CA1271442A - Grain elevator - Google Patents
Grain elevatorInfo
- Publication number
- CA1271442A CA1271442A CA000518778A CA518778A CA1271442A CA 1271442 A CA1271442 A CA 1271442A CA 000518778 A CA000518778 A CA 000518778A CA 518778 A CA518778 A CA 518778A CA 1271442 A CA1271442 A CA 1271442A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- secured
- material conveying
- actuating lever
- axis
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G41/00—Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames
- B65G41/007—Means for moving conveyor frames and control arrangements therefor
- B65G41/008—Means for moving conveyor frames and control arrangements therefor frames mounted on wheels or caterpillar
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A grain conveyor or elevator comprises an elongated conveyor tube having an intake end and a discharge end, a support extending transversely of the conveyor tube and being secured to the conveyor tube for supporting the conveyor tube, a wheel assembly at each end of the support means, each wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel, rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of the conveyor tube to enable the apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveyor tube, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to and intersects the plane of the tube adjacent the intake end of the conveyor tube whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantially parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatus may be moved transversely of the conveyor tube, a motor for rotatably driving each wheel assembly, the motor of each the assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each the motor having a drive shaft and a drive pinion mounted on the drive shaft, a ring gear coaxially secured to the wheel, and a chain trained about the pinion and the ring gear for transmitting power therebetween.
A grain conveyor or elevator comprises an elongated conveyor tube having an intake end and a discharge end, a support extending transversely of the conveyor tube and being secured to the conveyor tube for supporting the conveyor tube, a wheel assembly at each end of the support means, each wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel, rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of the conveyor tube to enable the apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveyor tube, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to and intersects the plane of the tube adjacent the intake end of the conveyor tube whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantially parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatus may be moved transversely of the conveyor tube, a motor for rotatably driving each wheel assembly, the motor of each the assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each the motor having a drive shaft and a drive pinion mounted on the drive shaft, a ring gear coaxially secured to the wheel, and a chain trained about the pinion and the ring gear for transmitting power therebetween.
Description
~2~
The present invention rel~tes to a self-propelled material handling conveyor and, more specifically, to a self-propelled grain conveyor or elevator.
UND_0F ~
Grain conveyors have been in use ~or several decades ~or charging and discharging storage bin~ and the like. Typically, they are comprised of an elongated, linear cylindrical conduit mounted on a support at an angle to the horizontal. An auger is rotatably mounted within and extends along substantially the entire length of the conduit for conveying grain from the lower intake end to the upper discharge end of the conduit. The support is provided with a pair of wheel assemhlies to allow the conveyor to be transported or relocated.
A problem which has plagued conventional grain auger users for many years relates to the difficulty and time required not only to relocate the conveyor but to relocate the discharge end of the conveyor while maintaining the intake end at a particular charging site. Various attempts have been made to both facilitate and expedite the storaye of bulk material such as grain, corn and the like in storage bins.
United States Patent No. 3,556,289 granted on January 19, 1971 to Wilton R. Erickson for "Pivoted Wheel Assembly for Conveyor" discloses a grain conveyor which i5 constructed with articulated wheel assemblies so that the conveyor can be selectively moved both longitudinally and transversely by manually adjusting the position~ of the wheel assemblies. While this apparatus was a considerable improvement over prior art conveyors, the task of adjustlng the position of the wheel assemblies and laterally displacing the apparatus was strenuous and relatively time consuming in itsel~.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved material conveying apparatus o~ the type described above which : - ' ' ' .
~2~l~
minimizes the effort and the time required to relocate the conveyor.
SU~ ARYQ F THE INVEN_ION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved bulk material conveying apparatus and, particularly, a grain conveyor or elevator which can be readily longitudinally and transversely relocated so as to thereby facilitate and expedite the charging of storage bins, transport vehicles and the like.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a material conveying apparatus, comprising an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end, support means extencling transversely of the conveying means and being secured to the conveying means ~or supporting the conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of the support means, each the wheel assembly having a ground 0ngaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of the conveying means to enable the apparatus ta be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveying means, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to the plane and intersects the plane adjacent the intake end of the conveying means whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantially parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatus may be moved transversely o~ the conveying means, means for rotatably clriving each the wheel assembly, the driving means including a motor associated with each the wheel assembly, the motor of each the assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each the motor having a drive shaft ancl a drive pinion mounted on the drive shaft, a rin~ gear ..
:
coaxially secured to the wheel, and a chain trained about the pinion and the ring for tran~mittlng power therebetween.
In acc~rda~ce with another a~pect of the lnvention, there is provided a ~teering mechanism for movin~ the wheels between the first, ~econd and third positions, the steerin~ mechanism compr.i6ing a steering arm ~ecured to each the wheel assembly and extending inwardly thereof, an actuating lever secured to the support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to the actuating lever and the steering arm of one of the wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to the actuating lever and the steering arm of the other of the wheel assemblies, the link means being secured to the actuating lever in such a manner that movement of the actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes the wheel as~emblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a material conveyin~ apparatus, comprising an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end, support means for supporting the conveying means, the support means including a transverse frame portion extending transversely of the discharge end of the conveying means and a longitudinal frame portion extending from the transverse portion toward the intake end of the conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of the transverse ~rame portion, each the wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat the wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axi~ of the conveying means to enable the apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveying means, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to the plane and intersects the plar-e ad~acent the intake end of the conve~in~ means whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantlally parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatu~ may be moved transversely of the conveying means, a ground engaging caster wheel assembly secured to and depending from the intake end of the longitudinal frame portion for supporting the intake end of the conveying means, and a linear actuator assembly extending between and secured to the intake end of the longitudinal frame and the conveying mean3 for selectively adju~ting the height of the intake end of the conveying means above ground level.
