Abstract: Apparatus having a let-down tube for dust free gravity transfer of bulk solids between upper and lower containers. A spool engageable with a discharge opening on the upper container has a lower end for slidably receiving an end of the let-down tube, the other end of which falls into the lower container. As solids flow from the upper to the lower container through the tube, the tube is progressively drawn up over the lower end of the spool, then longitudinally cut into sheets which are separately rolled up. The let-down tube permits transfer of the solids without demixing or aeration.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide for an aircraft comprising upper and lower sliding regions interconnected by an intermediate sliding region and including a flexible sliding support surface. An inflatable support structure extends outwardly from the upper sliding region and formed by at least first and second support sections spaced from each other and extending in planes transverse to a plane of the sliding support surface. Each support section comprises an engaging member interposed between a connecting member and a supporting member. The connecting and supporting members are connected to the upper sliding region, so that the engaging members are substantially parallel to each other and spaced from the upper sliding region.

Abstract: A loading spout hoist mechanism comprises a multiple monospiral winch drum. The drum is located under the top of the loading spout, and the loading spout passes through it. The multiple monospiral winch drum is supported on two rings, the first of which is located inside the second. The first ring is fixed to the loading spout support frame, and the second ring is journalled to first one. The second ring also carries a ring gear, which may comprise gear teeth machined into the ring, or a separate ring gear attached to the second ring. The loading spout support frame carries a pinion drive mechanism which engages the ring gear, and can rotate the second ring in either direction, to raise and to lower the loading spout by winding in or out the loading spout support cables carried in each monospiral of the winch drum. In a modification, the loading spout is attached to the support frame by motorised pin mechanisms.

Abstract: A device for delivering flowable bulk material having a retractable loading chute (1) consisting of guide cones (2) for flowable material placed coaxially one above the other. In a retracted position of the loading chute (1) the guide cones nest in each other and in an extended position they define together with an outer mantle (7), a drop shaft. A wire or rope arrangement (11, 12) is adapted to retract and extend the loading chute (1) relative to an abutment or outlet cone (5). The loading chute (1) is of modular construction, each module comprising a guide cone (2), an outer tubewall module (7) and a rapid-securing device for securing the edges of the outer tube-wall module (7) to an upper and a lower guide cone (2). A closure cone (3), adapted to close an outlet opening (4) of the outlet cone (5), is connected to the lowermost guide cone (2), the closure cone (3) being adapted to be lowered relative to the outlet cone (5) for opening the outlet opening (4) of the loading chute (1).

Abstract: An extensible and retractable telescopic chute for delivery of bulk materials includes a plurality of nestable chute segments, namely, an uppermost segment adapted to be attached to the discharge end of a bulk material handling machine, a lowermost chute segment and a plurality of intermediate chute segments therebetween. A yoke member surrounds the lowermost chute segment and is attached thereto. A pair of sheave support posts upwardly extend on opposed sides of the yoke member. Each of the posts carry a rotatable sheave wheel which are respectively adapted to operably engage a wire rope of the hoist mechanism of the material handling machine. The yoke member bears the loading weight of the nested chute segments as the telescopic chute is retracted so as to avoid sidewall deformation of the lowermost segment. The vertically extending sheave support posts locate the sheave wheels well above a center of gravity of the nested chute segments to stabilize the chute assembly above a vertical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for lowering particulate commodities includes a vertically disposed ladder extending from the upper end of the storage facility to the lower end of the storage facility. The ladder is formed of flexible planar sheets bent upon themselves to define substantially U-shaped chute member formed into a zigzag patttern such that the particulate commodities flow downward through the chute members passing from one chute member to the next chute member. The chute members are connected such that an opening is formed at the upper end of each chute member so that the commodities may exit the ladder once the level of the commodity within the storage facility has reached the upper end of a particular chute member.

