Abstract: A container transport system for transporting an intermodal freight container includes: a tow assembly pivotally coupled to a tow vehicle, the tow assembly including a support frame, a boom assembly mounted on the support frame, the boom assembly having a boom frame and a lifting actuator mounted on the boom frame; a lift beam shaped to attach to an end of the intermodal freight container, the lift beam mechanically associated with the lifting actuator; a dolly removably coupled to one of the tow assembly and tow vehicle, the dolly including a bogey frame including a plurality of wheels attached to the bogey frame, a pair of brackets located on sides of the bogey frame, the brackets spaced apart such that a width of the intermodal freight container fits between the paid of brackets.

Abstract: A device is provided for transferring bulk materials from a vehicle through a grate to a structure disposed below the grate. The device includes a plate disposed over the grate and defining an opening smaller than the grate. The device further includes a hopper configured to rest on the plate between the plate and the underside of the vehicle. The hopper defines a bottom opening configured for alignment with the opening in the plate and a top opening configured for alignment with a discharge spout on the vehicle and the top opening is larger than the bottom opening. The device further includes means for moving the hopper to an operating position in which the bottom and top openings are aligned with the opening in the plate and the discharge spout on the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in unloading bulk material from containers that is vertically adjustable and provides a mechanism for maintaining a coupling engagement with an outlet on a container. The apparatus has a plurality of inflatable flexible members configured and arranged to maintain the coupling engagement of the apparatus to the container outlet.

Abstract: A method and system for handling granular material, such as proppant used in hydraulic fracturing in well drilling, is provided. In an operational configuration, a delivery module having conveyors receives and conveys granular material to a delivery location, and one or more mobile storage modules receive, hold and dispense granular material downward to the delivery module. The mobile storage modules comprise a raised, angular container portion for holding granular material. Each mobile storage module may comprise a rock-over chassis for support against ground. A remote control module provides centralized, remote control of the system. Mobile support unit modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle capable of providing power, control, heating, and the like to other modules. Mobile in-feed elevator modules may also be provided as a remotely controlled vehicle for feeding granular material to mobile storage modules. In a transportation configuration, each module is separately transportable.

Abstract: An unloading station and method for unloading bulk material from a moving railcar with a bottom discharge while the railcar is moving includes a track with a pair of rails. A synchronized parallel conveyor is oriented parallel with the pair of rails and forms a movable platform capable of receiving the bulk material in a pile extending into the railcar and drawing the pile along in synchronization with the railcar as the railcar moves. A hopper is disposed below a break in or end of the parallel conveyor to receive the bulk material. A lateral conveyor disposed under the hopper to convey the bulk material away from the hopper.

Abstract: A bulk materials transportation system having a plurality of carriages pivotally coupled endwise to form an endless chain of carriages, a rail track for guiding the carriages from a mine stockpile to a port stockpile, and a plurality of drive mechanisms located along the length of the rail track arranged for propelling the carriages. The rail track and the endless chain of carriages are substantially the same length. The drive mechanism is stationary with respect to the rail track. The carriages each have a coupling capable of allowing limited relative movement (including slack) with respect to endwise adjacent carriages to allow limited endwise movement between adjacent carriages to facilitate starting of the chain of carriages from a stationary condition.

Abstract: A trailer apparatus configured to be pulled behind a first vehicle includes a first or larger trailer and a second or smaller trailer. The first or larger trailer is configured to be pulled behind the first vehicle. The second or smaller trailer is configured to fit into the first trailer. The first or larger trailer can be used to haul a smaller vehicle, such as an ATV, snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, and the second trailer can be removed from the first trailer so that it can be towed behind the smaller vehicle as a stand-alone trailer. The second trailer can also be configured to form a ramp for the first trailer to aid in loading the first trailer.

Abstract: This invention concerns a new grain unloading system using an integrated ramp, horizontal transfer conveyor and elevating system. The unit is towed, positioned and powered by an agricultural tractor.

Abstract: A transporter is adapted to tip by using bilateral rams on opposite sides of a main compartment in the form of an open topped bin. The main bin is V-shaped in profile and when the trailer is tipped a conveyor underneath the bin raises an ingredient flowing from the bin. The bin is divided by flow-promoting dividers which are asymmetric in profile, each divider has a front face defined by an included angle “A” of about 34° and a rear face defined by an included angle “B” of about 75°, measured from the horizontal when the bin is in a horizontal transport position. Faces of adjacent dividers converge to a flow through passage that an ingredient flows along the V-sides of the bin and the faces directly through the flow through passages.

