AU2019200451B2 - Transportable drive-over conveyor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper for receiving grain and having a belted conveyor for conveying the grain such that the grain is conveyed along a direction of conveyance; a transition section at a downstream end of the drive-over hopper wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the transition section; and a swing auger at a downstream end of the transition section, wherein the belted conveyor extends in the transition section to transfer the grain from the belted conveyor to the swing auger; and a drive wheel connectable to the drive-over hopper.

Description

TRANSPORTABLE DRIVE-OVER CONVEYOR SYSTEM

[0001] The present application is a divisional application from

Australian Patent Application No. 2014227503, the entire

disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates generally to grain or other

bulk material handling and, more particularly, to augers and

conveyors for conveying grain.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In the agricultural industry, there are generally two

categories of mechanical systems used for conveying grain, the

belt conveyor and rotary screw or auger.

[0004] Offloading grain from a grain truck or other transport

vehicle may be done with a swing-type auger that is swung

underneath the grain-storage tank or by driving the truck over

a drive-over hopper. Grain is then discharged downwardly onto

the drive-over hopper or onto the swing-type auger. Both of

these prior-art systems have drawbacks. Swing-type augers are

cumbersome and slow to maneuver. Drive-over hoppers typically

need to be assembled and moved each time an unloading

operation is to be performed.

[0005]For example of a drive-over hopper is the PitStopTM drive

over belt conveyor by Batco Manufacturing, a division of Ag

Growth International. This is a portable, drive-over, grain

receiving pit-type conveyor for fast unloading of belly-dump

trailers.

[0006] Another example is the GrainDeckTM drive-over conveyor by

Brandt Agricultural Products Ltd.

[0007] Although both of these drive-over conveyors provide quick and easy unloading of grain, these separate systems do have

some shortcomings. Since these are separate systems, they

have to be moved around on their own and cannot be transported

as a single unit. It is believed that this also means that it

will cost more to buy a separate drive-over conveyor unit and

a separate auger. The separate drive-over units are also

powered by a separate power source, whether electric or gas

motor.

[0008] Also known in the industry is the Pit Express TM by Mast

Productions Inc. which is an integrated single-unit drive-over

auger conveyor. However, this conveyor is moved on its own

wheel assembly due to its substantial weight. The drive-over

Pit Express auger cannot be folded underneath the main auger

for transport such as towing by a truck (i.e. it cannot be

lifted and supported by the main auger due to its substantial

weight).

[0009] In view of the shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior

art technologies, an improvement would thus be highly

desirable.

SUMMARY

[0010]The present invention is directed to a transportable

drive-over conveyor system and its method of use in the

offloading of grain from a grain truck or other transport

vehicle. The transportable drive-over conveyor system in

general terms provides a first (drive-over) conveyor that

receives grain from the grain truck or other vehicle. The

first conveyor, e.g. a belt conveyor, delivers the grain to a

second conveyor, e.g. an auger, via a transition section that

disposes the downstream end of the first conveyor relative to the second conveyor such that the grain falls from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor.

[0011] One inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a drive

over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper for receiving

grain and having a belted conveyor for conveying the grain such that

the grain is conveyed along a direction of conveyance; a transition

section at a downstream end of the drive-over hopper wherein the

belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the transition section; and a

swing auger at a downstream end of the transition section, wherein

the belted conveyor extends in the transition section to transfer the

grain from the belted conveyor to the swing auger; and a drive motor

disposed at a transition section to drive the belted conveyor.

[0012] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising:

a drive-over hopper having ramps enabling a vehicle to drive

over the hopper in a drive-over direction and to dump a bulk material

into the hopper, wherein the hopper includes a belted conveyor for

conveying the bulk material along a direction of conveyance

orthogonal to the drive-over direction;

a swing auger downstream of the drive-over hopper;

a transition section connecting the drive-over hopper to the

swing auger wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the

transition section; and

a drive motor disposed at the transition section to drive the belted

conveyor.

