Apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels

Abstract

A barrel washing apparatus (10) for cleaning barrels, particularly wine barrels (16). A wand assembly (14) has a spray head (22) mounted on a fluid supply tube (28) which is bent in a particular fashion such that it can be inserted through a bung hole (20) of a wine barrel (16). A suction tube (24) has a cut away portion (38) in a distal end (36) thereof for abutting the bottom of the wine barrel (16). The suction tube (24) is also bent in a particular fashion. A barrel stopper (26) is adapted for holding the fluid supply tube (28) and the suction tube (24) in position in the bung hole (20) of the wine barrel (16). A service cart (12) has a pressure pump (55) for providing fluids under pressure to the spray head (22) via a fluid line (50), A vacuum apparatus (62) provides vacuum for removing fluids from the wine barrel (16) via the suction tube (24) and a vacuum line (52) and for depositing the fluids in a sump (63). A sump pump (64) removes the fluids from the sump (63).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to the fields of wine making and mechanical washing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for washing the interior surfaces of barrels. The predominant current usage of the invention is an apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels while the barrels remain in their normal storage locations within the winery.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Currently, washing the inside of wine barrels is a time consuming and labor intensive process. A barrel must be removed from its storage location in the winery, and transported to a washing station. At the washing station, the barrel is inverted, and water is sprayed into the barrel. The rinse water drains by the force of gravity from the bung hole of the barrel, and runs into a floor drain, or the like. Once the barrel has been rinsed, it must be returned to its storage location in the winery. The current barrel washing method suffers from several disadvantages.

[0006] One disadvantage is that neighboring barrels typically need to be moved in order to remove a barrel from its storage location. During the wine making process, it is desirable for any solids in the wine to settle to the bottom of the barrel. Moving the barrel disadvantageously disperses the sediment back into the wine.

[0007] Another disadvantage of the current barrel washing method is that it increases the likelihood of worker injury. Whenever barrels are moved, there is a risk that one or more barrels can fall on a worker. Additionally, full barrels are extremely heavy, and workers can injure themselves moving the heavy barrels. Further, the area in and around the washing station is typically wet, and is therefore likely to cause slip and fall injuries.

[0008] Yet another disadvantage is that the quality of wash obtained with the current method varies greatly. In some cases, the rinse water is simply squirted into the barrel with a garden hose, or the like. In such case, there is no assurance that the entire inner surface is thoroughly rinsed. Further, the quality of the wash is highly susceptible to worker error. A less than conscientious worker could perform only a quick wash, leaving the barrel dirty.

[0009] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels without moving the barrels from their normal storage locations. What is also needed is an apparatus and method for washing barrels that is safer than current methods. What is also needed is an apparatus and method for washing wine barrels that is more thorough, consistent, and reliable than current methods.

SUMMARY

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that it is quick and easy to wash wine barrels using the inventive method and apparatus.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that washing wine barrels is made safer.

[0012] Still another advantage of the present invention is that wine barrels are thoroughly cleaned.

[0013] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that poorly cleaned wine barrels, due to worker negligence or mistake, are essentially eliminated.

[0014] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the cost of cleaning wine barrels is greatly reduced.

[0015] The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art by providing an apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels. The invention facilitates washing the inside of the wine barrels without moving the barrels from their normal storage locations, such as on racks with other barrels of wine.

[0016] Briefly, the barrel washing apparatus includes a spray head, a fluid supply tube fixed to the spray head, a suction tube, and a novel stopper adapted to engage the fluid supply tube and the suction tube within the bunghole of a barrel. In a particular embodiment, the fluid supply tube and/or the suction tube have one or more bends formed therein in order to facilitate insertion of the spray head and the suction tube through the bung hole of the barrel even when there is limited overhead clearance. The stopper includes one or more vent holes, a hole to accept the fluid supply tube, and a channel formed to accept the suction tube. In the embodiment shown, the stopper is fixed to the fluid supply tube. However, the stopper may alternatively be fixed to the vacuum tube, not affixed to either, or the like.

[0017] The barrel washing apparatus further includes a high pressure fluid source and a vacuum source. The fluid source is coupled to the fluid supply tube via a fluid supply line, and the vacuum supply is coupled to the suction tube via a vacuum supply line. In the particular embodiment shown by way of example herein, the fluid source and the vacuum source are mounted on a cart to facilitate transportation of the washing apparatus to the storage locations of the barrels in the winery.

