Abstract: A bearing for single-axis solar tracking system includes a journal with a tube portion connected to a pair of flanges that are configured as a thrust-stop. The bearing further includes a race removably connected to the journal.

Abstract: A spreader comprises a hopper for containing sand, salt or other granular material to be spread upon snow or ice on paved surfaces, the hopper being adapted to be installed in or on a bed of a truck, the hopper having a trough, a shaftless auger positioned in the trough, an auger motor for driving the auger, a spinner positioned at one end of the auger for slinging the granular material upon the snow or ice, a spinner motor for driving the spinner, and at least one keeper supported by the trough and extending over the auger for retaining the auger in place during operation and thereby reducing flexure of the auger and resulting loss of efficiency of material transport by the auger during operation of the spreader.

Abstract: The stripper is a flange member supported on the upright backboard of a crop harvesting header to span a gap between the backboard and a cross auger. The cross auger is supported above a draper on the header to assist in guiding the cut crop being conveyed by the draper to a central rear discharge of the header. The stripper flange member extends forwardly towards the cross auger at an upward inclination so as to be oriented at an angle of greater than 90 relative to a portion of the backboard of the header immediately below the stripper flange member. The stripper flange member is thus better oriented to guide cut crop which rises up the backboard to be deflected forwardly into the cross auger, instead of acting as a stop to accumulate cut crop thereon when the flange member is oriented perpendicularly to the backboard.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auger feeder of concrete mix having a helical segment, which auger feeder has at least one insert (22), which is manufactured of material that is softer than that used for manufacturing the auger feeder's helical segment. One insert (22) is mounted on a downstream end of the auger feeder. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an auger feeder, which method includes manufacture of a helical segment of the auger feeder, in which method at least one insert is manufactured from a material softer than that used for the auger feeder's helical segment. The insert (22) is to be mounted on a downstream end of the auger feeder of the casting of the auger feeder's helical segment.

Abstract: Apparatus to produce carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of arbitrary length using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process reactor furnace is described, where the CNTs are grown axially along a portion of the length of the furnace. The apparatus includes a spindle and a mechanism for rotating the spindle. The spindle located within a constant temperature region of the furnace and operable to collect the CNT around the rotating spindle as the CNT is grown within the furnace.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved feed mechanism of a smoke generating device, and in particular to a feed mechanism having an adjustable auger that allows smoke generating materials of selected sizes to fall from a deposit tube in an improved manner. According to one advantage of the present invention, the feed mechanism has a bin with opposed sides, the first of which having a smokehouse mount with an air hole therein and the second side having a motor mount thereon. A tube extends from the smokehouse mount. An auger is adjustably received within the tube to advance material from the bin to a hole in the tube at the opposite end of the auger. Bearings are provided for allowing the height of the auger within the tube to be adjusted to accommodate smoking materials of a selected size.

Abstract: An apparatus for the excavation of a deep basement includes at least two main auger assemblies that are disposed vertically with one assembly atop the other. Auger blades in each assembly are operatively connected together. A feed hopper attached to a bottom of the lower main auger assembly conveys excavation material through a feed hopper opening to the auger blade for lifting. A steel ball is attached to a bottom of the auger blades. The ball rests in a spherical recess and acts as a thrust bearing. A discharge opening is provided proximate a top of the uppermost main auger assembly. A pivoting discharge chute is located at the discharge opening. During use, excavation material is loaded into the feed hopper, conveyed to the auger blades, lifted by the auger blades, discharged through the discharge opening, down the discharge chute and into a dump truck bed for removal.

Abstract: An intermediate support for a screw conveyor, which has a first shaft rotating about an axis of rotation and defined by a number of segments; and a casing. The intermediate support has a movable assembly, which is coaxial with and rotates about the axis of rotation, is integral with the first shaft, and has a second shaft for connecting two segments, and a bushing fitted onto the second shaft; and a fixed assembly, which is coaxial with the axis of rotation, and has a supporting body fitted to the bushing and connected rigidly to the casing, and a number of annular shields coaxial with the axis of rotation and interposed between the supporting body and the bushing.

