BIN CLEANING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatuses, machines, systems and methods for periodically washing and/or disinfecting the interior of individual containers having a polygonal base (e.g., rectangular), such as bins of the type used for the used for agricultural commodity collection, storage, and transport (agricultural bins), as well as other types of bins and containers. The systems of the present invention may be operable to automatically and thoroughly clean the interior of such bins.

Claims

1. An apparatus for washing the interior of a polygonal bin, comprising: a. at least one articulating arm mechanically engaged with a mechanism for extending and retracting an extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm in a pre-determined pattern; b. a central rotational member that rotates the at least one articulating arm with respect to a central axis; and c. a spraying member attached to said at least one articulating arm, wherein the radial distance of the spraying member from the central rotational member changes as the articulating arm rotates around the central rotational member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spraying member includes a first pipe that is parallel to the floor of the polygonal bin when said apparatus is positioned within the agricultural bin and a second pipe that is parallel to the sidewalls of the polygonal bin when said apparatus is positioned within the polygonal bin.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a first plurality of spraying heads positioned on said first pipe, and a second plurality of spraying heads on said second pipe.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said apparatus is operable to maintain said second plurality of spraying heads at a constant distance from said sidewalls of said polygonal bin as said at least one articulating arm is rotated through the interior of the agricultural bin.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes at least two articulating arms, each having a mechanism for extending and retracting an extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm in a pre-determined pattern.

6. (canceled)

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mechanism for extending and retracting an extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm includes a rotor that is rotated independently of said central rotating member and is connected a belt drive system that activated according to programming executed by a controller in electronic communication with a electronic motor of said belt drive, wherein said programming moves said extendable portion in a pattern that is complementary to the interior perimeter of the polygonal bin, such that the articulating arm is maintained at a consistent distance from the interior of the sidewall of the polygonal bin as the rotating member rotates said articulating arm.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said rotor includes a cam and a bar linkage connects said cam to a pre-determined position on said extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm, and rotation of the rotor in a first direction moves said extendable portion radially outward and rotation of the rotor in a second direction moves said extendable portion radially inward.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the central rotating member has an axle and at least one driving arm that is fixedly attached to said axle and said at least one articulating arm is connected to said at least one driving arm by a parallel motion linkage.

16. (canceled)

17. A bin washing system comprising: a. a wash station having a rotating spraying apparatus including i. at least one articulating arm having an extendable portion connected to a mechanism for extending and retracting the extendable portion in a pre-determined pattern, ii. a central rotational member that rotates the at least one articulating arm thereby moving said articulating arm around the interior of a bin, and iii. a spraying member attached to said at least one articulating arm, wherein the radial distance of the spraying member from the central rotational member changes as the extendable member of said at least one articulating arm rotates around the central rotational member; and b. an inverting mechanism for turning and placing said agricultural bins in said wash station.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. The system of claim 17, wherein said mechanism for extending and retracting an extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm includes a rotor that is rotated independently of said central rotating member and is connected a belt drive system that activated according to programming executed by a controller in electronic communication with a electronic motor of said belt drive, wherein said programming moves said extendable portion in a pattern that is complementary to the interior perimeter of the polygonal bin, such that the articulating arm is maintained at a consistent distance from the interior of the sidewall of the polygonal bin as the rotating member rotates said articulating arm.

25. The system of claim 17, further comprising a bin delivery mechanism operable to place said polygonal bin over said guide structure such that the polygonal bin is aligned with a complementary pattern of the pre-determined track.

26. The system of claim 17, further comprising a second spraying mechanism for spraying the exterior of the polygonal bin when said polygonal bin is positioned over the guide structure.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein said second spraying mechanism includes spraying heads for spraying the exterior of the bottom of the bin and at least one lateral side of the bin.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. The system of claim 17, wherein the central rotating member has an axle and at least one driving arm that is fixedly attached to said axle.

31. The system of claim 17, wherein at least one articulating arm is operable to move in parallel along the length of the driving arm and is connected to said at least one driving arm by a parallel motion linkage.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. The system of claim 24, wherein said rotor includes a cam and a bar linkage connects said cam to a pre-determined position on said extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm, and rotation of the rotor in a first direction moves said extendable portion radially outward and rotation of the rotor in a second direction moves said extendable portion radially inward.

