Rotary clamshell gate actuator for bulk material container

US10640288B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Bryan Chapman Lucas · Duncan, US
• Calvin L. Stegemoeller · Hewitt, US
• Austin Carl Schaffner · Duncan, US
• Wesley John Warren · Marlow, US
• Bryan John Lewis · Duncan, US
• Tori H. Miller · Duncan, US
• Thomas W. Hawkins · Normal, US
• Glenn Ray Fowler · Duncan, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 22, 2015
• Grant date: May 5, 2020
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D90/623
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for managing dry bulk material efficiently at a well site or other location are provided. Present embodiments are directed to a rotary clamshell gate actuation system and method, where the gate is separate from the one or more actuators used to open/close the gate. The disclosed system may include a portable bulk material container with a clamshell gate for easily dispensing material from the container. The system also includes a support structure equipped with one or more rotary actuators used to actuate the clamshell gate of the container between a closed and open position when the container is positioned on the support structure. The disclosed clamshell gate actuation system is easy to operate, low cost to manufacture, and reliable even when the portable container is not precisely aligned on the support structure.