Abstract: A liner protects an interior surface of a chute that transfers workable foundry molding mix from a mixer to a machine for molding and hardening. The liner has an upper border portion and body portion. The upper border portion secures the liner to an upper portion of the chute. The body portion has at least one panel of a flexible material and is sized and adapted to line the interior surface of the chute. The liner also has a plurality of apertures through the upper border portion for attaching the upper border portion to the upper portion of the chute. The flexible material of the body portion is a woven fabric with polymeric fibers and, optionally, a polymeric coating.

Abstract: Eccentrically loaded structural members and methods of forming the same. The structural members have their compressive loading axes offset from their load central longitudinal axes.

Abstract: A hopper bottom for a cylindrical grain bin includes a floor structure, an outer cylindrical wall extending up from the floor and upon which the bin is supported, and an inner wall having an inverted cone shape which tapers downwardly and inwardly to join the floor structure about a central area. A pair of spaced apart upright auger chute walls extend radially outward from the central area to an access opening in the outer wall to receive an auger for unloading. Screens are flush mounted in the inner wall such that ventilation air directed into a manifold space between the inner and outer walls is forced up through the screens into the grain bin. The floor structure includes a floor sheet, a perimeter member about the outer wall, and radial supports extending between the central area and the perimeter members.

Abstract: A grain storage pit includes an open-top chamber configured to be substantially flush-mounted in a surface and a grain-receiving grate that covers at least a portion of the open-top chamber so that grain may be poured into the open-top chamber through the grate from a truck positioned over the pit. The grain storage pit may also include one or more unloading ports for facilitating removal of grain from the pit.

Abstract: A ventilation member (1) comprises a support body (2), a ventilation membrane (10), and a cover part (3). The support body (2) includes a bottom surface portion (4) connected to the casing (50) and a side surface portion (5) on which the ventilation membrane (10) is installed. A first opening (4h) is formed in the bottom surface portion (4), and a second opening (5h) is formed in the side surface portion (5). The ventilation membrane (10) is installed on the side surface portion (5) so as to close the second opening (5h). The cover part (3) has a cylindrical side wall part (3b) that circumferentially surrounds the support body (2) in such a state that the support body (2) is assembled therein. The position of the second opening (5h) to be formed in the side surface portion (5) of the support body (2) is adjusted so that the ventilation membrane (10) is protected when the membrane faces the cylindrical side wall part (3b).

Abstract: A grain storage pit includes an open-top chamber configured to be substantially flush-mounted in a surface and a grain-receiving grate that covers at least a portion of the open-top chamber so that grain may be poured into the open-top chamber through the grate from a truck positioned over the pit. The grain storage pit may also include one or more unloading ports for facilitating removal of grain from the pit.

Abstract: A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A transfer pipe includes a base section that extends outside of the storage structure and a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading a grain or particulate matter large capacity storage bin. The apparatus includes a bin with a cylindrical side wall. A relatively large opening is provided in the side wall. A box frame is generally vertically installed to the inside of the bin and intersects the opening in the side of the bin. A plurality of inlets into the box frame are spaced apart along the inner most side of the box frame. The box frame defines a channel that intersects with the opening in the bin. The plurality of smaller openings control the flow of particulate matter into the channel to allow control but fast unloading of the bin by gravity.

Abstract: A practical method of manufacturing, assembling, and constructing a single silo or building or a cluster of polygonal storage silos using a column comprising horizontally-arrayed structural column panels. Column panels within a top horizontal array vertically aligning with column panels of a next lower horizontal array such that no discernible gap exists between top and bottom edges of column panels within the column. Seams, where top and bottom edges of column panels meet, preferably occur in different horizontal planes from each other throughout the column, thereby creating a stagger of column components in relationship to each other. Multiple layers of column components with the same, similar, or different configurations can be added to preferably cover seams of underlying column components to enhance structural integrity. A structure built with these columns can be constructed using a cost-effective and relatively safe method of jack-lifting.

Abstract: A storage facility includes a storage structure having a floor and a boundary wall upwardly extending therefrom, the floor and boundary wall bounding a chamber adapted to receive bulk material. A tubular chase bounds a passageway and is at least partially disposed and upwardly extends within the chamber of the storage structure. A transfer pipe includes a raised section disposed and upwardly extending within the chamber. The transfer pipe terminates at an outlet port disposed in an upper portion of the chamber. A pump is coupled with the transfer pipe for conveying bulk material through the transfer pipe and into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently removing grain from a grain storage device, which uses a plurality of augers. An unloading auger is used to begin removal of grain from a grain storage device. As the amount of grain decreases, a proximity sensor sends an activation signal to a cross auger that rests horizontally on the bottom of the grain storage device. The cross auger will pull the remaining grain to the entry point of an unloading auger. The unloading auger then removes the grain from the grain storage device.

