Abstract: A position adjustment assembly for an agricultural product conveyor, which delivers a product to a storage system, such as an air cart, includes an inner arm having a first end rotatably coupled to the air cart and a second end. An outer arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the inner arm is rotatably coupled to the outer arm proximate to the first end of the outer arm. An intermediate link has a lateral positioning assembly to vary the length of the intermediate link.

Abstract: A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor may comprise a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together. The assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected paddles, a power unit configured to the paddles, a drive unit configured to move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly. In some embodiments, a traction enhancement structure may increase traction of the drive unit on the floor. In some embodiments, a pivot unit is configured to permit a degree of pivotability of the axes of the units with respect to each other, and may be combined with a drive unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a rotary electrical power transfer structure configured to transfer electrical power to the power unit when rotating in the bin.

Abstract: A portable railcar unloading pit includes a pair of opposed steel sidewalls secured to a steel back wall to define an enclosure having an at least partially open top and an open front. A hopper is secured within the enclosure, with the hopper narrowing downwardly from an inlet proximate the top of the enclosure to an outlet. A pair of rail beams is supported over the inlet of the hopper, and a conveyor extends through the open front of the enclosure and is supported beneath the outlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A sweep conveyor extends along a bin floor between a sump pivot about which the conveyor rotates, and an outer end adjacent the bin wall. During the conveyor's orbit about the floor, flights at the conveyor bottom sweep across the floor toward the sump pivot, whereby bin material in front of the conveyor is swept into a sump. The conveyor is preferably made in modular sections connected end-to-end, whereby different sections are combined to construct conveyors having different lengths and capabilities. Some sections are preferably hinged together, allowing different sections to adopt different inclinations as they travel about a non-level floor. The flights are preferably provided on a belted chain riding on sprockets at opposite ends of the conveyor, and the chain is not supported by idler sprockets along its length, allowing the chain (and its flights) to sag under gravity so the flights ride along the bin floor.

Abstract: A forage transporter allowing both front and rear unloading using an apron conveyor passing along the floor of the forage transporter provides a single control lever selectively enabling a forward drive for forward unloading and a rear drive for rear unloading while providing a mechanical lockout preventing simultaneous activation of the front and rear drives.

Abstract: A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor may comprise a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together. The assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected paddles, a power unit configured to the paddles, a drive unit configured to move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly. In some embodiments, a traction enhancement structure may increase traction of the drive unit on the floor. In some embodiments, a pivot unit is configured to permit a degree of pivotability of the axes of the units with respect to each other, and may be combined with a drive unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a rotary electrical power transfer structure configured to transfer electrical power to the power unit when rotating in the bin.

Abstract: A bottom unloader for conveying feed material from a silo is disclosed. The unloader may have a housing with a drive unit and discharge, a conveyor positioned in the trough of a silo and a rotating cutter arm. The bottom unloader may be equipped with heavy-duty hooks having a wide uniform forward profile to prevent breaking and clogging of the conveyor. The hooks may be arranged in a repeating sequence to optimize unloading. The silo trough may have a wide chamfered section to prevent bridging. A discharge cover may extend from the conveyor to cover the top of the trough within the silo. The discharge cover remains fixed to conveyor backbone and is removed from the silo with conveyor.

Abstract: A side-discharge chipper body to be mounted on vehicle used to pull a tree limb chipper. The side-discharge chipper body includes a forestry box adapted to receive chipped landscape materials from a chipper, a side door pivotally mounted to the forestry box, and a conveyor assembly disposed within the forestry box and adapted to discharge chipped landscape material stored within the forestry box out the side door. The side-discharge chipper body can be mounted to a truck chassis. A chipper can be towed behind the vehicle with the side discharge body to provide a landscape removal system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading grain bins. The apparatus (10) comprises an endless conveyor belt (18) supported on a set of rollers. A first section of the supported conveyor belt (18) is adapted for insertion at or near the bottom of a grain bin. A second section is adapted for extension out of the grain bin to an outlet. The conveyor belt (18) is supported in a manner that allows transport of the grain with a minimization of friction, trauma or interaction between the grain to maintain quality of the grain. The speed of the conveyor belt (18) is selected to make for efficient throughput of unloading. Other aspects of the invention include a structure to incline the output end of a conveyor belt (18), support the conveyor belt (18), adapt the conveyor to different sizes, and assist in movement of the conveyor, and ancillary parts to allow selective use of the conveyor relative to the bin.