Abstract: For the conveying device for heterogeneous, sensitive foods that cannot be pumped and have a low liquid content, e.g., Asian noodle or rice dishes, a screw conveyor, which is designed as a hollow worm, is rotated by means of a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the screw conveyor by a bearing flange and a connecting bolt. The screw conveyor is partially hollow and has radial spikes.

Abstract: A screw conveyor to move media includes a first feed screw having a first end portion, a second feed screw having a second end portion, and a support hanger assembly to support the first feed screw and the second feed screw. The support hanger assembly includes a hanger bracket having a vertical support member and an inner hub secured to and extending perpendicularly from the vertical support member, a shaft portion disposed within the inner hub, an inner sleeve configured to be disposed between the shaft portion and the inner hub, at least one outer hub coupled to the shaft portion, and an outer sleeve configured to be disposed between the inner hub and the at least one outer hub. The first feed screw and the second feed screw are coupled to the at least one outer hub. The inner sleeve and/or the outer sleeve may be fabricated from low coefficient of friction material.

Abstract: An auger conveyor includes a housing, at least one first mounting bracket, at least one second mounting bracket, an auger screw and one or more auger support assemblies. The first mounting bracket has a first landing and the second mounting bracket has a second landing. The first and second mounting brackets are attached to the housing at diametrically opposite positions. The one or more auger support assemblies each have a lateral member connected to a bushing assembly. The auger screw has a rotational axis and is rotatably mounted relative to the bushing assembly. First and second ends of the lateral member each have a geometry adapted to slidably engage with the first and second landings, respectively. The auger screw and the one or more auger support assemblies are adapted to be received within and removed from the housing as an assembled unit, through the first end of the housing.

Abstract: A conveyor for drill cuttings includes a plurality of serially-aligned augers, wherein each auger has two opposed ends, a flex coupling secured between a first end of one auger and a second end of an adjacent subsequent auger, a trough at least partially surrounding each auger, a motor coupled to one end of the series of augers and providing rotation to the end of the series of augers, and at least one hangar bearing retaining each auger within the trough, wherein a first angle is present between two of the augers, said flex coupling transferring the rotation from the motor across the angle between the two augers.

Abstract: An auger conveyor is provided that includes a housing, at least one first mounting bracket, at least one second mounting bracket, an auger screw and one or more auger support assemblies. The first mounting bracket has a first landing and the second mounting bracket has a second landing. The first and second mounting brackets are attached to the housing at positions diametrically opposite one another. The auger screw has a rotational axis. The one or more auger support assemblies each have a lateral member connected to a bushing assembly. The auger screw is rotatably mounted relative to the bushing assembly. First and second ends of the lateral member each have a geometry adapted to slidably engage with the first landing and the second landing, respectively. The auger screw and the one or more auger support assemblies are adapted to be received within and removed from the housing as an assembled unit, by insertion/removal through the first end of the housing.

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 bearing unit for a conveying installation for the transport of goods by way of a conveyor belt that is guided at the two ends of the installation by deflection drums and which is fastened to the underside of spaced-apart, transverse carrying beams. Running rollers are mounted to the two ends of the carrying beams. The rollers are mounted on bearing journals and they roll along two pairs of carrying ropes or carrying rails of the conveying installation along a forward and a return strand of the conveyor belt. A bearing bolt of the bearing units has an extension which is fastened releasably to the assigned carrying beam. The extension is an upwardly open trough, onto which the assigned end of the carrying beam is placed and releasably fastened.

Abstract: The device for temporary repair of auger carrier bearings is an assembly used to serve as a temporary to semi-permanent replacement for the carrier bearings of auger rotary shafts. The assembly comprises a U-bolt having threaded legs and a flat strap having two openings that are aligned with the threaded legs of the U-bolt. The points of contact between the auger rotary shaft and the assembly are the middle of the strap and the arch of the U-bolt. To these points are attached pads of self-lubricating plastic to provide a low friction interface between the assembly and the auger rotary shaft. The device for temporary repair of auger carrier bearings hangs from a plate that spans the tray of the auger and has two openings that correspond to the legs of the U-bolt.

