Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a top bin lid from below such that, when in the fully opened position, the lid will not extend above the plane of the opening. The apparatus utilizes an elongated lever arm pivotally mounted on the pivot axis of the bin lid. A flexible linkage, such as a chain extends from below, over the lever arm and is connected to a gravity biased latch system which holds the lid in the closed position until the chain is pulled from below. After the latch is released, further drawing of the chain will pivot the lid and arm about their common pivot axis until the arm is obstructed from further movement by the bin. Continued pulling of the chain will draw the lid toward the lever arm against spring pressure until the lid has been pivoted approximately 180.degree. from its closed position.

Abstract: A grain drying system around the interior of a grain bin wall which dries grain adjacent the bin wall while minimizing air and heat loss above the level of grain stored in a bin is disclosed. The system is self-regulating and limits air flow to areas above the level of the grain in response to changes in grain level or air pressure in the system. In the grain drying system, vertical air passageways or tubes extend about the interior of the bin wall. The elongated passageways, which have air diffusing or outlet areas, are arranged in fluid communication with a plenum chamber below an air permeable grain supporting subfloor in the grain bin. Each of the passageways or tubes has a movable float slidable therein. When pressure in the plenum chamber reaches a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined level at which the floats are calculated to operate, the floats then rise within the air passageways until equilibrium with grain created air resistance is reached.

Abstract: A modular floor structure of modular components for use in a building, such as a grain storage bin or the like, in which a plurality of floor sections are formed of planar material with there being a number of different perimetric contours for various ones of said floor sections including a basic section providing, by interconnection therebetween, a major part of the floor area. The floor sections are supported above the ground or other surface by support members positionable beneath overlapped parts of adjacent floor sections and the support members as well as floor sections have structure permitting insertion of fastening devices to lock said floor sections to each other and to the subjacent support member.

Abstract: A building structural system having a plurality of preformed elongate structural elements each with a plurality of angularly-related planar surfaces and provided with integral fastener-receiving and locking devices and a plurality of connecting members for interconnecting said elongate elements in a desired angular relation and securing the elements with the addition of strength to the structural system.