:
~IL2~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view the grain conveyor of the present lnvention;
FIGURES 2a, 2b and 2c are diagrammatic plan views of the grain conveyor of the present invention illustrating the rear ground engaglng wheels in three different po~ition~ enabling the conveyor to be moved in longitudinal, arcuate and lateral directions, respectively;
FIGURE 3 is a broken, partial cross-sectional view of a rear wheel assembly illustrating a wheel drive mechanism;
FIGURE 4 i6 a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic, plan view of the rear portlon of the support illustrating the mechanism for steering the rear ground engaging wheels of the conveyor;
FIGURES 6 and ~ are plan and side elevational views, respectively, of stop means for locating the rear ground engaging wheels in the positions illustrated in FIGURE 2b and 2c;
FI~URE a i5 an enlarged, broken perspective vlew of the conveyor showing a linear actuator extending between the intake end of the support and the intake ~nd of the conveyor; and FIGUR~ ~ is a diagrammatic side elevational view,.
partially in section, of the apparatus of FIGURE 8.
. ~ - . - , -~L2~
DETAILED DF.SCRIPTION OF A PREE'ERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the grain conveyor o~ the present invention, yener~lly designated by reference numeral 10, is oomprised of a conventional, elongated conveying means 12, in the form of a tubular conduit 14 in which a conventional auger (not ~hown) i5 disposed for conveying granular material, such as grain, corn and the like, from the lower intake end 16 of the conveyor to the upper discharge end 18 thereo~. The conduit is secured to support means 20, which includes a rear, transverse frame portion 22 and a forward, longitudinal frame portion 24, by means of a conventional scissors-type frame 26 extending ~rom the transverse frame to longitudinally spaced points of the conveyor as is well known in the art. Frame 26 is arranged to allow the discharge end of the conveyor to be raised and lowered by means of a conventional winch mechanism, not shown.
Wheel assemblies 30 and 32 are secured to each end of the transverse frame portion of the support means.
As explained more fully later, wheel assemblies 30 and 32 are both rotatably driven and articulated. A caster wheel 34 supports the forward end of longitudinal frame portion 24 of the support means.
A gas-powered engine 36 is secured to the support means for driving a hydraulic pump (not shown) which supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to hydraulic wheel assembly drive motors 38, a hydraulic steering cylinder 40 and a hydraulic cyllnder 42 which extends between the front end of the support means and the conveyor. The engine also drives an auger transmission 44 mounted atop the conveyor and drivingly connected to the auger in well known ~ashion.
With reference to FIGURES 2a, 2b and 2c, each wheel assembly 30 and 32 is provided with a ground engagin~
wheel 50, rotatable about a horizontal wheel axi~ 52, and is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 54 (see FIGUR~ 3) between fir~t, second and third positions ~71~
shown in FIGUR~S 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively~ In the first position, the wheel axes are substantially perpendicular to a vertlcal plane con-taining the conveyor axis. This enables the apparatus to be moved, by actlvatlon of hydraulic wheel motors 38, in a direction substantially parallelling the conv~yor axls when the wheels are driven in the same direction, as viewed from the side of the conveyor, or in an arc centered on the midpoint of the axle when the wheels are driven in opposite directions at the same rotational speed. In the second position, shown in FIGURE 2b, the wheel axes are disposed at an acute angle to the plane of the conveyor and intersect the plane of the conveyor adjacent the intake end of the conveyor so that the apparatus may be moved, by activating hydraulic wheel motors 38, in an arc centered on the intake end of the conveyor. In the third position, shown in FIGURE 2c, the wheel axes are substantially parallel to the conveyor axis so that the apparatu~ may be moved transversely of the conveyor by activating the wheel motors 38.
FIGURES 3 and A are views of wheel a~sembly 30.
Wheel assemblies 30 and 32 mirror images one another and, accordingly, while the following description of refers only to wheel assembly 30, it is equally applicable to assembly 32 except a~ otherwise specifically noted.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, rear transverse ~rame portion 22 is in the form of a linear length of square tubing havin~ an upright, tubular spindle nousing 60 secured by welding to each end thereof. ~ach wheel assembly is comprised of a wheel 50, as previously mentioned, a spindle carrier 61 having a spindle 62 and an axle 66 extending perpendicularly of the spindle, a hydraulic motor 38 having a drive shaft 84 on which i5 secured a drive pinion 82, a ring gear ~6 concentrically secured to wheel 50 by means of a plurality of angularly spaced .
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nut, bolt and sleeve assemblies generally designated by reference numeral 88, and a chain 87 trained about pinion ~2 ancl ring gear 86. A bore 64 in ~pindle housing 60 telescopically receives spindle 62 while a hearlng assembly 68, which is secured to wheel 50, receives axle 66. The spindle is formed with a shoulder 69 which bears against the underside of the spindle housing and thereby supports one end of transverse frame 22. Thus, axle 66 defines aforementioned horizontal axis 52 and bore 64 and spindle 62 define a~is 54 about which the wheel assembly articulates.
A bifurcated motor support bracket 70 is sandwiched between a bearing 72, which bears against the upper end 74 of spindle housing 60, and the underside of a nut 76 threaded onto the threaded free end 78 of spindle 62.
Bracket 70 is secured to the spindle so that articulation of the spindle results in articulation of the bracket and hydraulic motor 38 secured thereto.
