Abstract: A driving system for driving at least one auger of a snow removing device comprising at least one at least one self-adjusting chain tensioner. A first portion of the driving system is positioned within an auger housing and a second portion of the driving system is positioned outside the auger housing. The roller chain is adapted to move across a third opening provided in the auger housing. The first portion is covered by a front guard to prevent snow or debris contained in the auger housing to contact said first portion. The front guard is provided with an opening adapted to surround a portion of a shaft element of the auger with a play between periphery of the opening and the periphery of a corresponding portion the shaft element.

Abstract: A machine for setting up bowling pins in predetermined positions. The machine includes: a movable distributing arm, suitable for releasing the pins one by one each at one of the predetermined positions, and a primary system for positioning the distributing arm with respect to the predetermined positions. The primary system is devised for an operating cycle moving the distributing arm according to a fixed sequence. A lifting wheel sweeps away the pins and delivers the pins to the distributing arm. A motor moves the distributing arm, the primary positioning system and the lifting wheel (3). A secondary system interferes with the primary positioning system enabling the user to define a position chosen from the predetermined positions with a view to the set-up, by the machine, of a pin in the chosen position.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a vehicle-based feed distribution system comprising: a hopper assembly where a metal ball is located in a hopper outlet located at a bottom portion of a hopper, where an auger inside a horizontal dispensing tube is driven by an auger drive means that directs a feed mix from a hopper longitudinally down the horizontal dispensing tube extending out from the hopper outlet, and where a feed outlet at a distal end of the horizontal dispensing tube distributes the feed mix; where the hopper assembly is coupled to a tow vehicle, and where the tow vehicle controls the auger drive means to meter distribution of the feed mix.

Abstract: A parallel operation work vehicle for enabling operation of an autonomous work vehicle by a long distance operating device installed in an accompanying work vehicle for performing work while accompanying the autonomous work vehicle, wherein the accompanying work vehicle is provided with a display and a speaker as notification means, the notification means is capable of communicating with the autonomous work vehicle through a communication device, and, when a distance to the edge of the cultivated field from the autonomous work vehicle approaches a set distance, a control device transmits a signal to a control device of the accompanying work vehicle through the communication device and issues a warning through the notification means.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the accuracy of a basketball shooter is disclosed. Rim attachments can have either a regulation 18? diameter mounted thereon or rims having smaller diameters such as 16?. By practicing with smaller diameter rims a shooter must increase the ball trajectory to put the ball through the smaller diameter rims. As his accuracy improves with the smaller diameter rims, his accuracy improves even more with a full size rim. Rim attachments must be easy to interchange and must be very secure over prolonged usage. An adapter is provided for engaging and securing rim attachments with rim diameters of standard size or smaller. An adapter has a flat base plate which is secured to a basketball backboard. It is provided with a sleeve at the bottom. A pair of opposing locking pins is each mounted at the top of the adapter. The locking pins are withdrawn to allow a rim attachment bracket to be lodged within the sleeve and the pins are extended to lock in the attachment bracket when in place.

Abstract: A loading apparatus assists in loading particulate bulk material into a transport container, for example a railcar having a loading opening in a top side thereof. The loading apparatus is used with a main loading spout extending in a longitudinal direction and having a discharge opening at a bottom end for discharging particulate bulk material therethrough. The loading apparatus has a pair of secondary spouts operatively connected with the main loading spout such that: i) a primary flow of the particulate material is discharged into the transport container downwardly through the discharge opening in the longitudinal direction of the main loading spout; and ii) a secondary flow of the particulate material is discharged into the transport container through said at least one secondary spout in a respective lateral direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the main loading spout.

Abstract: A snow compression and removal device is provided that includes a horizontal auger supported within a concave snow plow, a pump having an input disposed at a first end of the auger and an opening at a second end, a compression module first end disposed at an output of the pump, where the compression module includes a tubular casing having a snow inlet and a snow outlet, where the snow outlet has a converging or straight cross-section tubular shape that is perforated with air holes, and a conveyor screw, where the conveyor screw rotates on an axis that is disposed concentric to the tubular casing and spans from the snow inlet to the outlet and is powered to move and compact snow from the inlet to the outlet, where air from the snow is exhausted through the air holes, where the compressed snow is output.