Abstract: An elevating conveyor for flowable material comprises an inlet (14) and an outlet (20) at opposite ends of a tubular barrel (1) surrounding a helical elevating member (2). Elevating member (2) is restrained against rotation about a longitudinal axis and tubular barrel (1) is co-axially rotated about elevating member (2) by a drive mechanism (16).

Abstract: A folding auger assembly. The auger assembly includes at least one auger housing configured to receive at least one driveshaft. The auger assembly further includes flighting connected to each driveshaft, a lower drive assembly configured to operatively couple the driveshaft to a first end of an output driveshaft, a driveshaft support assembly coupled to the lower drive assembly and configured to receive the first driveshaft, an output driveshaft disengagement assembly coupled to the lower drive assembly, and a stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: An auger support assembly for use with an augering system for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through a coal seam using dual side-by-side augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The augers are connected together in axially aligned pairs and are supported by the auger support assembly. The auger support assembly includes a pair of bearing housings that are disposed on drive shafts which extend outwardly from the first ends of a first pair of parallel augers and are received within the second ends of a second pair of parallel augers. The bearing housings are connected to each other by a tie bar. A single support leg extends downwardly from approximately the mid-section of the tie bar to engage the ground ledge that is formed between the counter rotating augers.

Abstract: A folding auger assembly. The auger assembly includes at least one auger housing configured to receive at least one driveshaft. The auger assembly further includes flighting connected to each driveshaft, a lower drive assembly configured to operatively couple the driveshaft to a first end of an output driveshaft, a driveshaft support assembly coupled to the lower drive assembly and configured to receive the first driveshaft, an output driveshaft disengagement assembly coupled to the lower drive assembly, and a stabilizer assembly.

Abstract: A screw conveyor for the transport of flowable substances and/or lumps of material comprises a rotatable first screw (1) provided with helical windings (2) arranged in a housing (3) with an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The housing (3) comprises an inlet chamber (4) and a pumping chamber (5) between said inlet and outlet openings and at least in the pumping chamber (5) a second screw (6) is provided with helical windings (7) and arranged for rotation in the opposite direction of the first screw (1), said screws (1, 6) in said pumping chamber (5) providing a positive displacement pumping function by mutual engagement between the two screws (1, 6). By having the parts of the two screws (1, 6) in mutual engagement extending a distance corresponding to at least one half winding out of the pumping chamber (5) and into the inlet chamber (4), overfilling of the pumping chamber (5) and accordingly, the subsequent increased friction in the pumping chamber (5) is avoided.

Abstract: A drain apparatus for the intake end of an auger is disclosed. The drain apparatus comprises a bearing with radial arms, a cover with a cover portion, a drain and a drain cap for removably closing the opening of the drain. The drain apparatus facilitates a clean in place procedure.

Abstract: A poultry chiller 100 has a hanger 140 suspended from the upper portion of the tank 102 that supports the bearing block 160 of the auger shaft 112 between the auger blades. A conical bird deflector 175 is mounted on the auger shaft and radially deflects the birds away from the bearing block as the birds are urged across the bearing block.

Abstract: A hanger bearing assembly for use in an auger type poultry chiller, the poultry chiller has an auger with a first flight and a second flight both secured to an auger shaft, the first flight having a first flange plate and the second flight having a second flange pate. A bearing disk is secured between the first flange plate and the second flange plate. A bearing block disposed about the bearing disk, a lower bearing plate is secured to the poultry chiller, and the lower bearing plate has a support segment configured to receive the bearing block. An upper bearing plate configured to receive the bearing block. The upper bearing plate is secured to the lower bearing plate, thereby maintaining the bearing block adjacent the bearing disk and securing the auger to the lower bearing plate.

Abstract: An auger flight support for use with an augering systems for mining which bores a pair of side-by-side holes through the coal seam using respective augers. Each auger includes a drilling section which is followed by a series of auger flights for conveying the bored coal back out of the respective hole. The auger flight support includes a pair of thrust bearing and housing assemblies which are tied together and each supported by a respective leg which lowers the friction between the auger flight and the bottom of the bore. This significantly reduces the power required to rotate the augers.