Thus, pivotal movement of spindle 62 within bore 64 results in concurrent movement of wheel 50 and motor 38 about axis 54. A bifurcated bracket 80 extends from the motor housing and abuttingly engages opposed sides spindle housing 60 to prevent rotation of the motor housing about the motor axis. It will be seen that the above described arran~ement permits the wheels to be driven regardless of the angular di~position of the wheels with respect to the support.
The hydraulic circuitry (not shown) which supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to motors 38 is arranged so that the wheels may be driven in the same or opposite directions (as viewed from either side of the conveyor) in the position shown in FIGURE 2a and in opposlte directions in the position6 shown in FIGURE 2a, 2b and 2c. In addition, the circuitry is arranged to drive motors 38 at different speed~ to permit differential steering of the wheel assemblies when positioned in the first a~orementioned position and permit the at any 3L2~L~4;~
g --speed from a complete stop to as fast a5 normal walklng speed.
With reference to FIGURE5 5, 6 and ~, steering arms 90 and 92 are secured to spindle carriers 61 of wheel assembly 30 and 32, respectively, and extend forwardly toward the intake end of the convPyor. A first tie rod or link 94 extends between and is secured to the free end of steeriny arm 90 and one end 96 of an actuating lever 100. A second tie rod or link 98 extends between and i5 secured to the free end of steering arm 92 and the other end 102 of actuating lever 100. Actuating lever 100 is secured to the underside of transverse frame portion 22 by means of a pivot pin 104 for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis. A linear actuator 106, in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, is secured to actuating lever 100 and frame portion 22 for selectively moving the actuating lever and, therefore, the wheel assemblies to the desired one of the three positions mentioned earlier.
Stop means 110, illustrated in FI~URE 5 and 6 is provided to facilitate the positioning of the wheel assemblies in the second and third positions (FIGURES 2b and 2c) mentioned earlier. The stop means comprises an arm 112, which is secured by welding to the underside of transverse frame portion 22 adjacent actuating lever 100, and a hinge member 114 secured to the end o~ the arm by a hinge pin 116. Hinge member 114 is provided with a first ad~ustable stop 118 in the form of a bolt 119 threaded into the hinge member. Stop 118 is engageable, when properly positioned, with the edge 120 of actuating lever 100 and defines the second aforementioned position of the wheel assemblies. This stop is made adjustable so as to allow modification of the precise location of the second posltion for different lengths of conveyors. An edge portion 122 of the hinge member forms a second stop which is also abuttingly engageable with edge 120 of lever 100 to define the third aforementioned position of the wheel .. . . .
- ' ~' ~. ' .
, 4~
assemblies. An over-center spring 124 is secured to transverse frame 22 and hinge member 114 to Eacilltate manual positioning of the hinge member to one of it~ two positions.
When it is desired to position the wheel assemblies in the first position, hydraulic cylinder 106 i5 actuated by manipulatiny a suitable valve (not shown) so as to retract the cylinder piston rod to its e~treme position whereat the planes of the wheels are substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the conveyor. It will be understood that means (not shown) may be provided to lock the wheels in this position prevent the wheels from deviating therefrom during transport. When it is desired to move the conveyor in an arc about the intake end of the conveyor, hinge member 114 is moved the solid line position shown in FIGURE 6 and then the hydraulic cylinder is energized to extend its piston rod and thereby urge actuating lever 100 toward and against first stop 110. 5hould it be desired to locate the wheel assemblies in their respective third positions, the hinge member is moved to the phantom line position shown in FIGURE 6 and then the hydraulic cylinder i9 activated further so that the actuating lever is urged ayainst second stop 120.
As previously indicated, conventional conveyors are normally provided with a pair of support wheels 50 and the conveyor tube i8 balanced on the support frame in such a manner that the intake end of the conveyor is heavier than the discharge end so that the forward end assumes and normally remains in a lower position engaging the ground. When it is desired to move the conveyor, the operator must lift the ~orward end to maneuver the conveyor to the desired position. The 6 inch by 2~ foot auyers of yesteryear presented no problem to the average man but the augers now available may be 16 inche~ in diameter and 80 feet in length and tend to be too heavy for the averaye man. Thus, jacks and tractors are needed to move conv~ntional large ;'.' . ~ ' ~2~
auyers. Accordingly, the present invention also provldes an auxilia~y support frame or assembly 128 which is removably and ad~ustably secured to the main frame and conveyor tube for selectively supporting the ~orward end of the conveyor tube in such a manner that the support frame is movable between an inoperative position whereat the forward end of the tube rests on the ground in the conventional manner and an operative position whereat the forward end of the tube is supported solely by the auxiliary frame and the main ground engaging wheels so that all that the operator needs to do to move the conveyor is direct it to the desired position.
FIGURE 8 and 9 illustrate an auxiliary support assembly 128 which, while not limited thereto, is particularly intended for use in the movement of the large conveyors. The assembly includes aforementioned longitudinal support frame 24 which is in the form of a V-shaped ~rame made of xectangular tubular structural members 130 and 132. Caster wheel 34 is secured to the underside of the forward end of frame 24 by means of a vertical pin 134 and serves to support the frame in a manner explained hereinbelow. The rearward ends 136 of members 130 and 132 are parallel and received in and ad~ustably secured to tubular, longitudinal, forwardly extending extensions 138 formed on the front side of transverse frame 22. End portions 136 may be secured to extensions 138 by any suitable means including pins, nuts and bolts and the like. Thus, it will be seen that frame 24 is ad~ustably mounted on the front end or side of frame 22.
