Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: A storage bin may include a corrugated outer sidewall, a generally flat inner sidewall, and a first fastener. The corrugated outer sidewall may support a hoop tension provided by a material within the storage bin and may include a series of horizontally extending corrugations forming alternating grooved portions defining alternating circumferentially extending radially inner and outer ridges vertically spaced from one another along a vertical extent of the outer sidewall. The corrugated outer sidewall may define a first aperture. The generally flat inner sidewall may support the hoop tension, abut the radially inner ridges, and define a second aperture. The first fastener may extend through the first and second apertures and may couple the inner and outer sidewalls to one another.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

Abstract: A structural support system for a bin structure. The structural support system comprises at least two parallel and spaced apart support columns. Each column has a plurality of inner column sections adjacent to the bin structure and a plurality of outer column sections coupled to the inner column sections. The inner and outer column sections form a closed shape support column configured for transferring vertical loads from an upper area of the bin structure to the foundation. An auxiliary device such as a catwalk or conveyor system may be attached to the top of the support columns. An anchor member may be provided, configured to allow limited movement of the auxiliary structure in relation to the support structure. Associated methods for strengthening the structural support of a bin structure are also provided.

Abstract: A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A storage bin may include a corrugated outer sidewall, a generally flat inner sidewall, and a first fastener. The corrugated outer sidewall may support a hoop tension provided by a material within the storage bin and may include a series of horizontally extending corrugations forming alternating grooved portions defining alternating circumferentially extending radially inner and outer ridges vertically spaced from one another along a vertical extent of the outer sidewall. The corrugated outer sidewall may define a first aperture. The generally flat inner sidewall may support the hoop tension, abut the radially inner ridges, and define a second aperture. The first fastener may extend through the first and second apertures and may couple the inner and outer sidewalls to one another.

Abstract: A method of constructing a grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A grain bin floor support system having a plurality of interconnected support members. The support members are constructed from a monolithic sheet of structural metal stamped and formed having upper and lower horizontal rails spanning across and integrally connected by a plurality of transverse support columns. The rails include a longitudinally extending center segment and a stabilizing portion adjacent each end thereof. The stabilizing portions are configured to be folded out in opposite directions forming a non-planar self-supporting structure.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces. The exterior and interior wall segments have cooperating indents that are fastened to one another to secure adjacent roof panels against relative movement.

Abstract: A roof system for a grain storage structure. The roof system includes a plurality of enclosures defined between adjacent roof panel surfaces. Each enclosure includes opposed exterior and interior wall segments oriented at an angle relative to the panel surfaces.

Abstract: A grain bin floor panel formed from sheet metal. The grain bin floor panel is comprised of a first flange, a second flange, and a center support disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The center support is connected to the first flange by a first support surface and the second flange by a second support surface. To insure that the first and second support surfaces do not become separated from one another, the center support is configured with at least one staking. To provide the floor panel added strength, the first flange, the second flange, the center support, and the first and second support surfaces are preferably corrugated. To further increase the strength of the center support, the center support is preferably shaped as a triangle.

Abstract: A grain bin floor panel formed from sheet metal. The grain bin floor panel is comprised of a first flange, a second flange, and a center support disposed between the first flange and the second flange. The center support is connected to the first flange by a first support surface and the second flange by a second support surface. To insure that the first and second support surfaces do not become separated from one another, the center support is configured with at least one staking. To provide the floor panel added strength, the first flange, the second flange, the center support, and the first and second support surfaces are preferably corrugated. To further increase the strength of the center support, the center support is preferably shaped as a triangle.

Abstract: A latch apparatus and a cover member for releasably closing an access opening in a grain bin. The latch apparatus includes a continuous bar which has a gripping section for grasping while opening and closing the cover member, a section for engaging a stud which protrudes from the frame around the perimeter of the opening, and a section on which the bar pivots. The pivot section of the bar rotates within a pivot receptacle which is secured to the cover member.