Abstract: A method of delivering proppant to a well site has the steps of transporting a load of proppant in a vessel to a desired location, moving the load of proppant from the vessel into a container so as to create a proppant-loaded container, unloading the proppant-loaded container into a pneumatic bulk trailer, and transporting the unloaded proppant in the pneumatic bulk trailer to well site. The container is placed onto a bed of a truck and moved in proximity to the vessel. The proppant-loaded container is placed onto a tilting mechanism and then tilted so that the proppant is discharged through a flow gate of a container into a hopper. The proppant in the hopper can then be conveyed to the pneumatic bulk trailer.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system and method use a horizontal boom frame supporting a conveyor mechanism for bulk material that is slidable relative to the horizontal boom frame. The conveyor mechanism is positioned such that, with bulk material received at a fixed location, or loading axis, on the horizontal boom frame, a portion of the conveyor mechanism will always be positioned to receive bulk material. The horizontal boom frame can also be made rotatable about the loading axis. By rotating the horizontal boom frame and advancing or withdrawing the conveyor mechanism, the discharge point for bulk materials relative to the loading axis can be altered radially and angularly without interrupting the flow of bulk materials through the system. A supply bridge assembly can be employed to bring the bulk materials to the loading axis of the boom.

Abstract: A robotic container reorganizer has a robot arm that holds a robotic tool. The robotic tool can reconfigure a plurality of articles from a first configuration to a second configuration. The robotic arm may pick up a collection of articles in a first configuration with the robotic tool, and may reconfigure the articles with the robotic tool into a second configuration. The second configuration of articles may be set down after reconfiguration. The first configuration of articles has a first width and a first length, and the second configuration has a second length and a second width. The first width and the first length of the first configuration differ from the second width and the second length of the second configuration.

Abstract: A grain for the storage of grain millions of bushels of grain comprises a floor, a peripheral wall and a flexible covering. The grain bin includes an unloading system which enables the grain to be unloaded from the grain bin without the need to remove the covering and which substantially reduces the dust typically produced during unloading of currently used temporary grain bins.

Abstract: The present invention is about a conveyor plant for pyrites, other foreign materials like metal parts and occasionally ground solid fossil fuel, coming from the grinding mills of the solid fossil fuel, substantially comprising an open or enclosed metal container (1) inside which a metal conveyor belt (6) is disposed. The conveyor receives the material to be conveyed from the pyrites storage tanks (2) of each mill, through interception valves (3) and vibrating feeders (4) or directly from gravity discharge channels. Any spontaneous ignition of the conveyed material is controlled by a putting out system with water nozzles (17) or inert gas or steam admission nozzles (18) according to the plant configurations. The pyrites and the ground solid fossil fuel are collected in a stockage silo (16), it too provided with an inert gas or steam putting out system. For the storage tanks (2) a gas or steam inertization system is provided as well.

Abstract: A material stacking device including: an elevated truss supported at opposite ends by first and second pillars, the first pillar includes a pivot allowing the truss to pivot about the location of the first pillar and the second pillar moving in an arc as the truss turns about the first pillar, and a material conveyor extending at least part way along the truss and discharging material to be deposited to an upper section of a material pile below the truss.

Abstract: A method of transporting and storing an oilfield proppant is provided that includes transporting the proppant to a storage facility by use of a dump truck; providing a load assembly at the storage facility which comprises a load hopper and a load conveyor; transferring the proppant from the dump truck to the load hopper; and operating the load conveyor to transport the proppant from the load hopper to a proppant storage area of the storage facility to form an accumulation of stored proppant therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reclaiming bulk solid material from storage stockpiles or from watercraft. A storage and reclaim system includes a support surface for supporting a stockpile of bulk material. The support surface is defined by a plurality of individual material support structures geometrically arranged and positioned with reference to each other so that the support surface is essentially continuous. Each of the material support structures in turn includes a dish or funnel-like structure having a generally conical floor surface sloping towards an individual discharge opening fitted with a discharge control gate. An array of vibrators is mechanically connected to each of the material support structures so as to introduce vibrational energy into the dish or funnel-like structures sufficient to either avoid a stable reclaim cone or to destabilize a stable reclaim cone which may form in order to maintain material discharge flow.