Abstract: A dispensing chute comprised of a plurality of slidable telescopically fitted sections for conveying materials from the discharge end of a drum of a mixer truck to a point remote from the vehicle. The chute sections are structured of interlocking open metal frames having replaceable plastic liners removably affixed in the interior of each frame. Dovetail shaped guide and support tracks connecting one chute section to another are also individually removable from the chute section. One end of each chute section has removable flexible wipers which scrape clean the surface of the next chute during the retraction mode. Retraction and extension of the chute sections relative to each other is power operated through the use of attached hydraulic rams controllable through switching to actuate electric solenoid valves.

Abstract: A chute is disclosed for passing articles such as laundry between floors or walls in a building. The chute has a tubular frame to be securely inserted in an opening in a planar partition, and a flexible tube attached to and hanging from the frame. The tubular frame has a peripheral wall defining an inlet in communication with one side of the planar partition and an outlet extending beyond the other side of the planar partition. A peripheral flange is outwardly directed from the peripheral wall adjacent to the inlet and is adapted to rest against one side of the planar partition. A gripping projection extends transversely from the peripheral wall and is spaced from the other side of the planar partition. The flexible tube is releasably attached to the gripping projection. A lid is movably connected to the frame to open and close the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a loading chute which includes a hoist frame adapted to be mounted on a conventional loader conveyor above a bulk material hold of a cargo vessel, for example. A plurality of chute segments are provided and are hingeably attached end-to-end in zigzag fashion such that a lower discharge end of a chute segment is attached to an upper receiving end of a subjacent chute segment. Each hinge attachment includes an outwardly extending pivot pin which is attached to a link plate. The link plates between adjacent spaced chutes are joined together by vertically extending semi-rigid support strands which bear the weight of the array of chutes. Hoisting ropes are attached to the lowermost chute segment and are reeled in and out by motor driven hoist reels or drums. Elastic ropes extend laterally from the link plate members at each chute segment hinge to an adjacent support strand.

Abstract: A device for loading bulk products of the type comprising a sleeve adapted to guide bulk materials from an upper hopper towards a lower container, formed by a supple wall provided with reinforcing hoops. The sleeve is retractable by mechanical action. The device has an inner protecting liner disposed at one end, upper or lower, of the sleeve. The liner is concentric, and inside the sleeve, and of diameter corresponding substantially to a small clearance to the inner diameter of the portions folded in accordion manner between two reinforcing hoops. The liner is thus adapted to receive against its outer wall the folded part of the sleeve, placed in an inactive position, resulting in the active part of the sleeve conveying the bulk materials always remaining in a stretched position.

Abstract: A guide chute for dropping articles has four shock absorbable members arranged in a vertical direction at regular intervals, and four ropes for connecting the shock absorbable members to one another. Each of the shock absorbable members is composed of a frame member, a plurality of elastic trapezoidal plates which are secured to the frame member, and coil springs for retaining the trapezoidal plates in a throttled condition. The width of each of the trapezoidal plates is increased towards its free tip end. The free tip end of each of each of the trapezoidal plates extends downward and toward the axial center of the frame member and is overlapped with adjacent free tip ends of adjacent trapezoidal plates to form a conic cylindrical body by virtue of the coil springs. And the free tip ends of the trapezoidal plates define an opening of a diameter smaller than that of articles to be dropped. When the dropping articles drop, they enlarge the opening of each of the shock absorbing members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dust suppressing device for use in the discharge of granular bulk materials, such as crushed rock, ore, and the like, for example, during the loading of such material onto a transport vehicle such as a ship. The device comprises(a) a central hopper;(b) a first outer tubular member, coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper; and(c) a second tubular member coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper and the first tubular member. The spacing between the central hopper and the first tubular member and the spacing between the first and second tubular members are such as to provide alternate path for the discharge of granular material when the flow rate of the granular material into the hopper exceeds the capacity of the hopper.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and procedure for processing tubular or cylindrical stock, particularly short lengths thereof, into precision formed end products includes a chute, preferably formed of a pair of parallel wall surfaces mounting opposed guide plates at least a portion of which are adjustable. The orientation of the chute and its cross section are made such that in the delivery thereof the longitudinal axis of the stock is maintained substantially parallel to the position in which such axis must be set for the working thereof. A transfer device cycled to and from the delivery end of the chute successively receives elements of the stock discharged therefrom and carries them to a work station without change of their orientation. Upon reaching said working station, said transfer device first holds the stock loosely against a complementary abutment surface, essentially in the attitude required for the working thereof.