[0013] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising:

a drive-over hopper for receiving grain and having a belted

conveyor for conveying the grain wherein the belted conveyor includes

a horizontal belt path defining a direction of conveyance;

a transition section at a downstream end of the drive-over

hopper wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the transition section to define an inclined belt path that is angled relative to the horizontal belt path; a swing auger at a downstream end of the transition section, wherein the belted conveyor transfers the grain from the inclined belt path to the swing auger; a drive motor disposed at the transition section for driving the belted conveyer; and a drive wheel for driving the drive-over hopper.

[0014] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper over which

a vehicle can drive in a drive-over direction to dump a bulk material

into the hopper, wherein the hopper includes a belted conveyor for

conveying the bulk material along a direction of conveyance

orthogonal to the drive-over direction; a swing auger downstream of

the drive-over hopper; a transition section connecting the drive-over

hopper to the swing auger, wherein the belted conveyor includes an

inclined belt path that is angled upwardly in the transition section

relative to a horizontal belt path; a drive wheel to move the drive

over hopper; and a main conveyor for receiving the bulk material from

the swing auger, wherein the drive-over hopper and swing auger are

configured to swing relative to the main conveyor about a swing axis.

[0015] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper for

receiving grain and having a first belted conveyor for conveying the

grain such that the grain is conveyed along a direction of

conveyance; a transition section at an downstream end of the drive

over hopper; and a second belted conveyor at a downstream end of the

transition section, wherein the first belted conveyor has an inclined

belt path to transfer the grain onto the second belted conveyor; and

a third belted conveyor adjacent to the second belted conveyor for

receiving the grain from the second belted conveyor, wherein the

drive-over hopper and the second belted conveyor are configured to

swing about a swing axis relative to the third belted conveyor, wherein the drive-over hopper comprises a drive wheel mounted to the drive-over hopper.

[0016] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper

over which a vehicle can drive in a drive-over direction to

dump a bulk material into the hopper, wherein the hopper

includes a first belted conveyor for conveying the bulk

material along a direction of conveyance orthogonal to the

drive-over direction; a swing conveyor downstream of the

drive-over hopper; a transition section having an inclined

belt path to transfer the bulk material to the swing conveyor;

and a main conveyor for receiving the bulk material from the

swing conveyor, wherein the drive-over hopper and swing

conveyor are configured to swing relative to the main conveyor

about a swing axis, wherein the drive-over hopper comprises a

drive wheel.

[0017] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper for

receiving grain and having a belted conveyor for conveying the

grain such that the grain is conveyed along a direction of

conveyance; and a transition section at an downstream end of

the drive-over hopper, wherein the drive-over hopper has an

inclined belt path inside the transition section that is

configured to transfer the grain onto a swing auger and from

the swing auger onto a main conveyor adjacent to the swing

auger, wherein the drive-over hopper is configured to swing

about a swing axis relative to the main conveyor, wherein the

drive-over hopper comprises a drive wheel to move the drive

over hopper.

[0018] Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper

over which a vehicle can drive in a drive-over direction to dump a bulk material into the hopper, wherein the hopper includes a belted conveyor for conveying the bulk material along a direction of conveyance orthogonal to the drive-over direction; and a transition section at least partially housing an inclined belt path of the belted conveyor for transferring the bulk material from the drive-over hopper to a swing auger downstream of the drive-over hopper such that the bulk material is then transferable to a main conveyor, wherein the drive-over hopper and the swing auger are configured to swing relative to the main conveyor about a swing axis, wherein the drive-over hopper comprises a drive wheel to move the drive over hopper.

[0019]Another inventive aspect of the present disclosure is a

drive-over conveyor system comprising: a drive-over hopper for

receiving grain and having a belted conveyor for conveying the

grain; a transition section at a downstream end of the drive

over hopper wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in

the transition section; and a swing auger at a downstream end

of the transition section, a drive wheel connected to an

upstream end of the drive-over hopper.