Abstract: A remote chute rotation assembly may include a chute, a cable system and a control head. The chute may direct ejected material based on an orientation of the chute. The control head may be operatively coupled to the chute via the cable system. The control head may enable remote adjustment of the orientation of the chute via the cable system. The orientation of the chute may be adjustable through a plurality of positions fixable by a positioning assembly disposed at the chute.

Abstract: A charging device capable of moving a distribution chute with a simple structure and easy control is provided. The charging device includes: a frame; a rotation axis set in the frame; a rotor supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; an adjustment axis set in the rotor and intersecting with the rotation axis at a first angle; a holder supported by the rotor and being rotatable around the adjustment axis; a distribution chute fixed to the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with the adjustment axis at a second angle; a rotation drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the rotor against the frame; a transmission-side bevel gear supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; a holder-side bevel gear fixed to the holder and being meshed with the transmission-side bevel gear; and an adjustment drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the holder against the rotor by rotating the transmission-side bevel gear.

Abstract: A conveying device for free-flowing fine-particle solids (bulk material), in particular for powdery and/or granular (mixed) material, especially plastic granulate, includes a vertically arranged and flexibly mountable pipe for the conveyance of, preferably, polymer granulates, for example in a plant for the filling of polymer granulates. The transport pipe may be included on a mobile work platform.

Abstract: A charging device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) for distributing bulk material in an enclosure, in particular in a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (12) that supports a rotatable structure (14) carrying adjustable distribution means (16). Distribution of bulk material in circumferential direction is achieved by rotation of the distribution means (16) together with the rotatable structure (14). Distribution of bulk material in radial direction is achieved by adjustment of the distribution means (16). For rotating the distribution means, usually about the central axis (A) of the charging device, the device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) includes a first rolling bearing (122) with a first stationary race (124; 324) that bears a first rotary race (128). The first rotary race is coupled to a first gear ring (130; 430; 530; 730) that cooperates with a first drive (50) for rotating the rotatable structure and thereby the distribution means.

Abstract: A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation.

Abstract: A charging device capable of moving a distribution chute with a simple structure and easy control is provided. The charging device includes: a frame; a rotation axis set in the frame; a rotor supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; an adjustment axis set in the rotor and intersecting with the rotation axis at a first angle; a holder supported by the rotor and being rotatable around the adjustment axis; a distribution chute fixed to the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with the adjustment axis at a second angle; a rotation drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the rotor against the frame; a transmission-side bevel gear supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; a holder-side bevel gear fixed to the holder and being meshed with the transmission-side bevel gear; and an adjustment drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the holder against the rotor by rotating the transmission-side bevel gear.

Abstract: A charging device for bulk material comprises a rotor having a substantially vertical axis of rotation a first drive for rotating the rotor and a chute supported by the rotor so as to be rotated with the latter. The chute can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. Its concavely curved sliding surface has a width that is diminishing from the top end to the bottom end of the chute, so that it is possible to vary the location where bulk material sliding down the chute channel leaves the latter by rotating the chute about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for diverting material in a controlled manner comprising a diverter plate attached to a mounting assembly. The diverter plate is shaped for receiving falling material and facilitating the flow of the material onto a conveyance means or into storage. The mounting assembly comprises a carrier spring assembly that permits the diverter plate to pivot about a shaft and thereby move from a default position to an unload position. The mounting assembly further comprises two adjustable locking mounts that hold the shaft in place and also allow the shaft to be adjustably rotated and thereafter fixed in place. A method for diverting material in a controlled manner comprises the steps of installing the apparatus at a transfer point and activating a first conveyance means that feeds material to the chute. A second conveyance means that receives the material after diversion by the apparatus can optionally be activated.

