COLLECTION TANK
A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.
1 . A mobile backfill system for collecting material, comprising:
a collection tank having a generally cylindrical body having
a front with a closed end,
a rear with an open end having a generally circular periphery,
a hinge at a top of the open end;
a door having a dome-shaped panel with a generally circular periphery that abuts the generally circular periphery of the open end when the door is closed over the open end, wherein the door is pivotably connected to the collection tank at the hinge;
a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that the vacuum pump draws an air stream through the collection tank for carrying material into the collection tank; and
an elongated shaft extending across an interior of the collection tank rearward of the open end having a longitudinal axis oriented generally parallel to a diameter of the interior.
2 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 1 , further comprising
a dual arm linkage having
a lower linkage arm with a first end pivotally connected at a pivot axis, where the pivot axis extends across the interior from a first outer side of the collection tank to a second outer side of the collection tank, to the collection tank at the first outer side and with a second end that is that is forward of the pivot axis in a position when the door is closed over the open end, and
an upper linkage arm with a first end pivotally connected to the door and with a second end pivotally connected to the second end of the lower linkage arm.
3 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 2 , wherein the elongated shaft is connected to the lower linkage arm so that the lower linkage arm applies a force to the elongated shaft when the lower linkage arm pivots about the pivot axis.
4 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 3 , wherein the lower linkage arm is rotationally fixed to the elongated shaft.
5 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 4 , wherein the elongated shaft extends through the generally cylindrical body.
6 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 2 , wherein the elongated shaft extends through the generally cylindrical body at the first outer side and at the second outer side.
7 . The mobile backfill system as in claim 2 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft is aligned with the pivot axis.