Abstract: A baggage chute for transferring baggage from an elevated level of an aircraft passenger boarding bridge to ground level. The chute includes at least one slide member which is shaped to form a truncated cylinder of arcuate cross-section and which has annularly extending ribs. A plurality of mounting members are used to fasten the slide member to the boarding bridge and to support the slide member. A baggage receiving area is attached near an end of the slide near ground level for receiving and retaining baggage. The receiving area includes a flexible member extending substantially across the receiving area for stopping the sliding of the baggage and which absorbs the impact of the baggage.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for unloading material directly from a dump truck onto a conveyor assembly. The transportable apparatus includes an inclined ramp that is adapted to permit a dump truck to back onto the ramp. A hopper assembly is movably mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp and is positioned to receive material unloaded from the dump truck. The hopper assembly includes a hopper bin mounted to the back end of the inclined ramp by a pair of support arms. The first end of the each support arm is connected to a drive member such that the hopper bin can be raised and lowered relative to the inclined ramp. A wheel assembly is also mounted to the rear end of the inclined ramp. The wheel assembly is mounted between a pair of support arms. The inner end of each support arm is pivotally connected to the inclined ramp, while the outer end of the each support arm for the wheel assembly is connected to a wheel axle.

Abstract: A skid for use in unloading palletized cargo from a vehicle having a bed comprises a rail for placement under the cargo and a stop projecting upwardly from the rail. The stop is placed adjacent a side of the cargo when the rail is positioned under the cargo. Movement of the bed with the skid in place causes the cargo and skid to slide from the bed to a surface onto which the cargo is to be deposited with the cargo riding on the skid.

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

Abstract: A modular rail car unloading pit which supports railroad tracks and facilitates the removal and transfer of aggregate, particulate, or other material from rail cars. The modular unloading pit is comprised of a set of precast concrete panels enabling the unloading pit to be environmentally friendly, reusable, and reducing installation time and cost. The set of panels includes one or more floor panels, four equally spaced vertical lateral walls oriented perpendicular to the railroad tracks, and a vertical longitudinal wall oriented parallel to the railroad tracks. Each lateral wall includes rail support plates at the top and anchors protruding from the bottom. The anchors are inserted into corresponding anchor receiving orifices in the floor for connecting the lateral walls to the floor. The lower end of the lateral walls are capped by metal channel members which are welded to metal plates on the top surface of the floor.

Abstract: A collapsible hopper is used with a conveyor, for example a grain auger. The hopper is fastened onto the bottom end of the auger to surround the inlet. It has a flaccid side wall that is normally supported in a raised condition by a top, rigid hoop connected to the hopper base by a pair of springs. The springs allow the hoop to be deflected downwardly when engaged by another object, for example a truck box when it is dumping into the hopper. An over-center linkage allows the springs to be released so that the flaccid hopper wall can collapse, allowing insertion of the hopper in this collapsed state into a position where there is insufficient clearance to insert the fully-raised hopper.

Abstract: A driving range environment includes golf ball pickers to return the balls to a golf ball washer. The pickers are parked at a golf ball unload station where the balls are dropped through a grate onto a conveyor or chute for transport to the hopper of the ball washer. From the washer the balls travel through air filled tubes that dry the balls and transport the balls to dispensers where the golfer can again drive the balls at the range.

Abstract: Fugitive dust generated by a bottom dumping railroad hopper car is captured by a dust containment system. The dust containment system includes an open railroad track segment for supporting the car above a hopper pit defined by enclosed end walls, an interconnecting rear sidewall and a partially open front side. A building structure encloses the track segment and hopper pit and includes roof mounted ventilators for emitting fresh air to the interior thereof. A backhoe device is positioned above the car to assist in discharging material. Air passageways are formed on opposite sides of the track segment with motorized dampers positioned therein. Dust collector units are positioned adjacent to the front side of the hopper pit. The fans of the dust collectors induce a draft from the roof ventilators downwardly along the sides of the rail car, through the air passageways to the hopper pit.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprising a platform positioned above and spaced from a building roof for receiving a motorized or manual stone ballast transport cart, and a conveyor positioned beneath the platform for receiving ballast stones unloaded from the cart and conveying the stones over the edge of the roof. The platform is essentially flat and parallel to the roof and includes two ramps positioned at opposite ends of the platform, an opening located directly above the conveyor for permitting passage of ballast stones from the cart to the conveyor, and a grate in the opening with through openings in the grate large enough to permit passage of ballast stones and small enough so that the grate provides a path for the removal machine over the opening. The conveyor is an endless belt conveyor and is driven by a drive belt connected to an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading belly dump trucks into piles comprises a ramp onto which the unloading truck drives, a hopper for reception of dumped material, and a conveyor running under the hopper and onto a side conveyor arm for disposal of the material The conveyor arm can be raised and lowered and collapsed for transport An engine for powering the apparatus is disposed oppositely of the conveyor arm, and can be moved toward and away from the ramp for transport and operation, respectively. Rear wheel assemblies comprise a plate slidably mounted to the side of the ramp which can raise and lower the ramp. A steerable front wheel assembly can be raised and lowered for removal of the apparatus from the towing truck and local movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a mechanical drive system for driving first and second screw conveyors from a single power source. This system includes a primary drive providing power to the first conveyor from the power source and a secondary drive that includes a pair of gear boxes and that supplies power to the second conveyor from the primary drive.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for conveying cotton from an unloading station to a gin house, while preventing the cotton from absorbing moisture from the ground. In accordance with the present invention, the system provides for the use of a network of railway tracks either directly from the field to a gin site or least at the gin mill, as well as the use of lightweight, flat, open bed carriers which run along the railway tracks, transporting cotton modules from one station to the other en route from the field to a gin house or storage facility.

