Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for unloading bulk materials

US4957198A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
6References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 15, 1988
Grant dateSep 18, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 15, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G67/606
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An unloader for bulk materials is provided to transfer material such as cement from a barge or other bulk container. It includes a moveable and rotatable support member such as a crane or cantilevered arm that is adjacent the bulk container. A first conveyor or auger is connected to the support for pivotal movement and extends generally horizontally. A second conveyor or auger is connected to the distal end of the first conveyor for pivotal movement and is generally vertically oriented. A feeder unit is connected to the distal end of the second conveyor for universal and rotational movement. The feeder includes an uplift portion communicating with the second conveyor, the uplift portion advancing the bulk material at a rate slower than the second conveyor, and a collector portion communicating with the uplift portion. The collector portion includes converging auger assembly to advance the bulk material towards the uplift portion and to assist in transferring it into the uplift portion. The apparatus may further include a selectively operable energy responsive aeration system to inject air into the bulk material while it is being handled by the unloader, a scraper assembly attached …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.