Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a vehicle-mounted conveyor system, and more specifically a conveyor system that can be mounted on a short-length, non-CDL truck. The conveyor can convey a wide range of materials, including shingles, shakes (e.g., loose dirt, gravel, and rocks), tiles, underlayment, solar panels, siding, bricks, fasteners, etc. In some embodiments, the conveyor system includes a frame with a four-sided FRP tube, a belt positioned on top of the tube, cleats interconnected to the belt, belt pulleys, a motor, a material backstop, and conveyor positioning features. Conveyor positioning features include a tilting hinge a conveyor carriage, a telescopic vertical post, and a slewing drive. In some embodiments, the conveyor frame is a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for loading a main conveyor of an implement, for example a seed cart, includes a guide track mounted along the main conveyor, a carriage frame movable along the guide track from a deployed position aligned within an inlet opening of the main conveyor and a retracted position displaced along the main conveyor towards the discharge end from the deployed position, and a transfer conveyor including a discharge end operatively connected to the carriage frame for discharging into the inlet end of the main conveyor in the deployed position. The carriage frame including a swivel formed therein which supports the transfer duct for pivotal movement relative to the guide track about an upright swivel axis and about a lateral tilt axis in the deployed position.

Abstract: A conveyor joint assembly (600) is provided including a support ledge (501) operably coupled to and extending from a first sealing surface (602), a first side wall and second side wall (507) operably coupled to opposite ends of the support ledge (501), a receiver (504) operably coupled to the first sealing surface (602), and at least one protrusion (503) operably coupled to a second sealing surface (604). The second sealing surface (604) is configured to engage the support ledge (501) and the receiver (504) is configured to retain the at least one protrusion (503) causing the first sealing surface (602) to engage the second sealing surface (604).

Abstract: A yard waste collection assembly comprising a yard waste collector (200) comprising a yard waste inlet, a conveyor (100) configured to receive yard waste at a receiving end of the conveyor (100) and discharge the yard waste at a discharge end of the conveyor (100), wherein the conveyor comprises a telescopic seal (102) configured to cover an outlet (103), at the discharge end, in a shut position when the conveyor (100) is not engaged with the yard waste collector (200), and wherein the telescopic seal (102) is further configured to slide along a longitudinal axis (L) of the conveyor (100) to an open position when the conveyor engages the yard waste collector (200) causing the outlet (103) to be uncovered.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the drying of substrates using a solid particulate material, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum; (b) access means; and (c) at least one collection means, wherein the rotatably mounted cylindrical drum additionally comprises capturing and transferring means, adapted to facilitate collection of the solid particulate material and transfer of the material to the at least one collection means. The invention also provides a method for drying a wet substrate, the method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate material at ambient or elevated temperature, the treatment being carried out using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus and method find particular application in the drying of wet textile fabrics.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for separating at least a sheet from a stack in a tray. The separation mechanism can be activated by rotation of the cutter elements. In one embodiment, the separation mechanism is provided in the form of a helical mechanism, such as a coil, configured for insertion into the stack and to receive separated sheets from the stack in between its space(s) as it is rotated. The separated sheets can fall via gravity into the shredder mechanism. Optionally, a paper feed mechanism can feed separated paper to the cutter elements. The tray can include an edge to assist in directing separated paper towards the cutter elements. One or more staple picking support mechanisms can also be provided to assist in separating sheets from a stapled set of pages.

Abstract: A biomass cake pressure-feeding apparatus includes: a screw pump including a first screw with a helical first conveying thread, a second screw with a helical second conveying thread, and a casing accommodating the first screw and the second screw such that the first screw and the second screw are parallel to each other, the screw pump being configured to feed biomass cake to a high pressure reactor, the biomass cake being obtained by adding water to powdery biomass; and a throttle part positioned downstream of the screw pump and configured to form a material seal made of the biomass cake by restricting a flow of the biomass cake.