[0018] A method of inserting a spray head and a suction tube in a barrel is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of fixing a spray head to a fluid supply tube, inserting the spray head into the barrel through the bung hole, inserting the suction tube into the barrel through the bung hole, engaging the fluid supply tube and the suction tube with a stopper, and positioning the stopper in the bung hole of the barrel. The method facilitates the insertion of a spray head and a vacuum tube through the bung hole of a barrel, where the sum of the diameters of the spray head and suction tube exceed the diameter of the bung hole.

[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become clear to those skilled in the art in view of the description of modes of carrying out the invention, and the industrial applicability thereof, as described herein and as illustrated in the several figures of the drawing. The objects and advantages listed or discussed herein are not an exhaustive list of all possible objects or advantages of the invention. Moreover, it will be possible to practice the invention even where one or more of the intended objects and/or advantages might be absent or not required in the application.

[0020] Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments of the present invention may achieve one or more, but not necessarily all, of the above described objects and/or advantages. Accordingly, the listed objects and advantages are not essential elements of the present invention, and should not be construed as limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front elevational view of an example of a barrel washing apparatus, according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional front elevational view of the wine barrel of FIG. 1, showing a wand apparatus inserted therein;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of the distal end of the suction tube of FIG. 2;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the stopper of FIG. 2;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the stopper of FIG. 2;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a spray head and a suction tube of the barrel washing apparatus of FIG. 1 coupled to respective supply lines, prior to insertion into a barrel;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the service cart of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the service cart;

[0029] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a suction tube;

[0030] FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method of washing a barrel according to the present invention; and

[0031] FIG. 11 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method of performing the fourth step (spraying inside of barrel) of the method of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] This invention is described in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. While this invention is described in terms of modes for achieving this invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The embodiments and variations of the invention described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the invention may be omitted or modified, or may have substituted therefore known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The invention may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations. In the following description, details of well known and/or commonly commercially available electronic control and plumbing apparatus, such as electronic controllers, fluid manifold assemblies, and the like, have not been specifically discussed in detail, so as to avoid unnecessary complexity which might obscure disclosure of the true nature of the present invention.

[0033] A known mode for carrying out the invention is a wine barrel washing apparatus. The inventive barrel washing apparatus is depicted in a diagrammatic front elevational view in FIG. 1 and is designated therein by the general reference character 10. The barrel washing apparatus 10 has a service cart 12 and a wand assembly 14. The wand assembly 14 is adapted for insertion into a wine barrel 16 for cleaning the wine barrel 16. A connecting hose 18 connects the wand assembly 14 to the service cart 12.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional elevational view of the wine barrel 16 of FIG. 1, showing the wand assembly 14 inserted therein. In the view of FIG. 2 it can be seen that the wand assembly 14 is inserted into the wine barrel 16 through a bung hole 20 in the wine barrel. The wand assembly 14 includes a spray head 22, a suction tube 24, a barrel stopper 26, and a fluid supply tube 28. The fluid supply tube 28 is rigid, and supports the spray head 22 within the wine barrel 16. The barrel stopper 26 holds the suction tube 24 and the fluid supply tube 28 in position during a wash operation, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

[0035] The spray head 22 is a commercially available Model VII spray head available from Gamajet™ Cleaning Systems, Inc. of Malvern, Pa. However, it is anticipated that other brands and types of spray head apparatus could be successfully employed to achieve the objectives of the present invention. During a cleaning operation, the spray head 22 sprays the inner walls of the wine barrel 16 with cleaning/rinsing solution. High pressure solution which is provided to the spray head 22 via the fluid supply tube 28 causes the spray head 22 to rotate about its longitudinal axis longitudinal axis 30. The high pressure fluid also causes a multi-aperture spray jet 32 to rotate about a second axis not parallel to (in this particular embodiment, perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis 30, as indicated by rotational directional arrow 34 in the view of FIG. 2. In this manner, the entire inner wall is subjected to the spray, although portions of the inner wall in the “shadow” of the suction tube 24 will not receive the full force of the spray. Slightly rotating the suction tube 24 within the barrel stopper 26 at some point during the wash operation will ensure that even that portion is subjected to the direct spray.

