CA2118240A1 - Device and method for outloading bulk materials - Google Patents
Device and method for outloading bulk materialsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2118240A1 CA2118240A1 CA002118240A CA2118240A CA2118240A1 CA 2118240 A1 CA2118240 A1 CA 2118240A1 CA 002118240 A CA002118240 A CA 002118240A CA 2118240 A CA2118240 A CA 2118240A CA 2118240 A1 CA2118240 A1 CA 2118240A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- transfer means
- bulk material
- support column
- assist device
- support
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 10
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 124
- 239000013590 bulk material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 62
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 49
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims description 10
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- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims description 7
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- 229910000746 Structural steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005056 compaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 4
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- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 241000366676 Justicia pectoralis Species 0.000 description 2
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009969 flowable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005465 channeling Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G65/00—Loading or unloading
- B65G65/30—Methods or devices for filling or emptying bunkers, hoppers, tanks, or like containers, of interest apart from their use in particular chemical or physical processes or their application in particular machines, e.g. not covered by a single other subclass
- B65G65/34—Emptying devices
- B65G65/36—Devices for emptying from the top
- B65G65/38—Mechanical devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G65/00—Loading or unloading
- B65G65/30—Methods or devices for filling or emptying bunkers, hoppers, tanks, or like containers, of interest apart from their use in particular chemical or physical processes or their application in particular machines, e.g. not covered by a single other subclass
- B65G65/34—Emptying devices
- B65G65/40—Devices for emptying otherwise than from the top
- B65G65/46—Devices for emptying otherwise than from the top using screw conveyors
- B65G65/466—Devices for emptying otherwise than from the top using screw conveyors arranged to be movable
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
- Chutes (AREA)
Abstract
2118240 9321093 PCTABScor01 An apparatus for removing bulk materials from an enclosed storage area wherein the apparatus may be buried within the bulk material (11). The apparatus includes a support column (16) mounted at a base into a support floor (25). An auger (17) is attached by an axial mount at the base of the support column for enabling rotational inclination of the auger from (i) a vertical orientation wherein the auger is nearly parallel with the vertical axis of the support column, (ii) through intermediate angles of inclination (54), to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation (55) wherein the auger is adjacent to the support floor. A torque assist device (60) is coupled at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means (17) and includes a moving track (61) configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material when inclined in the intermediate range. This assist device provides a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means.
Description
W093/21093 ~ O PCT/U592/03080 Dg~IC~ A~D N~T~OD ~OR O~TLO~DI~ B~L~ MaTBRIA~8 BAC~GRO~ND OF ~EI~E~ Y~
~ ld of I~vo~t~o~.
S This invention relates to a material delivery/removal system for transporting grain, cement, and other dry stored material~ from a storage bin, dome or other lateral enclosure. ~ore specifically, the present invention relates to a bulk material delivery f system for u~e with a free standing dome or shell~ e storage bin which utilizes a rotating drag arm for pulling the bulk material toward a central outlet.
~ ld of I~vo~t~o~.
S This invention relates to a material delivery/removal system for transporting grain, cement, and other dry stored material~ from a storage bin, dome or other lateral enclosure. ~ore specifically, the present invention relates to a bulk material delivery f system for u~e with a free standing dome or shell~ e storage bin which utilizes a rotating drag arm for pulling the bulk material toward a central outlet.
2. P~ior Art Bulk storage of materials such as grain, cement, dry fue.ls and other commodities posas many problems which ulti~ately affect the availability of food, fuels and construction materials upon which earh nation's economy dependæ. These problems range from storage requirements to special handling needs in material transport. The most difficult challenges typically arise when the bulk materials require both a controlled storage environment and unique handling profile during loading and unloading in storage areas.
Such materials include cement and similar bul~
2S commodities which must be stored in a dry atmosphere.
Because such materials require total enclosure for protection from the elements, convenient access for retrieval is typically limited. Although movable roo~ing permits direct use of scoop shovels and buckets to raise the buik màterial to nearby trucks or rail cars, such facilities and methods are labor intensive and require a significant capital investment for equipment and ~pecial construction of buildings. As a consequence, industrial trends have focused on reducing 3S the cost of storage and handling by simplifying construction of gtorage areas.
W O 93/21~93 ,~ 240 P~r/US92/03080, For exam ple, frèe-standing dome structures have con~bined economical construction with the benefits of total enclosure. U.S. Patent 3,456,818 illustrates a dome structure used for storing grains. Bulk materials are loaded within the dome through a top opening and are distributed outward by a rotating auger that drags the grain outward toward the laterally enclosing dome wall.
Thi~ auger is designed to rotate along its longitudinal axis on top of the grain, as well as rotate radially around a center support post to provide redistribution of grain across the 360 degree top surface area of the grain. This dual rotation of the auger funcl;ions to maintain the auger in a "floating" configuration on top of the grain storage surface. The weight of the auger is carefully selected to enhance this floating performance as a necessary part of ~he system.
Outloading is accomplished by rotation of the center support post without the need for rotation of the auger about its longitudinal axis. An outlet port is formed in a floor surface below the support post and includes a subfloor auger which acts as a conveyer to transport material as it drops by gravity flow from the interior of the dome. Once the grain has reached its natural inclination of flow toward the central outlet port, the auger is activated to drag the remaining grain toward the center. Eventually, the total contents of the dome can be swept to the outlet port as the rotating auger cycles to a horizon~al orientation near the floor surface.
Although the dome storage structure with transport system was invented approximately 25 years ago, it has experienced only limited commercial success. Its apparent limitation for use with bulk materials having physical properties similar to grains also inhibits its utility in other demanding storage needs such as with cement and other dry goods which are subject to greater compaction. These latter materials will naturally 3 ~ 2~O PCTIUS9~/03080 congeal to a rigid mass under the wPight of the stored upper layers~ This rigid mass is very difficult to break up and effPctively blocks gravity flow of stored materials into the outlet. Because the auger assembly is designed to float on top of the grain, it has no significant influence on desired subsurface material move~ent.
In view of the numerous problems with the referenced dome storage system, access for movement of stored materials has generally besn provided by lateral doors or openings at the base of the dome. These doors are ~pened and per~it front-end loaders to use conventional loading techniques with scoop buckets or similar equipment to transport the materials.
Unfortunately, highly compacted commodities such as cement do not readily collapse with removal of under support material. Indeed, a front-end loader may form a ~avern opening of considerable size within the rigid base layer of material which could collapse without warning, causing potentially fatal results.
Earlier patents of this same inventor as represented by US patent 5,098,247 and European patent application 91100120.4 disclose an improved system for outloading bulk materials which utilizes a rotating 2S auger which moves from a vertical orientation, sequentially to a horizontal position to complete removal. A significant problem with the use of such a mechanism arises because of the increased moment arm required to rotate the extended auger as the center of mass continues to displace from the vertical support column. Normal design criteria would dictate that the power rating of the drive motor for rotating this auger would be selected to meet the peak power demand, which occurs when the auger is in a near horizontal orientation. Alternatively, a more extensive gear box or transmission system may be adopted to provide the increased power requirement. Unfortunately, the '1182~0 WO93/21093 ~ PCT/US~/03080 ~
incr~ased power requirement and or gearing system adds substantial expense to the overall system cost.
- The increased load required by the greater moment arm is further compounded by resistance offered by the compacted bulk material which is to be removed.
Interestingly, these two proble~s complement each other, because while ~he ~oment arm incraases with greater inclinatisn of the ~uger, the compaction of the material also increa~es with such greater inclination because of the weight of supported material~. Therefore, by the time the auger reaches the near horizontal position in ro~ation, the worst conditions exist. Specifically, the auger is in its most extended orientation and the material is at maximum compaction.
The problem of increased compaction also arises with traditional storage structures. For example, U.S.
Patent 2,711,814 discloses an auger useful for cleaning flat bot oms of a grain tank. Related auger transport devices have been used in silo storage systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,500,043; 3,755,918; 3,1S5,247 and 3,438,S17. These patents are representative of a broad range of applications for the transport properties of an auger within a grain bin. Experience has shown that such an auger system is not likely to be practical 2S with respect to bulk materials which experience greater compaction, forming a rigid base layer. It is perhaps for this reason that much of the prior art technology utilizing an auger transport system is directed toward grains and other bulk materials which have less tendency to compact under pressure. The more flowable condition of these grains enables the outloading in conventional storage bins by mere gravity flow.
The auger transport system in these disclosures functions primarily to redistribute bulk material toward the center of the storage bin to keep gravity flow in process throughout the outloading procedure. It is not intended to be responsive to changing compaction :;
~11824~ ~
; WO93/21093 PCT/US9Z/03080 conditions that occur as the rotatlng auger progresses toward the bottom of the bin. In the latter case, conventional design criteria would again dicta~e that greater power would be provided by increa~ed motor power and/or an improved transmission syætem.
-O~C~8 AM~ Y OF TE~ ~V~N$ION
It is an object of the present invention to providean auger tran~port syst~m which i6 capable of processing compaction materials such as cement in a rotary drag ~ystem, as well as looser ~aterials such as grains, without adding extreme cost increase or enhance~d power demands for the drive motor.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ~aterial transport system useful withir1 a dome structure having an inclining drag arm which permits the dome structure to be completely filled, essentially burying the material transport system used in outloading.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an auger transport system for bulk materials stored within a lateral enclosing storage structure, wherein the transport system can service all forms of dry, particulate bulk materials, including compactable materials.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for outloading stored bulk materials in which the outloading structure is generally buried in a vertical orientation within the bulk ~aterials, yet is capable of inclining in horizontal rotation for processing the total guantity of stored materials within the containing structure.