Abstract: An air cart for use in an agricultural seeder includes a frame; a material tank carried by the frame; an arm pivotally coupled with the frame; a conveyor coupled with the arm for conveying material to the tank; and a hydraulic positioning system coupled with the conveyor for automatically moving the conveyor to a selected one of a plurality of predetermined positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for wine pomace extraction from wine processing tanks in a manner so as to minimize maceration of the wine pomace so as not to taint wine entrained within the pomace. In the present invention, wine pomace is mechanically transported out the processing tank by a conveyor means. Wine pomace is guided into the collecting path of the conveyor means by a mechanical sweeper attached to the conveyor means. In a preferred embodiment, a conveyor with sweeper wing attachments is mounted on a portable cart. The invention is positioned into the processing tank through an entry portal and secured to a tank containing pomace. The conveyor transports pomace to a receiver bin until the majority of pomace is extracted. Sweeper wings are deployed to guide remaining pomace into the collecting path of the conveyor.

Abstract: An unloading system for a grain bin. The unloading system includes a sweep conveyor for sweeping grain from the interior of the grain bin to a well in the floor of the grain bin. The sweep conveyor includes an elongated frame, a first sprocket at one end of the frame, a second sprocket at the other end of the frame, an endless chain extending between the first and second sprockets, a plurality of spaced apart paddles attached to the chain, and a motor for causing the chain to rotate whereby the paddles will drag or sweep grain to the well in the floor of the grain bin.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder is disclosed for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a substrate. The system includes a substrate heating station, a processing station, a conveyor for transporting the heated substrate from the substrate heating station to the processing station and a conveyor heating station. A substrate transfer station is located between the substrate heating station, the conveyor heating station and the processing station for the transfer of the heated substrate to the conveyor in a thermally controlled environment isolated from contaminants. The substrate transfer station includes a housing having an interior chamber, first and second inlets for the separate passage of a substrate and conveyor into the interior chamber, and an outlet for the egress of the substrate and conveyor. The transfer station also includes a heater and a guide assembly for directing the conveyor between the conveyor inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hopper discharging and charging plate conveyor with automatic weighing and apportioning device for bulk materials of all types, there being arranged in the conveying path of the plate conveyor (1) a weighing station (15) which is formed by a weighing bridge which is displaced on load cells (16) or the like and, during conveying operation, determines the bearing weight of the loaded conveying belt by way of repeated measurements. In order to achieve precise weighing results, the horizontal tensile forces of the drawing elements (6), which comprise flat-link chains for example, are isolated from the vertical bearing forces measured at the weighing bridge, this resulting from the fact that the drawing elements (6) are connected to the plate elements (7) of the plate conveyor so as to be freely movable to a limited extent in the vertical direction, and this connection preferably being made via transverse bolts with vertical play in the bolt holes.

Abstract: An improved container having caterpillar mechanism for loading/unloading of cargos comprises a bottom plate formed with caterpillar mechanism and left/right side walls with two lateral openings. During loading/unloading cargos, a conveyor having the same level height as the caterpillar belt is used to quickly accept the whole cargos being moved out on belt by means of pushing/pulling force exerted on the cargos.

Abstract: A mobile batch feeder for cubed feed consisting of a supply hopper with conveyor leading to a cumulative dispensing chute. Rotational input to drive the conveyor also functions to trip open the dispensing chute periodically thereby to dispense measured batches of cube feed.

Abstract: A mass discharger for discharging a bulk mass from a container, such as a silo. The discharger includes a scraper conveyor jointed next to the edge of the side of the discharge end of the container and extending essentially the length of the container and over the edge. The scraper conveyor includes an endless conveyor chain having attached scrapers and a second joint between longitudinal ends of the chain such that the scraper conveyor rests against the discharge side and the bottom of the container while it is emptying it from the upper surface of the bulk mass. The discharger includes lifting devices for raising the scraper conveyor to an upper position for filling of the silo.

