Collection tank

Abstract

A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

1 . A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, said collection tank comprising:
 a. a closed generally circular first end;   b. an open generally circular second end defining a tank sealing flange thereon;   c. a generally cylindrical body extending between said closed first end and said open second end;   d. a door coupled to said open second end and having a generally circular-shaped door panel configured to releasably seal said tank open second end; and   e. a cross-bar coupled to a center of said generally circular shaped door, said cross-bar having a first end and an opposite second end, and   f. at least one linkage assembly coupled to said cross-bar first and second ends to apply a closing force to said door,
 wherein said closing force is applied to a center of said door so that said closing force is distributed equally around the periphery of said door, and 
 wherein when said at least one linkage assembly rotates to a position beyond overcenter, said door is maintained in a closed and locked position. 
   
     
     
         2 . The collection tank of  claim 1 , said at least one linkage assembly further comprising:
 a. a first lower linkage arm coupled to said cross-bar first end,   b. a second lower linkage arm coupled to said cross-bar second end,   c. a shaft rigidly connected to said first lower linkage arm and said second lower linkage arm,
 wherein when one of said first and second lower linkage arms is actuated, the other of said first and second lower linkage arms is also actuated to move said tank door between an open and closed position. 
   
     
     
         3 . The collection tank of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one linkage assembly further comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder coupled to one of said first and said second lower linkage arms for actuating said at least one linkage assembly to open and close said door, said at least one hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod in driving engagement with one of said first and second lower linkage arms. 
     
     
         4 . The collection tank of  claim 2 , said at least one linkage assembly further comprising a first pivot point on said first lower linkage arm and a second pivot point on said second lower linkage arm, wherein when said first pivot point and said second pivot point are positioned below a center axis of said shaft, said door is in said locked position. 
     
     
         5 . The cylindrical collection tank of  claim 1  further comprising a first threaded connection between said at least one linkage assembly and said cross-bar first end and a second threaded connection between said at least one linkage assembly and said cross-bar second end, wherein said first and said second threaded connections can be adjusted to increase or decrease said closing force applied to said door. 
     
     
         6 . The cylindrical collection tank of  claim 1  further comprising a hydraulic motor coupled to said at least one linkage assembly for actuating said at least one linkage assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The cylindrical collection tank of  claim 1  further comprising an electric motor coupled to said at least one linkage assembly for actuating said at least one linkage assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The cylindrical collection tank of  claim 1  further comprising a first threaded connection between said at least one linkage assembly and said cross-bar first end and a second threaded connection between said at least one linkage assembly and said cross-bar second end, wherein said first and said second threaded connections can be adjusted to increase or decrease said closing force applied to said door.