Patent ID: 7799137
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B08B

Abstract:
1. A method of cleaning a container comprising: providing a container having inner walls and predetermined sufficient parameters and having a container opening at one end thereof; orienting the container so that the opening is lowermost and opens downwardly; transferring the container to a first shroud, the first shroud covering at least a bottom surface of the container; generating resonant vibration in the container at a predetermined frequency in the air in the container, the predetermined resonance frequency being at least partially determined by the predetermined structural parameters of the container, the resonant vibration being at a sound pressure level sufficient to dislodge any loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container but not being of a level so as to impact the structural integrity of the container, the resonant vibration generation being performed within the first shroud; maintaining the resonant vibration within the container enclosure for a sufficient time to dislodge substantially all loose solid particles from the inner walls of said container; and transferring the container to a debris removal station, wherein the debris removal from the container is assisted by a second shroud in which a vacuum is generated, wherein the second shroud encompasses only the opening of the container.