Abstract: A self cleaning bearing assembly for use in a dehydrator washer for particulate solids which comprises a feed reservoir for water and particulate solids and an inclined main screw conveyor having a projecting shaft lower end portion submerged in the reservoir. The bearing assembly comprises a housing having an end cap at one end and an opening at the opposite end in communication with the interior of the feed reservoir. The housing has its longitudinal center line coincident with the main screw conveyor and a stub shaft mounted on the end cap of the bearing assembly also has its axis coincident with that of the main crew conveyor and its shaft. The projecting lower end portion of the main conveyor shaft and the stub shaft are disposed with the stub shaft in radially spaced relationship within the main shaft and a sleeve bearing is disposed in the radial space between the stub shaft and the main shaft.

Abstract: A support and coupling assembly for a screw conveyor which has first and second screw lengths aligned axially along an axial axis is disclosed. The support and coupling assembly couples the first and second screw conveyor lengths and also supports the two conveyor lengths were they are coupled. The assembly accommodates deflection between the first and second screw conveyor lengths by arranging radially-extending blades from respective ones of outer and inner members wherein the blades are spaced alternately with and angularly from respective blades to form angular spaces between blades. A resilient material is placed in the angular spaces between blades. The blades are aligned and configured to assist in easier manufacture of the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for withdrawing and dewatering slag from a gasification system. In particular, the present invention relates to a conveying lockhopper and method of using the conveying lockhopper to collect slag and other waste byproducts from the gasifier of a gasification system. The conveying lockhopper is configured to receive slag from a gasifier, simultaneously extract and dewater the slag, and expel the processed slag directly into an awaiting container suitable for carrying the processed slag away. The conveying lockhopper generally comprises a housing with inlet and outlet valves to receive and expel slag, respectively. The housing is inclined at an angle typically between 5 and 60 degrees to the horizontal so that the outlet is at a higher elevation than the inlet. Inside the housing, an auger or similar conveying mechanism conveys the slag from the inlet towards the outlet while simultaneously dewatering the slag.

Abstract: The invention is auger drive bearing mechanism having an upward auger device having a center shaft with an auger formed about and along the shaft and a sleeve surrounding the auger shaft and auger. A bearing housing is mounted at the lower end of the auger shaft and a housing shaft has its upper end connected to the auger shaft, while the housing shaft has it lower end adapted to be mounted to the power take off shaft of a tractor for powering the shaft and auger. A dual pair of tapered bearings are mounted in the housing on the housing shaft with one tapered bearing having rollers angled downward and outward to withstand the axial downward trust load of the auger and weight of grain and other particles when augered upward by the auger in the sleeve. An opposed tapered bearing at the lower end of the bearing housing acts to hold the housing mechanism together.

Abstract: Screw feeders are disclosed including a conical feed screw rotatably disposed in a conical screw tube, and a drive shaft mounted at one end of the conical feed screw with a pair of bearings mounting the drive shaft, a fixed ring mounted on the drive shaft, and an axially adjustable sleeve mounted on the drive shaft, with the pair of bearings disposed between the fixed ring and the axially adjustable sleeve in order for the pair of bearings to be pretensioned therebetween.

Abstract: A screw conveyor is provided with a drive in which cogged wheels are supported such that they are radially movable in relation to each other, parallel to a straight line perpendicular to a pressure line of tooth contact of the cogged wheels and parallel to surfaces of contact. The screw conveyor includes a frame adapted to turn around a vertical turning axis and a conveyor screw adapted to turn with the frame. A second one of the cogged wheels is supported such that it is movable vertically.

Abstract: A hanger bearing is provided for use with a bulk feed truck or trailer having a discharge auger located in an auger trough at the lower end of the feed body. The hanger bearing includes a threaded upper end which is vertically adjustably secured to a hanger bearing support positioned above the discharge auger. A split bearing is mounted at the lower end of the hanger bearing which removably embraces the auger shaft of the discharge auger to rotatably support the discharge auger in the auger trough. An access opening is provided in the auger trough below the hanger bearing and is selectively closed by an access door so that the hanger bearing may be replaced or serviced should the occasion arise.

