CA1316351C - Germination floor system - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A germination floor system for a malt plant having a plurality of pivotally mounted tray assemblies movable between a horizontal position for supporting grain during germination and an approximate upright orientation to provide access beneath the floor for cleaning. The tray assemblies are capable of being manually movable to the cleaning positon or, alternatively, may be fitted with a pneumatic cylinder and/or spring devices to facilitate movement. In the vertical cleaning position, the individual tray assemblies are fixed in position to prevent injury to personnel beneath the structure.

Description

3 ~ 1 GERMI_TION FLOOR SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention rela~es in general to the malting industry and, in particular, to germination floor systems used in malt plants.
More specifically, bu~ without restriction to the particular use which is shown and described, this invention relates to germination floor assemblies having pivotally mounted tray assemblies movable between a horizontal grain germination position to an approximate upright orientatior.
0 to provide access for cleaning. The pivotally mounted tray assemblies of the invention may either manua]ly be moved between the ~oregoiny positions as desired or, alternatively, fitted with cooperationg power means and/or resilient means to aid in manip~laiton of the tray assemblies.
As is well known, beer is an alcoholic drink made from malt, hops, and other ingredients. Malt is derived from the conversion of barley in a long known process. First, the barley is placed on a germination floor and is subjected to a temperature of 68 degree F at 100% humidity for three days in a malt plant. While undergoing the germination process, the grain is periodically agitated~by turning machines in a well-kaown technique. A~ter germination, the malt is then moved to a kiln and is dried ~or approximately two days.
After undergoing drying, the malt is held in storage ~or up to several months for shipments to the brewery.

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After each batch of malt is processecl on the germination floor, it !is necessary to wash down the trays of the f]oor from the top,.and then underneath the system to remove accumulated off-fall material and prevent the formation of slime and other unsanitary con~amination conditions. In known constructions, the traditionally used germiantion floor inc~udes a pair of permanent trays on eactl side of the compartment and extends approximately 60-1~0 feet, depending ~n the size of the compartmen~.
Either two or three rows of removable trays are located down the center o the compartment, and are laid on a multitude of supporting columns which, in most cases, are permanent.

For years, the cleaning process has required that the two or three rows of trays in the center be physically lifted up, propped against some object, such as the wall, and the area beneath the ~loor be manually cleaned with a strong chemical wash as required. The procedure is a slow, unskilled and physically demanding task subject to labor exhaustion and injury. In addition, the permanent ~rays along the side walls oE the germinatlon compartmen~ are particularly dif~icult and inaccessible to clean on the under-side of the floor, even with the center panels removed.
Because~of inaccessibility, it is a common practice that ~25 che work~crew does not clean beneath tlle permanen~ Lrays so that handEuls of contamina-ed slime can accrue. This incom-plete cleaning of trays has ].ong been a contention and concern of~the malt users, such as ~he beer brewers.

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SU~IM~RY Ol 'rllL ].NV~N'l'lON

It is therefore an object of the invention ~o pro-vide an improved germination floor system for use in the malting process.

Another object of the invention is to provide a germination floor system capable of tilting the entire floor to a position fully`exposed for easy and rapid cleaning.

A further object of the invention is to provide a gerMination floor system,capable of being moved between a horizontal and an approximate upright cleaning posic~on in less time ancl with less effort.

Still another object of the invention is to reduce the force required for moving a germination floor tray to a raised position Eor cleaning.
, A still ~urther object of the invention is ~o increase the saEety oÇ retention of a tray oE a germlnation floor system in the raised position once elevated inco the ~upright position.

Still another object of this invention is ~o pro-~O vide a resiliently assisted, pivotally mounted tray assembly in a germination floor system to ~aid in manlpulation of the individual floor units of the sys Lem.
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These and other objec~s are attained in accordance with the present~ invention wherein is~provided an improved ~5 germination floor system havin~ a plurality of pivoted tray .. . .
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assemblies, which may be moved between a horizontal malt supporting position to a more upright orientation to p~ovide access to the underside of the floor for cleaning and maintaining proper sanitary conditions in the malt house.
The individual pivotally mounted ~ray assemblies of the invention are either manually operable in an improved manner, or power assisted, as desired. The manually operated system reduces the effort required in raising an individual floor tray in a safe and controlled manner to a cleaning position, as compared to prior techniques, and includes means to anchor the generally upright tray assemblies for the safety of persons cleaning the germination compartment. The mounting of the manual tray assemblies of the invention is uniquely arranged about a pivot axis in side-by-side relationship such that increased access to areas beneath the germination floor is possible since substantially all of the floor area is open and available for a cleaning operation. Each side-by-side tray assembly is pivotally mounted along parallel axes to permit each floor section to be raised in a rapid manner along about both axes for increased efficiency. In a second embodiment of the invention, power means are provided to automatically move each tray section between a horizontal and raised position. A unique spring technique may be used in conjunction with either the manual version or the power operated version of the germination floor system herein disclosed for added ease in operating the tray assemblies.
In a powered lifting arrangement, one of the embodiments of the systems herein includes a unique retraction feature by which the mounting bearings provide relative movement of a floor section relative to axis and the capability to retract the floor from the germination floor wall in a horizontal direction prior to lifting.

11 3~3~1 Bl~l~F DESCI~IPTlON OF rll~ WlNGS
_ ~ urther objects of the inven~ion, together with additional features contributing thereto anci advantages accruing there~rom~ will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention which are shown in the accompanying drawings with lil<e reference numerals indicating corresponding parts ~hrough-out, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial top schematic view, with parts in section, of a first embodiment of ~he germination Cloor system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view on an expanded scale and taken along lines 2-2 of Fig. l;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of ~he germination floor system of the invenLion;

FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged sectional view oL the outsicie edge supi~ort of the tray assemblies of the germina-tion floor system of ~ig. 2;

FIG. 5 is a parLial enlarged sectional view showing the cen~er edgc contact between adjaccnL Lray assemblies of the germination floor system of Fig. 2;

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FIG. 5a is a partial enlarged sectional view vf an alLernative tray assembly for ~he germinatioll floor sysLem of the inven~ioll osing crimped aL~aclllnell~ ol Lhe sheeLs Lo ~he Lrays.