These and other objects are realized in an apparatus for removing bulk from a lateral enclosure wherein the apparatus is designed to be substantially buried within the bulk material, as opposed to floating on top of such material. This apparatus includes a 2 ~ 0 WO93/21~93 PCT/US9210308Q~r~, support colu~n having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis. A base mount is configured for attachment between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area.
This base mount provides a fixed vertical orientation to the ~upport column within a central section of the storage area. First elongate transfer means is coupled at its ba~e end to the support column for dragging particular bulk materials along its length to a dispensing outlet near the base of the support column.
A distal end of the first transfer means is adapted for attachment to a first support frame, which is also characterized by a base end, distal end and intermediate support section. The support frame functions to support ~5 the first transfer means, enabling it to rotate about the support column. A first drive motor is mounted at the first transfer means and support frame and operates to apply a drive force to the first transfer means. A
rotational displacement drive is coupled to the first support frame for rotating the ~irst support frame about the vertical axis of the support column. A torque assist device is coupled at the first elongate transfer means and includes a moving track configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material. This assist device is oriented with respect to the ~irst elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material engaged against the moving track element. It is activated as the ~irst transfer means is inclined substantially toward a horizontal position, whe~e the moment arm and compaction cooperate to increase the load imposed on the rotation drive which rotates the first transfer means and torque assist device around the support column.
A method for removal of stored bulk materials using an elongate transfer means such as a rotating drag arm in a lateral enclosure is similarly dicclosed and i ~ W093/21093 ~ 82~ PCT/US92/0~80 includes the step of activating movement of a ~orque assist device coupled at ~he distal end of the first elongate transf r means to provide additional forward force to the drag .rm. This torque assist device is positioned to engage a top ~urface of the compacted bulk ~ater~al and is orien.ed with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward ~orce along ~he rotational path of the first elongate tra~sfer means in response to resistance of the bulk ~aterial against movement 3f the torque assist device.
Other obje ts and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the following detailed description of prleferred embodiments, taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.
~ RI~QN Q~ B~WI~G3 Figure 1 shows a medial cross section of a dome storage structure utilizing a~ auger transport system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a segmented partial cut-away section of the support column with attached auger in vertical orientation at one side thereof.
Figure 3 shows a partial view at the base of the subject support column, with the auger transport system in horizontal, ground level position such as would require use of the torque assist device of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an end view of an auger transport syste~ with a torque assist device and second auger system for clearing a motor path.
Figure 5 is a top view of the system shown in Fig.
.~ 4.
Figure 6 is a front view of the torque assist device of Fig. 4.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a torque assist device for use in the invent~on.
!: .
,~ . .
~, "_ 2 1~8~ ~
WO93/21093 PCT/US92/03080~-Figure 8 is a i~e view of the korque a~sist device of Fig. 4.
ET~S~D D~8C~IP~Q~ OF ~ INY~N$ION
S Figure 1 demonstrate~ an embodiment o~ the present inv~ntion in combination with a dome 6truc~ure lO which operates as a total enclosure for ætored bulk materials ll. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thæ~e materials have been loaded by a conventional loading conveyor 12 through and inlet 13 at the top of the dome structure. This bulk material falls through spening 14 and spreads across the interior chamber of the dome, reaching a top level as indicated at item 15.
It is plain to see that the tota~ bulk material ll has substantially covered a central support column 16 and attached auger transport devices 17 and 18. The transport devices 17 and 18 may alternatively comprise other tranFfer means known to those skilled in the art, such as bucket or paddle transfer systems.
The dome construction l0 has been illustrated with the present invention because of its particular advantage within the hemispherical dome shape wherein the auger device 17 is comparable to a radial distance throughout the contained volume of the storage area. In addition, however, the domed construction is representative of the more difficult storage problems, particularly in terms of outloading compacted materials.
Accordingly, this embodiment incorporates the more stringent of the material transport conditions wherein access to the contained volumes are limited to an upper opening 13 and a lower outlet l9. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same p~incipals applied with respect to this dome structure could be applied with respect to any enclosed storage area having lateral confinement.
The apparatus of the present invention includes a support column 16 which has a top end 20, and a bottom WO93/21093 ~11 8 2 ~ O PCT/US9~/0~80 end 21 and a vertical axis 22. The supp~rt column comprises a steel post which is hollow down its length except for a pair of deflection plates 23 which divert ~ulk ~aterials tran~ported from the loading conveyor 12 through lateral openings 14 in the support column.
Thi~ support column i~ vertically positioned in a base mount 24 which is attached between the bottom end of the 6upport column 21 and a support floor 25 contained within the storage area. This base mount provides fixed vertical orientation with respect to the support column within a central section of the storage area. In the illu~trated ambodiment, this base molmt is configured for rotational movement about the vertical axis 22.
Specifically, the base mount includes an annular converging channel or hopper 26 whose bottom end 29 defines an outlet port which disposes the bulk materials onto a conveyor belt or other transport means for carriage to a pickup location euch as transport truc~s or rail cars. This channeling hopper 26 is supported on a plurality of rollers or bearing 27 which ride on a support ring 28 structurally configured to bear the load of the support column 16 and its attached augers 17 and 18. The support column 16 is integrally coupled to the channelling hopper 26 with brace members 30 which are welded at ~he base of the support column on one side and lower portion of the hopper structure on the other side.
This permits a protective flap 32 to slide along the top hopper edge 31 and protect against grain falling free of the hopper. In essence, this flap 32 operates as an angular sleeve to channel material from the storage area into the outlet 29 while the hopper is rotating in concert with the support column.
Similarly, the top end 20 is supported in a rotational configuration within the top opening 33 of the dome. As ~et of rollers or bearing 34 stabilize the support column 16 in vertical orientation. A drive WO~3/21~93 ~z~ O PCT/~S92/0308 motor 35 and chain drive 36 are coupled at the top of tha support column 16 and operate as a rotational displacement means to rotate the support column about its vertical axis 22.
~The respective base ~ount 24 and upper roller - ystem 34 cooperate to fix the ~upport column 1~ in a 6turdy, rotational configuration at a central section of the storage area. Rotation rat~ about the vertical axis 22 is adjusted to the outflow rate of stored material and is governed by the chain drive 36 and electric motor 3S, which is housed exterior to the dome structure 10.
This enable~ maintenance to be performed with respect to this drive ~ystem without nsed for access within the dome interior.
15Attached to the support col~mn is at least one auger cupport frame 40 and 41. Figure 4 shows a support column having two such support frames and attached auger assemblies 17 and 18, further description shall be directed toward the auger configuration 17 alone. It is to be understood that a comparable description could be provided with respect to the second auger 18 which is illustrated in Figure 1. Figures 2 and 3 do not include the second auger in view of its symmetrical duplicity with the disclosure relating to auger 17.
S 25The auger support frame 40 includes a base end 42, intermediate section 43 and distal end 44. The assembled configuration of these components forms an ~i elongate truss support span which extends from the top ; end 44 to the bottom end 42 and includes mounting end plates 45 and 46 with bearing mounts coupled thereto for Z receiving the respective base and end 47 and distal end , 48 of the auger 17. This auger 17 is configured for i rotational movement about its rotational axis 50 and ;~ functions to drag particulate bulk materials along the j 35 length of the auger toward the hopper 26 and dispensing outlet 27. The auger support frame 40 oparates to support th~ auger 17 during this rotational movement and ' W093/21093 ~ 240 PCT/US92/030~ l 11 i provide means for inclining the auger at varying angles as it revolves about the support column 16.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides mounting of a rotational drive motor 51 at the 5 distal end 48 with respect to the end plate 46 on the t auger ~upport frame. This is in direct contrast with prior art trends of positioning the drive motor on aug~r transport systems near the support column, and at a base end of the auger. Disposition of the drive motor 51 at 10 a distal end of ~he auger maintains the motor above ths top level 15 of bulk material. For example, with full capacity storage as shown in Figure 1, the drive motor 51 stands above the material level 15 by virtue of its vertical orientation. During outloading, the auger is 15 gradually displaced in a conical revolution pattern, cutting away respectively at conical layers of bulk material. As the aug~r is further inclined away from the central column 16 (see phantom line examples 54 and 55), the rotational drive motor 51 is always positioned 20 above material storage levels. This preserves life of the motor and facilitates its continuous operation to service all stages of outloading.
This is in direct contrast with prior art systems which depend primarily on free fall of the bulk 25 materials through the outlet. In these prior art em~odiments, the auger transport system is primarily functioning to collect a remaining portion of the bulk materials left around the periphery of the floor wherein the inclination of stored materials no longer 30 facilitates free fall of the particulate matter to the outlet. The pres~nt invention comprehends not only the flowable grain material of prior art auger applications, but also covers materials such as cement and other highly compactable substances.
Inclination of the auger 17 is enabled by use of an axial mount 57 which couples between the base of the auger support frame 42 and a bottom end of the support ~1182~0 WO93/21093 PCT/~S92/030~.
column l~. This stru~-ture permits the auger ~upport frame to rotate vertically about the axial mount 57 to enable rotation inclina~ion of the auger and support frame from (i) a vertical orientation (~olid line representation of item 17) wherein the auger i5 nearly parallel with ~h~ axie 22 of the support column, (ii) through inter~ediate anglas of inclination ~represented by phantom line drawing 54) to (iii) a substantially horizont~l orientation (repr~sentation 55) wherein the auger i5 adjace~t to th~ ~upport floor of the storage ar~a.