[0036] Note that the fluid supply tube 28 includes a plurality of bends. These bends facilitate the insertion of the spray head 22 through the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16, even when the wine barrel 16 is stored on racks with other such wine barrels 16. When the wine barrels 16 are stored on racks, the clearance between the top of one wine barrel 16 and the bottom of the wine barrel 16 above it is typically only about 8 to 10 inches, making it difficult, if not impossible, to insert long, straight tubes into the barrels. The bends in the fluid supply tube 28 allow the spray head 22 to be inserted into the wine barrel 16 even in such restricted spaces.

[0037] As can be seen in the view of FIG. 2, the suction tube 24 is also bent. The bend in the suction tube 24 provides several advantages. The bent shape allows the suction tube 24 to be inserted through the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16 in the restricted spaces, as described above in relation to the description of the shape of the fluid supply tube 28. Additionally, the bent shape prevents the suction tube 24 from mechanically interfering with the operation of the spray head 22. Also, the closer the suction tube 24 is to the wall of the wine barrel 16, the smaller will be the shadow cast thereby. In the embodiment being described, the suction tube 24 has a generally large radius, curved bend. It should be understood however, that the advantages described above can also be achieved by forming a plurality of spaced apart angular bends, or the like, in the suction tube 24.

[0038] The suction tube 24 is dimensioned such that it has an open distal end 36 which can be positioned as close to the bottom of the wine barrel 16 as possible. The distal end 36 is irregularly shaped such that even when it is abutted against the bottom of the wine barrel 16 the distal end 36 of the suction tube 24 will not be occluded, and fluids will still be able to enter the suction tube 24. Keeping the open distal end 36 as close as possible to the bottom of the wine barrel 16 minimizes the amount of fluid remaining in the barrel following a washing operation.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of the distal end 36 of the suction tube 24. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 3, the shape of the distal end 36 insures that fluids can enter a cut away portion 38 of the distal end 36 even when the distal end 36 is abutted against the wine barrel 16.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the barrel stopper 26. In the view of FIG. 4 it can be seen that the barrel stopper 26 has a supply tube feed-through aperture 40, a suction tube feed-through aperture 42, and at least one vent hole 44 (two are shown in the example of FIG. 4). The supply tube feed-through aperture 40 facilitates the passage therethrough of the fluid supply tube 28, which is held in place therein by a set screw 46. The suction tube feed-through aperture 42 provides a passage wherethrough the suction tube 24 can be passed. The vent holes 44 prevent excess positive or negative pressure from building up in the wine barrel 16, which pressure might cause damage to the wine barrel 16, injury to workers, or else might interfere with the washing operation.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the barrel stopper 26 showing a threaded screw receiving aperture 48 for receiving the set screw 46 (FIG. 4). As can be seen in the view of FIG. 5, the sides of the barrel stopper 26 are tapered in the general manner of a conventional stopper, such that the barrel stopper 26 can be snugly inserted into the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16 (FIG. 2).

[0042] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the wand assembly 14 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the view of FIG. 6 it can be seen that the fluid supply tube 28 is connected to a high pressure fluid line 50 and the suction tube 24 is connected to a vacuum line 52. At some distance from the wand assembly 14, the fluid line 50 and the vacuum line 52 are joined together to form the connecting hose 18 assembly. Near the wand assembly 14 the fluid line 50 and the vacuum line 52 are separated so as to facilitate the independent manipulation of the tubes 50 and 52 to allow for the insertion thereof into the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. In the present embodiment of the invention, the fluid line 50 and the vacuum line 52 are joined together side by side to form the connecting hose 18. In an alternate embodiment (not shown) the fluid line 50 has been placed inside the vacuum line 52 in a generally concentric arrangement.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, the spray head 22 and the suction tube 24 are inserted into the wine barrel 16 as follows. Initially, the barrel stopper 26 is secured to the fluid supply tube 28 by the set screw 46. The fluid supply tube 28 with the spray head 22 attached is then inserted through the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16. Because there are no other lines passing through the bung hole 20 at this time, the spray head 22 can have a diameter almost as large as the diameter of the bung hole 20. Next, the fluid supply tube 28 is advanced through the bung hole 20 a sufficient distance such that neither the spray head 22 nor the barrel stopper 26 interferes with the bung hole 20 opening. Next, the suction tube 24 is inserted through the bung hole 20 along side the already inserted fluid supply tube 28. This method allows the diameter of the suction tube 24 to be almost as large as the diameter of the bung hole 20 minus the diameter of the fluid supply tube 28. The suction tube 24 is then advanced through the bung hole 20 until its distal end 36 rests upon the bottom of the wine barrel 16. The fluid supply tube 28 is the further advanced until the barrel stopper 26 is near the bung hole 20, and the suction tube 24 is positioned in the suction tube feed-through aperture 42. When the components are properly aligned, the barrel stopper 26 is forced down into the bung hole 20, thereby securing the wand assembly 14 in place. Optionally, the barrel stopper 26 can initially be loosely secured to the fluid supply tube 28, and then be tightened after the remaining components are adjusted in place.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the service cart 12 of FIG. 1. In the view of FIG. 7 it can be seen that the service cart 12 has a plurality (four in this example, two of which can be seen in the side view of FIG. 7) of wheels 53, and a handle 54, such that the barrel washing apparatus 10 can be easily moved to and about the barrel storage locations within a winery. In the embodiment of the invention here described, the wheels 53 are castor type wheels having eight inch pneumatic tires.

