Abstract: A freight vehicle has a cargo space convertible from that suitable for handling piece goods to that suitable for bulk material. A conventional cargo space for piece goods has openings for filling and discharging bulk material. A double-walled inflatable bag having its bottom attached to a rigid support platform is positioned in erected condition to handle bulk material and is movable to a stored position near the roof of the cargo space to allow handling of piece goods.

Abstract: A material-handling, pneumatic discharge-assisted, dual-walled, cup-shaped bag is provided with means in the form of battens or stiffened fabric to prevent the bottom of the inner wall of the bag from wrinkling and accumulating near the discharge opening on deflation of the bag.

Abstract: A flowable granular, powder or flake material storage bin of the type having an inflatable generally cup-shaped bag with a blower for inflating and a blower for deflating the bag has a valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high-volume low-pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles themselves may be automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated. The valve assembly may be adapted for the sequential discharge of a plurality of bins which may, for example, be located on a freight vehicle.

Abstract: Improvements in bulk storage and handling systems of the type utilizing an inflatable membrane silo liner are disclosed. The inflatable liner is secured to the bin discharge opening to insure total material discharge, and the inflatable membrane is conformable to the silo or bin walls. A control system is provided incorporating safety features designed for safe and reliable operation during the discharge cycle. The unique features disclosed are equally applicable to bins or silos having central or side discharge openings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting discharge flow in bins for flowable materials includes an elongated tubular, bag-shaped, inflatable membrane suspended from near the top of the bin and extending to just above a discharge opening in the bin. The membrane is inflated prior to filling the bin with material which has a tendency to cake or agglomerate. The material will set up around the inflated bag, and when the bag is deflated the material will flow out the opening of the bin, with an assist, if necessary, from a bin liner or the like.

Abstract: A freight vehicle has a cargo space convertible from that suitable for handling piece goods to that suitable for dry bulk granular material. A conventional cargo space for piece goods has openings in the roof and floor for filling and discharging bulk material. A double-wall inflatable bag having its bottom attached to a rigid support platform is positioned in erected condition to handle bulk material and is movable to a stored position near the roof of the cargo space to allow handling of piece goods.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular material storage bin of the type having an inflatable dual-walled, cup-shaped bag with a fan for inflating and deflating the bag has a single valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high volume low pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles are themselves automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated.