Abstract: A delivery chute for use on a concrete mixer truck has automated systems to allow for repositioning and reconfiguration without requiring an operator to manipulate components. The chute is configured to have multiple segments that can be folded/nested with one another for transport and can be positioned in an extended configuration thereby forming a continuous delivery surface for purposes of delivering concrete to a desired location. Powered mechanisms are used to reposition these segments, thus eliminating the need for operators to handle chute segments at all. A control system is provided to coordinate operation of components so proper sequences are followed during folding, unfolding, raising, lowering and swinging operations. An operator can control each of these operations using a remote control, having single buttons to carry out specific operations.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a melting material supply apparatus which is capable of contributing to improvements in the working environment and the melting efficiency of a metal melting furnace, and which is also capable of making melting work more efficient. This melting material supply apparatus for supplying a melting material to a crucible is provided with: a melting material supply unit for supplying the melting material to the crucible; and a furnace lid for closing an opening provided in the upper part of the crucible. The furnace lid is supported in a horizontal state by a furnace lid-supporter, and is capable of being moved between a position in which the opening is closed, and a standby position located above a hood. When the furnace lid is in the standby position, the opening is open, and the melting material can be supplied into the crucible therefrom.

Abstract: A nut dispenser device for dispensing nuts is provided. The nut dispenser device comprises a hollow support structure having a top side, a bottom side, and an open front side. A nut holder housing is pivotally connected to the support structure with the nut holder housing having a back door pivotally connected to the nut holder housing near a top of the nut holder housing. A spring mechanism is positioned between the support structure and the nut holder housing with the spring mechanism biasing the nut holder housing in a generally upward direction. A nut collection base is mounted to the bottom side of the support structure. As the back door of the nut holder housing opens and the nuts are dispensed therethrough, and into the nut collection base by gravity for retrieval by the user.

Abstract: A chute turning restriction mechanism includes: a rotary shaft on which a chute is disposed and which is provided to be capable of rotating relative to a vehicle body of a mixer truck; a bracket that is provided on the vehicle body and includes an insertion hole into which the rotary shaft is inserted and a cutaway portion formed by cutting away a part of the insertion hole; an inner diameter adjustment shaft provided across the cutaway portion to be capable of adjusting an inner diameter of the insertion hole, and configured to restrict rotation of the rotary shaft by reducing the inner diameter of the insertion hole; a rotary body that is provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft and includes an engagement groove; and a lock lever that is provided to be capable of rotating about the inner diameter adjustment shaft, and that restricts the rotation of the rotary shaft by engaging with the engagement groove.

Abstract: A gravity chute for articles, comprising a chute floor defining a conveying surface, wherein the conveying surface has a conveying angle of inclination pointing in a conveying direction, and comprising at least one side wall which laterally delimits the chute floor, wherein, in addition to the conveying angle of inclination, the conveying surface has a transverse angle of inclination directed transversely to the conveying direction and pointing to a side wall, wherein the side wall, to which the conveying surface runs at a transverse inclination, has first friction properties within a first region extending from the conveying surface to a height h, and has second friction properties within a second region extending above the height h, which differ from the first friction properties, the side wall being recessed within the first region with respect to the second region.

Abstract: An inflatable liner with vibratory function related to lining mining hoppers and other such devices. The inflatable liner has an exterior expandable layer and ceramic wear layer beneath that assists maintaining a long-use-life of the inflatable liner. Use of the air-control device to rapidly inflate and deflate exterior expandable layer vibrates in the exterior expandable layer and assist removing unwanted material/debris from the exterior lining of exterior expandable layer to further maintain a long-life use of the inflatable liner and lower maintenance of the machinery/hopper.

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: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.

