Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently managing bulk material are provided. The disclosure is directed to a portable support structure used to receive one or more portable containers of bulk material and output bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. The portable support structure may include a frame for receiving and holding the one or more portable bulk material containers in an elevated position proximate the blender hopper, as well as one or more gravity feed outlets for routing the bulk material from the containers directly into the blender hopper. In some embodiments, the portable support structure may be transported to the well site on a trailer, unloaded from the trailer, and positioned proximate the blender unit. In other embodiments, the portable support structure may be a mobile support structure that is integrated into a trailer unit.

Abstract: A power train is contained within a housing and has first and second rotary members. The first member is movable between a first position at which the first and second members are engaged to transmit power therebetween and a second position at which the first member is disconnected from the second member. A threaded bore is formed in the housing in axial alignment with the first member. A drive disconnect device includes a cylindrical cage having an outer surface, an external thread and first and second grooves formed in the outer surface. The first groove is axially spaced from the second groove. The external thread is threadably positionable within the threaded bore with the cage being rotatably connected to the first member.

Abstract: A power train includes a rotary driving member normally engaged with a rotary driven shaft through a spline connection to transmit power therebetween. A cage threadably extends through a threaded bore in the housing and is rotatably attached to the driven shaft so that rotation of the cage slidably moves the driven shaft from the engaged position of the spline connection to disengaged the spline connection. A yieldable stop means is secured to the cage for engagement with the housing to provide an indication of when the spline connection is disengaged.

Abstract: In an earth-moving vehicle, a step assembly having a step member and an attachment device is affixed outwardly of the frame of the vehicle to allow longitudinal displacement of the step member upon contacting an obstruction. The attachment device comprises a plurality of flexible members each having a flexible cable with rigid threaded rods affixed at each end for securing the step member to the vehicle frame or bracket affixed thereto; and an elastomeric tubular member encompassing the flexible cable, the elastomeric member acting as a spacer to spatially remove the step member from the vehicle frame while allowing the step member to deflect longitudinally relative to the vehicle frame upon contacting an obstruction adjacent to the path of the vehicle and to return the step member to its operating position upon clearing the obstruction.