Abstract: A method for loading compacted solid waste refuse in the form of bales indexed two at a time for loading into a plastic-lined dump trailer. The dump trailer being covered and including a rear closure door for transporting the bales in a closed environment to a balefill. The method further includes tilting the dump trailer at a low slip angle to dump the bales a pair at a time smoothly sliding from the plastic-lined trailer to be picked by mechanical device for stacking in the balefill.

Abstract: A grain hopper assembly to receive grain unloaded from a bottom unloading grain transport vehicle. The assembly comprises a shell having opposite ends. An auger is mounted to the shell and conveys grain toward one end of the shell. A hopper tube has an auger contained therein. An attachment housing is at one end of the shell and connects the hopper tube to the shell so that the hopper tube auger operatively communicates with the auger whereby grain at the one end of the shell is received and conveyed by the hopper tube auger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring elongated objects includes a transfer cart comprising a vertically movable table top mounted on a mobile base. The transfer cart is selectively reciprocally transferred between a loading station and an unloading station. The table top has cradle means thereon to hold the elongated objects during transfer with the ends of the elongated objects overhanging both ends of the table top. At the unloading station, the table top and elongated objects thereon are raised to an elevated position, and pivotal support arms are extended under the elevated overhung ends of the elongated objects. The table top is lowered to deposit the elongated objects on the extended arms for gravity feed transfer to a work station. The transfer cart with lowered table top is returned to the loading position, and the pivotal support arms after unloading are retracted to provide clearance for raising the table top during the next cycle.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car door opener 40 is provided for opening a railroad hopper car door 20. The hopper car door opener 40 includes a first elongated member 44 which is mounted to rotate on a platform 52 adjacent a hopper car unloading area. A second elongated member 46 is pivotably mounted on one end thereof to the other end of the first elongated member 44. The first and second elongated members 44 and 46 have a curve 48 and 58 respectively formed at a predetermined point thereon to facilitate optimum conditions for movement. A third elongated member 78 is provided which is tapered at one end thereof to engage a car door socket 34. A motor 74 is coupled to the end of the third elongated member 78 opposite the tapered end thereof and pivotably mounted to the other end of the second elongated member 46. The motor 47 is provided to rotate the third elongated member 78 about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A hopper car gate opener comprising an elongated member having opposed flanges defining a fixed track; a trolley element mounted on the track supported by and movable along a top surface of each flange; and a portion of the trolley element underlaying and spaced from a bottom surface of each flange. A torque producing unit is mounted on the trolley element and is operable to generate a twisting moment in a predetermined rotational direction to drive a pinion of the gate. A method of operating the discharge gates of a hopper car having a plurality of gates where the gates are under control of rack and pinion sets individual thereto; providing a flanged track disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the car; mounting a trolley upon and movable along the track; and mounting a torque producing unit upon the trolley.

Abstract: This describes a method and an apparatus for supplying freshly made concrete. Containers having two compartments are used, one compartment for aggregate and a companion compartment for cement. The container compartments are loaded from the top and are emptied simultaneously or one after another through apertures at the bottom of each compartment opened and closed by manually or power operated gates. The top of the compartments is closed by covers which protect against humidity infiltration or humidity loss. The contents are discharged through the respective aperture onto a receiving conveyor which carries the contents into an adjacent mixer where they are mixed together with the specified amount of water and specified additives which are measured out and introduced by appropriate apparatus mounted on or near the mixer to make the eventual viscous concrete.

Abstract: A load distribution vehicle which is adapted to run on a rail track on or over a train of open topped cars for the purpose of loading the cars with particulate material such as mineral ore, broken rock, sand, granular food stuff or the like. The vehicle consists of a bottom discharge hopper which includes a self contained power source for driving the vehicle on its rail track and opening and closing its load discharge doors. The wheels of the vehicle are rotatable on vertical axes and are dish shaped to provide the vehicle with an abnormal transverse movement capacity on its track to enable it to negotiate sharp kinks in its track.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a roller conveyor, a platform at one end of the conveyor, and a wheeled vehicle. The platform facilitates positioning the wheeled vehicle so that the bed thereon is aligned with a load support surface defined by rollers on the conveyor whereby the apparatus may be used for loading or unloading of trailer vans.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a platform device for lifting the side of a hopper wagon to facilitate discharge of fluent material, such as grain, therefrom. The apparatus includes a horizontal platform device onto which a wagon may be moved, the platform device having stationary and vertically movable sections. The movable section is positioned to support the front and rear wheels on one side of the wagon disposed on the platform device. The movable section in its first position is level with the stationary section and in its second position is elevated thereabove. A pair of power-lifting mechanisms is connected to and support the opposite end portions of the movable section to maintain the latter level and selectively to raise it above the level of the stationary section. The power-lifting mechanisms each include two upright telescopically engaged guiding tubes having upper and lower ends, respectively.