Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems of transferring proppant for fracking to reduce risk of production and release of silica dust at a well site are provided. An embodiment of a method can include positioning a plurality of containers each having proppant for fracking contained therein onto a conveyor at a well site, downwardly discharging proppant from each respective container of the plurality of containers, funneling proppant from the one or more outlets of each of the plurality of containers through a plurality of conveyor hoppers, receiving proppant onto the conveyor belt, conveying proppant on the conveyor to a chute, and depositing the proppant into the chute for use in a blender or other location at the well site.

Abstract: A material extraction system for an underground mine includes a mobile sizer for sizing removed material, an elevated bunker operable to collect the sized material, and a shuttle car operable to receive the collected material from the elevated bunker. The shuttle car is positioned substantially below the elevated bunker for receiving the collected material from the elevated bunker.

Abstract: Dumping stations for receiving articles and discharging the articles into a collection area are disclosed. Each dumping station includes a bin having pick and dump modes. In the pick mode, articles placed in the bin are retained, while in the dump mode, articles are deposited onto a central conveyor. The bin is biased, via gravity, toward the dump mode. A releasable latch is provided for retaining the bin in the pick mode. A processor is operably coupled to the latch and provides a release signal, whereby the latch releases the bin, thereby allowing the bin to switch to the dump mode. The bin may further include a status indicator for assisting a stock worker in identifying the bin in which to place articles.

Abstract: A loading assembly is provided that is configured to load transport containers with bulk material quickly and efficiently. A container support assembly is also provided that facilitate alignment and stable support of the container throughout loading. In use, a load bin of the loading assembly is inserted and retracted relative to the container by a drive mechanism. The barrier assembly confines the contents of the load bin in the container while the bin is retracted, allowing the contents of the bin to remain within the container upon removal of the bin. The container support assembly includes left and right ramps disposed along side the container. The ramps each include a support surface having an increasing height differential with reference to the ground from the distal end to the proximal end. The support assembly further includes an interface assembly configured to attach to the container and to engage the support surfaces of the left and the right ramps to distribute load onto the ramps.

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: The silo includes at least three hoppers terminating in rectilinear discharge openings extending lengthwise transversely of a loading area below the discharge openings. Clam gates are movable between open and closed positions to discharge material. The discharge area at the bottom of the silo is increased, facilitating faster loading of trucks with the particulate material.

Abstract: Multiple-batch train loading systems and methods, for example for loading coal, which are capable of accommodating railcars of a wide range of capacities and designs. Each railcar is loaded with at least a relatively large initial weighed batch having a weight at least approximately equal to the maximum available capacity of a weigh bin, and a relatively small final weighed batch. The initial weighed batch and the final weighed batch are both made up with precision. If required, one or more intermediate weighed batches are loaded into the railcar. The intermediate batches, if required, are made up rapidly, but not necessarily with precision.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a material reclaiming apparatus for use with a bulk storage bin. The bulk storage bin includes a bottom which defines an elongated plurality of outlet openings from the storage bin. The material reclaiming apparatus includes a plurality of gates. Each gate is associated with a respective outlet opening, and each gate is moveable from a first position (blocking the associated outlet opening), to a second position (not blocking the associated outlet opening). The material reclaiming apparatus further includes a traveling reclaimer located beneath the bottom of the bulk storage bin, and which is configured to travel along the bottom beneath the gates. The traveling reclaimer includes a gate actuator. As a result of positioning the traveling reclaimer under any given gate, the gate actuator engages the gate to allow the gate actuator to move the gate from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A method of filling bags with granular material. A motor vehicle is provided which is equipped with a bag support. A primary hopper is provided containing granular material. The primary hopper has a primary spout disposed over a motor vehicle loading position. A bag is coupled to the bag support of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is driven into the loading position. A valve is opened to initiate the flow of granular material from the primary hopper. The motor vehicle is then driven out of the loading position to an unloading position spaced from the primary hopper.

