AU746741B2

AU746741B2 - Agricultural hopper

Info

Publication number: AU746741B2
Application number: AU32460/97A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cameron Dwight Bodie; Russel J. Memory; Montgomerie B Summach
Original assignee: Flexi Coil Ltd
Current assignee: CNH Industrial Canada Ltd
Priority date: 1997-08-04
Filing date: 1997-08-04
Publication date: 2002-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2017-08-04
Also published as: AU3246097A

Description

This invention relates generally to agricultural hoppers and more particularly to agricultural hoppers of the type having separate compartments for two different materials such as seed and fertiliser.

Grain drills, seeders and other types of implements often include a hopper having two or more separate compartments for containing two or more materials such as seed graining and fertiliser. Such hoppers are commonly fabricated by welding and/or bolting sheet metal panels in a tank configuration. This sheet metal construction is expensive and is susceptible to corrosion.

An improvement in these prior art metal compartments is disclosed in United States Patent number 4,541,549 in the name of Hadley et al. issued September 17, 1985.

Hadley et al. disclose two moulded cross-linked stackable polyethylene tanks nested 15 together carried by a frame. Although this hopper structure may serve its intended purpose, tests have shown that a structure of this type may not be sufficient to withstand e certain pressures and loads. For example, in certain instances it may be necessary to Spressurise and load one tank when the adjacent tank is empty and unpressurized.

In these instances, the aforementioned tank may not be sufficient.

It is therefore an object of the invention, to provide a tank arrangement that is more S. suitable to various pressures and loads therewithin.

So It is a further object of the invention, to provide a convenient method and structure for 25 supplying pressure within the tank.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided, a hopper structure for containing a fluid or product, a hopper structure for containing a fluid or product including: a first moulded container having an outer end wall, an opposite inner end including two spaced apart concave portions separated by a key portion defining a predetermined distance between said spaced apart concave portions, and side walls connecting the outer end wall and the opposite inner end; a second moulded container having an end wall, an opposite inner end including two spaced apart convex portions separated by a predetermined distance, the convex portions being complementary with the concave portions of the first moulded container, D TIME 8, FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIME 8. FEB. 16:26 VI V VI I V v I L e g.

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0 0 3 and side walls connecting the outer end wall and the opposite inner end of said second moulded container; and a ladder disposed within said first container between said two spaced apart concave portions to provide support to said key portion between said spaced apart concave portions, said ladder including vertical members and horizontal members, at least one of said vertical members serving as a conduit for carrying a fluid into said first container.

In accordance with the invention there is further provided a hopper structure for containing a fluid or product, including; A multi-compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: a first container having a first side formed in a convex configuration to be complementary with a second container having a mating side formed in a concave configuration, said first side having a first convex lobe, a second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented convex key portion separating said first and second convex lobes, and said second side having a first concave lobe complimentary to said first convex lobe, a second concave lobe complimentary with said second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented concave key portion registrable with said convex key portion and separating said first and second concave lobes.

In accordance with the invention there is yet further provided a hopper structure for containing a fluid or product including:a multi- compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: a first container having a first side formed in a convex configuration having a first convex lobe, a second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented convex key portion separating said first and second convex lobes; and a second container having a mating side formed in a concave configuration complimentary of said first side of said first container to be interlocking therewith, said mating side having a first concave lobe complimentary to said first convex lobe, a second concave lobe complimentary with said second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented concave key portion registrable with said convex key portion and separating said first and second concave lobes, each of said key portions being formed with a smoothly curved surface, each of said lobes being formed with a plurality of planar surface segments arranged in a generally vertically curved configuration.

RECEIVED TIME 8. FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIME F 16 91 In accordance with the invention there is still further provided a hopper structure for containing a fluid or product including a multi-compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: a first moulded container having an outer surface and an interior convex m ting wall including two spaced apart convex lobes separated by a convex central rib defining a generally vertically curved mating surface; a second moulded container having an outer surface and an interior concave mating wall including two spaced apart concave lobes separated by a concave central rib defining a generally vertically curved mating surface, said concave mating wall being formed to nest with said convex mating wall of said first container; and a ladder disposed within said second container between said concave lobes to be registrable with said concave central rib.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in conjunction with the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an air cart tank in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 a is a top view of a first tank; Figure 2b is an end view of the first tank; 0@@O

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@0O5 0 5 S Figure 2c is a front elevation of the first tank; Figure 2d is a side elevation of the first tank; Figure 3a is a top view of a second tank; Figure 3b is an end view of the second tank; Figure 3c is a front elevation of the second tank; Figure 3d is a side elevation of the second tank; Figure 4a is a top view of a third tank; 0* S *0 Figure 4b is an end view of the third tank; Figure 4c is a front elevation of the third tank; and, Figure 4d is a side elevation of the third tank.

