Abstract:
A self service automated dump station is provided using a control mechanism for the collection of money that releases a latching mechanism located on a removable lockable cap that sits upon the dump station&#39;s drain line. In one embodiment provided, the removable lockable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot pedal—this allows for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the hose from the waste tank of a vehicle into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between those who need to transfer waste from their vehicle waste tanks, such as operators of campers or recreational vehicles, and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the use of an automated sanitary dump station. The primary users of this invention will be recreational vehicle (RV) users or operators who need to safely, effectively and efficiently dispose of sanitary waste collected in on-board RV sanitary tank or tanks. The present invention provides RV operators with a means for transferring the collected waste to a dump station at any time without the need for the dump station to be monitored by a clerk or attendant. 
     There are numerous types of recreational vehicles (RVs)—coming in all shapes and sizes. For the discussion of the present invention, the term recreational vehicle (RV) will include any type of motorized vehicle, camper, motor home, or trailer (an unpowered vehicle pulled by a powered vehicle) that has the facility to collect waste in an on-board sanitary tank. The collection of waste in on-board tanks has been part of the RV&#39;s history for decades. See U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,955 Housekeeping Structure, C. D. Willson, issued May 1, 1956. Most commercially made RVs have the facilities to collect waste in on-board sanitary tanks. Typically, sanitary tanks are located in RVs that have either a kitchen or bathroom or both. Sanitary tanks collect the waste and waste water generated in the on-board kitchen or bathroom. 
     After the waste is collected in the on-board sanitary tanks, the owner or operator will need to transfer the waste from the on-board tank to a proper sewer receptacle, by flushing (gravity drain), pumping or blowing the one or more sanitary tanks into either a waste tank or sewage connection. Currently, RV operators rely upon several means for disposing of the onboard waste. One method for disposing of the waste within the waste tank is to locate a dump station and transfer the waste from the on-board sanitary tanks to the dump station tanks or sewage system. 
     Dump stations are located throughout the world. In the United States there are over 2,000 dump stations according to the RVer&#39;s Guide to Dump Stations published in 2007 by Roundabout Publications. The Guide provides the location and direction to over 2,000 dump stations. These dump stations are primarily located at truck stops, travel centers, city and county parks, camping grounds, RV parks, gas stations, rest areas, and other locations. Currently, many of the dump stations are free to use with an ever increasing number of stations requiring a fee for use of the dump station. 
     The cost of operating a dump station has been going up and there are fewer and fewer free dump stations. The cost of the dump station is related to the cost of attending to the dump station (clerk or attendant) and the cost for disposing of any waste collected or disposed, for example; city sewer costs. It has been noted by the inventor that the number of dump stations appears to be decreasing and the number of free dump stations is fewer and fewer each year. The reduction in the number of dump stations and the increase of pay to use dump station increasing each year are due to the increase cost of disposing of the waste dumped at the dump station. 
     In the past, the location and operation of the dump stations were mutually beneficial with commercial operations located at the same place, with commercial operators benefitting from the business provided by the RV operator who needed to transfer waste at the dump station. As the cost of disposal or removal of the waste from RVs has increased, the cost for operating the dump station has become less lucrative to the associated commercial enterprise. In response to this escalation of costs and fees for operating a dump station, businesses that operate the dump station have started to impose fees or shut down the dump station. 
     It has been noted by the inventor that the collection of fees has been done by attendants or clerks who are operating the commercial enterprise associated with the dump station. RV operators make the payment to the attendant or clerk and then assist or allow the RV operator to dispose of the waste at the dump station. When the attendant or clerk is not available or the business associated with the dump station is not open, it is not uncommon for the dump station to be closed and locked—preventing the RV operator from disposing of the waste. This results in the RV operator either finding another dump station or waiting for the dump station to open. The commercial enterprise loses the opportunity to collect fees for the use of the dump station. 
     In addition to doing business up to 24 hours a day with an automated self service sanitary dump station, the commercial enterprise associated with the dump station does not have to employ an attendant or clerk to provide the oversight to run the dump station. 
     Many states and municipalities have codes and regulations for operating a dump station, including; Minnesota (MRC 4715), Ohio (OAC 3701-26-14), Illinois (Title 77 Chap. 1 Sec. 905.150) to name a few. One source of increased costs for operating a dump station is the additional regulations that are imposed by owners and operators of the dump stations. 