[0020]Where the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the

claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence

of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not

precluding the presence of one or more other features,

integers, steps or components, or group thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]Further features and advantages of the present technology

will become apparent from the following detailed description,

taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

[0022]FIG. 1 depicts a grain truck driving over a transportable

drive-over conveyor system in accordance with an embodiment of

the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 2 is an isometric view depicting a caster wheel and

associated mechanism used to raise a drive-over hopper of the

conveyor system;

[0024]FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the conveyor system in

accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 4 is an isometric cutaway view of a belted conveyor

and connected transition section and further depicting the

belt travel path;

[0026]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the transition section;

[0027]FIG. 6 is a side view of the transition section;

[0028]FIG. 7 is a front view of the transition section;

[0029]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drive-over hopper

in a grain-unloading position;

[0030]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drive-over hopper

in a drive position;

[0031]FIG. 10 depicts a first radius R1 for the hopper when the

hopper is locked to the transition section and a second radius

R2 for when the hopper is unlocked from the transition

section;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system

in the drive position;

[0033] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a drive-over hopper

showing the foldable ramp and detachable drive wheel;

[0034] FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a variant of the foldable ramp having a universal-type joint to reduce the

moments transferred to the conveyor body when placed on

irregular or soft ground;

[0035] FIG. 12B is another isometric view of the foldable ramp

in folded onto the belted hopper;

[0036] FIG. 12C is another isometric view of the foldable ramp

showing the universal-type joint; and

[0037] FIG. 13 depicts a pickup truck towing a conveyor system that has been folded into the transport position.

[0038] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIG. 1 depicts a grain truck designated generally by

reference numeral 2 driving over a transportable drive-over

conveyor system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the

present invention. The grain truck has a grain container 4

with a "belly-dump" discharge mechanism for discharging grain

downwardly onto the transportable drive-over conveyor system

(or simply "conveyor system").

[0040] In general, the conveyor system 10 includes a drive-over

hopper 20 for receiving grain. The drive-over hopper has a

belted conveyor 22 for conveying the grain. The conveyor

system 10 also includes a transition section 30 pivotally

connected at an upstream end 32 to the drive-over hopper 20.

The conveyor system 10 also includes an auger 40 mounted at a

downstream end 34 of the transition section 30. The

transition section 30 functions to transfer the grain from the

belted conveyor 20 to the auger 40. This provides a belt-to

auger (or belt-over-auger) conveyor system.

[0041] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a portion of the conveyor system 10 showing the drive-over hopper 20 and a portion of

the transition section 30. The drive-over hopper 20 has ramps

24 to facilitate the act of driving a truck or other vehicle

over the hopper 20. Each ramp 24 has an inclined ramp surface

which may be formed of a solid surface, a grating or a

combination of both such as shown in the figure. The ramps 24

may be pivotally mounted via hinges or other such rotational

mechanism to the hopper top enable the ramps to be folded for

transport as will be explained in greater detail below. In

the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2, the

conveyor system 10 comprises a pair of height-adjustable

caster wheels 36 mounted to an outer portion of the transition

section 30. The caster wheels may be individually raised and

lowered by a height-adjusting mechanism 38 that may include a

hand-operated lever 39 and mechanical linkages to raise or

lower each caster wheel. The height-adjusting mechanism is

mounted to the outer portion of the transition section in the

illustrated embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a side cutaway view of the conveyor system 10

in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In

the illustrated embodiment, the belted conveyor 22 is either

fixed-angle or adjustable in angle and operates at an angle of

up to 25 degrees from a horizontal plane and whereas the auger

is also either fixed-angle or adjustable in angle and

operates at an angle of up to 45 degrees from the horizontal

plane. However, it will be appreciated that in other

embodiments, the belted conveyor may operate above 25 degrees

and/or the auger may operate above 45 degrees. In this

illustrated embodiment, a drive motor 25 is provided for

driving the belted conveyor 22. The drive motor 25 may

optionally be a hydraulic motor. The drive motor 25 may be

mounted with a grain-discharging section 26 of the belted hopper 20. In other words, the hopper 20 includes a flat conveyor belt section 22 followed by a raised or inclined grain-discharging section 26. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, the grain-discharging section 26

(also referred to as a belt hopper) includes a housing 27 that

accommodates an inclined/ramped belt portion 28 that elevates

the grain as the grain travels up the inclined/ramped belt

portion 28. Grain is dumped (i.e. poured, cascaded or

otherwise transferred) from the downstream end of the

inclined/ramped belt portion 28 onto extension flighting 42 of

the auger 40. Note how the extension flighting 42 of the

auger 40 extends into the transition section 30 from the main

flighting 41. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension

flighting 42 extending into the transition section is an

extension of the main flighting 41. The extension flighting

42 is mechanically coupled or joined to the main flighting

41. Note that the extension flighting and main flighting have

different pitches (turns per inch).