Abstract: A mud pan apparatus provided for use in combination with a well drilling device. The mud pan apparatus includes a housing having a bottom, opposed sidewalls and opposed end walls. Together, the bottom, sidewalls and end wall of the housing form a reservoir which is adapted to receive a slurry laden with earth deposits produced during the well drilling operation. A plurality of sprockets are rotatably mounted on opposite sidewalls of the housing and a chain that is provided around each set of sprockets. A plurality of space scrapers are secured to the chains so that the scrapers extend between the chains and thus across the bottom of the housing. A motor rotatably drives the pulleys which causes the scrapers to move along the bottom of the housing and up one side of the housing to thereby remove earth deposits from the housing and onto the ground.

Abstract: A filter plug tray includes a housing having a loading port which cooperates with external loading and unloading stations, a feed conveyor for conveying filter plugs across the loading port, and expandable filter plug constraining means positioned in the housing to contain the filter plugs in a desired orientation and alignment. The constraining means includes a flexible band wound under tension on a reel rotatably mounted the housing. The flexible band unwinds as plugs are loaded into the tray and winds onto the reel to urge plugs to the loading port as plugs are unloaded.

Abstract: Disclosed is the structure of a garbage collecting device. The present invention utilizes a tower shell body to store the garbage. Garbage can be placed on an elevator from a garbage inlet and then dumped into the tower shell body and stored therein. A rubbish container can stop beside said shell body, then dump the garbage into the rubbish container by a conveyor. A washing device is provided to flush the interior of the shell body in order to prevent odor.

Abstract: An unloading system for transporting bulk material from a cargo hold includes parallel guides mounted to extend in a first, preferably width, direction across the top of the cargo hold. A horizontal cross bar extends across the top of the cargo hold in a second direction, preferably longitudinally, transverse to the first direction. The cross bar is mounted on the guides for movement therealong in the first direction. A scoop conveyor extends along the entire dimension of the cargo hold in the second direction and is suspended from the cross bar to be movable upwardly and downwardly relative thereto. The scoop conveyor is a single integrated conveyor member having a construction whereby it is capable of removing the bulk material in a single continuous operation from the cargo hold to a position adjacent the top of the cargo hold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for volumetric flow control of particulate and fiber-like materials, specifically tobacco. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus having a contractible chute or a tilting conveyor. The discharge end of the chute or conveyor travels across the top of a container space, building an even pile of tobacco. When the level of tobacco in the container space reaches a certain height, a device signals the chute or tilting conveyor and the discharge end of the chute or conveyor moves rearward. When the moving conveyor floor of the container space moves the pile of tobacco forward, one or two devices signal the chute or tilting convey or, and the discharge end of the chute or tilting conveyor moves forward. The effect of this rearward and forward movement of the chute or tilting conveyor is to maintain volumetric control over the tobacco contained within the container space.

Abstract: A french fry cooking apparatus for deep-frying french fries includes a cooking unit having a plurality of frying baskets. Mounted above the cooking unit is a refrigeration unit which includes a first conveyor upon which a supply of frozen french fries is stored. The first conveyor discharges the fries onto a second conveyor which dispenses a metered quantity of fries to a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism includes a shaft and a rotatable directional chute for directing the frozen fries from the second conveyor into any one of the plurality of frying baskets. The frying baskets are pivotally attached to the cooking unit and are each movable by way of a drive unit between a loading/draining position for receiving fries from the chute and for draining oil from deep fried fries, a cooking position for deep frying the fries, and a dump position for discharging the deep fried fries from the frying basket. Deep fried fries are discharged onto a further conveyor which takes the fries to a holding bin.

Abstract: An ice lift apparatus for lifting ice cubes manufactured by an ice maker comprising a horizontal transporting section, a vertical transporting section and an ice discharge section is provided. The apparatus comprises two endless conveyor members driven by a driving unit, a multiplicity of transverse bars mounted between the conveyor members at an interval slightly greater than the longest side of the ice cube, and a stationary guide member disposed within a region defined by the running path of the endless conveyor members with a distance from the transverse bars located at the side of the forward running path of the conveyor members, which distance lies in a range of about 1/2 to 2/3 of the bar interval. Also, the guide member is so disposed as to cause the distance to decrease progressively toward the ice discharge section.

