Abstract: An improved drive seal arrangement for a dry good material feeder includes an auger member which is provided with a helical flight that extends into the space proximate the drive shaft seal so as to create an underpressure proximate the seal and keep the dry material which is to be conveyed away from the seal. A novel shaft connecting linkage is further provided to isolate the seal from vibration or shock which is imparted to the drive auger during operation. A novel modular construction is also provided whereby the hopper and auger member may be dismounted from a power unit, which slides into the hopper as a single module so as not to affect the drive shaft seal.

Abstract: In a silo chute is mounted a flexible tube that extends from above the uppermost silo doorway to the lower end of the chute and that has a continuous slit extending substantially from top to bottom on the side toward the silo doorways. A zipper permits the slit to be selectively opened from the top so the open discharge end of a transfer conduit which is mounted in an open silo doorway at any level may extend into the flexible tube to deliver into the tube material discharged from the silo.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank of the type which has a base, an annular concrete sidewall seated on the base and free to shift laterally thereon as it shrinks and expands, and a multiplicity of horizontal tension hoops embracing the sidewall is provided with a multiplicity of tension rods which are anchored in the base and extend upwardly out of direct contact with any part of the tank sidewall and have an upper end portion above the plane of the top of the sidewall. A fitting operatively engaged with the upper end portion of each tension rod bears effectively perpendicularly upon the top of the sidewall to pull on the tension rod and force the sidewall strongly toward the base. Provision is made for lateral motion of the lower portion of the sidewall relative to the tension rods which is necessary to minimize the effect of stresses resulting from wall curing, wall compression during horizontal post-tensioning, expansion and contraction.