Abstract: A sample bucket is disclosed for intercepting a sample while cutting through a flow of particulate material. The bucket is in the form of a receptacle having an open mouth and a suitable depth for retaining a desired gross sample without overflow thereof. The sample bucket has a top enclosure wall which narrows the mouth of the bucket, while the bucket is in its upright position, in order to prevent overflowing and which widens the mouth of the bucket, while the bucket is in its inverted position, to allow full discharge of the contents. The sample bucket is preferably used as a part of a bucket sampler comprising a pair of chain conveyors which pass over a conveyor drive assembly and a conveyor tail assembly having sprocket wheels with sprockets.

Abstract: Coal, and the like, contained in a truck is sampled by initially removing a core sample from the load, crushing the sample, dividing out an unwanted portion of the crushed sample, and returning the unwanted portion back to the load while the sample portion is delivered to a predetermined receptacle associated with a vender of the coal or other material forming the load. An auger mounted for reciprocation in a substantially vertical path and having a cutting head at the lower end is provided for cutting through the lumps of coal in order to obtain a representative sample.

Abstract: A rivetless chain having solid side bars and a slotted center link interconnected by a removable pin having end lugs associated with locking recesses in the side bars. The side bars are forged and the solid construction thereof prevents accumulation of particles of material therein. The rivetless chain is useful in various orientations such as in overhead conveyors, trolley conveyors and in many other installations where a chain having large dimensions, such as a pitch of several inches, is employed.