Selection o~ the ~pecific inclination angle is accomplished by use of a variable suspension means 60 which is coupled between the support column and the auger support frame and enables various selection and adjustment of auger inclination by permitting rotational inclination with respect to the axial amount.
Specifically, this suspension means includes the æuspension cable 61 which is attached at a first point of attachment 62 near the top end of the support column.
This cable is next supported on a first pulley 63 which is attached near the dist~l end of the auger support frame 44. This cable is further supported on a second pulley ~4 which is attached to the support column between the first point of the attachment and the top end ~O of the support column. A second end of the suspension cable is coupled to a winch or other drive syst~m 65 having a fixed location with respect to the support column.
The winch operates in a conventionaI manner to reel in and let out suspension cable to selectively incline the auger at a desired position. The winch operates as a control means for incrementally advancing the auger through a series of predetermined inclinations which increase in angle of inclination with respect to the support column with each successive 360 degree revolution of the auger about the vertical axis 22. It ,1 i , ~, ! ` wo 93/21~93 ~ 8240 PCT/US92/03080 will be apparent that although only two inclined position~ are reflected in Figure 1, the variety of inclination angles is continuous from the vertical orientation shown in olid line for auger 17 through all intermediate angles to a horizontal configuration illu&trated as item 55.
Electrical support for ~he respective components is provided by conventional wiring configurations. For ex~mple, all wiring 3upport for the rota~ional drive ~otor 35 and winch 65 ~re external to the dome and enable direct access for maintenance. Electrical support to the winch and its rotatable configuration as part of the support column is provided by a sl:ipring assembly 69. The same conductive slipring provides an electrical connection identified by dashed line 70 which extends the length of the support column and passes from the base of the ~upport column up through a central tube opening within the auger 17 to the drive motor 51. All electrical lines are appropriately anchored and shielded to prevent wear with the anticipated patterns of movement for both the auger and the support column.
Referring now to FI~S. 4 to 6, the auger 17 and support frame 40 are shown having a secondary auger 110 attached at the distal end 44 of the support frame 40, to the side of the drive motor 51. The secondary auger 110 may alternatively comprise other transfer means known to those s~illed in the art, such as bucket or paddle transfer systems. The secondary auger 110 is supported by a secondary support frame 112 in which the auger 110 is rotatably mounted. The secondary support frame 112 is secured to the side of the distal end 44 of the support frame 40 by welding or other suitable means.
A sQcondary rotational drive motor 114 is mounted to the secondary support frame 112 at t~e proximal or base end of the auger 110 to the support column 16, to rotatably drive the auger 110. Since the auger 110 is smaller WO 93/21~93 ~ 118 2 4 0 PCI/US9~/0308 1~
than the auger 17; the drive motor 114 is c:orrespondingly smaller than the motor 51.
Although the ~notor 51 will be ~aintained above the top level $5 of the bulk material under ideal 5 conditions, in practice the motor 51 E;ometimes comes in contact with the ~aterial and pushes the material in front of it with no opportunity fox the auger 17 to access the material and move it out of the storage dome.
The material in front of the motor Sl also strains the support column drive motor 35 and causes it to operate inefficiently.
The secondary auger 110 removes material that may otherwise build up against the motor 51, and moves it down to the auger 17 for removal. The secondary motor 114 does not experience any substantial material buildup against it since the motor 114 is relatively small and allows access to the auger 17. The motor 114 has an electrical power connection through the auger assembly and support column similar to the connectio~ powering the motor S1`. To be effective, the auger 110 should be mounted to the front side of the motor S1, i.e., the side pushing against the material during rotation of the support column. Although mounting of the motor 114 on the proximal end of the secondary support frame 112 is preferred, the motor 114 may alternatively be mounted on the distal end of the support frame 112, if desired.
Figures 7 and 8 disclose a primary feature of the present invention which consists of a device for providing additional drive force to move the first elongat~ transfer means as it encounters increased resistance with progressive inclination toward the horizontal orientation. Because the drive motor 35 which rotates the first transfer means is mounted to the support column 16, each sequential adjustment away from the vertical support column extends the center of mass of the first transfer means outward, increasing the force required to rotate this structure. As the first WO93/21093 ~. 8 ~ ~ O PCT~US92/03~80 transfer ~eans mo~es substantially toward the horizontal, such as at inclination great~r than forty degrees from the vertical axis 22, this increased load imposes a greater traction against the bulk material and S greater drag on the drive motor 35. This load is further increa~-ed by the additional drag encountered ~y the first transfer m~anG as it moveR against the bulk material which is now leE~ ~usceptible to gravity Llow.
To overcome the need for introducing expensive gearing to provide this increased power output to the first transfer meansl a torgue assist device is coupled to the frame 40 at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means. This device includes a moving track 61 which is driven by a motor 62. The track 6l is configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material and propel itself across this Rurface to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elonqate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulX material against the moving track. It is positioned behind the moving auger 17 so that the track rides on a fresh-cut surface of compacted material.
The track 61 specifically comprises a rotating ~rack assembly of individual track pads 63 which are supported on a rotating track carrier 64. At least one track element 65 (Fig 8) is coupled to one of the track pads 63 and projects outward from the track assembly 1 to 4 inches to provide a gripping edge which extends into the bulk material as the track assembly moves along its surface. It is preferable to have track elements 65 cubstantially separated so that the compacted surface is not significantly disturbed. In this manner, the fresh-cut s11rface remains firm and provides traction to the - 35 track pads and is not merely pushed rearward by the rotating ~rack assembly. The track element 65 ensures some grip at this surface to maintain uniform track f , WO93/21093 ~ 8 2 ~ O PCT/US92/0308 movement. For most materials, track element spacing will be at 1 to 2 feet, with a preferred separation at one and a half feet. For most materials, track element spacing will be at one to two feet, with a preferred separation at one and a half faet.
The track assembly is driven by a ~ariable drive motor 62 which is coupled to the trac~ carrier through ` a drive axil 67 to provide power to rotate the track carrier and track a6sembly at variable speeds. ~ front ~xil 68 rotates fre~ly and ~upports a forward element of the track carrier 64.
The track assembly is driven by a variable drive motor 62 which is coupled to the track carrier through a drive axil 67 to provide power to rotate the track carrier and track assembly at variable speeds. A front axil 68 rotates freely and supports a forward element of the track carrier 64.
The variable speed is developed by a power regulator which is responsive to rotational rate of the first elongate trans f er means about the support column.
This power regulator includes means to adjust the speed of the track carrier to match the rate of movement of the first elongate transfer means. These speed should be m~tched so that torque assist device complements forces being applied to the first transfer means. If the speed of the torque assist device were unmatched, the torque assist device would impose additional drag (at a slower sp~ed) or would attempt to push drive motor 35 above its intended rate (at higher speeds). In the latter case, the track elements simply dig into the bulk material and reduce the effectiveness of the track for developing a forward fo~ce.
Typical speed for the combined first transfer means and attached torque assist device is approximately 12 feet per minute. Actual speeds will vary, depending on type of bulk material involved and the extent of compaction. In all cases, the selected speed i5 matched ~118~40 - f ` WO93/21093 : PCT~US92/03080 for the respective drive sy tems of the transfer means and torgue assist device.
Generally, the elongate transfer means is mounted to the frame of the firct transfer means such that the vertical level of the track which engages the surface of the bulk ~aterial is substantially equal to the vertical level of the lowest edge of the first elongate transfer means which i~mediately precedes a path of movement for the track. This relationship properly positions the track for engagement with a freshly exposed surface of bulX material resulting from displacement a surface layer of material by the first elongate transfer means.
A retractable suspension system 70 is provided to protect the torque assist device from being damaged by obstacles or when the elongate transfer means drops to a lower level than the torque assist device. Because it is rigidly bolted to the frame 40 of the transfer means, the small size of the torque assist device will tend to follow at the fixed elevation of the transfer means and could incur serious damage if the transfer means suddenly drops to a lower level. Obstacles may also arise if the rotating auger of the transfer means passes chucks of material through its spiral blade, and the fixed track pads are unable to yield. Therefore, the suspension system includes means for upward displacement of the track out of a path of forward movement when an obstacle is encountered which would otherwise block forward ~ovement of the track or if the first transfer means suddenly drops to a lower level. In the illustrated embodiment, spring e~ements 71 and 72 fulfill this need.
The illustrated embodiment has a further safety ; feature which allows the device to rotate out of the path of a large obætacle. This arises by attachment of the device by means of a hinge mechanism 80 which allows the device to rotate up and out of the path of the obstacle. Angular adjustment of height is provided by ., 5^118~0 WO~3/21~93 PCT/US92/030~-a threaded adjustment bolt 81, which is mounted to the torqua assist device at flange elements 82. The head portion 83 of the bolt 81 abuts against a stop plate 84 which extends ~rom the ~upport frame 40. Alternatively, the vertical displacement ran be implemented by slidably ~upporting the torque afisist device on vertical rods.
It will be apparent ~hat numerous variations in structure can be implemented to apply the inventive a~pects of this di~closure. For example, Figure 8 depicts the track assembly as including a track section which is substantially planar along an engaging surface of ~he bulk material. Although this configuration may be generally preferred, there may be some types of bulk materials which would respond equally well to a circular track or drum. As another example, it will be noted tha~ the track element i~ lustrated comprises a section -~
of angle iron coupled at one side to the track assembly, the r~maining side projecting outward from the track assembly to provide the gripping edge to engage the bulk material. Other forms of gripping elements may be readily substituted.