[0045] The service cart 12 has a pressure pump 55, a manifold 56, a controller 58 including a user interface 60, a vacuum apparatus 62, and a sump 63 with a sump pump 64 located therein. The pressure pump 55 provides one or more high pressure cleaning fluids to the fluid line 50 via the manifold 56. In the present embodiment of the invention, the pressure pump 55 is capable of providing approximately four gallons per minute at approximately 1100 pounds per square inch of pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, the manifold 56 has a single input and output. The manifold 56 can optionally be configured to select one or more of several inputs, under control of the controller 58. The manifold 56 can also optionally be equipped with a pressure regulator and/or a high pressure safety release valve.

[0046] It is presently contemplated that fluids used to clean the wine barrel 16 will be chosen from one or more of cold water, hot water and/or ozonated water (which is already frequently available in wineries). However, it is within the scope of the invention that other cleaning fluids could be employed for the purpose, keeping in mind that whatever is used should neither affect the taste of wine to be stored in the wine barrel 16 nor should it present any sort of a health hazard.

[0047] The controller 58 controls the operation of the service cart 12 by providing control signals to the manifold 56 , the pressure pump 55, the vacuum apparatus 62 and the sump pump 64. Electrical control lines are omitted from the view of FIG. 7 for the sake of clarity. The user interface 60 which in this example is a keypad, but which could also be or include a keyboard, a computer interface for programming the controller 58 from an external computer, a removable media storage device, or the like, provides a means for a user to interact with and program the controller 58.

[0048] The vacuum apparatus 62 is a vacuum pump, similar to the type of vacuum pump used on conventional shop “wet” vacuum cleaners. In the present example of the invention, the vacuum apparatus 62 is capable of creating a vacuum equal to approximately seven inches of mercury at approximately thirty cubic feet per minute. The vacuum apparatus 62 draws fluid(s) 70 from the wine barrel 16 through the vacuum line 52, and such fluid(s) 70 drop into the sump 63 of the service cart 12, as shown in the example of FIG. 7. The sump pump 64 then pumps the fluid(s) 70 out through a fluid discharge port 72. In the embodiment of the invention described, the sump 63 has an approximately fifty gallon capacity, and the sump pump 64 is capable of pumping approximately ten gallons per minute at a discharge height of approximately twenty feet.

[0049] The fluid discharge port 72 is a conventional garden hose bib, to which a conventional garden hose (not shown) can be attached to remove the fluid(s) 70. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, since the fluid(s) 70 are generally non toxic (frequently just tap water with some residue from the prior contents of the wine barrel 16), they will usually be discharged into the commonly available drain facilities which are already available in wineries. Alternatively, the fluid(s) 70 can be pumped into a collection receptacle (not shown) for proper disposal. A drain fitting 74 is provided for draining the sump 63 when the operation of the barrel washing apparatus 10 is completed.

[0050] The controller 58 has a computer readable medium 76 which, in the present example, is the memory containing the programming that causes the controller to coordinate and control wash cycles performed by the barrel washing apparatus 10. Generally any desirable cleaning cycle, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, may be implemented by the controller 58 according to the programming in the computer readable medium 76. Optionally, the controller 58 can cause a record to be printed out (or otherwise displayed or recorded) to verify that a particular wash cleaning cycle has been completed. In a particularly simple alternate embodiment, the controller 58 could be replaced with a simple timer, in which case the user interface 60 could be a simple start button, switch, or the like.

