Abstract: A commercial hopper grain bin shell can be assembled on a concrete pad using jacks to successively support previously coupled side-wall panel rings above the concrete pad. The assembled shell can be supported above the concrete pad with the jacks while coupling a horizontal support beam around a bottom of the assembled commercial hopper grain bin shell. An uppermost ring of vertical support legs can be coupled to the horizontal support beam. An uppermost ring of hopper panels can be coupled to the horizontal support beam. The assembled shell and the vertical support legs previously coupled to the horizontal support beam can be successively supported above the concrete pad with jacks while coupling an additional ring of vertical support legs to the bottom of the previously coupled vertical support legs. An additional ring of hopper panels can be successively coupled to the bottom of the previously coupled hopper panels.

Abstract: A method of constructing an inhabitable underground structure is disclosed that comprises the steps: creating a cutout in the earth at a desired location to generally match a desired shape of an interior of the underground structure; applying a reinforcement structure to an outer perimeter of the cutout; and applying shotcrete over the reinforcement structure to create a monolithic underground structure.

Abstract: A silo of conventional construction is provided with a collection pan at its bottom to collect effluent. The effluent can be stored and/or processed. Processing can include separation of water to concentrate the effluent. The effluent can contain fermentation product, such as alcohol, generated within the silo prior to collection, and it can also be fermented after collection. Processed effluent can be handled safely without risk of contamination to ground water at the silo site.

Abstract: A support structure for conditioning systems, such as blowers and/or heaters, that are used with grain bins and a method for installing same. To aid in aligning the conditioning system and grain bin, one embodiment uses beams that are partially embedded in the grain bin's concrete foundation and extend from the foundation. By linking the grain bin's foundation with the support structure that carries the conditioning system, the grain bin and support structure are aligned with respect to each other. Any movement of the grain bin's foundation will cause concomitant movement of the support base to prevent misalignment between the grain bin and conditioning system as time goes on.

Abstract: An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin.

Abstract: A granular material storage container and associated method. The storage container includes a foundation, a peripheral wall supported on the foundation, a plurality of vertical stiffeners attached to the peripheral wall, and a horizontal connector connecting the peripheral wall to the foundation. The horizontal connector extends between at least a pair of vertical stiffeners and operates for load transfer from the peripheral wall to the foundation during single pass sweeping.

Abstract: A hopper bottom for a cylindrical grain bin includes a floor structure, an outer cylindrical wall extending up from the floor and upon which the bin is supported, and an inner wall having an inverted cone shape which tapers downwardly and inwardly to join the floor structure about a central area. A pair of spaced apart upright auger chute walls extend radially outward from the central area to an access opening in the outer wall to receive an auger for unloading. Screens are flush mounted in the inner wall such that ventilation air directed into a manifold space between the inner and outer walls is forced up through the screens into the grain bin. The floor structure includes a floor sheet, a perimeter member about the outer wall, and radial supports extending between the central area and the perimeter members.

Abstract: A storage bin support system for providing a leg structure to better support the storage bin and allow for easier access underneath. The storage bin support system generally includes a bin for holding the particulate material, wherein the bin includes a roof, sidewalls, and a base, and wherein the roof includes an inlet for filling the bin and wherein the base includes an outlet for emptying the bin, and a supporting framework for supporting the bin above a ground surface in an upright position, wherein supporting framework includes an outer framework and an inner framework interconnecting the outer framework with the base. The outer framework is spaced along an outer perimeter of the bin and the inner framework includes a plurality of upper angled supports comprising an upper end and optionally a plurality of lower angled supports comprising a lower end.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory floor consisting of independent vibratory modules that can be pre-fabricated and are strictly controlled before being put into place in structures for storage or transport of bulk products. Each vibratory module consists of a frame (14) in which a support material (12) is arranged, on which a metal sheet (9) is mounted, said metal sheet being attached to a vibratory element (10) and a stiffener (19) and held in place only by a peripheral sealing membrane (11), optionally supported by compression springs (13). The filling material can comprise ribs (30) for deforming the metal sheet in the form of transversal waves (31) under the effect of the weight of the stored product. The vibratory modules constructed in this way are dust-tight, do no transmit vibrations to the surrounding structure, and effectively drain any lumpy or powdery product from silos, ships, railroad cars, or other containers.