Abstract: A conveyor system for unloading crop material from an agricultural harvester includes an adjustable-length discharge tube. The discharge tube includes at least a first tube section and a second tube section, the first tube section movably attached to the second tube section in an adjustable arrangement. The first tube section and the second tube section are each hollow and collectively define a passage for conveying crop material through the discharge tube. One of the first tube section and the second tube section is movable relative to the other of the first tube section and the second tube section to adjust the length of the discharge tube. One of the tube sections can be telescopically received in another of the tube sections. In addition, or in the alternative, one of the tube sections can be pivotally attached to another of the tube sections.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for use in the drying of substrates using a solid particulate material, the apparatus comprising: (a) housing means (1) having mounted therein a rotatably mounted cylindrical drum (2); (b) access means (15); and (c) at least one collection means (10), wherein said rotatably mounted cylindrical drum (2) additionally comprises capturing and transferring means, adapted to facilitate collection of said solid particulate material and transfer of said material to said at least one collection means (10). The invention also provides a method comprising treating the substrate with a solid particulate material at ambient or elevated temperature, said treatment being carried out using the apparatus of the invention. The apparatus and method find particular application in the drying of wet textile fabrics.

Abstract: The invention relates to material handling apparatus comprising a collecting unit having a first auger, and a discharging unit having a second auger, the collecting unit being adapted for receiving a portion of the second auger, wherein the collecting unit comprises an opening providing access to the second auger permitting material collected by the collecting unit at the first location to be delivered into the discharging unit for conveying the material via the second auger to the second location. In a particular arrangement, the collecting unit comprises a feeding chamber located adjacent the opening and spaced apart from the opening defining spacing between the opening and the feeding chamber.

Abstract: An agricultural combine unloader assembly includes an unloader tube having an internal passage in fluid communication with a discharge outlet at an end of the unloader tube. A door is mounted adjacent the discharge outlet for covering the discharge outlet. The door is moveable between an open position uncovering the discharge outlet and a closed position at least partially covering the discharge outlet. In the open position, the door is positioned below a flow path of grain to be discharged through the discharge outlet. A catch is mounted adjacent the door. The catch includes a housing having an open end adjacent a first end of the door and a closed end adjacent a second end of the door opposite the first end. The catch is operatively connected to the door and movable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A grain auger having a discharge chute with a primary opening is also provided with at least one secondary opening and a door movable between opened and closed positions relative to the secondary opening. The door is normally closed by spring bias, but will open if the primary discharge opening becomes blocked, thereby releasing grain through the secondary opening, to prevent damage to the auger.

Abstract: A sump clearing device having a elongated tube attached to a backboard of a sweep auger. A second tube is attached to and extends through a sidewall of a grain bin. The second tube is aligned with the elongated tube. An elongated member having a clearing device is inserted through the second and elongated tube such that the clearing device is positioned above a center sump of the bin.

Abstract: A grain auger having a discharge chute with a primary opening is also provided with at least one secondary opening and a door movable between opened and closed positions relative to the secondary opening. The door is normally closed by spring bias, but will open if the primary discharge opening becomes blocked, thereby releasing grain through the secondary opening, to prevent damage to the auger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conveying and selectively discharging food products by providing a feeding system. The feeding system (14) comprises an inlet end (20), an outlet end (22), a receptacle (24) below the outlet end, a determination unit at the outlet end (22) and a feeder (18) for conveying the food products from the inlet end to the outlet end. When no food product is present at the outlet or in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a first average velocity. When a food product is present at the outlet end (22) and no food product is present in the receptacle (24), the food products are conveyed at a second average velocity. The second average velocity is lower than the first average velocity. When the food product is leaving the outlet end or is received within the receptacle (24), the feeder (18) is stopped until the individual food product has left the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for conveying biomass is disclosed. The system is configured to convey biomass for collection, transport, or processing. The system comprises a housing comprising an opening configured for the entry of biomass, at least one shoe skid configured to offset the housing in a vertical orientation, an apparatus at least partially within the housing comprising at least one rotating blade assembly, and a conduit configured to discharge biomass from the housing so that biomass entering into the housing can be projected by the apparatus through the conduit for collection or transport. The system may comprise conduit that is extendable and has articulation segments for vertical movement. The system may comprise a housing that comprises a member to dislodge the biomass from a pile to flow into the opening. The system may comprise at least one shoe skid that comprises a large surface area and projects forward of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for supplying devices such as, for example, extruders, injection molding machines or the like with bulk materials such as pellets, chips, granules, powders, flakes, grains, flour or the like, having a housing. It is demonstrated how an optimally smooth passage of such bulk materials through such a metering device is possible without there being any possibility of nests forming and throughflow being hindered in the feed channel.

