Abstract: A latch dog assembly for latching and unlatching a storage bin door includes a latch dog member having a base portion, an end wall portion, and a cylindrical wear block member which extends outwardly from an opening on the inner wall of the end wall member so as to allow a latching cam to properly secure the bin door while avoiding undesired metal to metal contact. In one embodiment of the invention, a projection extends outwardly from the latch dog member base portion upper surface so as to assist in retaining the wear block member within the opening in the inner face of the end wall portion.

Abstract: A valve guard for the protection of a bottom discharge valve on a portable tank is formed of a single elongated piece of metal and has a central stabilizing ridge which extends outwardly from the front wall of the valve guard and which runs nearly the full length of the valve guard. The valve guard has a deflector arm at each end which extends out from the valve guard body at an angle and which cooperates with the tank legs to deflect any misguided forklifts or other machinery away from the valve on the underside of the tank. The central ridge is rounded and can have a width from approximately one-fourth to approximately one-third the width of the front wall of the valve guard. The valve guard is lightweight, durable, and can be formed quickly and economically through a rapid sequence of metal stamping operations.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration includes a die employed to stamp a formed member. The formed member may be used as the bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. The invention is particularly useful in constructing sloped bottom tanks of increased depth. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The bottom head is finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate assembly to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: A flat bottom tank provides for complete drainage of liquid contents through sloped drainage in the bottom head. The bottom head has a raised center portion which is pyramidal shaped in one embodiment. The sides of the bottom head are broken upwardly to form smooth, rounded wall surfaces. The center portion and the side walls slope downwardly towards one another to form a line of flow extending around the perimeter of the center portion. The line of flow slopes downwardly from a first corner of the bottom head to a second corner of the bottom head which is diagonally opposite the first corner. A drain outlet located adjacent the second corner allows for the drainage of liquid contents from the tank.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration includes a die employed to stamp a formed member. The formed member may be used as the bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. The invention is particularly useful in constructing sloped bottom tanks of increased depth. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The bottom head is finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate assembly to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: A tumbler loader assembly is capable of moving a container to be tumbled from a conveyor loading area into a tumbler device using a feed cart while maintaining a low cart profile. The feed cart is capable of moving the container on conveyor rollers along the feed cart as well as having the capability for movement along a guide rail from a first position where the container is loaded onto the feed cart to a second position interior of the tumbler. The tumbler device has raising and lowering capability for interengaging the feed cart as well as for positioning the container for proper tumbling. Upon loading of the container onto the feed cart, the feed cart moves along the guide rail into the tumbler. The tumbler lowers to interengage the feed cart. The feed cart then transfers the container into the tumbler and the tumbler raises to allow the feed cart to return to its starting position.

Abstract: An improved tank bottom configuration formed from a flat metal plate of square or rectangular shape is disclosed. The plate is sheared to provide two adjacent sides which are tapered along their lengths and a notch is cut in each corner portion. By the use of stop and die members, the plate member is deformed to provide a bottom wall portion which slopes downwardly toward one corner and upwardly extending side wall portions which extend around the periphery of the bottom wall portion. A drain opening and a crease are formed in the bottom wall portion, with the crease being aligned with and spaced from the drain opening.

Abstract: A bung plug venting device having a threaded slot configuration for use such as in relieving internal pressure in a container for liquids is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of slots are spaced at equal intervals around the threaded neck portion of the bung plug, with the upper end of the slots being positioned below the upper threads of the neck portion. The number and width of the slots will depend on the capacity of the container.

Abstract: An improved tank bottom configuration formed from a flat metal plate of square or rectangular shape is disclosed. The plate is sheared to provide two adjacent sides which are tapered along their lengths and a notch is cut in each corner portion. By the use of stop and die members, the plate member is deformed to provide a bottom wall portion which slopes downwardly toward one corner and upwardly extending side wall portions which extend around the periphery of the bottom wall portion. A drain opening and a crease are formed in the bottom wall portion, with the crease being aligned with and spaced from the drain opening.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: A drum conditioner which is capable of providing an external force on a drum so as to crack and loosen powdered or other finely divided material therein which has solidified and hardened is disclosed. The drum conditioner includes two pairs of pressure rollers which provide pressure to the drum and help rotate the drum as it sits on a conveyer bed of rollers. The pair of pressure rollers in the rear are adjustable so as to accommodate different size drums. The front pair of pressure rollers are provided with a hydraulic cylinder to assist in providing and maintaining pressure between the pressure rollers and the object drum, regardless of the regularity of shape of the drum.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: This invention is particularly useful in food processing for separating crumbs and particles of breading material which have become suspended in frying oil, so that the oil may be reused. Separation is done in a unique cylinder having a hollow piston, whose forward end has a screen and whose aft face is imperforate. The cylinder has an openable door at its forward end. Near its end door the cylinder has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet spaced somewhat aft therefrom. When the piston is in its retracted position its screen end is positioned axially between the inlet and outlet, so that the liquid may pass through the screen. Air pressure in the portion of the cylinder aft of the piston acts against its imperforate face to drive it forward. The screen end of the piston filters and drives the liquid back to the outlet, solids are compacted against the door.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for use on containers having a door on at least one side wall is disclosed. The features of the invention include the following: removable hinge rod for complete cleaning with rod held in place by a removable end mechanical retaining member; full length support for the door; end cap and hinge can be completely welded to pass sanitary construction specifications; enables use of aluminum or stainless steel rods; permits use of stainless steel hinge rod on aluminum containers; hinge rod can turn or rotate in end support areas or caps thereby avoiding binding or bending when installing door; and a hinge assembly area is easily cleaned; invention employs a continuous horizontal hinge rod which opens the hinge area for cleaning and continuous hinge support.

Abstract: A latch dog assembly for a hinged door in a bin for bulk material wherein the latch dog includes a housing with a wear block of UHMW polyethylene plastic or similar low friction material and with the assembly being constructed to ensure proper drainage during cleaning and so that pressure of the door cam retains the wear block in proper position.

Abstract: A sanitary concentric tube heat exchanger for cooling or heating flowable or pumpable products is disclosed. In one embodiment, two concentric tubes are sealed together with inlet and outlet openings. The product is allowed to flow through the outer of the two tubes while the heating or cooling medium flows through the inner tube. In another embodiment, a third concentric tube surrounds the product tube and is used for the flow of additional heating or cooling medium. A securing clamp open on one end of the product tube secures the product tube to the outer surface of the inner tube and can be easily dismantled for cleaning purposes. A seal assembly secures the other end of the product tube to the outer surface of the inner tube and permits relative movement between the inner tube and the product tube for accommodation of thermal effects during operation, and also to allow the asembly to be easily dismantled for cleaning or inspection.