Abstract: A support apparatus includes a frame assembly with an elevated load surface for supporting a modular proppant container in a position above a ground level. A chute assembly is supported by the frame assembly beneath the elevated load surface. A gate actuator has a coupling configured to engage with a gate assembly of the modular proppant container supported on the elevated load surface and a drive mechanism extending between the frame assembly and the coupling to selectively position the coupling for adjusting the gate assembly. The support apparatus may include a base frame section having a recessed region beneath the elevated load surface providing a feed station, an on-board subsystem attached to the frame assembly for operating the support apparatus in a stand-alone mode or an in-situ weigh station configured to measure the weight of the modular proppant container supported on an elevated surface in the rectangular container bay.

Abstract: A grain spreader apparatus is powered in rotation by the flow of grain through the grain spreader apparatus. The gravity grain spreader includes a distribution hopper mounted at the top of a grain storage bin to receive a supply of grain to be distributed within the grain storage bin in a uniform manner. The distribution hopper delivers the grain into a pair of opposingly oriented chutes meeting at an apex underneath the distribution hopper. Each chute is provided with a terminal deflector at the end of the chute, and with intermediate deflectors built into the sides of the chutes to provide a more uniform dispersal of the grain into the grain storage bin. The angle of repose of the chutes is variable through an adjustment mechanism so that higher moisture grains can be fed through the grains spreader apparatus and effectively distributed.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for creating merged triple windrows within a field may include performing a first cutting pass across a first triple windrow set of the field in a first harvesting direction so as to sever materials from the ground and deposit the severed materials within a first cut strip to form a first deposit of severed materials. The method may also include performing a second cutting pass across a second triple windrow set of the field subsequent to the first cutting pass in a second harvesting direction opposite the first harvesting direction so as to sever materials from the ground and deposit the severed materials within a second cut strip to form a first separate deposit of severed materials. Moreover, the method may include performing subsequent cutting passes across the first triple windrow set to create a merged triple windrow within the first cut strip.

Abstract: A trim chute for a loading apparatus for loading particulate material into a container, the trim chute being configured to be engaged with the loading apparatus to direct particulate material into the container, the trim chute being moveable with respect to the loading apparatus during loading, movement of the trim chute effecting a change in flow of the particulate material into the container.

Abstract: A handing device for handling drill string components in a rock drill rig. The handing device includes a magazine for storing drill string components to be introduced into and removed from a drill string position of the drill rig. The magazine includes, in the region of a loading position, a transfer unit for separation of a drill string component being positioned on a support from an adjacent drill string component and to transfer the separated drill string component to the loading position. The transfer unit includes a plurality of pivot arms being pivotal around a pivot axis, being parallel to the axial direction, from a first position. The pivot arms lie against a drill string component being closest to the loading position on the support, to a second position. The pivot arms allow bringing down the separated drill string component to the loading position. Also a rock drill rig.

Abstract: The Adjustable Chute is a user friendly product for consumers to dispose of lawn debris and or grass clippings collected from a grass catcher from a lawn mower. The Adjustable Chute is constructed of durable materials for longevity and reliability purposes. The unique design of the Adjustable Chute with the upper portion rectangular for easy attachment of the grass catchers itself, and lower portion tapered for easy disposal of yard waste or grass clippings, allows hands free transfer of yard waste from a grass catcher through the Adjustable Chute into the waiting collection brown bag. The Adjustable was conceived through personal necessity after realizing how incredibly difficult it is to transfer grass clippings after being collected in a grass catcher from the grass catcher into the brown recycle bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling flexible tracks. One embodiment is a system for conveying plies of laminate to a forming device. The system includes a flexible track assembly comprising a first portion of track and a second portion of track, each of the portions defining a groove dimensioned to receive a slider that transports a ply, the second portion arranged to transport the ply into the forming device. The track assembly also includes a guide in which ends of the portions are disposed. The system further includes a retraction line that applies a contracting force that biases the end of the second portion towards contact with the end of the first portion, the retraction line being extendable to enable the second portion to separate from the first portion, thereby accommodating extension of the track assembly in response to forces applied by the forming device during forming.