Abstract: A system for handling a bulk particulate material generally consisting of a vessel for holding a mass of such material; a first elongated tube formed of a gas permeable material, having an inlet communicating with such vessel; a second elongated tube formed of a gas impervious material encompassing the first tube and spaced therefrom about the periphery of the first tube; a plurality of transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced partitions disposed between said first and second tubes, forming a plurality of isolated chambers encompassing the first tube; each of such isolated chambers having means for selectively introducing a fluidizing gas therein independently of the other of such chambers, at variable volumes and pressures whereby the volume and pressure of fluidizing gas diffused through the first tube may be modulated along the length thereof; and means for injecting a flow inducing gas into the first tube.

Abstract: A system for handling a bulk particulate material generally consisting of a vessel for holding a mass of such material; a first elongated tube formed of a gas permeable material, having an inlet communicating with such vessel; a second elongated tube formed of a gas impervious material encompassing the first tube and spaced therefrom about the periphery of the first tube; a plurality of transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced partitions disposed between said first and second tubes, forming a plurality of isolated chambers encompassing the first tube; each of such isolated chambers having means for selectively introducing a fluidizing gas therein independently of the other of such chambers, at variable volumes and pressures whereby the volume and pressure of fluidizing gas diffused through the first tube may be modulated along the length thereof; and means for injecting a flow inducing gas into the first tube.

Abstract: An electrically operated hoist control is provided which has an accessory to aid in lowering and raising a spare tire stored beneath the undercarriage of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck, van, or sport utility vehicle. The accessory includes a reversible, direct current motor and speed reducing gearing. The accessory is mounted to the underside of the vehicle proximate a conventional, manually operated spare tire hoist that has a rotatable, mechanical drive input. The output drive of the speed reducing gearing is coupled to the drive input of the conventional vehicle spare tire hoist in place of the conventional extension from the hoist drive input that is accessible at the rear bumper of the vehicle. The accessory includes an automatically resetting circuit breaker, such as a bimetal circuit breaker which trips when excessive amperage is drawn by the reversible direct current motor.

Abstract: An elevated inverted cone product storage hopper having an enclosed volume with a central opening at the bottom. A dust-free transfer system removes and delivers stored product from the storage hopper through a hopper unloader. The unloader has a converging frustoconical transition body which continues from the inverted cone toward a bottom discharge port. An elongated delivery auger system coupled to the unloader comprises an elongated horizontal barrel having a delivery screw for rotation about its axis for moving product to a product delivery opening. A flexible enclosed delivery tube is coupled to the delivery opening, with the delivery tube having a compliant exterior shell for accommodating free axial length adjustment thereof. The hopper and the delivery auger are rotatable for positioning the auger barrel and enclosed delivery tube radially relative to the storage hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and transferring refuse to a transportation truck for hauling to its ultimate disposal site, such as a landfill. The apparatus comprises a refuse collection and transfer container movable between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position. When the container is in the raised position and the transportation truck is underneath, transfer of the collected refuse is accomplished by opening angled, retractable bottom doors on the container. The bottom doors allow for the regulation of the amount of refuse transferred to the truck, thus ensuring a full load within the truck while at the same time preventing spillage. The movement of the container and the doors may be powered by the hydraulic system of the truck and controlled by a control panel on the apparatus. The apparatus may be partially below ground level.

Abstract: A material transfer system for transferring a material from a source to an open-topped receptacle wherein the material is capable of gravitationally flowing from a source utilizes a circular, rotary dumper having a plurality of open-topped compartments which extend radially from the vertical center axis of the dumper to the outer periphery thereof and a port-defining bottom within each of dumper compartment through which the contents of the compartment can be discharged. The dumper is supported for rotation about its vertical center axis, and a motor is adapted to rotate the dumper about the vertical center axis so that on one side of the vertical center axis of the dumper, the open tops of the compartments are movable into and out of vertical registry with material flowing therein from a source and so that on the opposite side of the vertical center axis of the dumper, the ports of the compartments are movable into and out of vertical registry with an open-topped receptacle to be filled from the dumper.