Abstract: A material stacking device including: an elevated truss supported at opposite ends by first and second pillars, the first pillar includes a pivot allowing the truss to pivot about the location of the first pillar and the second pillar moving in an arc as the truss turns about the first pillar, and a material conveyor extending at least part way along the truss and discharging material to be deposited to an upper section of a material pile below the truss.

Abstract: A transfer terminal includes a storage structure bounding a chamber, the chamber being adapted to receive bulk material. A surge bin is at least partially disposed within the chamber of the storage structure. The surge bin receives the bulk material for dispensing. In one embodiment, for a portion of the bulk material that cannot freely flow into the surge bin, mechanical structures are provided for transferring the bulk material into the surge bin. A passageway extends through or below at least a portion of the storage structure. The first surge bin is in communication with the passageway for delivering the bulk material thereto.

Abstract: A reclaiming system for use with bulk material includes a storage structure, an elongated mechanical reclaimer, and an aeration system for delivering a pressurized gas into bulk material located within the storage structure. The storage structure comprising a floor having a perimeter wall upstanding therefrom, the floor and perimeter wall bounding a chamber adapted to hold bulk material, the floor having a passageway formed thereon. The elongated mechanical reclaimer has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being disposed adjacent to the passageway and the second end being rotatable about the first end. The aeration system is located adjacent to the floor, adjacent to the mechanical reclaimer or is integrated into the mechanical reclaimer. By using the mechanical reclaimer in conjunction with the aeration system, the bulk material is effectively removed from the storage structure through the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved stacker reclaimer apparatus for building up and discharging bulk material. The improved stacker reclaimer apparatus includes only one stacker bearing to separate the stacker machine from the reclaimer machine. A torque reaction member is rotatable connected to the stacker upper column. The torque reaction member is made of an arm portion and a torque arm bearing frame.

Abstract: A cargo loading apparatus and method tightly and efficiently disperse material pieces such as wood chips into a cargo space. The loading apparatus includes an elongated symmetrical body such as an elongated cylinder having vanes or blades along the surface thereof. The apparatus is mounted across the stream of material pieces. As the body rotates through the stream of pieces, the vanes strike the pieces and disperse them within the cargo space. In one embodiment the vanes are mounted parallel to the axis of rotation of the apparatus and thus disperse the pieces primarily in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, at least some of the vanes are mounted at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation and thus disperse the materials in a fan-shaped pattern. The vanes can include a detachable wear plate mounted to a support bracket which may be readily replaced without having to repair or replace other parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: An uncovered storage facility for stockpiling bulk materials for establishing stockpiles (38) of predetermined geometry. The facility comprises a base (40) having facing retaining walls (42, 44) which are provided by structural berms (46, 48). The berms (46, 48) are for supporting a stacker machine (10) on one side of a stockpile (38) and a reclaimer machine (22) on the other side of the stockpile (38). A high berm (46) supports a stacker machine (10) and a low berm supports a reclaimer (22). The berms (46, 48) provide for more efficient access to a stockpile (38) by a stacker (10) and a reclaimer (22) and a predetermined stockpile geometry which allows increased reclaim efficiency compared to a stockpile of traditional geometry.

Abstract: An uncovered storage facility for stockpiling bulk materials for establishing stockpiles (38) of predetermined geometry. The facility comprises a base (40) having facing retaining walls (42, 44) which are provided by structural berms (46, 48). The berms (46, 48) are for supporting a stacker machine (10) on one side of a stockpile (38) and a reclaimer machine (22) on the other side of the stockpile (38). A high berm (46) supports a stacker machine (10) and a low berm supports a reclaimer (22). The berms (46, 48) provide for more efficient access to a stockpile (38) by a stacker (10) and a reclaimer (22) and a predetermined stockpile geometry which allows increased reclaim efficiency compared to a stockpile of traditional geometry.