As is illustrated in Figure 1, a second elongate transfer means 18 may be positioned in opposing orientation to the first transfer means 17. Its construction is similar to the first, having a torque assist device positioned in a trailing orientation with respect to the second transfer means.
Generally, these variations all embody a common methodology, represented by the steps of: -positioning a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis at a central location of the storage area;
cecuring a base mount between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area, said base mount providing a fixed vertical orientation to the support column within a central .:
section of the storage area;
i WO93/21093 2 1 1 8 2 4 0 PCT/US92/030~
attaching to a first support frame a first elongate transfer ~eans for dragging particulate bulk materials along a length of the first transfer means toward a dispensing outlet near the ba~e of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
attaching the first ~upport fra~e at a base end thereof to the support column with an axial mount for ~nabling rotational inclination of the first transfer ~eans and first support frame from (i) a v~rtical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axi~ of the support c:olumn, (ii) through intermediate angles of inclinations, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wher~in the first transfer means is adjacent the support flocr o~
the storage area;
coup~ing a first drive motor to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a drive force to the first transfer means;
storing bulk material within the lateral storage area wherein the first transfer means is at least partially buried within the bulk material with the first transfer means at an inclination greater than fifty degrees with respect to the support floor;
commencing removal of the bulk material by activating the first drive motor on the first transfer means, thereby assisting free fall along an inclined flow of stored bul~ materials to an outlet port in the support ~loor of the storage area;
concurrently rotating the first transfer means with the acti~ated drive motor about the vertical axis of the support column to remove a conical volume of bulk material forming an inclination of exposed surface of bulk material wherein the torque assist device is capable of generating traction against the bulk material, which will generally be of greater than forty W~93/21093 2 1 1 8 2 ~ O PCT/US9~/0308~
degrees with respect to the vertical axi , depending on material properties;
positioning the fir t transfer means in an inclined orientation capable of generating traction between the torque assist device and bulk material such inclination being generally at less than fifty degrees with respect to the ~upport floor~ depending on material properties;
acti~ating movement of a tor~ue assist device coupled at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means and positioned to engage a top iurface of the compacted bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against movement of the torque assist de~ice.
sequentially and incrementally lowering the first transfer means with each successive revolution to remove succe~sive layers of bulk material.
The significant advantage offered by the addition 1~ of the torque assist device to the disclosed system has been confirmed by experimental results. For example, it was discovered that to generate 2 horsepower of drive from a top drive motor 35 rated at 2 hp, out to the end of the first transfer means when horizontally disposed, requires $20,000 of special gearing for a conventional dome storage area. This cost is eliminated by attachment of a torque assist device at a cost of $3000.
This translates to a savings of Sl9,000. ~.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description of preferred embodiments is merely by way of example and is not to be construed as limiting with respect to th~ iollowing claims.
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: ~7~
Such materials include cement and similar bul~
2S commodities which must be stored in a dry atmosphere.
Because such materials require total enclosure for protection from the elements, convenient access for retrieval is typically limited. Although movable roo~ing permits direct use of scoop shovels and buckets to raise the buik màterial to nearby trucks or rail cars, such facilities and methods are labor intensive and require a significant capital investment for equipment and ~pecial construction of buildings. As a consequence, industrial trends have focused on reducing 3S the cost of storage and handling by simplifying construction of gtorage areas.
W O 93/21~93 ,~ 240 P~r/US92/03080, For exam ple, frèe-standing dome structures have con~bined economical construction with the benefits of total enclosure. U.S. Patent 3,456,818 illustrates a dome structure used for storing grains. Bulk materials are loaded within the dome through a top opening and are distributed outward by a rotating auger that drags the grain outward toward the laterally enclosing dome wall.
Thi~ auger is designed to rotate along its longitudinal axis on top of the grain, as well as rotate radially around a center support post to provide redistribution of grain across the 360 degree top surface area of the grain. This dual rotation of the auger funcl;ions to maintain the auger in a "floating" configuration on top of the grain storage surface. The weight of the auger is carefully selected to enhance this floating performance as a necessary part of ~he system.
Outloading is accomplished by rotation of the center support post without the need for rotation of the auger about its longitudinal axis. An outlet port is formed in a floor surface below the support post and includes a subfloor auger which acts as a conveyer to transport material as it drops by gravity flow from the interior of the dome. Once the grain has reached its natural inclination of flow toward the central outlet port, the auger is activated to drag the remaining grain toward the center. Eventually, the total contents of the dome can be swept to the outlet port as the rotating auger cycles to a horizon~al orientation near the floor surface.
Although the dome storage structure with transport system was invented approximately 25 years ago, it has experienced only limited commercial success. Its apparent limitation for use with bulk materials having physical properties similar to grains also inhibits its utility in other demanding storage needs such as with cement and other dry goods which are subject to greater compaction. These latter materials will naturally 3 ~ 2~O PCTIUS9~/03080 congeal to a rigid mass under the wPight of the stored upper layers~ This rigid mass is very difficult to break up and effPctively blocks gravity flow of stored materials into the outlet. Because the auger assembly is designed to float on top of the grain, it has no significant influence on desired subsurface material move~ent.
In view of the numerous problems with the referenced dome storage system, access for movement of stored materials has generally besn provided by lateral doors or openings at the base of the dome. These doors are ~pened and per~it front-end loaders to use conventional loading techniques with scoop buckets or similar equipment to transport the materials.
Unfortunately, highly compacted commodities such as cement do not readily collapse with removal of under support material. Indeed, a front-end loader may form a ~avern opening of considerable size within the rigid base layer of material which could collapse without warning, causing potentially fatal results.
Earlier patents of this same inventor as represented by US patent 5,098,247 and European patent application 91100120.4 disclose an improved system for outloading bulk materials which utilizes a rotating 2S auger which moves from a vertical orientation, sequentially to a horizontal position to complete removal. A significant problem with the use of such a mechanism arises because of the increased moment arm required to rotate the extended auger as the center of mass continues to displace from the vertical support column. Normal design criteria would dictate that the power rating of the drive motor for rotating this auger would be selected to meet the peak power demand, which occurs when the auger is in a near horizontal orientation. Alternatively, a more extensive gear box or transmission system may be adopted to provide the increased power requirement. Unfortunately, the '1182~0 WO93/21093 ~ PCT/US~/03080 ~
incr~ased power requirement and or gearing system adds substantial expense to the overall system cost.
- The increased load required by the greater moment arm is further compounded by resistance offered by the compacted bulk material which is to be removed.
Interestingly, these two proble~s complement each other, because while ~he ~oment arm incraases with greater inclinatisn of the ~uger, the compaction of the material also increa~es with such greater inclination because of the weight of supported material~. Therefore, by the time the auger reaches the near horizontal position in ro~ation, the worst conditions exist. Specifically, the auger is in its most extended orientation and the material is at maximum compaction.
The problem of increased compaction also arises with traditional storage structures. For example, U.S.
Patent 2,711,814 discloses an auger useful for cleaning flat bot oms of a grain tank. Related auger transport devices have been used in silo storage systems, such as disclosed in U.S. Patent 2,500,043; 3,755,918; 3,1S5,247 and 3,438,S17. These patents are representative of a broad range of applications for the transport properties of an auger within a grain bin. Experience has shown that such an auger system is not likely to be practical 2S with respect to bulk materials which experience greater compaction, forming a rigid base layer. It is perhaps for this reason that much of the prior art technology utilizing an auger transport system is directed toward grains and other bulk materials which have less tendency to compact under pressure. The more flowable condition of these grains enables the outloading in conventional storage bins by mere gravity flow.
The auger transport system in these disclosures functions primarily to redistribute bulk material toward the center of the storage bin to keep gravity flow in process throughout the outloading procedure. It is not intended to be responsive to changing compaction :;
~11824~ ~
; WO93/21093 PCT/US9Z/03080 conditions that occur as the rotatlng auger progresses toward the bottom of the bin. In the latter case, conventional design criteria would again dicta~e that greater power would be provided by increa~ed motor power and/or an improved transmission syætem.
-O~C~8 AM~ Y OF TE~ ~V~N$ION
It is an object of the present invention to providean auger tran~port syst~m which i6 capable of processing compaction materials such as cement in a rotary drag ~ystem, as well as looser ~aterials such as grains, without adding extreme cost increase or enhance~d power demands for the drive motor.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ~aterial transport system useful withir1 a dome structure having an inclining drag arm which permits the dome structure to be completely filled, essentially burying the material transport system used in outloading.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an auger transport system for bulk materials stored within a lateral enclosing storage structure, wherein the transport system can service all forms of dry, particulate bulk materials, including compactable materials.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for outloading stored bulk materials in which the outloading structure is generally buried in a vertical orientation within the bulk ~aterials, yet is capable of inclining in horizontal rotation for processing the total guantity of stored materials within the containing structure.
These and other objects are realized in an apparatus for removing bulk from a lateral enclosure wherein the apparatus is designed to be substantially buried within the bulk material, as opposed to floating on top of such material. This apparatus includes a 2 ~ 0 WO93/21~93 PCT/US9210308Q~r~, support colu~n having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis. A base mount is configured for attachment between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area.
This base mount provides a fixed vertical orientation to the ~upport column within a central section of the storage area. First elongate transfer means is coupled at its ba~e end to the support column for dragging particular bulk materials along its length to a dispensing outlet near the base of the support column.
