Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a top bin lid from below such that, when in the fully opened position, the lid will not extend above the plane of the opening. The apparatus utilizes an elongated lever arm pivotally mounted on the pivot axis of the bin lid. A flexible linkage, such as a chain extends from below, over the lever arm and is connected to a gravity biased latch system which holds the lid in the closed position until the chain is pulled from below. After the latch is released, further drawing of the chain will pivot the lid and arm about their common pivot axis until the arm is obstructed from further movement by the bin. Continued pulling of the chain will draw the lid toward the lever arm against spring pressure until the lid has been pivoted approximately 180.degree. from its closed position.

Abstract: A silo for cereals has a sloped bottom including channels provided on their top sides with passages for the flow of air which is used in order to facilitate emptying the silo through an outlet opening. The passages have a tendency to become clogged by dust present in the cereals causing an obstruction to the flow of air. In order to prevent this, the end wall of each channel located in the vicinity of the outlet opening is provided with an opening for the passage of dust while at the same time limiting the amount of air flow through the opening.

Abstract: Silo for diverse products in bulk, particularly plastic bottles, characterized by a hull (2) constituting its walls, and being formed of thin plates (3) suspended from, or attached to respective horizontal (4) and vertical plates (5) carrying profiles constituting an external framework.This invention will primarily be of interest to constructors of stockage material for bulk products.

Abstract: An improved grain bin floor support system which utilizes a plurality of floor supports for supporting interlocking floor panels. The floor support is constructed of an upper rail for supporting floor panels, vertical members extending from the upper rail to the foundation of the bin, and a horizontal member which is attached to the vertical members and disposed between the upper rail and the base of the bin. The upper rail has a plurality of recesses and crowns between the recesses. The floor panels have a generally planar top portion and depending flanges which engage in nesting relation with the adjacent flange of the adjacent panel. The depth and spacing of the recesses along the upper rail are such that the floor panels are supported by engagement of the recesses of the upper rail against the depending flanges.

Abstract: A container, particularly a silo container, is provided consisting of a plurality of wall parts having horizontal through-extending crimps, at least two wall parts form a joint wherein the wall parts are connected with each other within the zone of the joint by at least one vertically standing support element, the legs of the support element, which is in the form of a metal support plate, within the zone of the joint have matching crimps for positively receiving the wall parts having the horizontal crimps.

Abstract: The invention discloses a building element and system useful in the construction of silos and other compartmentalized structures; the system comprising a first upright elongated plate 1 having a flange 3 along each of two longitudinal edges at approximately 45 degrees from the plate, the included angle between the flanges being approximately ninety degrees; wall panels 4 having a flange adjacent each of two opposing parallel edges adapted to be sandwiched between one flange of a first upstanding elongated plate and an opposing flat surface on a second upright elongated plate; two or more upstanding plates serving to define a column support.

Abstract: A supported floor of a grain storage and/or drying bin is disclosed that is constructed in part of conventional progressively interlocking asymmetrical floor panels and in part of either a single hat-shaped symmetrical panel, a single C-shaped symmetrical panel or a combination of these latter panels. Methods of assembling such floors are also disclosed including methods of assembly from the transverse center line of the base of the bin with the use of a centrally located hat-shaped panel or a C-shaped between two hat-shaped panels. C-shaped panels are included whenever access to the plenum is desired. In all such assemblies, asymmetrical conventional panels are used.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible tank for storing liquids which may be assembled in op, bottom, and side wall subassembly sections. The sections may be transported in compact substantially flat sections and easily assembled and disassembled in the field to provide greatly differing fluid capacities as desired. Arcuately segmented, interconnectable combination joining and supporting rings including sealing gaskets are provided for assembly and support of the multi-segmented relatively light weight top, bottom, and side wall subassembly sections fabricated of fiberglass or Kevlar type reinforced plastic materials. Segmented top and bottom walls are also formed of light weight, compact plastic material plate sections and are disposed atop and beneath the interposed wall sections. The tank assembly is further supported and stabilized by a center support pole in combination with top and bottom flange assemblies respectively.