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: A blending of geometrical shapes combine the best features of a pipe tank (standpipe) and a common multi-legged elevated tank. The bowl of an elevated tank has been designed as the top section of a standpipe or tube tank. This type design provides the near constant pressure and volume that a true elevated tank provides and a large volume of water for emergency purposes.

Abstract: A method for forming a hopper in a storage structure includes mounting a form to a storage structure which bounds a compartment. The form can be flexible or rigid. A layer of cementitious material is applied over an exterior surface of the form so as to produce a rigid side wall. The rigid side wall has an interior surface bounding a progressively constricting flow channel that communicates with the compartment of the storage structure. In one embodiment, the layer of cementitious material is applied by spraying.

Abstract: A live recovery storage structure for holding bulk material includes a housing having a side boundary wall with an inverted substantially U-shaped or V-shaped transverse cross section that extends between a first end wall and an opposing second end wall. The housing bounds a chamber adapted to receive bulk such that the bulk material rests against the side boundary wall. An elongated tunnel wall extends within or below the housing, the tunnel wall bounding a tunnel. At least one opening is formed on the housing so as to provide fluid communication with the chamber. A dispenser assembly is mounted on the tunnel wall so as to proved controlled fluid communication between the chamber and the tunnel.

Abstract: So as to provide a container that is inexpensive to manufacture and that promotes a uniform flow of particulate bulk materials therethrough, a vessel is suggested comprising at least two wall segments having a generally downwardly converging wall defining a vertical axis for the vessel, a first upper segment being vertically arranged above a second lower segment, each one of the wall segments having an upper edge and a lower edge, the perimeter of the upper edge of the second lower wall segment being larger than the perimeter of the lower edge of the first upper wall segment the lower edge of the first upper wall segment and the upper edge of the second lower wall segment being positioned proximate to each other and cooperating to provide an enlargement of the cross-sectional area of the volume occupied by the particulate solid material.

Abstract: An improved flyscreen to be slidingly deployed across an opening of window or door, the window or door having a static glazing pane or panel and an opening pane or panel, the flyscreen comprising a frame dimensioned to correspond to the dimensions of the window or door opening to be covered by the flyscreen and having a mesh screen therein extending thereacross, the frame having a brush or filamentous pad strip extending substantially the full height of an upright of the frame and which when the screen is slidingly mounted adjacent to a window or door to be slidingly moved back and forth across the opening of the window or door, is substantially able to brush over the surface of the static pane or panel of the window or door.

Abstract: An advantageous surge bin designed and constructed for the receiving, containing and discharging of bulk materials in which are arranged cooperating circular upper, octagonal intermediate and transitional lower interior wall structures with a discharge opening adapted for closure and discharge and having vertical support and horizontal connecting members so arranged and constructed to beneficially enable an overall structural weight saving of 10% to 15% over conventional designs and to facilitate the relocation of the surge bin by wheeled or other carrier means.

Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out system for rapid and accurate loading-out of large volumes of treated biosolids from a wastewater dewatering plant, said system includes a plurality of hoppers 12, 14 supported by a main structure 16 having a plurality of vertical support members 20, each resting on a load cell 28, a sludge inlet at the tip of each hopper, and hydraulically controlled metering gates 40 at the bottom. A PLC 70 controls delivery of sludge from a dewatering facility, including e.g. a dewatering centrifuge 56, into the hoppers and then controls load-out of the sludge to a container truck by providing real-time monitoring of net sludge load-out and tight control of metering gates.

Abstract: A waste water collection arrangement for combining the waste water discharge of several different plumbing fixtures includes a water receiving trap having a chamber in which water is received to provide a gas-tight seal. At least two inlet assemblies deliver waste water to the chamber and at least one outlet assembly discharges water from the chamber. The chamber has a lid part through which the inlet assemblies pass at least substantially perpendicular to the lid part. The inlet assemblies are mounted on the lid part so as to be movable as required to desired positions for connection to waste water conduits. The chamber is essentially isolated from the ambient air.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing grain from a grain storage device, which uses a plurality of augers. An unloading auger is used to begin removal of grain from a grain storage device. As the amount of grain decreases, a proximity sensor sends an activation signal to a cross auger that rests horizontally on the bottom of the grain storage device. The cross auger will pull the remaining grain to the entry point of an unloading auger. The unloading auger then removes the grain from the grain storage device.

Abstract: A wine storage tank. At least one sidewall is provided having a semi-cylindrical shape. The axis of the sidewall is inclined with respect to the horizontal so that gravity can assist the sliding of solid material toward a discharge opening for emptying the tank.

