Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g. tarp) may be deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. An electrically powered covering mechanism automatically deploys and retracts the cover. The covering mechanism is powered by a supercapacitor, which is charged when connected to an external power source. A charging control circuit can selectably allow or inhibit charging of the supercapacitor depending on power demands of other electrical loads.

Abstract: A modular fluid-carrying manifold apparatus is provided for use in hydraulic fracturing blenders and other devices. A manifold can include one or more interchangeable sections. Each section may have a flat front face with ports cut into the front face. Components such as valves and hammer unions are directly removably connected to the ports via bolts. This eliminates the need for welded-on piping. Removable, wear-resistant inserts can be located in the ports. The removable components may be considered consumable and replaced when worn out.

Abstract: A proppant metering and loading apparatus for a hydraulic fracturing blender unit is provided. A continuous loop conveyor belt receives proppant from a source location on the blender, such as a hopper, and delivers the proppant to a blender device of the blender. A measurement device (e.g. weigh scale) measures and provides an indication of amount (e.g. weight, volume and/or density) of the proppant delivered to the blender device by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: A proppant metering and loading apparatus for a hydraulic fracturing blender unit is provided. A continuous loop conveyor belt receives proppant from a source location on the blender, such as a hopper, and delivers the proppant to a blender device of the blender. A measurement device (e.g. weigh scale) measures and provides an indication of amount (e.g. weight, volume and/or density) of the proppant delivered to the blender device by the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A modular fluid-carrying manifold apparatus is provided for use in hydraulic fracturing blenders and other devices. A manifold can include one or more interchangeable sections. Each section may have a flat front face with ports cut into the front face. Components such as valves and hammer unions are directly removably connected to the ports via bolts. This eliminates the need for welded-on piping. Removable, wear-resistant inserts can be located in the ports. The removable components may be considered consumable and replaced when worn out.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g. tarp) may be deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. An electrically powered covering mechanism automatically deploys and retracts the cover. The covering mechanism is powered by a supercapacitor, which is charged when connected to an external power source. A charging control circuit can selectably allow or inhibit charging of the supercapacitor depending on power demands of other electrical loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container includes a frame on top of the container. The frame surrounds an aperture for flow of material into the container. The apparatus also includes an arm pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The arm holds a rotatable roller for dispensing and receiving a flexible cover. The flexible cover is wrapped around the roller when the arm is in the open position. The flexible cover is unrolled from the roller to cover the aperture due to motion of the arm from the open position to the closed position. The frame includes a side portion having an inwardly and upwardly tapered outer surface. The roller contacts the outer surface when the arm is in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for covering an open top of a transportation trailer container, such as a chip train carrying wood chips, is provided. A flexible cover (e.g., tarp) is deployed and retracted using a roller moved overtop of the container using pivotable arms. A recessed region houses the base of the arm and associated components. A secondary cover covers the recessed region and is biased toward a cover closed position. An actuating surface associated with the arm pushes the secondary cover to a cover open position. Other features include inwardly angled container sides, a foam sealing member integral with the flexible cover, the secondary cover closing when the flexible cover is both fully opened and fully closed, channels between the recessed region and the container, narrow and/or sloped surfaces, and a retaining hook for capturing a roller connected to the arm.