[0051] In the example of the invention shown and described in relation to FIG. 7, the service cart 12 is optionally equipped with a tubing storage rack 78 for the storage of the connecting hose 18 and any other hoses or tubes that might be necessary or useful for the connection and use of the barrel washing apparatus 10.

[0052] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the service cart 12a. The operations and components of the service cart 12a are not greatly different from those discussed in relation to the first described embodiment of the service cart 12. It is thought by the inventors that the configuration of the service cart 12a may make the components somewhat more accessible. In the service cart 12a, an alternate sump 63a is generally round, and the vacuum apparatus 62 is affixed to a sump lid 80 which can be easily lifted out of the way. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 8, the pressure pump 55, the manifold 56 and other components of the service cart 12a are rearranged to more conveniently fit on the service cart 12a .

[0053] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of the suction tube 24. As can be seen in the view of FIG. 9, the alternate suction tube 24a has a flexible portion 82 such that the suction tube 24a will bend slightly at that point. The reason for this variation is that all wine barrels 16 are not exactly the same size. For example, both fifty five gallon and sixty gallon barrels are common in the industry. Since it is desirable to have the distal end 36 of the suction tube 24a close against the bottom of the wine barrel 16 (FIG. 2), and since all such wine barrels 16 are not exactly the same size, the inventors have found that providing this small amount of flexibility will enhance the positioning of the suction tube 24a. In this example of the alternate suction tube 24a, a spring section 84 is provided at the flexible portion 82. The spring section 84 is essentially a conventional stainless steel spring. Since fluids and/or vacuum pressure would leak through the spring section 84, a flexible hose 86 is provided which completely covers the spring section 84 and provides a generally hermetic seal thereover.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing one particular method 500 of washing a wine barrel 16 according to the present invention, which will be described with references to FIGS. 1 through 8. In a first step 502, the spray head 22 is inserted into the wine barrel 16. Then, in a second step 504, the suction tube 24 is inserted into the wine barrel 16. Next, in a third step 506, the fluid supply tube 28 and the suction tube 24 are engaged with the bung hole 20 of the wine barrel 16. As can be appreciated in light of the description and drawings previously discussed herein, the fluid supply tube 28 is affixed to the barrel stopper 26 (by the set screw 46) prior to the first step 502. However, the suction tube 24 is not slipped into the suction tube feed-through aperture 42 until the third step 506. Accordingly, even though the completely assembled wand assembly 14 could not be fitted through the bung hole 20, according to the above described method, the wand assembly 14 is secured in the wine barrel 16 as previously described herein.

[0055] In a fourth step 508, high pressure fluid is provided to the spray head 22 to spray the inside of the wine barrel 16. Generally vacuum will be provided to the suction tube 24 during the entire wash operation. However, in a fifth step 510, even after fluid has ceased to be sprayed through the spray head 22, vacuum continues to be applied to the suction tube 24 to finish removing any remaining fluid from the wine barrel 16. It should be noted that, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove residue fluids from a wine barrel 16 even before beginning to spray the inside of the wine barrel 16 . In that case, vacuum would be applied to the suction tube 24 prior to spraying.

[0056] In a sixth step 512, the fluid supply tube 28 and the suction tube 24 are disengaged from the bung hole 20. In a seventh step 514, the suction tube 24 is removed from the barrel, and in an eighth step 516 the spray head 22 is removed from the wine barrel 16.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram summarizing one particular method 600 of performing the fourth step (spraying inside of barrel) of the method 500 of FIG. 10. In a first step 602 the controller 58 determines (based on user input through the user interface 60) whether a custom wash cycle is required. If not, then in a second step 604 the controller 58 sets the time for a standard wash. In a third step 606, spraying the inside of the wine barrel 16 begins. In a fourth step 608, the controller 58 determines whether the standard wash time has elapsed. If so, then in a fifth step 610, spraying is terminated. In a sixth step 612, the controller 58 determines if printed verification of the completed wash cycle is required. If so, then in a seventh step 614, verification is printed, after which method 600 ends.

[0058] If, in first step 602, the controller 58 determines that a custom wash is desired, then method 600 proceeds to an eighth step 616 where the custom wash parameters are set. In a ninth step 618, the custom wash begins. In a tenth step 620, the controller 58 determines whether the custom wash is completed. Tenth step 620 repeats until it is determined that the custom wash cycle is complete, then method 600 proceeds to fifth step 610.