Abstract: A pressure discharge railway hopper car includes a car body having a plurality of hoppers arranged in adjacent relation longitudinally, each opening at the bottom end to an aerator tub assembly. Each aerator tub assembly has two aerator units, one on each side laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the car body, defined by downwardly convergent inclined walls. An outlet from each aerator unit is connected to a product discharge conduit that leads substantially horizontally and laterally toward the centerline of the car body to a generally L-shaped discharge pipe. Each discharge pipe may include a longitudinal leg that runs between the two sections along the car centerline and a lateral leg extending transversely to the centerline to an outlet end laterally outwardly of the aerator tub assembly, where it is connected to a main discharge pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for storing and discharging particulate material, in particular pulp chips. For the purpose of preventing bridge formation and making possible a simple and cost-effective design, the container is made so that a positive release is achieved in different transverse directions, after which the material is fed down towards the discharge end 2. The container 1 preferably has a rectangular cross section, with a number of container sections BS1-BS8 in succession from the infeed end 4 of the container to its discharge end 2. Two opposite sides in each container section are given a diverging deflection (5°) relative to the discharge end 2, and the other opposite sides in each container section are given a converging deflection (29°). In following container sections, converging sides change to diverging sides and vice versa, which results in the positive release of the material being achieved alternately with a 90° displacement.

Abstract: A silo for pulverulent and other loose materials of the type that has a base formed in part by a centrally located, inner conical dome. The silo has a vertically oriented material withdrawal conduit through which the loose materials are withdrawn from the silo. The conduit has an upper end located approximately at the apex of the inner conical dome, and the silo is constructed so that approximately two thirds of its stored contents can be withdrawn by gravity from the lower end of the material withdrawal conduit. The silo may also utilize a plurality of angularly spaced material transport conduits passing radially inward, with a first end of said conduits being located at material outlet points located within the silo body near the inner silo wall and a second end of each of said conduits located at a centrally located collection point within the silo body. The conduits will preferably utilize a dense phase conveying system that utilizes gravity to provide the pressure head to transport material.

Abstract: A silo for gravity flow storage of bulk particulate solids comprises downwardly converging and downwardly diverging walls. The downwardly converging walls form angles to the vertical that satisfy the conditions for mass flow. The walls impose particle velocity gradients in the horizontal cross sections of the silo, reducing interparticle cohesion, preventing the formation of arches and promoting uniformity of residence time within the silo. The modules may be vertically stacked, and may be clustered to increase capacity and to reduce pressure stress levels where required.

Abstract: A hopper that greatly reduces the tendency of the particulate material to form bridges within the hopper is shaped so that its walls slope downward more steeply at the bottom of the hopper and slope less steeply with increasing height above the outlet. In one embodiment the slope decreases continuously with increasing height above the outlet. In another embodiment the hopper is formed of successive sections, each joined around its circumference to the next-lower section, the wall of each section being less steeply inclined than the wall of the adjoining next-lower section. Exact relationships are given, relating the slopes of successive sections, and if the hopper is built in conformity with these relationships, arching of the particulate material is eliminated.

Abstract: A concrete container for introducing concrete into formworks includes an upwardly open vessel with a downwardly narrowing bottom portion with an outlet opening and a flexible pipe connected to the outlet opening for distributing the concrete. Underneath the outlet opening of the concrete container, an essentially horizontally extending crossbeam is arranged, wherein the crossbeam is arranged so as to be displaceable transversely of the freely suspended flexible pipe. The two ends of the crossbeam, whose length corresponds at least to the diameter of the flexible pipe, are suspended from the concrete container by connecting members. Tension springs are attached in an articulated manner to the two ends of the crossbeam, wherein the other ends of the tension springs are fastened to the support frame, wherein the tension springs are tensioned when the crossbeam is located laterally of the outlet opening in a position releasing the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A bulk hopper tank assembly which has a bulk hopper tank containing an opening at the top end thereof wherein a lid assembly selectively covers the opening. The lid assembly includes a lid, a generally vertical arm extending along the exterior side of the bulk hopper tank, and a generally horizontal arm connecting the lid and the vertical arm. A lifter connects to the vertical arm and is moveable between a down position in which the lid covers the opening in the bulk hopper tank and an up position in which the lid is vertically above the opening in the bulk hopper tank. A handle connects to the vertical arm and is moveable to a plurality of positions between a first position in which the lid is in the vertical volume of the opening and a second position in which the lid is outside of the vertical volume of the opening.