Abstract: A device for closing and opening the cover on the top of a grain bin. The closing device includes a cap hinged to the bin and having a linkage connected to the cap; the linkage being operable from a location on the ground adjacent the bin.

Abstract: A lid opener apparatus is provided for use with a relatively large storage bin, and comprises a handle and structure for mounting and supporting the handle at a convenient height for manipulation by an operator. The mounting and support structure includes a first elongate link which has one end thereof pivotally mounted to the handle and the other end thereof pivotally mounted at a fixed location relative to the bin. A first elongate rod-like member is pivotally mounted to the same end of the link which receives the handle and extends upwardly to an area adjacent the top of the bin. A second rod-like member is pivotally coupled at one end thereof to the lid and extends outwardly to an area adjacent the uppermost end of the first rod-like member.

Abstract: An expansion joint for a grain silo is sealed by a mesh-reinforced diaphragm having its peripheral edge-portions bonded to surfaces of the silo adjoining the joint to form a continous seal around it. The intermediate portion of the diaphragm has a flexible bulging portion protecting the joint and spaced from it. The diaphragm is made by covering the joint with a separating strip and applying a thick continuous layer of a viscous sealing agent over the exposed faces of the strip and the adjoining silo surfaces. The mesh is incorporated into the layer and has stiffly-resilient strands extending in the direction of flexing of the diaphragm. The layer cures to form the diaphragm which separates spontaneously from the separation strip the first time the silo expands, to form a bulging portion in the diphragm around the joint.

Abstract: The assembly of individual segments to obtain large-volume containers is facilitated by the edges of the individual segments being provided with projecting support members including cut-outs in which an aligning tool is insertable; an engaging element of said tool for aligning said one individual segment relative to the adjacent segment, which along the edge thereof is in contact with the edge of the first-mentioned individual segment, being brought into engagement with a surface of said adjacent individual segment so that the engaging element will ride or roll along the surface of said adjacent individual segment due to a pivoting or lever movement, the two edges being simultaneously brought to an aligned, coincident position.

Abstract: An overflow hatch for confining low pressure volumes of paper pulp bleaching chemicals is provided with a double O-ring seal arrangement that sustains the hatch seal integrity as the O-ring material deteriorates from reactive effect of the bleaching chemical. The hatch seal integrity resulting from an annular clearance space extending radially between a cylindrical plug surface and an internal bore of a coaming, where the radial dimension of said annular clearance space is substantially equal to the thickness of a second O-ring tube situated in a seating groove in said plug.

Abstract: Bulk silo with essentially centrally located aerated mixing or homogenizing chamber whose wall comprises a plurality of permanent passage openings for the material from the main silo area and is connected to an inspection area. In order to improve inspection and service, the inspection area is formed by a hollow column which is accessible from below, is located inside the chamber and comprises observation openings into the chamber as well as comprising the vent line.

Abstract: This invention relates to an elevated liquid storage tank and a method of constructing same. An upright, hollow, cylindrical concrete shaft is constructed having a closed upper end portion forming a tank support floor. An upper, outer ledge is formed around the periphery of the shaft adjacent to the tank support floor; and a central, upright access tube is mounted in the tank support floor. An annular, steel tank wall is fabricated around the base of the shaft and hoisted to the top of the shaft using a plurality of jacks. The tank wall includes a lower annular ring beam and the space between the ring beam and the shaft upper end portion is filled with reinforced concrete to connect and retain the tank in position. Roof plates extend between the access tube and the tank wall to close the storage tank roof.