Abstract: Device for discharging material from a silo (10), comprising a long discharge channel (22) extending centrally over the silo floor (14), and a push-frame (20) which can be pushed back and forth hydraulically over the silo floor (14), over the discharge channel (22), crossways to the longitudinal extension of said discharge channel (22). According to the invention, the push-frame (20) is driven by means of two radially arranged hydraulic cylinders (40) which face each other diametrically inside the silo (10). The hydraulic cylinders can be activated with a push-pull control mechanism, and are each situated in a cylinder housing, said cylinder housing being connected to the silo floor (14). The piston rods (46) of the hydraulic cylinders are arranged so that their opposite front faces (44) fit against a driver bearing (48) from opposite sides, said driver bearing (48) being located in the center of the push-frame (20).

Abstract: The invention consists of a hopper to place material in, and a door beneath it to hold back the material until it is to be released onto a grid consisting of four separate compartments or chutes that direct the material into four separate sample containers. The latch is arranged in such a manner as to allow the gates to open suddenly, and simultaneously, releasing the material in a mass (rather than slowly), assuring an even flow of the material down the chutes and into the four waiting containers below. This assures an unbiased sample in each container. For further reductions in sample size, the common practice is to choose any two opposite corner containers, combine in the hopper and repeat the process.

Abstract: A cover of a powder loading device prevents the escape of loose powder when the powder is transferred from a storage container of a plant to a receiving container. A blower inside the cover moves air from the outside, under the cover, a filter, and returns the filtered air to the outside. A backwash device is operated periodically to remove the filtered powder from the filter into the receiving container. The powder is delivered storage container to the receiving container through a retractable loading chute. A powder detection switch within the retractable loading chute determines when the receiving container is full and stops the transfer of powder. The result is a powder loading device which maximizes dust collection and minimizes lost loose powder. The powder loading device adapts to various plant and receiving container sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the loading of flour at a mill having at least one filling nozzle, which communicates by way of at least one substantially stationary storage container, a silo or a hopper, and is so constructed that it can be coupled to several input openings of a vehicle to be loaded. In order to connect the filling nozzles to the various input openings of the vehicle to be loaded in succession (or simultaneously), the weighing assembly, which measures the weight of the vehicle together with its load, is constructed so that it incorporates a transport means, in such a way that by moving the vehicle its input openings can be connected in sequence to the filling nozzle for rapid loading of flour in a simple manner. The flour, in particular in a fluidized state, can be conducted though vertical chutes, increasing the control over the amounts loaded into the vehicle and decreasing the possibility of contamination.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for covering open-top truck trailers used to haul wood chips and the like. A flexible cover is pulled over the open top of a trailer via a shaft rotatable between a first and second position; a projection extending from the shaft and configured to engage the flexible cover when the shaft is in a first position and to disengage the flexible cover when the shaft is in a second position; and a counterweight extending from said shaft and configured to rotate the shaft from a second position to a first position.

Abstract: A device for loading bulk material from a stationary source to a filler pipe located at a chosen spot within a predetermined line of travel. The device comprises a loading hopper which is shiftable along the line of travel and exhibits, at its lower end, a filling mechanism and a conveying pipe, feeding the bulk material to the loading hopper, which conveying pipe is pivotably mounted at its end receiving the material and the outlet end of which opens out into the loading hopper. The loading hopper is closed off at the top by a cover, which exhibits an opening receiving the outlet end of the conveying pipe. The cover is rotatable in relation to the loading hopper, the opening being eccentrically disposed. Expediently, the rim of the loading hopper and the cover are circular.

