Abstract: A feedback system for use with a bin sweep to control the movement of the bin sweep around a grain bin by measuring the amount of amperage that is drawn by an auger motor. If the amount of amperage that is drawn exceeds a specified level, a tractor motor stops the movement of the bin sweep. If the amount of amperage drawn is equal to or below a specified level, the tractor motor starts the movement of the bin sweep again. Regardless of the movement of the bin sweep and the state of the tractor motor, once the auger motor is turned on and the rotation of the auger has begun, the auger will still continue to rotate regardless of what the tractor motor is doing.

Abstract: A support frame for a grain bin sweep has an open interconnected framework which allows grain to flow through the frame. The frame is comprised of panels which are assembled together to form an open structure frame. The structure of the frame allows for easy mobility and assembly while still able to withstand the tremendous pressure exerted by large amounts of grain disposed on top of the grain bin sweep in a grain bin.

Abstract: An edge support extends longitudinally along the lid opening for a bulk body. The edge support includes a wall support, a rim above the wall support, and a receiving slot between the wall support and the rim for receiving the longitudinal extending edge of the bulk body wall. The edge support is unitarily and integrally formed of a single piece, such as an extrusion out of aluminum. The edge support is strong and low cost and facilitates manufacture of the bulk body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable drive-over grain hopper for use in moving grain. The hopper has an endless chain linkage with laterally extending paddle assemblies spaced therealong. A grain transfer bed extends from a low profile location in position to receive grain from a belly-dump or side-dump truck or trailer to a higher elevation discharge outlet. The grain transfer bed has a generally planar lateral width which is the same from the grain inlet to the discharge outlet, and is substantially spanned by each paddle assembly. Fold-down ramps are provided adjacent the inlet to allow a truck or trailer to drive over the grain hopper, which has a very low profile. The grain hopper has removable wheels and a removable hitch to allow it to be relocated as desired.

Abstract: An improved auger assembly for providing a sealed path for transport of grain. The improved auger assembly includes a first angularly adjustable hopper tube, a second hopper tube, and a joint mechanism. The first angularly adjustable hopper tube contains a first auger for transporting grain from a first grain-containing volume. The second hopper tube contains a second auger for transporting grain to a second grain-containing volume. The joint mechanism couples the first and second hopper tubes and allows the grain transported by the first auger from the first grain-containing volume to be further transported by the second auger to the second grain-containing volume. The joint mechanism includes flexible flaps that sealably couple the first hopper tube and the second hopper tube at all angular orientations of the first hopper tube relative to the second tube.

Abstract: A bulk feed delivery system includes a bulk body having a dispensing opening extending along a bottom end thereof; a pair of gates arranged adjacent the dispensing opening, the gates being movable between a first position to close the dispensing opening and a second position to open the dispensing opening; a gate cover; a plurality of gate supports fictionally supporting the gates under the gate cover, each gate support having a surface; and a gate guide mechanism mounted to an underside of each of the pair of gates, each of the gate guide mechanisms being operable with the respective surface of the gate supports for controlling the movement and orientation of the gates during movement between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A center drive portable auger system for transporting particulate material. The auger includes an auger tube having a feed end and a discharge end, an auger drive shaft within the auger tube, and an auger flighting mounted to the auger drive shaft for transporting particulate material from the feed end to the discharge end of the auger tube. A gear box is positioned adjacent an external surface of the auger tube between the discharge end and the feed end for center driving the auger flighting. Since the central gear is external to the auger tube it does not restrict the flow of the particulate material within the auger tube, does not leak oil into the particulate material, and runs cooler than the internal gear boxes due to less friction during operation. A drive linkage operates between the gear box and the auger drive shaft for driving the auger flighting.

Abstract: A pallet for use in transporting a container housing a particulate material, the container having a gate for releasing the particulate material from the container. The pallet includes a frame member for receiving the container, a hopper mounted to the frame member for receiving the particulate material from the container when the container gate is open, an conveyor having a feed end and a discharge end, the feed end of the conveyor being fixedly mounted to the hopper for transporting the particulate material from the hopper to the discharge end of the conveyor to fill a desired target with the particulate material, and a drive system for driving the conveyor.

Abstract: A feed auger for transporting particulate material to a main auger which has a drive shaft driven by a direct mechanical connection from a PTO of a tractor vehicle. The feed auger is attached to a hopper at one end and pivotally mounted to the main auger at the other end such that particulate material entering the hopper is transported through the feed auger and into and through the main auger. The feed auger is driven by a hydraulic system operated from the drive shaft of the main auger, the hydraulic system providing independent control of the operation of the feed auger.