Abstract: In a workpiece feeding apparatus having a rotating shaft adapted to rotate to separate and individually feed a plate-like workpiece suspended side by side in an axial direction along a helical region formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft and drop the plate-like workpiece from an edge thereof and a motor rotating the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft includes a first rod connected to the motor, and a second rod rotatably connected to the first rod and having a helical region formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second rod and a workpiece hanger at the edge to extend perpendicular to the axial direction and to be bent at a distal end, such that the second rod stops rotating when the workpiece is hung from the distal end of the workpiece hanger.

Abstract: The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.

Abstract: A hopper of a commodity conveyor apparatus for use with an agricultural implement has a bin configured to hold a volume of a granular commodity. The bin is movable between a first position at which the bin can be loaded with the granular commodity and a second position at which residual granular commodity can be recovered from the bin. The hopper further has a fill opening formed in the bin and adapted for loading the granular commodity into the bin when the bin is in the first position. A discharge opening is configured to be flow-coupled to the commodity conveyor apparatus and a container is removably attached to the bin for recovering the residual granular commodity from the bin when the bin is in the second position.

Abstract: A swing hopper is pivotally secured about vertical and horizontal axes to the inlet end of a swing auger which is pivotally connected to the main auger tube of a grain auger.

Abstract: A conveying screw apparatus for transporting loose material. The apparatus includes:—a power unit apt to rotate an Archimedes screw pushing the loose material;—a charging hopper of the loose material in a tubular body containing the Archimedes screw and the loose material; —a feeding channel of the loose material towards a user; —pushing elements of the loose material present in the feeding channel; and —a back flow preventing device, preventing the back flow of pushing air together with loose material; such a device closing, in case, a through hole to the feeding channel. The back flow preventing device includes a shutter, provided with a plate, undergoing the action of a helical spring which, in any opening/closing step of the through hole, is always substantially perpendicular to the feeding first direction of the material in the tubular body.

Abstract: A feeding device for an in-line screw machine with a shaft rotating in a feed container. A conveying screw is arranged in the direction toward the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. At least one disk wheel is allocated to each longitudinal side in the feed container. A separate drive is allocated to each disk wheel for purposes of rotational movement.

Abstract: A swing hopper is pivotally secured about vertical and horizontal axes to the inlet end of a swing auger which is pivotally connected to the main auger tube of a grain auger.

Abstract: A bulk material leveling and volumetric measuring and feeding apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting bulk material from a hopper to a leveling assembly. The leveling assembly includes a pair of augers located perpendicular to the conveyor and with the auger terminal ends at a desired height from the conveyor. Side walls are provided parallel to the conveyor direction of travel and extend up to the auger terminal ends. Each auger is positioned within a semicircular longitudinal channel of a trough. Bulk material being transported and which is located above the augers terminal ends is lifted by the augers and thrown back towards the hopper. Thus, bulk material being transported under and beyond the leveling assembly is maintained at a desired depth. By monitoring and/or controlling the conveyor speed and the depth of the transported bulk material, the volumetric feed rate and total volume of transported material can be determined and/or controlled.

