WO2025177237A1

WO2025177237A1 - Material discharge systems, outlet assemblies, and related systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2025177237A1
Application number: PCT/IB2025/051897
Authority: WO
Inventors: Torben Lundsgaard SAHLHOLDT
Original assignee: Cimbria AS
Current assignee: Cimbria AS
Priority date: 2024-02-23
Filing date: 2025-02-21
Publication date: 2025-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-23
Also published as: GB202402631D0

Abstract

A material discharge system includes a telescopic chute having a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the telescopic chute. The outlet assembly includes an outer cone body, an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening having a first diameter, and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body. The material discharge system further includes a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments and including a frustum portion and a cylindrical portion extending from a bottom of the frustum portion and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

Description

MATERIAL DISCHARGE SYSTEMS, OUTLET ASSEMBLIES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United Kingdom Patent Application Serial No. GB2402631.2, filed February 23, 2024, titled "Material Discharge Systems, Outlet Assemblies, and Related Systems and Methods" the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to material discharge systems and material conveyor systems.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Loading chutes are typically utilized in one or more of open loading or closed loading operations, such as filling tankers, trucks, barges, and ships. Bulk material typically falls freely through a telescopic chute. A flexible dust skirt is often located at the bottom side of chute to keep dust content inside a loading region. Air content of the container to be filled is transferred back through the telescopic chute and then discharged through one or more air vents. Often, the loading chutes further include dust collection systems for reducing dust emission.

[0004] Additionally, many conventional hoppers discharge granular or particulate material directly through a funnel shaped discharge opening by gravity feeding the material through the hopper. However, one problem with such conventional hoppers is the amount of dust dispersed into the surrounding environment. This can result in some of the material being wasted during the conveying process. Further, the amount of dust, particularly fine dust, being discharged into the surrounding air is undesirable and can damage machinery. Further, such dust can pose a health hazard for persons exposed to the dust.

[0005] Outloading of bulk products is associated with the risk of creating waste and dust, as well as the danger of explosion. These risks can have a negative impact not only on work safety, but also on the surrounding environment and on a company's finances. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] Some embodiments include a material discharge system. The material discharge system may include a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction and a second telescopic chute mounted to a lower end of the second telescopic chute. The material discharge system may also include an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly including an outer cone body, an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and includes a bottom opening, and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body. The material discharge system may also include a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments.

[0007] The plug assembly may include a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the telescopic chute.

[0008] The outlet assembly may further include an inner skirt hanging from the inner cone body and spanning a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

[0009] The material discharge system may also include a winch system operably coupled to the first telescopic chute, a mounting body to which the first telescopic chute is mounted, a filter disposed between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute, and a fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute.

[0010] The plug assembly may further include a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

[0011] An outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly within a horizontal plane may be smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

[0012] The outlet assembly may further include an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path.

[0013] The outlet assembly may further include a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

[0014] Each of the plurality of air pathways may include a tube structure.

[0015] The inner skirt may hang from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and may extend below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.

[0016] One or more embodiments include a method of forming a material discharge system. The method may include attaching a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another to a mounting body at a first longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute, coupling a second telescopic chute to a second, opposite longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute, coupling an outlet assembly to an end of the second telescopic chute opposite the first telescopic chute, the outlet assembly includes an outer cone body, an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and includes a bottom opening, and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body, and fixed mounting a plug assembly to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments of the first telescopic chute.

[0017] The plug assembly may include a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the first telescopic chute.

[0018] The method may also include coupling a winch system to the first telescopic chute, disposing a filter between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute, attaching a fan assembly to the mounting body, and putting the fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute. [0019] The plug assembly may further include a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

[0020] An outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly may be smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

[0021] The method may also include hanging an inner skirt from the inner cone body such that the inner skirt spans a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

[0022] The outlet assembly further may include an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path.

[0023] The outlet assembly further may include a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

[0024] Some embodiments include a material discharge system. The material discharge system may include a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction and a second telescopic chute attached to a lower end of the first telescopic chute. The material discharge system also includes an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly includes an outer cone body, an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and includes a bottom opening having a first diameter, and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body. The material discharge system also includes a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments, the plug assembly includes a frustum portion pointed toward the first telescopic chute, a cylindrical portion extending from a bottom of the frustum portion and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and a product sensor coupled to a bottom of the cylindrical portion. [0025] The outlet assembly may further include an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path, a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone, and an inner skirt hanging from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and extends below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.