Abstract: Grain storage is provided by a unit having a aboveground retaining wall structure, a floor liner and a cover liner. The wall structure is preferably formed from an earthwork berm and typically has a generally rectangular shape having two parallel side walls and at least one end wall. The area enclosed by the retaining wall structure is covered with a floor liner member on top of which the grain may be deposited. As the area is being filled, the grain is covered with the cover liner. After the unit is completely filled and covered the floor and cover liners are sealed together to form an airtight grain storage compartment in which the grain may be maintained for long periods of time. After sealing the liner together the excess air trapped within the grain storage compartment is preferably removed and the sealed edges of the floor and cover liners are buried in a trench provided around the outside of the retaining wall structure.

Abstract: Bulk silo with an outlet chamber, from whose upper area a generally open ventilation line runs which is provided with a closing valve for protection against flooding. The closing valve is constructed as a float valve. In order that this closing valve does not become inoperable due to clogging or being inundated with bulk material, its float cage is provided in the area below the float with an aeration device which can be made closed like a plate in order to protect the valve from the direct surge of the material.

Abstract: A conventional tower silo is converted to a limited oxygen feed storing silo with the use of an air impervious liner and a floor supporting a bottom unloader. The liner has plastic liner sheets attached to the inside surface of the silo side wall with fasteners, as adhesives and nut and bolt assemblies. An alternate liner comprising a tubular air impervious plastic member is located within the silo. The plastic member is not attached to the silo side wall. Supports mounted on the silo side wall under the roof carry the upper end of the liner. In one form, a plurality of springs connected to the supports and liner yieldably support the upper end of the liner in the silo. In another form, the upper end of the liner is yieldably supported with a plurality of counterweights connected to the liner with cables. An inside wall surrounding base aggregate supports the floor independently of the silo side wall. The floor has a radial trough accommodating the bottom unloader.

Abstract: A grain bin floor is formed of floor plates supported on horizontal beams supported by vertical columns made of sheet metal with lower ends of the columns having bendable teeth or the like bent by high spots in the base that would otherwise concentrate the load onto a small portion of the column and cause its failure. The preferred floor uses wood beams and the columns. Preferably, the floor plates are fastened to the beams and the latter and bearing members are interlocked to the columns. An easy method of assemblying the columns, beams and bearing plates is disclosed.

Abstract: Double silo with an inner silo part and an outer silo part which surrounds it annularly. A central mixing chamber for the material emanating from the inner silo area and an annular mixing chamber for the material emanating from the outer silo area are located within the silo dividing wall separating the two silo parts and at the bottom in the inner silo part.

Abstract: A supported floor for use in a grain storage and/or drying bin is disclosed that is constructed of interlocking perforated flooring or panels of two designs each with a plank portion and subjacent flanges which alternate with each other. The first panel design has flanges which are outwardly turned to form a hat-shaped transverse cross section. The second panel design has channels which are inwardly turned resulting in a C-shaped transverse cross section. To assemble the supported floor, the hat-shaped panels are rested on supports which are arranged on the base of the bin in a predetermined manner. These supported hat-shaped panels are positioned in spaced relation to one another so that a C-shaped panel can be fit between each adjacent pair of the hat-shaped panels. Thereafter, the C-shaped panels are positioned in the respective spaces and interlocked with the hat-shaped panels. To gain access to the bin floor, any of the C-shaped floor panels can be lifted without affecting the hat-shaped panels.

Abstract: Substantially cylindrical and relatively thin-walled large volume containers such as silos are interiorly supported by means of a supporting structure in the form of a triangular supporting triangle, which is fixedly joined to the inner container wall. Thereby an essential amount of radial loads is converted into loads working in circumferential direction, i.e., working tangentially on the container wall, so that the risk of deformations is reduced when the load transmitting members such as pipes provided inside the container are joined to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A flow enhancement device for suspension within the storage bins having gravity fed lower output openings is disclosed and includes a diverging upper portion for diverting downwardly moving material radially outwardly as that material moves downwardly along the upper portion along with a lower portion having side walls more vertically inclined than the diverging upper portion to create a low pressure shearing region through which the material may fall toward the outlet. The lower portion may be provided with a series of projections for both inducing a circumferential component to the material flow and moving the enhancement device somewhat so as to dislodge entrapped materials in the bin. And to cause the opening at the bin exit to remain at a low pressure and to be always opened to material flow.

