Abstract: A bulk tank trailer including an interior storage compartment, at least one straight rear wheel axle supporting a plurality of ground-engaging wheels and a longitudinally aligned discharge pipe in operative communication with the interior storage compartment is disclosed. The entire discharge pipe may be positioned above a transverse plane of the at least one straight rear wheel axle. A method of discharging particulate materials is also disclosed. The method includes filling an interior storage compartment on a bulk tank trailer with the particulate materials, positioning a straight discharge pipe above a straight rear wheel axle on the bulk tank trailer, moving the particulate materials from the interior storage compartment along the straight discharge pipe and discharging the particulate materials from the discharge pipe.

Abstract: An automated filling apparatus which propels various deer feed into an elevated deer feeder comprises a cart having a mounted container which is towed by a vehicle to a feeder location. A base of the cart receives an air duct connected to an air blower which supplies an air flow. The apparatus introduces a flow of deer feed into the air flow which is in turn conveyed upwardly into the elevated deer feeder via a second opposing air duct being connected to an elongated flexible hose having an elbow portion at its upper end and retained upon an upper lip of the deer feeder. After activating the blower, a quantity of deer feed is poured into the container and is propelled upward through the tubing and dispensed into the container portion of the deer feeder.

Abstract: Method in a pneumatic waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one input point (61) of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100), which can be connected to an input point (61), and a separating device or container (25), in which the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveying air, and also means for achieving a pressure difference and/or a conveying air flow in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of material, which means comprise at least one vacuum source. In the method a vacuum source (1) is arranged in a mobile means (2), such as in a vehicle or trailer, which vacuum source is connected to a waste conveying system, and the partial vacuum/pressure difference needed for the transfer of waste material is achieved in the system, in which case waste material is transferred along the conveying piping (100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F) to a container (25), which is a separate container to the means (2) moving the vacuum source.

Abstract: A loading and unloading device for cargo containers, such as sea containers, silos and other vessels, of mobile design, whereby a container, one end face of which can be opened or closed and can and can be connected flush to a cargo container for bulk goods to be loaded or unloaded, whereby the device container is equipped with least one telescoping tube that can be inserted or withdrawn from the cargo container to be loaded or unloaded, an associated motive power aggregate and a connector for the conveyance of bulk goods into or out of the cargo container to be loaded or unloaded, a suction unit with propelling air outlet, a motor-compressor unit with propelling air inlet for propelling air supply into the cargo container to be loaded or unloaded, a vacuum and filter system and an operating and control unit.

Abstract: A mobile star wheel feeder includes docking devices, flushing devices and control for the pneumatic conveyance of granules, in particular polymer granules, with preference polycarbonate granules. The mobile star wheel feeder, together with partially mobile sections of pipeline, can be set up at different locations underneath silos.

Abstract: A residual feed pick-up system for poultry farming utilizes a tractor and trailer combination in which the blower for a pneumatic conveyor is mounted on the trailer. The hydraulic motor that drives the blower is also located on the trailer. Feed pick-up can be effected by the trailer accompanied by a standard over-the-road tractor equipped with a conventional and economically available hydraulic power takeoff unit commonly known as a PTO. The feed supplier to the poultry farm can use any of such commonly configured tractors in its normal operating fleet combined with the trailer having the onboard hydraulically driven blower for low-volume, residual feed pick-up service, thereby increasing reliability and availability of the service at advantageously low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is a mobile air contaminant control system that includes a filter assembly enclosed by a mobile outer chamber. The filter assembly is tapered to create a large volume air way downstream from the filter assembly that enables more even air flow and filter loading. One or more exhaust fans pull the air through the filter assembly and exhaust it to the exterior of the chamber. The system is functionally attached to an exterior structure having at least one air intake and housing a work piece. As airborne contaminants are generated from the work piece(s), the control system exhausts them from the exterior structure through the filter assembly and into the external environment.

Abstract: An improved system for the moving material into and out of a trailer attached to a truck that is equipped with first and second high pressure hydraulic circuits, an airlock circuit, and a low pressure return line. The improvement to the system generally includes a selector valve that is operable between load and unload positions, and a blower and motor that are mounted to the trailer's chassis and are fluidly driven by the high pressure circuits via the selector valve being in its load position. When in the unload position, the blower and motor are bypassed and the hydraulic circuits operate in their traditional manner.

