Abstract: Fumigation apparatus for placing solid fumigant in grain in ship holds, using a gas-permeable sleeve that is telescoped within an elongated tubular probe to be driven into the grain by a probe manipulator mechanism. The mechanism has three sets of drive rollers in a housing that is clamped around the lower end portion of the probe at the surface of the grain, the mechanism being releasably secured to a foldable base platform and driven by a power operator including a reversible electric motor and a reduction gear box. The sleeve is fabric, having a funnel-shaped open upper end and a closed lower end above a flap or tail for hanging out of the probe during installation. A flexible line is secured to the probe for repeated use in pulling sleeves into the probe for rapid placement of the sleeves after introduction of fumigant.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement of selected quantities of gas-producing solid fumigant at selected locations within the depth of a bulk-stored commodity within a storage compartment, such as grain loaded into the hold of a ship. The invention comprises a fabric sleeve projecting downwardly into the grain with a closed lower end at a selected depth, and an open filler pipe received into the sleeve through which a selected quantity of fumigant is poured. The filler pipe is withdrawn to leave the fumigant at a selected depth within the sleeve, whereupon the grain comprises against and closes upper unfilled sleeve portions thereby isolating the fumigant at a selected depth within the grain where it produces penetrating toxic gases to extreminate pests. In one form, the sleeve and filler pipe are inserted as an assembly to a relatively shallow depth within the grain subsequent to loading of the hold.

Abstract: A method is provided for placement of selected quantities of gas-producing solid fumigant at selected locations within the depth of a bulk-stored commodity within a storage compartment, such as grain loaded into the hold of a ship. The invention comprises a fabric sleeve projecting downwardly into the grain with a closed lower end at a selected depth, and an open filler pipe received into the sleeve through which a selected quantity of fumigant is poured. The filler pipe is withdrawn to leave the fumigant at a selected depth within the sleeve, whereupon the grain compresses against and closes upper unfilled sleeve portions thereby isolating the fumigant at a selected depth within the grain where it produces penetrating toxic gases to exterminate pests. In one form, the sleeve and filler pipe are inserted as an assembly to a relatively shallow depth within the grain subsequent to loading of the hold.

Abstract: A method of fumigating grain in the hold of a ship with receptacles that are placed on the bottom of the hold before loading of the grain, and supplied with gas-producing solid fumigant through feed tubes after the grain has been loaded into the hold. The receptacles comprise inner and outer coaxial conical screens supported over a bottom tray for collecting powder residue, the outer conical screen having an inlet fitting in its upper end for connection to a feed tube, and being reinforced by a framework for sustaining the weight of the grain.