Abstract: A sloped bin grain elevator is formed of preformed structural components and has the bins therein sloped at or near the angle of repose at the stored material to create a non-confined grain flow pattern. The elevator building structure includes an inclined base, a sloped roof and side walls as well as end walls and a plurality of interior partitioning walls. Each bin in the elevator has a series of staggered intermediate levels so as to divide the depth of the bin into various layers. The staggered intermediate levels of the bins are formed by a series of precast slabs, the width of each slab being slightly less than half the width of the bin, the slabs being positioned end to end in a staggered pattern whereby the entire length of each bin forms one intermediate continuous layer of slabs.

Abstract: A silo for loose material in powder form having a base provided with a central conical section projecting upwards to form an annular discharge zone having floor portions inclined in a direction leading to an opening in a discharge chamber and in such manner that the material flows approximately tangentially towards the material discharge openings.

Abstract: A multi-purpose elevated water storage facility includes a water tank which has a fluted portion. The pillar supporting the tank can also be fluted. A box girder can be used to connect the tank fluted portion to the pillar and to a bottom portion of the tank, and additional usable space can be defined above a water storage portion of the tank.

Abstract: A door for closing the vertical opening in a silo wall which is self-storing thereby eliminating the necessity of removing the door through the base of the silo as the product is unloaded from the silo and eliminating the necessity of carrying the door up a ladder and inserting it into each vertical space before the silo is filled with silage or other crop product. The self-storing door includes a hinge structure attached to one side of the door opening with the hinge structure including a pair of horizontal, parallel supporting straps which are slidably connected with the vertical door to enable the door to swing and slide longitudinally on the straps sufficiently to enable it to be stored in an open position without the necessity of completely removing the door, lowering it to ground level and carrying it to a storage area for subsequent reinsertion in the vertical opening when the silo is being filled.

Abstract: An enclosed structure such as a silo, particularly suitable for containing grain crops, is provided.The structure has a series of vertical posts disposed in a circle. A series of horizontal girts are attached to the inside of the posts. The inside surface defined by the girts is clad with lightweight sheet material. A roof is added and the structure may be sealed.

Abstract: A bulk material storage bin and a floor structure for such a bin for storing grain or like bulk commodities. The floor structure of the bin has downwardly converging side walls preferrably having a smooth surface. In a preferred embodiment, the floor structure is conical in shape with a downwardly directed apex. As bulk material is emptied from the storage bin, it travels down the side walls of the floor to the apex where it is conveyed outwardly. Piles of residual bulk material are not accumulated along the floor structure.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present device includes a perimetrical shield or flashing secured between the lower edge of the wall and the conventional outwardly facing angle iron base secured to the floor. Shield is bolted or riveted between the wall and the angle iron and extends over and preferably slightly below the lower perimetrical edge of the floor of the bin. Another embodiment includes the shield situated between the wall and an inwardly facing perimetrical angle iron which is easy to manufacture and is less likely to provide moisture ingress. A further embodiment includes the shield being formed as an extension of the wall and being shaped to extend over and slightly below the perimetrical edge of the floor and to be bolted either to the floor or to the angle iron.

Abstract: An improved grain bin floor support system utilizes a plurality of independent floor supports for supporting interlocking flooring elements. Each floor support has curvilinear lower and upper rails, the lower serving as a base member for bearing against a subfloor or other supporting surface. Each support has plural spacers which extend between the upper and lower rails to maintain them in spaced, parallel relationship. The lower rail or base member defines a curvilinear path on the supporting surface. Similarly, the upper rail supports the flooring elements along a curvilinear path coincident with that established by the base member.