Abstract: A bulk material precision transfer chute apparatus transfers a flow of material from a discharge conveyor to a separate receiving conveyor. The apparatus receives a flow of material from the discharge conveyor and transfers that material to a receiving conveyor depositing the material in a precise manner that avoids spillage of the material from the receiving conveyor, avoids wear to the receiving conveyor, and avoids excess dust generation from the transfer of the material.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system also comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: A control device and corresponding method for controlling a transfer device on a harvesting machine are disclosed. The transfer device is arranged at a distance adjacent to a housing part so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis and, to alter the height setting, elevatable about a horizontal axis. The control device includes a rotation range limiting means that limits the maximum permitted pivot range of the transfer device as a function of the height setting of the transfer device.

Abstract: A motor driven discharge chute control system for automatically controlling the lateral position of a concrete discharge chute associated with a transit mixer vehicle is disclosed including a reversing motor connected to an output gear normally engaged to rotate with the motor through a gear reducer. A rotating chute swing gear is driven by the output gear and rotates a connected pivot assembly that carries one end of a discharge chute. A manual override system is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing bulk materials comprising a vertical rotor (22) wherein is suspended a chute (14) so as to pivot about a substantially horizontal pin (26). A guiding device (68i, 70i) interlocked in rotation with the rotor (22), is connected between the rotor (22) and a first ring (66), so that the latter can axially slide along the rotor (22). Connecting rods (73, 73′) transform a vertical sliding of the first ring (66) causing the chute (14) to pivot. A roller ring (76) connects the first ring (66) to a second ring (74), whereto are connected control means, for example a lever actuated by a hydraulic actuator (80), capable of varying the vertical position of the two rings (66, 74) and the chute (14) inclination.

Abstract: A device for distributing materials in bulk comprises a first rotor (20) and a second rotor (30). The first rotor (20) carries two suspension bearings (44, 46) in which a distribution chute (42) is suspended so that it can pivot about a substantially horizontal axis. A gear transmission (52), carried by the first rotor (20), includes an input shaft (54) and an output shaft (60). The input shaft is provided with a pinion (56) which meshes with an annular gear (58) of the second rotor (30). The output shaft of the transmission is parallel to the pivoting axis of the chute (42) and incorporates two cranks (64, 66). The chute (42) is provided with a pivoting lever (48, 50) at the level of each of its two suspension bearings (44, 46). Each of these two pivoting levers (48, 50) is symmetrically connected to one of the two cranks (64, 66) of the gear transmission (52) by a connecting rod (68, 70).

Abstract: A hydraulically operated concrete transfer chute having a plurality of telescoping generally U-shaped chute sections which are arranged to telescope together onto a first chute section pivotally connected to a concrete truck, the inner end of the first chute being aligned to receive the concrete discharged from the concrete truck, the first chute section having a planar bearing surface on each of the top sides and inside of the first chute, each of the two parallel planar bearing surfaces extending from the outer end of the first chute at least to the point at which concrete enters the first chute section, and each of the plurality of telescoping chute sections having a plurality of roller bearings aligned in a row along the inside of each of the top sides of each of the telescoping chute sections, each of the rows of roller bearings being covered on their top side by a planar bearing surface.

Abstract: The patching pan is a device for use with a truck having a material containment bed with a material distribution opening. The patching pan is rotatably and detachably mounted to the truck. In a first position, patching material is urged through the distribution opening onto the patching pan from which the material may be easily removed. In a second position, the patching pan is located below the material containment bed out-of-the-way such that the truck may move freely from one location to another.

Abstract: A device for distributing powdery materials comprises a suspension sleeve which extends a rotary cage axially upwards through a plate. A running ring is fixed using a first collar to a suspension sleeve and using a second collar to an annular flange supported by the support structure above the horizontal plate. A ring forms part of the supply channel and is coaxial with the suspension sleeve. Leaktightness is ensured by a first leaktight seal between the suspension sleeve and this ring, and by a second leaktight seal between the suspension sleeve and the horizontal plate.

