AU2011100762A4 - Materials Handling - Google Patents

Abstract

-18 Abstract Grain handling apparatus (10) for conveying the grain from a transport station (15) at which it is deposited to a stockpile (16). The grain handling apparatus (10) comprises a conveyor assembly (20) supported on a wheeled base (25). The 5 conveyor assembly (20) comprises a first conveyor section (21), a second conveyor section (22), and a third conveyor section (23), each configured as an endless belt conveyor. The second conveyor section (22) is mounted at one end (21a) of the first conveyor section (21) and the third conveyor section (23) is mounted at the other end (21)b of the first conveyor section (21). The second 10 conveyor section (22) is supported on the end (21a) of the first conveyor section (21) for movement between extended and retracted conditions. In the extended condition, the second conveyor section (22) can be positioned to receive grain discharged from a road or rail vehicle at transport station (15). In the retracted condition, the second conveyor section (22) is stowed to facilitate mobility of the 15 conveyor assembly (20). When in the extended and contracted conditions, the second conveyor section (22) overlaps the first conveyor section (21), the extent of overlap varying according to whether the second conveyor section (22) is in the extended condition or the contracted condition. cr11OF too/{

Description

AUSTRALIA ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Materials Handling Name of Applicant: Innotech Pty Ltd Actual Inventor: Laurence Colin Phillips Address for service: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- -2 Materials Handling This invention relates to materials handling. More particularly, the invention relates to conveying of particulate material from one location to another. The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, as a 5 grain conveyor for grain handling operations. Background Grain is typically placed in stockpiles for temporary bulk storage. Typically, grain is transported to the stockpile site by a road vehicle. At the stockpile site, the grain is discharged into a conveyor system which transports the grain to the stockpile. 10 The grain handling infrastructure at the stockpile site may incorporate a pit for receiving the grain, the arrangement being that the road vehicle would pass over the pit and deposit grain cargo into the pit. The need to provide such infrastructure incorporating a pit can be relatively expensive and also limits available locations at which grain can be stockpiled. The use of the pit also limits 15 unloading to the location at which the pit is installed. Where there is not pit available, a hopper may be provided to receive the grain and transfer it to the conveyor system. With such an arrangement, it is often necessary for the road vehicles to reverse into position to access the hopper, and also often necessary to uncouple trailer vehicles in order to achieve access to the 20 hopper. Another arrangement used where there is no pit available involves grain-receiving equipment (such as an auger arrangement) positioned on the ground and over which road vehicles can drive to move into a position in which the load of grain can be discharged into the grain-receiving equipment. The need to pass over the 25 grain-receiving equipment positioned on the ground can hinder movement of vehicles at the site. The foregoing arrangements have not proved to be entirely satisfactory and are not conducive to efficient grain handling.

-3 The present invention seeks to provide a conveyor system which can be used for conveying grain to a stockpile without the need for a pit into which the grain is deposited and to allow more efficient movement of vehicles. Summary 5 According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided materials handling apparatus comprising a conveyor assembly comprising a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section movable with respect to the first conveyor section between extended and retracted conditions, wherein the second conveyor section when in the extended condition can receive material for transportation and convey 10 that material to the first conveyor section and when in the retracted condition can be stowed for transportation with the first conveyor section. Preferably, the second conveyor section is moveable axially with respect to the first conveyor section for movement between extended and retracted conditions. Preferably, the second conveyor section when in the extended condition is 15 adapted to be supported on the ground. The extended condition for the second conveyor section may comprise any one of a plurality of available positions with respect to the first conveyor section, each such available position being capable of receiving material for transportation and conveying that material to the first conveyor section. 20 The second conveyor section may comprise a portion adapted to engage the ground when in the extended condition. The portion of the second conveyor section adapted to engage the ground may be movable along the ground during part of the extension and retraction thereof. The portion of the second conveyor section adapted to move along the ground 25 may comprise a wheel or roller assembly. Alternatively, the portion of the second conveyor section adapted to move along the ground may be configured in any other appropriate way for movement along the ground, such as a skid.