[0026] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0027] Within the scope of this application, it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set out herein, and individual features thereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a material discharge system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 in a retracted position;

[0031] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 in a position (e.g., a first position) for loading open containers;

[0032] FIG. 3A shows a side view of the material discharge system 100 of FIG. 1 in an extended position; [0033] FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 in a position (e.g., a second position) for loading tank containers;

[0034] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C show various views of a portion of a telescopic chute, a plug assembly, and an outlet assembly of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 with the plug assembly in a first position relative to the outlet assembly;

[0035] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show various views a portion of the telescopic chute, the plug assembly, and the outlet assembly of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 with the plug assembly in a second position relative to the outlet assembly;

[0036] FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional, side view of the portion of the telescopic chute, the plug assembly, and the outlet assembly of FIG. 4A with additional arrows added to show a flow of bulk product when the plug assembly is in the first position; and

[0037] FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional, side view of the portion of the telescopic chute, the plug assembly, and the outlet assembly of FIG. 5A with additional arrows added to show a flow of bulk product when the plug assembly is in the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular material discharge system, outlet assembly, plug assembly, component, or system, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation for convenience and clarity.

[0039] The following description provides specific details of embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all the elements that form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale. [0040] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0041] As used herein, the singular forms following "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] As used herein, the term "may" with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term "is" so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0043] As used herein, the term "configured" refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0044] As used herein, any relational term, such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "above," "beneath," "side," "outer," "inner," etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of a material discharge system, an outlet assembly, and/or a plug assembly as illustrated in the drawings. Additionally, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of a material discharge system, an outlet assembly, and/or a plug assembly when utilized in a conventional manners.

[0045] As used herein, the term "substantially" in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0046] As used herein, the term "about" used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0047] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0048] As used herein, the term "proximate" in reference to structures is understood to include structures that are relatively near to each other, which may or may not be in contact with each other or intersect each other. For instance, the term "proximate" may refer to structures that are indirectly adjacent to, directly adjacent to, and internal to each other.

[0049] As used herein, the terms "bulk material" and/or "bulk product" may refer to material in powder or granule, such as, for example, wheat, flour, animal feed, seed, corn, rice, sugar, salt, cement, fly ash, cement clinker, granular free flowing materials, mining minerals, calcium carbonate, polyvinyl chloride, plastic pellets, plastic powders, polyethylene, ceramic powders, alumina, bentonite, bauxite, coal, cement clinker, gypsum, perlite, kaolin, limestone, marble powder, soda ash, quartz, urea, sodium sulfate, and similar powdered or granular dry bulk solids.

[0050] Embodiments of the present disclosure include loading chutes used to move bulk material and/or fill containers or areas (e.g., truck, ships, stockpiles) with bulk material. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure include a material discharge system having an outlet assembly through which a flow of bulk product can be controlled via a plug assembly. The outlet assembly may include an outer cone body, an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening having a first diameter, and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body. The plug assembly may be fixedly mounted relative to the outlet assembly, and the outlet assembly may be moved vertically relative to the plug assembly. In some embodiments, the outlet assembly may be selectively moved relative to the plug assembly. As a result, a cross-sectional area of the primary path through the outlet assembly may be selected by orienting the outlet assembly relative to the plug assembly. Moreover, usage of the overflow path may be selected and controlled. Additionally, by controlling flow of bulk product through the primary path and the overflow path, a velocity distribution of the flow of bulk product out of the outlet assembly (e.g., through a cross-sectional area of openings out of the outlet assembly) can be controlled and selected. Furthermore, by controlling the velocity distribution of the flow of the bulk product, dust creation by bulk product can be at least partially controlled and reduced.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a material discharge system 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A shows a side view of the material discharge system 100 of FIG. 1 in a retracted position. FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 in a position for loading open containers. FIG. 3A shows a side view of the material discharge system 100 of FIG. 1 in an extended position. FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the material discharge system of FIG. 1 in a position for loading tank (e.g., closed) containers. One or more elements of the material discharge system 100 is removed in FIG. 2A through FIG. 3B to better show internal elements of the material discharge system 100. The material discharge system 100 may be for controlling the flow rate of bulk material passing through an outlet (i.e., outlet assembly) of the material discharge system 100 and to direct the bulk material into a pile for bulk loading into sheds, and/or for delivery into a truck trailer and/or a railway wagon.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3B together, the material discharge system 100 may include a winch system 102, a mounting body 104 defining an inlet 106, a filter 108, a first telescopic chute 110, and an outlet assembly 112. The winch system 102 may be mounted to the mounting body 104 and may be configured to operate the first telescopic chute 110 and the outlet assembly 112. The mounting body 104 may define the inlet 106, which may include an aperture sized and shaped to receive bulk product from a container (e.g., a commodity storage bin). The mounting body 104 may be configured to be attached to an outlet of a container (e.g., a commodity storage bin).