[0043]FIG. 4 is an isometric cutaway view of a belted hopper 20

(or hopper-type conveyor) and its downstream grain-discharging

section 26. FIG. 4 further depicts by way of example the belt

travel path 50. The belt travel path 50 in this example

configuration defines an S-shaped path 51 followed by an

inclined path 52 (corresponding to inclined/ramped belt

portion 28) to elevate the grain relative to a lower portion

of the flighting of the auger and to dump the grain onto the

lower portion of the flighting of the auger (i.e. onto the

extension flighting 42). The inclined belt path 52 is inclined

relative to the main conveying path 53 (i.e. the path of the

belt along the main horizontal (flat) conveying section. The

S-shaped path is located at or near the junction of the flat

portion of the belt conveyor and the inclined portion 28.

[0044] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the transition section 30 with its

upstream end 32 and downstream end 34. The transition section

(or "transition") 30 is a key component of the conveyor system

because this is where the belted hopper 20 unloads the

grain onto the auger 40. The transition section 30 was

designed to ensure it could feed the auger at its maximum

capacity. During testing, once the transition section 30 was

capable of feeding the auger 40 at its maximum capacity then

the belt speed was adjusted to match the maximum amount that

the transition section 30 and auger 40 could handle. The

transition section 30 also provides an attachment point for

the belted hopper 20. When the auger angle changes, the angle

of the swing tube (i.e. auger 20) relative to the hopper 20

also changes. Therefore, the transition section 30 to the

hopper 20 has to be attached to allow for this rotation while

still having the belt feed the transition section 30 without

spilling.

[0045]FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the transition section 30.

As shown by way of example in this figure, the transition

section 30 comprises an enclosure defining a grain inlet 35 at

the upstream end 32, a converging duct 36 and a grain outlet

37 at the downstream end 34.

[0046]FIG. 6 is a side view of the transition section 30. As

shown by way of example in this figure, the inlet 35 (defining

an inlet section 35a) comprises a front lip 36 and angled side

walls 38, a first converging section 39, that is higher than

the lip and side walls, having a first angle of convergence

and a second converging section 39a having a second angle of

convergence greater than the first angle of convergence, and

wherein the second converging section terminates in a flanged

outlet 37 adapted to connect to a swing tube of the auger.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a front view of the transition section. The

front lip 36 may be a rectangular panel as shown in this

figure. In this particular embodiment, the height of the lip

36 represents less than half of the height of the first

converging section 39 although this may be different in other

embodiments.

[0048]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drive-over hopper

in a grain-unloading position. The grain-unloading

position is the position (and configuration) of the hopper

when the grain is being unloaded from a belly-dump truck onto

the belt hopper. In the grain-unloading position, the

conveyor system is not designed to be moved (either

repositioned relative to the truck or grain bin or to be

transported to another site). As shown by way of example in

FIG. 8, in this configuration, the ramp 24 is deployed

(unfolded) to permit a truck to drive over the drive-over

hopper 20. The caster wheel 36 is also raised in this

configuration.

[0049]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the drive-over hopper

in a drive position. The drive position is the position

and configuration for driving, moving or repositioning the

hopper. In the drive position, the conveyor system is not

designed to unload grain. As shown by way of example in FIG.

9, in this configuration, the ramp 24 is folded onto the

drive-over hopper 20. The caster wheel 36 is also lowered

(fully deployed) in this configuration. A drive wheel 60 (or,

more generally, a drive wheel subsystem) may be attached to

the drive-over hopper 20 as will be explained in greater

detail below with respect to FIG. 12. This drive wheel 60

enables the conveyor system 10 to travel in an arc to be

deployed (unfolded) or folded. Depending on whether the

hopper 20 is locked or pinned (i.e. connected) to the transition section 30, the hopper 20 will travel one of two different arcs.

