Automatic countertop access port and method of use thereof

Abstract

An automatic countertop trash access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when waste is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a solenoid to open the cover to permit waste to drop through the access port into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. Prior to passing into the trash container, trash may be shredded, compacted and/or ground via a disposal mechanism. A locking mechanism to retain the cover open or closed may also be provided.

1 . An automatic countertop access port comprising: 
 a pivotally-operating access cover plate;    a pivotally-mounted linear solenoid.    
   
   
       2 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a trash proximity sensor.  
   
   
       3 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a trash level sensor.  
   
   
       4 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for dampening motion.  
   
   
       6 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for limiting opening of said cover plate.  
   
   
       7 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , wherein said cover plate further comprises a means for providing an air-tight seal.  
   
   
       8 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 7 , further comprising a beveled edge of said cover plate and a ring having a second beveled edge, wherein said beveled edge of said cover plate sealedly engages said second beveled edge.  
   
   
       9 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a device selected from the group consisting of disposals, shredders, compactors, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       10 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for urging a cover plate to close.  
   
   
       11 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , wherein said linear solenoid is adapted to provide maximum pulling force to said cover plate.  
   
   
       12 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for signaling a full capacity status for a trash container disposed under said automatic countertop access port.  
   
   
       13 . A method of depositing trash in a trash container, said method comprising the steps of: 
 a. sensing objects approaching an access door; and    b. opening said access door to permit said objects to pass through an aperture.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of: 
 opening said access door prior to arrival of trash at said access door.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of: 
 pivoting a solenoid to maintain optimum force to open said access door.    
   
   
       16 . An automatic countertop access port comprising: 
 a pivotally-operating access cover plate;    a pivotally-mounted linear solenoid; and    bevel sealing edges.    
   
   
       17 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 16 , further comprising a locking mechanism.  
   
   
       18 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 16 , further comprising a means for sensing trash in the proximity of said pivotally-operating access cover plate.  
   
   
       19 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 18 , further comprising a means for disposing of said trash.  
   
   
       20 . The automatic countertop access port of  claim 19 , wherein said means for disposing is selected from the group consisting of shredders, disposals, compactors, and combinations thereof.