-4 A drive means may be provided for moving the second conveyor section respect to the first conveyor section between the extended and retracted conditions. The drive means may comprise a chain drive system. With such an arrangement, the chain drive system may comprise an endless chain to which the second 5 conveyor section is coupled, and a drive for moving the endless chain. The first conveyor section may be configured as an endless belt conveyor. Other configurations are, of course, possible including a screw conveyor configuration. The second conveyor section may also be configured as an endless belt conveyor. Again, other configurations are possible, including a screw conveyor 10 configuration. The conveyor assembly may comprise a third conveyor section, with the arrangement being that the second conveyor section is disposed adjacent one end of the first conveyor section and the third conveyor section is disposed adjacent the other end of the first conveyor section. 15 Preferably, the third conveyor section is movable between extended and retracted conditions with respect to the first conveyor section. The third conveyor section may be foldable with respect to the first conveyor section for movement between extended and retracted conditions. The conveyor assembly may be supported on a mobile base. 20 The mobile base may be configured as a frame structure which provides a chassis. The conveyor assembly may be supported on the mobile base for movement over the ground. Preferably, the conveyor assembly is selectively movable between a 25 transportation condition clear of the ground and an operative condition in which at least part of the conveyor assembly rests on the ground. Preferably, the first conveyor section is adapted to rest on the ground when the conveyor assembly is in the operative condition.

-5 Preferably, the first conveyor section is provided with a counterweight to balance the third conveyor section when the latter is in the extended condition. Preferably, the counterweight is adapted to rest on the ground when the conveyor assembly is in the operative position. 5 Preferably the mobile base is configured as a wheeled base comprising a plurality of wheels. Preferably, at least one of the wheels is a driven wheel for propelling the mobile base over the ground. Preferably, the wheels are adapted to turn to facilitate directional control of the 10 wheeled base. In particular, each wheel may be turned about a vertical axis to assume first and second conditions, the first condition being conducive to movement in a first direction and the second condition being conducive to movement in a second direction. Typically, the first and second directions are mutually perpendicular. 15 Preferably, each wheel may be selectively locked in either the first condition or the second condition. Preferably, at least one of the wheels is a steerable wheel whereby it is angularly movable between the first and second conditions to assume any position therebetween thereby to facilitate steering of the wheeled base. 20 Preferably there are four wheels, with the wheels operating in pairs and one pair of wheels being interconnected for steering movement in unison. As mentioned above, the conveyor assembly according to the invention is particularly, although not necessary solely, applicable for grain handling at a bulk storage facility. The storage facility typically comprises a bulkhead at which grain 25 is stockpiled, and a transport station adjacent the bulkhead to which grain is delivered and from which it is later dispatched. Grain is typically delivered to, and dispatched from, the transport station in road vehicles. The conveyor assembly according to the invention is located adjacent the transport station, with the second conveyor section in the retracted condition, clear of the path along which a -6 road train must move when arriving at, and departing from, the transport station. Once a road vehicle has arrived at the transport station with a load of grain, it parks adjacent to the conveyor assembly, which at this stage has the second conveyor section in the retracted condition. The second conveyor section is then 5 moved into the extended condition to locate in a position to receive grain discharged from the road vehicle. After the grain unloading operation has been completed, the second conveyor section can be retracted, thereby allowing the empty road vehicle to leave the transport station. With the second conveyor section retracted, the conveyor assembly is then in readiness to receive the 10 second trailer of a road train or the next road vehicle from which grain is to be unloaded. With this arrangement, there is no need for a pit at the bulk storage facility, as is often used in existing facilities. Additionally, there is no need for road vehicles to have to reverse over a pit and also uncouple any trailer vehicles. Rather, with the 15 arrangement of the present invention, road vehicles can simply drive through the transport station, stopping for the unloading operation, without the need for any reversing and trailer uncoupling operations. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of 20 one specific embodiment thereof, as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a grain handling apparatus according to the embodiment, with the apparatus shown in one position; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, except that the apparatus is shown in 25 another position; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the grain handling apparatus, with the second conveyor section shown in an extended condition; -7 Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective of the second conveyor section, illustrating in particular a drive means for moving the second conveyor section between extended and retracted conditions; Figure 5 is a fragmentary schematic side view of the grain handling 5 apparatus, illustrating in particular the drive means for moving the second conveyor section between the extended and retracted conditions; Figure 6 is a further schematic view of the drive means for moving the second conveyor section between the extended and retracted conditions; Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the grain handling apparatus, with the 10 conveyor assembly shown in the retracted condition and resting on the ground; Figure 8 is a fragmentary view of the conveyor assembly in the position shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is schematic view of the grain handling apparatus adjacent a 15 stockpile and waiting for a delivery of grain; Figure 10 is a fragmentary view of the conveyor assembly in the position shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a schematic end view of the grain handling apparatus in the position shown in Figure 9; 20 Figure 12 is a fragmentary view of the conveyor assembly of the grain handling apparatus, illustrating in particular part of a drive means for moving the second conveyor section between extended and retracted conditions; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a wheeled base forming part of the grain 25 handling apparatus; Figure 14 is a plan view of the wheeled base, with the wheels shown in a first position; -8 Figure 15 is a fragmentary plan view of a locking mechanism for locking the wheels in one of a series of available locked positions, the locking mechanism being in the position corresponding to the wheels in the locked position as shown in Figure 14; 5 Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 14 except that the wheels are shown in a second locked position; Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 15; expect that it relates the wheels being locked in the position shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 is also a view similar to Figure 14, except that the wheels are 10 shown in a third locked position; Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 15, except that it relates to the wheels being locked in the position shown in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a schematic side view of the grain handling apparatus according to the embodiment in operation at a bulk grain storage facility; 15 Figure 21 is a fragmentary view of the conveyor assembly of the grain handling apparatus, depicting the second conveyor section in the extended position to receive grain from a vehicle at the grain handling facility; Figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of the grain handling apparatus operating at the grain handling facility in another configuration in which it is 20 arranged to receive grain from the stockpile at the facility and to convey the grain to the vehicle for dispatch; and Figure 23 is a fragmentary view illustrating grain discharging from the grain handling apparatus into the vehicle. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention 25 The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to a grain handling apparatus 10 for use at a bulk grain storage facility 11. The storage facility 11 comprises a bulkhead 13 at which grain is stockpiled, and a transport station 15 adjacent the bulkhead 13 to which grain is delivered and from which it is later dispatched.