A linear actuator assembly 140 is comprised of a hydraulic cylinder 142 and a coaxial sleeve 144. The upper end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally secured to tube 14 by means of a bracket 146 comprised of two bracket halves held together by bolts 148. Bracket 146 provides longitudinal adjustability, along the tube, for the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder. The lower end . ~
of sleeve 144 is pivotally secured ~o the forward end of an arm 150 extending forwardly of frame portion 24 by means of a transverse pin 152 extendiny through aligned, transverse hole~ 154 in the sleeve. As best shown in FI~URE 9, arm 150 extends throuyh a longitudinal slot 156 formed on the rearward side of sleeve 144.
Sleeve 144 i8 provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse or radial apertures 160 arranged to receive pin means 162 secured to the free end of the piston rod 164 of hydraulic cylinder 142 to permit longitudinal adjustment, alon~ the sleeve, of the connection of the piston rod to the ~leeve. The upper end of the sleeve iæ formed with a longitudinal slot 166 to accommodate the usual fittings on the hydraulic cylinder.
The reason for adjustable clamp 146, the adjustable, the telescopic interconnection of frames ~2 and 22, and the adjustable positioning of the piston rod on the sleeve is to allow the auxiliary frame to be attached to virtually any grain auyer currently manufactured. Frame 22 itself may be made longitudinally telescopic to accommodate different widths of wheel spacing.
As previously mentioned, the auxiliary support frame i5 movable between two positions. In one position, the piston rod is fully retracted so that the intake end o~ the conveyor tube rests on the ground and caster wheel 34 is removed from the ground. This the conventional operative position of grain auyers. As the au~er is lifted on the discharge end of the conveyor, this relationship remains substantially the same regardless of the height o~ the discharge end o~ the conveyor. In the other position, the piston rod is extended until the caster wheel engages the ground and the intake end of the conveyor tube is removed from the ground so that conveyor is supported solely by caster wheel 34 and wheels 50. This allows the conveyor is be ~asily maneuvered either manually or under the power o~
hydraulic motor~ 38.
', ' . : , -, ' ' ,~ :
The present invention rel~tes to a self-propelled material handling conveyor and, more specifically, to a self-propelled grain conveyor or elevator.
UND_0F ~
Grain conveyors have been in use ~or several decades ~or charging and discharging storage bin~ and the like. Typically, they are comprised of an elongated, linear cylindrical conduit mounted on a support at an angle to the horizontal. An auger is rotatably mounted within and extends along substantially the entire length of the conduit for conveying grain from the lower intake end to the upper discharge end of the conduit. The support is provided with a pair of wheel assemhlies to allow the conveyor to be transported or relocated.
A problem which has plagued conventional grain auger users for many years relates to the difficulty and time required not only to relocate the conveyor but to relocate the discharge end of the conveyor while maintaining the intake end at a particular charging site. Various attempts have been made to both facilitate and expedite the storaye of bulk material such as grain, corn and the like in storage bins.
United States Patent No. 3,556,289 granted on January 19, 1971 to Wilton R. Erickson for "Pivoted Wheel Assembly for Conveyor" discloses a grain conveyor which i5 constructed with articulated wheel assemblies so that the conveyor can be selectively moved both longitudinally and transversely by manually adjusting the position~ of the wheel assemblies. While this apparatus was a considerable improvement over prior art conveyors, the task of adjustlng the position of the wheel assemblies and laterally displacing the apparatus was strenuous and relatively time consuming in itsel~.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved material conveying apparatus o~ the type described above which : - ' ' ' .
~2~l~
minimizes the effort and the time required to relocate the conveyor.
SU~ ARYQ F THE INVEN_ION
The present invention seeks to provide an improved bulk material conveying apparatus and, particularly, a grain conveyor or elevator which can be readily longitudinally and transversely relocated so as to thereby facilitate and expedite the charging of storage bins, transport vehicles and the like.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a material conveying apparatus, comprising an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end, support means extencling transversely of the conveying means and being secured to the conveying means ~or supporting the conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of the support means, each the wheel assembly having a ground 0ngaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of the conveying means to enable the apparatus ta be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveying means, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to the plane and intersects the plane adjacent the intake end of the conveying means whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantially parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatus may be moved transversely o~ the conveying means, means for rotatably clriving each the wheel assembly, the driving means including a motor associated with each the wheel assembly, the motor of each the assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each the motor having a drive shaft ancl a drive pinion mounted on the drive shaft, a rin~ gear ..
:
coaxially secured to the wheel, and a chain trained about the pinion and the ring for tran~mittlng power therebetween.
In acc~rda~ce with another a~pect of the lnvention, there is provided a ~teering mechanism for movin~ the wheels between the first, ~econd and third positions, the steerin~ mechanism compr.i6ing a steering arm ~ecured to each the wheel assembly and extending inwardly thereof, an actuating lever secured to the support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to the actuating lever and the steering arm of one of the wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to the actuating lever and the steering arm of the other of the wheel assemblies, the link means being secured to the actuating lever in such a manner that movement of the actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes the wheel as~emblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a material conveyin~ apparatus, comprising an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end, support means for supporting the conveying means, the support means including a transverse frame portion extending transversely of the discharge end of the conveying means and a longitudinal frame portion extending from the transverse portion toward the intake end of the conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of the transverse ~rame portion, each the wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat the wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axi~ of the conveying means to enable the apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling the conveying means, a second position whereat the wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to the plane and intersects the plar-e ad~acent the intake end of the conve~in~ means whereby the apparatus may be moved in an arc about the intake end, and a third position whereat the wheel axis is substantlally parallel to the conveyor means whereby the apparatu~ may be moved transversely of the conveying means, a ground engaging caster wheel assembly secured to and depending from the intake end of the longitudinal frame portion for supporting the intake end of the conveying means, and a linear actuator assembly extending between and secured to the intake end of the longitudinal frame and the conveying mean3 for selectively adju~ting the height of the intake end of the conveying means above ground level.