Abstract: This apparatus for clearing and removing the bulk material from a pile of bulk material comprises a movable bridge, at least one scraper arrangement which is movable along this bridge and a bulk material conveyor arrangement which is also supported by the bridge and arranged in the proximity of the base of the heap, at least one movable bulk material activating tooth being held by the bridge in the region before this conveyor arrangement. In this way large stones or stone chippings are also reliably removed with rest of the bulk material.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing and removing bulk material in a round pile, in which a truss is rotatable about a vertical axis on a substructure. The truss carries a material depositing belt and a bulk material receiver which is pivotable in a vertical direction. A counterweight on the truss balances weight. The substructure is hopper-shaped. The truss is mounted on the substructure by a bearing, and rollers carry the truss which runs on the substructure. The bulk material receiver is in the form of a drag that conveys to a hopper of the substructure. This hopper has a bottom with a conveying medium under which a conveyor belt runs. The bearing has a large diameter annular track that is elevated on posts on the substructure. A rotatable plough located at the bottom of the hopper is the single conveying element on the hopper bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus using a miner, tramming conveyor and cart-type belt system wherein the system has a plurality of interconnected rail mounted carts having a lower portion supporting a panel belt and an upper portion for supporting the conveyor in both a conveying and a tramming mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a side scraper which serves for the discharge of loose material from a heap of loose material and in which the free space between the surface of the heap to be cleared and the upper face of the scraper scoops is covered by a support element. In this way the mound of material which forms in the lower region of the heap on the cutting side of the scraper conveyor in the known constructions is avoided.

Abstract: An elongated stockpile of flowable solid material with two halves disposed at the opposite sides of a longitudinal vertical symmetry plane is accumulated by transporting the material feeding portion of an elongated conveyor in the interior and lengthwise of the upper slope of a mansard-shaped shed together with a manifold having two ducts which receive flowable material from the feeding portion and flank the conveyor. The ducts discharge material onto two discrete transverse conveyors which are shiftable so that their discharge ends move nearer to or further away from the symmetry plane. The transverse conveyors are movable with the manifold lengthwise of the upper slope and are mounted on a gauntry which travels along rails. The transverse conveyors discharge streams of flowable material which forms elongated piles, first on the floor and thereupon on the layer of flowable material which is formed by the piles covering the floor at both sides of the symmetry plane.

Abstract: A feeder head assembly is provided which includes a single pair of augers which collect bulk material contained within a vessel. These augers advance the material to a lifting conveyor. A frame pivotally mounted to a rotatable enclosure portion of the lifting conveyor supports the augers on opposite sides of the conveyor with one end of each auger disposed proximate to the open lower end of the conveyor. Hydraulic motors disposed on the frame drive the augers. The assembly includes springs which bias the frame and augers to a perpendicular relation with the lifting conveyor whereby the assembly automatically adjusts to the configuration of the material and the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling bulk material located in a pile at a storage site including a stationary support column that is anchored at the lowermost end thereof. The support column supports a stacker device at the uppermost end thereof, the stacker device being mounted for rotating movement relative to said support column for stacking the material at the storage site in a substantially circular array. A material feed device is mounted over said stacker device and feeds the material thereto during the stacking operation. Mounted for rotary movement relative to said support column is a reclaimer device, the reclaimer device being operable to reclaim the material from the pile for transfer thereof to a discharge area.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering dried fine fuel. Moist coal is extracted from a source and initially dried to a moisture content of five percent by a gas fired dryer plant. The initially dried fuel is then transported to a central processing site whereat the coal is pulverized and further dried and fed to a storage silo. Tractor-trailers receive the dried fine coal from the storage silo and transport same to the end user's site. The trailer is disconnected from the tractor and is utilized as a storage tank as the coal is withdrawn therefrom on an as-needed basis. A fuel injector coupled to a variable rate feeder is utilized in one embodiment to convey the dried fine fuel from the trailer to the burner.

Abstract: In one exemplar embodiment, an apparatus for handling and conveying materials is disclosed having a movable chassis, a longitudinally extendable conveyor assembly mounted on the chassis, the conveyor having a projecting loading end capable of limited longitudinal and arcuate vertical movement to a position immediately adjacent the location of the material being handled. An articulated boom assembly is rotatably mounted on the chassis with the movable free end carrying a pushing and pulling blade for loading the material unto the loading end of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for a raking device which illustratively includes a harrow, which moves along a bridge in a reciprocating direction and which includes a mechanism for ensuring that any motion of an apex of the harrow is substantially linear as the harrow moves throughout its entire range of travel, is described. Specifically, this mechanism is comprised of a flexible tension element which forms part of a hoist and is reeved between a stationary support and the harrow such that the effective length, of the part of the flexible tension element which determines the inclination of the harrow, is adjusted in direct response to the distance through which the harrow has moved along the bridge with respect to an end point of its travel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for depositing solid particulate material in a frustoconical pile within a space of predetermined dimensions comprising, in combination:(a) a screw conveyor for particulate material arranged substantially horizontally;(b) means for feeding particulate material to the screw conveyor;(c) the screw conveyor having a screw mounted at one end for driven rotation and operatively disposed in the screw conveyor for receiving and transporting particulate material therealong;(d) means for depositing particulate material conveyed by the screw conveyor as a pile below the conveyor up to a maximum height corresponding to the level of the screw;(e) the screw being arranged when maximum pile height is reached to carry particulate material at its level along the top of the pile to an outer edge thereof for deposit there, thereby leveling off the top of the pile and maintaining a frustoconical shape in the pile, while ensuring spreading of the pile of particulate material throughout and within a space of