Abstract: A floor support for supporting a perforated floor in a grain drying and storage bin of the type having a plenum chamber and a grain drying and storage chamber. The floor support includes a plurality of floor support members each comprising at least three vertically disposed tubular members joined together near their tops and bottoms by a pair of horizontally disposed brace members.

Abstract: The silo door of the present invention is adapted to fit in closing relation over an opening in the silo wall. The door is connected to the silo by a hinge which permits the door to swing about a vertical axis located adjacent one of the vertical side edges of the opening. A bracket connects the hinge to the door and permits inward tilting movement of the door with respect to the hinge about a horizontal tilt axis. A latch is provided for selectively detachably securing the door to the silo in rigid covering relationship over the opening.

Abstract: An outdoor grain pit cover is disclosed for excluding of rain water and the like from a pit constructed for below ground temporary storage of grain transportable into and out of the pit by an auger. The cover includes a sleeve for protecting the housing of the auger, and further includes a rectangular hatch or door used to cover a chute or trough for loading grain from the grain pit into trucks when the elevators are being unloaded. Means for stabilizing the cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet for constructing the wall of a substantially cylindrical silo. This sheet has a substantially rectangular periphery and is slightly cylindrically curved according to the radius of the wall of the silo to be constructed. The sheet comprises first and second straight edges opposite one another and first and second curved edges also opposite one another. The sheet is provided with rows of bolt holes adjacent the four edges. The first straight edge and the first curved edge are provided with a flange, both flanges being positioned at the same side of the sheet and extending approximately perpendicularly to the sheet surface, the second straight edge and the second curved edge having no flange. The flange on the first straight edge ends at a distance from the second curved edge.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable, erectile, collapsible storage bin for flowable dry materials, the bin being formed of a flexible, moisture-proof membrane which, when inflated, defines a closed volume having openings for both in-flow and out-flow of material. Said membrane exhibits a conical portion in which said in-flow opening occupies the apex of said cone. There is thus provided a plurality of rigid poles having a height of between two and eight feet, each pole disposed normally to the plane of the ground, each pole equidistantly disposed from each adjacent pole in a circle defined by one radius from the axis of symmetry of said cone. The poles are secured exteriorly to said membrane in order to form thereof an essentially polygonal surface normal to the plane of the ground.

Abstract: A silo for bulk materials has a rigid base and a fluidizing means which comprises an air-pervious mesh floor arranged above the rigid base, a support surface means holding the said floor in spaced relation relatively to the rigid base and at least one compressed air supply duct opening into the intermediate space between the rigid base and the mesh floor, the support surface means being formed by a wire gauze placed on the rigid base. The wire mesh may be annular and may be in sector-shape portions with a radially extending packing or seal arranged between each of the separate sectors and a compressed air supply duct associated with each sector. A helical wire mesh is particularly described and illustrated, with tube sections arranged as seals on the terminal wire helices.

Abstract: A construction panel is provided comprising a core of expanded or foamed polymeric material embodied between two major face members of resin reinforced with glass fibers. The side walls of the panel comprise pultrusion angle members which are encapsulated in the panel within the major face members. Elongated U-shaped pultrusion reinforcing members may be disposed within the panel to provide reinforcement and a channel for the receipt of wires, pipes, or to act as heating, air conditioning or vacuum cleaning ducts. The glass fibers used to reinforce the major face members are in multidirectional orientation and have portions extending into the interior of the panel to provide a mechanical and chemical bond between the core and the major face members. The pultrusion members may be made from resin reinforced with continuous strands of glass fibers in unidirectional orientation, and are preferably prestressed.

Abstract: A silo having a cylindrical wall comprising a discharging device, having a frame being vertically movable in the silo, in which a delivery tube having an eccentrical suction nozzle is rotatably arranged in a central bearing and comprising means for collecting the material stored in the silo into an annular heap corresponding to the course of the suction nozzle, said silo being constructed from substantially rectangular, slightly cylindrically curved, flanged sheets provided all around with bolt holes, at least one straight side of said sheets being not provided with a flange, whereas at least two adjacent sides are provided with a flange.

