Abstract: A robust grabber arm for use as part of a refuse collection vehicle has an inner arm member and an outer arm member which are designed to have parallel beams coupled to one another so that a wide operating profile is created. Further, care is taken in configuring compounds so that each of the hinge points and coupling points are accessible for service and maintenance purposes. To provide additional consistency, common bearings and hinge pins are used throughout, so that maintenance and possible replacement can be easily achieved.

Abstract: This disclosed Self-Erecting Cargo Handling Power Drive Unit (PDU) assembly is one of several such units installed in the load area of a cargo carrier at the below floor level for the propose of facilitating cargo movement in either forward or aft direction and is intended for larger individual pieces or cargo loaded on pallet. This self-erecting power drive unit (PDU) consists primarily of a mounting base unit, reversible drive motor with self-activating brake and toothed drive sprocket assembly, hinged drive motor mount, cog (toothed) belt with teeth on one side and a smooth side opposite, idler pulleys and pivot arms for the flanged idler pulleys. The reversible drive motor with self-activating brake and toothed drive sprocket assembly power the cog belt and many be operated in either forward or aft direction by selectively energizing the reversible drive motor.

Abstract: A grain storehouse includes a granary, a grain loading system, and a grain unloading system. The granary includes multiple storages arranged in a network format. The bottom of each storage is a tapered structure with a tapered surface downward, and the bottom of the tapered structure provides a switchable blanking exit. The grain loading system includes a lattice girder structure, a plurality of conveyors and multiple hoppers. The grain unloading system includes at least one conveyor that is located under the blanking exit. The present invention improves the automaticity and efficiency of grain loading and unloading of the grain storehouse, so that the grain can be transferred quickly.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle is disclosed, having a body with an upper and a lower portion, the upper portion having a top rim forming a gusset with a vertical wall and a horizontal wall, the lower portion having a bottom side with a base rim. On the back side of the upper portion is a handle attached to the body of the receptacle. The handle is attached to the upper portion by at least one projecting sidewall. A lid is included, having a convex upper surface and two sets of opposing sidewalls. The opposing sidewalls correspond with the top rim of the body. The lid includes at least one projection to attach to the handle with a securing plate and fastener. The lower portion includes a drainage plug so that liquids within the body can be easily drained. A pair of wheels are connected by an axle and housed within wheel recesses.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling dispersal of a granular material from a transport assembly. In an implementation, a system includes a transport assembly including a transport storage receptacle configured to receive granular material, and a payload deposit assembly coupled to transport storage receptacle. The payload assembly configured to disperse the granular material. A location-determining device coupled to the transport assembly. The location-determining device is configured to determine a position of the transport assembly with respect to a storage receptacle. A control mechanism is coupled to the transport storage receptacle, and the control mechanism is configured to control dispersal of the granular material. An electronic device is operatively coupled to the control mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elevated structure extending along and above a receptacle, a trolley for travel along the elevated structure, a trolley bucket supported by the trolley for receiving and discharging unconsolidated material, and a high-lift structure including a rotatable dumper lift for lifting unconsolidated material from a first elevation to a second elevation greater than the first elevation, and discharging unconsolidated material into the trolley bucket. The high-lift structure is operably coupled with the elevated structure. The rotatable dumper lift can receive a first volume of unconsolidated material at the first elevation, lift the first volume from the first elevation to the second elevation, and discharge the first volume into the trolley bucket. The trolley bucket can discharge the first volume of unconsolidated material into the receptacle while the rotatable dumper lift receives a second volume of unconsolidated material at the first elevation.

Abstract: A waste collection vehicle, such as a garbage truck, recycling truck or organic waste collection truck, has a bucket drive mechanism. The vehicle has a waste container that houses a bin and a movable bucket for receiving waste. The movable bucket is driven upwardly in sliding contact with a divider wall of the bin by the bucket drive mechanism. The bucket drive mechanism further causes the bucket to rotate about a pivot for transferring waste from the bucket into the bin. A rotatable paddle may be provided for sweeping the waste from the bucket and for compacting the waste inside the bin. The bucket drive mechanism may include inclined actuators eccentrically connected to sliding collars that run over guide rails to raise the bucket until the sliding collars reach a horizontally disposed rocker shaft that acts as a pivot for pivoting the bucket.