Abstract: A movable grain storage unloading apparatus for removing corn and other farm product material from a silo and conveying the corn to an adjacent container. The apparatus includes an elongated horizontal frame section for insertion within a silo, a generally upwardly-inclined frame section attached to the horizontal frame section from which corn is discharged, a pair of laterally-extending guards attached to the upwardly-inclined frame section, and a flat, non-moving conveyor bed extending from a lower reach of the horizontal frame section to an upper reach of the upwardly-inclined frame section and adapted for the conveyance of corn thereon. The apparatus includes a pair of endless linked chains adjacent the conveyor bed with vertically-extended crosspieces secured therebetween, the linked chains adapted for slidable movement on the conveyor bed and the crosspieces adapted for facilitating corn removal by directing the corn therealong.

Abstract: A receiving assembly for a solid waste disposal system is provided. The assembly includes a pit defined by vertical side walls and having an upper opening. An upwardly inclined receiving conveyor is positioned within the pit. An infeed conveyor includes a first end positioned beneath the discharge end of the receiving conveyor such that solid waste material is dropped by the receiving conveyor onto the infeed conveyor. A heavy curtain is suspended above the discharge end of the receiving conveyor for controlling the fall of the solid waste material onto the infeed conveyor. A second curtain is positioned between the conveyors to prevent material from falling therebetween. The infeed conveyor is operated at about twice the speed of the receiving conveyor.

Abstract: A bottom discharge system for upright storage vessels adapted to contain solid, particulate and/or fibrous materials includes a flail chain type unloader for dislodging the material to be discharged including a rotary shaft extending upwardly through a central opening in the bottom wall of the storage vessel for moving material out of the lower end portion of the vessel when the shaft is rotated to swing the flail chains. The improved bottom discharge system includes a material outlet opening formed adjacent the bottom wall of the vessel extending radially outwardly of the shaft and a discharge gate that is movable radially inwardly and outwardly of the shaft for closing and opening the outlet.

Abstract: Provided is a process to continuously dry remove ash from the bottom of steam boilers by discharging the ash on a high temperature resistant conveyer which is enclosed in a tight sealed envelope. Also is provided an apparatus for accomplishing this which has a steel conveyer belt constructed to withstand high temperatures and enclosed in a sealed steel box connected to the bottom of the boiler so that the conveyer continuously receives and discharges ash from the boiler.

Abstract: A device inter alia for uniformly distributing solid and/or liquid particles. It comprises, on the one hand, a hollow vertical primary shaft (1) driven in rotation, the bottom end of the shaft comprising a primary ring (4), the bottom surface of which bears vertical teeth (5) disposed in concentric circles, the device also comprising a hollow vertical secondary shaft (2) driven in rotation in the opposite direction to the primary shaft (1) and at its bottom end comprising a cylindrical cage (10) comprising a secondary ring (11) and a disc (12) connected to the bottom surface of the secondary ring (11) by at least three bars (13), the top surface of the disc (12) comprising vertical teeth (14) disposed concentrically and staggered with respect to the teeth (5) in the primary ring (4), and at its center the disc comprises a circular anvil (15) coaxial therewith and at least equal in diameter to the primary shaft (1).

Abstract: A storage bunker for substantially dry and loose material such as shredded paper waste has a receptacle (10) and a conveyor (16,18) feeding material over a fixed plate (14) broken at (21) to permit the material to fall into the receptacle. The return run of conveyor (16) compacts material towards the other end of the receptacle, and the whole mass of material once the receptacle is filled is driven by conveyor (25) towards an outlet, with material being stripped from the mass by an inclined toothed conveyor (26) for collection by a troughed conveyor (28).