Abstract: An asphalt production plant which is adapted to process mixtures of recycled paving and aggregate, and which comprises a rotary drum dryer for heating and drying stone aggregate, and an elevator for conveying the heated and dried aggregate to an elevated discharge location. A batch tower is positioned adjacent the elevator, and the batch tower comprises an aggregate sizing screen which receives and segregates the aggregate by size, and several underlying aggregate storage bins, with each aggregate bin receiving aggregate of predetermined average size from the sizing screen. Also, a recycle bin is positioned between and in alignment with the aggregate bins. A weigh hopper is provided for receiving the aggregate and/or recycle material from the bins, and a pugmill is positioned below the weigh hopper for mixing the material with hot liquid asphalt and then delivering the resulting mix into an underlying truck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ice storing and dispensing apparatus having drainage means therein for removing melted ice from areas in which ice is to be stored or contained. The apparatus further includes a portable cart having a front actuated draining mechanism which is adapted to discharge any ice melt which may accumulate in the cart into the apparatus drainage means.

Abstract: Summarily, the present invention relates to equipment preventing separation in bulk material in connection with transfer and/or transport of such material. The equipment includes at least one compartment or tube (11) which is open straight through and through which the material is caused to flow when it is loaded onto a substructure. Suitably, the material is delimited to what can be likened to pillars, by its being caused to flow through an array of compartments or tubes (14) arranged mutually adjacent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for loading particulate materials, in particular calcined coke, into a transport vehicle are disclosed, wherein the loading operation under steady state conditions is carried out in a "plugged chute" mode, so that a major portion of the loading chute is maintained in a filled condition with the particulate material being loaded. In this manner, the product drop height is maintained at an acceptably low level so as to reduce the velocity of the particulate material throughout the loading process below a damaging rate and thereby prevent significant degradation of the material. In a preferred embodiment, the major portion of the loading chute comprises a telescoping chute arrangement and level control means located above the major portion of the loading chute is employed to maintain the chute in the plugged or full condition by regulation of the discharge valve when the telescoping chute arrangement is fully extended.

Abstract: In a cotton harvester, a pair of fork assemblies are mounted between the ends of the basket for independently rocking about a fore-and-aft extending pivotal axis. A separate hydraulic cylinder operates each fork assembly to compact the cotton against the side of the basket and to selectively hold a substantial portion of the cotton in the basket during dumping. The cylinders are plumbed in parallel so that uneven loads can be compressed with substantially uniform pressure from the front to rear of the basket.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for charging a shaft furnace is presented which ensures the vertical and symmetrical fall of charging material from a hopper onto a distribution spout. The discharge valve of the hopper and the valve of a chamber feeding material to the hopper are regulated in such a way as to form a barrage in the base of the hopper. To control the formation of this barrage, and ensure that it will be maintained throughout a charging phase, the hopper and the chamber are weighed separately, signals being produced for the control of dosing valves. In a preferred embodiment of an apparatus for performing this process, the hopper is rotated in order to reduce segregation of the charge material particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing flowable bulk material from the underside of a bulk-material column includes a container for bulk material conducting gaseous or vaporous media to be scrubbed upward through the column opposite the bulk-material flow for eliminating used filter material; a stationary grating below and spaced from the underside of the column including spaced-apart grid chambers; a first control grate above the grating, spaced from the underside of the column, covering the surface area of the grating, including alternating passage openings and blocking sections corresponding to the spacing of the grid chambers and being displaceable in a first horizontal stroke direction; and a second control grate below the grating, including passage openings and blocking sections and being displaceable axially parallel to the first stroke direction; the passage openings and blocking sections of the first and second control grates being mutually horizontally adjustable for alternately filling a first group of the grid

Abstract: A system is described for loading newly mined material such as coal, into a shuttle car, at a location near the mine face where there is only a limited height available for a loading system. The system includes a storage bin (18) having several telescoping bin sections (20-23), and a shuttle car (14) having a bottom wall (64) that can move under the bin. With the bin in an extended position and filled with coal (FIG. 3), the bin sections can be telescoped (FIG. 4) to allow the coal to drop out of the bin sections and into the shuttle car, to quickly load the car. The bin sections can then be extended, so they can be slowly filled with more coal while awaiting another shuttle car.