Abstract: An automated side loading mechanism for a refuse collection body capable of lifting and emptying a refuse container equipped with a trunnion bar. A carriage reaches out from the side of the collection body and includes a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism includes pockets to receive opposing ends of the trunnion bar on the refuse container. Lock arms pivot downward so that bar members on the lock arms overlie top edges of the refuse container. The carriage is retracted and the lift mechanism is raised on the carriage so that the refuse container can be upended over the load opening of the collection body. The bars on the lock arms angle upwardly to allow plastic lids hinged to the refuse container to swing past the bars when the container is upended, while restraining the container from falling into the collection body.

Abstract: A collection arm for a refuse vehicle or intermediate container has a collection arm adapted to be coupled with the refuse vehicle or the intermediate container. The refuse arm includes a pivot mechanism to secure it with a bumper of the vehicle or with the container. A telescopic boom is adapted to couple with the pivot mechanism. The boom has a grasping mechanism coupled with an end of the telescopic boom. The grasping mechanism moves garbage cans from a pick up position to an empty position.

Abstract: A refuse collection container has a box shape. A movable arm is movably mounted on the container. The movable arm grasps refuse cans and dumps the refuse cans into the container. A slot is formed on a rear wall of the container to enable a portion of the arm to extend through the container. The arm is positioned adjacent the slot such that a movable portion of the arm is positioned inside of the container. The arm moves horizontally in and out of the container to grasp and return refuse cans.

Abstract: In a multi-silo distribution and storage system, the regions between the stationary and transport batchers, and between transport batcher and storage bin are isolated during asphalt discharge with a bellows automatically deployed when clamshell gates of the stationary and transport batchers are opened. The storage bin is provided with a sealing door that lifts vertically for unsealing and slides horizontally to permit access to the bin interior for receiving asphalt discharged from the transport batcher. After registry above the top bin opening, the sealing door is forced downwardly to create a tight seal. For prolonged storage, a fluid seal isolates the lower discharge gate of the storage bin. Steam is delivered to the stored asphalt and bin interior to displace atmospheric oxygen vented through a valve in the bin top. An oxygen sensor linked to a process controller monitors the oxygen level within the storage bin.

Abstract: A grain storage pit includes an open-top chamber configured to be substantially flush-mounted in a surface and a grain-receiving grate that covers at least a portion of the open-top chamber so that grain may be poured into the open-top chamber through the grate from a truck positioned over the pit. The grate has a convex-shaped upper surface so that a cover placed over the grate more effectively sheds water. The grain storage pit may also include one or more unloading ports for facilitating removal of grain from the pit. At least one of the unloading ports may be adjustably mounted to an opening in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system of unloading bulk material that comprises at least a silo for receiving a bulk load discharged from a load transport means; and at least a feeder to feed the load from the silo to a conveyor belt. The system comprises a flow control means that regulates the operating parameters of the feeder to make sure that an estimated calibrated flow rate corresponds to a desired flow rate, where the estimated calibrated flow rate is obtained based on a calibration factor calculated by comparing an estimated flow based on an operating parameter of the feeder with a real flow measured downstream of the silo.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: A system including a receptacle having an inlet for receiving a poke material therethrough and a carrier for supporting a flexible bag with a closable discharge spout, containing a bulk material to be deposited in such receptacle, and means operable upon a bag loaded with bulk material being supported thereon such spout being aligned with such receptacle inlet and such spout being opening for jostling such bag to enhance the discharge of material through such spout into such receptacle, wherein such carrier and such receptacle are provided with cooperating configurations facilitating the positioning of such carrier relative to such receptacle with said bag spout aligned with such receptacle inlet.

Abstract: The flipping trash can is adapted especially for use in fast-food restaurants or the like. The trash can includes a pedal-operated, spring-biased lid. When the lid is opened, a tray (with trash thereon) is positioned on a tray receiving mechanism that flips the tray so that trash thereon is deposited in a trash bin. The mechanism is designed to then move the empty tray to a storage area for retrieval and reuse. A sound-emitting, electronic device may be attached to the lid and is programmed to emit the phrase “Thank You” when the lid opens. The receptacle can be designed in different configurations (animals, spaceships, autos, etc) to attract attention and enhance aesthetics.