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FIG. 6 is a section~l view Or a third embo~;ment of the invention employing pneumatic cylinders with optional spring lift devices for tray assemblies;

FIG. 7 is a partial side view taken along lines 7-7 of the germination floor system of Fig..6 showing a tray assembly in a raised position, and employing optional spring torsion devices with the tray assemblies;

FIG. 8 is a partlal enlarged schematic view showing a support bearing for a tray assembly of the germination floor of the embodiments of Figs. l, 3, and f;.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of Fig. 8;

FIG. I0 is an enlarged end view, with parts in sec-tion, of one of the spring torsion devices of the tray assembly of Fig. 7;
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FIG. 11 is a side schematic vlew taken along lines ~.
11 of Fig. 10;
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FIG. IZ is a top partial:~schematic view, with parts brolcen away, of still another embodiment of the germ;nation ~loor system of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an end.view of ~he germillatioll floor sys~em of Flg. 12;

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~31~3 FIC. 14 ;s an rnd schema~ic vicw of ~he su~l~orL
stand assembly for carrying ~he germinaLion floor of Fig.
~2;

FIG. 15 is a side schematic view of a support tube segment forming the support tubes of the germination floor assembly;

FIG. 16 is an end schematic view taken along lines 16-16 of Fig. 12 showing the tray assembly of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an end sectional view takr:n along lines 10 17-17 of Fig. 15;
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FIG. 17a is an enlarged partial end view o~ Lhe shim and bar within ~he tube as illus~rated in Fig. 17;
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FIG. 18 is a partial schemaLic end view, with parLs in section, showing the improved torsion spring mechanism of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a partial side scllematic view, with parts in secclon, showing tlle improved bearing assembly ~lf the invention;

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~ FIG. 20 is an end sec~ional view Lakcn along lines ; 20 20-20 of Fig. 19;

~ -7---` 13~ ~3~1 FIG. 21 .is an end schematic view of the bearing shoe used in the bearing assembly of Fig. 19;

FIG. 22 is a top schematic view of the bearing shoe of Fig. 21;

FIGo 23 is a side schematic view of the bearing shoe of Fig. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged sectional view of another embodiment of the germination floor system of the invention having selected numbers of tray assemblies affixed together as units;

FIG. 25 is a front plan view of the shim used in the tray attachment technique of Fig. 24;

: ' FIG. 26 is a side schematic view of the shim of Fig. 25.

FIG. 27 iS a side eIevational view, with parts in section, of another embodiment of the germination floor systems of the invention;

FIG. 28 is side elevational view of the crank arm used in the ge~mination floor system of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the crank arm of Fig 28;

FIG. 30 is front elevational view of a first embodiment of a spacer bar used in the germination floor system of Fig.
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Fig. 31 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of a spacer bar used in the yermination floor system of Fig. 27;
Fig. 32 is a front elevational view of a third embodiment of a spacer bar used in the germination floor system of Fig. 27;
Fig~ 33 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a spacer bar used in the germination floor system of Fig. 27;
Fig. 34 is a front elevational view of the connection of the pneumatic cylinder spacer bar in the germination floor systems of Fig. 27;
Fig. 35 is an end elevational view of the stand tube clamp of the germination floor system of Fig. 27;
Fig. 36 is a front elevational view of the stand tube clamp of Fig. 35;
Fig. 37 is an end elevational view of the bearing used in the germination floor system of ~ig. 27; and, Fig. 38 is an enlarged partial side elevational view of the connection of the pneumatic cylinder of the yermination floor system of Fig. 27.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5, there is illustrated a first embodiment of the germination floor system of the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 2~ Germination floor system 2 is intended to be used in a germination compartment in which barley is subjected to a termperature around 68 degrees F, 100%
humidity, for several days, as is well known in the industry. Although each germination compartment may .
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:L31~3~1 differ in size from place to place, the germinaLion floor system 2 may extend for a length of more than 100 feeL and a width of 16 or more feet. In the germination compar~ment, the grain is placed upon ~he horizontally arranged floor 4 having a plurality of tray assemblies 6. Turning machines (not shown) are employed to traverse the length of the floor and stir the grain during germination on a periodic basis.

The tray assemblies 6 are illustrated being arranged as pairs along the length of the germination floor 4 and are independently pivotable to the position shown in phantom in Fig. 2, as will be apparent. I~ is also within the scope of the invention ~o arrange the ~ray assemblies in a single row of plurali~y of trays or having more than two rows as condi-tions and desired objectives ~ic~ate (not shown). Each tray assembly 6 includes an upper sheet 8 fabrica~ed from perfor-ated me~al which is s-uitably affixed to a tray frame lO, such as by welding, rlvets, crimping and the like. The ~ray frame lO comprises a plurality of spaced lateral beams 12 having two or more longitudinally extending connecLing beams 14. The `~ 20 outer edges of each tray assembly 6 on each side of the floor 4 are in near proximity ~o the side walls 16 of the germina-tion floor in a suspended position above the bottom l8 of ~he germination compartment. A ~ypical germination compartmenL
. floor 18 is sloped downward to one end to permit drainage at dralnage openlngs ~uring clealling.

ach row of tray assemblies 6 is independently pivoLal for ro~aLion about a shaft in the forrn of a suppor~ Lube 20 ~ , . . ' 13~35~
:~' extendillg betwecll adjacent pairs oC Lray assemblies 6 along che lengcll o~ Ll~e floc)r 4. ln Llle eml)odimenL of Fi~. 1, a tube 20 is affixed end to end Lo ~he tube o~ an adjacent ~ray assembly 6 by mealls oE bolt assemblies or similar attachment means that interconnect plates 21 carried on the respective ends of tubes 20. An outer beam 24, which is mounted on a wall bracket 24 on each side o~ the floor, provides a support point typically present in a germination compartment to aid in support of che tray assemblies while loaded with grain.
As best seen in Figs. 2 and 4, the end edge portion of each tray frame 10 is formed wiLh a lower projection 26 which c~ntacLs an upper horizontal surface 28 Eormed by a beam 2~
of any shape sui~ably aEfixed along ~he side walls 16 of ~he ~ermination comparLmen~. The ends of each pair of ~ray assemblies interfit in the manner shown in Fig. 5. ~he ~ray frame 10 of one tray assembly 6 includes an edge por~ion 30 that is disposed beneath the boLtom surface oE the edge por- .
tion 32 of an adjacent tray assembly 6. In the closed pOSitiOII edge porLions 30 and 32 contact each other in a manner to prevent grain from falling through the floor. ~
counterweight (noL shown) may be aLtached co the tray assem-blies 6 co bias Lllem in the direction of li~ting to lighte the load.