- 9 Grain is delivered to, and dispatched from, the transport station 15 in conventional manner, typically by way of road or rail vehicle. The bulkhead 13 and the adjacent transport station 15 are established on an available area of ground 17. The transport station 15 is merely a space on the ground 17 adjacent the bulkhead 13. 5 The grain handling apparatus 10 is provided for conveying the grain from transport station 15 at which it is deposited to the stockpile 16 in the bulkhead 13. The grain handling apparatus 10 comprises a conveyor assembly 20 supported on a wheeled base 25. This provides the grain handling apparatus 10 with mobility for movement around the grain storage facility 11. 10 The conveyor assembly 20 comprises a first conveyor section 21, a second conveyor section 22, and a third conveyor section 23. In the arrangement illustrated, each conveyor section 21, 22 and 23 is configured as an endless belt conveyor. Other arrangements are, of course, possible; for example, each conveyor section may be configured as a screw conveyor or auger. 15 The second conveyor section 22 is mounted at one end 21a of the first conveyor section 21 and the third conveyor section 23 is mounted at the other end 21b of the first conveyor section 21. A collapsible truss structure 24 is provided for supporting the conveyor assembly 20. The first conveyor section 21 is mounted on the wheeled base 25 for angular 20 movement about a substantially horizontal axis at pivot 26, the purpose of which will be explained later. The wheeled base 25 comprises a chassis 27. The first conveyor section 21 is mounted of a support post 28 which supports the pivot 26 and which forms part of the chassis 27. As mentioned above, the first conveyor section 21 is configured as an endless 25 belt conveyor. In particular, the first conveyor section 21 comprises an endless belt 29a passing around end rollers 29b. The second conveyor section 22 is supported on the end 21a of the first conveyor section 21 for movement between extended and retracted conditions. In the extended condition, the second conveyor section 22 can be positioned to receive -10 grain discharged from a road or rail vehicle at transport station 15 at the grain storage facility 11. In the retracted condition, the second conveyor section 22 is stowed to facilitate mobility of the conveyor assembly 20. When in the extended and contracted conditions, the second conveyor section 22 5 overlaps the first conveyor section 21, the extent of overlap varying according to whether the second conveyor section 22 is in the extended condition or the contract condition. The second conveyor section 22 moves axially with respect to the first conveyor section 21 when moving between the extended and retracted conditions. In the extended condition, as best seen in figures 3 and 10 , the a 10 second conveyor section 22 projects beyond the end 21a of the first conveyor section 21 while also overlapping that end. With this arrangement, grain deposited on the second conveyor section 22 can be transported to, and discharged onto, the first conveyor section 21. The second conveyor section 22 is provided with means 31 for engaging the 15 ground 17 when in the extended position. In the arrangement illustrated, the means 31 comprises a wheel assembly 33 mounted on the second conveyor section 22. In this way, the second conveyor section 22 is supported on the ground by the wheel assembly 33 while in the extended condition. In the extended condition, the extent to which the second conveyor section 22 extends beyond the 20 end 21a of the first conveyor section 21 can vary according to the desired position of the second conveyor section 22 relative to the first conveyor section 21. This variation is available to accommodate the necessary position of the conveyor section 22 relative to the first conveyor section 21 in order to receive grain being discharged from the road or rail vehicle at the transport station 15. In this way, 25 the extended condition for the second conveyor section may comprise any one of a plurality of available positions with respect to the first conveyor section, each such available position being capable of receiving material for transportation and conveying that material to the first conveyor section. A drive means 41 is provided for moving be second conveyor section 22 between 30 the extended and retracted conditions relative to the first conveyor section 21. The - 11 drive means 41 comprises two endless chains 43 passing around end sprockets 45 and a drive motor 47 for driving at least one of the sprockets 45. As mentioned above, the second conveyor section 22 is configured as an endless belt conveyor. In particular, the second conveyor section 22 comprises an endless 5 belt 51 passing around end rollers 53 each supported on a frame structure 55. The frame structures 55 are supported for movement relative to the first conveyor section 21 for moving the second conveyor section 22 between the extended and retracted conditions. The frame structures 55 are operably coupled to one run of each endless chain 43 whereby rotation of the endless chain in one direction 10 causes outward movement of the frame structures 55 corresponding to extension of the second conveyor 22, and rotation of the endless chain in the reversed direction causes inward movement of the frame structures 55 corresponding to retraction of the end of conveyor 22. In Figure 12 of the drawings, the endless belt 51 of the second conveyor 22 has been removed to reveal the underlying part 15 21a of the first conveyor 21 (including end roller 29b) and also part of the drive means 41. The third conveyor section 23 is supported on the end 21b of the first conveyor section 21 for movement between extended and retracted conditions. More particularly, the third conveyor section 23 is pivotally mounted on the first 20 conveyor section 21 for folding movement about pivot 57 between the extended and retracted conditions. A power device 61 such as a hydraulic ram 63 is provided for selectively swinging the third conveyor section 23 between the extended and contracted conditions. In the retracted condition, the third conveyor section 23 is folded into a stowed position against the first conveyor section 21. 25 Because of its construction, the conveyor assembly 20 can assume a collapsed condition for transportation and an extended condition for operation. In the collapsed condition, the second conveyor section 22 and the third conveyor section 23 are in their respective retracted conditions, thereby reducing the overall length of the conveyor assembly 20. In the extended condition of the conveyor 30 assembly 20, the second conveyor section 22 and the third conveyor section 23 are in their respective extended conditions.

