Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for opening and closing a grain or access door on a barge lid or cover, the grain door having a latch connecting the grain door to the barge lid, the apparatus supportable by an overhead lifting system. The apparatus can include a base which is supportable by the overhead lifting system and a mechanical arm assembly connected to the base, the mechanical arm assembly including a first arm rotatably connected to the base, a second arm connected to the first arm, a latch engagement member connected to the second arm; and an actuator connected between the first arm and the second arm, the actuator operable to move the second arm relative to the first arm to disengage the latch on the grain door from the barge lid via the latch engagement member and swing the grain door from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A modular overflow spout that covers a tank outlet comprising an overflow cover removably attached to a curb assembly. The overflow cover includes a canopy and a cover plate. The curb assembly comprises an outer curb having a lower curb flange that can be incorporated into the tank outlet and an upper curb flange that is positioned above the tank outlet. An inner curb is attached to the outer curb and can be incorporated into the tank outlet with the inner curb. The modularity allows the outer curb to be adjustable within the outlet so that the angle of the upper curb flange is conducive for attachment of the cover plate on the overflow cover after the curb assembly is incorporated into the tank roof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an access panel configured for fixing to a service aperture in a wind turbine tower wall; wherein the access panel comprises a main panel and an adjacent sub-panel; the sub-panel comprising a bearing surface at an edge thereof; the main panel comprising a reference surface at an edge thereof; the main panel and the sub-panel being abuttable along a common seam; the seam comprising a said sub-panel bearing surface abutting a main panel reference surface; the main panel being dimensioned to close a main region of a tower wall aperture whereas the sub-panel is dimensioned to close a first sub-region of the aperture. The invention includes a method according to which the sub-panel is placed into a tower wall aperture and adjusted to bring its bearing surface into a predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an access panel configured for fixing to a service aperture in a wind turbine tower wall; wherein the access panel comprises a main panel and an adjacent sub-panel; the sub-panel comprising a bearing surface at an edge thereof; the main panel comprising a reference surface at an edge thereof; the main panel and the sub-panel being abuttable along a common seam; the seam comprising a said sub-panel bearing surface abutting a main panel reference surface; the main panel being dimensioned to close a main region of a tower wall aperture whereas the sub-panel is dimensioned to close a first sub-region of the aperture. The invention includes a method according to which the sub-panel is placed into a tower wall aperture and adjusted to bring its bearing surface into a predetermined position.

Abstract: A portable and compact, hand-held electrically powered vacuum tool, designed expressly for suctioning clogs from the drains and traps of sinks and bathtubs to pull clogs out of drains and traps thereby clearing the clog without use of chemicals and recover items such as rings and toothpaste-tube caps that have gone down the drain.

Abstract: A roof drain sump box (10) is utilized for positioning a roof drain (12) on a flat roof. The sump box is formed with a horizontally oriented flat plate (20) with a central opening (22) making a peripheral flange (24). The central opening has a width less than a distance between building roof joists providing attachment of the sump box onto the flat roof top of a building without altering the building structure. An angular transition portion (46) is integrally formed with the flange contiguous with the central opening. A vertically oriented downwardly depending step (48) is formed integrally with the angular transition portion and a horizontally oriented flat sump deck (50) is integrally formed with the step. The sump deck, is coplanar with the flange, and incorporates a roof drain opening (52) to receive the roof drain (12). The sump deck is positioned sufficiently below the flat plate permitting water to flow uninhibited into the roof drain without ponding.

Abstract: A drain support plate for mounting and securing a drain assembly to a deck in a building structure.

Abstract: A storage structure beneath an elevated floor system comprised of pedestals, beams, a flooring unit and a storage box; the beams connected to pedestals to define a frame beneath the flooring unit; lip outwardly extending from both sides of the beam mutually locks up that provided on the peripheral of the opening side of the box for the box to be suspended beneath the flooring unit to provide additional storage space without compromising the layout of electric wiring that the elevated floor serves.

Abstract: A sump containment apparatus for a fuel storage tank has a manhole skirt communicating with a sump interior, a bladder seal with a first portion secured in sealing engagement about an opening in the sump, and a second portion disposed about an inner surface of the manhole skirt and urged into sealing engagement with the inner surface by mechanical compression, preferably by an expansion ring. An observation port in a manhole cove is openable for viewing into the sump.