The tray assemblies 6 are supported adjacent their cenLer ends by a pluraliLy Or sLands 3~ posi~ioned belleaLIl the tray assembly 6 on eacll side o~ the longitudinal center line or tloor 4. The stands 34 alternatively can be positioned , ~3163~1 beneath more than one tray assembly where ade~uaté support can be provided in such an arrangement. l'he stands 34 each include a pair of legs 35 and 36, such Lhat lcg 35 is angu-larly orienLed in relation to the more vertical leg 36. It is withi`n the scope of the invention ~o orient the stand in the opposite manner by which the leg 35 becomes generally vertically oriented, and leg 36 is angularly orienLed in a similar manner as leg 35 in Fig. 2. The legs 35, 36 are reinorced by a cross member 36a. The legs 35, 36 carry a plate 37 welded to the top of the legs and possessing a hole.
The pairs of stands 34 are unitarily connected by a base member 38 welded or o~herwise attached to legs 35, 36 at their respec~ive lower ends. The base member 38 sLrengLtlens the s~ands 34 and establishes proper spacing to insure thaL
edges 30, 32 accuraLely meeL.

A Lhreaded shaft 39 extends upward through the hole of the plaLe 37 and carries an atLachment member 42 which embraces the support tubes 20, as' best shown in Fig. 8. As seen in Fig.'8, Lhe aLtachlllenL member 42 is imposed beLween ,tube end plaLes 2I which are affixed together at the in~er-Ea,ce be~ween adjacenc tubes 20. Tl-e threaded shafL 39 may ~ be moved up and down in the hole in ~lle pla~e 37 in conjunc-`,~ tion wiLt~ jam nuLs 39' on each side o~ the nlate to adjusL
the~vertical posiLlon of ~he ube embracin~ strucLu~ , 4' tc accomlnodate Lhe sloped oriel~LaLioll o~ Lhe germinaLlor lloor 18 and mainLain alignmenL and parallelislll o~ Llle Lrays al~d ; support tubes. ln light of Lhe facL ~llat tlle ~loor 18 deviaLes ~ .

, ~3~3~1 -a significanL vertical dis~ance from cn~l Lo ~nd wiLhin Ln~
ger~ ation comparLmenL, compensation for Llle heighL may be provided in accordance with L-he invention by using different size stands 34 at different positions along the lengLh of $ the floor, by aligning the tubes 20 in an offset fashion at selected points along the length oE Lhe floor, or by using additional support to vary the height of a standard size sLand.

Each of the tray assemblies 6 is independently pivotal fronl a horizontal orientation on bearing means 44 (Fig. 8) about ~he axis of ~ubes 20 LO a posi~ion approximately shown in ~ig. 2. AlLhough Lhe tray assemblies 6 are pivo~ed to an uprighL position, which is less ~han 90 from its horizontal ~` orienLaLion in Fig. 2, it is within the scope oÇ the invention to rotate the tray assemblies 6 to a vertical position or a position more than 90 Erom the horizontal orienta~i.on where appropriate. In such situations, the orienLation of legs 35, 36 may be reversed, as previously described, to allo.~ a vertiL .
position. An upright position beyond 90 may be aLtained by offsetting the axis of tubes 20 with respect to the axis of threaded shart 39 or by other techniques as desired Each of the tray assemblies in the embodimenL of Figs.
1 and 2 is manipula~ed to the vertical posiLion by personnel moving along Lhe floor, picking up a Lray assembly aL an appropriaLe point and .swingillg iL up Lo Llle verLical posiLioll.
In view of the posiLioning of Lhe pivoL axis of Lub~s 20 ~:`-` "' ' ' -:L3-`` ~. ,: ~

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l ~ l b ~ ~ l proxima~e ~o lhe ~loor cenLerline, ~I1e e~for~ o~ 1j[Ling the tray assemb~y 6 to the ver~ical position is greatly reduced in comparison to the old tray sysLems described herein. ~ach tray assembly 6 may be provided with a hand hold or some other gripping area by which the tray assembly may be conveniently grasped and personnel can move down the length of the floor 4 and pivot the tray assemblies along each side.

In the vertical posi~ion of each tray assembly 6, shown in Fig. 2 in phantom, it is desirable that the assem-blies 6 be retained to prevenL accidental falls upon personnel cleaning Lhe comparLment undernea~h ~he ~rays. Such locking may be achieved by any technique, such as by a foot operated retention assembly 46 mounted on each of the stands 34. The retention system 46 includes an enlarged end 47 to letain the end of a raised tray assembly 6. The enlarged end 47 is carried on a pivotally moun~ed link 48, which is connected ~o a second pivotally mounted link 49, coupled toge~her by a connecting element 49'. A foot operaLed pedal 50 permiLs the enlarged end 47 to move Lo a locking position in contact with Lhe raised Lray assembly 6. A spring biasing eiemenL
(not shown) may be employed in a conventional manner wiLh the llnk sysLem to ensure positive ~Irging of the enlarged end 47 o~ link 48 against tlle Lray assembly 6 Lo prevent undesirable dislodgmen~. In Lhe raised posi~ions, iL sllould be apparenL
from Fig. 2 tllat the area beneath Lhe germillaLion floor can ~; be subjecLed Lo cleaning by ~Ising waLer hoses and tlle like `' ~ - "

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in all areas be~1lctllh lhe ~loor an~ each lray assembly wi-h improved removal of slime and other unsanitary material whic11 build up ~ypically in a germinaLion fioor. Such increased access for cleaning eliminates ~he hidden areas beneath fixed portions of the floor which are inherent in prior germination floors.