Abstract: One aspect provides a distribution auger. The distribution auger comprises a fill hopper, a flighting, and an outer covering surrounding the flighting. The fill hopper is located at a first end of the distribution auger and the outer covering includes a plurality of openings located on a bottom side such that, when the distribution auger is horizontally configured, solid matter introduced to the fill hopper located at the first end of the distribution auger falls through the plurality of holes when propelled by the flighting.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a collection receptacle and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The collection receptacle, in one embodiment, includes an enclosure configured to collect solid and liquid matter, and an elevated auger extending into the enclosure and configured to remove the solid matter from the enclosure. In this embodiment, the auger includes a housing and a flighting, the housing and flighting configured in such a way as to promote separation of the solid matter from the liquid matter as the solid matter travels up the auger and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elevating conveyor includes a vertical elevating member having a helical flight and a tubular barrel surrounding the elevating member. The tubular barrel is rotatable relative to the elevating member and is directed toward a centered position with respect to the elevating member by a centering assembly. In one embodiment, the centering assembly includes a plurality of rollers spaced circumferentially around the barrel and being movable in directions toward or away from the barrel. In another aspect, the conveyor has a modular construction that facilitates storage, transportation, and assembly of the conveyor in various heights. The elevating conveyor may further include a dust tube surrounding the barrel and defining a chamber therebetween. An end cap extends over and is spaced from the second end of the dust tube to define a gap through which dust generated by operation of the conveyor is drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: An instant powder conveyor device of a drinks preparing machine including a wire conveyor spindle rotatably disposed in a bottom area of the instant powder container. At the end of the wire conveyor spindle an outflow opening is arranged. A unit for loosening up the instant powder in the instant powder container includes at least one striking element which is disposed, elastically adjustable, in axial direction of the wire conveyor spindle and extends substantially transverse into it.

Abstract: A continuous constant-rate feeding system includes at least one storage unit, a scratching unit and a water-cooled screw feeding unit. The storage unit includes a tank and an agitator. The tank stores material and includes upper and lower chambers. The agitator is rotationally located in the upper chamber for agitating the material. The scratching unit includes upper and lower scratchers and a material divider. The upper scratcher is located in the upper chamber and can spin to convey the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lower scratcher is located in the lower chamber and can spin to convey the material from the lower chamber into the water-cooled screw feeding unit. The material divider locates between the upper and lower chambers and spin automatically or manually to fall the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber through a specific aperture alternately.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven powder feeder system which is partly disposed within a municipal sewer for the purpose of providing periodic dispersal of wastewater treatment powder. A pneumatic source apparatus is disposed outside the sewer and provides a pneumatic source regulated by a solenoid valve control system. A pneumatically driven powder feeder apparatus is disposed in the sewer and is connected to the pneumatic source by a feed line. In response to periodic delivery of the pneumatic source to the pneumatically driven powder feeder apparatus, the powder is delivered to the wastewater of the sewer.

Abstract: An unloading system for an agricultural harvesting machine for reducing grain loss by detaining a grain saver door after movement to a fully open position during the unloading process, and by rapidly returning the door to a closed position with sufficient force for urging grain in the door area back into an unloading tube a predetermined time after the unloading process pauses or ceases. The system can advantageously detain the door in the open position in the presence of varying or reduced amounts of grain for increasing consistency and cohesiveness in the flow discharging grain and reduce the amount of grain remaining near a discharge end of the unloading tube when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.

Abstract: In one aspect, an elevating conveyor includes a vertical elevating member having a helical flight and a tubular barrel surrounding the elevating member. The tubular barrel is rotatable relative to the elevating member and is directed toward a centered position with respect to the elevating member by a centering assembly. In one embodiment, the centering assembly includes a plurality of rollers spaced circumferentially around the barrel and being movable in directions toward or away from the barrel. In another aspect, the conveyor has a modular construction that facilitates storage, transportation, and assembly of the conveyor in various heights. The elevating conveyor may further include a dust tube surrounding the barrel and defining a chamber therebetween. An end cap extends over and is spaced from the second end of the dust tube to define a gap through which dust generated by operation of the conveyor is drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable rotational discharge assembly is provided comprising a linear motor, a pulley system assembly in operational communication with the linear motor, and a discharge chute in rotational communication with the pulley system. Linear motion from the linear motor is transformed by the pulley system into rotational motion, the rotational motion is communicated to the discharge chute to rotate the discharge chute between a storage position and an unload position.