Abstract: An improved cartridge bearing assembly for a dry good material feeder. The feeder includes a feed hopper having a drive opening spaced from a housing wall having an opening. A tubular bearing support member extends into the drive opening and is attached to the wall in line with the wall opening. A bearing support assembly is removably mounted in the bearing support member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft. The bearing support assembly can be removed through the wall opening for bearing replacement.

Abstract: An improved auger design comprises a one-piece assembly with bearings at both the inboard and outboard ends of the auger flight to self-support the auger flight within a discharge tube of the feed bin. Furthermore, a single mounting plate secures the auger to the discharge tube such that a small number of bolts may be removed to thereby facilitate the ready insertion or removal of the auger from within the discharge tube to aid in its cleanability and maintenance or replacement of failed parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grain storage unloading system of a type which can be moved from grain bin to grain bin and includes a sweep section which can rotate relative to a discharge section to sweep a circular area within the bin and to carry the material from the bin outwardly from the bin for collection

Abstract: A dry good material feeding apparatus is shown which includes a feed hopper having an auger housing portion with oppositely disposed openings. A bearing block is positioned in one opening carrying a removable drive shaft which is releasably connected to an auger extending through the other opening. A bearing assembly mounted to a housing carries a driven shaft removably interconnected to the drive shaft, and the bearing assembly and bearing block both have peripheral flanges which are connected by a removable clamp. The bearing block has an inner peripheral wall surrounding the drive shaft, and a V-ring seal is mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith, having a flexible lip engaging the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A rotary pipe and fixed channel auger with intermediate outer supporting elements includes alternated portions of a rotary spiral, within the fixed outer channel and, respectively, of a fixed spiral clamped within an outer pipe which turns rigidly therewith, the portions of rotary pipe having preferably a like length and bearing on outer supporting elements which substantially includes pairs of centering rollers connected by shafts which are parallel to the axis of the spiral.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel automatic tray loading mechanism and method for receiving and delivering product articles into individualized compartments of a tray using a loading mechanism having a screw member with spiral banding which when rotated urges the product articles across a shelf and into a tray which is subsequently carried away from the loading mechanism.

Abstract: A screw feeder is provided having a lower screw shaft and an upper drive shaft which are detachably connected to each other. The drive shaft includes an outer tubular member, with an inner, generally solid, connecting member positioned within the drive shaft. The lower end of the tubular member of the drive shaft includes a generally tapered recess which is adapted to mate with a lower end of the connecting rod positioned therein. The lower end of the connecting rod has a plurality of generally axially arranged slits which make the lower rod end flexible, with the lower end having a generally frustoconical outer surface. The upper end of the screw shaft is adapted to be attached to the lower end of the drive shaft by at least one annular member which engages one of the shafts. The annular member has two inwardly protruding pins, with the lower end of the drive shaft having a portion with two generally L-shaped opposed recesses which are adapted to engage the pins.

Abstract: A bearing shield for a power auger machine having a bearing shield which includes an annular outer shield element attached to a rotating auger and having an annular channel formed in a rearward face thereof, an annular inner shield element attached to a wall which supports the auger and positioned within the annular channel such that a labyrinth seal is formed by the outer shield element, the inner shield element and the support wall, and a lubricant supply pump for forcing lubricant through the labyrinth seal and outwardly from between the outer shield element and the wall. In a preferred embodiment, a grease purge seal extends between the rear wall and bearing support structure for the auger to form a lubricant manifold communicating with the inner shield element and the labyrinth seal, for supplying lubricant to the labyrinth seal.

Abstract: A feed mixer is provided and includes a mixing chamber with forward and rearward end walls, a bottom wall, and opposite side walls. First and second mixing reels are rotatably mounted in end-to-end relationship within the chamber, with each reel including an axle and a plurality of elongated mixing bars operatively connected to the axle. The reels are rotated in opposite directions, whereby each reel offsets the side loading of the feed by the other reel and thereby maintain the center of gravity of the feed along the longitudinal center line of the chamber. First and second oppositely inclined augers extend along the respective side walls of the chamber and are rotated in opposite directions. The first auger moves feed away from the first reel and discharges feed into the second reel, while the second auger moves feed away from the second reel and discharges feed into the first reel. The augers float so as to prevent binding and have recessed knives for cutting the grain.

