably, a clear section of hose is

disposed adjacent the vacuum port fitting 242 to provide a sight hole for

determining when the delivery unit is full of cleaning media.

[059] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the cleaning apparatus

20 of FIG. 1 configured in one alternative media transfer mode. This

embodiment of the present invention is identical to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 8 except for the following elements and

limitations. The vacuum source in this embodiment of the present invention

is a vacuum pump 254 which is in communication with the vacuum port

240 via hose 256. In this configuration, air is evacuated from the delivery

unit 24 by the low cfm vacuum pump 254 which creates a continuous

vacuum in the range of one to two cubic feet per minute. Again, the

continuous vacuum created by the vacuum pump 254 in the delivery unit

24 draws the cleaning media from the cleaning media source 246 through

the conduit 248 and refill port 196 quickly without creating nuisance dust.

This embodiment of the present invention will fill the delivery unit 24 to the

required level automatically such that a weighing device is not required.

[060] The embodiments described above are illustrative and not

restrictive. A scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than

the foregoing description. The invention has been described in all

foreseeable embodiments. Accordingly, all changes which come within the

scope of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An apparatus for a cleaning process, comprising: a cabinet operatively connected to a delivery unit for storing and supplying cleaning media and an evacuation device for collecting used cleaning media and debris generated during the cleaning process; the cabinet including a support structure, and a plurality of panels defining a cleaning chamber and a hopper separated by a shelf; one of the plurality of panels configured as an access panel including a viewing aperture and at least one port formed adjacent the viewing aperture; a cover including a transparent element and an overhanging portion; the cover removably connected to the access panel such that the transparent element is aligned with the viewing aperture to provide a line of sight; a gasket disposed on the cover for contact with the access panel to seal an interface between the cover and the access panel; the overhanging portion including an element discontiguous with the access panel which defines a gap when the cover is removably connected to the access panel; wherein activation of the evacuation device during the cleaning process removes used cleaning media and debris from the cabinet by drawing air through the gap and each at least one port, whereby visibility along the line of sight is increased.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the delivery unit comprises a container for cleaning media, which includes a refill port and a safety device operatively connected to the refill port for relieving pressure in the container; the refill port is adapted for operative connection to a media source for refilling the cleaning media; the refill port includes a wall configured to define a bore; the wall having an outer surface including a coupling element formed thereon; the wall having an inner surface including a first connection element formed thereon; the safety device including a head and a shaft extending from the head at a shoulder; the shaft including a second connection element complimentary to the first connection element for operative engagement therebetween; a bore and at least one vent; the bore extends through the shaft from a free end of the shaft to an inner end adjacent the shoulder; each at least one vent is disposed adjacent the inner end and extends from the bore through a wall of the shaft; wherein the safety device relieves pressure in the container when the safety device is partially disengaged from refill port such that each at least one vent is exposed to enable communication between the pressurized container and an environment exterior of the safety device.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the refill port is configured as a male cam lock fitting.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the first and second connection elements are screw threads.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, further including a gasket disposed adjacent the shoulder to seal an interface between the safety device and the refill port.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the head further includes a grip enhancing feature.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the grip enhancing feature includes a knurled surface.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the grip enhancing feature includes a plurality of flat surfaces normal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein each at least one vent is configured to generate an audible tone responsive to relieving pressure through the vent.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the cover further includes a diverter channel in communication with each at least one port for redirecting air drawn into the cabinet across the transparent element.

A blast cabinet cleaning apparatus including a delivery unit, said delivery unit comprising: a container for cleaning media which includes a refill port and a safety device; the safety device operatively connected to the refill port for relieving pressure in the container; the refill port adapted for operative connection to a media source for refilling the container with cleaning media; the refill port including a wall configured to define a bore; the wall having an outer surface including a coupling element formed thereon; the wall having an inner surface including a first connection element formed thereon; the safety device including a head and a shaft extending from the head at a shoulder; the shaft including a second connection element complimentary to the first connection element, a bore and at least one vent; the bore extends through the shaft from a free end of the shaft to an inner end adjacent the shoulder; each at least one vent disposed adjacent the inner end extending from the bore through a wall of the shaft; wherein the safety device relieves pressure in the container when the safety device is partially disengaged from the refill port such that each at least one vent is exposed to enable communication between the pressurized container and an environment exterior of the safety device.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the refill port is configured as a male cam lock fitting.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the first and second connection elements are screw threads.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, further including a gasket disposed adjacent the shoulder to seal an interface between the safety device and the refill port.

15. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the head further includes a grip enhancing feature.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the grip enhancing feature includes a knurled surface.

17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the grip enhancing feature includes a plurality of flat surfaces normal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

18. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein each at least one vent is configured to generate an audible tone responsive to relieving pressure through the vent.

19. A blast cabinet cleaning apparatus including a media transfer system for refilling a delivery unit, said media transfer system comprising: a cleaning media source;

the delivery unit including a container having a refill port and a vacuum port; the delivery unit further including a safety device operatively connected to the refill port for relieving pressure in the container when the safety device is partially disconnected from the refill port; a conduit operatively connecting the cleaning media source to the refill port after the safety device has been removed; a vacuum source operatively connected to the vacuum port; wherein, a vacuum generated by the vacuum source draws media from the media source, through the conduit and refill port and into the delivery unit.

20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the vacuum source is an evacuation device for collecting used cleaning media.

21. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the vacuum source is a vacuum pump.

22. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the cleaning media source includes a bulk container of cleaning media.

23. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein the conduit includes a standpipe for insertion into a bulk container of cleaning media.