[0050] FIG. 10 depicts a first radius R1 for the hopper 20 when

the hopper 20 is locked (e.g. pinned) to the transition

section 30 and a second radius R2 for when the hopper 20 is

unlocked (e.g. unpinned) from the transition section 30. When

unlocked, the hopper 20 pivots relative to the transition

section about pivot point 33. This is a lockable pivot which,

in one embodiment, may be locked or unlocked by inserting or

removing a locking pin. The hopper may be folded by driving

the drive wheel 60 to fold the hopper relative to the

transition and auger. The drive wheel also is used to unfold

the hopper (by reversing direction). When pinned together the

drive wheel also drives the entire conveyor system 10

including the hopper 20, transition 30 and auger 40.

[0051] In one embodiment, in which the side of the transition

section is flush with the side of the hopper 20, the drive

over hopper 20 pivots (about a substantially vertical axis)

relative to the transition section 30 to fold 180 degrees

relative to the transition section 30 and the connected auger

40. In other variations, the folding angle may be greater or

less than 180 degrees.

[0052]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system

in the drive position (or drive configuration), i.e. with

the caster wheel 36 deployed and the drive wheel 60 attached.

Note that the ramp 24 is folded onto the belted hopper 20 in

this configuration.

[0053]FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the drive-over hopper 20

showing the foldable ramp 24 and the detachable drive wheel

60. The drive wheel 60 may be a hydraulic drive wheel in this

one exemplary embodiment although other drive wheel subsystems may be employed. In this embodiment, the axis of the drive wheel 60 is substantially parallel to a general direction of grain travel on the top belt of the belted hopper.

[0054]For repositioning, the drive wheel 60 is attached and the

ramp 24 raised and folded onto the belted hopper 20. This

figure depicts a foldable ramp 24 that pivotally unfolds to

provide an inclined ramp surface and pivotally folds onto the

onto the hopper for transport. In this embodiment, the ramp

24 folds about an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of

conveyance. The single detachable hydraulic drive wheel 60 is

only attachable to the system (belted hopper) when the ramp 24

is folded onto the hopper for transport. The folding ramp 24

in this illustrated embodiment is a flip-over ramp. The flip

over ramp 24 may be flipped (i.e. rotated or pivoted) about an

axis of rotation that is orthogonal (perpendicular) to the

general direction of grain travel on the top belt of the

belted hopper. When flipped up onto the hopper, there is room

to attach the wheel 60; otherwise, when the ramp is down, the

ramp physically blocks attachment of the wheel. Likewise,

when the wheel is attached, the ramp cannot physically be

lowered. The interaction between the wheel and ramp thus

provides a failsafe mechanism to ensure that the conveyor can

only be moved when the ramp is up and the wheel attached and,

conversely, that grain can only be unloaded when the ramp is down and the drive wheel detached. The configuration of the

ramp (up versus down) visually signals to the unloading crew

and/or truck driver whether or not the conveyor system is

currently configured for unloading grain.

[0055] FIG. 12A is an isometric view of a variant of the

foldable ramp 24A having a universal-type joint to reduce the

moments transferred to the conveyor body when placed on

irregular or soft ground. In other words, this universally

jointed ramp 24A eliminates or at least substantially reduces the twist or torsion on the frame of the conveyor system when the truck drives over the ramp 24A on uneven or irregular ground. FIG. 12B shows the foldable ramp 24A being folded about an axis perpendicular to a direction of conveyance. FIG.

12C is another isometric view of the foldable ramp 24A showing

the universal-type joint 24B. With reference to FIG. 12B, The

axis about which the ramp folds onto the belted 20 is denoted

by 24C. The axis 24C is perpendicular to the direction of

material conveyance which is denoted by 24D. The ramp can

thus pivot about the axis 24C but also about an axis parallel

to the axis of conveyance 24D. With reference to FIG. 12A and

FIG. 12B, the ramp 24A also includes hinged flaps 24E. These

flaps 24E are raised for transport and lowered for unloading.

