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US 6,739,349 B2Granted
Bulk milk tank with adjustable ladder
AssigneeWestfaliaSurge, Inc.
InventorsKevin M. Kastenschmidt, Edward L. Knower
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A bulk milk tank having a ladder that provides access to a raised platform in a lowered position and moves to a raised position to provide ample operating room around the tank outlet valve.
Claims10
A method for operating a bulk milk tank, the bulk milk tank having a top side, an end, an outlet valve disposed in the tank's end, and a ladder operatively joined to the tank and having upper and lower sections, the method comprising the steps of alternatingly:
- lowering the ladder's lower section into a climbing position that permits operator access to the top side of the bulk milk tank and at least partially inhibits access to the outlet valve;
- raising the ladder's lower section to a raised position that permits operator access to the outlet valve to remove milk from the bulk tank;
- and
- locking the ladder's lower section into the raised position.
1 more element
A bulk milk tank comprising:
- a top side, an end, an outlet valve disposed in the end of the tank, and a ladder, the ladder comprising:
- an upper ladder section fixed to the tank;
- a lower ladder section joined to the upper ladder section for movement between a climbing position and a raised position, whereby climbing access to the top side is provided in the climbing position and operating clearance to the outlet valve is provided when in the raised position;
- and
- a lock joined to the ladder to releaseably maintain the lower ladder section in the raised position.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.