:
~IL2~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view the grain conveyor of the present lnvention;
FIGURES 2a, 2b and 2c are diagrammatic plan views of the grain conveyor of the present invention illustrating the rear ground engaglng wheels in three different po~ition~ enabling the conveyor to be moved in longitudinal, arcuate and lateral directions, respectively;
FIGURE 3 is a broken, partial cross-sectional view of a rear wheel assembly illustrating a wheel drive mechanism;
FIGURE 4 i6 a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;
FIGURE 5 is a diagrammatic, plan view of the rear portlon of the support illustrating the mechanism for steering the rear ground engaging wheels of the conveyor;
FIGURES 6 and ~ are plan and side elevational views, respectively, of stop means for locating the rear ground engaging wheels in the positions illustrated in FIGURE 2b and 2c;
FI~URE a i5 an enlarged, broken perspective vlew of the conveyor showing a linear actuator extending between the intake end of the support and the intake ~nd of the conveyor; and FIGUR~ ~ is a diagrammatic side elevational view,.
partially in section, of the apparatus of FIGURE 8.
. ~ - . - , -~L2~
DETAILED DF.SCRIPTION OF A PREE'ERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the grain conveyor o~ the present invention, yener~lly designated by reference numeral 10, is oomprised of a conventional, elongated conveying means 12, in the form of a tubular conduit 14 in which a conventional auger (not ~hown) i5 disposed for conveying granular material, such as grain, corn and the like, from the lower intake end 16 of the conveyor to the upper discharge end 18 thereo~. The conduit is secured to support means 20, which includes a rear, transverse frame portion 22 and a forward, longitudinal frame portion 24, by means of a conventional scissors-type frame 26 extending ~rom the transverse frame to longitudinally spaced points of the conveyor as is well known in the art. Frame 26 is arranged to allow the discharge end of the conveyor to be raised and lowered by means of a conventional winch mechanism, not shown.
Wheel assemblies 30 and 32 are secured to each end of the transverse frame portion of the support means.
As explained more fully later, wheel assemblies 30 and 32 are both rotatably driven and articulated. A caster wheel 34 supports the forward end of longitudinal frame portion 24 of the support means.
A gas-powered engine 36 is secured to the support means for driving a hydraulic pump (not shown) which supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to hydraulic wheel assembly drive motors 38, a hydraulic steering cylinder 40 and a hydraulic cyllnder 42 which extends between the front end of the support means and the conveyor. The engine also drives an auger transmission 44 mounted atop the conveyor and drivingly connected to the auger in well known ~ashion.
With reference to FIGURES 2a, 2b and 2c, each wheel assembly 30 and 32 is provided with a ground engagin~
wheel 50, rotatable about a horizontal wheel axi~ 52, and is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis 54 (see FIGUR~ 3) between fir~t, second and third positions ~71~
shown in FIGUR~S 2a, 2b and 2c, respectively~ In the first position, the wheel axes are substantially perpendicular to a vertlcal plane con-taining the conveyor axis. This enables the apparatus to be moved, by actlvatlon of hydraulic wheel motors 38, in a direction substantially parallelling the conv~yor axls when the wheels are driven in the same direction, as viewed from the side of the conveyor, or in an arc centered on the midpoint of the axle when the wheels are driven in opposite directions at the same rotational speed. In the second position, shown in FIGURE 2b, the wheel axes are disposed at an acute angle to the plane of the conveyor and intersect the plane of the conveyor adjacent the intake end of the conveyor so that the apparatus may be moved, by activating hydraulic wheel motors 38, in an arc centered on the intake end of the conveyor. In the third position, shown in FIGURE 2c, the wheel axes are substantially parallel to the conveyor axis so that the apparatu~ may be moved transversely of the conveyor by activating the wheel motors 38.
FIGURES 3 and A are views of wheel a~sembly 30.
Wheel assemblies 30 and 32 mirror images one another and, accordingly, while the following description of refers only to wheel assembly 30, it is equally applicable to assembly 32 except a~ otherwise specifically noted.
In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, rear transverse ~rame portion 22 is in the form of a linear length of square tubing havin~ an upright, tubular spindle nousing 60 secured by welding to each end thereof. ~ach wheel assembly is comprised of a wheel 50, as previously mentioned, a spindle carrier 61 having a spindle 62 and an axle 66 extending perpendicularly of the spindle, a hydraulic motor 38 having a drive shaft 84 on which i5 secured a drive pinion 82, a ring gear ~6 concentrically secured to wheel 50 by means of a plurality of angularly spaced .
', ' ' - ' ' ~ ' ' - -~L2~L~
nut, bolt and sleeve assemblies generally designated by reference numeral 88, and a chain 87 trained about pinion ~2 ancl ring gear 86. A bore 64 in ~pindle housing 60 telescopically receives spindle 62 while a hearlng assembly 68, which is secured to wheel 50, receives axle 66. The spindle is formed with a shoulder 69 which bears against the underside of the spindle housing and thereby supports one end of transverse frame 22. Thus, axle 66 defines aforementioned horizontal axis 52 and bore 64 and spindle 62 define a~is 54 about which the wheel assembly articulates.