Abstract: An residual feed pick-up system for poultry farming utilizes a tractor and trailer combination in which the blower for a pneumatic conveyor is mounted on the trailer. The hydraulic motor that drives the blower is also located on the trailer. Feed pick-up can be effected by the trailer accompanied by a standard over-the-road tractor equipped with a conventional and economically available hydraulic power takeoff unit commonly known as a PTO. The feed supplier to the poultry farm can use any of such commonly configured tractors in its normal operating fleet combined with the trailer having the onboard hydraulically driven blower for low-volume, residual feed pick-up service, thereby increasing reliability and availability of the service at advantageously low cost.

Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for delivering lost circulation material, particularly cottonseed hulls, into oil and gas drilling pits. According to one exemplary embodiment, a lost circulation material delivery apparatus for delivering lost circulation material from a bulk source of the material into a drilling well mud pit for controlling lost circulation within an oil or gas drilling well bore can include a bulk source of lost circulation material positioned in the vicinity of but removed from the drilling well mud pit. The apparatus can also include a sorting mechanism in receiving communication with the bulk source where the sorting mechanism includes a lost circulation material metering portion. A lost circulation material conveying portion can be in material receiving communication with the material metering portion at a first end portion and in material expelling communication with the drilling well mud pit at a second end portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic distributor of granular and/or powdery materials includes a main distribution duct having a first end in the region of which an air-flow is injected into the duct under pressure, and a second end. The main duct includes respective adjacent converging-diverging portions, with reference to the direction of the air-flow, defining a Venturi duct. A dosing device is provided for delivering a metered quantity of material into the main duct in the region of the narrow cross-section of the Venturi duct, for the mixing of the material into the air-flow and the entrainment of the mixture obtained towards the second end. The distributor includes at least one auxiliary duct, bypassing the Venturi duct, in order to connect a section of the main duct disposed upstream of the Venturi duct to a section of the main duct disposed downstream of the Venturi duct.

Abstract: An insulation installation system including: a supply of material having discrete elements and a self-contained applicator. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the insulation installation system further includes a work platform. The self-contained applicator includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet; a material feeder downstream from the blower; and an integrated electrical system adapted for household use. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the self-contained applicator includes a vented air intake connected to the inlet of the blower.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for loading and unloading pellets into a trailer. Conduits are positioned with at least one opening configured to direct flow toward a central longitudinal axis of the interior region. A blower is connected to an input port, and a suction device is connected to an output port to cause a flow of moving air so that pellets within the interior region are carried with the flow toward the central longitudinal axis, the collector and an output port. A pellet loading pipe has a plurality of spaced openings and deflection plates upstream of each opening. Pellets in the pipe are deflected from the openings until a clog develops downstream, at which time the pellets will exit an opening adjacent the clog until it clogs, and continuing successively until the longitudinal spaced opening proximate the loading port becomes clogged and the interior region is substantially full.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for conveying loose material are shown and described. In one embodiment, a plurality of spaced apart, interconnected conveyor elements entrap and move loose material through a hollow conduit having a fixed size and shape, and past a delivery location where high-pressure air enters one hole through the wall of the conduit and a fluidized mixture of high-pressure air and the loose material exits a separate, second hole in the conduit, carrying the loose material at a high rate of speed and a high velocity to a remote location. In a second embodiment, the system is moveably attached to a trailer to rotate between a traveling configuration and an operative configuration to facilitate mobility and operability of the above system.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: A pressure discharge railway hopper car includes a car body having a plurality of hoppers arranged in adjacent relation longitudinally, each opening at the bottom end to an aerator tub assembly. Each aerator tub assembly has two aerator units, one on each side laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the car body, defined by downwardly convergent inclined walls. An outlet from each aerator unit is connected to a product discharge conduit that leads substantially horizontally and laterally toward the centerline of the car body to a generally L-shaped discharge pipe. Each discharge pipe may include a longitudinal leg that runs between the two sections along the car centerline and a lateral leg extending transversely to the centerline to an outlet end laterally outwardly of the aerator tub assembly, where it is connected to a main discharge pipe.