[0053] A fan assembly 114 may also be mounted to the mounting body 104 and may be configured to pull air up through the first telescopic chute 110 (e.g., towards the inlet 106) to reduce the spread of dust during operation. For instance, the fan assembly 114 may be in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute 110. The first telescopic chute 110 may hang from the mounting body 104, and the filter 108 may be disposed between the first telescopic chute 110 and the mounting body 104 or at a middle portion of the first telescopic chute 110. The first telescopic chute 110 may include a plurality of ribs 302 and flexible segments 304. The flexible segments 304 may be oriented in series with one another with each flexible segment 304 being disposed between respective adjacent ribs 302. The flexible segments 304 may be individually extended and/or retracted via the winch system 102 and suspension wires coupled to the ribs 302 bookending the flexible segments 304. In other words, the ribs 302 may bound vertical boundaries of the individual flexible segments 304. In some embodiments, the filter 108 may include a telescopic filter assembly that can be extended and retracted.

[0054] The material discharge system 100 may further include a plurality of guide cones 202 within the first telescopic chute 110 and attached to the ribs 302 of the first telescopic chute 110. For instance, each guide cone 202 may be attached to a respective rib 302 of the first telescopic chute 110. The plurality of guide cones 202 may be sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product through the first telescopic chute 110. The guide cones 202 may help to separate the flow of bulk product down a center of the first telescopic chute 110 from a flow of air up the first telescopic chute 110 proximate an inner surface of the first telescopic chute 110. In some embodiments, the plurality of guide cones 202 may be stackable such that the guide cones 202 may be stacked together and fit at least partially within each other when the first telescopic chute 110 is in a retracted position.

[0055] Each of the guide cones 202 may include a hollow frustum (e.g., a frusto- conical shell) pointed downward such that an upper diameter of the hollow frustum is larger than a lower diameter of the hollow frustum (the upper diameter closer to the inlet 106 than the lower diameter). As a result, each of the guide cones 202 may act like an individual funnel for the bulk product during operation.

[0056] Referring still to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3A together, the outlet assembly 112 may be attached to a lower end of the first telescopic chute 110 and may include a second telescopic chute 116, an outer cone body 204, an upper inlet cone 206, and an inner cone body 208. The upper inlet cone 206 and the inner cone body 208 may be disposed within the outer cone body 204.

[0057] The second telescopic chute 116 of the outlet assembly 112 may be coupled to a lower longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute 110 and to a top of the outer cone body 204 and may be configured to extend and retract. The second telescopic chute 116 may include at least one flexible segment 210. In some embodiments, the second telescopic chute 116 may include one or more annular or helical ribs and/or two or more flexible segments 210 oriented in series with one another with each flexible segment 210 being disposed between respective adjacent ribs. In some embodiments, at least one flexible segment 210 may be extended and/or retracted via the winch system 102 and/or suspension wires 212 coupled to a bottommost rib 302 of the first telescopic chute 110 and the outer cone body 204. In some of the figures, the suspension wires 212 are removed for clarity, to better show other portions of the material discharge system 100, and to avoid over numbering the figures. In some embodiments, the suspension wires 212 may be coupled to one or more actuators for extending and retracting free lengths the suspension wires 212. As a result, the one or more actuators may be utilized to extend and retract the second telescopic chute 116. In other embodiments, the suspension wires 212 may be free hanging from the bottommost rib 302 of the first telescopic chute 110, and the second telescopic chute 116 may be passively retracted and extended by lowering the outlet assembly 112 against something (e.g., an opening of a tanker truck) and lowering the first telescopic chute 110 relative to the outlet assembly 112 to retract (e.g., compress) the second telescopic chute 116 and lifting the first telescopic chute 110 relative to the outlet assembly 112 to extend the second telescopic chute 116. For instance, when the outlet assembly 112 is free hanging via the suspension wires 212, the second telescopic chute 116 may be fully extended. The extension and retraction of the first telescopic chute 110 and the second telescopic chute is described in greater detail below.