36. A method for washing containers, comprising: a. placing a bin having a polygonal base and sidewalls substantially orthogonal to said polygonal base over a wash station, said wash station comprising i. at least one articulating arm having an extendable portion connected to a mechanism for extending and retracting the extendable portion in a pre-determined pattern, ii. a central rotational member that in mechanical connection with the at least one articulating arm, and iii. a spraying member attached to said at least one articulating arm; b. rotating said central rotating member and extending and retracting said extendable portion of said articulating arm using a cam system, wherein a pattern in which said extendable portion is extended and retracted maintains a radial distance of the spraying member from said sidewalls of said bin as the at least one articulating arm rotates around the central rotational member; and c. spraying the interior sidewalls and interior surface of the base of the bin with said spraying member.

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. (canceled)

43. The method of claim 36, wherein said mechanism for extending and retracting an extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm includes a rotor that is rotated independently of said central rotating member and is connected a belt drive system that activated according to programming executed by a controller in electronic communication with a electronic motor of said belt drive, wherein said programming moves said extendable portion in a pattern that is complementary to the interior perimeter of the polygonal bin, such that the articulating arm is maintained at a consistent distance from the interior of the sidewall of the polygonal bin as the rotating member rotates said articulating.

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. The method of claim 36, wherein the central rotating member has an axle and at least one driving arm that is fixedly attached to said axle.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said at least one articulating arm moves in parallel along the length of the driving arm and is connected to said at least one driving arm by a parallel motion linkage.

50. (canceled)

51. (canceled)

52. (canceled)

53. The method of claim 43, wherein said rotor includes a cam and a bar linkage connects said cam to a pre-determined position on said extendable portion of said at least one articulating arm, and rotation of the rotor in a first direction moves said extendable portion radially outward and rotation of the rotor in a second direction moves said extendable portion radially inward

54-80. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is an overhead view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a side view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5B is an overhead view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5C is a side view of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5D is a close up view of a cam and linkage system of a rotating spraying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6B is a side view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6C is a side view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6D is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a top-side perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a close-up overhead view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a close-up bottom view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating a bin inversion mechanism.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating a bin inversion mechanism.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating a bin inversion mechanism.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bin washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention demonstrating a bin inversion mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these figures and certain implementations and examples of the embodiments, it will be understood that such implementations and examples are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. References to various features of the “present invention” throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or features.

[0052] Reference will be made to the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and like reference characters may be used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0053] The present invention relates to novel automated washing systems for removing debris from reusable containers. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a method for automated washing systems having a rotating spraying apparatus that can be maintained at a constant distance from the interior surfaces of polygonal bins such that all interior surfaces are equally and thoroughly cleaned, despite irregularly and varying radii of the sidewalls of the container.

[0054] FIGS. 1-4 provide perspective, top, bottom, and side views of an exemplary rotating spraying apparatus 100 for a bin washing system according to the present invention. The rotating spraying apparatus includes a platform 101 on which the structures of the spraying apparatus 100 are anchored. The platform 101 acts as the guide structure of the spraying apparatus, as it includes a pre-determined track 110 on a bottom side thereof for guiding oscillations of the articulating arms. A rotating axial shaft 102 may be positioned in a center of the platform 101 and may pass through a central passage in the platform and be operable to rotate in the central passage. The platform may include one or more drainage holes 101a to allow fluid from the rotating spraying apparatus to drain from the bin and rotating spraying apparatus.