Referring now to Figs. 8 and 9, there is illus-traLed details of the bearing strucLure ~or suppor~ing a tray assembly 6 on tube 20. In Figs. 8 and 9, the bearing assembly 44 on one edge portion of the tray assembly 6 is shown, while a similar bearing structure may be used at the oLher edge porLion in ~he manner of bearing assembly 44', as shown in Fig. 7 in accordance wi~h the power assisted system of the invention. In addition, a bearing 4411 (Fig.
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lS 7) may be used between the two bearing 44, 44'. The bearing . assembly 44 includes upper and lower sections 56, 58 which embrace the tube 20 and include an internal bearing surÇa~e of a suiLable bearing material. The s~cLions 56, 5.8 are retained on a vertically orien~ed plaLe 60 by means of bolt assembly 62. T11e vertical plate 60 is in ~urn carried on a verLical me1nber 64 by means of a pair of bolL assen-blies 66.
The verLlcal member 64 may be affixed to a portion of the tray ~raine 10 throu~h welding or other attachment techniques.
The~bearln~g structure 44 provides a low fric~ion pivo~ing means Lhat ma~y be quickly and easily install~d at he site.

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~ 13~63~1 l~eferling now ~o lig. 3, Ll)ere is illustra~ed ano~ller embodiment Or ~l~e germinaLion floor assembly of the inven~ion identified by reerence numeral 2a. The embodiment of Fig. 3 is a manualiy operated system nearly identical to the system of Figs.` 1 and 2, with the exception that the base member 38 interconnecting respective sLands 34 in Fig. 2, has been replaced by a link member 38a for stands 34a, establishing proper scparaLioll and beL~er al)cllor;llg.

Referring now to Fig. 6, Lhere is illustrated a third embodiment of the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 2b. The embodiment of Figs. 6, 7, 10 and 11 is simi-lar to the manual version of ligs. 1 and 2, wi~h Llle added feature of a pneuma~ic power assisL ~or auLonlaLically raising each tray assembly 6b or a group oE Lray assemblies 6b. The automaLic capability of the embodiment of Fig. 6 is provided by a conventional pneumatic cylinder 70 pivo~ally mot)nted to a bracket 72 carried by leg 35b oE stand 34b. The pneu~atic cylinders 70 may respccLively be aL~aclled Lo a Lray assembly 6b or a single cylinder 70 may be connected to two or more tray assemblies (not shown). The tray assemblies 6b may raise tl~e trays on a sequential basis or all tray assemblies 6b can be simultaneously li~ted on one side. l`he pneumatic cylinder 70 is provided wiLIl an extensible end 74 on ~he underside of a tray assembly 6bj such LllaC upon exLensioll o~ the exLensible ~5 end 74, the Lray assenlbly 6b will assume Lhe generally vcrli-cal or uprighL positicn shown in li~. 6. ~s in the previous embodiments, Lhe tray assembly may be pivoLed ~or cleaning LO

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an angle less Lhan 90~ from its normal horizonLal position as shown or pivo~ed to 90 ~reater in accordance with the invention.

The embodiment of the system 2b further includes a spring biasing assembly 80 by which ~he tray assembly 6b is resiliently urged about the axis of torque ~ube 20. In Fig.
7, a pair of spring assemblies 80 are showll, bu~ any number of such devices from one, to more than two, may be employed with the invention. It should also be noted that the spring devices 80 may be used in the manual embodiment of the inven-tion shown in ~igs. 2 and 3, in addi~ion ~o being a supplemenL
Lo the power assis~ed embodimcnt of sysLeln 2b. As shown in Figs~ lO and 11, the spring assembly 80 includes a ~orsion spring 82 which is carried as two pairs of .springs a~ each assembly 80. The spring retainer 84 includes two ac least partially concen~ric end discs 86 and a cenLral disc 88 aligned in spaced relaLionship.

rhe discs 86, 88 ma.y be forlned as upper and lower sections together to form eacll of ~he discs and are nloun~ed in surroundin~ relationship to the ~orque tube 20b. The spacing between the upper section of discs 86, 88 is main~
tained by ~hree flat rods 90 welded to the discs. lhe lo~er section of discs 86, 88 includes a pair of welded rods 90~.
;`~ pair of pla~es 100 are wclded ~o a lower secLion Or Lubc ~: 25 20b and sup~ort a downw~rd dependillg plaLe 1()2 LhaL is a~fi~ed between plates 100 by bolt assembly 100'. ~ pair Or sprin~
bloclcs 101 are supported on each side of Lhe lower porLion `' ~` .
~ . -17-131~3~1 of thc plaLe 1()2 and are reLaine~ by l)o]~ asscmbly ]04. Each l~air Or springs 82 has an e-nd 1~6 arranged to contact a beam 108 ~Figs. 7 and 10) which is a~fixed be~ween adjacenL cross beams 12b oE Lht-~ Lray Erame 1~. The opposiLe ends 110 oE the springs 82 are loaded againsL a seat lOla formed in the spring blocks~101 to cause a resilient urging of the tray assemb1y 6b about the axes of ~ubes 20b. Thé spring assembly reduces the effort reguired in liEting eacll o~ the ~ray assemblies 6b and biases ~he tray franne 10 in i~s upright posi~ion for safety reasons when raised.

Referring now to Figs. 12 Lhrough 23, ~here is illus-trated still another embodimenL of the improved germination sysLem o~ Lhe inventi.on and generally clesignaLed by referencc numeral 120. The germination floor 120 includes adjacent pairs of swingable tray assemblies 122 whicl~ ay be mounted within a germination compartment in a similar manner as shown ; in fig. 2 of the previously described embodiment. The upper surEaces 124 of ~he tray assemblies 120 Eorm a ~enerally con-tinuous floor in the horizonLal orien~ation of the Lray assemblies. Although the embodimenL o~ ~igs. 12-23 is equippe~
wiLh a power assist mechanism, i.e. pneumaLic cylinders in connec~ion wiLh a unique torsional spring mechanism, the ~ermination system 120 may employ manually swingable tray assemblies 122 assisted by Lhe torsional spring mechanism.
Generally, ~he tray assemblies 122 in Ll7e manual version o~
the ~nvelltion are o~ a smaller individual collsLruc~ion Lllan in ~h~ powcr assi.sL vcrsioll Lo raciliLaLc lir~ing.

