Abstract: A grain bin assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. The plurality of roof panels have rib junctions which form a gap. A vent assembly is positioned between the corrugated cylindrical wall and the roof structure. The vent assembly has a plurality of louvers positioned within the vent assembly. The vent assembly provides improved venting of the grain bin assembly.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.

Abstract: A support for a grain bin having an elongated body with a back surface bent to form support surfaces that extend outwardly from the back surface to form a cavity therein. Connected to the elongated body is a base having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion having corners that extend upwardly to form flanges that engage the support surfaces of the elongated body.

Abstract: A barrel for holding grain is positioned on a plurality of rollers that are rotatably connected to longitudinally extending support members. The support members are connected to a frame that is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process. The alignment pins are also used for the erection of a modular tower dryer.

Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.

Abstract: A dwelling assembly that has a continuous sidewall and an opening for a door and a window. A roof assembly is provided with first and second roofs that are spaced apart such that the outer roof acts as a heat shield for the inner roof to ensure the interior of the dwelling is a minimum temperature. In addition, ballast boxes are utilized in order to provide additional weight to the dwelling and a planting area in association with the dwelling assembly.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A device for connecting sheets of a grain bin together having an inner plate that fits over a vertical seam formed at the ends of two abutting sheets. The inner plate has a plurality of holes that generally align with holes in the ends of the sheets. An outer plate is positioned to cover the vertical seam and has a plurality of holes that generally align with the holes on the ends of the sheets. Bolts extend through the holes to secure the inner plate, sheets, and outer plate together.

Abstract: A sump clearing device having a elongated tube attached to a backboard of a sweep auger. A second tube is attached to and extends through a sidewall of a grain bin. The second tube is aligned with the elongated tube. An elongated member having a clearing device is inserted through the second and elongated tube such that the clearing device is positioned above a center sump of the bin.

Abstract: A roof vent assembly wherein the grain bin has a corrugated cylindrical wall and a roof structure having a plurality of triangular roof panels. A vent assembly is connected to the roof. The vent assembly has a base. The base has a back wall, two side walls and a front wall which extend upwardly from the flange. The back wall and sidewalls are generally straight whereas the front wall extends outwardly to a point, peak or crest. When connected to the grain bin roof, the peak of the vent assembly is positioned to point upwardly. This peak prevents the build up of moisture and debris thereby extending the life of the grain bin roof assembly.

Abstract: A sweep control system having a sweep auger rotationally mounted about a central axis of a center sump and operatively connected to pusher motor(s). A sensor measures the load on the sweep auger and sends a signal to the controller. The controller compares the detected load to a predetermined load and sends a signal to a variable speed drive based on the comparison. The variable speed drive is connected to the pusher motor(s) and adjusts the speed of the pusher motor(s) based upon the received signal.

Abstract: A device for connecting sheets of a grain bin together having an inner plate that fits over a vertical seam formed at the ends of two abutting sheets. The inner plate has a plurality of holes that generally align with holes in the ends of the sheets. An outer plate is positioned to cover the vertical seam and has a plurality of holes that generally align with the holes on the ends of the sheets. Bolts extend through the holes to secure the inner plate, sheets, and outer plate together.

Abstract: A cover having at least two elongated members with each member having a hook at one end and a prong at the opposite end. The hook receives the prong of an adjacent member to interlock adjacent members. The members also have downwardly extending flanges that fit over flanges on a conveyor. The cover is connected to the conveyor by one or more brackets.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel having a top surface, a bottom surface and flat ends. The floor support has a plurality of flanges and notches disposed within the top surface and a plurality of openings disposed through the sheet of galvanized steel. Positioned between each opening is a first bend. Positioned on either side of selected first bends is a second bend thereby forming a z-shaped floor support.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel. The support having an upper flange or rail that extends upwardly from an upper shelf and is interposed between notches. A plurality of columns that extend downwardly from the upper shelf to a base to provide added stability to the support. A bend in the support which allows the support to stand upright without the need for additional supports.

Abstract: A latch apparatus for releasably securing a cover member over an access opening in a bulk storage structure. The latch apparatus is pivotally mounted to a cover member and includes a pair of latch members and a latch bar connected to and extending between the latch members. The latch members have a receptacle that receives a catch member and an extension that extends away from the latch member opposite the receptacle. The extension engages the cover member when the latch member is moved from a locked position to an unlocked position to prevent injury to a user.

Abstract: A grain spreading device that uses a pre-spreading device within a cone shaped guide to provide uniform distribution of grain. Specifically, the pre-spreading device has an opening therein such that a distance between the opening and the outer periphery of the pre-spreading device forms a shelf to direct grain toward the opening to provide a uniform distribution of the grain. Additionally, the pre-spreading device can have laser cut knockouts to adjust the pre-spreading device to a plurality of different spreading devices.

Abstract: A floor support for a grain bin floor made from a sheet of galvanized steel. The support having an upper flange or rail that extends upwardly from an upper shelf and is interposed between notches. A plurality of columns that extend downwardly from the upper shelf to a base to provide added stability to the support. A bend in the support which allows the support to stand upright without the need for additional supports.

Abstract: A support for a grain bin having an elongated body with a back surface bent to form support surfaces that extend outwardly from the back surface to form a cavity therein. Connected to the elongated body is a base having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion having corners that extend upwardly to form flanges that engage the support surfaces of the elongated body.