Abstract: A system for monitoring railroad cars comprising a hatch cover assembly including a cover body, a sensor, a wireless transmitter for transmitting data received from the sensor, a wireless receiver for receiving the data from the wireless transmitter, and a satellite transmitter for transmitting the data to a satellite. The wireless receiver and the satellite transmitter are attached to the hatch cover assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is an air flow sensor having a sensing unit situated in the plenum of a vented hatch cover. In another embodiment, the sensor is a chain tension sensor attached to a handbrake chain. In another embodiment, the sensor is a hatch cover position attached to the hatch cover assembly.

Abstract: A particle spreader system for efficiently evenly distributing particles (i.e. grain, seed, etc.) within a storage bin. The particle spreader system generally includes a manifold including a plurality of discharge openings and a lower opening, a plurality of gates attached to the manifold, wherein the gates incrementally adjust about the discharge openings and a plurality of chutes attached to the manifold, wherein the plurality of chutes extend outwardly from the plurality of discharge openings. The manifold suspendedly attaches to an inlet of a storage bin, wherein the manifold receives a mass of particles via the inlet and wherein the gates regulates a flow of the mass of particles through the discharge openings.

Abstract: Output device for a container (6) which includes a bottom and a surrounding wall, having a hub (1) and at least two arms (3) fixed to the hub (1). The invention is characterized in that each arm (3) is designed with at least one outer section designed and arranged to at use being capable of essentially preventing material from being brought towards the wall of the container, and at least one inner section connected to the outer section, designed and arranged to at use being capable of bringing the material essentially in the direction of feed for the device, at which the at least two arms (3) present essentially concave surfaces facing the direction of feed.

Abstract: A grapple device is provided for handling cylindrical cotton modules each having its circumference wrapped with a length of plastic sheet wrapping material. The grapple is equipped with a RFID reader for determining the location of a loose inner tail section of the wrapping material to which is attached an RFID tag assembly. The grapple device is also equipped with powered rollers which can be driven so as to cause the cotton module to be rotated about its axis so as to position the loose tail section of the wrapping material at an upper location of the module so as to permit a bottom surface location of the module to be slit by operation of a cutting device so as to release the cotton from the wrapper when the cotton module is positioned over a conveyor floor of a cotton gin. The powered rollers are then driven to aid in the removal and collection of the of the wrapping material from the module. In one embodiment, a separate set of powered rollers are provided for removing the wrapping material.

Abstract: Wrapped cotton bales transported from a cotton harvest area to a receiver at the gin are moved intact to a position generally above a receiver upstream of the ginning equipment. As the bales are supported and conveyed, knife or similar cutting structure severs a portion of the wrap allowing egress of the cotton from the wrap into the receiver. Wrap removal structure prevents the wrap from entering the ginning equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the wrap is conveyed to a wrap processor after the cotton falls into the receiver. The bale handler can include transversely adjustable cantilever supports to tension wrap for efficient cutting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a reactor formed by of a plurality of tubes, which are substantially arranged vertically, substantially run parallel to each other and each have a filling opening. The loading device includes a plurality of funnel elements, through which the tubes can be loaded with bulk material, whereby the funnel elements are adapted to the reactor so that a substantially closed surface can be created with a plurality of funnel elements arranged side by side when the filling tubes extend into the tubes of the reactor through the filling openings. Furthermore, a pouring device for loading the tubes through the funnel elements is provided, whereby the pouring device is arranged above the funnel elements and lets the bulk material fall evenly rain-like onto all funnel elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device (12) for a reactor formed by a plurality of vertically extending tubes (50). Said device is formed by loading elements (10) each of which comprises a circular plate (30) having two noses (16) formed thereon being positioned diametrically opposed to each other, and an opening (24) and a filling tube (26) the end side of which is formed around said opening (24) of said plate (30). The outer contours of said individual plates (30) are adapted to the reactor in such a manner that in case of a plurality of loading elements (10) being arranged side by side a parquet-like closed surface is formable when said filling tubes (26) extend through filling openings (25) into said tubes (50) of the reactor.