Abstract: A conveyor for bulk goods of the endless-chain type including a bin having a longitudinal floor and upwardly extending and divergent sidewalls; at least two laterally spaced, sprocket mounted and driven, endless chains defining a working flight above the floor and a return flight below the floor; and a plurality of flexible load supporting flaps, each of the flaps having a leading edge attached to the laterally spaced chains by separate brackets to permit flexing of the flap in case of obstruction and a free trailing edge operable to overlap the leading edge of an adjacent and rearwardly spaced flap. Each of the flaps may also include a flexible scraper adjacent its leading edge operable to engage the upper surface of the floor for cleaning the floor.

Abstract: A fuel feeder for feeding refuse fuel to a boiler/incinerator which includes a pair of opposed inclined conveyors defining end boundaries of the conveyor, the conveyors being independently driven so that the fuel required for variable firing rates in plural boilers can independently be supplied.

Abstract: A mobile transfer station includes a support structure; a conveyor movably mounted on the support structure; and a feeder device located on one side of the conveyor, the feeder device including a box compartment for receiving bulk materials to be treated by the mobile transfer station and which is pivotally mounted on the support structure to be tilted relative to the conveyor to deposit bulk materials thereon, and metering humps mounted on the support structure and fitting within recesses in the box compartment, the metering humps having upper surfaces which are inclined downwardly toward the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a silo with bulk material and for discharging the bulk material from the silo, using a clearing unit which can be raised and lowered in the silo, and which at the same time is mounted pivotably about the silo axis. In the silo a draw-off shaft is in the form of a telescopic gravity-descent tube, via which the bulk material removed by the clearing unit is conveyed out of the silo.In this invention the clearing unit is connected via a bearing to a bridge girder which extends transversely across through the silo and which at its ends is guided in vertical guides on the silo wall. The operating forces are transmitted to the silo wall via the bridge girder.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a combustor with viscous bulk material, particularly coal slurry, comprises two silos which are associated with at least one conveyor system, for transporting the bulk material from the silos to a plurality of fuel-feeders in the combustor. Advantageously, two conveyor systems are linked with each other so that bulk material can be distributed uniformly either from both silos or from one of the silos to all the fuel-feeders of the combustor.

Abstract: A moving gate discharge system designed to prevent product-breakage while discharging particulate products, particularly non-free flowing and inter-engaging particulate products, in a more uniform flow from a receptacle having a moving bottom, is disclosed. The system includes an endless circulating feeder mounted across the discharge of the receptacle with its lower end portion oscillating upwardly and downwardly and traveling at a horizontal speed more rapid than that of the product on the moving bottom of the receptacle. Product-progressing finger assemblies are mounted in transverse rows on the feeder, spaced distances equal to the longitudinal distance the feeder moves during one period of vertical movement of the lower end portion thereof, and located such that each will be disposed directly below the lower end portion of the feeder when the latter reaches the lower portion of its downward movement.

Abstract: A feeder box for dumping bulk materials onto a conveyor of a mobile transfer station comprises at least one feeder device located adjacent a side of the conveyor, each feeder device including a box compartment and a support structure for the box compartment, the box compartment being pivotable with respect to the support structure so as to tilt towards the conveyor to dump bulk materials onto the conveyor.

Abstract: A trailer assembly is disclosed for receiving, transporting and discharging flowable bulk material. The trailer assembly includes a pair of opposing generally vertical side walls which are secured to a frame member and converge downwardly and inwardly. The side walls are joined by a front end wall and a rear wall to define a bin having an open floor. A conveyor is provided as a floor for the bin with the conveyor extending beneath the side walls and having a width greater than the distance between bottom edges of the side walls and positioned closely adjacent to the bottom edges of the side walls. The conveyor includes a pair of opposing endless chains which are mounted about sprockets with the chains connected by cross members. Flexible conveyor belt sections are provided secured to the cross members at a leading edge of the belt sections with trailing edges of the belt sections free to overlap leading edges of successive belt sections.

Abstract: A material handling hopper has an open top box with a chamber for holding bulk material. A bottom conveyor operates to remove material from the chamber. A divider located in the chamber reduces the bridging and packing of material in the chamber. The divider is an inverted V-shaped member secured to end walls of the box. The width of the inverted V-shaped member increases in the direction of movement of the conveyor. The divider is covered with low friction material to facilitate the flow of material around the divider.