[0058] Each of the outer cone body 204, the upper inlet cone 206, and the inner cone body 208 may include a hollow frustum (e.g., a frusto-conical shell) pointed downward and defining a respective bottom opening. Furthermore, the outer cone body 204, the upper inlet cone 206, and the inner cone body 208 may share a center vertical axis. In other words, the outer cone body 204, the upper inlet cone 206, and the inner cone body 208 may be concentric. The upper inlet cone 206 and the inner cone body 208 may define a primary path 306 extending vertically and centrally through the upper inlet cone 206 and the inner cone body 208. For instance, inner surfaces of the upper inlet cone 206 and the inner cone body 208 may define the primary path 306. The primary path 306 may serve as a primary path for the bulk product to travel (e.g., fall) through outlet assembly 112 during operation.

[0059] In some embodiment, the upper inlet cone 206 may be oriented vertically above the inner cone body 208 and may be sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute 110 and/or second telescopic chute 116 into the primary path 306 formed by the upper inlet cone 206 and the inner cone body 208. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the upper inlet cone 206 may be sized and shaped to permit a lowermost guide cone 202 of the first telescopic chute 110 to vertically extend completely or partially through the upper inlet cone 206, e.g., when the second telescopic chute is at least partially retracted.

[0060] An overflow path 308 may be defined in an annulus between the outer cone body 204 and the inner cone body 208 (e.g., between an inner surface of the outer cone body 204 and an outer surface of the inner cone body 208). An inlet 310 (e.g., entrance) to the overflow path 308 may be defined by a vertical space between a lower boundary of the upper inlet cone 206 and an upper boundary of the inner cone body 208. As is discussed in greater detail below, in operation, bulk product may build up (e.g., pile up) within the inner cone body 208, and in such instances, the bulk product may overfill the primary path 306 of the inner cone body 208, flow into the overflow path 308 through the inlet 310, and fall out of the outlet assembly 112 through the overflow path 308.

[0061] Additionally, the outlet assembly 112 may include air pathways 214 extending from the inner cone body 208 to the upper inlet cone 206 of the outlet assembly 112. The air pathways 214 may extend vertically from the inner cone body 208, through or along the inner cone body 208, and to the upper inlet cone 206 or at least proximate the upper inlet cone 206. For example, the air pathways 214 may extend vertically from a first elevation at the outer surface of the inner cone body 208, at least partially through the inner cone body 208, and to a second elevation at or proximate upper inlet cone 206. The second elevation is higher than the first elevation. Furthermore, where the air pathways 214 intersect with the outer surface of the inner cone body 208 at the first elevation, each of the air pathways 214 may define a respective entrance to the given air pathway. In some embodiments, the air pathways 214 may be defined by tube structures. In some embodiments, the tube structures may at least partially extend radially inward from the inner surface of the upper inlet cone 206. Moreover, the air pathways 214 may extend from an elevation below an upper boundary of the inner cone body 208 defining the inlet 106 to the overflow path 308 and to an elevation above the upper boundary of the inner cone body 208 defining the inlet 310 to the overflow path 308. For instance, in some embodiments, the air pathways 214 may vertically span the inlet 310 to the overflow path 308. As is discussed in further detail below, the air pathways 214 may provide pathways for air to travel through the overflow path 308 and/or bypass the overflow path 308 without significant obstruction by bulk product.

[0062] The outlet assembly 112 may further include an inner skirt 216 between the outer cone body 204 and the inner cone body 208. In some embodiments, the inner skirt 216 may include an annular inner skirt. As a non-limiting example, the inner skirt 216 may hang from the inner cone body 208 and may extend vertically at least substantially be outer surface of the inner cone body 208 and an inner surface of the outer cone body 204. Furthermore, the inner skirt 216 may at least substantially span a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body 208 and a portion of the outer cone body 204 vertically below (e.g., directly vertically below) the portion of the inner cone body 208. The inner skirt 216 may be formed of a flexible material and may flex to enable bulk product to pass through the overflow path 308 and through the annulus between the outer cone body 204 and the inner cone body 208. Additionally, the inner skirt 216 may at least partially push bulk product against the inner surface of the outer cone body, slow a flow of the bulk product, and increase a uniformity of the flow of the bulk product out of the overflow path 308. Furthermore, the inner skirt 216 may be made of a flexible material to enable bulk product to the pass through the overflow path 308 while simultaneously prevent air from passing upward through the overflow path 308. As a result, the inner skirt 216 may at least partially force air to pass through the air pathways 214. [0063] In some embodiments, the inner skirt 216 may hang from a portion of the inner cone body 208 above the entrances of the air pathways 214 defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body 208 and may extend to an elevation below the entrances of the air pathways 214 defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body 208. Accordingly, the inner skirt 216 may provide a physical barrier between bulk product falling through the overflow path 308 and air entering from a lower end of the outlet assembly 112 and passing through the air pathways 214.