[0055] The rotating spraying apparatus 100 may include arm assemblies positioned below the platform that rotate with the axial shaft 102. Each arm assembly may include a static arm that is fixedly connected to the rotating axial shaft 102 (and thus rotates with the rotating axial shaft 102) and an articulating arm that includes an articulating connection with the static arm allowing the articulating arm to move in and out radially and in parallel to the static arm. The spraying apparatus 100 includes a first static arm 103a and first articulating arm 103b connected thereto, and a second static arm 104a and a second articulating arm 104b attached thereto. In this embodiment, the articulating arms are attached to the static arms by parallel-motion linkages that include parallel pivoting bars or rods that allow the articulating arms to slide and oscillate radially in and out in parallel to the static arms. Specifically, static arm 103a is connected to articulating arm 103b by parallel pivoting bars 112a and 112b. Pivoting bar 112a is coupled to static arm 103a by pivoting joint 114a and to articulating arm 103b by pivoting joint 114c. Pivoting bar 112b is coupled to static arm 103a by pivoting joint 114b and to articulating arm 103b by pivoting joint 114d. The pivoting bars 112a and 112b are parallel or substantially parallel and remain in their parallel arrangement as they pivot and swing as the articulating arm 103b slides past the static arm 103a. Similarly, static arm 104a is connected to articulating arm 104b by parallel pivoting bars 112c and 112d. Pivoting bar 112c is coupled to static arm 104a by pivoting joint 113a and to articulating arm 104b by pivoting joint 113c. Pivoting bar 112d is coupled to static arm 104a by pivoting joint 113b and to articulating arm 104b by pivoting joint 113d. The pivoting bars 112c and 112d are parallel or substantially parallel and remain in their parallel arrangement as they pivot and swing as the articulating arm 104b slides past the static arm 104a.

[0056] Each of the articulating arms 103b and 104b are engaged with the pre-determined track 110 by a following roller or pin. As shown in FIG. 4, articulating arm 103b includes a roller 111a that is mechanically connected to the articulating arm 103b and that is nested at an opposite end in the pre-determined track 110. The following roller 11a is pushed in and pulled out according to the path of the track 110, which in turn moves the articulating arm 103b radially inward and outward in an oscillating motion. Similarly, articulating arm 104b includes a roller 111b that is mechanically connected to the articulating arm 104b and that is nested at an opposite end in the pre-determined track 110. The following roller 111b is pushed in and pulled out according to the path of the track 110, which in turn moves the articulating arm 104b radially inward and outward in an oscillating motion.

[0057] The path of the track 110 is sinusoidal because the radial distance from the axial shaft 102 of the sidewalls of a polygonal (e.g., square) bin in which the rotating spraying apparatus is positioned increases as the spraying manifold moves toward the corners of the bin. The path of the track 110 curves outward away from the axial shaft 102 such that the spraying manifold can be maintained at a consistent distance from the sidewalls of the bin. According to the present invention, the path of the track may be complementary to the shape of the base of a particular polygonal bin. For example, the track 110 of rotating spraying apparatus 100 is complementary to a bin have a square base. The path of the predetermined path can and the shape of the platform of the rotating spraying apparatus may be adapted to various polygonal shapes (e.g., adapted to various kinds of bins).

[0058] Each of the articulating arms 103b and 104b are connected to a spraying manifold that produces jets for spraying the interior surfaces of a container. Each of the spraying manifolds may have a first vertical pipe and a second horizontal pipe that are in fluid communication. As shown in FIG. 1, a vertical pipe 105a is connected at its inferior end to articulating arm 103b and is connected at its superior end to horizontal pipe 106a. Similarly, vertical pipe 106a is connected at its inferior end to articulating arm 104b and at its superior end to horizontal pipe 106b.

[0059] Each of the vertical and horizontal pipes of the spraying manifolds includes high pressure sprayer heads thereon for delivering a high pressure, high velocity fluid spray to the interior of the bins in which the spraying apparatus is positioned. The fluid may be delivered to the sprayer heads at a pressure in a range of about 200 psi to about 4000 psi, depending on the particular kind of debris that is to be washed out of the bins. The fluid may be supplied to the rotating spraying apparatus through the rotating axial shaft by a variable pressure pump operable to generate pressures up to 4000 psi. A pipe or hose may connect the pump with a fluid passage 102a of the axial shaft 102 to allow fluid communication between the pump and the axial shaft 102.