[0059] Many of the described features may be substituted, altered or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, alternate spray heads may be substituted for the particular spray head disclosed. As another example, alternate manifolds may be employed depending on the complexity and number of different fluids required for a particular wash operation.

[0060] Various other modifications may be made to the invention without altering its value or scope. For example, the sizes, shapes and quantities of components shown and described in relation to the examples discussed herein could each or all be varied according the needs or convenience of a particular application. All of the above are only some of the examples of available embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous other modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure herein is not intended as limiting and the appended claims are to be interpreted as encompassing the entire scope of the invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0061] The inventive barrel washing apparatus 10 is intended to be widely used for the cleaning of barrels, particularly the wine barrels 16 discussed herein. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by providing an apparatus and method for washing the inside of wine barrels 16, without moving the barrels 16. Although there are many different processes and practices used in the production of wine, and although such practices vary widely from country to country and depending upon the exact type of wine being produced and the personal preferences of the producer, it is believed that all wine production facilities that use barrels could benefit from the use of the present invention. Although, because of the great variation in possible applications it will require some experimentation to discover exactly how long the operations should cycle according to the present inventive method, it is presently believed that a wash time of approximately 3½ minutes at approximately 700 PSI and 4 gallons per minute of ordinary tap water should result in a thorough cleaning of most wine barrels.

[0062] Therefore, since the barrel washing apparatus 10 of the present invention may be readily produced and integrated with existing wine making systems and practices, and since the advantages as described herein are provided, it is expected that it will be readily accepted in the industry. For these and other reasons, it is expected that the utility and industrial applicability of the invention will be both significant in scope and long-lasting in duration.

[0063] NOTICE: This correspondence chart is provided for informational purpose only. It is not a part of the official Patent Application.

CORRESPONDENCE CHART

[0064] 10 BARREL WASHING APPARATUS

[0065] 12 SERVICE CART

[0066] 14 WAND ASSEMBLY

[0067] 16 WINE BARREL

[0068] 18 CONNECTING HOSE

[0069] 20 BUNG HOLE

[0070] 22 SPRAY HEAD

[0071] 24 SUCTION TUBE

[0072] 26 BARREL STOPPER

[0073] 28 FLUID SUPPLY TUBE

[0074] 30 LONGITUDINAL AXIS

[0075] 32 SPRAY JET

[0076] 34 ROTATIONAL DIRECTIONAL ARROW

[0077] 36 DISTAL END

[0078] 38 CUT AWAY PORTION

[0079] 40 SUPPLY TUBE FEED-THROUGH APERTURE

[0080] 42 SUCTION TUBE FEED-THROUGH APERTURE

[0081] 44 VENT HOLE

[0082] 46 SET SCREW

[0083] 48 SCREW RECEIVING APERTURE

[0084] 50 FLUID LINE

[0085] 52 VACUUM LINE

[0086] 53 WHEELS

[0087] 54 HANDLE

[0088] 55 PRESSURE PUMP

[0089] 56 MANIFOLD

[0090] 58 CONTROLLER

[0091] 60 USER INTERFACE

[0092] 62 VACUUM APPARATUS

[0093] 63 SUMP

[0094] 64 SUMP PUMP

[0095] 70 FLUID(S)