Abstract: A method of measuring out a furnace charge of a predried and preheated coal in a closed system in which the coal is fed from a bottom discharge of a storage bunker into a filling cart container which is disposed therebeneath comprises opening the bottom discharge of the storage bunker to permit the fall of the coal from the bunker into the container while blocking off a portion of the filling container space until the remaining space in the filling container is filled and coal no longer flows through the bottom discharge and a column of coal remains in the discharge above the filling cart. A shutoff member is then directed through the column of coal in the bunker discharge above the filling cart container, to cut the column above the upper edge of the filling cart container, and opening the blocked-off portion in the filling cart container space to absorb the coal within the filling cart container.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered dispensing of several bulk materials has an elongated and horizontal base having a pair of longitudinal sides and provided with a longitudinally extending floor and having pairs of posts spaced along the floor and subdividing same longitudinally into a row of zones. Reapective legs at the posts hold the frame above the ground. Respective longitudinal and transverse side and end walls releasably secured to the posts transversely and longitudinally bound the zones. Thus each zone is formed into an upwardly open hopper having a respective floor valve openable to release bulk material from the respective hopper through the floor. A track fixed to the frame extends longitudinally underneath the zones. A bucket car is displaceable along the track underneath the valves. The side walls are laterally concave toward the respective zones and extend laterally beyond the respective sides.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading bulk materials from a storage bin into a truck body. An enclosure is defined by flexible rubber movable walls of which at least three are horizontally displaceable into contact with the corresponding sides or edges of the body of the truck to be loaded. Exhaust fans cause a negative pressure inside the enclosure sufficient to urge the movable walls into sealing contact at the corners of the enclosure and against the sides or edges of the truck body. At the end of loading, detectors automatically cause the horizontally displaceable walls to move back out of contact with the truck body to facilitate ingress and egress of the truck.

Abstract: A roadable container or bin for storage of bituminous mix, at a road construction site and quickly erectable to an operative position, and which is characterized by a construction to avoid segregation of the particles in the bituminous mix, to avoid the need for a crane for its erection, and which includes a fuel compartment and a conveyor to dispense with the need for separate transportation of the same and producing a compact arrangement. The roadable storage container includes an elongated storage bin embodying a fuel tank, a bituminous mix compartment and a conveyor arranged to load the bituminous mix in that compartment, such as to avoid segregation of the constituents of the mix.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unloading material in powder form. A powder chamber is provided, with a lower sealing area. An enclosed housing is located beneath the chamber, and includes an endless belt and an upwardly facing sealing area which is complimentary to the sealing area of the powder chamber.

Abstract: A solid waste disposal system employs solid waste transport trailers adapted to be towed by a tractor. The trailers each comprise a closed body of a generally rectangular cross-section having a bottom, side and top walls, a forward end wall and a rear end wall. The top wall proximal to the forward end wall is provided with a loading neck through which solid waste can be loaded. The rear end wall is a door hinged at the rear edge of the top wall and is adapted to be closed during the loading operation and transport of the solid waste and opened for the unloading of the solid waste. A conveyor is located adjacent the bottom wall of the trailer and extends substantially over the entire length of the bottom wall. The conveyor is operable during loading and unloading to move the solid waste in a direction from the forward end wall toward the rear end wall. The trailer is supported by ground wheels with tires, the wheels being low pressure flotation tires to facilitate the use of the trailer on landfill sites.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring pulverulent or granular material from an opening at the lower end of a silo into a vessel which is moved to a position below such opening has a vertical duct with a rigid upper section which is affixed to the silo, a rigid lower section which is surrounded by and is rigidly connected to a downwardly tapering funnel and serves to discharge flowable material into the vessel by way of an opening in the top wall of the vessel, and a bellows which is disposed between and is separably connected with the two rigid sections. The lower section and the funnel are movable up and down by means of a winch and several cables or chains whose lower end portions are attached to the funnel and/or to the lower section. A cover which normally overlies the open upper side of the funnel is movable to a raised position in which it surrounds the upper section of the duct.