Abstract: A leaf pick-up and transport bin assembly comprises a truck with a truck box and a trailer with a trailer box pulled behind, a swivel mounting platform between the truck and trailer, a blower operated leaf pick-up machine mounted on the swivel platform whereby its vacuum intake port opening to one side can be rotated so its vacuum intake port faces and opens to the opposite side, a flexible elongated conduit extends from the vacuum intake port to suck in and pick up leaves throughout the area reachable by such flexible elongated conduit, and a rotatable airflow discharge port with a flexible discharge conduit connected thereto which can be rotated to face the truck and truck box in one position and to face the trailer and trailer box when rotated to a second position. The rear wall of the truck box includes an intake aperture to receive the discharge end of the flexible discharge conduit for blowing leaves into the truck box.

Abstract: A seed planter distribution system for transporting seeds from a source into a plurality of seed metering bins, the system including a manifold duct and a plurality of seed flow diverting structures that extend from the manifold into each metering bin, whereby each metering bin is filled in accordance with the flow of air available thereto.

Abstract: A railroad tank car can be filled with a slurry of a solid and a solvent therefor. The tank car is fitted with a feed distribution header that is provided with a plurality of predetermined spaced openings. The header is mounted in the car so that after the solids have settled, the solids are located below the distribution header and the supernatant liquid is above the distribution header. The supernatant liquid can then be withdrawn from the tank car through the distribution header and flows back to a storage tank from where it came. All of this can be accomplished with a single pump. Removing or unloading of solids from the car is effected by rendering the solids flowable with a liquor and pumping the solids from the car or dissolving them.

Abstract: A pneumatic seed delivery system is provided, including a bin with a plenum at the bottom separated from the bin by a membrane to permit the upward flow of air from the plenum into the bin, and a tube extending through a side wall of the bin to provide fluid communication from an outer surface of the bin to an inner surface of the bin. One end of the tube is disposed inside the bin and adjacent to the screen, and a second open end of the first seed distribution tube is disposed outside the bin. In this manner, seed in the bin can be propelled up the tube by forcing air into the plenum, passing the air through the membrane and through seed located between the membrane and the first open end of the tube. This seed will then move up the tube and be carried to a remote location for use.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is electrically driven by a battery located on the tractor, and that is automatically controlled by a pressure sensor switch positioned for sensing the pressure of the pressurized air stream.

Abstract: A conventional dry van trailer is modified to include a recessed bulkhead at the back of the trailer having a material inlet that communicates on its exterior side with a flexible fill tube and on its interior side with a rigid distribution conduit. The distribution conduit extends along the top wall of the trailer to an open free end near the front of the trailer. A bottom-opening distribution slot extends from the open free end of the conduit rearwardly along a substantial length of the trailer. The fill tube is connected to a grinder/blower unit which delivers a high velocity flow of ground plastic scrap into the tube and conduit is discharged therefrom through the open end and distribution slot of the conduit in a manner to fill the trailer from front to back. A two-stage coarse/fine filter permits air to escape from the trailer while retaining the solid material.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting both bagged and loose waste. The apparatus includes a hopper which is in flow communication with a waste receptacle for collecting bagged or bundled waste. The apparatus also includes a suction mechanism which draws loose waste into the waste receptacle. The hopper and the suction mechanism are arranged on the apparatus so that the hopper and/or suction mechanism can be used to collect waste without having to modify the suction mechanism and/or hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A dual blower railcar discharge and conveyor system and method includes a first, relatively high pressure, low volume blower for pressurizing a railcar and a short section of discharge convey line attached to the railcar. A second, relatively high volume, low pressure blower is attached to pressurize a transport convey line. The discharge convey line is connected into the transport convey line, which is of somewhat larger diameter than the discharge convey line. With a pair of smaller blowers used in place of a single large, high horsepower blower, efficiency is enhanced and system complexity is markedly reduced.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is pneumatically driven by an air brake system located on the tractor.