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l~eferrill~ now Lo l~igs. 12, 13 and 14, a pluraliLy of sLan(J asselnbLies 13~ are sl~own ~osi~iollecl beneaLII Llle tray assemblies 122 in a row posiLioned along the longitudinal csnterline of Lhe floor system. l`lle sLand assemblies 130 include two inner vertical upper legs 132 and outer angular legs 134 to Eorlll dual stands having a uniLized design. Each individual sL-and is inLerconllected to Lhe a~jacent sLand by means of a bar 136 to au~omatically establish the proper spacing of tlle stands along the leng~h of the Eloor. The s~and assemb.lies 130 are carried by lower le~s 138. The top of the legs 132, 134 support an adjustable shaft assembly 140 Oll a plate 141 in conjunction wiLh jam nuLs 142. I~
threaded shaft 143 may be vertically adjuste~ rela~lve to Lhe sLand Lo vary tlle lleight of the s~and to compensa~e for ~lS misalignment of the tray assemblies 122. ~s shown in Fig.
13 a bracket 144a is affixed to outer legs 134 by scand .
assembly 130 ~o secure the Eixed end oÇ pneurnatic cylinders 145. The extensible end 146 of the pneuma~ic cylinder is affixed Lo the ~ray assembly by an u!)per brackeL 147. lhe pneumatic cylin~ers are connected to a sourcc of pressurized air alld pneulnaLic control circuiLs (noL showll). AcLivaLion o~ tlle conLrol circuit will ef~ecL auLomatic raising and lowerillg o~ the Lray assemblies 122, pre~erably on a sequen-tial`basis, Lo the posi tions showll in Fig. l3.

~5 Tlle upper ends of ~he ~l~readecl shaf~ 143 o~ s~and asselllblies 130 are secured by bolLed brackeL asselllblies 144 ~; (Fig. 19) Lo respective elongaLed support ~ubcs 150 ~haL

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extend beneaLh each row of tray assemblies 122. The support tubes 150 comprise a plurality o tube segments 150a having the form shown in Fig. 15. The segments are bolted end ~o end through connec~ion plates 151 to form a continuous shaft $ for substantially the length of the germination floor system 120.

Referring Lo ~ig. 16 ~he construction of each indi-vidual Lray assembly 122 is best shown. The tray assembly 122 includes a pair o~ outer ~rame members 152 and a pluraliLy of intermediate support members 154 and 154a extending beneath the tray surface 124. ~ pla~e 153 is a~fixed Lo ~he bo~tom or one Lray asselnl)ly 122 and extends benea~ll an a(3jaCenL Lray assembly 12~ as shown in Fig. 16. rhe plate 153 prevenLs the ~ray assem~ly 122, to which iL is aL~ached from lifLing until ~he adjacen~ ~ray assembly 122 is lifted. By placing plates 153 between adjacenttray assemblies 122, a sequential raising and closing oÇ Lhe tray assemblies will occur as the tray assemblies are raised ancl lowered by power assis~. l`he trays are moun~ed for pivotal movemellL rela~ive to Lhe support Lube 150 through Lhe means of a unique bearing assembly 156. .~s sLa~ed previo~lsly, support ~ube 150 coml)rises a plurali-~ of end to end hollow cylindrical tubes 150a. An elongaLed rec-tangular bar 158 of solid construc~ioll exLends the length of each of the tube segments lSOa, as shown in Figs. 15 17 and 20. Tlle bar 158 is a~Lacllcd Lo each scgmcllL of ~he ~ubes aL
each end thereof by means of shim 160 aEfi~ing the bar 158 to ~he tube lSOa by welding and Lhe like. The shim 160 has a modified U-sh PF construction and projec~s from a ~osiLion . ~ .
, ) 13~63~:~
-161 wiLhin Lhe end Or ~he Lube scgmcll~ ]5~a Lo ~he ~Ic]jacent end ol ~he tube segment 150a. The surfaces 161a conLacting the interior of the tube have a radius of curvature Lo pro-vide a close fit between bar 158 and Lhe internal dimension of the tube 150a. The curved surface 161a further reduces ~rictional conLac~. 'l`l)e hollow design of Lhe Lubes 150a greaLly re~duces the cost of fabricaLil-g the support Lube of Lhe sysLem while a~Laining a significanL increase in Lorsional strength through a unique design.

Referring now to Figs. 19-23, details of the bearing assembly 156 for supporting a tray assembly 122 on the suppor~ Lube 150 are shown. ~lthough any nulrber of bearing assemblies 156 rnay be used to support an individual tray assembly 122, Lwo such bearing assemblies 156 are shown in lS Fig. 14.

Bearing assembly 154 includes a pair of upper pla;es 162 clamped on boLh sides of a Lray assembly support 154 by means o~ bolt assemblies 16~. A pair of lower plates 166 are.afEixed to a lower portion of upper pla~es 162 ~hrough a lower group of four bolt assemblies 168. ~he sup~ort tube 150 extends Lhrougll an opening 170 crea~ed ~hrough cut-out portions in the lower edge oE upper pla~es 162 and the upper edge portion of lower plates 166. As seen in Fig. 20, the opening 170 is defined in upper plates 162 by a curved edge porLioll 172 having a generally increasing ratlills of curva-. ~.

~ure on cach side oE Lhe upl)ermosL poillL 17~ abovc Ll~e Lube whcn viewing l~ig. 20. Accordingly, Lhe srnalles~ radius of . ~ ~

~ -21-~, -`` 13~6~
curvature of the curved edye portion 172 is present at point 174 in Fig. 20, while at diametrical points 175 the greatest radius of crvature is present. Similarly, the radius of curvature of the cout-out portion 176 in the lower plates 166 is smallest at a point immediately below the torque tube at point 178 and then gradually increases to points 180 on each side of the torque tube.
~ i As seen in Figs. 20-23, a bearing shoe 182 is positioned adjacent the upper poriton of the tube 150 inclamped position between the upper plates 162. The bearing shoe is in the form of a casting and the like and includes an upper tube bearing surface 184 having a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the tube 150. The body of the bearing shoe 182 lS includes a pair of wing-like portions 186 carried on the outer surface at a position generally intermediate of the two edges of the casting. The wing portions 186 carried on the outer surface at a position generally intermediate of the two edges of the casting. The wing portions 186 are provided ~0 with a flattened top 188 which is in alignment with a flat ~ notch 1~0 formed in the top of the bearing shoe casting.
; Flat portions 188, 190 fit against the underside of the support member 154. The bearing shoe 180 is arrangea to rotate with the plates as the tray assembly is lifted from its horixontal position for a cleaning task.