DETAILED

DESCRIPTION

Referring now to Figure 1 a three tank arrangement is shown, wherein plastic moulded tanks 1.0, 20, and 30 are nested. The tanks being pressurizable, wherein different EIVED TIME 8. FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIV 8J FB, 16:?5 'VI V V IIV V I pressures could be applied to different tanks, or wherein the tanks were of varying degrees of fullness. For example, fertiliser operation may be higher in one rank and a higher product flow than Canola. These tanks provide for a 40/60 split in a two-tank system or between two of the three tanks. Of course other ratios can be provided by varying the tanks sizes. As is shown in the figure, the lids are close together and the bottoms are close together, taking up little space.

Turning now to Figures 2a through 2d, the first tank 10 is shown having two segmented wing portions 25 and 27, separated by a curved key portion 30, having a curved face 32 and side portions 34. The curved key mating surface is less deep than the profile of the wings. The curved key shape is deigned to allow clear access from the manway. At an upper end two protruding portions 40 are shown for accommodating top ends of a ladder inside the tank substantially following the curvature of the face 32. The ladder serves as a means of preventing buckling of the segmented wing portions 25 and 27 when under load 15 from complementary convex wings 35 and 37 in the tank o: Turning now to Figures 3a to 3d the tank 20 is shown in a plurality of views. The wings and 37 are comprised of flat triangular segments or planar segmented domes to provide sufficient strength; each segmented surface being in planar tension when the tank is pressurised, i.e. the stresses in the wall segment are distributed along the plane of the segment in tension.

*0 00* Each tank is designed to be able to withstand loading on its own. If this were not the case, the tanks would be prone to pushing away from one another under load, making it difficult 25 to contain them within a frame.

A ladder 50 (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 3d) is removably placed within the tank go °The ladder fits up into protrusions 40 or ladder pockets and follows the curved key curvature but doesn't go outside the boundary of the wings. In the absence of the ladder under extreme pressure the structure would invert, wherein the wings would buckle in; the presence of the ladder 50 serves to prevent crushing or collapsing inward. The width of the ladder 50 is approximately the same as the width of the curved key section with the ladder touching the sides 34. Tests have shown that at times the wings do put pressure upon the ladder. However, the curved key 32, 34 serving as a rib, on its own aids to prevent substantial buckling and provides extra stiffness.

RECEIVED TIME 8. FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIME 8, F F 16 2 At the bottom of the tank(s) accommodating the ladder(s) is a structure (not shown) that the ladder sits on. To install the ladder it is lifted up into the pockets and is dropped down, providing a no-bolt removable installation. The pressurisation air for the tank is fed from below into one or both of the upright ladder sides that serve as conduits. The upper end has openings to allow the pressurised air to escape into the tank. As well the ladder serves as a means of venting the tank in the area of the pockets 40. This arrangement also prevents product within the tank from entering the ladder sides serving as the conduit.

Furthermore, this method and apparatus for venting and providing pressure obviates providing additional tubing typically done.

Although the two end tanks 10 and 30 appear to be of the same size, it is sometimes required for the tanks to have different storage capacities. By doming one tank into another, the internal tank dimensions can be varied without changing the outer dimensions of the thanks. Doming one tank into another allows one tank to borrow space from an 15 adjacent one.

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0000 0e@ 0 *o 5 6 Of course numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Multiple tanks may be tied together with a catwalk frame as well as the frame of the cart.

A metal ring is bolted to the hatch rim of each tank, which is in turn, tied to the catwalk frame.

The tanks may be symmetrical about the longitudinal centre line.

Preferably, the tank walls are stiffer at bends than along curved surfaces.

RECEIVED TIME 8, FEB. 16 :12 PRINT TIME R. FFR

Claims

1. A hopper structure for containing a fluid or product including: a first molded container having an outer end wall, an opposite inner end including two spaced apart concave portions separated by a key portion defining a predetermined distance between said spaced apart concave portions, and side walls connecting the outer end wall and the opposite inner end; a second molded container having an end wall, an opposite inner end including two spaced apart convex portions separated by a predetermined distance, the convex portions being complementary with the concave portions of the first molded container, and side walls connecting the outer end wall and the opposite inner end of said second molded container; and a ladder disposed within said first container between said two spaced apart concave portions to provide support to said key portion between said spaced apart concave 15 portions, said ladder including vertical members and horizontal members, at least one of said vertical members serving as a conduit for carrying a fluid into said first container. *S

2. The hopper of claim 1 wherein said at least one vertical member is coupled to a m eans for providing a fluid supply.

3. The hopper of claim 2 wherein said fluid is air for pressurizing said first container. o.

4. A multi-compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: a first container having a first side formed in a convex configuration to be 25 complementary with a second container having a mating side formed in a concave configuration, said first side having a first convex lobe, a second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented convex key portion separating said first and second convex lobes, and said second side having a first concave lobe complimentary to said first convex 3C lobe, a second concave lobe complimentary with said second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented concave key portion registrable with said convex key portion and separating said first and second concave lobes. The multi-compartment tank of claim 4 wherein said convex key portion defines a recess between said first and second convex lobes, such that said first and second convex lobes project outwardly from said first container more than said convex key portion.