Abstract: A chute system includes a pair of support rails, each having a bent reinforcement member secured to it. The chute is made up of multiple chute panels, which nest within one another for ease of storage and transportation. A spacer bar sets the system width and provides overall support. The system also includes a pair of hinged anchors for adjustably securing the system to the edge of a roof. There is also a roof eave debris stop for preventing debris from sliding off the roof onto landscaping, humans and animals below.

Abstract: A well drilling tubulars bin system comprises a well drilling tubulars bin and control device. The bin comprises a frame structure, and an elevator mechanism, for holding multiple layers of a plurality of well drilling tubulars. The elevator mechanism comprises a liftable support structure, and a left and right hydraulic cylinder. The support structure is liftable from a lower position to an upper position. The support structure is raised and lowered in a level manner, or with a tilt angle. The elevator mechanism comprises a first left lift arm and a first right lift arm. The first left and right lift arms are at a first end rotatably connected to the support structure, and at a second end opposite from the first end rotatably connected to the frame structure. The left and right hydraulic cylinders are connected to the respective lift arms for rotating the respective lift arm.

Abstract: The invention provides a chute system (C1,C2,C3) for a sorting system arranged for transporting objects, e.g. for use for discharging luggage from a conveyor system. The chute system has one or more chute sections with an inlet (IL) in one end and an outlet (OL) in the opposite end. Displacement means, e.g. a pneumatic actuator, is arranged to adjust an angle of inclination of the one or more chute sections (C1,C2,C3) by displacing the chute section (C1,C2,C3) in a motion comprising pivoting around a pivot point positioned downstream of the inlet (IL). E.G. the pivot point can be positioned at the outlet, e.g. by means of a hinge. The adjustment of the angle of inclination may be controlled by a processor in response to various position and/or speed sensors and/or information about incoming objects from a vision based system or from the associated sorting system, e.g. identification of poly wrapped objects.

Abstract: A fluid diverter comprising: a fluid diverting structure having a top, fluid striking surface having side and rear walls and a forward mouth, the side and rear walls preventing fluid from spilling over edges of the surface as such fluid exits through the mouth; and a magnet assembly mounted to a bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure. The magnet assembly, comprises: a magnet, and a pivot structure affixed to the magnet and pivotally mounted to the bottom surface of the fluid diverting structure for pivoting the magnet assembly relative to the fluid diverting structure about an axis to pitch the fluid diverting structure to a desired pitch angle and then once at such desired pitch angle, locking the fluid diverting structure at such desired pitch angle.

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 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 coin collection system for a gaming machine comprises a coin outlet for dispensing coins and a coin tray beneath the coin outlet. In one aspect of the invention, a movable member is coupled to the gaming machine and is operable to assist in guiding the dispensed coins from one of the coin outlet and the coin tray to a coin collection cup. In another aspect, a guiding member is positioned proximate to the coin outlet and is operable to divert the dispensed coins away from the coin tray and into a coin collection cup. In a further aspect, a mechanical element holds a coin collection cup in front of the coin tray so that the coins dispensed into the coin tray can be scooped into the held coin collection cup. In yet another aspect, the coin collection cup itself is sized to fit within the coin tray.

Abstract: An adjustable sliding assembly. The sliding assembly includes an article sliding surface, the sliding surface having a proximal end pivotally connectable to a work surface and a free distal end; and a support member pivotally connected to the sliding surface between a midpoint of the sliding surface and the distal end of the sliding surface, the support member selectively holding the sliding surface in one of a plurality of inclinations and being actuated to progressively adjust the height of the distal end of the sliding surface in correspondence to the plurality of inclinations. Also disclosed are methods of stacking articles using the sliding assembly.