[0060] Each of the spraying manifolds may receive fluid from a feed pipe that connects the spraying manifold to the rotating axial shaft. As shown in FIG. 1, a feed pipe 108a is connected at its proximal end to and is in fluid communication with the rotating axial shaft 102, and is connected at its distal end to vertical pipe 105a. Similarly, a feed pipe 109a is connected at its proximal end to and is in fluid communication with the rotating axial shaft 102, and is connected at its distal end to vertical pipe 106a. Each of the feed pipes may include a distal flexible portion that allows some give and minor relative rotation between portions of the rotating spraying apparatus to avoid and reduce damage to linkages between the rotating axial shaft, the feed pipes the spraying manifolds, and the arm assemblies. As shown in FIG. 1, feed pipe 108a includes a distal flexible portion 108b that connects with the vertical pipe 105a. Similarly, feed pipe 109a includes a distal flexible portion 109b that connects with the vertical pipe 106a.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, vertical pipe 105a includes a plurality of horizontal spray heads 107a, and horizontal pipe 105b includes a plurality of vertical spray heads 107b. Similarly, vertical pipe 106a includes a plurality of horizontal spray heads 107a (obscured in FIG. 1), and horizontal pipe 106b includes a plurality of vertical spray heads 107b. The spraying manifolds may also include corner spraying jets positioned at the connection point between the vertical and horizontal pipes of the spraying manifold. The corner spraying jets provide a high pressure spray directly into the corner between floor and the sidewall of the bin. The plurality of corner spraying jets may be oriented at multiple angles such that high pressure fluid spray reaches directly into the corner between the sidewall and the floor of the bin and the areas immediately adjacent to the corner. As shown in FIG. 1, at a joint between the vertical pipe 105a and the horizontal pipe 105b, the spraying manifold includes a plurality of jets 107c. Similarly, a joint between the vertical pipe 106a and the horizontal pipe 106b includes a plurality of jets 107c.

[0062] The rotating spraying apparatus of the present invention may be incorporated into a larger bin washing system that delivers bins to a wash station in which the rotating spraying apparatus is positioned. The bin cleaning system may include a conveying system that passes the bin between stations within the bin cleaning system. The bins may be loaded into loading bay, which may have a conveyor track on which the unwashed bin may be positioned.

[0063] In some embodiments, the rotating spraying apparatus may like that shown in FIGS. 5A-5D 200 may include arm assemblies with extendable articulating arms 203B and 204B that are actuated by an electronic camming mechanism as an axial shaft 202 and arms 203A and 204A rotate. Each arm assembly may include a static arm that is fixedly connected to the rotating axial shaft 202 (and thus rotates with the rotating axial shaft 202 as it is driven by motor 230 via chain 230a) and an articulating arm that includes an articulating connection with the static arm allowing the articulating arm to move in and out radially and in parallel to the static arm. The spraying apparatus 200 includes a first static arm 203a and first articulating arm 203b connected thereto, and a second static arm 204a and a second articulating arm 204b attached thereto. The articulating arms may be attached to the static arms by parallel-motion linkages that include parallel pivoting bars or rods that allow the articulating arms to slide and oscillate radially in and out in parallel to the static arms, as described herein. Specifically, static arm 203a is connected to articulating arm 203b by parallel pivoting bars 212a and 212b. Pivoting bar 212a is coupled to static arm 203a by pivoting joint 214a and to articulating arm 203b by pivoting joint 214c. Pivoting bar 212b is coupled to static arm 203a by pivoting joint 214b and to articulating arm 203b by pivoting joint 214d. The pivoting bars 212a and 212b are parallel or substantially parallel and remain in their parallel arrangement as they pivot and swing as the articulating arm 203b slides past the static arm 203a. Similarly, static arm 204a is connected to articulating arm 204b by parallel pivoting bars 212c and 212d. Pivoting bar 212c is coupled to static arm 204a by pivoting joint 213a and to articulating arm 204b by pivoting joint 213c. Pivoting bar 212d is coupled to static arm 204a by pivoting joint 213b and to articulating arm 204b by pivoting joint 213d. The pivoting bars 212c and 212d are parallel or substantially parallel and remain in their parallel arrangement as they pivot and swing as the articulating arm 204b slides past the static arm 204a.

[0064] Each of the articulating arms 203b and 204b are engaged with a cam 210a and cam 210b respectively. The cams may be connected to and rise above rotor 210 driven by electronic camming motor 220 by a chain 220a. The rotor 210 may be a toothed sprocket structure that allows the camming motor 220 to precisely control the rotational position of the rotor 210 based on the linear motion of the chain 220a. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, articulating arm 203b is connected to the cam 210a on rotor 210 by a linking bar 211a. As the rotor 210 is rotated by chain 220a, articulating arm 203b is moved radially inward and outward in an oscillating motion due to the bar linkage 211a to the cam 210a. Similarly, articulating arm 204b is mechanically connected to cam 210b by bar linkage 211b. As the rotor 210 is rotated by chain 220a, articulating arm 204b is moved radially inward and outward in an oscillating motion due to the bar linkage 211b to the cam 210b.

