Abstract:
A container manipulating method and apparatus which includes at least one vertically disposed pedestal assembly (12); a tubular column assembly (14); a container support assembly (16); and a container retaining means (18). This method and apparatus houses all of the independently controlled and powered drives for the lifting, turning, and tilting actions completely interior of the column assembly (16). The column assembly (14) may include at least one end seal and a slot closure for minimizing unwanted materials entering or leaving the column assembly. The container (22) retained on the container support assembly (16) may be manipulated from a first position to a subsequent position by lifting, lowering, turning, and tilting movements in series or in combination.
Abstract:
A discharge valve for granular materials is disclosed which includes a valve body and a disc pivotally supported within the body. The arrangement is such that the disc rests against the body when the valve is closed to provide a seal therewith, and is pivoted by a resiliently biased handle to a plurality of open positions for controlling the flow of material through the valve.
Abstract:
A clamp assembly that is mounted to a carriage assembly of a lifting apparatus. The carriage assembly is adapted for linear and rotational movement with respect to a column of the lifting apparatus. The carriage assembly includes a pair of lifting forks that are spaced for mating with a pair of apertures formed in a support frame assembly of an article to be lifted. The clamp assembly includes an L-shaped locking arm that is arrayed for both angular movement and a biased linear movement with respect to the carriage assembly. The angular movement being selectively moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by a manual or powered actuator. The engaged position retains the support frame assembly on the carriage assembly when and while the lifting forks are mated with the pair of apertures. The disengaged position allowing removal of the support frame from the forks.
Abstract:
A safety device for a lifting apparatus, said lifting device having a carriage member (12) guided in a column (14) said carriage member (12) selectively positioned with respect to said column member (14) by a flexible tension member (20) connected to a drive means (22); a pawl member (34) is disengaged from an elongated rack (62) by a predetermined tension in the tension member (20); A reduction in the predetermined tension in the flexible tension member (20) will automatically engage the pawl member (34) into the rack member (62) by the urging of a biasing member (56) preventing any uncontrolled movement of the carriage relative to the column.
Abstract:
A rocker-type lump breaker for breaking oversized or lumped granular materials into acceptable sizes. The lump breaker is mounted interior of a hopper. This lump breaker comprises a perforate deck member, a plurality of rocker arms carried on a oscillating or rocking shaft carried by said deck member, and a means exterior of said hopper for providing said rocking motion to said shaft. The rocker arms are adapted to co-act with apertures provided in said deck plate to break the lumped material into acceptable sizes. The acceptable sized material is passed through the deck member. The rocking motion of the shaft is controlled to produce a gap between the ends of each rocker arm and the deck member.
Abstract:
This invention pertains to the lifting and tilting of a container of fluent materials. Two embodiments are shown, one having a vertical column disposed to carry the secured container to a predetermined height. This apparatus may be fixed or may be movable from and to selected positions. A slot is formed in this column and a reciprocable movable plate is cycled up and down therein. A spur gear and meshed pinion are provided therein. The spur gear is rotated by an arm and cam follower on the end thereof, with the cam follower transverse an angled cam track to provide a determined tilt and rate of tilt. A second and telescoping embodiment is also disclosed for conditions in which the lift may be as much as twelve feet or more. Side and front discharge apparatus is shown. Container securement apparatus includes adjustable pins. A clamping arrangement for cylindrical containers with a tapered end is also contemplated. A battery-powered apparatus is shown particularly for the telescoping apparatus.
Abstract:
A reinforced column for a lifting apparatus which includes an elongated outer shell member having a rectilinear cross-section. One side of the outer shell member has an elongated aperture therethrough, allowing access to an interior portion of the column. Interior of the outer shell, a pair of opposed elongated guide rails are positioned adjacent the elongated aperture. An elongated inner shell is simultaneously attached to selected portions of the guide rails and held at predetermined spaced relationships to the interior surfaces of the outer shell. The elongated inner shell is arrayed for providing a pathway for a carriage member of said lifting apparatus to travel therein.
Abstract:
A lifting apparatus for containers of a flowable material which comprises a base member, a first elongated tubular column, a second elongated tubular column, a container support, and a lifting and lowering assembly. The lifting and lowering assembly is housed interior of the second column and includes a reversible gear motor and an elongated lift bar. The gear motor selectively drives an endless flexible tension member by way of a drive member cooperating with a driven assembly. One end of the elongated lift bar is connected to a first segment of the flexible tension member. A distal end of the elongated lift bar is attached to a base assembly. The second elongated tubular column is selectively lifted or lowered with respect to the first tubular column, in telescopic fashion, as the flexible tension member is driven. The container support, which may have tilting capabilities, is attached to a moveable carriage member. The carriage member is attached to a second segment of the flexible tension member and is lifted or lowered at a selected rate simultaneously with the second elongated tubular column.
Abstract:
A container manipulating method and apparatus which includes at least one vertically disposed pedestal assembly (12); a tubular column assembly (14); a container support assembly (16); and a container retaining device (18). This method and apparatus houses all of the independently controlled and powered drives for the lifting, turning, and tilting actions completely interior of the column assembly (16). The column assembly (14) may include at least one end seal and a slot closure for minimizing unwanted materials entering or leaving the column assembly. The container (22) retained on the container support assembly (16) may be manipulated from a first position to a subsequent position by lifting, lowering, turning, and tilting movements in series or in combination.