Automated mat system and associated method

Abstract

An automated mat system, including: a well structure; and a floor structure selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein the floor structure includes at least one oscillating region, at least one stationary region, and at least one vent region; wherein the at least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and debris from an object disposed on top of the floor structure opposite the well structure; and wherein the at least one vent region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through the floor structure and into the well structure. The at least one oscillating region includes at least one brush tread strip, the at least one stationary region includes at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent region includes at least one vent strip.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An automated mat system, comprising:
 a well structure; and   a floor structure selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein the floor structure comprises at least one oscillating region, at least one stationary region, and at least one vent region;   wherein the at least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and debris from an object disposed on top of the floor structure opposite the well structure; and   wherein the at least one vent region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through the floor structure and into the well structure.   
     
     
         2 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , wherein the well structure is manufactured into a slab of a facility. 
     
     
         3 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one oscillating region comprises at least one brush tread strip, the at least one stationary region comprises at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent region comprises at least one vent strip. 
     
     
         4 . The automated mat system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one brush tread strip, the at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent strip are connected to one another in parallel. 
     
     
         5 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , further comprising an actuator motor disposed within the well structure operable for selectively oscillating the at least one oscillating regions. 
     
     
         6 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , further comprising a washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering washing water through the floor structure. 
     
     
         7 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , further comprising a washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering washing water to the interior of the well structure. 
     
     
         8 . The automated mat system of  claim 1 , further comprising a dryer assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering drying air through the floor structure. 
     
     
         9 . The automated may system of  claim 1 , further comprising a control system disposed within the well structure operable for selectively activating the automated mat system. 
     
     
         10 . A method for providing an automated mat system, comprising:
 providing a well structure; and   providing a floor structure selectively disposed above the well structure, wherein the floor structure comprises at least one oscillating region, at least one stationary region, and at least one vent region;   wherein the at least one oscillating region is configured to clean dirt and debris from an object disposed on top of the floor structure opposite the well structure; and   wherein the at least one vent region is configured to allow the dirt and debris to pass through the floor structure and into the well structure.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the well structure is manufactured into a slab of a facility. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one oscillating region comprises at least one brush tread strip, the at least one stationary region comprises at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent region comprises at least one vent strip. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one brush tread strip, the at least one carpet strip, and the at least one vent strip are connected to one another in parallel. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing an actuator motor disposed within the well structure operable for selectively oscillating the at least one oscillating regions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering washing water through the floor structure. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a washing assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering washing water to the interior of the well structure. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a dryer assembly disposed within the well structure operable for delivering drying air through the floor structure. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing a control system disposed within the well structure operable for selectively activating the automated mat system.