     The present invention provides the operator of a dump station with a means for collecting fees at any time while eliminating or minimizing the need for an attendant or clerk being present when the RV operator needs to use the dump station. A self serve automated dump station that allows the operator of the RV to transfer waste from the on-board waste tank(s) to the dump station is provided. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A self service automated dump station is provided using a means to collect and register a payment with a signal generated once a payment has been generated that repositions a latch in a latching mechanism securing a locking cap that sits upon a dump station inlet line. When the latch is repositioned from a locked position to an unlocked position, the locking cap is removed from atop the drain line and exposing the drain line to allow the transfer of waste from an on-board waste tank to the drain line via a sanitary hose. The repositioning of the locking cap can be accomplished by means of hydraulic forces, electrical motors, or mechanical linkages. In one embodiment provided, the removable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot actuator. Using the remote foot actuator provides for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the sanitary hose from the vehicles waste tank into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between the RV operator and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the control system for operation of the self service automated dump station. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the automated dump station showing the dump station with a drain line, a lockable cap, lever, fulcrum, pivoting arm, remote foot actuator, and control panel. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial end view of the lever, pivoting arm, pivoting pin, fulcrum, and latching mechanism with the latch in the locked position. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial end view of the lever, pivoting arm, pivoting pin, fulcrum, and latching mechanism with the latch in the unlocked position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the invention will now be described. The following descriptions provide specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. Additionally, some structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description of the various aspects and embodiments of the invention. 
     The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Certain terms may even be emphasized herein; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. 
     In  FIG. 1  a block diagram illustrates the Operational Flow Chart used for the operation of the self service automated dump station. In following the flow chart, the operation of the automated dump station can be explained. Prior to starting the operation of the automated dump station, the RV operator will need to position the vehicle or trailer next to a dump station  40 , see  FIG. 2 , and in close enough proximity so the operator is able to run a sewer or sanitary hose from the RV&#39;s holding tanks to a dump station&#39;s drain line  41 . A drain line  41  is the surface or above ground inlet for a waste tank or a connection to a sewer line located below the dump station. 
     The RV holding tanks typically consists of two types of holding tanks; a grey water tank and a black water tank. The grey water tank is for waste and water from kitchen and bathroom sinks and bathroom shower drain water. The black water tank is for the toilet waste. Typically, the RV is equipped with an extendable sanitary hose that is connected to either the gray or dark tank or a common drain line. When the operator is sufficiently close enough to run the sanitary hose to the dump station drain line, the operator will position the sanitary hose into the drain line  41  of the dump station  40 . 
     The present invention eliminates the need for the RV operator to interface with an attendant or clerk to transfer the waste from the holding tanks to the dump station. The RV operator is able to use the automated dump station at any time for a fee. It is not uncommon for dump stations to be locked or closed down if the associated business is closed. With an automated system, the dump station can be open  24  hours a day every day of the year. 
     When the RV operator has properly positioned the RV and the sanitary hose is ready to be inserted into the dump station drain line  41 , the RV operator engages with a control panel  50  to start the process of transferring the waste. In one embodiment the control panel could have the following items: lights or indicators  52  for the various locking or latching mechanisms; instructions  51  to operate the automated dump station; and switches, buttons or keypads  53  to make a payments for using the automated dump station. In one embodiment, the control panel has an indicator light or switch position for a latch  31  in a latching mechanism  30 ,  FIG. 3 ; a slot or slots for depositing cash or coins for using the dump station; and a means for making a payment by a credit or debit card. Another embodiment uses a liquid crystal display screen for making payments and operating the automated dump station. The liquid crystal display system could be connected to a microprocessor by pressure switches located under the display for facilitating the interface between the operator and the bank or monetary system to be accessed. 
     The microprocessor would then be able to interface with either the internet or a phone line for recording the appropriate payment. The present invention makes no claim on the operation of a touch screen LCD and microprocessor and the operations that are programmed into the microprocessor or made part of the microprocessor. There are many mechanical or electrical means for recording a payment to activate 
     Other means for electronically activating the latching mechanism  30  are available to be employed and the description of the present invention is not meant to limit the claims associated with operation of the automated dump station. 