[0065] The radial distance from the axial shaft 202 of the sidewalls of a polygonal (e.g., square) bin in which the rotating spraying apparatus 200 is positioned increases as the spraying manifold moves toward the corners of the bin. The extendable articulating arms 203b and 204b move outward away from the axial shaft 202 such that the spraying manifold can be maintained at a substantially consistent distance from the sidewalls of the bin (e.g., with a minor variance of less than about 1 cm). According to the present invention, the path of the extendable articulating arms 203b and 204b may be complementary to the shape of the base of a particular polygonal bin. The path of the extendable articulating arms 203b and 204b may be adapted to various polygonal shapes (e.g., adapted to various kinds of bins).

[0066] Each of the articulating arms 203b and 204b are connected to a spraying manifold that produces jets for spraying the interior surfaces of a container. Each of the spraying manifolds may have a first vertical pipe and a second horizontal pipe that are in fluid communication. As shown in FIG. 5A, a vertical pipe 205a is connected at its inferior end to articulating arm 203b and is connected at its superior end to horizontal pipe 206a. Similarly, vertical pipe 206a is connected at its inferior end to articulating arm 204b and at its superior end to horizontal pipe 206b.

[0067] Each of the vertical and horizontal pipes of the spraying manifolds includes high pressure sprayer heads thereon for delivering a high pressure, high velocity fluid spray to the interior of the bins in which the spraying apparatus is positioned. The fluid may be delivered to the sprayer heads at a pressure in a range of about 200 psi to about 4000 psi, depending on the particular kind of debris that is to be washed out of the bins. The fluid may be supplied to the rotating spraying apparatus through the rotating axial shaft by a variable pressure pump operable to generate pressures up to 4000 psi. A pipe or hose may connect the pump with a fluid passage 202a of the axial shaft 202 to allow fluid communication between the pump and the axial shaft 202.

[0068] Each of the spraying manifolds may receive fluid from a feed pipe that connects the spraying manifold to the rotating axial shaft. As shown in FIG. 5A, a feed pipe 208a is connected at its proximal end to and is in fluid communication with the rotating axial shaft s02, and is connected at its distal end to vertical pipe 205a. Similarly, a feed pipe 209a is connected at its proximal end to and is in fluid communication with the rotating axial shaft 202, and is connected at its distal end to vertical pipe 206a. Each of the feed pipes may include a distal flexible portion that allows some give and minor relative rotation between portions of the rotating spraying apparatus to avoid and reduce damage to linkages between the rotating axial shaft, the feed pipes the spraying manifolds, and the arm assemblies. As shown in FIG. 5A, feed pipe 208a includes a distal flexible portion 208b that connects with the vertical pipe 205a. Similarly, feed pipe 209a includes a distal flexible portion 209b that connects with the vertical pipe 206a.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5A, vertical pipe 205a includes a plurality of horizontal spray heads 207a, and horizontal pipe 205b includes a plurality of vertical spray heads 207b. Similarly, vertical pipe 206a includes a plurality of horizontal spray heads 207a (obscured in FIG. 5A), and horizontal pipe 206b includes a plurality of vertical spray heads 207b. The spraying manifolds may also include corner spraying jets positioned at the connection point between the vertical and horizontal pipes of the spraying manifold. The corner spraying jets provide a high-pressure spray directly into the corner between floor and the sidewall of the bin. The plurality of corner spraying jets may be oriented at multiple angles such that high pressure fluid spray reaches directly into the corner between the sidewall and the floor of the bin and the areas immediately adjacent to the corner. As shown in FIG. 5A, at a joint between the vertical pipe 205a and the horizontal pipe 205b, the spraying manifold includes a plurality of jets 207c. Similarly, a joint between the vertical pipe 206a and the horizontal pipe 206b includes a plurality of jets 207c.

[0070] The rotating spraying apparatus shown in FIGS. 5A-5D of the present invention may be incorporated into a larger bin washing system that delivers bins to a wash station in which the rotating spraying apparatus is positioned. The bin cleaning system may include a conveying system that passes the bin between stations within the bin cleaning system. The bins may be loaded into loading bay, which may have a conveyor track on which the unwashed bin may be positioned.