Abstract: An explosion door including a frame and door panel includes an improved latch mechanism for releasably securing the door panel to the frame with a retainer bar. The latch includes a pivoting latch housing having at a free end a magnetic contact and latch stop for contacting the retainer bar. A seal between the door panel and frame includes a rigid door stop component and a resilient seal. The retainer bar is mounted to the frame to permit the spacing between the bar and door panel to be adjusted in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A conveyor gallery lateral restraint system for a reticulated dome structure includes a pair of load transfer pads integrated into the conveyor gallery and dome structure. Only loads normal to the outer surfaces of the load transfer pads, and thus loads along the reticulated surface of the dome structure, are transferred to the dome structure by the load transfer pads. Because of characteristics of the load transfer pads and their orientation relative to the dome surface, substantially no loads that are normal to the surface of the dome structure are transferred to the dome structure by the conveyor gallery.

Abstract: A detachable panel or grill for covering an opening in panelling of a wall or ceiling or in an appliance. The panel can be installed quickly and rigidly without the need for any special framing. The panel or grill can be installed or removed by the rotation of a single screw which passes through a threaded opening in an elongate fastening arm. The arm extends generally parallel to an inner surface of the panel during use thereof. The arm is pivotable relative to the panel between a first position usable for insertion of the arm into the opening and a second position used for clamping the panel to edge structure defining the opening. A slideway is connected to an inner surface of the panel and limits the extent of pivotal movement of the arm. The screw extends through a hole in the panel and connects the arm to the panel. A spring biases the arm so that it pivots towards the second position.

Abstract: A bulk storage tank is disclosed having an access opening in a lower funnel portion with a removable cover plate. The access opening is located and shaped for permitting a workman to access or partially enter the interior of the tank.

Abstract: A closure assembly selectively closes an access opening for an enclosure having walls defining an interior space. The closure assembly includes a pair of hinges mounted to the one wall on opposite sides of the opening, the hinges having aligned apertures therethrough spaced outwardly from the one wall. A rectangular sheet metal door of a size larger than the opening is formed in a generally pyramid configuration having four creases, each extending from the centerpoint to one of the corners of the door. The centerpoint defines an apex of the pyramid configuration. Each side edge of the door between adjacent corners has a downward convex curve. The door is positioned in overlying relationship with the opening to completely cover the same with the apex disposed intermediate the hinges. A cam rod has a central, overcentered cam between opposite end rods rotatably and removably received in the hinge openings and a handle operatively associated with the cam.

Abstract: A mobile grain silo for the transportation and storage of grain, granulated food and other such materials, wherein the mobile grain silo includes individual storage cells of a generally parallelogram shape constructed around a frame structure and having means for lifting on and off a mobile transport and for interconnecting the cells in stacked relation to one another. The individual storage cells having a loading door for filling and an exit door for discharging the contents therein and further having a viewing port to inspect the interior of the cell.

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: A silo is provided with a thickened section along one portion of its circumference and located therein is a passage extending from top to bottom of the silo. This passage opens into the silo by means of an unobstructed opening which also runs from top to bottom of the silo. This opening may be covered by a series of doors which may be automatically opened and closed in conjunction with the silo unloading operation.

Abstract: An induced draft cooling tower includes a unitary, seamless shell fabricated from a rust-free, plastics material. The cooling tower operates on the counterflow principle whereby a fluid to be cooled is directed downwardly through a block of cellular packing disposed within the tower, while cooling air is drawn upwardly through the cellular packing and is exhausted at the top of the tower. A fan is mounted atop the tower for purposes of drawing air through the tower. The shell includes a polygonal lower portion for easier formation of air inlets and for attachment of plumbing fixtures. The shell is fabricated from an inexpensive, relatively weak plastics material; however, due to the configuration of the shell, the tower possesses favorable strength characteristics and avoids the need for any supplementary structural supports made of very strong material such as steel or fiberglass reinforced polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an access door assembly (10) comprised of a frame assembly (12) held in place by a plurality of hoop-shaped rods (14). A door (16) is hinged to frame assembly (12) using a pair of first hinge brackets (18) secured to frame assembly (12), a pair of second hinge brackets (20) secured to door (16) near its vertical centerline, and a connecting rod (22) acting as the hinge pin between the first and second hinge brackets (18, 20). A latch mechanism (24) engages a mid-step member (26) to secure door (16) tightly against a door frame structure (28). In doing so, flexible door (16) bends to conform generally to the curvature of cylindrical silo wall (30).Upper and lower step members (56, 58) are a part of frame assembly (12) and mid-step member (26) is supported by frame assembly (12). Hence the step members acting as ladder rungs are not supported by door (16), but rather by its frame.