RECEIVED TIME 8, HR.~ 16: 12 PRINT TIMP 8. FFR 16 9j VI v vil dv IL 8

6. The multi-compartment tank of claim 5 wherein said convex key portion has a smooth curved surface, each of said convex lobes having a plurality of planar surface segments forming a convex configuration.

7. The multi-compartment tank of claim 6 further including: a third container having a third and fourth concave lobes with a second generally vertical concave key portion separating said third and fourth concave lobes; and said second container including a first wall defining said mating side and having said first and second concave lobes and said concave key portion formed thereon and an opposing second wall formed with third and fourth convex lobes complimentary to said third and fourth concave lobes and with a second convex key portion separating said third and fourth convex lobes, said second convex key portion being complimentary to said second concave key portion.

8. The multi-compartment tank of claim 7 wherein each of said key portions is fomled with said smoothly curved surface, each of said lobes being formed with said planar surface segments arranged in a generally curved configuration.

9. The multi-compartment tank of claim 8 wherein said containers are supported by a frame surrounding said containers. S 0 gee. 0S C S. 0 *5*S S6 0 S* &0 0 *0 0000 00 C. 25

10. The multi-compartment tank of claim 8 wherein said second container is provided with a ladder mounted to said concave key portion to increase stiffness thereof during loading.

S I 1. A multi-compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: a first container having a first side formed in a convex configuration having a first convex lobe, a second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented convex key portion separating said first and second convex lobes; and a second container having a mating side formed in a concave configuration complimentary of said first side of said first container to be interlocking therewith, said mating side having a first concave lobe complimentary to said first convex lobe, a second concave lobe complimentary with said second convex lobe, and a generally vertically oriented concave key portion registrable with said convex key portion and separating said first and second concave lobes, RECEIVED TIME 8. FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIVF P UP 16-95 each of said key portions being formed with a smoothly curved surface, each of said lobes being formed with a plurality of planar surface segments arranged in a generally vertically curved configuration.

12. The multi-compartment tank of claim 11 wherein said first and second convex lobes projecting outwardly from said first container further than said convex key portion such that said convex key portion forms a recess between said first and second convex lobes.

13. The multi-compartment tank of claim 12 further including: a third container having a third and fourth concave lobes with a second generally vertical concave key portion separating said third and fourth concave lobes; and said second container including a first wall defining said mating side and having said first and second concave lobes and said concave key portion formed thereon and an opposing second wall formed with third and fourth convex lobes conmplimentary to said third and fourth concave lobes and with a second convex key portion separating said third and fourth convex lobes, said second convex key portion being complimentary to said second concave key portion.

14. The multi-compartment tank of claim 13 wherein each of said key portions is formed with said smoothly curved surface, each of said lobes being formed with said planar surface segments arranged in a generally curved configuration. C e g. 0* 0 S C 0S*O 6O 0 C 5 0* S 0 00 S. 0 25 0 0 S C

15. The multi-compartment tank of claim 14 wherein each of said second and third containers is provided with a ladder mounted to said concave key portion to increase stiffness thereof during loading.

16. The multi-compartment tank of claim 15 wherein said ladder includes vertical members and horizontal members, at least one of said vertical members serving as a conduit for carrying air into the corresponding said container.

17. The multi-compartment tank of claim 14 wherein said containers are supported by a frame surrounding said containers.

18. A multi-compartment tank for an agricultural implement including: EIVED TIME 8. FEB. 16:12 PRINT TIME 8. FF. 16:95 VUI V VTIVJVTL a first molded container having an outer surface and an interior convex mating wall including two spaced apart convex lobes separated by a convex central rib defining a generally vertically curved mating surface; a second molded container having an outer surface and an interior concave mating wall including two spaced apart concave lobes separated by a concave central rib defining a generally vertically curved mating surface, said concave mating wall being formed to nest with said convex mating wall of said first container; and a ladder disposed within said second container between said concave lobes to be registrable with said concave central rib.

19. The multi-compartment tank of claim 18 wherein said ladder includes vertical members and horizontal members, said vertical members being received within upwardly protruding members formed in an upper surface of said second container to fix said ladder against said concave central rib to provide support thereto to resist inward buckling of said 15 concave mating wall.

20. The multi-compartment tank of claim 19 wherein at least one said vertical member serves as a conduit for carrying a gas into said second container for pressurizing said second container.

21. A multi-compartment tank substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. OS.. 5 0 0O*O S. 0 55 5 @050 0 *065 0e S 5 S 0 *OeS 0 S. S S S *0 O S S DATED this 8th day of February 2002 FLEXI-COIL LTD By their Patent Attorneys A.P.T. Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys IVED TIME 8JEB. 16:12 PRINT TIME R FFP 1 .9F