Abstract: A mass tower for medium or high consistency fiber suspension includes a vertically elongated circumferential side wall defining a space for receiving the fiber suspension. The bottom portion of the mass tower is filled with a material in an amount and of sufficient strength, preferably sand, gravel or concrete, to support the weight of the fiber suspension above the filling material. The filling material forms a bottom surface in contact with the fiber suspension and has an opening therein. Within the filling material is formed a flow channel in communication with the opening and extending through the filling material towards the side of the bottom portion for allowing the fiber suspension to be discharged from the mass tower. A method of manufacturing a mass tower and a method of converting an existing mass tower is also disclosed.

Abstract: The bulk material silo has a venting bottom containing a fiber layer (4). To compensate the difference in flow-off resistance, which differs with the distance of material from the discharge (6), it is provided that the fiber layer differs in flow resistance (10) along the path of the material toward the outlet (6), specifically having a lower flow resistance in regions further away from the outlet.

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: An improved silo for storing materials which are composed of particles of varying sizes. Rectangular receiver openings are located in an upper floor at the upper end of the silo and rectangular discharge openings are located at the lower end of the silo. In order to reduce particle segregation caused by differences in the sizes of the particles, the receiver openings are positioned at right angles to the discharge openings.

Abstract: Means for reducing hoop stress in a silo cell comprising a grain tube located in the lower part of the silo cell, the wall of the grain tube having apertures in the silo base allowing entry of granular material into the grain tube and a restrictor below the apertures restricting the material flow so that when the silo cell first discharges the material, all of that discharge is through the upper ends of the tube, downwardly through the tube and outwardly from the silo cell through valve means beyond the lower end of the tube and restrictor.

Abstract: A silo for pulverulent and other loose materials has outer silo walls, a lower circular silo base, a conical cover in the center of the lower circular silo base, and an upper intermediate circular silo base arranged between the outer silo wall and the conical cover and above the lower circular silo base. An annular space is formed between the upper and lower silo bases to act as a collecting chamber for receiving loosened material from the silo upper storage area and collecting and feeding the lossened material to discharge outlets in the lower silo base. The loose material passes via radially directed slots formed in the intermediate silo base from the upper silo area into the collecting chamber. The slots are adustable and pneumatic mechanisms are located adjacent the slots for fluidizing and ensuring proper mass flow of the materials from the upper silo area into the collecting chamber. Outlets are located in the lower silo base for discharge of loosened material held in the outlet chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved deck device which is elevated with respect to associated structure. The device includes an elevated platform having sidewalls angled with respect to the horizontal. The sidewalls may be covered with a reflective covering designed to reflect the sun's rays in the direction of the center of the deck to facilitate tanning of individuals seated or lying thereon.

Abstract: A V-shaped hopper is comprised of a pair of opposing linkages each formed of a lower angularly disposed rectangular plate hinged to an upper angularly disposed rectangular plate to form a hinged corner joint. Each linkage is mounted on a vertical sidewall of a rectangular opening with the bottom of its lower rectangular plate pivotally connected to the bottom thereof and with the top of its upper rectangular plate confined by retaining means thereon to move along the vertical plane thereof. Limiting means is also provided to limit the downward movement of opposing linkages when their hinged corner joints lie adjacent to each other. Upon dropping a plurality of dough balls into the V shaped hopper formed by the upper rectangular plates of the opposing linkages, one settles in the V bottom thereof and the others thereover.

Abstract: A bulk storage silo including a slanted floor opening into a discharge chute provided in the foundation of the silo wherein the floor is covered by a deck composed of a plurality of plates connected to vibrators arranged in a predetermined pattern which, when activated, causes the residual amount of grain which cannot be removed by gravity to flow into the discharge chute.

Abstract: A safety grid for center discharge grain boxes includes cross members and longitudinally extending rod members. The grid may be fitted to grain boxes having varying sizes through the use of an adjustable bolt movably connected to the cross members and connected to the box side walls. The cross members may be either tubular or L-shaped in cross section and are interconnected by longitudinally extending rod members.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk storage silo defined by a frame and having a flexible fabric liner, internal load distribution control, vibratory discharge and helicopter-type content spreaders.