[0056] The conveyor system disclosed in this specification is

thus a single (fully integrated) system that combines both

technologies (belt conveyor and screw auger) into one single

integral apparatus or machine. The belted drive-over hopper

dumps the grain onto the flighting to be carried upwardly by

the auger. The belt hopper is powered by a hydraulic motor

that may receive its power supply from the hydraulic output of

a tractor or other equivalent source. The rotational power is

supplied from the power takeoff (PTO) output of the tractor.

Therefore, all the flighting is powered from the PTO and the

belt is powered hydraulically. The two separate power systems

both originate from the same source (which is usually a

tractor).

[0057] One novel aspect of the invention is that the belted

drive-over hopper is attached to the auger (i.e. swing tube of

a regular rotary screw auger). Therefore, the apparatus is

one single unit that can be transported in one piece. Prior

art drive-over hoppers are separate units that unload into the

main auger.

[0058] A tremendous benefit of having a belted system that

attaches directly to the main auger is that the system can be

transported as one single piece of equipment. It can be

deployed with ease when setting up at a bin site for

unloading. The drive-over portion can remain flat on the

ground and the auger transition will pivot about the belted

hopper when raising or lowering the auger.

[0059]This conveyor system has a low profile drive-over hopper

that is attached to the main auger in order to constitute a

single (integral) piece of equipment. Westfield Industries, a

division of Ag Growth International, currently has a drive

over hopper designed with flighting. The flighting requires a

minimum height and therefore the ramps have to be longer to

enable the truck to drive over the top of the structure

enclosing the flighting. The present design is much less

bulky, lighter and easier to move around. This low-profile

drive-over belted hopper is small and light enough to

transport with the auger. Because of the belted conveyor, the

hopper in this illustrated embodiment is only 4-2" (11.4 cm) in

height. This compact design (low height) means that the ramps

leading to the hopper are substantially smaller and lighter

than in the prior art. The deck height of the Brandt conveyor

mentioned above is 5 %" (14.6 cm) which is 1 '-4" (3.2 cm)

higher than the present design. This means that the ramps

would have to be extended out further making the whole unit

wider and heavier and would not be able to be attached to the

auger as one unit. The Batco conveyor is also much bigger and

heavier than the present design and would also not be

attachable to an auger as a single unit. The PitStop has a 7

-" (19 cm) clearance height and is 8' (2.5 m) wide which is

much larger than the present design.

[0060] The inventors have moreover recognized that a

further technical hurdle arises in designing a means for attaching a belted hopper to a screw auger to have a single integrated apparatus or machine. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the belt utilizes rollers in an S-configuration in order to transition the belt from a substantially horizontal position to an incline in order unload the product (e.g.

grain) into the new transition from above. The new auger

transition provides a pivot point (denoted by reference

numeral 31 in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6) to which the belted hopper is

connected so that, when the auger is raised, the flighting and

belt remain in close contact to minimize wasted product (i.e.

product that does not transfer from the belt portion to the

auger swing tube).

[0061]The drive-over concept is designed to decrease the amount

of time it takes to unload product from the truck/trailer,

which is crucial in the grain industry. With the increasing

popularity of trailers with underside discharge chutes (e.g.

Wilson Trailer Company Pacesetter Super-B), the main slowdown

is lining up each trailer with the hopper. The drive-over

concept allows the hopper to be positioned permanently for

each bin and the truckers do not have to worry about moving

the hopper under the truck each time they come to unload.

[0062] The belted drive-over hopper provides a compact,

lightweight and low profile design that is conducive for

trucks driving over the hopper (without being too bulky or

heavy for transport).

[0063] This new concept of transferring grain from the belt

conveyor to the auger as a single mechanical system employs

two newly designed components that attach to the auger's swing

tube. As depicted in FIG. 11, these are the belted hopper 20

and the transition section 30 (or transition box or simply

"transition").

[0064] As mentioned above with respect to FIG. 8 and FIG.