[0064] The material discharge system 100 may further include a plug assembly 218 that is configured to affect the flow of bulk product through the primary path 306 and the flow of bulk product through the overflow path 308. In some embodiments, the plug assembly 218 may be mounted to a lowermost guide cone 202 of the first telescopic chute 110. For instance, the plug assembly 218 may be mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 of the first telescopic chute 110 via one or more rods attached to the lowermost guide cone 202 at one longitudinal end the plug assembly 218 at another longitudinal end. In some embodiments, the plug assembly 218 may be mounted to a rib 302 defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment 304 of the plurality of flexible segments 304. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the plug assembly 218 may be mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 which, in turn, is attached to the rib 302 defining the upper boundary of the lowermost flexible segment 304 of the plurality of flexible segments 304.

[0065] In or more embodiments, the plug assembly 218 may be fixedly mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 such that a vertical distance between the plug assembly 218 and the lowermost guide cone 202 does not change during operation of the material discharge system 100. In additional embodiments, the plug assembly 218 may be movably mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 such that the vertical distance between the plug assembly 218 and the lowermost guide cone 202 may change during operation of the material discharge system 100. For instance, the plug assembly 218 may be mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 via one or more telescopic rods. For purposes of the remainder of the present disclosure, the plug assembly 218 is described as fixedly mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202; however, it is understood that the plug assembly 218 can also be movably mounted to the lowermost guide cone 202 in order to provide further adjustments and fining tuning to operation of the material discharge system 100 as described below.

[0066] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional, side view of a portion of the first telescopic chute, the second telescopic chute 116, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of the material discharge system 100 of FIG. 1 with the plug assembly 218 in a first position relative to the outlet assembly 112. FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of the portion of the first telescopic chute 110, the second telescopic chute, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C shows a perspective view of a portion of the first telescopic chute 110, the second telescopic chute 116, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a portion of the first telescopic chute 110 (the lowermost guide cone 202), the second telescopic chute 116, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of the material discharge system 100 of FIG. 1 with the plug assembly 218 in a second position relative to the outlet assembly 112. FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional, perspective view of a portion of the first telescopic chute 110, the second telescopic chute 116. the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of FIG. 5A.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 2A. through FIG. 5B together, the plug assembly 218 may include a frustum portion 402 (i.e., a frusto-conical portion), a cylindrical portion 404, and a product sensor 406. The frustum portion 402 may extend from a top of the cylindrical portion 404 and may point upward. The cylindrical portion 404 may extend from a bottom of the frustum portion 402 and may have an outer diameter within a horizontal plane at least substantially equal to a maximum diameter of the cylindrical portion 404 within a horizontal plane. The product sensor 406 may be attached to a bottom of the cylindrical portion 404.

[0068] Furthermore, the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 may share a center vertical axis and may be concentric. Additionally, the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 may share a center vertical axis with the outer cone body 204, the upper inlet cone 206, and the inner cone body 208 of the outlet assembly 112. Moreover, an outer frusto-conical surface of the frustum portion 402 and an outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical portion 404 may be concentric with the inner surface of the inner cone body 208. [0069] The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 404 may be smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body 208. Accordingly, in operation, even when the cylindrical portion 404 is horizontally aligned with the bottom opening of the inner cone body 208, bulk product is able to flow around the plug assembly 218, through the primary path 306 and inner cone body, and out the bottom opening of the inner cone body 208.

[0070] The product sensor 406 may include one or more of a rotatable paddle, a capacitive element, or a rod that can be vibrated. The product sensor 406 may be utilized to determine when a container (e.g., a tanker truck) is full of material and/or determine a level of bulk material beneath the plug assembly 218.

[0071] As noted above, FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C show the plug assembly 218 in a first position (e.g., orientation) relative to the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., at least partially inside of the outlet assembly 112), and FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the plug assembly 218 in a second position (e.g., orientation) relative to the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., outside of the outlet assembly 112). Referring to FIG. 4A through FIG. 5B together, in some embodiments, the position (e.g., orientation) of the plug assembly 218 relative to the outlet assembly 112 can be determined (e.g., selected) based on how far the at least one flexible segment 210 of the second telescopic chute 116 is extended. For purposes of the present disclosure, the position of the plug assembly 218 is described as being determined utilizing a single flexible segment 210 of the second telescopic chute 116; however, it is understood that multiple flexible segments of a second telescopic chute 116 could be utilized.