Abstract: A basket gate mechanism, including two opposed gate segments supported at its ends by pairs of different length arms interconnected by a mechanism to coordinate the movement of the segments which are opened and closed by a double acting hydraulic cylinder simplifying the opening and closing of the gate; a linkage device to support the gates minimizing torsional stress resulting from the gate being angled, and a pair of shear plates to control the level of the solids discharged onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A mechanism for hindering the escape of grain dust from a grain bin, including baffle units having diagonally extending barrier members and vertically oriented baffle members. First and second sloped side walls of the bin, a cover, and a curtain confine the circulation of dust to portions of the bin remote from the baffle units to thereby hinder the escape of dust from the bin. Metering and dump units can be combined with the baffle units to allow operation of a single grain bin in both the high and low flow rate modes of operation.

Abstract: A device for hooking, lifting and dumping a dustbin, of the type for use on a truck having sidewise loading. The device has two arms that are pivotally connected to each other and a third arm (16) provided with a catch for hooking the dustbin and hinged to the one of the arms. A lever is secured to the one arm and a plunger is provided that is hinged, on one side, to the lever and, on the other side, to the other arm at a pivot point so as to achieve, together with the other arm and the lever, a four-bar linkage. The plunger consist of an extensible arm so as to cause the four-bar linkage to assume two different configurations, one during progressing towards a dustbin, the other during lifting and rotating thereof.

Abstract: A mobile metering and storage apparatus which includes a mobile unit such as, for example, a tractor of a tractor-trailer unit adapted to transport, store and meter material accommodated in the mobile unit. A discharge conveyor is provided at a floor level of the mobile unit for receiving and discharging material from the mobile unit. At least one feed conveyor is disposed at a floor level of the mobile unit for feeding material to the discharge conveyor. The feed conveyor may take the form of a single tapered screw supported in a cantilever fashion along one side of the mobile unit or may be fashioned as two cantilevered tapered screw conveyors supported on a head assembly disposed substantially centrally of the mobile unit and extending in a longitudinal direction thereof.

Abstract: An arrangement for transferring bulk goods from ships into silos by means of suction and pressure conveyance. The arrangement includes a suction conveying line with suction nozzle to be placed in the ship and leading to a lock-type receiving container. A pressure-conveying line leads from the container to the silo. A screw-type pump is provided at the bottom of the container for continuously feeding the material to the pressure conveying line. The material travels through the container by gravity. The receiving container includes container segments which are arranged so as to be telescopically extendable. All components of the arrangement are mounted on a road-travelling vehicle. During operation, the segments of the container are extended. During travel, the container segments are slid into each other.

Abstract: A dumper for use in dumping the contents of a container. The dumper includes a hollow receiving portion for receiving therein at least an upper end of the container and an outlet portion for guiding contents emanating from the container to a desired location. A mechanism for effecting a relative movement between the receiving portion and the upper end of the container and an orientation of the receiving portion onto the upper end of the container is provided. An inflatable bladder mechanism is mounted on an inwardly facing surface of the receiving portion and oriented to engage a peripheral side surface of the container, when inflated, with sufficient force to clamp and hold the container to the receiving portion. A tipping mechanism is also provided for tipping the receiving portion and the container in unison only when the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A lift unit for lifting and inverting waste containers for emptying. The waste containers are of the type having an enlarged lip proximate the mouth of the container. The lift unit includes grippers for gripping the enlarged lip of the container and lifting arms for lifting and inverting the waste container for emptying while gripped by the enlarged lip. The lift unit includes a support for supporting the side of the waste container while the container is being lifted and inverted. The grippers are carried by the lifting arms. The pair of opposed lifting arms can be adjusted to waste containers of different heights and widths.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting and dumping a waste receptacle attachable for use with refuse loaders and the like is illustrated as including a stationary frame A carrying a pivoted depending housing B supporting the waste receptacle provided with tracks C and cam rollers D for converting linear motion to rotary motion whereby the depending housing is pivoted for lifting and dumping the waste receptacle.