A distal end of the first transfer means is adapted for attachment to a first support frame, which is also characterized by a base end, distal end and intermediate support section. The support frame functions to support ~5 the first transfer means, enabling it to rotate about the support column. A first drive motor is mounted at the first transfer means and support frame and operates to apply a drive force to the first transfer means. A
rotational displacement drive is coupled to the first support frame for rotating the ~irst support frame about the vertical axis of the support column. A torque assist device is coupled at the first elongate transfer means and includes a moving track configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material. This assist device is oriented with respect to the ~irst elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material engaged against the moving track element. It is activated as the ~irst transfer means is inclined substantially toward a horizontal position, whe~e the moment arm and compaction cooperate to increase the load imposed on the rotation drive which rotates the first transfer means and torque assist device around the support column.
A method for removal of stored bulk materials using an elongate transfer means such as a rotating drag arm in a lateral enclosure is similarly dicclosed and i ~ W093/21093 ~ 82~ PCT/US92/0~80 includes the step of activating movement of a ~orque assist device coupled at ~he distal end of the first elongate transf r means to provide additional forward force to the drag .rm. This torque assist device is positioned to engage a top ~urface of the compacted bulk ~ater~al and is orien.ed with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward ~orce along ~he rotational path of the first elongate tra~sfer means in response to resistance of the bulk ~aterial against movement 3f the torque assist device.
Other obje ts and features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, in view of the following detailed description of prleferred embodiments, taken in combination with the accompanying drawings.
~ RI~QN Q~ B~WI~G3 Figure 1 shows a medial cross section of a dome storage structure utilizing a~ auger transport system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a segmented partial cut-away section of the support column with attached auger in vertical orientation at one side thereof.
Figure 3 shows a partial view at the base of the subject support column, with the auger transport system in horizontal, ground level position such as would require use of the torque assist device of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an end view of an auger transport syste~ with a torque assist device and second auger system for clearing a motor path.
Figure 5 is a top view of the system shown in Fig.
.~ 4.
Figure 6 is a front view of the torque assist device of Fig. 4.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a torque assist device for use in the invent~on.
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WO93/21093 PCT/US92/03080~-Figure 8 is a i~e view of the korque a~sist device of Fig. 4.
ET~S~D D~8C~IP~Q~ OF ~ INY~N$ION
S Figure 1 demonstrate~ an embodiment o~ the present inv~ntion in combination with a dome 6truc~ure lO which operates as a total enclosure for ætored bulk materials ll. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that thæ~e materials have been loaded by a conventional loading conveyor 12 through and inlet 13 at the top of the dome structure. This bulk material falls through spening 14 and spreads across the interior chamber of the dome, reaching a top level as indicated at item 15.
It is plain to see that the tota~ bulk material ll has substantially covered a central support column 16 and attached auger transport devices 17 and 18. The transport devices 17 and 18 may alternatively comprise other tranFfer means known to those skilled in the art, such as bucket or paddle transfer systems.
The dome construction l0 has been illustrated with the present invention because of its particular advantage within the hemispherical dome shape wherein the auger device 17 is comparable to a radial distance throughout the contained volume of the storage area. In addition, however, the domed construction is representative of the more difficult storage problems, particularly in terms of outloading compacted materials.
Accordingly, this embodiment incorporates the more stringent of the material transport conditions wherein access to the contained volumes are limited to an upper opening 13 and a lower outlet l9. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the same p~incipals applied with respect to this dome structure could be applied with respect to any enclosed storage area having lateral confinement.
The apparatus of the present invention includes a support column 16 which has a top end 20, and a bottom WO93/21093 ~11 8 2 ~ O PCT/US9~/0~80 end 21 and a vertical axis 22. The supp~rt column comprises a steel post which is hollow down its length except for a pair of deflection plates 23 which divert ~ulk ~aterials tran~ported from the loading conveyor 12 through lateral openings 14 in the support column.
Thi~ support column i~ vertically positioned in a base mount 24 which is attached between the bottom end of the 6upport column 21 and a support floor 25 contained within the storage area. This base mount provides fixed vertical orientation with respect to the support column within a central section of the storage area. In the illu~trated ambodiment, this base molmt is configured for rotational movement about the vertical axis 22.
Specifically, the base mount includes an annular converging channel or hopper 26 whose bottom end 29 defines an outlet port which disposes the bulk materials onto a conveyor belt or other transport means for carriage to a pickup location euch as transport truc~s or rail cars. This channeling hopper 26 is supported on a plurality of rollers or bearing 27 which ride on a support ring 28 structurally configured to bear the load of the support column 16 and its attached augers 17 and 18. The support column 16 is integrally coupled to the channelling hopper 26 with brace members 30 which are welded at ~he base of the support column on one side and lower portion of the hopper structure on the other side.
This permits a protective flap 32 to slide along the top hopper edge 31 and protect against grain falling free of the hopper. In essence, this flap 32 operates as an angular sleeve to channel material from the storage area into the outlet 29 while the hopper is rotating in concert with the support column.
Similarly, the top end 20 is supported in a rotational configuration within the top opening 33 of the dome. As ~et of rollers or bearing 34 stabilize the support column 16 in vertical orientation. A drive WO~3/21~93 ~z~ O PCT/~S92/0308 motor 35 and chain drive 36 are coupled at the top of tha support column 16 and operate as a rotational displacement means to rotate the support column about its vertical axis 22.
~The respective base ~ount 24 and upper roller - ystem 34 cooperate to fix the ~upport column 1~ in a 6turdy, rotational configuration at a central section of the storage area. Rotation rat~ about the vertical axis 22 is adjusted to the outflow rate of stored material and is governed by the chain drive 36 and electric motor 3S, which is housed exterior to the dome structure 10.
This enable~ maintenance to be performed with respect to this drive ~ystem without nsed for access within the dome interior.
15Attached to the support col~mn is at least one auger cupport frame 40 and 41. Figure 4 shows a support column having two such support frames and attached auger assemblies 17 and 18, further description shall be directed toward the auger configuration 17 alone. It is to be understood that a comparable description could be provided with respect to the second auger 18 which is illustrated in Figure 1. Figures 2 and 3 do not include the second auger in view of its symmetrical duplicity with the disclosure relating to auger 17.
S 25The auger support frame 40 includes a base end 42, intermediate section 43 and distal end 44. The assembled configuration of these components forms an ~i elongate truss support span which extends from the top ; end 44 to the bottom end 42 and includes mounting end plates 45 and 46 with bearing mounts coupled thereto for Z receiving the respective base and end 47 and distal end , 48 of the auger 17. This auger 17 is configured for i rotational movement about its rotational axis 50 and ;~ functions to drag particulate bulk materials along the j 35 length of the auger toward the hopper 26 and dispensing outlet 27. The auger support frame 40 oparates to support th~ auger 17 during this rotational movement and ' W093/21093 ~ 240 PCT/US92/030~ l 11 i provide means for inclining the auger at varying angles as it revolves about the support column 16.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides mounting of a rotational drive motor 51 at the 5 distal end 48 with respect to the end plate 46 on the t auger ~upport frame. This is in direct contrast with prior art trends of positioning the drive motor on aug~r transport systems near the support column, and at a base end of the auger. Disposition of the drive motor 51 at 10 a distal end of ~he auger maintains the motor above ths top level 15 of bulk material. For example, with full capacity storage as shown in Figure 1, the drive motor 51 stands above the material level 15 by virtue of its vertical orientation. During outloading, the auger is 15 gradually displaced in a conical revolution pattern, cutting away respectively at conical layers of bulk material. As the aug~r is further inclined away from the central column 16 (see phantom line examples 54 and 55), the rotational drive motor 51 is always positioned 20 above material storage levels. This preserves life of the motor and facilitates its continuous operation to service all stages of outloading.
This is in direct contrast with prior art systems which depend primarily on free fall of the bulk 25 materials through the outlet. In these prior art em~odiments, the auger transport system is primarily functioning to collect a remaining portion of the bulk materials left around the periphery of the floor wherein the inclination of stored materials no longer 30 facilitates free fall of the particulate matter to the outlet. The pres~nt invention comprehends not only the flowable grain material of prior art auger applications, but also covers materials such as cement and other highly compactable substances.
Inclination of the auger 17 is enabled by use of an axial mount 57 which couples between the base of the auger support frame 42 and a bottom end of the support ~1182~0 WO93/21093 PCT/~S92/030~.
column l~. This stru~-ture permits the auger ~upport frame to rotate vertically about the axial mount 57 to enable rotation inclina~ion of the auger and support frame from (i) a vertical orientation (~olid line representation of item 17) wherein the auger i5 nearly parallel with ~h~ axie 22 of the support column, (ii) through inter~ediate anglas of inclination ~represented by phantom line drawing 54) to (iii) a substantially horizont~l orientation (repr~sentation 55) wherein the auger i5 adjace~t to th~ ~upport floor of the storage ar~a.
Selection o~ the ~pecific inclination angle is accomplished by use of a variable suspension means 60 which is coupled between the support column and the auger support frame and enables various selection and adjustment of auger inclination by permitting rotational inclination with respect to the axial amount.
Specifically, this suspension means includes the æuspension cable 61 which is attached at a first point of attachment 62 near the top end of the support column.
This cable is next supported on a first pulley 63 which is attached near the dist~l end of the auger support frame 44. This cable is further supported on a second pulley ~4 which is attached to the support column between the first point of the attachment and the top end ~O of the support column. A second end of the suspension cable is coupled to a winch or other drive syst~m 65 having a fixed location with respect to the support column.