-12 When the conveyor assembly 20 is in the collapsed condition, it can be transported on the wheeled base 25. In this arrangement, the conveyor assembly 20 is clear of the ground to facilitate the transportation process. Accordingly, this is a transportation condition for the conveyor assembly. 5 When the conveyor assembly 20 is in the extended condition, it can be moved into contact with the ground to thereby assume an operative condition. This is achieved by rotating the conveyor assembly 20 on the wheeled base 25. For this purpose, the first conveyor section 21 is pivotally mounted on the wheeled base 25 at pivot 26 for angular movement about a substantially horizontal axis, as 10 mentioned above. A power device 71 such as a hydraulic ram 73 is provided for controlling movement of the first conveyor section 21 about the pivot 26. A counterweight 81 is provided at the end 21a of the first conveyor section 21 to counterbalance the weight of the third conveyor section 23 when the latter is in the extended condition. 15 Prior to the conveyor assembly 20 moving into the extended condition, the power device 71 is actuated to rotate the first conveyor section 21 about pivot 26 to bring the counterweight 81 into contact with the ground. This stabilises the conveyor assembly 22 and as it moves into the extended condition, and also while it is in the extended condition and in operation. Typically, the first conveyor section 20 is 20 rotated to move the counterweight 81 into contact with the ground while the conveyor assembly 20 is still in the collapsed condition. Once the conveyor assembly 22 is in a stable position with the counterweight 81 resting on the ground, the second conveyor section 22 can be extended as necessary into a position ready to receive grain deposited thereon, and the third conveyor section 25 23 can also be extended into a position for discharging the conveyed grain on to the stockpile 16. In the arrangement illustrated, the wheeled base 25 comprises four wheels 91. Each wheel 91 is supported for pivotal movement about a substantially vertical axis, thereby facilitating directional change. In particular, each wheel 91 can be 30 selectively turned about its vertical axis to assume first and second conditions, the first condition being conducive to movement in a first direction and the second -13 condition being conducive to movement in a second direction. In this embodiment, the first and second directions are a mutually perpendicular, thereby allowing the wheeled base 25 to travel in two mutually perpendicular directions. One such direction corresponds to forward and rearward motion of be wheeled base 25, and 5 the other direction corresponds to sideways movement of three wheeled frame 25, thereby allowing manoeuvring of the grain handling apparatus 10 at the bulk grain storage facility 11, as will be explained later. In the arrangement illustrated, each wheel 91 is configured as a dual-wheel assembly having an upstanding post 92 rotatably supported in a sleeve 93 10 forming part of the chassis 27, thereby providing the support for pivotal movement about the substantially vertical axis. Each wheel 91 is provided with a locking mechanism 97 for selectively locking the wheel in either the first position or the second condition. Two of the wheels may be configured as a pair of wheels which are linked to pivot 15 in unison to provide a steering function for directional control of the grain handling apparatus 10. At least one of the wheels 91 is a driven wheel for propelling the mobile base over the ground. A drive motor (not shown) is drivingly coupled to the driven wheel to deliver rotational torque thereto. 20 The configuration of the wheels 91 provides the wheeled base 25 with good manoeuvrability for ease of movement of the grain handling apparatus 10 about the grain storage facility 11, including the ability to move in various directions and also to turn on the spot. Operation of the grain handling apparatus 10 at the grain storage facility 11 will 25 now be described. The description will be made with reference to delivery of a grain to the storage facility 11 by way of a grain transport vehicle 101 (such as truck) having a outlet chute 103 through which the transported grain is discharge for subsequent delivery to the stockpile.

