Abstract: A hopper bottom a grain bin above a foundation includes a conical wall tapering inwardly to a bottom discharge opening. An outer cylindrical wall is joined to the top peripheral edge of the conical wall. Upright support legs are connected to the outer wall for supporting the cylindrical grain bin walls thereabove. A bottom wall is connected radially between the outer wall and the conical wall so as to define a manifold passage bounded by the conical wall, the outer wall and the bottom wall which is generally annular in shape and which is located externally of the conical wall. Vent openings are formed in the conical wall to receive aeration air from a blower connected to the manifold passage. A cover member is supported above the vent openings in the conical wall in connection with the outer wall above the conical wall to prevent material entering the vent openings.

Abstract: A hopper bottom for a grain bin includes a hopper wall having an inverted cone shape so as to taper downwardly and inwardly towards a central bottom opening and including ventilation openings therein. Perforated ducts extend into the grain bin from the ventilation openings. According to one embodiment upright support legs support the hopper wall above the foundation. Each upright support leg has a hollow interior chamber to direct air from an inlet manifold structure to the ventilation openings in the hopper wall. According to another embodiment, an outer support wall supports the hopper wall above a floor structure which collectively enclose a manifold space which directs air from a blower into the ventilation openings in the hopper wall.