Abstract: A scraper arm apparatus for use especially with concrete mixers, including an endless chain provided at spaced apart intervals with scraper members and movable in a vertical plane about a support member, which is fixed to the opening of a hopper which receives aggregate from a pile on the ground level. The upper end of the support member is movable vertically with respect to the fixed hopper.

Abstract: A connection conveyor belt device for conveying overburden or other bulk material between a belt conveyor system and a boom stacker which is coupled with the connection belt device, which has a bridge and an undercarriage. The connection conveyor device can be uncoupled from the stacker, and the bridge thereof is displaceably supported on the undercarriage by supporting means in such a way that the supporting point can occupy every position of the range which extends approximately from the center of gravity to the receiving end of the bridge, and that the bridge is securable against tilting in the center of gravity position.

Abstract: An arrangement for piling a bulky material of different grain sizes has one central and two lateral passages, a guiding element located upstream of the passages and arranged to guide a flow of a bulky material toward the lateral passages, and grate elements located between the guiding element and a respective one of the passages and arranged so that the fine portion of the material passes through each of the grate elements into a respective one of the lateral passages, whereas the coarse grain portion of the material is guided over the grate elements so as to pass into the central passage.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for handling and conveying materials is disclosed having a movable chassis, a longitudinally extendable conveyor assembly mounted on the chassis, the conveyor having a projecting loading end capable of limited longitudinal and arcuate vertical movement to a position immediately adjacent the location of the material being handled. An articulated boom assembly is rotatably mounted on the chassis with the movable free end carrying a pushing and pulling blade for loading the material unto the loading end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A device for the building up and discharge of an annular dump of bulk on a circular storage site. In the center of the circular storage site is provided at least one jib of a dumping device rotatable about a vertical axis, which is fed with the bulk material by means of a feed belt, the discharge end of which is situated above the dumping device in the center of the device. Moreover there is provided at least one removal device which can be swivelled about said vertical axis and machinery situated in the neighborhood of the center by means of which the bulk material removed is fed to a conveyor belt passing through said vertical axis. The removal device and the jib of the dumping device are arranged on a framework which is supported and guided on at least one circular railway concentric with said axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the self-unloading of dry, particulate bulk material from multiple storage chambers comprising a plurality of aligned holds or the like (12, 14, 16, 18), having aligned discharged gates (46) formed in the bases thereof for discharge onto a longitudinal, tunnel conveyor (50). A pair of scraper conveyors (52) pivotally mounted (54) to a vertical frame (56) are movable into and out of each such hold with the aid of hoists (58) and vertical elevating mechanisms (62). A longitudinally movable support (64) is further provided for transferring the assembly lengthwise of and above the respective holds as well as for traversing the support (64) within each hold to facilitate unloading operations in connection with each such hold.The scraper conveyors may thus be deployed within or removed from the relatively narrow hatchways (22) of the several cargo holds for sequential operation within each.

Abstract: A stockpile drum reclaiming machine is operable in either direction has a twelve faced drum carried on a gantry provided with wheeled bogies running on rails over the length of the stockpile. The faces are arranged in pairs each pair with an interior angle of 165.degree. and a T-section member positioned externally along the arris to form opposed blind pockets during reclaiming, the drum may be rotated and moved in either direction and alternative transfer conveyors carried on an arcuate beam rotatable through a restricted arc are positionable to receive reclaimed material thrown clear of the drum after having been carried over in the appropriate pockets. Oscillatable luffable harrows are provided to each side of the drum and are positionable to engage the stockpile being reclaimed.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing particulate material not normally larger than about 0.5 dm.sup.3 in volume such as wood chips, bark, coal, ore, slag, municipal waste or industrial waste, from a pile whose sides are at an angle of at least 40.degree. to the horizontal. The apparatus includes an elongated scraper means arranged for oscillating movement along its longitudinal axis in contact with the sides of the pile from the bottom to the top of the pile for scraping material down from the pile towards approximately ground level where the material is carried by conveying means away from the pile site. The scraper means is carried on a frame arranged for movement along the base of the pile of material and at right angles thereto to selected parts of said pile for scraping material from the pile.

