Abstract: An input for a sump for uniformly distributing material along the length of the sump has a support mounted above and along the length of the sump with a flexible pipe extending over the sump and moveably attached to the support. One end is connected to a discharge outlet which is positioned over the sump for depositing material into the sump, and the other end passes through an arcuate bend to a pipe which is connected to a source of slurry. Apparatus is attached between the support and the discharge outlet for moving the discharge outlet along the length of the sump in a predetermined manner which will either depend on the movement of the dredge and/or the density distribution of the material in the bottom of the sump.

Abstract: A transport vehicle for movement along the surface of the earth has a forward portion with apparatus mounted for mixing dry coal with fluid to form a slurry. The terminus of a cart-supported slurry hose apparatus is connected to the rear portion. A portion of the cart-supported slurry hose apparatus includes linkages which are attached to the rear portion of the transport vehicle. An improvement in the attaching apparatus includes means for pivotally attaching the terminus of the linkage to the vehicle. An arcuate support is attached to the vehicle over the rear end of the vehicle. A coupling is attached between the arcuate support and the linkage to permit the linkage to pivot freely while supporting the linkage from contact with the surface of the earth.