Storage structure for granular materials

US3977541A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Robert G. Watson · Baird, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 1975
• Grant date: Aug 31, 1976
• Expiry date: Apr 17, 1995

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D88/32
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A storage unit for granular material has a first wall structure extending upwardly from a base to define connected vertical sidewalls of at least one row of first generally cylindrical bins, and a second wall structure extends upwardly from the base to define at least one row of second generally cylindrical bins spaced apart from and parallel to the first bins. A first hopper is mounted adjacent the lower end of each bin to define the respective bottom ends thereof; and a second hopper is mounted on the vertical wall in a spaced apart relationship above the first hopper to define upper and lower bins, the first and second hoppers each having discharge control means aligned with one another. Each hopper has substantially horizontal load-bearing elements mounted in substantially zero hoop-tension relationship with the vertical walls. Wall openings in each of the vertical walls are aligned with the discharge control means to define a conveyor passageway, and a lower conveyor extends through the passage to receive and convey material discharged from the bins to an outgoing weigh station, an elevator raises material from an in-going weigh station to the bin tops, and an upper conveyor c…