[0071] FIGS. 6A-9 show an exemplary bin washing system 1000 that includes a rotating spraying apparatus (e.g., system 100 or 200) incorporated into a bin washing station therein. The bin washing system 1000 includes a loading bay 1001 into which the bins may be loaded by a hand, a central washing station 1002, which includes the rotating spraying apparatus, and an exit passage 1003 from which the bins may be retrieved after washing. In some embodiments, the bin washing system 1000 may be a stationary system housed in a warehouse or other enclosure. In other embodiments, the bin washing system 1000 may be built on a trailer 1100 to allow the bin washing system 1000 to be mobile, enabling it, e.g., to be delivered to a farming operation needing produce bins to be cleaned for re-use or storage after harvesting.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5B, the loading bay 1001 includes a prewashing spray array to rinse any loose debris off of the interior and exterior of a bin loaded in the loading bay 1001. The loading bay may include two horizontal spraying bars, including spray bar 010b located near the top of the loading bay 1001 to spray the superior and interior portions of the bin and spray bar 1010c located near the bottom of loading bay 1001 to spray the lower exterior and bottom of the bin. The loading bay also includes two vertical spray bars that flank the lateral sides of the loading bay entrance, such that they provide spray to remove loose debris from the lateral sides of the bin. The loading bay further includes a drop-in spraying boom 1010a with a multi-directional spray head 1011a (see FIGS. 6-7 as well). The drop-in spraying boom 1010a is positioned on a rotating support pipe 1011b that also supply fluid to the spray 1011a. When a bin is positioned in the loading bay 1002, the drop-in spray boom 1010a may be lowered into the bin by rotating the spray boom 1010a down into the interior of the bin. Subsequently, fluid may be delivered to the spray head 1011a from the rotating support pipe 1011b.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5C, the exit station 1003 includes an opening sufficient to allow the bin to pass out of the bin washing system. In some embodiments, a conveying system may be positioned at the exit passage of the exit station 1003 to receive and transport the bins to a receiving and storage area. The exit station 1003 may include a sled or other transport mechanism to move the bins through the exit passage thereof. For example, the exit station 1003 may include a sled 1003a that is operable to slide along exit rails 1003b, which together allow the bin to be easily moved through the exit passage with little friction or resistance, and no lifting of the bin (see FIG. 6).

[0074] FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of the overall bin washing system 1000 with selected sidewalls removed to allow view of the interior of the bin washing system, including the loading bay 1001, the washing station 1002, and the exit station 1003. Several components of the bin washing system 1000 can be seen in this view, including the motor 1020a and belt 1020b for driving the rotation of the rotating axial shaft 102 of the rotating spraying apparatus 100 (spraying apparatus 200 may be alternatively incorporated into the bin washing system 1000). The motor 1020a may be an electric motor such as an AC motor, servo, or other electronic motor. The belt 1020b may engage with a driving axel of the motor 1020a at one end and with the sprocket or driving pulley 102b at the base of the axial shaft 102. A variable pressure pump system 1015 is shown, which is operable to supply fluid to the rotating spraying apparatus 100 and the additional spray bars and spray heads of the loading bay station 1001 and the washing station 1002 at high pressures in the range of about 200 PSI to about 4000 PSI. Also shown are the motors for the bin inversion mechanisms that transfer the bins from station to station within the system. Motor 1006a is operable to drive the rotation of the first bin inversion mechanism between the loading bay station 1001 and the washing station 1002, and motor 1006b is operable to drive the rotation of the second bin inversion mechanism between the washing station 1002 and the exit station 1003. The motors 1006a and 1006b for the inversion mechanisms may be electric motors such as an AC motor, servo, or other electronic motor.