Abstract: An offloading unit for an automated pharmaceutical machine that dispenses filled, capped pharmaceutical vials includes: at least one chute including a receiving section and a pick-up section. The receiving section and the pick-up section are divided by an inlet. The receiving section has a concave sloping ramp and side walls. The pick-up section has a trough with a floor that slopes relative to a horizontal surface and a front wall at one end of the trough. The inlet is defined by a rear wall and the upper edge of the trough. The chute also includes dividers mounted to and rising above the trough and attached to the rear wall. The inlet and dividers are configured and positioned such that an object as defined in UL 61010A-1, 1740 cannot pass through the inlet from the trough.

Abstract: The hinge assembly of the present invention is a novel configuration that utilizes multiple arcuate shaped clevis elements. The configuration produces a compact, stable, and efficient means for transmitting an actuation force to retract or deploy one or more sections of a folding chute assembly utilized on transit concrete mixing vehicles.

Abstract: A pivoting boot is disclosed for attachment to the unloading auger tube of combine harvesters, and serves as both a grain saving dam against unwanted grain spillage, and a directable spout. The boot permits evenly unloading grain onto, or completely filling, transportation vehicles or storage containers, without having to change the combine position, once it is staged for unloading.

Abstract: A multi-section chute of a type suitable for directing mixed concrete compositions from a discharge end of a transit concrete mixer truck to a desired receiving location. The chute includes a plurality of elongate chute sections, each having a wall with a low friction concave inter-surface configuration and a convex outer configuration wherein each chute section includes a pair of longitudinal channel shapes along and integral to longitudinal edges of the wall and a central longitudinal rib, the channel shapes and the rib re-enforcing the chute section against longitudinal bending, and a fastening assembly for removably joining the plurality of chute sections together in a consecutive longitudinal arrangement and wherein the plurality of elongate chute sections further comprise cooperating nesting configurations that enable formation of a compact stable interconnecting nesting storage arrangement.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locking a discharge chute of a mixing vehicle are disclosed. The locking apparatus can be mounted to existing discharge chutes and frame arrangements and may utilize existing pneumatic systems of the mixing vehicle. The locking apparatus generally include a base having a first arm and a second arm pivotally secured to the base. An airbag may be positioned between the first arm and the second arm to bias a clamping region of the locking apparatus in a locked or a released state depending on the configuration of the locking apparatus.

Abstract: A gripping intake system for a dual belt conveyor includes a hopper for storing granular material adjacent the return sections of the upper and lower loop belts of the dual belt conveyor, at least one hold down roller engaging the lower loop belt such that the upper and lower loop belts are held in spaced apart configuration prior to the conveying sections of the upper and lower loop belts being biased towards one another in face-to-face conveying relationship whereby granular material falling from the hopper comes into contact with the upper and lower loop belts which engage and accelerate the granular material via gravity and frictional contact with the belts to approximately the same speed as the belts and then feed the accelerated granular material into the dual belt conveyor.

Abstract: A chute extension for a typical concrete mixing truck, the extension has a chute attachment spring clip on the attachment end and a funneled outlet on the delivery end. The invention further comprises an angle where the delivery end meets the end of the trough, for more laminar flow of concrete. The included concrete rake has a telescoping handle.

Abstract: A system and method for causing a differential flow rate to exist in a downspout so as to reduce abrasion of a bottom side of said downspout and to sort dry bulk material flowing therethrough. The present invention reduces the velocity of the mass of the dry bulk material, such as corn, thus preserving grain quality and reducing the exit velocity at the lower end of the spout.

Abstract: A light weight but strong extension chute for discharging concrete from a concrete transportation vehicle or a cement mix plant. An extension concrete chute comprising a chute assembly including a frame having a first end and a second end, with each end including an arcuate end angle member maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a pair of chute rails attached to each end angle member. The chute assembly also includes a chute skin mounted within the frame and attached to each chute rail and each end angle member, wherein the chute assembly defines a longitudinally elongated concave chute. A removable aligner is mounted within the chute assembly adjacent to the chute skin. Each chute rail is provided with a hook mounted on each chute rail proximate the second end of the chute assembly and a bracket assembly mounted on each chute rail proximate the first end of the chute assembly. The chute rails are configured to releaseably engage and support the liner.