[0072] As noted above, in some embodiments, the suspension wires 212 from which the outlet assembly 112 may hang may be coupled to one or more actuators for extending and retracting the suspension wires 212. As a result, the one or more actuators may be utilized to extend and retract the second telescopic chute 116. In other embodiments, the suspension wires 212 may be free hanging, and the second telescopic chute 116 may be passively retracted and extended by lowering the outlet assembly 112 against something (e.g., a rim of an opening of a tanker truck) and lowering the first telescopic chute 110 relative to the outlet assembly 112 via the winch system 102 to retract (e.g., compress) the second telescopic chute 116 and lifting the first telescopic chute 110 relative to the outlet assembly 112 via the winch system 102 to extend the second telescopic chute 116. For instance, when the outlet assembly 112 is free hanging via the suspension wires 212, the second telescopic chute 116 may be fully extended. In view of the foregoing, in some embodiments, the position of the plug assembly 218 relative to the outlet assembly 112 may be selected and actuated indirectly using the winch system 102. In additional embodiments, the position of the plug assembly 218 relative to the outlet assembly 112 may be selected and actuated via one or more actuators coupled to the suspension wires 212 to adjust free lengths of the suspension wires 212. In yet further embodiments, the position of the plug assembly 218 relative to the outlet assembly 112 may be selected by manually adjusting free lengths of the suspension wires 212.

[0073] As a non-limiting example, when the at least one flexible segment 210 of the second telescopic chute 116 is fully extended, the plug assembly 218 may be in the first position shown in FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C. FIG. 6A shows a cross-sectional, side view of the portion of the first telescopic chute 110, the second telescopic chute 116, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of FIG. 4A with additional arrows added to show a flow of bulk product when the plug assembly 218 is in the first position. In particular, arrows 602 represent flow of bulk product through the outlet assembly 112 during operation, and arrows 604 represent flow of air through the outlet assembly 112 during operation.

[0074] As depicted in FIG. 6A, when the plug assembly 218 is oriented within the outlet assembly 112, or at least the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 of the plug assembly 218 are oriented within the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., in the first position or relatively close to the first position), the bulk product may flow down a center of the first telescopic chute 110, into the outlet assembly 112 through the upper inlet cone 206, around the plug assembly 218, through the primary path 306, and out of the outlet assembly 112 via the inner cone body 208. However, as is also depicted in FIG. 6A, in such an orientation, the bulk product may build up in the primary path 306 and inner cone body 208 and may overflow into the overflow path 308 between the outer cone body 204 and the inner cone body 208.

[0075] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 6A, when the plug assembly 218 is oriented within the outlet assembly 112, or at least the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 of the plug assembly 218 is oriented within the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., in the first position or relatively close to the first position), air may flow upward into the outlet assembly 112 through the overflow path 308, through the air pathways 214, around and outside of the upper inlet cone 206, and upward proximate an outer perimeter of the first telescopic chute 110.

[0076] Alternatively, when the at least one flexible segment 210 of the second telescopic chute 116 is fully retracted, the plug assembly 218 may be in the second position shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional, side view of the portion of the first telescopic chute 110, the second telescopic chute 116, the plug assembly 218, and the outlet assembly 112 of FIG. 5A with additional arrows added to show a flow of bulk product when the plug assembly 218 is in the second position. As noted above, arrows 602 represent flow of bulk product through the outlet assembly 112 during operation, and arrows 604 represent flow of air through the outlet assembly 112 during operation.

[0077] As depicted in FIG. 6B, when the plug assembly 218 is oriented outside of the outlet assembly 112, or at least the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 of the plug assembly 218 are oriented outside of the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., in the second position or relatively close to the second position), the bulk product may flow down a center of the first telescopic chute 110, into the outlet assembly 112 through the upper inlet cone 206, around the plug assembly 218, through the primary path 306, and out of the outlet assembly 112 via the inner cone body 208. However, as is also depicted in FIG. 6B, in such an orientation, the bulk product may not build up in the primary path 306 and inner cone body 208 and may not overflow into the overflow path 308 between the outer cone body 204 and the inner cone body 208.

[0078] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 6B, when the plug assembly 218 is oriented outside of the outlet assembly 112, or at least the frustum portion 402 and the cylindrical portion 404 of the plug assembly 218 are oriented within the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., in the second position or relatively close to the second position), air may flow upward into the outlet assembly 112 through the overflow path 308, through the air pathways 214, around and outside of the upper inlet cone 206, and upward proximate an outer perimeter of the first telescopic chute 110.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4A through FIG. 6B together, one will readily recognize from the present disclosure that a position of the plug assembly 218 may be selected to be in any position between the first position and the second position. For example, the plug assembly 218 may be selected to be in one of a third position, a fourth position, a fifth position, a sixth position, or any number of positions between the first position and the second position. In particular, a degree to which the plug assembly 218 is blocking the bottom opening of the inner cone body 208 (e.g., is oriented within the outlet assembly 112) can be selected. In other words, by extending or retracting the flexible segment 210 of the second telescopic chute 116 via any of the manners described herein, a position of the plug assembly 218 relative to the outlet assembly 112 can be selected. As a result, whether or not the bulk product builds up within the inner cone body 208, whether or not the bulk product overflows into the overflow path 308, a speed at which the bulk product leaves the outlet assembly 112, a direction in which the bulk product is moving when it leaves the outlet assembly, and where the bulk product leaves the outlet assembly 112 can be selected.