[0075] FIG. 7 provides an overhead view of the bin washing system 1000 with selected sidewall panels and roof panels removed to allow views into the interior of the system. The loading bay station 1001, the wash station 1002, and the exit station 1003 are visible. The rotating spraying apparatus 100 can be seen within the washing station. Also, the first bin inversion mechanism 1005a and the second bin inversion mechanism 1005b can be seen. The first bin inversion mechanism 1005a is positioned between the loading bay station 1001 and the wash station 1002. The first bin inversion mechanism includes a clasping mechanism for clasping the sides of the bin, which includes clasping bars positioned on each lateral side of the loading bay station 1001. The clasping mechanism may include hydraulic actuators, pneumatic, solenoid actuator, or other linear actuators that are operable to move the clasping bars medially toward the lateral side walls of a bin positioned in the loading bay station and apply pressure to the sidewalls of the bin to thereby grasp the bin. The first bin inversion mechanism 1005a may also include an axel 1005c that may be rotated by motor 1006a once the clasping bars are engaged with and grasping the lateral sidewalls of the bin. FIGS. 10-11 provide a close up view of the transport and inversion of a bin by the first bin inversion mechanism 1005a between the loading bay station 1001 and wash station 1002. FIG. 10 shows the movement of the bin 1150 from the loading bay station to a transitional position between the loading bay station 1001 and the wash station 1002, as indicated by the arrow. FIG. 11 shows the movement of the bin 1150 from the transitional position to the wash station 1002, as indicated by the arrow. Once grasped by the clasping bars 1007a, the bin may be rotated as the axel 1005d is rotated to thereby transport the bin from the loading bay station 1001 to the washing station 1002, and invert the bin over the washing station 1002. Subsequently, the rotating spraying apparatus may be activated to spray out and clean the interior of the bin.

[0076] The second bin inversion mechanism 1005b is positioned between the wash station 1002 and the exit station 1003. The second bin inversion mechanism includes similar components and has a similar function to that of the first bin inversion system 1005a. The second bin inversion system includes a clasping mechanism for clasping the sides of the bin with clasping bars 1007b positioned on each lateral side of the wash station 1002. The second bin inversion mechanism 1005b may also include an axel 1005d that may be rotated by motor 1006b once the clasping bars 1007b are engaged with and grasping the lateral sidewalls of the bin. FIGS. 12-13 provide a close up view of the transport and inversion of a bin by the second bin inversion mechanism 1005b between the wash station 1002 and exit station 1003. FIG. 12 shows the movement of the bin 1150 from the wash station to a transitional position between the wash station 1002 and the exit station 1003, as indicated by the arrow. FIG. 13 shows the movement of the bin 1150 from the transitional position to the exit station 1003, as indicated by the arrow. Once grasped by the clasping bars 1007b, the bin may be rotated as the axel 1005d is rotated to thereby transport the bin from the wash station 1002 to the exit station 1003, and invert the bin over the exit station 1003 such that the bin is right side up. Subsequently, the bin may be advanced through the exit hole of the exit station 1003.

[0077] FIG. 8 provides an up close overhead view of the wash station 1002, in which the rotating spraying apparatus 100 is positioned (the dashed lines in FIG. 8 indicate that portions of the bin washing system would not fit in the view and are not shown). Several other features of the wash station 1002 are visible. There are several additional spray bars that are visible for washing the outside surfaces of a bin positioned in the wash station 1002. The wash station includes an overhead spray bar 1016 for spraying the bottom of the bin, lateral spray bars 1012a and 1012b for spraying the lateral sides of the bin, and fore and aft spray bars 1012c and 1012d the leading and trailing sides of the bin. Each of these spraying bars includes high pressure nozzles for delivering a spray to the exterior of the bin: spray bar 1012a includes nozzles 1013a, spray bar 1012b includes nozzles 1013b, spray bar 1012c includes nozzles 1013c, spray bar 1012d includes nozzles 1013d, and overhead spray bar 1016 includes downward facing spray nozzles as well.

[0078] The wash station 1002 also includes bin handling features for positioning the bin properly in the wash station 1002. The bin handling features include bin pedestals 1048 in each corner of the wash station to suspend the bin at the proper height relative to the rotating spraying apparatus 100 such that the horizontal spray pipes of the rotating spraying apparatus 100 are at a predetermined distance from the bottom interior surface of the bin (e.g., in a range of about 2 to about 12 inches). The bin handling features also include sidewall clamps 1046a, 1046b, 1047a, and 1047b for engaging and applying pressure to the exterior sidewalls of the bin in order to hold the bin in proper position in the wash station 1002 as the rotating spraying apparatus 100 sprays the interior of the bin with high pressure jets of fluid. The sidewall clamps 1046a, 1046b, 1047a, and 1047b may include linear actuators that are activated to advance the clamps and apply pressure to the sidewalls of the bin before the rotating spraying apparatus is activated. The linear actuators may be hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, a solenoid actuator, or some other form of linear actuator.