A bifurcated motor support bracket 70 is sandwiched between a bearing 72, which bears against the upper end 74 of spindle housing 60, and the underside of a nut 76 threaded onto the threaded free end 78 of spindle 62.
Bracket 70 is secured to the spindle so that articulation of the spindle results in articulation of the bracket and hydraulic motor 38 secured thereto.
Thus, pivotal movement of spindle 62 within bore 64 results in concurrent movement of wheel 50 and motor 38 about axis 54. A bifurcated bracket 80 extends from the motor housing and abuttingly engages opposed sides spindle housing 60 to prevent rotation of the motor housing about the motor axis. It will be seen that the above described arran~ement permits the wheels to be driven regardless of the angular di~position of the wheels with respect to the support.
The hydraulic circuitry (not shown) which supplies pressurized hydraulic fluid to motors 38 is arranged so that the wheels may be driven in the same or opposite directions (as viewed from either side of the conveyor) in the position shown in FIGURE 2a and in opposlte directions in the position6 shown in FIGURE 2a, 2b and 2c. In addition, the circuitry is arranged to drive motors 38 at different speed~ to permit differential steering of the wheel assemblies when positioned in the first a~orementioned position and permit the at any 3L2~L~4;~
g --speed from a complete stop to as fast a5 normal walklng speed.
With reference to FIGURE5 5, 6 and ~, steering arms 90 and 92 are secured to spindle carriers 61 of wheel assembly 30 and 32, respectively, and extend forwardly toward the intake end of the convPyor. A first tie rod or link 94 extends between and is secured to the free end of steeriny arm 90 and one end 96 of an actuating lever 100. A second tie rod or link 98 extends between and i5 secured to the free end of steering arm 92 and the other end 102 of actuating lever 100. Actuating lever 100 is secured to the underside of transverse frame portion 22 by means of a pivot pin 104 for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis. A linear actuator 106, in the form of a hydraulic cylinder, is secured to actuating lever 100 and frame portion 22 for selectively moving the actuating lever and, therefore, the wheel assemblies to the desired one of the three positions mentioned earlier.
Stop means 110, illustrated in FI~URE 5 and 6 is provided to facilitate the positioning of the wheel assemblies in the second and third positions (FIGURES 2b and 2c) mentioned earlier. The stop means comprises an arm 112, which is secured by welding to the underside of transverse frame portion 22 adjacent actuating lever 100, and a hinge member 114 secured to the end o~ the arm by a hinge pin 116. Hinge member 114 is provided with a first ad~ustable stop 118 in the form of a bolt 119 threaded into the hinge member. Stop 118 is engageable, when properly positioned, with the edge 120 of actuating lever 100 and defines the second aforementioned position of the wheel assemblies. This stop is made adjustable so as to allow modification of the precise location of the second posltion for different lengths of conveyors. An edge portion 122 of the hinge member forms a second stop which is also abuttingly engageable with edge 120 of lever 100 to define the third aforementioned position of the wheel .. . . .
- ' ~' ~. ' .
, 4~
assemblies. An over-center spring 124 is secured to transverse frame 22 and hinge member 114 to Eacilltate manual positioning of the hinge member to one of it~ two positions.
When it is desired to position the wheel assemblies in the first position, hydraulic cylinder 106 i5 actuated by manipulatiny a suitable valve (not shown) so as to retract the cylinder piston rod to its e~treme position whereat the planes of the wheels are substantially parallel to the vertical plane of the conveyor. It will be understood that means (not shown) may be provided to lock the wheels in this position prevent the wheels from deviating therefrom during transport. When it is desired to move the conveyor in an arc about the intake end of the conveyor, hinge member 114 is moved the solid line position shown in FIGURE 6 and then the hydraulic cylinder is energized to extend its piston rod and thereby urge actuating lever 100 toward and against first stop 110. 5hould it be desired to locate the wheel assemblies in their respective third positions, the hinge member is moved to the phantom line position shown in FIGURE 6 and then the hydraulic cylinder i9 activated further so that the actuating lever is urged ayainst second stop 120.
As previously indicated, conventional conveyors are normally provided with a pair of support wheels 50 and the conveyor tube i8 balanced on the support frame in such a manner that the intake end of the conveyor is heavier than the discharge end so that the forward end assumes and normally remains in a lower position engaging the ground. When it is desired to move the conveyor, the operator must lift the ~orward end to maneuver the conveyor to the desired position. The 6 inch by 2~ foot auyers of yesteryear presented no problem to the average man but the augers now available may be 16 inche~ in diameter and 80 feet in length and tend to be too heavy for the averaye man. Thus, jacks and tractors are needed to move conv~ntional large ;'.' . ~ ' ~2~
auyers. Accordingly, the present invention also provldes an auxilia~y support frame or assembly 128 which is removably and ad~ustably secured to the main frame and conveyor tube for selectively supporting the ~orward end of the conveyor tube in such a manner that the support frame is movable between an inoperative position whereat the forward end of the tube rests on the ground in the conventional manner and an operative position whereat the forward end of the tube is supported solely by the auxiliary frame and the main ground engaging wheels so that all that the operator needs to do to move the conveyor is direct it to the desired position.