Abstract: A light weight but strong extension chute for discharging concrete from a concrete transportation vehicle or a cement mix plant. An extension concrete chute comprising a chute assembly including a frame having a first end and a second end, with each end including an arcuate end angle member maintained in a spaced apart relationship by a pair of chute rails attached to each end angle member. The chute assembly also includes a chute skin mounted within the frame and attached to each chute rail and each end angle member, wherein the chute assembly defines a longitudinally elongated concave chute. A removable liner is mounted within the chute assembly adjacent to the chute skin. Each chute rail is provided with a hook mounted on each chute rail proximate the second end of the chute assembly and a bracket assembly mounted on each chute rail proximate the first end of the chute assembly.

Abstract: A concrete chute is extruded in two sections for permitting a light weight chute to be constructed wherein the sections are welded together and reinforced with a bottom stiffener for ensuring stability of the chute. A liner is designed to be installed from a distal or front end of the chute for facilitating the insertion and removal of the liner. The liner fits within an extruded slide disposed along the edges of the chute and is secured to the distal end of the chute by a liner retainer to ensure that concrete does not seep between the liner and the chute. An extruded pin retainer is provided that is positioned on a proximal end of the chute for enabling attachment of the chute to a cement truck or to the distal end of an adjacent chute during use in dispensing concrete from the truck.

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: A safety and assist mechanism for a flip chute hingedly connectable to a main chute for movement about a transverse hinge axis between a stored position over the main chute and a working position as an extension to the main chute. The mechanism has a lever rigidly securable to the flip chute to rotate with the flip chute about the hinge axis. A spring is connectable to the lever and to the main chute to generate a moment about the hinge axis contra to a moment generated by the weight of the flip chute.

Abstract: A baggage chute for transferring baggage from an elevated level of an aircraft passenger boarding bridge to ground level. The chute includes at least one slide member which is shaped to form a truncated cylinder of arcuate cross-section and which has annularly extending ribs. A plurality of mounting members are used to fasten the slide member to the boarding bridge and to support the slide member. A baggage receiving area is attached near an end of the slide near ground level for receiving and retaining baggage. The receiving area includes a flexible member extending substantially across the receiving area for stopping the sliding of the baggage and which absorbs the impact of the baggage.

Abstract: A baggage chute for transferring baggage from an elevated level of an aircraft passenger boarding bridge to ground level. The chute includes at least one slide member which is shaped to form a truncated cylinder of arcuate cross-section and which has annularly extending ribs. A plurality of mounting members are used to fasten the slide member to the boarding bridge and to support the slide member. A baggage receiving area is attached near an end of the slide near ground level for receiving and retaining baggage. The receiving area includes a flexible member extending substantially across the receiving area for stopping the sliding of the baggage and which absorbs the impact of the baggage.

Abstract: An x-ray system is provided that produces noise at or below ambient levels. The system includes a positioning arm, an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector, and an acoustic dampening interface mounting between the x-ray tube and a first end of the positioning arm. The acoustic dampening interface may be a rubber isolator that absorbs the vibrations produced by the x-ray tube. The rubber isolator may include a rubber isolation tube positioned within a hole formed in a mounting plate of the x-ray tube. Alternatively, the rubber isolator may include a rubber washer and a rubber isolation layer, or isolation ring.

Abstract: A device (10, 10′, 50) for furnishing material (12) to work stations is proposed. The device (10, 10′, 50) has at least one reservoir, embodied as a chute (14, 14′, 54), for the material (12). A discharge point (16, 16′, 56) having a gripper tongue (18, 18′, 58) adjoins the chute (14, 14′, 54). The chute (14, 14′, 54) and the discharge point (16, 16′, 56) are embodied as parts separably connected to one another. The discharge point (16, 16′, 56) can be disposed on one of the two face ends (36, 40, 76, 110) of the at least one chute (14, 14′, 54). By means of this arrangement, it is possible with only a few different parts to achieve great versatility in terms of the storage volume of the device (10, 10′, 50).