Abstract: Equipment for handling containers such as refuse bins for garbage, comprising lifting and tipping structures which are power actuated, and comprising automatic control systems employing micro-processors, sensing and read-out devices by which there is effected automated handling of the bins, determination of the contents and other data relating to garbage collection.

Abstract: An improved lifting and tilting device for emptying garbage containers into the pour-in opening of a garbage truck. The device comprises a quadrangle of joints of a collapsible frame which carries the container during the emptying process. An upper bar of the quadrange is coupled to a swivel drive while another member of the quadrangle can grip and support the garbage container. Through appropriate locking devices the quadrangle becomes a quasi-rigid unit with the gripped container to effect the emptying, said quasi-rigid unit being dissolved only during the downward swivel motion of the upper bar prior to putting the container down.

Abstract: A trash collection and removal system has a horizontal set-up surface with a plurality of standing stations for several vertically disposed cylindrical trash silos having respective pivotable covers at the two axial ends. A horizontal loading surface traveled by trash collection vehicles is arranged above the set-up surface by a distance approximately equal to the axial length of the silos. By means of this system, the costs for transport of the trash to dump sites or to incineration facilities can be substantially reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading open top grain hopper rail cars and trucks which eliminates the buildup of a core of small material and grains directly beneath the load out spout. Also, the grain will not build up heat as easily with the core eliminated and a more representative sample, for grading purposes, can be obtained from the hopper car or truck. The spout line buster is a small, stove-shaped chamber which attaches to the end of a grain load out spout and is lowered about six inches into the hopper rail car or truck being loaded. The grain passes through the down spout and enters the spout line buster where the flow of the grain is directed and slowed by a series of baffles or flow guides. In the model designed for loading hopper rail cars, the grain strikes a screen assembly consisting of a cone screen and two diagonal screens.

Abstract: A device for emptying refuse bins, having a tipping frame to engage the bin, a fluid-actuated motor connected to the tipping frame for moving it between a first position wherein it is capable of initial engagement with and holding of the bin, and a second, tilted position, wherein the bin is partially inverted, so as to empty the contents thereof into a larger, collecting container. A switch is provided, responsive to placement of the bin in position on the frame. The device further includes a control circuit having a timing device operated by the switch. The switch initiates operation of the timing device to direct the functioning of the fluid-actuated motor. In a preferred embodiment, the switch is mechanical and is adapted to be engaged by the walls of the refuse bin. Upon the expiration of a predetermined interval established by the timing device, power to the fluid-actuated motor is removed, and the tipping frame carrying the emptied bin is returned to its initial position.

Abstract: A container handling apparatus for refuse containers of various sizes includes a frame mounted on an elevating and dumping mechanism disposed on a refuse collection vehicle. The apparatus includes opposed primary container engaging arms pivotally secured to the frame and secondary container engaging arms pivotally secured to the frame inboard of the pivot points of the primary arms. Hydraulic cylinder actuators are operable to move the primary arms from a retracted position substantially within the normal clearance width profile of the vehicle to a position for engaging and gathering the container to be grasped between the primary and secondary arms. The configuration of the primary and secondary arms provides for grasping containers of various diameters and for tolerating misalignment of the apparatus with respect to a container during driveby pickup operations.

Abstract: A device for supplying cigarettes (5) to a packaging machine is provided with a rotary head (3) for tipping containers (4) full of cigarettes (5) into a tank (6) whose base is formed by an upper branch (38) of a conveyor (7) for supplying a continuous flow of cigarettes (5) to the packaging machine. After each container (4) has been emptied and while it is being replaced by a new container full of cigarettes (5), the branch (38) of the tank base is raised by a displacement device (47-49) provided with an alternating vertical movement such that the mass of cigarettes (5) is raised towards the mouth of the tank (6) and consequently such that there is a reduction of the jump performed by the cigarettes (5) at the moment of opening of the base of the new container (4) for its discharge into the tank (6).

Abstract: A device for emptying different designs of containers including a lifting-tilting mechanism having a locking mechanism for engaging a container and an additional locking hook having an actuating mechanism which may be selectively adjusted so that the locking hook operates either in an operative or an inoperative mode depending on the type of container being emptied.