FIGURE 8 and 9 illustrate an auxiliary support assembly 128 which, while not limited thereto, is particularly intended for use in the movement of the large conveyors. The assembly includes aforementioned longitudinal support frame 24 which is in the form of a V-shaped ~rame made of xectangular tubular structural members 130 and 132. Caster wheel 34 is secured to the underside of the forward end of frame 24 by means of a vertical pin 134 and serves to support the frame in a manner explained hereinbelow. The rearward ends 136 of members 130 and 132 are parallel and received in and ad~ustably secured to tubular, longitudinal, forwardly extending extensions 138 formed on the front side of transverse frame 22. End portions 136 may be secured to extensions 138 by any suitable means including pins, nuts and bolts and the like. Thus, it will be seen that frame 24 is ad~ustably mounted on the front end or side of frame 22.
A linear actuator assembly 140 is comprised of a hydraulic cylinder 142 and a coaxial sleeve 144. The upper end of the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally secured to tube 14 by means of a bracket 146 comprised of two bracket halves held together by bolts 148. Bracket 146 provides longitudinal adjustability, along the tube, for the upper end of the hydraulic cylinder. The lower end . ~
of sleeve 144 is pivotally secured ~o the forward end of an arm 150 extending forwardly of frame portion 24 by means of a transverse pin 152 extendiny through aligned, transverse hole~ 154 in the sleeve. As best shown in FI~URE 9, arm 150 extends throuyh a longitudinal slot 156 formed on the rearward side of sleeve 144.
Sleeve 144 i8 provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse or radial apertures 160 arranged to receive pin means 162 secured to the free end of the piston rod 164 of hydraulic cylinder 142 to permit longitudinal adjustment, alon~ the sleeve, of the connection of the piston rod to the ~leeve. The upper end of the sleeve iæ formed with a longitudinal slot 166 to accommodate the usual fittings on the hydraulic cylinder.
The reason for adjustable clamp 146, the adjustable, the telescopic interconnection of frames ~2 and 22, and the adjustable positioning of the piston rod on the sleeve is to allow the auxiliary frame to be attached to virtually any grain auyer currently manufactured. Frame 22 itself may be made longitudinally telescopic to accommodate different widths of wheel spacing.
As previously mentioned, the auxiliary support frame i5 movable between two positions. In one position, the piston rod is fully retracted so that the intake end o~ the conveyor tube rests on the ground and caster wheel 34 is removed from the ground. This the conventional operative position of grain auyers. As the au~er is lifted on the discharge end of the conveyor, this relationship remains substantially the same regardless of the height o~ the discharge end o~ the conveyor. In the other position, the piston rod is extended until the caster wheel engages the ground and the intake end of the conveyor tube is removed from the ground so that conveyor is supported solely by caster wheel 34 and wheels 50. This allows the conveyor is be ~asily maneuvered either manually or under the power o~
hydraulic motor~ 38.
', ' . : , -, ' ' ,~ :
Claims (26)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A material conveying apparatus, comprising:
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means extending transversely of said conveying means and being secured to said conveying means for supporting said conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of said support means, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
means for rotatably driving each said wheel assembly, said driving means including a motor associated with each said wheel assembly, said motor of each said assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each said motor having a drive shaft and a drive pinion mounted on said drive shaft, a ring gear coaxially secured to said wheel, and a chain trained about said pinion and said ring for transmitting power therebetween.
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means extending transversely of said conveying means and being secured to said conveying means for supporting said conveying means, a wheel assembly at each end of said support means, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
means for rotatably driving each said wheel assembly, said driving means including a motor associated with each said wheel assembly, said motor of each said assembly being mounted on its associated wheel assembly for pivotal movement therewith, each said motor having a drive shaft and a drive pinion mounted on said drive shaft, a ring gear coaxially secured to said wheel, and a chain trained about said pinion and said ring for transmitting power therebetween.
2. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 1, each said motor being a hydraulic motor.
3. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 1, each said wheel assembly further including a spindle carrier having an axle adapted to be received in a bearing assembly secured to its associated wheel and a spindle extending substantially perpendicularly of said axle and being received in a spindle housing secured to said support for pivotal movement therein about said assembly pivot axis.
4. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 3, said motor being secured to said spindle for pivotal movement therewith.
5. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 4, each said motor being a hydraulic motor.
6. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 3, each said spindle carrier having a steering arm extending therefrom, each said steering arm being secured to a steering mechanism for pivoting said carrier about said assembly pivot axis.
7. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 6, further including a steering mechanism for moving said wheels between said first, second and third positions, said steering mechanism comprising:
an actuating lever secured to said support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of one of said wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of the other of said wheel assemblies, said link means being secured to said actuating lever in such a manner that movement of said actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes said wheel assemblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
an actuating lever secured to said support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of one of said wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of the other of said wheel assemblies, said link means being secured to said actuating lever in such a manner that movement of said actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes said wheel assemblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
8. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 7, further including a linear actuator for pivoting said actuating lever about said lever pivot axis.
9. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 8, said linear actuator being a hydraulic cylinder.
10. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 7, further including selectively settable stop means for locating said steering assembly at each said position.
11. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 8, said stop means including arm means secured to said support having a first stop engageable with said actuating lever in a first position of said arms means for defining said second position of said wheel assemblies and a second stop engageable with said actuating lever in a second position of said arms means for defining said third position of said wheel assemblies.
12. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 11, said first stop being adjustable.
13. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 11, further including over-center spring means for urging said arm means towards either of said arm means first or second positions.
14. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 7, further including a hydraulic linear actuator for pivoting said actuating lever about said lever pivot axis, selectively settable stop means for locating said steering assembly at each said position, said stop means including arm means secured to said support and having a first stop engageable with said actuating lever in a first position of said arms means for defining said second position of said wheel assemblies and a second stop engageable with said actuating lever in a second position of said arms means for defining said third position of said wheel assemblies, said first stop being adjustable, and over-center spring means for urging said arm means towards either of said arm means first or second positions.