     Prior to making a payment, an indicator light or switch could be used to show the latch  31  in the latching mechanism  30  is in the “locked” position, see  FIG. 3 . When the latch  31  is in the locked position, a locking cap  21  is locked into place over the drain line  41  of the dump station, see  FIG. 2 . After the payment has been made or registered, an indicator light or switch will display the latching mechanism  30  in the “unlocked” state. See  FIG. 4 . The RV operator is then able to lift the locking cap  21  situated over the drain line  41  of the dump station  40  and inserts the sanitary hose into the drain line. Once the sanitary hose is in place, the RV operator then transfers the waste into the dump station drain line by a pump, a pressurized blow or gravity. 
     The present invention could also be configured such that the locking cap  21  automatically is lifted off the drain line of the dump station once the RV operator has registered a payment. In the present invention, the RV operator causes the locking cap  21  to be lifted off the drain line by use of a remote actuator or remote foot actuator  24 . 
     The instructions on the control panel  50  will inform the RV operator that the once the payment has been made, the latching mechanism  30  will remain “unlocked” for a set period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, the latching mechanism  30  is left in the unlocked position for approximately two minutes. The RV operator upon removing the locking cap  21  places the sanitary hose into the drain line preventing the locking cap  21  from being placed in the closed position over the drain line. The RV operator is provided approximately two minutes after making the payment to remove or lift the locking cap  21  from the drain line and inserting the sanitary hose. After the twenty seconds is over, an electronic solenoid  32  that has repositioned the latch  31  in the latching mechanism  30  to the unlocked position is de-powered and the latch  31  returns to the locked position. While the operation of transferring the waste can take some time, the latching mechanism  30  is re-positioned such that when the locking cap  21  is replaced over the drain line the locking cap  21  will be locked shut over the drain line. 
     When the transfer of waste is completed, the sanitary hose is removed from the drain line and the locking cap  21  is replaced over the drain line with the latching mechanism  30  locking the locking cap  21  in a closed position. On the control panel, indicators can show the latching mechanism  30  to be in the locked position and the locking cap  21  in the closed position. 
     Presently at most dump stations, a cap or cover is typically placed over the drain line. The cap or cover is generally hinged in place and can pivot off the drain line exposing the drain line for the insertion of the sanitary hose. At some dump stations, the cap or cover may not be hinged but able to be removed prior to dumping waste. When the dumping operation is completed the cap or cover is replaced. On some dump stations, a lock is placed on the cap or cover when the dump station is not in use or the dump station is closed—for example, when an associated business, like a gas station, is closed. In the present invention, the use of the dump station is not dependent upon an assistant or clerk to use the dump station. The dump station is able to be used at any time and without the need for an assistant or clerk. 
     In the present invention, the cap or cover is replaced by the locking cap  21  which is secured in place by the latching mechanism  30  in the closed position. See  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . The locking cap  21  and latching mechanism  30  can come in different forms or designs that replicate the same function as the figures depict. It is intended that the present invention not be limited by the design pictured or detailed in the figures. 
     When the RV operator makes or registers a payment, a switch activates the latching mechanism  30  and the latch  31  is unlocked—see  FIG. 4 , the locking cap  21  is able to be lifted off the drain line. The means for activating the latching mechanism  30  in the present invention is by use of switch that allows electrical power to energize a solenoid  32  causing the latch  31  to reposition itself in the latching mechanism  30 . When the solenoid  32  is not powered, the latch  31  is in the locked position and when the locking cap  21  is over the drain line, the latch  31  secures keeps the locking cap  21  securely over the drain line preventing use of the dump station until a payment has been registered. 
     Once the payment has been made and the latching mechanism  30  is unlocked and the locking cap  21  is lifted off the drain line by operating a remote foot actuator  24 , see  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The RV operator places his or her foot on the foot actuator and the locking cap  21  is pivoted off the drain line exposing the drain line for the operator to insert the sanitary hose for dumping. 
     In one embodiment, see  FIG. 2 , the locking cap  21  and remote foot actuator  24  are deployed on a lever  22  type design with the locking cap  21  and remote foot actuator  24  being at opposite ends of the lever  22  with a fulcrum  25  placed between the locking cap  21  and the remote foot actuator  24 , see  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The locking cap  21  and remote foot actuator  24  are weighted such that the locking cap  21  will return to a closed position—the closed position is the position of the locking cap  21  covering the drain line—when there is no external force supplied to the remote foot actuator  24 . To open or lift the locking cap  21  from the drain line a force (or foot) is placed on the remote foot actuator  24  end of the lever  22  causing the locking cap  21  to lift off the drain line. This design is useful in that the operator does not have to use his or her hands to open or lift the locking cap  21 —this minimizes the possibility of waste coming into contact with the operator—and allows the operator to use his or her hand for placing the sanitary hose into the exposed drain line. 
