Abstract: Chip- or plate-like pieces such as wood chips are tightly packed into a ship's hold or other cargo space by directing the material through a pipe to fall by gravity, the pipe guiding the material to rotating paddles. The paddles engage the pieces of material and propel the pieces away from the paddles along a horizontal path. The pieces are spread over a wider area, and are given time to fall flat, so the pieces land in the cargo space oriented for dense packing. The paddles are connected to a center shaft and angle outward to connect to a support ring. Material is dropped into the center of the support ring to be engaged by the paddles as the assembly rotates. Material can be limited to the upper, faster, areas of the paddles by a frustoconical diverter disposed centrally of the paddles. A choke can be used to provide a dense stream of pieces to the paddles; and, the choke may move the stream off center for uneven distribution.

Abstract: Chip- or plate-like pieces such as wood chips are tightly packed into a ship's hold or other cargo space by directing the material through a pipe to fall by gravity, the pipe guiding the material to rotating paddles. The paddles engage the pieces of material and propel the pieces away from the paddles along a horizontal path. The pieces are spread over a wider area, and are given time to fall flat, so the pieces land in the cargo space oriented for dense packing. The paddles are connected to a center shaft and angle outward to connect to a support ring. Material is dropped into the center of the support ring to be engaged by the paddles as the assembly rotates. Material can be limited to the upper, faster, areas of the paddles by a frustoconical diverter disposed centrally of the paddles. A choke can be used to provide a dense stream of pieces to the paddles; and, the choke may move the stream off center for uneven distribution.

Abstract: A belt construction is set forth, including an elongate flexible belt member defined by a constant predetermined height, including hook and loop fasteners at opposed terminal free ends of the belt for securement of the belt rearwardly of a driver of a motorcycle. The belt includes a plurality of securement handles slidably mounted about the belt for grasping by a passenger of the motorcycle. Each handle includes a rectangular plate-like framework, with a medially positioned central support flange defining spaced openings, wherein one of the openings includes a locking flange mounted at an obtuse angle relative to a side leg plate of the support flange for locking securement of the handle member relative to the belt during use.

Abstract: A plurality of troughing rolls, that are suspended in a chain-like manner between opposite side frame members of a conveyor, support a conveyor belt so that the transverse cross-section of the belt defines a trough. The troughing rolls that are located adjacent each side of the conveyor belt are axially inclined in opposite directions. At least one arm is pivotally mounted on the frame and attached to the adjacent end of an inclined troughing roll. A locking pin is provided for retaining the arm in a first position where the troughing rolls support the conveyor belt. The locking pin can be readily moved to release the arm for pivoting to a second position where the troughing rolls are clear of the belt. The arm is mounted to pivot in a plane that is generally parallel to the adjacent inclined side edge of the belt. This plane is substantially the same plane in which extends the line of force that is applied to the arm by the troughing rolls in a belt supporting position.