Abstract: This invention relates to stockyard transporter and tripper car equipment which is movable on rail disposed on both sides, comprising portal uprights provided with running gears, a tripper car frame and a boom, which is mounted so that it can be lifted and lowered and/or rotated. Here the stockyard transporter is supported in the tripper car substantially without a counterweight.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for removing particulate material, such as wood chips, bark, municipal waste or industrial waste, from a pile thereof, comprising a support extending along the base of the pile and a carriage movable on the support along its longitudinal axis. Mounted on the carriage are an elongated scraper for scraping material from the pile, and a conveyor for collecting and carrying away particulate material scraped down from the pile.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming bulk solids from a storage pile outside on the ground or inside in a warehouse has a longitudinally extending row of arches that stand underneath the pile on the ground and that are interconnected by at least one beam extending longitudinally along the row of arches. A longitudinally extending and downwardly concave roof is supported on the arches and has lower edges spaced above the ground. A longitudinally extending conveyor is provided underneath the roof and below its lower edges. A carriage is reciprocated the full length of the row beneath the roof and above the conveyor while rotating an impeller about an upright axis. This impeller has arms which define an orbit projecting horizontally outwardly beyond the lower edges of the roof into the pile so that when rotated it sweeps bulk solids from the pile onto the conveyor so that the conveyor in turn can carry these bulk solids longitudinally out of the pile.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading bulk material from a storage space includes an upward conveyor (14), in particular a screw conveyor. For scraping the bulk material to the inlet end (22) of the upward conveyor (14), there is a scraper conveyor (27, 28) which is pivotally movable up and down and is telescopically extensible. The scraper conveyor is pivotally connected to a protective tube (24) which is rotatable and extends about the upward conveyor (14). The protective tube is located within a pressure-absorbing pipe which prevents the bulk material from impeding the rotational movement of the protective tube. This arrangement makes it possible for the scraper conveyor to remove bulk material from different regions of the storage space, including corners.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding material from a large supply of such material wherein a screw is horizontally disposed at the bottom of the piled material. Both ends of the screw are mounted in a trunnion bracket in a traversing carriage which supports the screw and allows axial movement relative to the trunnion carriages and skewing movement in a horizontal plane. A drive motor is mounted directly to the screw and is in turn supported in a trunnion bracket. Separate drive motors power the carriage at both ends of the screw. Proximity switches are disposed in conjunction with the front trunnion bracket to both limit the degree of skewing and to control the traversing motors on the carriages to keep the apparatus aligned and reciprocating beneath the piled material.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a take-up head for a conveyor installation that removes bulk material from the hold of a ship. The take-up head includes a vertical conveying tube carried by a frame, the lower end of the tube defining a take-up aperture. A rotary feeder having a plurality of radially extending spiral veins is rotatably driven to drive material inwardly to the take-up aperture. A holding device, which takes various forms in the several embodiments, projects downward in coaxial relation relative to the feeder to engage the bulk material and resist lateral movement of the take-up head. Anchoring apparatus, which takes the form of a plurality of laterally extending pivotal arms or a laterally extending auxiliary conveyor, is constructed for lowering into engagement with the material to resist rotation of the frame as the feeder rotates. The take-up head is suspended from an on-shore jib that moves the head to various positions within the ship's hold to remove all bulk material.

Abstract: A bridge is movable transversely to its longitudinal direction. A carrier extends in the longitudinal direction and is mounted on the bridge to be movable in said longitudinal direction. An inclined pole is connected to the carrier and extends upwardly to a top end of the pole from a point of the carrier which is nearer to the mid-point than to each end point of the carrier. A plurality of lower rope holders are provided on the carrier on opposite sides of the mid-point and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of ropes are associated with and connected to respective ones of the lower rope holders. A plurality of vertically spaced apart upper rope holders are secured to the pole. One of the upper rope holders is disposed near the top end. Each of the upper rope holders is connected to two of the ropes which are connected to lower rope holders provided on opposite sides of the mid-point in such a manner that none of the ropes crosses another between the upper and lower rope holders.

Abstract: An unloading device for equipment such as ships, bunkers, storage yards or the like comprises an elevator which has a substantially vertical supporting structure with a lower pickup end and an upper delivery end and a conveyor mounted on the structure with an elevator section for conveying material substantially vertical along the support structure. The lower end of the support structure engages into a rotatable bucket wheel which is mounted on a supporting structure. The bucket wheel is mounted in an inclined position relative to the supporting structure preferably at an angle of 45.degree. to the vertical axis of the supporting structure.

Abstract: Bulk solids are reclaimed from a large bulk-solids storage pile standing on the ground by a system having a row of arches extending underneath the pile and having feet standing on the ground. An elongated downwardly concave roof is supported on this row of arches and has horizontally spaced lower edges spaced above the ground. A pair of longitudinally extending and parallel tables are supported on the arches below the lower edges of the roof and each have an outer edge turned away from the other table and an inner edge defining with the inner edge of the other table a horizontally extending slot so that bulk solids can flow under the lower edges onto the tables. A carriage is displaceable longitudinally along the row of arches above the slot and under the roof and carries an impeller which is displaceable across the tables and across the slot so that it can sweep material on the tables into the slot.

Abstract: A gantry scraper for the clearing of dumps which can function in closed buildings and can clear substantially the entire area under the scraper. A vertically swingable scraping jib is provided in combination with a tensioned clearing rope or the like which extends upwardly and at an angle to the adjacent beam of the scraper jib, which clearing rope contacts bulk material beyond the end of the jib and knocks the material down to where it is accessible by the jib.

Abstract: A method of storing sand coated with calcium chloride is disclosed which method comprises covering the sand with a plastic sheet which is then coated with a layer of plastic foam to protect the sand from moisture and to keep the cover in place.

Abstract: A material handling system for continuous reclaiming or unloading of bulk cargo from the "dead flow" regions of a ship hold. An unloading conveyor is positioned in underlying relation to the hold substantially centrally of the transverse dimension of the hold and moves lengthwise of the hold. The bottom of the hold is provided with gated discharge hoppers in overlying and discharging relation to the unloading conveyor. A suspended reclaim scraper is provided on each of the opposite lateral sides of the longitudinal axis of the ship hold to transfer bulk material laterally from the respective "dead flow" regions to the centrally located discharge hoppers and thus to the underlying unloading conveyor. Each reclaim scraper is suspended by a cable hoist system from a suspension head carried by a trolley which is traversible lengthwise of the hold along a track positioned in the upper portion of the hold, whereby to traverse the reclaim scraper longitudinally of the hold.

Abstract: A pile of a commodity such as coal is coated with a composition which forms a continuous gel thereon whereby water incursion into the pile is prevented. The composition is comprised of a liquid hydrocarbon having a viscosity greater than about 50 centipoises at 75.degree. F. and a minimum boiling point greater than about 500.degree. F. gelled with an alkaline earth metal salt of rosin acid.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus for stacking and distributing comminuted material including a fixed first support, a second support supported by the first support and capable of rotation about a vertically extending axis, an arm secured to the second support and concomitantly rotatable with the second support, a rotating mechanism for rotating the second support about the rotational axis, a first pulley secured to one end of the arm, a second pulley secured to the arm between the second support and the end of the arm opposite the first pulley, an endless conveyor belt around the first and second pulleys, support elements along the arm to support the conveyor belt, an actuating mechanism for driving the conveyor belt about the first and second pulleys, a plow supported by the arm having a plow blade above and in proximity to the conveyor belt and a reversible winch for moving the plow along the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for blending flowable solid materials. These are conveyed in turn, conveniently over a belt weigher, to a tripper mounted above a hopper so as to build up a first charge consisting of a plurality of inclined contiguous bands each of a different material. A paddle feeder removes material in a series of passes along the bottom of the first charge, the material removed being conveyed again to the tripper for discharge into a second hopper adjacent the first, thereby to build up a second charge also consisting of a plurality of inclined contiguous bands each of a different material. A second paddle feeder then removes material in a series of passes along the second charge to form the final blend.

Abstract: A shiploading device comprising a pivotable elongate bridge support structure having its cargo transference end linearly movable alongside a docked cargo vessel. The invention is particularly characterized in the mounting for the opposite end of the bridge which permits pivotal motion thereof concurrently with linear motion of the cargo transference end alongside the docked vessel.