' The bearing assembly 156 mounts the ~,ray assembly 122 : :
~ for smooth, pivotal movement about the axi~ of the support : `
tube 150 and attains self-adjustability despite the presence ~` of misalignment along the length of the germination floor.
~ .

.

11 3~3~
.~

Misalignment of ~le ~ube axi.s from sit3e ~o side ant~ ~op to bottom occurs, because o~ common variations in tolerances of the parts of Lhe system and because of irregulari Ly in the walls and floors of the germina~ion compartment. In ~he installation of a germina~ion floor, such as germination floor 120, the installer generally visually aligns the struc-ture along its length and deviations can occur. Despite ~hese deviatiolls, the design of Lhe opening 170, providing an increasing radius from diametrically opposed points, insures Lhe possibility of rela~ive movemenL between the bracket assembly and the tube 150 in an approxima~e perpen-dicular direction to the longi~udinal axis o~ the shaft 150 in such a manner thaL binding and o~he~r inter~erence wiLh the Eree pivotal movement oE ~he tray assembly does not occur. ln addiCion, a beL~er bearing e~Eec~ is a~ainetl `- despite variations in tolerances, such that a lower fric~ion during ~orsional movement is encountered, par~icularly useEul for manual operation of tlle floor system oE Lhe inven-tion.

ReEerring now to Figs. 15, 16, 17 and 18, deLails oE the spring Lorsion mechanism 2U0 are shown. The sl)rillg mechanism 200 imparts an adjustable, torsional Eorce on each tray asse~mbly about the axis o~ Lube 150 in a manner that it aids in raising a tray assembly to its upper position, whe~her the Lray assembly is manually li~ed or througll a po~er assisL.
The~sprlng force also provide~s a biasing force in an upper posi~ion to aid in the preven~ o~ acciden~al falling o~ Lhe ~;~ raised Lray. llle spring mecllanism 200 is shown employing a -~3-: .

13~63~1 pair of torsional springs~202 coiled about a portion of the support Lube 150 bencaLIl each ind;vidual Lr~y assembly 122.
An upper end portion oE each spring 202 is affixed Lo the inner surface of Lhe ~ray support 154a by being affixed through the employment of a pair o~ clamps 204 which are secured ~o Lhe tray assembly by bolts 206. The lower end porLions of tlle spring 202 are disposed general~y downward from the tray assembly. ~ bracket 208 is welded to the underside of Lhe sul)porL ~ube 150, as besL illustra~ed in Figs. 15, 17 and 18. T~ie bracket is formed wiLh a pair of spaced arcuate sections 210 projecLing downward from Lhe supporL tube 15() and having an array o~ five aligned holes 212, wllich are disposed on a colllmoll radius ~c establish ~hree positions for reasons ~o be described.

The upper portion of a lower spring plaLe 214 is inser~ed between the pair of sections 210. The upper por-Lion includes l:hree holes 216 which are desiglled tG be aligned with any three holes 212 in sections 210. I~olL
assemblies 218 are then inserLed Lhrough ~he matching hol-.es to secure the plaLe 214. As seen in phanLom in Fig 18, the positioning of plate 214 may be varied dependen~ on Lhe holes 212 and 216 selecLed.

The lower portion o~ ~he plate 214 includes Lhree holes 220 in which a lower spring clamp 222 may be secured ~5 by bolL assembly 224. 'l'he provis~on OL Lhree holes 220 permiLs clalnp 222 Lo be sccured aL Lhree dillcrcllL ~)~)siLiolls Oll the plaLe 214. The clamp 222 is provided wiLh an open channel (~ig~ 18) such LhaL ~hc sprin6 202 is mainLained by -24~

13~3~L

its resilienL force against ~he lower plate. By varying the position of plaLe 214 relaLive to bracket 208 and Llle position of clamp 222 on plaLe 214, Lhe Lorsional force applied by spring 202 may be adjusted Lo a plurality of discreLe levels determined by the position of the lower end portion of the spring. The spring 202 may easily be unloaded by removing its lower end portion from the clam~
222.
.
A change in the torsional force of springs 202 may quickly be facilitated during installation and service of the germination floor by simply changing Lhe bolL posi-tions within Llle respective holes in Lhe brac~et 208 and in the l~late 214. ~s seen in ~ig. 16, the leLt hand spring 202 and the righL hand spring are mirror images and both are clamped to opposite sides of plate 214 by clamps 222.
The spring device 200 provides a simple and in~xpensive adjusLmellt to match Lhe load force to manually lifc Lhe trays. The design of ~he spring device 200 provides an erfective assisL tl)at 15 adjustable, easy Lo install and can be cleaned withouL difficulty during use.

I~efcrrin~ Lo l~igs. 2l~-26, Lhere is il]uscrated ano~her embodimenL of the germina~ion floor system of the invenLion. The embodimenL of Figs. 24-26 employ bolL
assenibly 250 to connect two or more tray assemblies Lo a sin~le uliiL. Illis collfigura-ion is parLicularly userul in the power assist version wherc multiple ~ray assemblies may simultalleously be lifted. ~ shilll 252 is imposed bet~een ~` :

' ~ .

~31~3~1 adjacent tray assemblies 122a and includes a ho]e 254 through which bolt assembly 250 extends~ A flange 256 is provided at the bottom of shim 252. The bolt assembly 250 is tightened to unitize the tray assemblies 122a, and the compression on i the bolt is backed off at installation to allow a small degree of relative movement. The purpose of shim 252 is to adjust or compensate when bolting several trays together to attain total combined width.
Referring now to Figs 27 to 38, there is illustrated 0 still another embodiment of the germination floor system of the invention, generally designated by reference numeral 300.
The germination floor system 300 is a power operated system similar to the embodiment of Fig, 6, but includes a floor retracting feature for providing limited movement of the tray assemblies in a horizontal plane relative to the two side walls of the germination floor system, one of which is shown as wall 302 in Fig. 27.
The ~ermination floor system 300 includes a plurality of tray assemblies 304 forming a germination floor 305. Each 0 germination tray assembly 304 is identical in structure and function as the tray assemblies of the previously described embodiments and are arranyed in two rows having a plurality of tray assemblies along the length of the germination compartment. The tray assemblies 304 are individually movable upward to a upright position to provide access to the bottom of the floor for cleaninq after removal of the germinated grain in a conventional manner.
The tray assemblies 304 are mounted on a plurality of tubes 306 interconnected end to end in two rows by plates (not shown~ or connection techniques attached to each end of the tube and which in the case of plates are affixed together 13~35~

