Automatic solid surface access port and methods of use thereof

Abstract

An automatic solid surface access port with automatic cover, wherein the access port comprises a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and wherein the sensor activates a direct current motor which in turn moves a drive arm to open the cover to permit refuse 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. Use of a drive arm in combination with a reducer and counterweight provides for a more efficient and durable apparatus.

1 . An automatic solid surface access port comprising: 
 a pivotally-operating access cover plate;    a drive arm in connection with said pivotally-operating access cover plate; and    a motor to urge said drive arm.    
   
   
       2 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one spring to assist movement of said pivotally-operating access cover plate.  
   
   
       3 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one spring is a clock spring.  
   
   
       4 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , wherein said motor is a direct current drive motor.  
   
   
       5 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , wherein said motor is a gear reduced reversible drive motor.  
   
   
       6 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a worm gear reducer drive unit in mechanical communication with said motor.  
   
   
       7 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , further comprising a mounting bracket to secure said automatic solid surface access port to a solid surface.  
   
   
       8 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 7 , further comprising a first beveled edge of said solid surface and a second beveled edge of said pivotally-operating access cover plate, wherein said second beveled edge of said pivotally-operating access cover plate sealedly engages said first beveled edge of said solid surface.  
   
   
       9 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 7 , further comprising a gasket material disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.  
   
   
       10 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 7 , further comprising a seal disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.  
   
   
       11 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 7 , further comprising bumpers disposed between said pivotally-operating access cover plate and said solid surface.  
   
   
       12 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , further comprising an electrically activated locking mechanism.  
   
   
       13 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a roller wheel rotationally disposed on a first end of said drive arm, wherein said roller wheel is movably disposed on said pivotally-operating access cover plate.    
   
   
       14 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 13 , further comprising: 
 a track, wherein said track secures said roller wheel in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate.    
   
   
       15 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 13 , further comprising a counter-weight disposed on a second end of said drive arm.  
   
   
       16 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 13 , wherein said drive arm is spring actuated.  
   
   
       17 . The automatic solid surface access port of  claim 13 , wherein said roller wheel is spring actuated.  
   
   
       18 . A method of depositing trash into a trash container, said method comprising the steps of: 
 sensing objects approaching an access door; and    disengaging said access door from a solid surface via a gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit to permit said objects to pass through an aperture in said solid surface.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein said disengaging step further comprises disengaging said access door from said solid surface via movement of a drive arm in mechanical communication with said gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit and said access door.  
   
   
       20 . A method of operating an automatic solid surface access port, comprising the steps of: 
 sensing objects approaching a pivotally-operating access cover plate;    moving a drive arm in an opening direction via a gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit, wherein said drive arm is in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate;    disengaging said access door from a solid surface via movement of said drive arm to permit said objects to pass through an aperture in said solid surface;    storing energy generated via said gear reduced reversible direct current drive unit moving said pivotally-operating access cover plate in a spring;    releasing said energy from said spring to assist movement of said drive arm in a closing direction, wherein said drive arm is in contact with said pivotally-operating access cover plate; and    engaging said pivotally-operating access cover plate with said solid surface via movement of said drive arm.