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: A door frame for use in the discharge doors of silos which is adapted to be quickly moved from one frame to another as silage is removed from the silo, and which will support a hood or funnel used with clean chute systems for discharging silage from the silo. The door frame also may provide a support for the silo unloader, including guides for the normal gooseneck discharge conduit of the unloader and its torque restraining means. The frame provides a rack for receiving and storing the silo door which is removed for installation of the frame. The frame is adjustable to tightly fit into different size door openings. In a preferred embodiment the door frame is raised and lowered into position through the use of a winch and motor assembly, thus making the changing of the movable door frame that supports the hood for the clean chute assembly simple, and relatively labor free.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silo door system designed to adapt older silo constructions for automated unloading, or to be employed as a general door system, if desired. The system includes a number of apertured panel sections clamped to the silo wall in aligned relationship, with door members for selectively closing said apertures. In addition, there is disclosed a double arm unloader chute positioning means for maintaining alignment of an unloader discharge chute with the apertures in said panel sections.

Abstract: Tanks for storing materials, especially liquid and semi-liquid materials. The tank wall is formed of a plurality of arcuate panels, each fabricated from vertically stacked precast concrete panel sections, which are joined by vertical pilasters, each pilaster formed from precast concrete pilaster sections. The wall is prestressed by tensioned tendons disposed on the periphery thereof. Each of the pilasters are supported by a separate footing and the ends of the arcuate panels are likewise supported on the footings. The footings are interconnected by a novel stabilizing structure to withstand seismic loading. These as well as numerous other novel structural features provide for a storage tank of modular construction, which is strong, stable and versatile; which may be constructed in a facile manner; and which may, if desired, be easily dismantled for relocation.

Abstract: An agricultural silo comprising a plurality of vertically spaced apart silage discharge orifices includes a twin passageway chute overlying the orifices. The chute includes a first passageway permitting unobstructed operator access and a separate silage discharge passageway which confines the silage during the unloading operation. A dormer door provided in the silo top may be opened to discharge silage therethrough. When opened the door vents the silo and, when closed, the door prevents material from entering the climbing and discharge chute during silo filling and prevents updrafts in the chute during unloading.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silo door system designed to adapt older silo constructions for automated unloading, or to be employed as a general door system, if desired. The system includes a number of apertured panel sections clamped to the silo wall in aligned relationship, with door members for selectively closing said apertures. In addition, there is disclosed a double arm unloader chute positioning apparatus for maintaining alignment of an unloader discharge chute with the apertures in the panel sections.

Abstract: A door for a grain bin having a container associated therewith which is adapted to be connected to a grain bin and extended into the grain storing portion of the grain bin. An opening is disposed in a lower portion of a rear wall of the container and a front wall of the container leading to the outside of the grain bin is removable and is optionally transparent. A grain port in the top rear wall of the container has a sliding gate associated therewith for opening or closing the grain port or metering grain through the grain port. An extension spout is formed on the front bottom of the container for selectively extending the bottom portion of the container, thereby facilitating a selectively controlled flow of grain out of the grain bin.

Abstract: A concrete wall is formed with at least one discharge opening and has an outside surface and an inside surface formed with a recess which surrounds said discharge opening. A door-frame extends in said recess and has corners and a peripherally extending door abutment. A door is disposed in said discharge opening and engages said door abutment. Frame-clamping means are provided to force said door frame into said recess and comprise pins carried by said door frame at least at said corners and extending outwardly through said discharge opening, and clamping plates engaging said outside surface and cooperating with said clamping pins.

Abstract: A material diverter for a tower silo for carrying material to the base of the silo independent of the silo chute. The diverter has an upright downspout attached to the outside of the chute and a housing located within the chute for receiving material moving through the silo doorway and directing the material into the downspout. The housing is pivotally connected to a carriage operable to move on upright tracks secured to the chute. The housing can be aligned with one of a plurality of structures used to connect the downspout to the chute so that the material at various elevations can be discharged through the housing into the downspout.

Abstract: A boltless two-piece rail fastening assembly for securing a railway rail, supported on a conventional tie plate, to a wooden cross tie is comprised of a chair and a rail clip latched thereon. The chair includes a body, having a jaw with a bight configured to receive the clip, and at least one downwardly projecting leg or shank for securing the chair adjacent the base flange of the rail. The rail clip is a torsional spring clip in the general form of an "S" having a rail-bearing leg for proximate engagement with the base flange of the rail and a tie bearing leg for proximate engagement with the tie plate.