The winch operates in a conventionaI manner to reel in and let out suspension cable to selectively incline the auger at a desired position. The winch operates as a control means for incrementally advancing the auger through a series of predetermined inclinations which increase in angle of inclination with respect to the support column with each successive 360 degree revolution of the auger about the vertical axis 22. It ,1 i , ~, ! ` wo 93/21~93 ~ 8240 PCT/US92/03080 will be apparent that although only two inclined position~ are reflected in Figure 1, the variety of inclination angles is continuous from the vertical orientation shown in olid line for auger 17 through all intermediate angles to a horizontal configuration illu&trated as item 55.
Electrical support for ~he respective components is provided by conventional wiring configurations. For ex~mple, all wiring 3upport for the rota~ional drive ~otor 35 and winch 65 ~re external to the dome and enable direct access for maintenance. Electrical support to the winch and its rotatable configuration as part of the support column is provided by a sl:ipring assembly 69. The same conductive slipring provides an electrical connection identified by dashed line 70 which extends the length of the support column and passes from the base of the ~upport column up through a central tube opening within the auger 17 to the drive motor 51. All electrical lines are appropriately anchored and shielded to prevent wear with the anticipated patterns of movement for both the auger and the support column.
Referring now to FI~S. 4 to 6, the auger 17 and support frame 40 are shown having a secondary auger 110 attached at the distal end 44 of the support frame 40, to the side of the drive motor 51. The secondary auger 110 may alternatively comprise other transfer means known to those s~illed in the art, such as bucket or paddle transfer systems. The secondary auger 110 is supported by a secondary support frame 112 in which the auger 110 is rotatably mounted. The secondary support frame 112 is secured to the side of the distal end 44 of the support frame 40 by welding or other suitable means.
A sQcondary rotational drive motor 114 is mounted to the secondary support frame 112 at t~e proximal or base end of the auger 110 to the support column 16, to rotatably drive the auger 110. Since the auger 110 is smaller WO 93/21~93 ~ 118 2 4 0 PCI/US9~/0308 1~
than the auger 17; the drive motor 114 is c:orrespondingly smaller than the motor 51.
Although the ~notor 51 will be ~aintained above the top level $5 of the bulk material under ideal 5 conditions, in practice the motor 51 E;ometimes comes in contact with the ~aterial and pushes the material in front of it with no opportunity fox the auger 17 to access the material and move it out of the storage dome.
The material in front of the motor Sl also strains the support column drive motor 35 and causes it to operate inefficiently.
The secondary auger 110 removes material that may otherwise build up against the motor 51, and moves it down to the auger 17 for removal. The secondary motor 114 does not experience any substantial material buildup against it since the motor 114 is relatively small and allows access to the auger 17. The motor 114 has an electrical power connection through the auger assembly and support column similar to the connectio~ powering the motor S1`. To be effective, the auger 110 should be mounted to the front side of the motor S1, i.e., the side pushing against the material during rotation of the support column. Although mounting of the motor 114 on the proximal end of the secondary support frame 112 is preferred, the motor 114 may alternatively be mounted on the distal end of the support frame 112, if desired.
Figures 7 and 8 disclose a primary feature of the present invention which consists of a device for providing additional drive force to move the first elongat~ transfer means as it encounters increased resistance with progressive inclination toward the horizontal orientation. Because the drive motor 35 which rotates the first transfer means is mounted to the support column 16, each sequential adjustment away from the vertical support column extends the center of mass of the first transfer means outward, increasing the force required to rotate this structure. As the first WO93/21093 ~. 8 ~ ~ O PCT~US92/03~80 transfer ~eans mo~es substantially toward the horizontal, such as at inclination great~r than forty degrees from the vertical axis 22, this increased load imposes a greater traction against the bulk material and S greater drag on the drive motor 35. This load is further increa~-ed by the additional drag encountered ~y the first transfer m~anG as it moveR against the bulk material which is now leE~ ~usceptible to gravity Llow.
To overcome the need for introducing expensive gearing to provide this increased power output to the first transfer meansl a torgue assist device is coupled to the frame 40 at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means. This device includes a moving track 61 which is driven by a motor 62. The track 6l is configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material and propel itself across this Rurface to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elonqate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulX material against the moving track. It is positioned behind the moving auger 17 so that the track rides on a fresh-cut surface of compacted material.
The track 61 specifically comprises a rotating ~rack assembly of individual track pads 63 which are supported on a rotating track carrier 64. At least one track element 65 (Fig 8) is coupled to one of the track pads 63 and projects outward from the track assembly 1 to 4 inches to provide a gripping edge which extends into the bulk material as the track assembly moves along its surface. It is preferable to have track elements 65 cubstantially separated so that the compacted surface is not significantly disturbed. In this manner, the fresh-cut s11rface remains firm and provides traction to the - 35 track pads and is not merely pushed rearward by the rotating ~rack assembly. The track element 65 ensures some grip at this surface to maintain uniform track f , WO93/21093 ~ 8 2 ~ O PCT/US92/0308 movement. For most materials, track element spacing will be at 1 to 2 feet, with a preferred separation at one and a half feet. For most materials, track element spacing will be at one to two feet, with a preferred separation at one and a half faet.
The track assembly is driven by a ~ariable drive motor 62 which is coupled to the trac~ carrier through ` a drive axil 67 to provide power to rotate the track carrier and track a6sembly at variable speeds. ~ front ~xil 68 rotates fre~ly and ~upports a forward element of the track carrier 64.
The track assembly is driven by a variable drive motor 62 which is coupled to the track carrier through a drive axil 67 to provide power to rotate the track carrier and track assembly at variable speeds. A front axil 68 rotates freely and supports a forward element of the track carrier 64.
The variable speed is developed by a power regulator which is responsive to rotational rate of the first elongate trans f er means about the support column.
This power regulator includes means to adjust the speed of the track carrier to match the rate of movement of the first elongate transfer means. These speed should be m~tched so that torque assist device complements forces being applied to the first transfer means. If the speed of the torque assist device were unmatched, the torque assist device would impose additional drag (at a slower sp~ed) or would attempt to push drive motor 35 above its intended rate (at higher speeds). In the latter case, the track elements simply dig into the bulk material and reduce the effectiveness of the track for developing a forward fo~ce.
Typical speed for the combined first transfer means and attached torque assist device is approximately 12 feet per minute. Actual speeds will vary, depending on type of bulk material involved and the extent of compaction. In all cases, the selected speed i5 matched ~118~40 - f ` WO93/21093 : PCT~US92/03080 for the respective drive sy tems of the transfer means and torgue assist device.
Generally, the elongate transfer means is mounted to the frame of the firct transfer means such that the vertical level of the track which engages the surface of the bulk ~aterial is substantially equal to the vertical level of the lowest edge of the first elongate transfer means which i~mediately precedes a path of movement for the track. This relationship properly positions the track for engagement with a freshly exposed surface of bulX material resulting from displacement a surface layer of material by the first elongate transfer means.
A retractable suspension system 70 is provided to protect the torque assist device from being damaged by obstacles or when the elongate transfer means drops to a lower level than the torque assist device. Because it is rigidly bolted to the frame 40 of the transfer means, the small size of the torque assist device will tend to follow at the fixed elevation of the transfer means and could incur serious damage if the transfer means suddenly drops to a lower level. Obstacles may also arise if the rotating auger of the transfer means passes chucks of material through its spiral blade, and the fixed track pads are unable to yield. Therefore, the suspension system includes means for upward displacement of the track out of a path of forward movement when an obstacle is encountered which would otherwise block forward ~ovement of the track or if the first transfer means suddenly drops to a lower level. In the illustrated embodiment, spring e~ements 71 and 72 fulfill this need.
The illustrated embodiment has a further safety ; feature which allows the device to rotate out of the path of a large obætacle. This arises by attachment of the device by means of a hinge mechanism 80 which allows the device to rotate up and out of the path of the obstacle. Angular adjustment of height is provided by ., 5^118~0 WO~3/21~93 PCT/US92/030~-a threaded adjustment bolt 81, which is mounted to the torqua assist device at flange elements 82. The head portion 83 of the bolt 81 abuts against a stop plate 84 which extends ~rom the ~upport frame 40. Alternatively, the vertical displacement ran be implemented by slidably ~upporting the torque afisist device on vertical rods.
It will be apparent ~hat numerous variations in structure can be implemented to apply the inventive a~pects of this di~closure. For example, Figure 8 depicts the track assembly as including a track section which is substantially planar along an engaging surface of ~he bulk material. Although this configuration may be generally preferred, there may be some types of bulk materials which would respond equally well to a circular track or drum. As another example, it will be noted tha~ the track element i~ lustrated comprises a section -~
of angle iron coupled at one side to the track assembly, the r~maining side projecting outward from the track assembly to provide the gripping edge to engage the bulk material. Other forms of gripping elements may be readily substituted.
As is illustrated in Figure 1, a second elongate transfer means 18 may be positioned in opposing orientation to the first transfer means 17. Its construction is similar to the first, having a torque assist device positioned in a trailing orientation with respect to the second transfer means.
