Apparatus for dumping and collecting corrosive substances from automotive batteries

Abstract

A novel battery dumping apparatus is described which is uniquely suited for dumping corrosive substances, such as battery acid, simultaneously from a number of batteries. The novel apparatus generally comprises a sealed tube adapted for rotation through an arc of less than 360 degrees for inverting batteries contained therein. Novel sealing and pouring means disposed at opposite ends of the tubular member provide for safe collection of the dumped corrosive liquids. Four inflatable members of novel construction are appropriately positioned within the tube for the purpose of selectively gripping groups of batteries to be inverted. The inflatable members are pressurized for engaging the batteries and are vented to an evacuated tank to release them. A novel hydraulic piston is utilized as a safety interlock to prevent batteries in the inverted position from being released by the inflated gripping members. Within the tube are disposed two parallel spaced apart baffles, which together form a sealed battery processing channel. This battery processing channel is pierced by a plurality of rods disposed in a plane which bisects the aforementioned baffles. These rods are ultimately caused to rotate in opposite directions by a gear drive disposed outside of said battery processing channel but within said tubular member. These gears are, in turn, caused to drive said rods by a pneumatic motor which is mounted outside of said tubular member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.