Abstract: A conveyor gallery lateral restraint system for a reticulated dome structure includes a pair of load transfer pads integrated into the conveyor gallery and dome structure. Only loads normal to the outer surfaces of the load transfer pads, and thus loads along the reticulated surface of the dome structure, are transferred to the dome structure by the load transfer pads. Because of characteristics of the load transfer pads and their orientation relative to the dome surface, substantially no loads that are normal to the surface of the dome structure are transferred to the dome structure by the conveyor gallery.

Abstract: A concrete container for introducing concrete into formworks includes an upwardly open vessel with a downwardly narrowing bottom portion with an outlet opening and a flexible pipe connected to the outlet opening for distributing the concrete. Underneath the outlet opening of the concrete container, an essentially horizontally extending crossbeam is arranged, wherein the crossbeam is arranged so as to be displaceable transversely of the freely suspended flexible pipe. The two ends of the crossbeam, whose length corresponds at least to the diameter of the flexible pipe, are suspended from the concrete container by connecting members. Tension springs are attached in an articulated manner to the two ends of the crossbeam, wherein the other ends of the tension springs are fastened to the support frame, wherein the tension springs are tensioned when the crossbeam is located laterally of the outlet opening in a position releasing the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A waste container throw-in system of a building, comprises a container holder for holding a waste container therein, a handcart for carrying the container holder thereon, a vertical conveyor tube vertically provided in the building, a waste throw-in apparatus including a frame structure and miscellaneous actuators, an inserting tube inserted in the vertical conveyor tube and a central control system for controlling the waste throw-in apparatus. When a collector carries the handcart to the waste throw-in apparatus and couples therewith, the container holder is lifted up from the handcart and moved in the horizontal direction toward the vertical conveyor tube with the help of the actuators. Then, the inserting tube is removed from the vertical conveyor tube and instead thereof the container holder is inserted in the vertical conveyor tube, whereby the waste container is thrown into the vertical conveyor tube.

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

Abstract: A bulk storage silo including a slanted floor opening into a discharge chute provided in the foundation of the silo wherein the floor is covered by a deck composed of a plurality of plates connected to vibrators arranged in a predetermined pattern which, when activated, causes the residual amount of grain which cannot be removed by gravity to flow into the discharge chute.

Abstract: A grain storage device is provided with an outer retaining wall which extends about a lower base. In the center of the retaining wall is a vertically-extending aeration tower which has a central, hollow interior through which air may be supplied for flow into grain which is piled in a generally conical pile beneath a vertically movable cover of flexible material which is raised and lifted along the tower as the pile beneath grows. To uniformly distribute the grain to have a symmetrically even pile, there is provided a distributor means on the tower which has the plurality of discharge ports which have valves for selectively controlling the size of the openings through the ports so as to control the amount of grain flowing about the tower and in different directions. Preferably, a deflecting means in the form of troughs are also used to deflect the streams at different angles so that to provide more uniform and symmetry for the pile being formed.

Abstract: Means for reducing hoop stress in a silo cell comprising a grain tube located in the lower part of the silo cell, the wall of the grain tube having apertures at the silo base allowing entry of granular material into the grain tube, and a restrictor below the apertures restricting the material flow so that when the silo cell first discharges the material, all of that discharge is through the upper ends of the tube, downwardly through the tube and outwardly from the silo cell through valve means beyond the lower end of the tube and restrictor.

Abstract: A window well structure comprising at least two superposed u-shaped sections made of sheet metal. Engagement means are provided on adjacent edges of the superposed sections which securely interengage each other to unite the adjacent, superposed, u-shaped sections as a unitary, self supporting, integral structure.

Abstract: A silo chute hopper attachment that fits underneath an existing silo chute having a swivel end, and an upper hopper portion that has flanges slidably mounted onto brackets fixed to the silo wall so that the hopper slides in and out like a drawer underneath the silo chute. It can be easily removed for getting into the silo chute. When removed the bottom outlet opening of the silo chute is completely open.

Abstract: The discharge spout of a grain elevator is provided with an abrasion resistant liner formed of polyurethane. The liner is formed into cylindrical configuration from a rectangular blade of material and may be readily inserted into the discharge spout and rotated relative thereto to permit even wearing of the liner. The abrasion resistant liner may be readily removed from the discharge spout and replaced with another liner to thereby eliminate any wear to the inner surface of the discharge spout.