Generally, these variations all embody a common methodology, represented by the steps of: -positioning a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis at a central location of the storage area;
cecuring a base mount between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area, said base mount providing a fixed vertical orientation to the support column within a central .:
section of the storage area;
i WO93/21093 2 1 1 8 2 4 0 PCT/US92/030~
attaching to a first support frame a first elongate transfer ~eans for dragging particulate bulk materials along a length of the first transfer means toward a dispensing outlet near the ba~e of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
attaching the first ~upport fra~e at a base end thereof to the support column with an axial mount for ~nabling rotational inclination of the first transfer ~eans and first support frame from (i) a v~rtical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axi~ of the support c:olumn, (ii) through intermediate angles of inclinations, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wher~in the first transfer means is adjacent the support flocr o~
the storage area;
coup~ing a first drive motor to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a drive force to the first transfer means;
storing bulk material within the lateral storage area wherein the first transfer means is at least partially buried within the bulk material with the first transfer means at an inclination greater than fifty degrees with respect to the support floor;
commencing removal of the bulk material by activating the first drive motor on the first transfer means, thereby assisting free fall along an inclined flow of stored bul~ materials to an outlet port in the support ~loor of the storage area;
concurrently rotating the first transfer means with the acti~ated drive motor about the vertical axis of the support column to remove a conical volume of bulk material forming an inclination of exposed surface of bulk material wherein the torque assist device is capable of generating traction against the bulk material, which will generally be of greater than forty W~93/21093 2 1 1 8 2 ~ O PCT/US9~/0308~
degrees with respect to the vertical axi , depending on material properties;
positioning the fir t transfer means in an inclined orientation capable of generating traction between the torque assist device and bulk material such inclination being generally at less than fifty degrees with respect to the ~upport floor~ depending on material properties;
acti~ating movement of a tor~ue assist device coupled at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means and positioned to engage a top iurface of the compacted bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against movement of the torque assist de~ice.
sequentially and incrementally lowering the first transfer means with each successive revolution to remove succe~sive layers of bulk material.
The significant advantage offered by the addition 1~ of the torque assist device to the disclosed system has been confirmed by experimental results. For example, it was discovered that to generate 2 horsepower of drive from a top drive motor 35 rated at 2 hp, out to the end of the first transfer means when horizontally disposed, requires $20,000 of special gearing for a conventional dome storage area. This cost is eliminated by attachment of a torque assist device at a cost of $3000.
This translates to a savings of Sl9,000. ~.
It is to be understood that the foregoing description of preferred embodiments is merely by way of example and is not to be construed as limiting with respect to th~ iollowing claims.
,., r ... . . .
: ~7~
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for removing bulk materials from a laterally enclosed storage area wherein the apparatus may be substantially buried within the bulk material, said apparatus comprising:
(1.1) a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis;
(1.2) a base mount configured for attachment between the bottom end of the support column and a support surface within a central section of the storage area;
(1.3) first elongate transfer means for dragging the bulk material along a length of the first transfer means toward a dispensing outlet near the bottom end of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
(1.4) a first support frame having a base end, intermediate support section, and distal end, said distal end being coupled near the distal end of the first transfer means and being adapted with means for supporting the first transfer means during rotational movement;
(1.5) a first drive motor mounted to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a rotational drive force to the first transfer means;
(1.6) an axial mount coupled between the base of the first support frame and bottom end of the support column, said axial mount including means for enabling rotational declination of the first transfer means and first support frame from (i) a vertical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axis of the support column, (ii) through intermediate angles of declination, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the first transfer means is adjacent the support floor of the storage area;
(1.7) variable suspension means coupled between the support column and the first support frame for enabling variable selection and adjustment of declination of the first transfer means with respect to the support column by permitting rotational declination of the first transfer means with respect to the axial mount;
(1.8) rotational displacement means coupled to the first support frame for rotating the first transfer means and first support frame about the vertical axis of the support column to thereby provide for progressive removal of conical layers of surface material with each successive rotation and adjustment of declination; and (1.9) a torque assist device including a moving contact surface configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material, said assist device being mounted at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means in a position such that said moving contact surface is positioned immediately adjacent to said first elongate transfer means to thereby apply a tangential, gripping force to the first elongate transfer means along the rotational path thereof in response to resistance of the bulk material against the moving contact surface.
(1.1) a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis;
(1.2) a base mount configured for attachment between the bottom end of the support column and a support surface within a central section of the storage area;
(1.3) first elongate transfer means for dragging the bulk material along a length of the first transfer means toward a dispensing outlet near the bottom end of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
(1.4) a first support frame having a base end, intermediate support section, and distal end, said distal end being coupled near the distal end of the first transfer means and being adapted with means for supporting the first transfer means during rotational movement;
(1.5) a first drive motor mounted to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a rotational drive force to the first transfer means;
(1.6) an axial mount coupled between the base of the first support frame and bottom end of the support column, said axial mount including means for enabling rotational declination of the first transfer means and first support frame from (i) a vertical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axis of the support column, (ii) through intermediate angles of declination, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the first transfer means is adjacent the support floor of the storage area;
(1.7) variable suspension means coupled between the support column and the first support frame for enabling variable selection and adjustment of declination of the first transfer means with respect to the support column by permitting rotational declination of the first transfer means with respect to the axial mount;
(1.8) rotational displacement means coupled to the first support frame for rotating the first transfer means and first support frame about the vertical axis of the support column to thereby provide for progressive removal of conical layers of surface material with each successive rotation and adjustment of declination; and (1.9) a torque assist device including a moving contact surface configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material, said assist device being mounted at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means in a position such that said moving contact surface is positioned immediately adjacent to said first elongate transfer means to thereby apply a tangential, gripping force to the first elongate transfer means along the rotational path thereof in response to resistance of the bulk material against the moving contact surface.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the torque assist device comprises a rotating track assembly supported on a rotating track carrier, said track assembly including at least one track element projecting outward from the track assembly to provide a gripping edge which extends into the bulk material as the track assembly moves along the surface of the bulk material.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, further comprising a variable drive motor coupled to the track carrier to provide power to rotate the track carrier and track assembly at variable speeds.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein the drive motor further comprises a power regulator which is responsive to rotational rate of the first elongate transfer means About the support column, said power regulator including means to adjust the speed of the track carrier to match the rate of movement of the first elongate transfer means around the support column.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the torque assist device is coupled to the distal end of the first elongate transfer means such that the vertical level of the track which engages the surface of the bulk material is substantially equal to the vertical level of the lowest edge of the first elongate transfer means which immediately precedes a path of movement for the track, thereby positioning the track for engagement with a freshly exposed surface of bulk material resulting from displacement of a surface layer of material by the first elongate transfer means.
6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the torque assist device is coupled at a distal end of the first support frame in a trailing position with respect to the support frame.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the torque assist device is coupled to the first elongate transfer means in combination with a retractable suspension system which includes means for vertical displacement of the track above a path and level of forward movement of the first elongate transfer means.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the track assembly includes a track section which is substantially planar along an engaging surface of the bulk material, said track being configured to apply only one track element with respect to the surface of bulk material along this planar section.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein the track element comprises a section of angle iron coupled at one side to the track assembly, the remaining side projecting outward from the track assembly to provide the gripping edge to engage the bulk material.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising.
(10.1) a second elongate transfer means having a base end and a distal end, the second transfer means being disposed adjacent and lateral to the first drive motor, for preventing build-up of the bulk material against the first drive motor during rotation of the first support frame by dragging the bulk material along a length of the second transfer means;
(10.2) a second support frame mounted on the first support frame for supporting the second transfer means during rotational movement;
(10.3) a second drive motor operatively connected to the second transfer means for applying a drive force to the second transfer means;
said torque assist device being positioned in a trailing orientation with respect to the second transfer means.
(10.1) a second elongate transfer means having a base end and a distal end, the second transfer means being disposed adjacent and lateral to the first drive motor, for preventing build-up of the bulk material against the first drive motor during rotation of the first support frame by dragging the bulk material along a length of the second transfer means;
(10.2) a second support frame mounted on the first support frame for supporting the second transfer means during rotational movement;
(10.3) a second drive motor operatively connected to the second transfer means for applying a drive force to the second transfer means;
said torque assist device being positioned in a trailing orientation with respect to the second transfer means.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second transfer means is disposed forwardly of the first transfer means during rotation about the vertical axis of the support column and wherein the second transfer means substantially prevents frontal contact of the bulk material against the first drive motor.
12. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the rotational displacement means comprises rotational means coupled at the bottom end of the support column to enable the support column to rotate about its vertical axis, said rotational displacement means further including a drive motor for rotating the support column at a controlled rate in combination with movement of the first transfer means and the torque assist device.
13. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising:
(13.1) a dome storage structure having a top opening centrally disposed with respect to the remaining dome structure;
(13.2) a support floor formed as a flat slab with a perimeter boundary defined by base edges of the dome structure, said support floor including an outlet port centrally located within the support floor, said outlet support being coupled to a subfloor passage configured to receive bulk materials by gravity flow for subsequent conveyor delivery to an exterior pickup location;
(13.3) said support column being attached to the support floor with its vertical axis in approximate alignment with the outlet port such that bulk materials dragged by the first transfer means drop into the outlet for subsequent removal.
(13.1) a dome storage structure having a top opening centrally disposed with respect to the remaining dome structure;
(13.2) a support floor formed as a flat slab with a perimeter boundary defined by base edges of the dome structure, said support floor including an outlet port centrally located within the support floor, said outlet support being coupled to a subfloor passage configured to receive bulk materials by gravity flow for subsequent conveyor delivery to an exterior pickup location;
(13.3) said support column being attached to the support floor with its vertical axis in approximate alignment with the outlet port such that bulk materials dragged by the first transfer means drop into the outlet for subsequent removal.
14. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the first support frame comprises an elongate truss support span extending from the distal end of the first transfer means to the opposing base end and including opposing end plates having bearing mounts which couple at the respective base and distal ends of the first transfer means, aid torque assist device being mounted at the distal end of the truss support span.