[0079] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the wash station 1002, in which the rotating spraying apparatus is positioned (the dashed lines in FIG. 9 indicate that portions of the bin washing system would not fit in the view and are not shown). The bottom side of the rotating spraying apparatus 100 is shown, along with the connections between the axial shaft 102 and the belt 1020b and the fluid delivery pipe 1016. Specifically, the belt 1020b connects the motor 1020a for driving the rotation of the axial shaft 102 to the sprocket or drive pulley 102b at the base of the axial shaft 102. Also, the fluid delivery pipe 1016 is in fluid communication with the variable pressure pump system 1015 and delivers fluid from the pump 1015 under pressure to the interior passage 102a of the axial shaft 102, such that the pressurized fluid is delivered through the interior passage 102a to the spraying manifolds of the rotating spraying apparatus 100.

[0080] FIG. 9B shows an alternative arm mechanism for the wash station. As shown in FIG. 9B, the extendable arm may include an electronic camming system that extends the arm into the corners of the bin. The control mechanism may be an electronic control system that includes electromechanical programming stored on the controller for operating the electronic camming system. The controller may include a pre-programmed algorithm for adjusting the distance between the one or more extendable-retractable portions of the extendable arms and the interior wall of the bin. The extendable-retractable portions may be connected to a rotating portion of the arm by parallel-motion linkage bars to pivot and extend with the extendable portion of the extendable articulating arm. The position of the extendable-retractable portions along the rotating arm may be controlled by a chain mechanism. The extendable-retractable portion may include at least one sprocket or other device that engages with the chain such that the movement of the chain moves the extendable arm proximally and distally with respect to the static arms. As the extendable portions move proximally and distally, the spraying manifold moves proximally and distally with the extendable-retractable portion as the spraying apparatus spins within the agricultural bin. The chain may be driven by an electric motor (e.g., a stepper motor, a Servo, etc.) that is controlled by the controller that is pre-programmed to activate the motor to move the chain in both rotational directions to extend and retract the extendable-retractable portion as the rotating arm moves around the interior of an agricultural bin. The movement of the chain in one direction may cause the spraying mechanism to move distally to accommodate a greater radial distance of the interior wall of the bin, and movement of the chain in the opposite direction may cause the spraying mechanism to move proximally along the rotating arm to accommodate a lesser radial distance of the interior wall of the bin. The bin washing system 1000 may wash a plurality of bins in succession, each being loaded into the system through the loading bay station 1001 and being passed successively through the loading bay station 1001, the wash station 1002, and the exit station 1003 sequentially. The bin washing system of the present invention may include a conveying system that delivers bins to the loading bay station in succession, such that a plurality of bins may be placed on the conveying system, and the conveying system may them deliver the bins to the loading bay station one at a time. In some embodiments, the conveying system may be a horizontal belt. In other embodiments, the conveying system may be a vertical or obliquely angled chute into which a vertical stack of bins may be deposited by a forklift, crane, or other bin-handling machinery.

[0081] The bin washing system 1000 may further include a conveying system for receiving bins from the exit station 1003. A belt system may be integrated into the bin washing system 1000 that may receive washed bins in succession from the sled 1003a. In other embodiments, a vertical or obliquely angled bin collection elevator may receive the bins from the exit station 1003 and place several washed bins in a stack that can be retrieved from the collection elevator by a forklift or other machinery, such that the bins are washed and stacked for storage in an automated fashion. The elevator may use a belt having incrementally spaced platforms or tines that sit under and lift each bin. The platforms or tines may positioned on the belt similarly to buckets in a grain elevators belt, but have a flat construction that sits under the bin without creating gaps between the bins.

[0082] The bin washing system of the present invention may also include a self-cleaning function to be executed after it has been used to clean one or more bins. After all bins have been cleared from the interior of the bin washing system, the spray bars and heads and the rotating spraying apparatus may be simultaneously or in succession for a predetermined period of time (e.g., in a range of about 30 seconds to about 5 minutes, or any value therein) to dislodge and remove any debris from the one or more bins that has settled or attached to the interior of the bin washing system.

[0083] The bin washing system may be operable to clean a plurality of bins in succession, thereby providing an automated and efficient bin washing system that reduces overall costs of the bin washing process and effectively removes debris and contamination from the bins, while using water conservatively and efficiently.

[0084] The bin washing system 1000 and other embodiments described herein are exemplary, and does not limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.