BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plane view of the invention's vessel.
FIG. 2 is a plane view of the cover of the invention's vessel.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the invention along the line A-A.
FIG. 4 is a plane view of the invention veiwed from the top.
FIG. 5 is a plane view of the invention.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may emerge in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.
The invention is a machine used for tanning animal hides used for taxidermy. Those familiar with the art of taxidermy recognize that is a great deal of time required to activate the tanning solution and the animal hides. Prior art required prolonged emersion of the animal hides in the tanning fluid and manual agitation. As a means to reduce the time required the tanning solution was heated. Because the toxic nature the tanning fluid the fumes caused by the heated solution require additional treatment after use. By processing the animal hides under vacuum the time required is reduced. The tanning process is further reduced; this is accomplished in the present instance by rotating the tank, hides and tanning solutions. Using a vacuum eliminates the need for heating the tanning solution as a means of speeding up the tanning process.
The invention is a machine used to tanning animal hides for taxidermy. Turning first to FIG. 1 there is shown a vessel item 11 of FIG. 1 consisting of and a cover item 13 of FIG. 1. In accordance with one of the main features of the invention the vessel is used to hold the animal hides and the tanning solution. A means is provided for to create a vacuum within the tank. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the vessel is rotated, while under vacuum. Due to the corrosive nature of the tanning solutions the tank item 11 in FIG. 1 is made of materials resistance to the corrosive action. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the material used for construction of the vessel item 11 in FIG. 1 maybe, but not limited to stainless steel construction.
The vessel FIG. 1 item 11 is constructed to maintain a vacuum. Access to the vessel is gained by means of the sealed cover item 13 in FIG. 1. A handle item 12 in FIG. 1 is used to remove the cover from the tank. Latches item 19 in FIG. 1 are shown as a means to secure the cover item 11 in FIG. 1 to keep the cover secure if there was a loss of the seal and or vacuum. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the support of the vessel by the shafts items 16 in FIG. 1 allows for the free rotation of vessel in a circular movement. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the shafts could mounted off axis, causing the vessel to have an eccentric movement.
A valve item 30 in FIG. 3, allows for the venting and vacuum connection. The valve item 30 in FIG. 3 is connected to a vacuum pump. Once the proper vacuum is achieved the valve item 30 in FIG. 3 is closed and the connection to the vacuum pump removed. The petcock valve item 15 in FIG. 1 is used to drain the tanning solution.
Examining FIG. 2 the cover item 13 of the vessel item 11FIG. 1 is shown. An important function of the invention is accomplished, with the gasket item 20 in FIG. 2, used to maintain a seal for the vacuum.
In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 3 shows detail of cross section A-A. Shown in FIG. 3 item 11 is the vessel consisting of the cover item 13 of FIG. 3, and a petcock valve item 15 used to drain the vessel item 11 in FIG. 3 of the tanning solution. Due to the corrosive nature of the tanning solutions the vessel item 11 of FIG. 3 is made of materials resistance to the corrosion. This material maybe but not limited to stainless steel construction. A handle item 13 in FIG. 3 is used to remove or place the cover on the vessel item 11 of FIG. 3. The valve item 30 of FIG. 3 is for venting and connection to a vacuum pump. After achieving the desired vacuum the valve item 30 of FIG. 3 is closed and the vacuum connection removed.
The vessel item 11 of FIG. 1 will be free to rotate in a circular motion along the axis and supported by FIG. 1 item 16. As the container is rotated the dividers FIG. 3 item 31 causes the hides to be repeatedly moved through the tanning solution. To accomplish an important function of the invention, there is shown a perforated divider FIG. 3 item 31. The dividers FIG. 3 item 31 allows for the agitation of the hides while moving through the tanning solution. The dividers FIG. 3 item 31 may be are arranged in various ways without departing from the invention and the function of dividers. Due to the corrosive nature of the tanning solutions the dividers FIG. 3 item 31 is made of materials resistance to the corrosion. This material maybe but not limited to stainless steel construction.
Turning now to FIG. 4 illustrates a plane view of the vessel FIG. 1 item 11 from the top. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the perforations in the dividers FIG. 4 item 40 would be circular and arranged in a uniform pattern. In alternative embodiment the perforation's shape and pattern would be changed to maximize the agitation of the animal hides while, minimizing the any damage to the animal hides due to abrasion. The dividers FIG. 4 item 4 are secured or fastened within the vessel items 11 in FIG. 1.
Turning now to FIG. 5 shows a plane view of the invention. Item 53 in FIG. 5 illustrates the frame which is intended to support the vessel FIG. 5 item 11. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the support of the vessel item 11 in FIG. 5 by the shafts items 16 in FIG. 1 allows for the free rotation of vessel in a circular movement. Bearing surfaces FIG. 5 item 50 allow free movement of the shafts items 16 in FIG. 1. To accomplish an important function of the invention, there is shown item 51 in FIG. 5 a drive unit. The drive unit 51 in FIG. 5 is attached, or connected to 16 in FIG. 1 in a manner which causes the shaft 16 in FIG. 1 and vessel item 11 to rotate. The speed of rotation can be controlled by the drive unit item 51 in FIG. 5. The drive unit 51 in FIG. 5 includes controls starting and stopping of rotation of the vessel item 11. A vacuum pump item 52 is used to evacuate the vessel item 11 of FIG. 3. The valve item 30FIG. 3, provides a means of connection and control for the vacuum pump item 52 of FIG. 5.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20070283504