Abstract: A portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly for use with a mobile concrete mixer to deliver premixed concrete to an area normally beyond the delivery area of the mobile concrete mixer comprising an inner and outer chute section operatively affixed to a frame, a roller structure attached to the mid-portion of the frame to operatively position the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly relative to the mobile concrete mixer to receive premixed concrete therefrom and an inner and outer support attached to the frame to support the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly when operatively positioned relative to the mobile concrete mixer such that the portable auxiliary discharge chute assembly receives premixed concrete from the mobile concrete mixer for delivery to an area remote from the mobile concrete mixer.

Abstract: A bulk material conveyor comprises an elongated flexible conveying duct and apparatus for viewing the materials being transferred within the duct. The apparatus maintains a fluid stream proximate to the apparatus for viewing. The apparatus for maintaining a fluid stream in one form includes first, second and third truncated conical members which are disposed in generally coaxial relationship. At least part of each truncated conical member overlaps at least one other truncated conical member.

Abstract: A sequenced, directional restraint system for an inflatable evacuation slide wherein three separate restraints are provided across the width of the fluid distensible member of the inflatable evacuation slide and a sequenced, directional method of deploying an inflatable evacuation slide from an elevated egress to a lower surface.

Abstract: A bulk material conveyor comprises an elongated flexible conveying duct and apparatus for viewing the materials being transferred within the duct. The apparatus maintains a fluid stream proximate to the apparatus for viewing. The apparatus for maintaining a fluid stream in one form includes first, second and third truncated conical members which are disposed in generally coaxial relationship. At least part of each truncated conical member overlaps at least one other truncated conical member.

Abstract: In a silo chute is mounted a flexible tube that extends from above the uppermost silo doorway to the lower end of the chute and that has a continuous slit extending substantially from top to bottom on the side toward the silo doorways. A zipper permits the slit to be selectively opened from the top so the open discharge end of a transfer conduit which is mounted in an open silo doorway at any level may extend into the flexible tube to deliver into the tube material discharged from the silo.

Abstract: An escape slide arranged to provide an inclined descent path for evacuees, the slide includes a support structure and a slideway supported thereby, the slideway includes a sheet of flexible material provided with holes through which water drains. The sheet preferably comprises a warp knitted fabric net.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously extending ventilating conduits in tunnelling or mining environments includes a tubular store to which a funnel guide is releasably connected. A folded flexible ventilating pipe is received on the store and fastening means are provided to connect an end of the ventilating pipe to the end of the ventilating conduit to be extended. In use, the apparatus is advanced and the ventilating pipe is gradually pulled off the store and unfolded by being passed over the funnel guide.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring pulverulent or granular material from an opening at the lower end of a silo into a vessel which is moved to a position below such opening has a vertical duct with a rigid upper section which is affixed to the silo, a rigid lower section which is surrounded by and is rigidly connected to a downwardly tapering funnel and serves to discharge flowable material into the vessel by way of an opening in the top wall of the vessel, and a bellows which is disposed between and is separably connected with the two rigid sections. The lower section and the funnel are movable up and down by means of a winch and several cables or chains whose lower end portions are attached to the funnel and/or to the lower section. A cover which normally overlies the open upper side of the funnel is movable to a raised position in which it surrounds the upper section of the duct.

Abstract: Fast-assembly flume apparatus for transferring fish during fish loading and unloading operations. The apparatus includes a plurality of like, generally half-hexagonal flume members. These flume members are nestable to permit compact stowing and are positionable in a longitudinal array for transferring fish along a desired path. A power-driven endless belt may be built into auxiliary units of the flume members to facilitate fish transfer.