9, the belted hopper 20 has two different configurations.

FIG. 8 shows by way of example the hopper in the auger

position or unloading position with the ramp 24 deployed and

caster wheels 36 raised. In the unloading configuration, the

ramp 24 has to be lowered for a truck to drive over the hopper

20. To move or drive/reposition the conveyor to a new

location, the end ramp must be folded up and the caster wheels

locked down. The drive wheel 60 may then be re-attached for

the drive configuration shown by way of example in FIG. 9. It

is also then ready for transport by utilizing the hydraulic

drive wheel to power the system to its transport position.

[0065]FIG. 13 depicts a conveyor system 10 that has been folded

into the transport position. In the transport position, the

hopper 20 folds underneath the auger 40. As shown in this

figure, the conveyor system 10 is light enough and compact

enough to be towed by a pickup truck.

[0066] OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0067]The inventive concepts disclosed herein may be applied to

other material-handling systems. Materials may include other

agricultural products, like seeds, fertilizer, or other such

bulk materials, or may include other products or substances in

other industrial applications. The belted conveyor disclosed

in the illustrated embodiment may be replaced with a low

profile drive-over auger or the auger may be replaced with

replaced with a belted conveyor. Thus, the conveyor system

may be belt-belt, belt-auger (as illustrated), auger-belt or

auger-auger. Therefore, in broad terms, a material-handling

system includes a first conveyor for receiving and conveying

material, the first conveyor having a geometry adapted for

driving over, a transition section pivotally connected at an

upstream end to the first conveyor, and a second conveyor secured at a downstream end of the transition section, wherein a downstream end of the first conveyor is disposed above an upstream end of the second conveyor to enable material to fall from the first conveyor onto the second conveyor. The first conveyor may optionally be pivoted about a substantially vertical axis relative to the transition section to fold 180 degrees relative to the transition section and the second conveyor. Optionally, the system includes a height-adjustable caster wheel mounted to the transition section. Optionally, the system includes a single detachable hydraulic drive wheel that is only attachable to the system when the ramp is folded onto the hopper for transport. Optionally, the system includes a foldable ramp that pivotally unfolds to provide an inclined ramp surface and pivotally folds onto the first conveyor for transport.

[0068]The main implementation of the material-handling system

is the illustrated embodiment disclosed above which the first

conveyor is a belted conveyor whereas the second conveyor is

an auger. In one specific embodiment, the belted conveyor is

operable at an angle of up to 25 degrees from a horizontal

plane whereas the auger is operable at an angle of up to 45

degrees from the horizontal plane. In that illustrated

embodiment, and as described above, the first conveyor has a

belt travel path that defines an S-shaped path followed by an

inclined path to elevate the material relative to a lower

portion of a flighting of the auger and to dump the material

onto the lower portion of the flighting of the auger. The

system may also fold into a transportable position by folding

the first conveyor underneath the second conveyor. In other

words, the system folds as a single integrated unit for

transport.

[0069] METHOD

[0070] The novel conveyor system also enables a novel method of unloading and conveying grain or other material. For

unloading grain, this method entails driving a grain truck

over a drive-over hopper, receiving grain from the truck into

the drive-over hopper and conveying the grain using a belted

conveyor to a transition section pivotally connected at an

upstream end to the drive-over hopper and mounted at a

downstream end to an auger. The transition section elevates

and dumps the grain onto the auger for conveying by the auger.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises pivotally

unfolding a ramp to provide an inclined ramp surface for the

truck to drive over the drive-over hopper and, after unloading

is complete, pivotally folding the ramp onto the hopper for

transport. In one embodiment, the method further comprises

attaching a single detachable hydraulic drive wheel that is

only attachable when the ramp has been folded onto the hopper

for transport. In one embodiment, the method further comprises

unfolding the drive-over hopper 180 degrees relative to the

transition section for unloading and then, after unloading is

complete, folding the drive-over hopper 180 degrees relative

to the transition section for transport. As noted above, in

other variations, the folding angle may be greater or less

than 180 degrees. An analogous method may be performed for

unloading other material, substances or products with similar

or analogous physical characteristics.