[0080] In view of the foregoing, the material discharge system 100, the outlet assembly 112, and the plug assembly 218 provide advantages over conventional material discharge systems. For example, because the outlet assembly 112 may be selectively moved relative to the plug assembly 218 by adjusting an amount a lowermost flexible segment 304 of the first telescopic chute 110 is extending or retracted, a cross-section area of the primary path 306 through the outlet assembly 112 may be selected. Moreover, because usage of the overflow path 308 may be selected and controlled, a velocity distribution of the flow of bulk product out of the outlet assembly 112 (e.g., through a cross-sectional area of openings out of the outlet assembly) can be controlled and selected. For instance, in some embodiments, the flow of bulk product out of the outlet assembly 112 can be controlled such that bulk product flowing proximate a center vertical axis of the outlet assembly is traveling at a higher velocity than bulk product traveling proximate an interior wall of the first telescopic chute 110 (e.g., an outer boundary of the first telescopic chute 110). Furthermore, by controlling the velocity distribution of the flow of the bulk product, dust created by bulk product during operation of the material discharge system 100 can be at least partially controlled and reduced. Reducing dust creation increases safety, reduces risks of inhalation and fire, and increases yield. [0081] Additionally, because usage of the overflow path 308 may be selected and controlled, the material discharge system 100 is not sensitive to variable flowrates of bulk product when loading open containers (e.g., open truck loading). Moreover, when loading closed containers (e.g., tanker trucks), the primary path 306 may be fully open (e.g., the plug assembly 218 may be at least substantially entirely out of the outlet assembly 112). The foregoing features of the material discharge system 100 of the present disclosure provide a system that is capable of both reducing dust created during free falling open container (e.g., truck) loading and making a closed connection when loading a closed container (e.g., a tanker truck). Furthermore, in comparison to traditional chute loading, less aspiration (e.g., upward airflow and usage of a fan assembly 114) is required to reduce dust creation. Likewise, in comparison to traditional loading chutes with a combined outlet, the material discharge system 100 of the present disclosure is simpler to operate and does not require as long of a loading chute.

[0082] Additional non-limiting example embodiments of the disclosure are described below.

[0083] Embodiment 1: A material discharge system, comprising: a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction; a second telescopic chute mounted to a lower end of the first telescopic chute; an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments of the first telescopic chute.

[0084] Embodiment 2: The material discharge system of Embodiment 1, wherein the plug assembly comprises a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the first telescopic chute.

[0085] Embodiment 3: The material discharge system of Embodiment 1, wherein the plug assembly further comprises a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion. [0086] Embodiment 4: The material discharge system of Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3, wherein an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly within a horizontal plane is smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

[0087] Embodiment 5: The material discharge system of any one of Embodiments 1 through 4, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an inner skirt hanging from the inner cone body and spanning a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

[0088] Embodiment 6: The material discharge system of any one of Embodiments 1 through 5, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path.

[0089] Embodiment 7: The material discharge system of any one of Embodiments 1 through 6, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

[0090] Embodiment 8: The material discharge system of Embodiment 7, wherein each of the plurality of air pathways comprises a tube structure.

[0091] Embodiment 9: The material discharge system of Embodiment 7 or Embodiment 8, wherein the inner skirt hangs from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and extends below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.

[0092] Embodiment 10: The material discharge system of any one of Embodiments 1 through 9, further comprising: a winch system operably coupled to the first telescopic chute; a mounting body to which the first telescopic chute is mounted; a filter disposed between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute; and a fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute. [0093] Embodiment 11: A method of forming a material discharge system, the method comprising: attaching a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another to a mounting body at a first longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute; coupling a second telescopic chute to a second, opposite longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute; coupling an outlet assembly to an end of the second telescopic chute opposite the first telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and fixedly mounting a plug assembly to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments of the first telescopic chute.