Abstract: A suspension system is presented for a distribution chute of a device for uniformly spreading powdery materials over a circular surface. The distribution chute is suspended in a pivoting manner from a cage in such a way that the angle of tilt of the chute in relation to the vertical axis is adjustable. This cage is suspended from a peripheral annular ring having a vertical axis. The ring is vertically supported and laterally guided by wheels circumferentially spaced apart by an angle of 120.degree.. These wheels are mounted via bearings on a frame supporting the cage. An endless chain engages in a peripheral annular sprocket integrally connected to the cage in order to transmit to the latter a rotary motion about its vertical axis. A variant embodiment is presented with six smooth wheels, three of which have horizontal axes and three of which have vertical axes.

Abstract: A cement mixer truck that has an extendable chute assembly that permits extending one, two or more chute sections for discharge of concrete at a location remote from the mixer. The chute section is easily telescopic, can be locked in either the retracted or extended positions, and can be swiveled about a vertical axis. Further, for storage, the chutes will fold up automatically when at a proper position to engage an actuator to cause the chutes to fold. The truck shown is a front discharge mixer truck that can be adjusted in vertical height at a job site to permit a greater slope to the chutes and is available with a restricted height truck.

Abstract: A discharge chute assembly (30) includes a chute (32) and a pivotal deflector (34), the overlapping end portions of which define a partial spherical or ball joint (40) which maintains a tight seal against backflow and leakage over the entire range of rotation and deflection of the assembly. The assembly (30) is preferably secured to a rotatable base (54) by means of lower pivots (70) and a releasable fastener (72) for collapsibility.

Abstract: A linear extendable telescopic chute (10) pivotally mounted on a cement mixer truck (12) by a chute attachment structure (20). Chute (10) includes a first chute section (40) and a plurality of telescopically fitted movable chute sections (74, 76) structured of elongated open frames (78) having liners (86) removably affixed in the bottom interior of each open frame (78). Guide and support rails (70, 84) movably connecting one chute section to another are also preferably readily removable from the chute sections (40, 74, 76) for ease of replacement when worn. Inward and outward movement of the chute sections (40, 74, 76) relative to each other, is power operated through the use of multiple double-acting hydraulic rams (94 or 133) arranged to eliminate the need for long flexible hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: An adjustable high discharge stub chute is mounted on a concrete hauling and discharge vehicle to allow discharge into a hopper or the like which is too high for access by the conventional discharge chute. The high discharge stub chute is hydraulically operated to provide a range of selected discharge positions and a lower inoperative storage position, the latter position being one in which the stub chute is completely out of the path of a conventional discharge chute of the swing-away type.

Abstract: A dispensing chute comprised of a plurality of slidable telescopically fitted sections for conveying materials from the discharge end of a drum of a mixer truck to a point remote from the vehicle. The chute sections are structured of interlocking open metal frames having replaceable plastic liners removably affixed in the interior of each frame. Dovetail shaped guide and support tracks connecting one chute section to another are also individually removable from the chute section. One end of each chute section has removable flexible wipers which scrape clean the surface of the next chute during the retraction mode. Retraction and extension of the chute sections relative to each other is power operated through the use of attached hydraulic rams controllable through switching to actuate electric solenoid valves.

Abstract: An auger swivel for a concrete mixer includes a channel mounted to a bowl. A center member is pivotally connected to a pivot point near the channel and near an outer surface of the bowl. The center member includes a pair of first wings that extend from the pivot point, opposite each other and away form the bowl. Two slides are received in the channel and are positioned away from each other by a ring. Two second wings are provided. One of the second wings is pivotally connected to one of the first wings at one of its ends and pivotally connected to one of the slides at its other end. The other second wing is similarly connected to the other first wing and the other slide. An actuator rotates the center member about the pivot point and causes the slides to rotate around the outer surface of the bowl and about a longitudinal axis passing through the bowl.

Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. In one embodiment, support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. In another embodiment, pins and wedges are used with selected chute and boom sections to securely mount the chute to the boom as the boom is extended. In yet another embodiment, a scissor-action locking bolt with extensible and retractable links is used to releasably connect selected chute sections to the boom.

Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. Support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. A deflatable cushion is mountable on the vehicle below the lower end of the chute and includes a plurality of vertically stacked inflatable members which, during deflation when a person or object strikes the cushion, gradually slow movement of the person or object in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of an oscillating spout is presented wherein uneven distribution of spout discharge material is eliminated or at least substantially reduced by a compensating action of varying the angular speed of rotation of the spout in accordance with the angular position of the spout. The present invention is particularly suited for use in conjunction with a charging installation of a shaft furnace, particularly those charging devices having a spout with a cardan suspension system.

Abstract: The position of the discharge end of a tubular member, supported from its first end so as to be rotatable about a first axis and pivotal about a second axis which intersects and is transverse to the first axis, is controlled from a remote location. The controllable tubular member may be the distribution spout of a shaft furnace charging installation which is mounted between the branches of a suspension fork which is rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. A motion transmission mechanism extends through the suspension fork and, in cooperation with the movements of the fork itself, transmits the movements imparted to a control device, which is caused to undergo precisely the same movements as it is desired to have the spout perform, to the spout.

Abstract: The position of the discharge end of a tubular member, supported from its first end so as to be rotatable about a first axis and pivotal about a second axis which intersects and is transverse to the first axis, is controlled from a remote location. The controllable tubular member may be the distribution spout of a shaft furnace charging installation which is mounted between the branches of a suspension fork which is rotatable about its own longitudinal axis. A motion transmission mechanism extends through the suspension fork and, in cooperation with the movements of the fork itself, transmits the movements imparted to a control device, which is caused to undergo precisely the same movements as it is desired to have the spout perform, to the spout.

Abstract: The specification discloses linkage assemblies (16, 59) for effecting selective pivotal movement of hinged structures. The invention is particularly adapted for use with sectional chute assemblies of concrete mixers, either for moving adjacent chute sections between extended and retracted positions, or for swinging the entire chute assembly.

Abstract: Control over the direction and inclination of a charge distribution chute within a blast furnace is accomplished with a compact and reliable drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a rigid control rod for varying chute inclination angle and a gear drive which translates angular position commands in the form of rotation about a vertical axis to reciprocation of the control rod. The control rod and its gear drive rotate with the chute while simultaneously varying the inclination angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distribution apparatus for throat closures of shaft furnaces, in particular blast-furnace closures, with a lock chamber arranged within the furnace dome, at the entrance of which is arranged a funnel tube and underneath which, opening out above the charging surface is arranged a distribution pipe which may be swung around the pivot axis by means of a horizontal pair of swivel pins, within a frame, whereby the frame is arranged by means of a hollow shaft or a shaft pin normal to the pivot axis, also extending horizontally and penetrating the furnace dome to which it is sealed and connected to a swing drive, and the pivot drive for the distribution pipe is connected to a drive shaft penetrating the hollow shaft and connected with a pin of the swivel-pin pair.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing materials into a blast furnace using no bell. The apparatus has a material distributing hopper disposed for a rocking motion around the central axis of said furnace. The rocking motion of the material distributing hopper is caused by an axial movement and rotation of a single drive shaft disposed outside the furnace.

Abstract: A system for feeding coal or other material blown from a pipe in a desired trajectory is disclosed including a positioning device for applying directional force to the midsection of the pipe to produce slight bending for orienting the free end, which device has an horizontal adjustment member and a vertical adjustment member. Each comprising a slotted arm with an integral handle mounted on three congruent support plates and pivoted respectively in the interstices between the middle and outer plates. The plates have concentric circular openings therein through which a sleeve for passing the pipe therethrough axially extends.

Abstract: A barge loading device comprising a vertically disposed support tower positioned between a pair of barges or the like. A boom is rotatably mounted on the support tower and extends outwardly therefrom. A vertically disposed telescopic spout extends downwardly from the outer end of the boom. A conveyor is provided on the support tower and the boom for supplying grain or the like to the upper end of the spout for delivery to one of the barges. The boom may be rotatably moved relative to the support tower to facilitate the loading of the barges on either side of the tower. The spout may be tilted to either side of its normally disposed vertical position and may be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The combination of the rotatable boom, tilting and rotating spout permits greater areas to be filled in the barges.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for introducing and distributing a charge within a shaft furnace, the shaft furnace charging apparatus comprising an elongated charge distribution chute, the angle of which being adjustable in relation to the vertical axis of the furnace to allow for distribution of charge to desired areas within the furnace. The charge distribution chute includes a first end for accepting the charge and a second end for distributing the charge within the furnace. The first end of the chute is suspended from a supporting fork which is rotatable about its axis to provide for pivoting of the chute about a first axis when the support fork is rotated. The chute is suspended from the support fork to provide for pivoting of the chute about a second axis which is preferably perpendicular to the first axis. The direction of the chute within the furnace may be adjusted to provide for distribution of the charge to the desired area of the furnace.