Abstract: An article unloading system for unloading articles from an article rack includes a pair of unloading ramps which are removably and pivotably attached to the rack beneath an upper article slot in the rack. The ramps are connected by a cross-member which is connected to a jack. A workman's platform is also removably attachable to the rack below the connection point of the ramps, and the jack is connected between the ramps and the platform. An article is slid from the upper article slot onto the ramps and latched into place. The ramps are then lowered via the jack to a position in which the article can be easily reached, the latch is remotely released and the article is off-loaded. The article rack can be a specialized rack with multiple stacked slots for carrying pickup truck covers and the articles to be unloaded can be pickup truck covers from upper slots within the rack.

Abstract: An installation is proposed for charging a shaft furnace comprising a rotating and pivoting distribution chute. The chute is supported in a removable manner by two lateral side plates of a "U"-shaped stirrup piece. When a first ring securely fastened to a dome performs a relative movement with respect to a second ring, the dome, via an arm causes the stirrup piece to pivot about its horizontal axis which transmits this pivoting to the chute. The end of the arm pivots, to this end, in a runner block sliding in a groove of the dome.

Abstract: An offset assembly (20) for a gravity-conveyor chute (10) includes offset upstream and downstream tubes (18 and 22) which are hingedly attached one to the other, with an upstream end opening (66) of the offset downstream tube being significantly larger than outer dimensions of a downstream end (44) of the offset upstream tube. The offset upstream and downstream tubes are rectangular in cross section with each including hinge mounts which extend laterally, outwardly, from outside surfaces of panels thereof. The downstream end of the offset upstream tube terminates in a plane which forms an angle with an axis of elongation of the offset upstream tube. The offset upstream tube has a side opening with a ledge and a door thereat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for bagging contained liquid products and includes a product dispenser, a product bagger and a chute from the product dispenser to the product bagger. The chute is designed to eliminate or at least substantially eliminate product leakage from reaching the bagger and comprises a lower chute section having an open frame liquid draining construction and an upper chute section which is movable from a product feed to a product divert position relative to the lower chute section for diverting any leaking product away from the bagger.

Abstract: The device mixes and selects a plurality of game balls sequentially and includes a rotating chamber which contains a plurality of balls located in the bottom portion thereof. The chamber has a plurality of cups mounted interiorly thereof, the cups being capable of sequentially selecting one of the balls when the chamber is rotated in the first direction and mixing the balls when the chamber is rotated in the second direction. The cups select a ball and convey it to a predetermined exit location. A first ramp is located at the exit location. A second ramp coacts with the first ramp and conveys the balls to a point. A third ramp coacts with the second ramp and is pivotedly mounted about the point. A protrusion is connected across the third ramp for inhibiting further movement of the selected balls when the ramp is in a first position and for permitting the balls to pass beneath the protrusion when the ramp is in its second pivoted position.

Abstract: A nonmagnetic bulk feeder for feeding electronic components one at a time into a lead forming machine or the like comprises a hopper and a chute for loading the components into the hopper. A conveyor is mounted for movement along the bottom wall of the hopper. The conveyor is formed with notches which are arranged closely adjacent one another to receive the transversely extending body portion of a component located in the lower end of the hopper to transport the components one at a time out of the hopper. The chute has a slipway channel which is shaped to axially align electronic components with the direction in which they slide down the chute.

Abstract: An electrical connector pick-up station for use, for example, with a pick and place robot having a pick-up head for picking up electrical connectors and for placing them on a circuit board, comprises a base, upon which is mounted for tilting movement about a horizontal axis, a support frame for a magazine containing a supply of electrical connectors. A support surface for the magazine is provided nearest one end of the upper side of the frame and a connector locating comb is provided at the opposite end of the frame. Between the magazine support surface and the comb are ribs for guiding connectors from the magazine towards the comb. The ribs are spaced from the comb and the connectors are arranged to be guided between the ribs and the comb by guide slots in which terminal tails depending from the connectors engage.

Abstract: A load-out construction device (10) is provided for conveying debris from a building (12) having a roof (14), floors and an exterior wall (16). The load-out construction device (10) includes a hopper (18). The load-out construction device (10) further includes a suspension system (30) including a pair of hooks (32) which are mounted to end walls (20, 22) of the hopper (18). An end (32a) of each hook (32) contacts the roof (14) or a floor of the building (12) and an end (32b) of each hook (32) contacts the exterior wall (16) of the building (12).

