Abstract: A freight transport vehicle convertible for carrying piece goods as well as bulk liquid cargo, includes a collapsible liquid cargo bag and at least one adjustable cinching strap for being tightened down over the bag. Tightening of the strap over the bag causes the pressure of the liquid mass within the bag to increase, serving to make the liquid mass act as a solid mass within the bag. This prevents kinetic energy that is built up in the mass through motion of the vehicle from causing sloshing motion of the liquid during transportation, thus eliminating possible hazards in operation of the vehicle and preventing possible damage to the cargo bag.

Abstract: A system for a freight vehicle having a cargo space convertible for handling bulk cargo as well as piece goods, for deploying bulk cargo containers, includes a cable winding shaft positioned adjacent one end wall of the vehicle, with a cable winding reel mounted on each end of the shaft. The shaft is turned either by an electric motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic motor using the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the tractor that pulls the freight vehicle. Cables are run from the retainer rings of the bulk cargo bags upward against the side walls of the vehicle and then along the roof of the vehicle to the winding reels. According to another embodiment, the lifting mechanism for the bags is a hydraulic or pneumatic ram assembly which uses the hydraulics or pneumatics of the tractor for operation. The ram assembly is mounted externally under the floor of the freight vehicle and the cables are run through openings in the vehicle to the ram assembly.

Abstract: Improvements in a freight vehicle having a cargo space convertible from that suitable for handling piece goods to that suitable for bulk material. A conventional cargo space for piece goods has openings for filling and discharging bulk material. A double-walled inflatable bag having its bottom attached to a rigid support platform is positioned in erected condition to handle bulk material and is movable to a stored position near the roof of the cargo space to allow handling of piece goods.

Abstract: A disposable, flexible, expandable lantern-shaped liner open at two ends is provided for use with a pneumatically-assisted, cup-shaped bag of the type used for transporting, storing and discharging diverse materials. The liner is equipped with pressure-sensitive adhesive spots for adherence and conformity to the shape of the bag upon inflation of the bag and liner. Liner are provided for detaching the liner from the bag for convenient disposal following discharge of material.

Abstract: A bin for storing and discharging free-flowing granular material such as sugar has a flexible, inflatable double-walled cup-shaped bag resting on the bin floor with the discharge opening in the bottom and a conveyor for discharging to the bin side above the bin floor. In one embodiment, the bin has at least a partial false floor built up to the level of the conveyor. In another embodiment the conveyor is in an upwardly inclined tunnel shaped enclosure.

Abstract: A side unloading bin for storing and discharging free-flowing granular material, such as sugar, is supported on a floor capable of supporting the weight of the material in the bin and has side walls with a discharge opening near the bottom. A flexible, inflatable, generally cup-shaped, double-walled bag, having a slanted top supports the material on the floor, has its slanted top attached to the side walls, and is inflated to assist the discharge of the material through the discharge opening, particularly the material that will not discharge by gravity due to the angle of repose of the material. The discharge opening has a discharge gate and an openable hatch, to discharge to a conveyor. Controls operate from a material sensor near the discharge control and actuate inflation and deflation of the bag to ensure a continuous discharge of material.

Abstract: A bin for storing and discharging free-flowing granular material, such as sugar, has a cup-shaped bag with a dual flexible wall for holding the material and a discharge opening in its bottom resting on a flat floor. Fluid under pressure between the flexible walls causes the inner wall to expand and discharge the material that would otherwise remain after assuming its angle of repose. The upper inner wall of the cup-shaped bag is provided with slack in the flexible wall above the angle of repose, and is anchored at the bottom of its side walls. The bin is also provided with a back-up outside wall.

Abstract: A bin made of flexible bag material is disclosed for containing granular free flowing material and for discharging the entire mass of stored material remaining in the bin after discharge by gravity alone. The granular material is intially discharged through a discharge port of the bin by gravity until the remaining granular material forms a cone shape at its angle of repose and stops flowing out the discharge port. The bin is further emptied by forcing air into the bag to inflate an inner membrane until the remaining contents of the bin are fully discharged.

Abstract: A bin made of flexible bag material is disclosed for containing granular free flowing material and for discharging the entire mass of stored material remaining in the bin after discharge by gravity alone. The granular material is intially discharged through a discharge port of the bin by gravity until the remaining granular material forms a cone shape at its angle of repose and stops flowing out the discharge port. The bin is further emptied by forcing air into the bag to inflate an inner membrane until the remaining contents of the bin are fully discharged.