Abstract: A large volume silo has in the center of the base a conical dome which, together with the cylindrical outer silo wall, defines an annular base. Open air conveyor chutes pass from the base area through discharge openings to flow regulators in the inner area beneath the conical dome. Closed air conveyor chutes follow on from the flow regulators and lead to a common storage tank in the inner area beneath the conical dome. The open air conveyor chutes can be separated from the bulk material in the silo area by cover slides moveable from the inner area of the conical dome over the open air conveyor chute. This repairs to the conveyor chutes without interrupting silo operation. The cover slides are operated from the interior of the conical dome.

Abstract: A grain elevator utilizing pre-cast concrete elements includes a plurality of vertical zone rows of bins, which slope from front to back at an angle of approximately 30.degree., the front ends of the bins being located above office, receiving, grain cleaning or shipping and agro-product warehouse space; a tower or cowl at the front end of the elevator housing bucket elevator heads and distribution conveyors for loading the bins; a discharge manifold for removing the grain from the lower, rear ends of the bins, and conveyors for delivering the grain to trucks or to bins for feeding the grain into railway cars.

Abstract: A thin-walled deep grain storage tank with improved sidewall discharge system involving a plurality of successive flat plates periodically mounted to the inside of a pair of vertical, parallel I-beam and/or Z-bar sidewall support members with openings for grain flow between successive plates, and a sidewall discharge means at the base of the tank. In this manner an internal chute is formed capable of staged discharge from successive top strata of stored grain. Such a system is useful in alleviating the problems associated with the build up of excess eccentric sidewall pressure during grain discharge without significantly altering the design and construction parameters and their associated economics.

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

Abstract: Silo discharge chute forming means, or a silo including such means fixed astride an upright slot opening in its wall. The discharge chute is comprised of a vertically disposed series of doors, each larger than the silo opening but vertically segmented so that each segment can be individually removed through the opening to erect or disassemble the discharge chute. The means for attaching the doors to the silo and supporting the same are suitably attached to the silo wall and can include ladder means to provide access to the top and interior portions of the silo through the usual exterior chute thereof.

Abstract: A grain elevator utilizing pre-cast concrete elements includes a plurality of vertical rows of bins, which slope from front to back to an angle of approximately 30.degree., the front ends of the bins being located above office, receiving, grain cleaning or shipping and agro-product warehouse space; a tower or cowl at the front end of the elevator housing bucket elevator heads and distribution conveyors for loading the bins; a discharge manifold for removing the grain from the lower, rear ends of the bins, and conveyors for delivering the grain to trucks or to bins for feeding the grain into railway cars.

Abstract: A door frame for use in the discharge doors of silos which is adapted to be quickly moved from one frame to another as silage is removed from the silo, and which will support a hood or funnel used with clean chute systems for discharging silage from the silo. The door frame also may provide a support for the silo unloader, including guides for the normal gooseneck discharge conduit of the unloader and its torque restraining means. The frame provides a rack for receiving and storing the silo door which is removed for installation of the frame. The frame is adjustable to tightly fit into different size door openings. In a preferred embodiment the door frame is raised and lowered into position through the use of a winch and motor assembly, thus making the changing of the movable door frame that supports the hood for the clean chute assembly simple, and relatively labor free.

Abstract: An agricultural silo comprising a plurality of vertically spaced apart silage discharge orifices includes a twin passageway chute overlying the orifices. The chute includes a first passageway permitting unobstructed operator access and a separate silage discharge passageway which confines the silage during the unloading operation. A dormer door provided in the silo top may be opened to discharge silage therethrough. When opened the door vents the silo and, when closed, the door prevents material from entering the climbing and discharge chute during silo filling and prevents updrafts in the chute during unloading.

Abstract: An inverted discharge chute, positioned in the interior of a silo opposite the unloading openings thereof, comprises an upright series of oppositely-disposed side wall panels each hinged to a side of the unloading opening of the silo and normally projecting inwardly thereof. An upright series of retainer panels removably connects the opposed side wall panels to form the inner end of the inverted chute, the side wall panels being swingable outwardly to cover the adjacent opening portion when the retainer panel is removed.

Abstract: A material diverter for a tower silo for carrying material to the base of the silo independent of the silo chute. The diverter has an upright downspout attached to the outside of the chute and a housing located within the chute for receiving material moving through the silo doorway and directing the material into the downspout. The housing is pivotally connected to a carriage operable to move on upright tracks secured to the chute. The housing can be aligned with one of a plurality of structures used to connect the downspout to the chute so that the material at various elevations can be discharged through the housing into the downspout.