Abstract: An upright silo has a U-shaped central discharge opening in the floor and a cavity below the floor in vertical alignment with the opening. A hopper in the cavity has an upright wall terminating at an upper edge and a smooth, inclined slip ramp contiguous with the edge and rigidly secured to the floor along the opening. The horizontal configurations of the opening, the cavity, the wall and the ramp are identical. The silage falls freely from a cutter arm above the floor into the hopper such that unloading time is substantially decreased. In one embodiment, a rake is movable within the cavity adjacent the ramp and is operable to break up otherwise lodged silage. In another embodiment, a somewhat similar rake has an outer segment which is pivotal about a vertical axis for retraction when not in use.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: In a concrete production system, an improved aggregates conveying apparatus includes an aggregates drag conveyor having a lower, conveying run which drags aggregates along a centrally-located, common trough shared by separate fine and coarse aggregates hoppers to a discharge end and an upper, return run which moves through a hollow channel formed in a common wall separating the hoppers above the common trough.

Abstract: A filter feed onto a fluted drum has conveyors which convey a stack-like stream of filters into a small reservoir adjacent to the drum. As they enter the reservoir, the filters are deflected upwards by a deflector plate so that the thrust by the conveyors does not produce a direct pressure of filters onto the drum. Instead, the filters are fed onto the drum by gravity after passing over the plate. A pivoted sensor plate over the reservoir controls the speed of the conveyors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a furnace for burning wooden wastes and, more specifically, sawdust and/or barks. The furnace is provided with an oil burner required for starting the fire. The draught from the oil burner fan is directed within a perforated box, located in the combustion chamber of the furnace, and the sawdust or the barks or other wooden particles fall, according to a measured flow, over the perforated box. The sawdust is first alighted by the oil burner flame, and combustion thereafter builds up thanks to the draught from the perforated box. This box draught comprises a vertically-upwardly-oriented vector, for alighting the wood particles before the latter reach the box, and a horizontal vector extending toward the interior of the furnace to force the burning particles away from the side wall of the furnace. The system includes measured flow feeding system for the sawdust and/or the bark, and having a pair of flap-doors to prevent the escape of smoke from the furnace.

Abstract: This invention relates to solar grain drying apparatus in general, and more specifically to a windmill powered grain circulating conveyor mechanism used in conjunction with a solar heat source to accomplish a slow uniform drying of the contents of a grain bin; and having a unique conveyor support and rotation imparting mechanism, that insures that the grain lifted from the bottom of the grain bin, will be uniformly distributed around the periphery of the bin to promote the drying process.

Abstract: A horizontal plow system method and apparatus has been developed for the homogenous blending and reclaiming of bulk solid particulate matter, such as coal, at a utility plant. The horizontal plow system apparatus comprises one or more displacement assemblies, each further comprising a receiving stationary top plate and a horizontal flight subassembly. Coal is deposited via gravitational forces from an elongated slot bin storage onto the receiving stationary top plate and is then pushed on a bias and ultimately displaced by angular flights during travel of the horizontal flight subassembly along the receiving stationary top plate. Operation of the displacement assembly serves to displace the bulk solid from the sides of the receiving stationary top plate such that portions of coal from along the entire length of the elongated slot bin storage are continuously and simultaneously falling onto a moving transfer belt below, thereby insuring a more even blending of the coal.

Abstract: A machine for dislodging cans from a tightly packed bale of such cans has a cavity and an endless track at the bottom of the cavity. The bale is placed in the cavity and allowed to rest on the track. When the track moves, lugs which project outwardly from it, bite into the bale and strip cans from the bale.

Abstract: Provided is a process to continuously dry remove ash from the bottom of steam boilers by discharging the ash on a high temperature resistant conveyer which is enclosed in a tight sealed envelope. Also is provided an apparatus for accomplishing this which has a steel conveyer belt constructed to withstand high temperatures and enclosed in a sealed steel box connected to the bottom of the boiler so that the conveyer continuously receives and discharges ash from the boiler.