15. A device as defined in claim 1, wherein the variable suspension means further includes control means for incrementally advancing the first transfer means and attached torque assist device through a series of predetermined inclinations to sequentially remove conical layers of bulk material symmetrically about the support column, a freshly exposed surface of said bulk material forming a tracking surface for the track movement.
16. A device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a third transfer means supported on a third support frame, said third support frame being coupled to the support column approximately along a plane defined by the first transfer means and the support column, but on an opposite side of the support column, said third support frame including an axial mount and variable suspension means having a configuration as defined in claim 1, and including a rotational drive motor on the distal end of the third transfer means;
further comprising a torque assist device coupled at the distal end of the third transfer means and including a moving track configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against the moving track element.
further comprising a torque assist device coupled at the distal end of the third transfer means and including a moving track configured to engage a top surface of the bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against the moving track element.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first transfer means comprises a first auger of fixed length configured for rotational movement about a first longitudinal axis, said auger being configured to cut away a layer of bulk material, leaving a fresh surface exposed for supporting the moving track of the torque assist device.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second transfer mean comprises a second auger configured for rotational movement about a second longitudinal axis, said auger being configured to cut away a layer of bulk material, leaving a fresh surface exposed for supporting the moving track of the torque assist device.
19. A method for removing compacted bulk materials from a laterally enclosed storage area, said method comprising the steps of:
(19.1) positioning a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis at a central location of the storage area;
(19.2) securing a base mount between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area, said base mount providing a fixed vertical orientation to the support column within a central section of the storage area;
(19.3) attaching to a first support frame a first elongate transfer means for contacting particulate bulk materials with a contacting length thereof and for toward a dispensing outlet near the base of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
(19.4) attaching the first support frame at a base end thereof to the support column with an axial mount for enabling rotational inclination of the first transfer means and first support frame from (i) a vertical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axis of the support column, (ii) through intermediate angles of inclinations, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the first transfer means is adjacent the support floor of the storage area;
(19.5) coupling a first drive motor to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a drive force to the first transfer means;
(19.6) positioning the first transfer means in an inclined orientation of less than fifty degrees with respect to the support floor;
(19.7) storing bulk material within the lateral storage area wherein the first transfer means is at least partially buried within the bulk material with the first transfer means at an inclined orientation capable of generating traction between the torque assist device and bulk material, such inclination being generally at greater than about fifty degrees with respect to the support floor, depending on material properties;
(19.8) commencing removal of the bulk material by activating the first drive motor on the first transfer means, thereby assisting free fall along an inclined flow of stored bulk materials to an outlet port in the support floor of the storage area;
(19.9) concurrently rotating the first transfer means about the vertical axis of the support column to remove a conical volume of bulk material forming an inclination of exposed surface of bulk material wherein the torque assist device is capable of generating traction against the bulk material, which inclination will generally be greater than about forty degrees with respect to the vertical axis, depending on material properties;
(19.10) activating movement of a torque assist device coupled at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means and positioned to engage a top surface of the compacted bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against movement of the torque assist device.
(19.1) positioning a support column having a top end, a bottom end, and a vertical axis at a central location of the storage area;
(19.2) securing a base mount between the bottom end of the support column and a support floor contained within the storage area, said base mount providing a fixed vertical orientation to the support column within a central section of the storage area;
(19.3) attaching to a first support frame a first elongate transfer means for contacting particulate bulk materials with a contacting length thereof and for toward a dispensing outlet near the base of the support column, said first transfer means having a base end and a distal end;
(19.4) attaching the first support frame at a base end thereof to the support column with an axial mount for enabling rotational inclination of the first transfer means and first support frame from (i) a vertical orientation wherein the first transfer means is nearly parallel with the vertical axis of the support column, (ii) through intermediate angles of inclinations, to (iii) a substantially horizontal orientation wherein the first transfer means is adjacent the support floor of the storage area;
(19.5) coupling a first drive motor to the first transfer means and first support frame, said first drive motor further including means to apply a drive force to the first transfer means;
(19.6) positioning the first transfer means in an inclined orientation of less than fifty degrees with respect to the support floor;
(19.7) storing bulk material within the lateral storage area wherein the first transfer means is at least partially buried within the bulk material with the first transfer means at an inclined orientation capable of generating traction between the torque assist device and bulk material, such inclination being generally at greater than about fifty degrees with respect to the support floor, depending on material properties;
(19.8) commencing removal of the bulk material by activating the first drive motor on the first transfer means, thereby assisting free fall along an inclined flow of stored bulk materials to an outlet port in the support floor of the storage area;
(19.9) concurrently rotating the first transfer means about the vertical axis of the support column to remove a conical volume of bulk material forming an inclination of exposed surface of bulk material wherein the torque assist device is capable of generating traction against the bulk material, which inclination will generally be greater than about forty degrees with respect to the vertical axis, depending on material properties;
(19.10) activating movement of a torque assist device coupled at the distal end of the first elongate transfer means and positioned to engage a top surface of the compacted bulk material, said assist device being oriented with respect to the first elongate transfer means to apply a tangential, forward force along the rotational path of the first elongate transfer means in response to resistance of the bulk material against movement of the torque assist device.
20. A method as defined in claim 19, including the step of positioning the torque assist device at a common level with the first elongate transfer means at a common radial distance such that the weight of the first transfer means is cantilevered to the torque assist device, providing gravity force to urge the torque assist device into firm contact with the compacted bulk material to thereby increase resistance against movement of the torque assist device to urge the first transfer means along a forward movement path.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US1992/003080 WO1993021093A1 (en) | 1992-04-15 | 1992-04-15 | Device and method for outloading bulk materials |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2118240A1 true CA2118240A1 (en) | 1993-10-28 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002118240A Abandoned CA2118240A1 (en) | 1992-04-15 | 1992-04-15 | Device and method for outloading bulk materials |
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| KR (1) | KR100222018B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU668514B2 (en) |
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| CA (1) | CA2118240A1 (en) |
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| EP3148313B1 (en) * | 2014-05-26 | 2021-11-17 | Skandia Elevator AB | Grain sweep |
| RU2626926C1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2017-08-02 | Владимир Иванович Винокуров | Grain picker |
| WO2018049429A1 (en) | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Applicator plate, apparatus and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE353419C (en) * | 1920-09-14 | 1922-05-18 | Franz Kerner | Mobile scraper conveyor for unloading bulk goods |
| US1550311A (en) * | 1923-02-01 | 1925-08-18 | George H Foster | Ensilage remover |
| US2500043A (en) * | 1947-11-19 | 1950-03-07 | Int Harvester Co | Silo unloading device |
| US2711814A (en) * | 1953-08-14 | 1955-06-28 | Bartlett And Company Grain | Apparatus for cleaning flat bottom grain tanks |
| US2863576A (en) * | 1955-05-13 | 1958-12-09 | Amie Leith Trask | Method and apparatus for unloading a silo |
| US3155247A (en) * | 1962-08-13 | 1964-11-03 | Nebraska Engineering Company | Self-centering auger apparatus |
| FR1492048A (en) * | 1966-02-25 | 1967-08-18 | Improvements made to handling equipment for fibrous products, in particular for storing or silage of bulk fodder | |
| US3438517A (en) * | 1966-11-09 | 1969-04-15 | Sylvester L Steffen | Apparatus and method for leveling and emptying material in and from storage bin |
| US3451566A (en) * | 1967-03-13 | 1969-06-24 | Hanson Silo Co | Auger construction for silo unloaders |
| US3456818A (en) * | 1967-11-29 | 1969-07-22 | Speed King Mfg Co Inc | Grain auger apparatus |
| US3755918A (en) * | 1971-07-09 | 1973-09-04 | D Parrot | Grain storage bin construction |
| US3794190A (en) * | 1972-06-02 | 1974-02-26 | Clayton & Lambert Mfg Co | Slanted-auger spreader/unloader for feed storage tanks |
| FR2338206A1 (en) * | 1976-01-13 | 1977-08-12 | Interpar | INSTALLATION FOR THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF PELLET OR PULVERULENT PRODUCTS |
| US4168805A (en) * | 1978-03-31 | 1979-09-25 | Taylor Frank W | Storage and ice dispensing system for ice in flake or particle form |
| SE419737C (en) * | 1978-04-12 | 1984-08-27 | Siwertell Ab | DEVICE FOR DISPOSAL OF BULK MATERIAL FROM A STORAGE SPACE |
| US4350467A (en) * | 1980-07-18 | 1982-09-21 | Paul Soros | Self-unloading cargo vessel |
| US5098247A (en) * | 1990-08-15 | 1992-03-24 | Cambelt International Corporation | Device and method for outloading bulk materials |
-
1992
- 1992-04-15 BR BR9207119A patent/BR9207119A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1992-04-15 RU RU9294045917A patent/RU2080281C1/en active
- 1992-04-15 AU AU23154/92A patent/AU668514B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-04-15 CA CA002118240A patent/CA2118240A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-04-15 WO PCT/US1992/003080 patent/WO1993021093A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1992-04-15 KR KR1019940703046A patent/KR100222018B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-04-15 JP JP5518262A patent/JPH07505600A/en active Pending
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| KR100222018B1 (en) | 1999-10-01 |
| BR9207119A (en) | 1995-07-25 |
| AU2315492A (en) | 1993-11-18 |
| RU94045917A (en) | 1996-06-27 |
| WO1993021093A1 (en) | 1993-10-28 |
| JPH07505600A (en) | 1995-06-22 |
| AU668514B2 (en) | 1996-05-09 |
| RU2080281C1 (en) | 1997-05-27 |
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