- 14 The apparatus 10 is manoeuvred into position at the grain storage facility 11 by moving the wheeled base 25 as appropriate, with the conveyor assembly 20 in the collapsed condition. When at the grain handling apparatus 10 is in the desired position, the first conveyor section 21 is pivoted about pivot 26 by actuation of 5 hydraulic ram 73 to bring the counterweight 81 into contact with the ground. The third conveyor section 23 can then be un-folded by actuation of hydraulic ram 63 to assume the extended condition in which it is oriented for discharging of conveyed grain on to the stockpile 16. The grain handling apparatus 10 is now in a position ready to receive grain transported to be grain handling facility 11, as 10 depicted schematically in Figures 7 and 9. Upon arrival of the vehicle 101 at transport station 15, the second conveyor section 22 is moved from the respective retracted condition into the extended condition for appropriate positioning to receive grain discharging from the outlet chute 103 of the vehicle 101. As depicted schematically in Figures 20 and 21. The second conveyor section 22 is so 15 positioned by actuation of the drive means 41, extending the second conveyor section 22 an extent sufficient to bring it into alignment with the trajectory path of grain discharging from the chute 103 of the vehicle 101. As previously described, the second conveyor section 22 rolls along the ground 17 by virtue of the wheel assembly 33 as it extends and retracts, and also as it is adjusted in position while 20 in the extended condition. This arrangement is particularly advantageous, as the second conveyor section 22 can be retracted to provide a clear path for movement of the vehicle 101 (as shown in Figure 9) and then extended to assume a position beneath the road train 101 and in alignment with the trajectory path of the grain discharging from the chute 103 (as shown in Figures 20 and 21). 25 Grain discharging from the chute 103 of the vehicle 101 as a stream 104 is received and conveyed by the second conveyor section 22 to the first conveyor section 21, which in turn conveys the grain to the third conveyor section 23, from which the conveyed grain is discharged onto the stockpile 16. The angular position of the third conveyor 23 can be adjusted as necessary to vary the 30 trajectory along which grain delivered from the conveyor assembly 20 onto the stockpile 16.