Abstract: A bulk material transport apparatus, such as a truck or trailer, having at least one bulk material pressure vessel mounted thereon. The pressure vessel is provided with at least one sealable hatch opening, a first port and a second port all of which are offset from the apex of a torispherical top portion of the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is provided with at least one discharge port located in a toriconical bottom portion thereof and is also provided with air inlet means for introducing pressurized air into the vessel. An operator platform being positioned at a preselected distance from the offset hatch opening and being within such proximity of the offset hatch opening so as to enable an operator positioned on the operator platform to gain access to the interior of the pressure vessel through the hatch opening is provided.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A system for delivering particulate material from a common hopper to row units mounted on each of first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections of an agricultural implement. The delivery system includes a first series of conduits for directing particulate material from the hopper to the row units mounted on the first frame section of the implement and a second series of conduits. Each conduit in the second series of conduits includes a first tube leading from the hopper, a second tube leading from a particular row unit on the second frame section of the implement, and a split manifold coupling for connecting free ends of the tubes in the second series of conduits thereby defining enclosed passages leading from the hopper to each row unit on the second frame section of the implement which is adapted to receive material from the hopper.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, and a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A seed distribution system is provided for planters and drills wherein the distribution system includes a central hopper for supplying a plurality of seed metering units. A plurality of seed distribution units are mounted on a lower portion of the central hopper and each seed distribution unit includes a central tubular member defining an air column for entraining seeds to be distributed from the central hopper. A plurality of discharge outlets open into the air column for receiving seeds therefrom and for conveying the seeds through distribution tubes to metering unit bins associated with each of the seed metering units. In addition, each of the seed metering unit bins is provided with apparatus for adjusting the level of seed accumulated within the bin.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting and handling in bulk by rail granular material and, in particular, phosphorous pentasulfide granules, is characterized by a hopper for containing the granular material in one or more hopper sections, and an outtake for each hopper section having a vertical leg connected to an outlet opening at the bottom of the hopper section and a horizontal leg into which material drops from the hopper through the bottom outlet opening and the vertical leg. A material conveying line connects the downstream end of the horizontal leg of the outtake or outtakes to a material discharge port through which the material is unloaded from the hopper.

Abstract: A trailer especially useful for transporting and unloading bulk powdered material that tends to clump or clod under slight compacting is disclosed, which trailer includes a generally enclosed compartment for holding the bulk material, an air vent at an upward part of the compartment, and has a bottom floor to the compartment equipped with means for injecting air under pressure, which air travels through the material and exits at the vent and serves to mobilize and fluidize the powdered material in the compartment and allows it to flow by gravity down the floor toward an exit wherein it is removed. The particular trailer disclosed is converted from a conventional rectilinear combination or box trailer by the addition of a double set of pipes in the floor, which pipes are supplied during unloading with air from outside the trailer while the trailer is tilted upward on its rear wheels to slant its floor toward the rear wherein an exit manifold is provided for pumping out the fluidized bulk material.

Abstract: A manifold is disclosed which is adapted to be used with a system such as a truck mounted vacuum system and includes a nozzle which re-routes a portion of the exhaust air from the blower associated with the vacuum system back through the nozzle into the intake vacuum hose, thus creating a boost heretofore unavailable. A second embodiment teaches an insert to be used at a junction in the line to further increase the efficiency of the loading system.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (20) for a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a filter assembly (60) mounted in the upper end thereof. The filter assembly (60) includes a cylindrical casing (62) extending into the separator (20) with a screen (70) therein and an adjustable accelerator plate (84) which cleans an adjacent portion of the screen and distributes the collected dust and foreign particles on the remainder of the screen. A second filter assembly (90) is preferably connected between the air outlet of the separator (20) and air inlet of the blower (52) for further dust and foreign particle removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for sowing granular material, particularly in combination with a harrow, including a storage hopper (1) which at its outlet is provided with at least one injector (4) operated by a blower (6) and connected with a transport conduit (5) leading to a number of seed shares (15) and provided with a cam or cellular wheel for metering the granular material, the transport conduit (5) being connected with a metering device (2) divided by a perforated plate (11) into a granulate compartment (12) communicating with the conduit (5) and an air compartment (13) from which hoses (14) extend to their respective seed share (15) and which over cam or cellular wheels (10) is in communication with the granulate compartment (12) and through a conduit (16) is connected with the blower (6) in front of the injector (4).

Abstract: A trailer (10) constructed in conformance with European specification has three wheeled rear axles (56, 58, 60) and is adapted for the gravity unloading of a container (18) loaded with particulate lading. A container support frame (20) is pivotally connected about a horizontal axis (86) positioned between the rearmost axle (60) and intermediate axle (58) and is raised by hydraulic cylinder (92) at an unloading site as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 for the gravity unloading of the particulate lading into a hopper (100) positioned rearwardly of the rearmost axle (60) on a rear overhanging trailer portion (72). A rotary valve (116) in the hopper feeds the particulate lading into a high velocity air stream in a lower pneumatic hopper portion (120) for pneumatic discharge.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in filtering dust and the like from a pressurized air stream flowing through a manhole of a hopper trailer in a particulate transfer system includes a filter sheet having a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the manhole and a plurality of filters mounted thereon. A retainer flange is installed in the manhole for supporting the filter sheet and a filter hold down is provided for holding the filter assembly in the manhole and for pressing the filter sheet into contact with the retainer flange. The filter hold down clamp contacts the filter sheet along the central longitudinal axis of the passage in order to provide one-point hold down of the sheet.