Abstract: A separation device for removing solids from an input stream is provided, comprising a vessel, such as a production vessel or storage tank, having an inlet for receiving an input stream containing fluids, such as oil and water, and solids, such as sand and silt. The vessel also includes a fluid outlet and a drain outlet. An optional fluid recirculation and injection device is mounted inside the vessel and delivers fluid to facilitate removal of the solids through the drain outlet. The vessel also includes an agitation or flighted device mounted adjacent to the drain outlet for contacting and dislodging solids which have settled within the vessel. The agitation device includes a rotatable shaft driven by a motor, and an agitation element, such as an auger, to break up the solids and move them toward the drain outlet. A method of removing solids is also provided using the auger device.

Abstract: A conveying screw apparatus for transporting loose material. The apparatus includes: —a power unit apt to rotate an Archimedes screw pushing the loose material; —a charging hopper of the loose material in a tubular body containing the Archimedes screw and the loose material; —a feeding channel of the loose material towards a user; —pushing elements of the loose material present in the feeding channel; and —a back flow preventing device, preventing the back flow of pushing air together with loose material; such a device closing, in case, a through hole to the feeding channel. The back flow preventing device includes a shutter, provided with a plate, undergoing the action of a helical spring which, in any opening/closing step of the through hole, is always substantially perpendicular to the feeding first direction of the material in the tubular body.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor comprises a transfer tube supporting a transfer auger rotatably therein and a transfer drive mechanism arranged to drive rotation of the transfer auger so as to convey material from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the transfer tube. A collector housing, typically in the form of a hopper, is supported for relative sliding movement along the transfer tube between an extended position in which the collector housing communicates with the outlet opening of the transfer tube and a retracted position in which the collector housing is closer to the inlet end of the transfer tube than in the extended position. Mounting of the collector housing on the inlet end of an implement, for example an agricultural conveyor, permits the inlet end of the transfer conveyor to be extended and retracted relative to the implement.

Abstract: One aspect provides a distribution auger. The distribution auger comprises a fill hopper, a flighting, and an outer covering surrounding the flighting. The fill hopper is located at a first end of the distribution auger and the outer covering includes a plurality of openings located on a bottom side such that, when the distribution auger is horizontally configured, solid matter introduced to the fill hopper located at the first end of the distribution auger falls through the plurality of holes when propelled by the flighting.

Abstract: A deflector panel or series of such panels are temporarily attached above the containment plate of a grain sweep auger to redirect potentially avalanching grain forward to the auger blade. A front side hook structure holds a predetermined portion of the deflector panel over the top of the containment plate at a forward angle. A rear side clamp on a sliding junction secures the forward angle and adapts the shield to fit auger assemblies with differing distance relationships between the containment plate and stiffening tube. A longitudinal series of deflector panels with interpanel gaps are attached to a sweep auger assembly along the length of the containment plate. A gap-filling bracket closes the gaps and supports the panels in longitudinal alignment.

Abstract: An adjustable loading/unloading mouth, comprising: a first tubular element (2), provided with a longitudinal axis (x); a second tubular element (3), provided with a longitudinal axis (y); means for connecting (4, 5, 6) between the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) which means for connecting (4, 5, 6) define a spherical surface (S), provided with a centre (O), and which enable the first and the second tubular element (2, 3) to rotate with respect to one another about the centre (O); wherein the means for connecting (4, 5, 6) comprise at least a first connecting element (4) and at least a second connecting element (5) which are reciprocally connectable at a joining plane (P) passing through the centre (O) of the spherical surface (S) on which the first connecting element (4) and the second connecting element (5) can rotate with respect to one another about the centre (O).

Abstract: A conveyor feeding system for reliably and continuously supplying particulate matter as feedstock, such as rubber tire chips, to a reactor or distillation unit. The feeding system includes a pair of inclined spiral augers having their lower ends submerged in oil or other liquid to provide a liquid seal, thereby preventing undesirable back flow of distillation gases through the feeding system. The push auger acts to push lightweight feedstock downward, submerging it through the liquid seal. The material thereafter is taken up by the partially submerged feed auger, for withdrawal up out of the liquid seal for delivery to further processing, such as a pyrolytic reactor. Buoyant material, which otherwise might float upon the liquid of the seal reservoir, accordingly may be effectively processed through the system.