by bolt assemblies (not shown) as previo~sly described in the preceding embodiments. The tray assemblies are supported by a plurality of stands 308 aligned beneath the two rows of tubes 306. The stands 308 are affixed in pairs on a bottom base 310 to create a predetermined spacing between the two rows of stands. The stands 3D8 includes an outer upright leg 312 and an inner leg 314. A plate 316 is affixed to the top of legs 312 and 314. A threaded tube 318 is retained on plate 316 and retains a tube clamp 320 ssembly 320 which embraces a portion of tubes 306.
As best seen in Figs. 27, 35 and 36, the tube clamp 320 is formed by an upper plate 322 and a lower plate 324 that are bolted together by opposite bolt assemblies 326. An opening 328 for receiving the tubes 306 is formed by cut out portions 330, 332 in the bottom of upper plate 322 and the top of lower plate 324, respectively. At one side of the tube clamp 320, a clevis hole 334 is cut out at the interface between upper plate 322 and lower plate 324. A threaded adjustment rod 336 is affixed to the lower portion of lower plate 324 and engages upper tube 318 of the stand 308. The adjustment rod 336 may be rotated to alter the elevation of the tube 306 as desired.
The lifting of the tray assemblies 304 is effected by a plurality of pneumatic cylinders 340 as illustrated in Figs.
~5 27, 34 and 38. The fixed end 342 of each cylinder 340 is pivotally attached to a bracket 343 that is affixed to the outer legs 312 of stands 308. A clevis 344 is affixed to the extensible end of pneumatic cylinder 340. A pair of brackets 346 are attached in spaced relationship to respective cross members 348 of tray assembly 304. As best seen in Figs. 27, 28, 29, 34 and 38 an attachment assembly 349 having a pair o~

~3~ ~3~1 crank arms 350 are mounted on a pivot pin 352 rotatably carried in a conventional manner on spaced brackets 346~ The crank arms include three equally spaced holes 354, 356, and 358 (Fig. 28), whereby the pin 352 is disposed in hole 354.
The crank arms 350 are cast or otherwise formed with an enlarged thickness adjacent each of holes. ~Fig. 28) As seen in Fig. 34~ a threaded shaft 360 is disposed on the clevis 344 and extends throuqh holes 358 o~ the crank arms to operatively attach the extensible end of the pneumatic cylinder to the tray assemblies. ~ sleeve 362 is disposed over the threaded shaft 360 between crank arms 350 to allow pivotal movement of the clevis 334 relative to the crank arms 350. As shown in Figs. 27, 34 and 38, a restrictor bar 370 is disposed between the support tube 306 15 and the crank arm 358. The end 372 of the restrictor bar 370 is formed with an end tube opening 374 that is rotatably affixed to a bolt assembly 376 extending through opening 356 of the crank arm 350.
Referring to Figs. 27 and 30, the opposite end of 20 restriction bar 370 is provided with a clevis 376 having a welded tubular end 378 that engages threads of stud 380 of the restictor bar at which a welded connection is made. The end of the clevis includes a opening 382, such that the clevis 376 is pivotally attached to the tube clamp 320 at 25 clevis hole 320 by a bolt assembly 388. (Fig. 27) In embodiment of Fig. 27 and 30, the stud 380 is attached to a threaded hollow sleeve 390. The opposite end of threaded sleeve 390 lS joined to a second stud 392 that is in turn connected by welding to a tubular member 394 on which the end tube 374 is affixed by welding at the other end. Jam nuts 396 are stituated on opposite sides of sleeve 390 to lock the . .

~ -28-~`
' ~

.

13~351 components of the restrictor bar 370 in a fixed lenyth. The length of the restrictor bar 370 can easily be adjusted by rotation of the sleeve 390 on studs 380 and 392 and by repositioning the jam nuts 396. The adjustability of the restrictor bar 370 permits adjustment of length in installation and controls the extent of movement o the tray assemblies in a horizontal plane.
Referring to Fig. 31 there is illustrated another embodiment of the restrictor bar, generally designated by reference numberal 400. The restrictor bar 400 includes a fixed bar 402 having a welded tubular end 404 for connection with crank arm 350 and clevis 406 for connection to the tube clamp 320 as in ~he previous embodiment. The clevis 406 includes an opening which receives an end of the bar 402 and is welded thereto. The embodiment of Fig. 31 is arranged in the same manner as rPstrictor bar 370, but is used in those situations where adjustment of the length is not desired.
In Fig. 32 there is illustrated another embodiment of the restrictor bar, generally designated by reference numberal 410. The restrictor bar 410 i8 selectively adjustable in length and includes a tube 412 affixed to clevis 414 by welding. A nut 415 is attached by welding to the opposite end of the tube 412 and receives threaded stud 416. A second stud 418 is attached to stud 416 by a nut 420 which is welded to each stud. The second stud 418 extends into a nut 422 welded on tubular end section 424 of ~ restrictor bar 410. An end tube 426, which is arranged for ; coupling to the crank arm 350, is welded at the opposite end of the tubular section 424. ~am nuts 428 are respectively situated adjacent welded nuts 415 and 422. The positioning of studs 416 and 418 in nu~s 415 and 422 provides limited adjustment of the length of restrictor bar 410.
Referring to Fig. 33 there is illustrated still another restrictor bar 430 for use in the germination floor system of Fig. 27. A threaded stud 432 is attached to an opening in clevis 434 which is threadedly affixed to the tube clamp 320 as previously described. The opposite end of stud 432 is welded to an elongated tube 436. A crank arm connecting tube 438 is affixed to the opposite end of tube 436 as in the previous embodiments. ~ lock nut 440 is positioned adjacent clevis 434 to fix the length of restrictor bar 430. The length of the restrictor bar 430 may be adjusted by the relative position of stud 432 in clevis 434.
Referring now to Fig. 37, the bearinq assembly 450 for supporting a tray assembly 304 on the support tube 306 is shown. The bearing assembly 450 is similar to that was previously described with reference to Figs. 19 to 21.
Although any number of bearing assemblies 450 may be used to support an individual tray assembly 304, two such bearing assemblies may be used with each tray assembly 304 as previously illustrated in Fig. 14. The b~aring assembly 4S0 allows both horizontal movement of the tray assemblies 304 relative to tubes 306 and pivotal movement of the tray assemblies as will be apparent.
Bearing assembly 450 includes a pair of upper plates 452 clamped on both sides of a tray assembly cross member 348 by means of bolt assemblies 454. A pair of lower plates 456 are affixed to a lower portion of upper plates 452 through a lower group of four bolt assemblies 458. The support tube 306 extends through an opening 460 created through cut-out portions in the lower edge of upper plates 452 and the upper edge portion of lower plates 456. As seen in Fig. 37, the .