Abstract: A building for storage grain or other particulate material. Two side walls spaced laterally from each other provide lateral support for the base of a pile of such particulate material and lower support for a roof. A roof spanning and supported fixedly on the side walls so as to cover the building has a ridge extending longitudinally, two arrays of structural trusses with one array extending between each of the side walls and the ridge and two canopies with one canopy covering the array on each side. Each canopy slopes upwardly from one of the side walls at an angle more than the angle of repose of such particulate material. A plurality of panels extend longitudinally, each depending from and supported fixedly by one of the arrays. The panels are arranged in several pairs facing each other on opposite sides of the ridge with each pair in a different tier.

Abstract: Means for reducing hoop stress in a silo cell comprising a grain tube located in the lower part of the silo cell, the wall of the grain tube having apertures at the silo base allowing entry of granular material into the grain tube, and a restrictor below the apertures restricting the material flow so that when the silo cell first discharges the material, all of that discharge is through the upper ends of the tube, downwardly through the tube and outwardly from the silo cell through valve means beyond the lower end of the tube and restrictor.

Abstract: A silo chute hopper attachment that fits underneath an existing silo chute having a swivel end, and an upper hopper portion that has flanges slidably mounted onto brackets fixed to the silo wall so that the hopper slides in and out like a drawer underneath the silo chute. It can be easily removed for getting into the silo chute. When removed the bottom outlet opening of the silo chute is completely open.

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: 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 trailer-mounted sand hopper having a trailer pivotally mountable at the front end of a motor-driven truck. The sand hopper is tiltably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer and is releasably secured to the rear portion of the trailer. The hopper is capable of being tilted to vertical and horizontal positions with respect to the trailer by engagement of a winch and cable system. The hopper is provided with backing plates which facilitate the engagement and disengagement of the hopper from the trailer.

Abstract: A silo mover apparatus comprising a main frame that is movable across the ground on a plurality of support wheels, and which has a subframe pivotallymounted thereon adjacent one end. The subframe can be raised about the pivot to a substantially vertical position through the use of hydraulic cylinders, stabilized in position adjacent to a silo to be moved, clamped to the silo by straps, after the silo has been suitably reinforced, and then the silo can be lifted and tilted downwardly with the subframe to rest on the main frame for transport to a new location. At the new location the silo is then raised by raising the subframe about its pivot, to place the silo onto the desired platform, after which the members that clamp the silo and subframe together are removed.

Abstract: A bin for storing and discharging free-flowing granular material such as sugar has a flexible, inflatable double-walled cup-shaped bag resting on the bin floor with the discharge opening in the bottom and a conveyor for discharging to the bin side above the bin floor. In one embodiment, the bin has at least a partial false floor built up to the level of the conveyor. In another embodiment the conveyor is in an upwardly inclined tunnel shaped enclosure.

Abstract: A tank construction having a floor formed of interconnected panels. The tank includes a generally cylindrical shell which is supported on a footing and a floor encloses the lower end of the shell. A sump is located centrally of the floor and the floor consists of a plurality of generally pie-shaped panels which extend between the sump to the shell. Bolts connect the inner edge of the panels to the sump, as well as connecting the side edges of the panel together and connecting the outer edges of the panels to a foundation angle which supports the lower end of the shell of the tank. The lower ends of anchor bolts are embedded in the footing and the upper ends of the anchor bolts are located on the outside of the shell and are secured to generally hat-shaped anchor chairs that are mounted on the outer surface of the shell.

Abstract: A large volume silo has in the center of the base a conical dome which, together with the cylindrical outer silo wall, defines an annular base. Open air conveyor chutes pass from the base area through discharge openings to flow regulators in the inner area beneath the conical dome. Closed air conveyor chutes follow on from the flow regulators and lead to a common storage tank in the inner area beneath the conical dome. The open air conveyor chutes can be separated from the bulk material in the silo area by cover slides moveable from the inner area of the conical dome over the open air conveyor chute. This repairs to the conveyor chutes without interrupting silo operation. The cover slides are operated from the interior of the conical dome.

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 large container, especially a silo, having a unitary, or one-piece material holding main part. A generally conically shaped unloading hopper is secured to the base of the main part by means of relatively thick, solid flange means which provides exceptional load-bearing properties at critical areas at the juncture of the main part to the unloading hopper. The container can be stacked in nested relation with other containers thereby making storage and shipment of the container more economical.