Abstract: The fixture is used in the formation of a discharge opening of a fodder silo of reinforced concrete during the placing of said concrete. The fixture comprises a form frame which consists of a plurality of parts which are adapted to be taken apart. The form frame is adapted to define said discharge opening during the placing of said concrete. Anchors are detachably connected to said form frame and adapted to carry reinforcements for reinforcing said concrete. Said form frame is adapted to be disconnected from said anchors when said concrete has been placed. When said concrete has been placed and said form frame has been disconnected from said anchors, the latter are adapted to carry mounting means for mounting a door for closing said discharge opening.

Abstract: A concrete storage tank for storing large quantities of fluids, grains or other materials and including a circular tank sidewall formed of a plurality of vertically elongated wall elements having a generally Y-shaped transverse cross-section, a slab floor, a slab roof, a perimeter footing, a perimeter tie beam, and a central tower for access and for housing pumping equipment. In one method of construction the wall elements are formed in place while in an alternative method of construction, the elements are prefabricated at a remote location and then moved into place.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inverted frusto-conical shaped perforated floor which is mounted in a conventional grain drying bin in a raised position relative to the base floor thereof. The perforated floor has a plurality of grain discharge openings formed therein, each of which are selectively closed by a trough-like valve. The valves have varying lengths to obtain better grain distribution on the base floor. The valves are controlled by a manually operated means. A tube tensioner is provided on the bottom surface of the perforated floor to stiffen and strengthen the perforated floor. A series of bands are mounted above the perforated floor to maintain the level of the grain being dried substantially parallel to the upper surface of the perforated floor for evenness of drying. The grain is dumped on the perforated floor and the dried air is passed upwardly through the perforated floor to dry the grain.

Abstract: The filling lid for sealed silos has a base plate adapted to close an inlet in the silo roof, the base plate having an opening therethrough registering with the silo inlet. A filling hopper is provided on the base plate around the opening, the hopper being open at its top to receive the usual gooseneck of a silage blower. A closure plate is hingedly mounted on the underside of the base plate adapted in operative position to cover the opening in said base plate in an airtight manner. Linkage is provided for swinging the closure plate into operative position, including a bell crank lever pivoted on the side of the hopper having one arm disposed substantially vertically when the closure plate is normally hanging freely in inoperative position. The other arm of the bell crank lever extends downwardly and rearwardly and is pivotally connected to the upper end of a link extending downwardly through a slot in the base plate with its other end pivoted to the closure plate.

Abstract: Detachable panels for use in construction of rectangular enclosures such as grain bins. The side edges of each panel are provided with mounting frames adapted to be easily secured to adjoining panels. The bottom edge of the panel is provided with a channel member to provide lateral support for the panel, and with a pair of flat connector portions that extend downwardly therefrom so that the top edge of a similar panel can be inserted between them and secured to them.

Abstract: A supported floor for use in a grain storage and/or drying bin is disclosed that is constructed of interlocking perforated flooring or panels of two designs each with a plank portion and subjacent flanges which alternate with each other. The first panel design has flanges which are outwardly turned to form a hat-shaped transverse cross section. The second panel design has channels which are inwardly turned resulting in a C-shaped transverse cross section. To assemble the supported floor, the hat-shaped panels are rested on supports which are arranged on the base of the bin in a predetermined manner. These supported hat-shaped panels are positioned in spaced relation to one another so that a C-shaped panel can be fit between each adjacent pair of the hat-shaped panels. Thereafter, the C-chaped panels are positioned in the respective spaces and interlocked with the hat-shaped panels. To gain access to the bin floor, any of the C-shaped floor panels can be lifted without affecting the hat-shaped panels.