13~3~
opening 460 is defined in upper plates 452 by a curved edge portion 462 having a generally increasiny radius of curvature on each side of the uppermost poin~ 464 above the tube when viewing Fig. 37. Accordingly, the smallest radius of curvature of the curved edge portion 462 is present at point 464 in Fig. 37, while at diametrical points 466 the greatest radius of curvature is present. Similarly, the radius of curvature of the cut-out portion 468 in the lower plates 166 is smallest at a point immediately below the torque tube at point 470 and then gradually increases to points 472 on each side of the torque tube.
As also shown in Fig. 37, a bearing shoe 474 is positioned adjacent the upper portion of the tube 30 in clamped position between the upper plates 452. The bearing shoe 474 is in the form of a casting and the like and includes an upper tube bearing surface 476 having a radius of curvature conforming to the outer surface of the tube 304.
As in the embodiment of Figs. 20 to 23, the bearing has a flat top portion to fit against the underside of cross member 348 so that relative movement between the plates 452, 454 and tray assembly 304, and tube 306 and bearing shoe 474 can occur. The curved outer portion 478 of bearing shoe 474 is generally concentric to the curvature of tube 304 and the tube 306 and bearing shoes 474 can shift horizontally within plate openings 460. The gap 480 between the bearing shoe 474 and polnts 466 may be of the order of l/4" or similar distance on both sides. The gap 480 not only permits limited horizontal movement, but can compensate for any variations in tolerences as occurs along the axis of tube 306, the surface of wall 302, etc.
In operation, the tray assemblies 304 are positioned in .

~3~ ~351 close relationship in a horizontal position to compartment side wall 302 on angle irons 302a. To prevènt binding of the edges of the tray assemblies 304 with the wall 302 d~ring lifting, the germination floor system 300 causes the tray assemblies 304 to shift toward the center of the floor in a horizontal direction away from the wall. Such movement is permitted by the improved bearing assembly 450 of the invention which provides relative movement between the tubes 306 and tray assembly 304. The horizontal shifting of the floor assemblies 304 is accomplished during the initial extension of the pneumatic cylinders 340. As the extensible end begins to extend, the crank arms 350 pivot for limited movement about the axis formed by bolt assembly 376 retaining restrictor bar 370. The pivotal movement of crank arms 350 pulls the tray assembly 304 away from the wall 302 until pivotal movement is restricted by restrictor bar 370. Upon relative pivotal movement of the crank arm 350 being restricted, the extensible end of the pneumatic cylinder 340 ~hen lifts the tray assembly to the position shown in Fig. 27 for cleaning.
When the tray assemblies 304 are lowered after cleaning, the retracted extensive end of the pneumatic cylinders lowers the respective tray assemblies 30~ to a horizontal posi~ionr at which time the crank arms 350 undergo additional pivotal movement in a reverse direction than when lifting the floors.
The crank arms 350 then push the tray assemblies 304 back to closè relationship to side walls 302 while the extensible end becomes fully retracted. Some clearance between the two rows of tray assemblies 304 is provided along the longitudial centerline to permit such horizontal movement.

.

Claims (10)

1. A germination floor assembly comprising a plurality of tray assemblies forming a horizontal floor in a horizontal position, said tray assemblies being mounted on a horizontal support tube for pivotal movement, bearing means mounting said tray assemblies on said tube for said pivotal movement, said bearing means permitting relative movement between said tray assemblies and said support tube in at least a horizontal direction, and power lift means for moving said tray assemblies between said horizontal and an upright position, and said power lift means providing limited horizontal movement of said tray assemblies in opposite directions in said horizontal position prior to lifting and after lowering said tray assemblies to and from said upright position.

2. The assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said power lift means includes a pneumatic cylinder having an end attached to each of said tray assemblies, crank arm means being attached to said end of said pneumatic cylinder, said crank arm means effecting said limited horizontal movement.

3. The assembly according to Claim 1 wherein said end is an extensible end of said pneumatic cylinder.

4. The assembly according to Claim 3 wherein said crank arm means includes at least one crank arm, at least one said crank arm being pivotally attached to said extensible end and to a tray assembly, means mounting said at least one crank arm for limited movement for effecting said horizontal movement during extension and retraction of said extensible end.

5. The assembly according to Claim 4 wherein said means for mounting said at least one crank arm for pivotal movement includes a restrictor means, said restrictor means being operatively connected to said horizontal support tube.

6. The assembly according to claim 5 wherein said restrictor means is a restrictor bar having a fixed length permitting said limited pivotal movement of said at least one crank arm, said restrictor bar being pivotally mounted on said horizontal support tube and on said at least one crank arm.

7. The assembly according to Claim 6 wherein said restrictor bar is mounted on said at least one crank arm at position between said tray assembly and said end of said pneumatic cylinder.

8. The assembly according to Claim 7 wherein further including means for adjusting said fixed length of said restrictor bar.

9. A germination floor assembly comprising a tray assembly for supporting grain in a horizontal position, support means for supporting said tray assembly in an elevated position, bearing means operatively coupled to said tray assembly and said support means, said bearing means permitting pivotal movement of said tray assembly for lifting to an upright position for cleaning, and said bearing means further permitting limited horizontal movement of said tray assembly for compensating for variation in tolerances and preventing binding of the tray assembly when lifted.

10. The assembly according to Claim g further comprising power means operatively coupled to said tray assembly for lifting, for coupling a moveable end of said power means to said tray assembly, said attachment means permitting horizontal movement in opposite directions respectively during oppostite directional movement of said power means, and restrictor means for limiting the extent of said horizontal movement and effecting lifting of said tray assembly.