Abstract: The dust collection units in a rotary railroad car dumper installation are mounted over the hopper pit along one or both sides of the cylindrical, rotatable dumper frame so that dust ladened air can be sucked directly into the dust collection units without the need for duct work and the collected dust can be returned directly to the pit without the need for easily clogged screw conveyors and small chutes. A fixed enclosure means encloses the top and sides of the dumper frame and form with air shields mounted on the cylindrical dumper frame, a rotary valve which restricts flow such that ambient air is sucked into the hopper pit by the duct collection units at velocities which exceed the capture velocity of the dust clouds created by dumping of the contents of the car.

Abstract: A dump assembly having a fixed conduit and a rotatable conduit provided with overlapping plates, respectively, at their adjacent ends. The plates are formed with openings, respectively, normally offset from each other to block flow. The other end of the rotatable conduit is provided with means for securing the open end of a filled container thereto. Rotation of the rotatable conduit raises and inverts the container to empty the contents while concurrently aligning the conduit openings to permit flow of material therethrough.

Abstract: The feed hopper of a cigarette packing machine is provided with an inlet mouth comprising a fixed rectangular tubular member over which there is mounted telescopically slidable in the vertical direction a telescoping rectangular tubular member. The tray filled with cigarettes is positioned upside down, with its discharge side closed by a bottom closure plate, over the open upper end of the telescoping tubular member. The full tray is then lowered, together with the telescoping member, until the bottom closure plate reaches the level of the cigarettes already contained in the hopper. At this point, a level sensing device gives a control signal for the side shifting, and consequent opening, of the discharge side of the tray. After the opening of the discharge side, the tray is again raised to its starting position.

Abstract: A dump unit (12) for lifting and dumping a waste receptacle (14) into a compactor (10), said unit having slide bars (47) movable on vertical frame channels (21) and a hydraulic cylinder (38) for raising the bars (47). A face plate assembly (26,31,33) is pivoted on a cross bar (36) connecting the upper ends of said slide bars (47) and a second hydraulic cylinder (50) is mounted on a cross bar (49) connecting the lower ends of bars (47) and is operatively connected through linkage (59,63,35) to cross bar (36). A hooked lever (68) is pivoted on face plate (26) for engaging a bar (72) on the receptacle to lock it in inverted position, and a bell crank link (74) connects lever (68) to link (63) for automatically engaging bar (72) as the face plate assembly (26,31,33) is rotated on cross bar (36).

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and loading inserts for soil erosion prevention blocks having a rollable main frame with an insert holder frame movably coupled thereto. Secured within the insert holder frame is an aligning frame which receives the inserts and aligns them in the desired manner. The inserts are supported within the insert holder frame by a plurality of hooks affixed to movable rods, such rods preferably tied together such that the rods may be moved simultaneously, causing the hooks to release the inserts uniformly.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dumping a hatchery tray is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a lifting platform suitably fitted with a tray sensing limit switch to control a double acting air cylinder which lifts the hatchery tray on the platform up and through a 100.degree. arc past vertical onto the open top of a hopper which receives the waste from the tray. Initial spring loaded starting and stopping devices are included as well as kick-off-arms to remove the hatchery tray from the hopper after dumping.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in a stationary or mobile receiving bunker adapted to be fed with bulk material, particular by means of industrial trucks, with a delivery conveyor arranged under the receiving bunker, the improvement which comprises two bunker walls enclosing the receiving bunker chamber on the side away from the direction of delivery, with straight lines running through their top edges and projected onto a horizontal plane each forming an angle .alpha.<90.degree. with the longitudinal axis of the delivery conveyor also projected onto the horizontal plane.

Abstract: An improved system for automatically transferring particulate material, such as coal, is provided wherein the particulate material is transferred from a railroad car into an underground storage bunker while maintaining the material in a substantially covered or protected condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying textile fibers to each of a plurality of textile blending machines extending in a line and defining a blending line from each of a plurality of fiber bales extending behind each of the machines with an overhead crane mounted for movement vertically and in two horizontal directions by a number of motors, a sensor in the hopper of each machine for providing a demand signal when the level of material in that hopper is less than a predetermined level, and a control circuit for operating the motors to supply material in a set order to each hopper having a sensor providing a demand signal with each hopper receiving fibers from each of the bales extending behind it.