Abstract: A filter assembly (10) for use with a dry bulk type trailer (B) for transporting granular material and other commodities. The trailer is pulled by a truck (T) having an air pump (P) installed thereon. The trailer has an air line (A) by which air is directed from an outlet (OL) of the pump to outlets (O1-O4) of compartments (C1-C4) of the trailer in which commodities are stored. A filter element (24) of the assembly is capable of removing dirt, dust, and rust particles entrained in the airstream flowing from the pump through the air line. The filter element is removably installed in a housing which is installable in-line withing in the airline. Couplers at each end of the housing effect connection of the housing in the air line. A pressure gauge (56) measures the pressure drop across the filter element to help determine when the element is becoming clogged and should be cleaned.

Abstract: This invention relates to a material transfer assembly usable with a pneumatic grain handling system to transfer granular material from a storage bin to a transport truck. The material transfer assembly is connected to a discharge side of the pneumatic grain handling system and includes a discharge joint assembly mounted between an inlet tube assembly and a discharge tube assembly. The discharge joint assembly is provided with a ball sleeve assembly mounted about a ball joint to provide for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis through a tube actuator assembly. The inlet tube assembly is provided with telescopingly mounted first and second tube members operable wherein the second tube member is selectively secured in a desired rotational position about a vertical axis by a lock arm assembly.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (20) for a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a filter assembly (60) mounted in the upper end thereof. The filter assembly (60) includes a cylindrical casing (62) extending into the separator (20) with a screen (70) therein and an adjustable accelerator plate (84) which cleans an adjacent portion of the screen and distributes the collected dust and foreign particles on the remainder of the screen for reduced clogging and fewer operational interruptions to clear the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle for transport of material. To allow for the pellet-like material, such as cattle feed, to be unloaded without disturbance, the height adjustable closing member of the discharge funnel is provided with a cutting edge for destruction of pellet-like material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting and unloading a container (10, 10A) carrying particulate lading which is removably mounted on a tiltable support frame (76, 76A) pivotally mounted on a highway trailer (54, 54A). At the unloading site, a portable throttle valve assembly (108, 108A) and flexible connecting hose (166, 166A) are connected to the container (10, 10A) and the container (10, 10A) is tilted by the support frame (76, 76A) to an angle above the angle of repose of the lading for gravity unloading of the lading from the container (10, 10A) in to a trailer mounted rotary valve (148, 148A) which forms an air lock over a subjacent pneumatic hopper structure (144, 144A) for pneumatic conveyance of the lading to a storage facility.

Abstract: A shut-off means for an air-actuated planter is disclosed, which includes a butterfly valve located within the air manifold of the planter unit, which is connected to a rotational means further connected to a solenoid. A power source is connected to the solenoid which, with the activation of a switch, causes current to flow to the solenoid, rotating the rotational means, and causing the butterfly valve to move within the air manifold. In this manner, air within the air manifold may be blocked at any point where the air valve is located, shutting off the air source to one or more planter units.

Abstract: A universal frame (80) which is particularly adapted for use with a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes an offset longitudinal tongue (16) and hitch (18) and structural members arranged in interconnected so as to provide a minimal outer periphery which in turn improves versatility and facilitates discharge of the grain into an adjacent trailer or truck.

Abstract: A quick pneumatic coupling particularly well adapted for use in a folding agricultural planter comprises a rigid plastic funnel mounted to the end of a first conduit and a flexible and resilient rubber flange member mounted to a second conduit. The inner surface of the funnel forms a sealing surface which is contacted by the flange when it is inserted into the funnel. The coupling can be automatically coupled and decoupled by pivotally inserting and withdrawing the flanged member into and out of the receiving funnel.

Abstract: An aspirator attachment connectable to a conventional grain/air drill hopper for emptying or filling the hopper with grain or fertilizer. The attachment comprises a simple air flow director which may be readily connected to a discharge port of the centrifugal blower carried by the hopper. Standard tubing or hoses are connected to the air flow director for picking up the grain or fertilizer and for directing discharge thereof to a desired location. No modification of existing grain hopper structure is required.