Abstract: A concrete chute with liner includes a chute, a pair of rail tubes, a front flange, a rear flange, and a slide-in liner. A single rail tube is attached to each side of the chute. A front flange is attached to a front end of the chute. A rear flange is attached to a rear end of the chute. Each rail tube has an outstanding lip on one side thereof. The inside of the outstanding lip is sized to receive the thickness of the slide-in liner. The slide-in liner is installed by pushing thereof into the outstanding lips and sliding the liner down the length of the chute until thereof stops against a pair of hooks which are attached to the inside of each rail tube at a front thereof. A hook mount is attached to a top of each rail tube at a rear thereof. The hooks and hook mounts allow at least two concrete chutes with a liner to be attached in series.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for use in a shelf channel of rack storage facilities. The conveying apparatus (1) comprises circulating conveying means (2) for conveying and storing goods. The conveying means (2) is an endless loop formed partially by a roller chain (3) and partially by a tape (4). The roller chain (3) includes a plurality of chain links. Adjacent chain links are interconnected by an axes of a roller. The plurality of interconnected chain links includes two end links (31, 32). The end links (31, 32) are interconnected by the tape (4). A rail (10) extends linearly and supports a portion of said endless loop. The rail (10) has a loading/unloading end where the goods are loaded onto said conveying means (2) and unloaded from said conveying means (2). The rail (10) includes a first and a second deflection member (5, 6). The first deflection member (5) is located in a region of the loading/unloading end and the second deflection member (6) is located in a region remote from the loading/unloading end.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus (1) for shelf channels of shelf storage facilities comprises two parallely arranged, circulating conveying means (2) for receiving pallets (P). The conveying means (2) are partially designed as support roller chains (3) whose ends are interconnected by a rope (3). Two deflections (5, 6) are provided per conveying means (2) by means of which the particular conveying means is divided into an upper (7) and a lower run (8). In order to bring the two conveying means into a defined initial position after unloading the last pallet, several chain links (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) of the end region of the particular chain (3) near the unloading end are provided with a smooth surface. Moreover, an end stop member (15, 16) is provided for each conveying means (2) that limits the path of displacement of the chain (3) in the unloading direction.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus (sorter) which distributes items supplied thereto to individual delivery locations, wherein the delivery locations are in the form of heat-insulated storage chutes (2).

Abstract: A package sorting conveyor system having at least one conveyor cart movable along a continuous track and at least one unloading station. The conveyor system includes a two-axis tiltable support apparatus for supporting the carrying tray on the conveyor cart and for allowing tilting of the carrying tray towards at least one side of the package sorting conveyor to unload a package into unloading stations on at least one side of the sorting conveyor. A transition zone funnel upstream of the unloading station receives the package from the conveyor cart. The transition zone funnel includes an inlet adjacent to the continuous track conveyor system at the unloading station for receiving the package discharged from the tiltable conveyor cart; an upwardly inclined downstream wall located downstream of the inlet for preventing the package from tipping over; and an outlet located downstream from the upwardly inclined downstream wall for discharging the package from the funnel.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering freshly mixed concrete includes an open-ended concrete conveyor chute having an inner guide surface and an outer surface defining a generally U-shape along a main axis and with a receiving terminus at one end and a discharge terminus at the opposite end. An arcuate belly band is sleeved over and fixed to the outer surface of the chute adjacent its discharge terminus and has a forwardly-projecting ear on each end of the belly band extending forwardly of and upwardly above the respective upper planes of the chute and belly band. There is a rearwardly-facing notch in each ear. A U-shaped frame defines a pair of oppositely-disposed rearwardly-projecting arms. Each arm is disposed outboard of a respective ear of the belly band and with an inwardly-facing lateral-extending lug at the distal end of each arm and with a cross arm extending between and connected to the arms and being receivable in the notches of the ears.

Abstract: A distributor chute for bulk material, in particular for use in a bell-less blast furnace top charging device, has several inclined transverse plates in the region of its impact zone. The transverse plates create retaining pockets between their inner faces and the surface of the distributor chute. Two adjacent transverse plates limit between the outer face of the first transverse plate and the inner face or the second transverse plate a retaining chamber. If the inclination of the chute is reduced, the bulk material moves from the retaining pocket to the retaining chamber.