Abstract: An apparatus which seals a shaft mounted rotatably on a bearing member. At least two spaced apart annular flanges are mounted on the shaft. One of the flanges being is arranged to bear radially against the bearing member. An annular sealing member is mounted on the shaft between the two flanges in abutting relation with at least one of the flanges to form a radial seal with the bearing member.

Abstract: A sanitary hanger bearing assembly for use in food handling screw conveyors is disclosed. The hanger bearing assembly employs a cam construction and stepped lug arrangement which are of substantial benefit in allowing the unit to be easily disassembled for washdown or maintenance, while holding the parts firmly together when the assembly is in the operating position.

Abstract: A worm reduction gear has a casing formed by a pair of tubes oriented at right angles between another and respectively receiving a wormwheel shaft and a wormshaft. In the tube receiving the wormwheel shaft, the wormwheel is flanked by a pair of bearings held by respective bushings prevented from axial displacement by C-clips received in respective grooves adjacent the respective end of that tube. The worm on the wormshaft meshing with the wormwheel is also supported by bearings in the respective tube and at one end of one tube, at least, and preferably an end of the tube receiving the wormwheel, a flange is formed.

Abstract: In a screw conveyor the conveyor screw is arranged in a casing where there is at least one support fastened to the casing between the ends of the conveyor screw, the conveyor screw being mounted in the support via a bearing which is sealed by a seal. Included in the seal there are two sealing devices which are unrotatably but axially displaceably mounted on the screw shaft, and which are urged axially from opposite directions to press with a respective sealing portion against a corresponding sealing portion on the support. The sealing portions are situated radially outside the bearing. Each sealing device at its end facing away from the support engages against a sealing element, which in turn connects to the screw shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding waste tire chips to an incinerator comprises a chip container having a front wall, a rear wall and an outlet at the lower end of the front wall, and a screw feeder having a shaftless helical screw blade provided at an inner bottom portion of the container. The screw blade has one end supported by a first bearing provided on the rear wall of the container and the other end projecting from the outlet of the container. The other end of the screw blade is supported by a second bearing disposed outside the container outlet. Waste tire chips can be fed to the incinerator stably at all times.

Abstract: The invention provides a conveyer for receiving bed drain material from a coal-burning fluid bed combuster and consists of a jacketed water cooled casing in which is a helical flight for conveying said material, the flight being mounted on an outer tube which is supported by a bearing at one end only in cantilever fashion with its other end within the closed end of the water cooled tube, an inner water cooling tube being located within the outer tube for water to circulate through the inner tube and back through the outer tube.

Abstract: An improved screw conveyor hanger comprising a top frame, a pair of upper bar members fastened to said frame and fastened to each other in opposed configuration, a pair of lower bar members each fastened at one end to the upper bar members and at the other end forming by a fixed spacial relationship a bearing enclosure, a bearing of split cylindrical configuration, key means to prevent rotation of the bearing in its enclosure, optional means for introduction of a lubrication tube into said hanger allowing penetration of lubricant to the bearing inner surface, optional gusset and welding means to strengthen said hanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dead shaft bearing device for an auger type conveyor. The device is characterized in that the bearing components are readily replaceable without the necessity for disassembling the conveyor, and provide a leakproof assembly barring ingress of pulverulent material to the bearing surfaces and escape of pulverulent materials through the wall of the conveyor trough.

Abstract: A bottom suspension arrangement is provided for a screw conveyor assembly ed in the pumping of waste water and the like. The assembly includes a stationary cylindrical jacket having an open bottom end, a screw conveyor mounted within the jacket for rotation about a central axis, and an anti-friction bottom bearing on the screw conveyor extending outwardly of the bottom open end of the jacket. The bottom suspension arrangement is attached to the screw conveyor assembly at its bottom end, and comprises a rigid, substantially L-shaped lever having one leg mounted at its terminal end on the bearing and having its other leg spaced from and extending along the upper side of the jacket. A suspension point is located at the terminal end of this other leg for the attachment of a suspension device, and the one leg overlaps radially with the open bottom end of the jacket.