-15 Once all grain has been discharged from the vehicle 101, the second conveyor section 22 can be retracted to clear the way for the vehicle 101 to depart from the grain storage facility 11. The procedure is then repeated upon arrival of the next grain transport vehicle. 5 In order to progressively distribute grain along the stockpile 16, the particular position at the transport station 15 at which vehicles 101 need to stop and be unloaded is progressively moved along the transport station. This requires that the grain handling apparatus 10 be moved along the transport station 15 from time to time in order to accommodate the varying position at which the vehicles 10 101 stop and are unloaded. The mobile nature of the grain handling apparatus 10 can accommodate this changing position. The grain handling apparatus 10 can also be configured to convey grain from the stockpile 16 to a transport vehicle 101 such as a road train or a rail vehicle. Such an arrangement is depicted schematically in figures 22 and 23 of the drawings. In 15 such an arrangement, the grain handling apparatus 10 is so positioned that the orientation of the conveyor assembly 20 is reversed, with the second conveyor section 22 being arranged to receive grain from the stockpile 16 and the first conveyor section 21 arranged to discharge the conveyed grain into the transport vehicle 101. With this arrangement, the third conveyor section 23 is not utilised 20 and is retained in its retracted condition. In the arrangement illustrated, the second conveyor 22 is fitted with a hopper 107 to receive grain from the stockpile 16, and the first conveyor 21 is fitted with a discharge chute 109 to direct the grain as a stream 111 into the vehicle. 101. It is a feature of the grain handling apparatus 10 according to the embodiment that 25 it can be used at any location at which there is a need to establish a stockpile of grain. It avoids the need for installation of dedicated infrastructure at the location, including in particular a pit over which road and rail vehicles are required to pass in order to discharge their cargo of grain. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope 30 of the embodiment described. By way of example, the invention need not be -16 limited to handling of grain and may be used for any appropriate materials handling application. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be 5 understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (5)

1. Materials handling apparatus comprising conveyor assembly comprising a first conveyor section and a second conveyor section movable with respect to the first conveyor section between extended and retracted conditions, wherein the 5 second conveyor section when in the extended condition can receive material for transportation and convey that material to the first conveyor section and when in the retracted condition can be stowed for transportation with the first conveyor section.

2. Materials handling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the second 10 conveyor section is moveable axially with respect to the first conveyor section for movement between extended and retracted conditions and wherein the second conveyor section is adapted to be supported on the ground when in the extended condition.

3. Materials handling apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the extended 15 condition for the second conveyor section comprises a plurality of available positions with respect to the first conveyor section, each such available position being capable of receiving material for transportation and conveying that material to the first conveyor section.

4. Materials handling apparatus according claim 1, 2 or 3 further comprising a 20 third conveyor section, wherein the second conveyor section is disposed adjacent one end of the first conveyor section and the third conveyor section is disposed adjacent the other end of the first conveyor section, the third conveyor section being movable between extended and retracted conditions with respect to the first conveyor section. 25

5. Materials handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the conveyor assembly is supported on a mobile base, the conveyor assembly being selectively movable between a transportation condition clear of the ground and an operative condition in which at least part of the conveyor assembly rests on the ground. 30