Abstract: An article forming system for forming at least one sheet of material into an article, such as a decorative flower pot cover for example. The article forming system includes a male die and a female die. A sheet of material is automatically moved to a loaded position between the male and female dies and then the male and female dies are moved to a forming position for forming the article. The formed articles are automatically stacked.

Abstract: A letter sorting system includes a row of juxtaposed stack compartments; a material intake device arranged along and spaced from the compartments; a carriage arranged for travel along the compartments; and a transfer bridge mounted on the carriage to be displaced thereby along the compartments. The transfer bridge includes an exterior frame pivotally attached to the carriage for pivotal motions into first and second positions; an interior frame pivotally attached to the exterior frame for pivotal motions into first and second positions; and a slide having a first part attached to the interior frame and a second part attached to the exterior frame. Dependent upon simultaneous positions of the exterior and interior frames, the transfer bridge may assume first, second and third operating positions.

Abstract: A discharge chute for emptying the debris from trash receptacles, especially receptacles of a cylindrical shape and which have a normally closed clean-out opening in the sidewall near the bottom of the receptacle. The chute has a downwardly extending lip that engages the front edge of the opening in the trash receptacle and outwardly extending tabs that clip behind the sidewall of the receptacle adjacent the opening so as to secure the chute in place during use.

Abstract: A discharge chute is arranged for pivotally mounting an abutment plate at a distal end of the chute to prevent further spillage and flow of concrete through the chute. The abutment plate may be hingedly mounted about a first end thereof or pivotally mounted about a plurality of spaced rods that are mounted to top edges of the chute.

Abstract: A delivery chute flow control device is disclosed. The device has a body portion which mates with the remainder of the delivery chute. Affixed to one end of the body portion is a rotatable door which is used to control the flow of material. A locking mechanism is provided as a way of securing the door in a fixed position.

Abstract: A selectively extendable chute assembly includes a fabric chute covering member having a plurality of extender tubes secured thereto. A coil spring is secured inside each extender tube to continuously urge the extender tube into a retracted position. Pressurized fluid is selectively provided to the extender tubes to urge them into an extended position whereby the chute becomes usable for unloading a vehicle or another type of storage facility.

Abstract: A system for confinement and removal of air-borne dust emitted during discharge delivery of particulate solids from an elevated supply source and through an enclosed descending column. The enclosed column has a delivery spout at the discharge end, the spout including a generally enclosed shroud with an open bottom wall defining the discharge opening. An arcuate lead-in flow diverter plate is coupled to the underside of the descending enclosed column and curves generally inwardly of the column. An abutment plate is disposed forwardly of the flow diverter plate at the opposed end of the discharge opening and is positioned along the normal flow path of particulate solids passing from the lead-in flow diverter plate so as to define a dynamic seal with the particulate solids moving across the discharge opening. A dust collecting duct is coupled through the spout shroud above the discharge opening so as to receive and remove a flow of dust laden air from the discharge spout to a solid-air separator means.

Abstract: A lightweight and reinforced tubular concrete distributing structure having an integral hopper at one end as well as flexible means for supporting the same on a delivery chute to receive the discharge of the latter. The bottom wall of the hopper merges smoothly with the interior of the tubular structure and the plane of the top edges of the hopper is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the tubular structure.

Abstract: A fluid motor actuator, including a hydraulic cylinder, includes a cam which is extended to become engagable with a cam follower of an extension chute section which is hinged and folded within a first chute section during transport. When the cam engages the follower of the retracted extension chute section, the cam causes the extension section to pivot out of its retracted position so that both chute sections form a unitary elongated chute adapted for receiving and directing the flow of concrete from the bowl of the mixer to the construction site. The extension chute section is retracted when the pour is completed and the cam is moved to non-interfering relation with the chute against the yieldable resistance of a spring.