Abstract: A telescoping extension chute has a first semicircular section with an inlet end for pivotal connection to a main chute on a mixer truck and a pair of tubular tracks attached along upper longitudinal edges. An intermediate section with a semicircular cross-section of larger radius telescopes over the first section and has a pair of tubular tracks attached along upper longitudinal edges which extend through slots formed in the bottom walls of the first section tracks. A third section with a semicircular cross-section of still larger radius telescopes over the intermediate section and has a pair of bars attached along upper longitudinal edges which extend through slots formed in the bottom walls of the intermediate section tracks. Rollers attached to the tracks cooperate to provide relative telescoping movement and a locking mechanism prevents relative movement in any extended position.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating spherically-shaped solids from irregularly-shaped solids comprising a rotatable separating table having a frustoconically shaped upper surface, the angle of inclination of the upper surface with the horizontal being such that spherically-shaped solids supplied onto the upper surface will roll down towards a central vertical conduit at the lower end of the upper surface and irregularly-shaped solids supplied onto the upper surface remain at rest. The apparatus further includes a number of supply structures for the supplying of a mixture of spherically-shaped solids and irregularly-shaped solids onto the upper surface and removal means for removing irregularly-shaped solids from the upper surface.

Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly is presented for use in conjunction with a rotary drum filtration apparatus, the conveyor belt passing longitudinally through the drum. The conveyor belt assembly comprises two movable frame sections and an associated conveyor belt. A first movable frame section is slidably mounted, preferably by rollers on rails, on the supporting framework whereby the conveyor belt may be moved between an operative position inside the drum and a retracted position outside the drum. The second movable frame section is pivotably mounted and is capable of pivoting upwardly into a raised position thereby providing a space for the first frame section to be slidably positioned thereunder. Preferably, a ramp means attached to the slidable frame section urges the second pivotable frame section upwardly to the raised position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring tubulars between the floor of a drilling rig and a pipe rack including an elongated main support frame adapted to be positioned in proximity to the pipe rack, a lift trough positioned longitudinally of the support frame and having one end pivotally coupled to the main support frame, whereby the lift trough can be pivoted upwardly to an inclined position, a power member connected to the lift trough for pivoting the lift trough upwardly to an inclined position relative to the main support frame and toward the drilling rig and downwardly to a generally horizontal position, and a carriage including a movable holding tray operatively connected to the lift trough for moving tubulars positioned in the lift trough along its length. An adjustable fixed trough supported on a drilling rig floor, sloping towards the lift trough and connectable with it when it is in the inclined position for transferring tubulars to the rig floor.

Abstract: A hopper discharge apparatus for delivering the contents of a hopper from a hopper side port to alternative delivery points directly under and alongside the hopper utilizing a center delivery chute for directing the hopper contents to the delivery point under the hopper and a side delivery chute for directing the hopper contents either to the delivery point alongside the hopper or to the center delivery chute. Both chutes are movable, optionally about a common pivot point, for storage when not in use.

Abstract: A feed table for serially conveying sheets from the stack location magazine of an offset press to its printing head is pivotally mounted at its end adjacent the magazine. The other table end adjacent the printer head is mounted to the printer head housing by a spring-biased release mechanism that can be actuated by a release knob external of the housing to drop the table to a lower position to facilitate access to the interior of the printer head housing. Upward lifting of the printer head adjacent-end of the table by the press operator snaps the release mechanism into a retaining condition to hold the table at its normal raised position for the serial feeding of sheets from the magazine to the printer head. The release mechanism is carried by the feed table and engages with a pair of brackets mounted to the printer head housing.

Abstract: An inclination maintaining system for a discharge chute of a ready-mix concrete truck or the like including a body on which the chute is pivotally mounted for movement about an axis extending horizontally and transversely of the chute, the system having sensors mounted on the chute for sensing inclination thereof relative to the horizontal about the axis, an extensible and contractible member interconnecting the body and the chute in attitude controlling relation to the chute, and control elements responsive to the sensors for extending and contracting the member so as to maintain the chute at the inclination.