15. A material conveying apparatus, comprising:
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means extending transversely of said conveying means and being secured to said conveying means for supporting said conveying means;
a wheel assembly at each end of said support means, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
a steering mechanism for moving said wheels between said first, second and third positions, said steering mechanism comprising:
a steering arm secured to each said wheel assembly and extending inwardly thereof, an actuating lever secured to said support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of one of said wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of the other of said wheel assemblies, said link means being secured to said actuating lever in such a manner that movement of said actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes said wheel assemblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means extending transversely of said conveying means and being secured to said conveying means for supporting said conveying means;
a wheel assembly at each end of said support means, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
a steering mechanism for moving said wheels between said first, second and third positions, said steering mechanism comprising:
a steering arm secured to each said wheel assembly and extending inwardly thereof, an actuating lever secured to said support means for pivotal movement about a vertical pivot axis, first link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of one of said wheel assemblies, second link means extending between and secured to said actuating lever and said steering arm of the other of said wheel assemblies, said link means being secured to said actuating lever in such a manner that movement of said actuating lever in either direction about its pivot axis causes said wheel assemblies to pivot in opposite directions with respect to one another.
16. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 15, further including a linear actuator for pivoting said actuating lever about said lever pivot axis.
17. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 16, said linear actuator being a hydraulic cylinder.
18. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 16, further including selectively settable stop means for locating said steering assembly at each said position.
19. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 16, said stop means including arm means secured to said support having a first stop engageable with said actuating lever in a first position of said arms means for defining said second position of said wheel assemblies and a second stop engageable with said actuating lever in a second position of said arms means for defining said third position of said wheel assemblies.
20. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 19, said first stop being adjustable.
21. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 19, further including over-center spring means for urging said arm means towards either of said arm means first or second positions.
22. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 15, further including a hydraulic linear actuator for pivoting said actuating lever about said lever pivot axis, selectively settable stop means for locating said steering assembly at each said position, said stop means including arm means secured to said support and having a first stop engageable with said actuating lever in a first position of said arms means for defining said second position of said wheel assemblies and a second stop engageable with said actuating lever in a second position of said arms means for defining said third position of said wheel assemblies, said first stop being adjustable, and over-center spring means for urging said arm means towards either of said arm means first or second positions.
23. A material conveying apparatus, comprising:
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means for supporting said conveying means, said support means including a transverse frame portion extending transversely of the discharge end of said conveying means and a longitudinal frame portion extending from said transverse portion toward said intake end of said conveying means;
a wheel assembly at each end of said transverse frame portion, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat said wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
a ground engaging caster wheel assembly secured to and depending from the intake end of said longitudinal frame portion for supporting the intake end of said conveying means; and a linear actuator assembly extending between and secured to said intake end of said longitudinal frame and said conveying means for selectively adjusting the height of said intake end of said conveying means above ground level.
an elongated material conveying means having an intake end and a discharge end;
support means for supporting said conveying means, said support means including a transverse frame portion extending transversely of the discharge end of said conveying means and a longitudinal frame portion extending from said transverse portion toward said intake end of said conveying means;
a wheel assembly at each end of said transverse frame portion, each said wheel assembly having a ground engaging wheel rotatable about a horizontal wheel axis, and being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis between a first position whereat said wheel axis is substantially perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the conveying axis of said conveying means to enable said apparatus to be moved in a direction substantially parallelling said conveying means, a second position whereat said wheel axis is disposed at an acute angle to said plane and intersects said plane adjacent said intake end of said conveying means whereby said apparatus may be moved in an arc about said intake end, and a third position whereat said wheel axis is substantially parallel to said conveyor means whereby said apparatus may be moved transversely of said conveying means;
a ground engaging caster wheel assembly secured to and depending from the intake end of said longitudinal frame portion for supporting the intake end of said conveying means; and a linear actuator assembly extending between and secured to said intake end of said longitudinal frame and said conveying means for selectively adjusting the height of said intake end of said conveying means above ground level.
24. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 23, said linear actuator including a sleeve member having one end secured to said longitudinal frame portion, a linear actuator having one end secured to said conveying means and another end telescopically received in and secured to said sleeve.
25. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 24, said sleeve member including adjustment means for longitudinally adjusting the connection between said linear actuator and said sleeve member.
26. A material conveying apparatus as defined in claim 25, said linear actuator being a hydraulic cylinder.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000518778A CA1271442A (en) | 1986-09-22 | 1986-09-22 | Grain elevator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000518778A CA1271442A (en) | 1986-09-22 | 1986-09-22 | Grain elevator |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1271442A true CA1271442A (en) | 1990-07-10 |
Family
ID=4133989
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000518778A Expired CA1271442A (en) | 1986-09-22 | 1986-09-22 | Grain elevator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1271442A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5515961A (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1996-05-14 | Superior Industries, Inc. | Portable radial stacking conveyor |
| US5833043A (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1998-11-10 | Superior Equipment Division Superior Industries, Inc. | Portable radial stacking conveyer |
| WO2012076286A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2012-06-14 | Donosvasa S.A. | Grain transporter machine |
-
1986
- 1986-09-22 CA CA000518778A patent/CA1271442A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5515961A (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1996-05-14 | Superior Industries, Inc. | Portable radial stacking conveyor |
| US5833043A (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1998-11-10 | Superior Equipment Division Superior Industries, Inc. | Portable radial stacking conveyer |
| WO2012076286A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2012-06-14 | Donosvasa S.A. | Grain transporter machine |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |