Abstract: The silo unloader having one or more augers journaled for rotation therein is arranged to travel in a circular manner within a tower silo to auger silage to a collection point at the center thereof. Located proximate the central collection point is a transfer conveyor comprising two vertically oriented snowmobile track assemblies arranged to have corresponding flights of the track belt engaged with one another. As the tracks are driven by an electric motor, silage becomes entrained between the two adjacent tracks and is propelled therealong onto a discharge conveyor that leads to a drop chute opening in the wall of the silo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silo unloader which combines the advantages of both a single auger unloader and a double auger unloader and substantially eliminates the disadvantages of both, to create a silo unloader that is very efficient and effective. Only a portion of the unloader's auger arms has dual augers working therewith while the remaining portion has a single auger. The dual auger functionality is positioned at the end of the auger where most freezing and compaction occurs, thus creating a very aggressive auger at this point. Additionally, the blower of the present silo unloader is positioned at an angle above the augers. This allows for the use of an efficient closed bottom blower in a double auger system while also allowing the placement of the two augers substantially next to each other. By placing the two augers in close proximity to one another reduces the overall width of the auger arm, thus creating a more efficient auger arm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an access door assembly (10) comprised of a frame assembly (12) held in place by a plurality of hoop-shaped rods (14). A door (16) is hinged to frame assembly (12) using a pair of first hinge brackets (18) secured to frame assembly (12), a pair of second hinge brackets (20) secured to door (16) near its vertical centerline, and a connecting rod (22) acting as the hinge pin between the first and second hinge brackets (18, 20). A latch mechanism (24) engages a mid-step member (26) to secure door (16) tightly against a door frame structure (28). In doing so, flexible door (16) bends to conform generally to the curvature of cylindrical silo wall (30).Upper and lower step members (56, 58) are a part of frame assembly (12) and mid-step member (26) is supported by frame assembly (12). Hence the step members acting as ladder rungs are not supported by door (16), but rather by its frame.