Abstract: A removable grain chute is provided with an integral unitary attachment member adapted for removably attaching the chute to the bottom edge of a truck body or box. The attachment member includes an upwardly turned lip at the end of a rigid extension of the chute which is adapted to engage the side frame of the truck body and the bottom edge of the sideboard for supporting the chute in position under the grain gate of the truck body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hood for transfer of coke which prevents binding of the retractable section when it is raised or lowered. The outer surface of the fixed hood section is of circular arc-shape and has at least one track extending therealong. A wheel assembly on the retractable section engages the track so as to guide the retractable section concentrically over the fixed section and prevent binding. Preferably the wheel assembly is outboard of the upper edge of the retractable section. A device is then provided to exert force on the wheel assembly toward the track so as to retain contact between the wheel and track as the retractable section is raised.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball teeing apparatus having a hollow golf ball conveying arm which is pivotal at one of its ends about an axis between a first golf ball receiving position and a second golf ball depositing position. When the arm is in the first position a ball is received at one end of the arm and when the arm is pivoted to the second position the ball will roll to the other end of the arm to be deposited on a tee. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the arm between the first and second positions. The mechanism includes a crank and an extensible rod connecting the crank to the arm and a member for rotating the crank. When the arm is pivoted to the second position it is engaged by a stop, however, the extensible rod will permit the crank to continue to turn for a predetermined distance and after the distance has been traveled by the crank the arm begins to return to the first position.

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 tunnel furnace comprises an elongate hollow structure inclined to have one end higher than the other and is reciprocable about an axis parallel to its length, heaters for heating material to be treated being incorporated in the structure.

Abstract: A feed box includes a chamber defined by oppositely positioned downwardly and inwardly sloping end walls, a vertical side wall and a bottom wall extending downwardly and laterally across said box to the vertical side wall. The vertical side wall may have a slight laterally inward slope to it. A discharge opening is provided in the bottom wall adjacent the vertical side wall and a spout is positioned under the bottom wall opening to direct material flowing from the chamber back towards the longitudinal centerline of the box. The vertical side wall also includes a discharge opening at its lower end and a spout is provided to receive material from the box chamber for directing it laterally away from the box in the opposite direction from the spout associated with the bottom wall opening. Closure gates are provided for each of the discharge openings in the bottom wall and side wall.

Abstract: Associated with a coke quenching car, preferably a one-spot car, is a coke guide that carries a distributor trough. The distributor trough is pivotably mounted so that when the coke guide is racked out to transfer coke into the quenching car, the distributor is positioned to transfer the coke further out into the car and to better distribute the coke in the car.

Abstract: A grain propelled grain spreader having a hopper disposed beneath an opening in the upper end of a grain bin and having slides disposed beneath and receiving grain from a hopper, the slides extending downwardly and outwardly from the hopper so that grain flowing therefrom can be distributed around the inside of the bin as the grain is deflected from the slides by deflectors spaced along the sides, the hopper having fins mounted therein at angles with respect to the vertical such that grain hitting the fins will cause the hopper and slides to rotate together.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the even distribution of charge material in shaft furnaces, particularly high pressure blast furnaces. The apparatus includes a stationary hopper with a distributor pipe hinged universally below it. The universal swivel hinge is formed with an annular support swiveling around a first horizontal axis, the distributor pipe being suspended in such annular support to swivel around a second axis at right angles to the first axis.

Abstract: A spiral chute device, especially for use in conveying seed materials to storage chambers. The spiral chute device is employed for guiding the seed material downwardly in the storage chamber to prevent the seed material from undergoing free fall which could lead to cracking thereof. The device is, preferably, suspended from the top wall of the chamber and has a hopper at the top with an upwardly opening spiral chute extending downwardly therefrom to near the bottom of the chamber. The device includes a center post telescopically engaged by a guide member at the center of the bottom wall of the chamber and the device can be moved laterally in the chamber by disengaging the lower end of the post from the guide member.