Abstract: A transfer conveyor comprises a transfer tube supporting a transfer auger rotatably therein and a transfer drive mechanism arranged to drive rotation of the transfer auger so as to convey material from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the transfer tube. A collector housing, typically in the form of a hopper, is supported for relative sliding movement along the transfer tube between an extended position in which the collector housing communicates with the outlet opening of the transfer tube and a retracted position in which the collector housing is closer to the inlet end of the transfer tube than in the extended position. Mounting of the collector housing on the inlet end of an implement, for example an agricultural conveyor, permits the inlet end of the transfer conveyor to be extended and retracted relative to the implement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging material at spaced intervals each provide a conveying tube and a conveying mechanism for moving material from a first end of the tube toward a second opposite end. Discharge openings are provided spaced along the tube at different heights thereon. Openings near the first end are at a higher elevation on the tube than those near the second end, corresponding to downward slope of material upon initial entry and conveyance within the tube. The decreasing elevation of discharge openings and corresponding slope of material act to delay discharge near the first end, by requiring a build up of material height to reach the opening, and hasten discharge near the second end, by eliminating the need to fill drop tubes or metering devices before conveying material further along the tube. This reduces lag time between progressive discharge openings thereby providing more even material distribution therefrom.

Abstract: A pivoting boot is disclosed for attachment to the unloading auger tube of combine harvesters, and serves as both a grain saving dam against unwanted grain spillage, and a directable spout. The boot permits evenly unloading grain onto, or completely filling, transportation vehicles or storage containers, without having to change the combine position, once it is staged for unloading.

Abstract: A positive operating combine unloading discharge door which operates independent of the presence of grain in the unloading tube and is attached to the unloading tube to minimize opposition and obstruction to grain flow and completely cover the open end of the unloading tube when the unloading cycle is complete to minimize or eliminate grain loss due to grain dribble.

Abstract: An auger airlock assembly and end dump housing having a spring loaded bottom for use in a bulk loader which utilizes a source of negative pressure to create a suction air stream that draws particulate materials into the loader for transfer, via the auger assembly, to a location remote of the loader. Materials exiting the auger assembly accumulate within the housing to a point wherein, once the accumulated material has acquired a certain weight, the bottom of the housing is forced open to permit discharge of the material, and, once the material is removed, and is not present in enough quantity to maintain the bottom of the housing to remain open, the spring loaded connection biases the bottom back into a position sealably closing the housing. The bottom of the housing may also be opened by the auger feeding more material into an already full housing, whereby the material is compressed so as to force the door open.

Abstract: In a method and a device for discharging poorly pourable bulk materials from a receptacle, the material is first rendered free-flowing via a helically shaped agitating element (worm conveyer) and secondly discharged from the receptacle via a spiral shaped agitation element (spiral conveyer). Both elements are mechanically coupled at their respective lose ends. The respective other ends of the agitating elements are attached to a common shaft. The shaft connects to a gear drive at its upper end which provides for the rotational movement of the two agitating agents. The rotation of the worm conveyor transports the material situated between the turns of the worm conveyer upward to the bulk material surface. This breaks up the bulk material. Material that has been brought up by the worm conveyer flows downward again due to the gravitational force. Some of the material flows back along the outer space around the worm conveyer while the other portion moves down through the center of the worm conveyer.

Abstract: An extendable auger conveyor including a screw thread sleeve snugly and slidably receiving a rotary drive shaft having a non-round cross section, both housed within a pair of telescoping sections of a casing having an infeed port intermediate the length of the supporting casing section.

Abstract: A wiper apparatus for sweeping or clearing debris from a surface, such as cuttings generated in a machining operation that have collected on a collecting surface, comprises rotatable wiper arms and dependent wiper blades. The wiper apparatus can be self-powered or it can be driven by a screw mechanism that engages the wiper arms, causing the wiper arms to rotate. The wipers are capable of relative movement in relation to the wiper arms, and the wipers may be rigid or flexible. Springs can be used to mount the wipers to the wiper arms. According to one embodiment, the wiper apparatus comprises a central portion including a hub to which the wiper arms are secured and a base adapted to be secured to the collecting surface. The hub is rotatably mounted to the base.