     In  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , the locking cap  21  and remote foot actuator  24  are pivotally attached to the fulcrum  25  allowing for the locking cap  21  to be raised and lowered over the drain line when the remote foot actuator  24  is stepped on by the RV operator. The fulcrum  25  is attached and secured next to the drain line by anchor bolts  33 . The latching mechanism  30  is located below a pivoting support  26  which is attached to the fulcrum  25  by means of a pivoting pin  34 . The latch  31 , when the latching mechanism  30  is in the locked position, is positioned such that the lever  22  of the locking cap  21  and the remote foot actuator  24  are unable to move or pivot this is accomplished by the latch  31  extending into the body of the pivoting support  26  when the latching mechanism is in the locked position. This restriction of the pivoting motion of the locking cap  21  and remote foot actuator  24  keeps the locking cap  21  in place over the drain line of the dump station. When the latch  31  of the latching mechanism  30  is repositioned into an “unlocked” position—see  FIG. 4 , for example when the RV operator has registered a payment, the locking cap  21  is free to pivot off the drain line once the operator has placed his or her foot on the remote foot actuator  24 . 
     When the RV operator makes or registers a payment to use the dump station, a signal is generated and sent to a switch allowing the solenoid  32  to be powered for a set period of time—in the preferred embodiment, two minutes. When powered, the solenoid  32  places the latch  31  in an “unlocked” position— FIG. 4 . This allows the RV operator to step on the remote foot actuator  24  raising the locking cap  21  off the drain line. The RV operator has two minutes from the time the operator has made the payment to lift the locking cap  21  and insert the sanitary hose into the drain line of the dump station. The solenoid  32  is powered for two minutes to allow the RV operator to open the locking cap  21  and insert the sanitary hose. The solenoid  32  is de-powered after the two minutes to reposition the latch  31  in the locked position. 
     Like many latches, the latch  31  is configured such that the latch is able to slide in and out of the solenoid when the solenoid is “depowered—allowing for the pivoting arm  26  to rotate back in place (with the locking cap over the drain line) once the RV operator is completed transferring waste and has removed the sanitary hose. The pivoting arm  26  has a recess, at the point the locking cap  21  is closed over the drain line  41 , in which the latch  31  is able to be inserted. With the latch  31  in the recess of the pivoting arm  26 , the lever  22  is unable to rotate and the locking cap  21  is secured over the drain line  41  until the solenoid  32  is energized and the latch  31  is repositioned to the unlock position. 
     Once the transfer has been completed, the RV operator removes the sanitary hose; the locking cap  21  is lowered into place as the RV operator steps off the remote foot actuator  24 . When the locking cap  21  is lowered over the drain line the latch  31  catches in the recess of the pivoting arm  26  securing the locking cap  21  into place. The latch  31  operates in a manner similar to other types of latches that are able to slide in due to the design but once the locking cap  21  is lowered the latch  31  is secured in place preventing the locking cap  21  from being lifted until a payment is registered and the solenoid  32  is powered—repositioning the latch  31 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , power lines  35  are shown running from the control panel toward the latching mechanism. The power lines provide the electricity that powers the solenoid to reposition the latch when the RV operator has registered a payment. The figures depict a solenoid  32  that is powered by an electrical power source—other means for repositioning the latch  31  are possible, including mechanical linkages, or hydraulics and the description provided is not meant to limit the means by which the latch  31  is repositioned once a payment has been registered. 
     In other embodiments of the invention, the automated dump station has automated sensors that are able to detect with the dump station waste tank is full or unable to collect additional waste. A signal or switch would indicate to a person that attempts to use the automated dump station that the dump station is unable to collect additional waste. A remote sensor could automatically transmit a signal informing the dump station operator or owner that the dump station is unable to collect additional waste. By not allowing additional waste to be collected when the waste tank is full and notifying the dump station operator of the situation minimizes the amount of time in which the dump station is not operable and prevents the spillage of waste from the dump station when too much waste is transferred into the dump station waste tank.