[0094] Embodiment 12: The method of Embodiment 11, wherein the plug assembly comprises a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the first telescopic chute.

[0095] Embodiment 13: The method of Embodiment 12, wherein the plug assembly further comprises a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

[0096] Embodiment 14: The method of Embodiment 12 or Embodiment 13, wherein an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly is smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

[0097] Embodiment 15: The method of Embodiment 14, further comprising hanging an inner skirt from the inner cone body such that the inner skirt spans a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

[0098] Embodiment 16: The method of Embodiment 15, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path. [0099] Embodiment 17: The method of Embodiment 16, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

[0100] Embodiment 18: The method of any one of Embodiments 11 through 17, further comprising: coupling a winch system to the first telescopic chute; disposing a filter between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute; attaching a fan assembly to the mounting body; and putting the fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute.

[0101] Embodiment 19: A material discharge system, comprising: a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction; a second telescopic chute attached to a lower end of the first telescopic chute; an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening having a first diameter; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments, the plug assembly comprising: a frustum portion pointed toward the first telescopic chute; a cylindrical portion extending from a bottom of the frustum portion and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter; and a product sensor coupled to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

[0102] Embodiment 20: The material discharge system of Embodiment 19, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises: an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path; a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone; and an inner skirt hanging from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and extends below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.

[0103] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0104] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A material discharge system, comprising: a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction; a second telescopic chute mounted to a lower end of the first telescopic chute; an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments of the first telescopic chute.

2. The material discharge system of claim 1, wherein the plug assembly comprises a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the first telescopic chute.

3. The material discharge system of claim 2, wherein the plug assembly further comprises a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

4. The material discharge system of claim 2, wherein an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly within a horizontal plane is smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

5. The material discharge system of claim 1, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an inner skirt hanging from the inner cone body and spanning a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

6. The material discharge system of claim 5, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path.

7. The material discharge system of claim 6, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

8. The material discharge system of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of air pathways comprises a tube structure.

9. The material discharge system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the inner skirt hangs from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and extends below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.

10. The material discharge system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a winch system operably coupled to the first telescopic chute; a mounting body to which the first telescopic chute is mounted; a filter disposed between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute; and a fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute.

11. A method of forming a material discharge system, the method comprising: attaching a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another to a mounting body at a first longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute; coupling a second telescopic chute to a second, opposite longitudinal end of the first telescopic chute; coupling an outlet assembly to an end of the second telescopic chute opposite the first telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and fixedly mounting a plug assembly to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments of the first telescopic chute.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plug assembly comprises a frustum portion extending upward from a cylindrical portion and pointed toward the first telescopic chute.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plug assembly further comprises a product sensor mounted to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein an outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the plug assembly is smaller than a diameter of the bottom opening of the inner cone body.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising hanging an inner skirt from the inner cone body such that the inner skirt spans a vertical distance between a portion of the inner cone body and a portion of the outer cone body vertically below the portion of the inner cone body.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone.

18. The method of any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising: coupling a winch system to the first telescopic chute; disposing a filter between the mounting body and the first telescopic chute; attaching a fan assembly to the mounting body; and putting the fan assembly in fluid communication with an interior of the first telescopic chute.

19. A material discharge system, comprising: a first telescopic chute comprising a plurality of flexible segments vertically bounded by ribs and oriented in series with one another in a vertical direction; a second telescopic chute attached to a lower end of the first telescopic chute; an outlet assembly attached to a lower end of the second telescopic chute, the outlet assembly comprising: an outer cone body; an inner cone body disposed within and concentric with the outer cone body, the inner cone body defining a primary path for bulk product to travel and comprising a bottom opening having a first diameter; and an overflow path defined within an annulus between the outer cone body and the inner cone body; and a plug assembly fixedly mounted to a rib defining an upper boundary of a lowermost flexible segment of the plurality of flexible segments, the plug assembly comprising: a frustum portion pointed toward the first telescopic chute; a cylindrical portion extending from a bottom of the frustum portion and having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter; and a product sensor coupled to a bottom of the cylindrical portion.

20. The material discharge system of claim 19, wherein the outlet assembly further comprises: an upper inlet cone oriented vertically above the inner cone body and sized and shaped to direct a flow of bulk product from the first telescopic chute and the second telescopic chute into the primary path; a plurality of air pathways extending vertically from a first elevation at an outer surface of the inner cone body, at least partially through the inner cone body, and to a second elevation at the upper inlet cone; and an inner skirt hanging from a portion of the inner cone body above entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body and extends below the entrances of the air pathways defined in the outer surface of the inner cone body.