Abstract: An incline conveyor that includes driven rollers at both the input (tail) end and the output (head) end of the conveyor that are powered by a single power source. Power is transmitted along the length of the conveyor with a driveline that distributes power to both the input and output drive rollers. The position of the drive rollers is adjustable to tension and track the conveyor belt. The position of the gearbox is also adjustable to maintain tension on the drive belt. The resulting conveyor drive mechanism allows cleated belt conveyors to be longer and transfer at higher capacities.

Abstract: A vertical lift conveyor for lifting bulk, or particulate, material includes a lower, generally horizontal intake stage for receiving the bulk material on a first endless carrier belt and a second endless support belt positioned in closely-spaced relation to the first belt. The two belts are displaced at essentially the same speed, with their respective adjacent edge portions maintained in intimate contact with one another by means of low friction guides and belt tension to confine the bulk material between the two belts during transport. Plural spaced belt engaging arrangements are disposed along the vertical run of the conveyor to provide support for the bulk material and maintain the edge seal between the two moving belts. The vertical lift conveyor further includes an intake stage adapted to receive the bulk material and movable between an extended, use position and a retracted storage, or transport, position.

Abstract: An arrangement for weighing bulk materials includes plural hoppers each having its own weighing system for accurately determining material discharge rate (lbs/minute) and for directing the contents of the hoppers to a product processing stage either sequentially from one hopper at a time while the other hoppers are being re-filled to provide continuous, non-stop operation, or in the alternative, from two or more hoppers simultaneously for blending the materials under the precise control of a programmed controller. Material discharge rate from each hopper is determined by continuous weighing of each hopper and its contents and is controlled in real time by precise computer controlled positioning of each hopper's slide gate. In the blending mode of operation, accurate monitoring of the material discharge rate is coordinated with processing of the material in a subsequent processing stage to allow for variation of the discharge rate to precisely match the subsequent processing parameters.

Abstract: An adjustable hitch device for coupling a towing vehicle to a towed implement or trailer is adapted for changing the coupling angle between the vehicle and the implement and also for changing the elevation angle of the implement. An elongated, rigid link is pivotally coupled at a first end to a hitch mechanism coupled to the vehicle and at a second, opposed end to a forward portion of the implement. An intermediate portion of the link is pivotally coupled to one end of a hydraulic cylinder, while a second, opposed end of the hydraulic cylinder is coupled to a forward portion of the implement. Extension of the cylinder lowers the implement's forward portion and raises its aft portion, while retraction of the cylinder has an opposite effect. In this manner, the height of the implement may be increased for use in operation or may be lowered for transport or storage.

Abstract: A power sweep for an agricultural grain bin includes a powered belt conveyor adapted to unload the grain when desired. The inboard end of the belt conveyor includes an idler roller which is frictionally coupled to the inner surface of the belt and, through a power transmission, may be actuated, by means of a clutch, to drive a power sweep for cleaning residual grain from the bottom of the storage bin after the belt conveyor has removed the bulk of the grain.

Abstract: A trailer having support wheels and a frame adapted to be hitched to a truck, includes a support track extending longitudinally for supporting an unload conveyor. The conveyor is mounted by a turret to the support track and, thus, to the trailer frame, permitting the turret to move in a fore-to-aft direction, as well as to rotate about the vertical for about 180°, providing flexibility in use as well as transport and storage. A support module, carrying at least one storage container is mounted on the trailer frame. The storage containers may be provided in a number of different sizes and they may be arranged in various configurations suiting the user's needs. The turret is positioned along the track beneath a desired seed container, which may then be unloaded by the conveyor to fill a planter seed box or grain drill, or for other seed handling applications.

Abstract: A trailer having support wheels and a frame adapted to be hitched to a truck, includes a support track extending longitudinally for supporting an unload conveyor. The conveyor is mounted by a turret to the support track and, thus, to the trailer frame, permitting the turret to move in a fore-to-aft direction, as well as to rotate about the vertical for about 180°, providing flexibility in use as well as transport and storage. A support module, carrying at least one storage container is mounted on the trailer frame. The storage containers may be provided in a number of different sizes and they may be arranged in various configurations suiting the user's needs. The turret is positioned along the track beneath a desired seed container, which may then be unloaded by the conveyor to fill a planter seed box or grain drill, or for other seed handling applications.

Abstract: A power sweep for an agricultural grain bin includes a powered belt conveyor adapted to unload the grain when desired. The inboard end of the belt conveyor includes an idler roller which is frictionally coupled to the inner surface of the belt and, through a power transmission, may be actuated, by means of a clutch, to drive a power sweep for cleaning residual grain from the bottom of the storage bin after the belt conveyor has removed the bulk of the grain.

Abstract: A tube conveyor arranges the location of the output drive roller such that the upper edge of the conveyor belt lies in a plane, defined by the upturned edges of the belt inside the tubular housing. A saver plate is mounted to each side of the output roller to reduce side spillage of particulate matter being transported.