[0096] 72 FLUID DISCHARGE PORT

[0097] 74 DRAIN FITTING

[0098] 76 COMPUTER READABLE MEDIUM

[0099] 78 TUBING STORAGE RACK

[0100] 80 SUMP LID

[0101] 82 FLEXIBLE PORTION

[0102] 84 SPRING

[0103] 86 FLEXIBLE HOSE

[0104] 500 BARREL WASHING METHOD

[0105] 502 INSERT SPRAYHEAD OPERATION

[0106] 504 INSERT SUCTION TUBE OPERATION

[0107] 506 ENGAGE SUPPLY LINE AND SUCTION TUBE OPERATION

[0108] 508 SPRAY BARREL OPERATION

[0109] 510 FINISH DRAINING OPERATION

[0110] 512 DISENGAGE TUBES OPERATION

[0111] 514 REMOVE SUCTION TUBE OPERATION

[0112] 516 REMOVE SPRAYHEAD OPERATION

[0113] 600 SPRAY BARREL SUBOPERATION

[0114] 602 CUSTOM WASH DECISION OPERATION

[0115] 606 BEGIN SPRAYING OPERATION

[0116] 608 TIME EXPIRED DECISION OPERATION

[0117] 610 TERMINATE SPRAY OPERATION

[0118] 612 PRINTOUT DECISION OPERATION

[0119] 614 PRINT VERIFICATION OPERATION

[0120] 616 SET WASH PARAMETERS OPERATION

[0121] 618 BEGIN CUSTOM WASH OPERATION

[0122] 620 WASH COMPLETE DECISION OPERATION

Claims

1. A barrel cleaning apparatus for cleaning the inside of a barrel with a fluid, comprising: a spray nozzle for spraying the inside of the barrel with the fluid; a fluid stem for providing the fluid to the spray nozzle; a suction tube for removing the fluid from the barrel; a bung hole plug for accepting the fluid stem and the suction tube, and further for holding the fluid stem and the suction tube in place within the barrel.

2. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the barrel is a wine barrel.

3. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the fluid stem is generally curved.

4. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction tube is generally curved.

5. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction tube has a notch at the distal end thereof such that the distal end will not be occluded even when the suction tube is against the bottom of the barrel.

6. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the suction tube includes a flexible section.

7. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the flexible section includes a spring for providing flexibility to at least a portion of the suction tube; and a tube section for preventing leaking through the spring.

8. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the spray nozzle is caused to rotate by the pressure of the fluid provided through the fluid stem.

9. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the spray nozzle has at least one jet that rotates simultaneously about at least two axis.

10. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung hole plug includes at least one vent hole.

11. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung hole plug includes a securing means for securing at least one of either the fluid stem or the suction tube thereto.

12. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the securing means is a set screw.

13. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung hole plug includes a fluid stem passage for passing the fluid stem at least partially therethrough

14. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 13, and further including: a set screw for securing the fluid stem within the fluid stem passage.

15. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the bung hole plug includes a drain tube passage such that the drain tube can be passed through the bung hole plug.

16. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the drain tube passage opens to the side of the bung hole plug such that the drain tube can be placed into the drain tube passage from the side of the bung hole plug.

17. The barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sum of a width of said spray nozzel and the diameter of said suction tube is at least as large as the diameter of said bung hole plug.

18. A wine barrel cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of a wine barrel with a fluid, comprising: a nozzle for spraying the fluid into the wine barrel; a high pressure pump for pumping the fluid to the nozzle through a fluid supply hose; a suction tube for removing the fluid from the wine barrel and a vacuum pump for pulling the fluid from suction tube through a vacuum hose.

19. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further including: a fluid sump for receiving the fluid from the vacuum pump.

20. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further including: a sump pump for pumping the fluid from the fluid sump.

21. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further including: a rolling cart for mounting the high pressure pump and the vacuum pump thereon.

22. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further including: a plug apparatus for holding and positioning the nozzle and the suction tube within the wine barrel.

23. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein the sum of the width of said nozzle and the diameter of said suction tube are at least as large as the diameter of said plug apparatus.

24. The wine barrel cleaning apparatus of claim 18, and further including: a controller apparatus for timing the operation of at least the high pressure pump and the vacuum pump.

25. A method for cleaning a wine barrel, comprising: inserting a fluid stem with a nozzle affixed thereto into the wine barrel; inserting a vacuum tube into the wine barrel; providing a fluid under high pressure to the fluid stem; and providing a vacuum to the vacuum tube.

26. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 25, wherein: at least one of either the fluid stem or the vacuum tube is curved.

27. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 25, wherein: the fluid stem and the vacuum tube are fixed in position within the wine barrel by a plug apparatus.

28. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the plug apparatus is secured into a bung hole of the wine barrel.

29. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the fluid stem is rigidly affixed to the plug apparatus.

30. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the plug apparatus has a recession in the side thereof for accepting the vacuum tube therethrough.

31. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein: the sequence and length of application of the high pressure fluid and the vacuum are controlled by an electrical controlling device.

32. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 31, wherein: the electrical controlling device is a digital controller operating according to instructions recorded in a digital medium.

33. The method for cleaning a wine barrel of claim 27, wherein the diameter of the plug apparatus is smaller than the sum of the width of the nozzle and the diameter of the vacuum tube.