Abstract: An array of an assembly of spouts for translating comminuted dry material from a bin having a number of output openings to various railway cars, respective ones of which have hatch openings of different relative dispositions and of different heights while inhibiting pollution of the ambient atmosphere by the material, in which each assembly comprises an upper section pivotally connected to the bin outlet for movement around a vertical axis, a lower section comprising vertically telescoping members, one of which carries a shroud adapted to make a seal with the car hatch, and an intermediate section pivoted to each of the upper and lower sections, together with means for driving the upper section to pivot the entire assembly over a limited arc around a vertical axis, means for swinging the intermediate section around a horizontal axis, while positively maintaining the lower sections substantially vertical, and means for moving the lower telescopic sections relative to each other, all of these movements being de

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing grain, or other like material, characterized by (1) a cushion box communicating with a material passageway, at a material receiving bin, in a ball and socket relationship, including a material outlet and a slot for eliminating trapped material; and, (2) a ball joint, at the upper end of the material passageway, providing versatility in application.

Abstract: A leveling discharge system for ready-mix concrete trucks having a first member mounted on a truck for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first axis disposed longitudinally of the truck, a second member mounted on the first member for pivotal movement about a substantially erect second axis disposed in a plane common to the first axis, and a discharge chute mounted on the second member for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal third axis normal to said plane and disposed transversely of the truck.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the direction of flow of concrete from the discharge opening of a concrete mixing drum, preferably mounted on a vehicle having a chassis with a cab at the front end wherein the discharge opening of the mixing drum is adjacent the cab. The apparatus includes a rigid support frame with a collecting hopper rigidly mounted on the frame adjacent the discharge opening of the mixing drum for receiving concrete flowing through the discharge opening of the mixing drum. An outlet is provided in the hopper for the discharge of concrete therethrough. A bearing is mounted around the outlet. A driven gear is rotatably carried by the bearing for movement in a substantially horizontal plane about a substantially upright axis. An elongated discharge chute is pivotally carried by the driven gear for movement with the driven gear for movement about a horizontal axis and is positioned for receiving concrete flowing through the outlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A rotatable and angularly adjustable charging and distribution device for shaft furnaces, particularly blast furnaces, is presented. A cylindrical or frustoconical distribution spout is suspended at three points which define a plane. The three points of suspension are caused to move longitudinally (i.e. substantially vertically) and synchronously whereby the lateral surface of the distribution spout may be caused to move in a path which is virtually conical without rotating the suspension points about the vertical axis of the furnace. The suspension points may be moved either by delivering a driving force to them or by applying a traction force to them.

Abstract: A carton is held in position at a filling station in order to permit insertion of objects thereinto by pivotable flap means which engage the sides of the cartons to maintain the cartons in an open position during filling thereof. The flap means are mounted upon a vertically movable mounting frame which is lowered to insert the flap means into the cartons whereupon engagement by the flap means of stop members causes the flap means to pivot about horizontally extending axles provided on the mounting frame to bring the flap means into engagement against the inside of the carton walls.

Abstract: A spout construction of the type used in association with grain elevators and the like. The construction comprises an assembly of interfitting tubular sections with chains extending along the length of the assembly. Each tubular section comprises a tapered body composed of polyurethane with integrally formed shoulder portions around the wide upper end of each section. Supporting rings engage the shoulder portions, and releasable clip means are utilized for attaching the chains. The position of the exit end of the assembly can be adjusted by shortening the length of chain between adjacent rings, and a spring clip construction is employed to facilitate this adjustment.