[0071] The embodiments of the invention described above are

intended to be exemplary only. As will be appreciated by

those of ordinary skill in the art, to whom this specification

is addressed, many obvious variations, modifications, and

refinements can be made to the embodiments presented herein

without departing from the inventive concept(s) disclosed

herein. The scope of the exclusive right sought by the applicant(s) is therefore intended to be limited solely by the appended claims.

[0072] A reference herein to a patent document or any other

matter identified as prior art, is not to be taken as an

admission that the document or other matter was known or that

the information it contains was part of the common general

knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

Claims (17)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A drive-over conveyor system comprising:

a drive-over hopper for receiving grain and having a belted

conveyor for conveying the grain such that the grain is conveyed

along a direction of conveyance;

a transition section at a downstream end of the drive-over

hopper wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the

transition section; and

a swing auger at a downstream end of the transition section,

wherein the belted conveyor extends in the transition section

to transfer the grain from the belted conveyor to the swing auger;

a drive motor disposed at the transition section to drive the

belted conveyor.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a drive wheel

connectable to the drive-over hopper to swing the drive-over hopper

and swing auger about a vertical axis.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the drive-over hopper is

pivotable relative to the transition section about a pivot axis

parallel to a vertical axis.

4. The system of claim 3 comprising a lockable pivot to enable the

hopper, when the lockable pivot is unlocked, to fold relative to the

transition section wherein the lockable pivot, when locked, maintains

the hopper aligned with the transition section.

5. The system of claim 2 wherein the drive wheel is a detachable

hydraulic drive wheel.

6. A drive-over conveyor system comprising:

a drive-over hopper having ramps enabling a vehicle to drive

over the hopper in a drive-over direction and to dump a bulk material

into the hopper, wherein the hopper includes a belted conveyor for conveying the bulk material along a direction of conveyance orthogonal to the drive-over direction; a swing auger downstream of the drive-over hopper; a transition section connecting the drive-over hopper to the swing auger wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the transition section; and a drive motor disposed at the transition section to drive the belted conveyor.

7. The system of claim 6 further comprising a drive wheel to swing

the drive-over hopper and swing auger about a vertical axis.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein the drive-over conveyor is

pivotable relative to the transition section about a pivot axis

parallel to a vertical axis.

9. The system of claim 6 comprising a lockable pivot to enable the

hopper, when the lockable pivot is unlocked, to fold relative to the

transition section and wherein the lockable pivot, when locked,

maintains the hopper aligned with the transition section.

10. The system of claim 7 wherein the drive wheel is a detachable

hydraulic drive wheel.

11. A drive-over conveyor system comprising:

a drive-over hopper for receiving grain and having a belted

conveyor for conveying the grain wherein the belted conveyor includes

a horizontal belt path defining a direction of conveyance;

a transition section at a downstream end of the drive-over

hopper wherein the belted conveyor is angled upwardly in the

transition section to define an inclined belt path that is angled

relative to the horizontal belt path;

a swing auger at a downstream end of the transition section,

wherein the belted conveyor transfers the grain from the inclined

belt path to the swing auger; a drive motor disposed at the transition section for driving the belted conveyer; and a drive wheel for driving the drive-over hopper.

12. The system of claim 11 further comprising a caster wheel

mounted to the transition section and wherein the drive wheel swings

the drive-over hopper and swing auger about a vertical axis.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the drive-over conveyor is

pivotable relative to the transition section about a pivot axis

parallel to a vertical axis.

14. The system of claim 13 comprising a lockable pivot to enable

the hopper, when the lockable pivot is unlocked, to fold relative to

the transition section wherein the lockable pivot, when locked,

maintains the hopper aligned with the transition section.

15. The system of any one of claims 11 to 14 wherein the drive

wheel is a detachable hydraulic drive wheel.

16. The system of any one of claim 1 to 5 wherein the belted

conveyor comprises an S-shaped path.

17. The system of any one of claim 1 to 5 wherein the belted

conveyor defines an S-shaped path at a junction of a flat portion of

the conveyor and an inclined portion of the belted conveyor.