US1766681A

US1766681A - Ship-loading chute

Info

Publication number: US1766681A
Application number: US270657A
Authority: US
Inventors: Payne Alfred
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1928-04-17
Filing date: 1928-04-17
Publication date: 1930-06-24
Anticipated expiration: 1947-06-24

Description

June 24, 1930. A. PAYNE SHIP LOADING cmn'n Filed April 17, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet June 24, 1930. A. PAYNE SHIP LOADING CHUTE Filed Ap'ril 1'7- 192;; 4 Sheets-Sheet gwoenloc ,q/fred E ne attozmg A. PAYNE June 24, 1930.

SHIP LOADING CHUTE Filed April 17, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet Jwwntoz June 24, 1930. A. PAYNE sun LOADING CHUTE' Filed April 17, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet Jwomtpo Hlfred Pa ne mounted in the loading Patented June 24, 1930 PATENT GFFIQE ALFRED PAYNE OF TACOMA, \VASHINGTON SHIP-LOADING CHUTE Application filed April 17,

This invention relates to devices and apparatus used in loading flour or wheat or other sacked commodities into the hold of a ship, where it may be stacked with the least possible labor and the greatest dispatch by the stevedores therein.

The objects of my invention are, first, to provide a loading chute adapted to lower the sacks into the deepest hold without damage;

second, to deliver the sacks in any direction from the hatchway; thereby facilitating the loading of the vessel; third, to enable a rapid change of position of the point of delivery of the sacks, without having to change any of the supports or braces for the chute; fourth, to enable either side of the vessel to be stacked from the same receiving chute and Without having to adjust any of the supports or braces thereof; fifth to provide a chute which may be adjusted to deliver the sacks into the lower hold or on any of the intermediate decks, as desired; sixth, to provide a chute which may be completely assembled on the dock and swung into position by the hoisting machinery of the vessel, thereby material y reducing the time usually taken for rigging the various devices at present in use; seventh, to provide an adjustable strong-back adapted to be hatchway of a ship and adapted to fit in any size hatchway Within the limits of the apparatus; eighth,

to provide a fixed receiving chute, extend ing from the combing of the hatchway to a pair of hoppers; ninth, to provide iniproved means whereby the How of sacks on the receiving chute may be shunted to either of the two hoppers; tenth, to provide i111 proved fixed hoppers, adapted to support the revolubly adjustable vertical chutes;

eleventh, to improve the form and construction of the vertical chute section-s; twelfth to improve the means of connecting the ver tical chute sections together; thirteenth, to

provide an improved bracing ring at the lower end of the vertical chute, whereby the swaying of the said chute isprevented without interfering with its free revoluble mo tion therein; fourteenth, to improve the means for supporting the lower distributing 1928. Serial No. 270,657.

chute from the vertical chute, whereby the entire vertical chute and the distributing chute may be freely rotated on the vertical axis of the hopper and'the bracing ring, without having to make any adjustment of the supporting and bracing cables, thereby permitting the stevedores to turn the chute to cause the sacks to be delivered at the desired position to enable the rapid stacking thereof with the least possible labor; fifteenth, to provide improved means for adj usting the height of the delivery end of said distributing chute; and sixteenth, to provide an apparatus which is cheap and easy to install, economical to use, and which effects a'material reduction in the time and cost of loading a ship. I

I attain these and other objects by the apparatus devices, mechanisms and arrangements illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a cross-section of a ship showing my improved loadin chutes in osition therein; Fig. 2 is a si e elevation 0 the receiving end of the stron -back mounted on the combing of the hate way; F 1g. 3 is a section thereof, taken on the line 3 -3 Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the receiving chute, strong-back,-hoppers and the upper portions of the two vertical chutes; Fig. 5 is a cross-section of the receiving chute, taken at the dumping gate therein; and Fig. 6 1s a longitudinal section thereof; Fig. 7 IS an elevation, partly in section, of the out-board hopper, showing the supporting strongback in section, and showing the vertical chute supper-tin frame; and Fig, 8 is a plan v ew thereof; ig. 9 isa horizontal cross-section of one of the sections'of the vertical chute, taken at'its central point; F ig. 1 is an elevation showing the removable oint between two adjacent, sections of the vertical chute; and Fig. 11 is an elevation of said-joint; Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the lower end of the vertical chute, showing thebracmg ring and the adjustable distributing chute; Fig. 13 is a front elevation there0f; F1g. i4 is a plan View thereof; and Fig. 15 1s a sec tional view showing the mounting of the bracing frame within the bracing ring.

Similar numerals of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the ship 1 is provided with a suitable freight hold, comprising a bottom 2, intermediate decks 3, an upper well 4, and hatchways or openings 5 in the decks 3. The upper end of the well 4 (or of the hatchway if no well is provided in the particular ship) is provided with a protective combing 6, surrounding it and extending above the upper deck 7. The delivery chute 8 extends from the warehouse, elevator, mill or other structure on the wharf and rests directly on the in-board side of the said combing 6.

A strong-back,'comprising two parallel tubes 9, or other suitable structure, is mounted on the combing 6 of the hatchway at the point where said delivery chute 8 reaches the said combing. These tubes 9 are somewhat shorter than the breadth of the smallest size of hatchway tobe served. Their in-board ends are mounted in suitable sockets 10, formed on the lower ends of the vertical end plates 11. The said end plates 11 are provided at their upper ends with extensions 12 turned outward and downward to hook over the combing 6. bracketplate 13 extends from the upper part of the plate 11 and passes downward and towardsthe center of the hatchway to a collarxl4, secured on the tube 9. The two end plates llof the tubes 9 are connected together by means of cross plates 15, thus securely fastening the two strong-back tubes 9 into a single structure. This strong-back structure is adjustable in length, in order to fit in hatchways of different sizes, by having its out-board end composed of two smaller tubes 16, each mounted within the outer end of the respective main tubes 9, and slidable therein to extend a greater or less distance therefrom. These tubes 16 are mounted in similar hooked end plates 17 and are provided with similar bracket plates 18.

It is, of course, understood that I do not wish to limit the construction of these strongbacks to tubes, but that any suitable section may be used. 1 However, it will be found that the tube gives a cheap and effective form and that it isespecially convenient in view of the sliding feature of the out-board. end thereof, as above described.

Referring now to Figs. 4, 5 and 6, it will be seen that the receiving chute 19 rests at its in-board end 'on top of the combing 6 of the ship, it being'understood that the delivery chute end rests on the end of this receiving chute. The in-board' end of the chute 19 is provided with suitable downward extending lugs 20 adapted to be placed over the combing 6 and to secure it. thereto. The out-board end of the receiving chute 19 is supported by means of a strap 21 extending across from one strong-back tube 9 to the other and supporting the end of the chute 19, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The chute 19 is preferably made of metal and is formed with two sideflanges 22 extending the entire length of the chute and adapted to give it vertical strength and stiffness. The upper surface 23 of the chute 19. is dished downward ;along its entire length andvforms a shallow groove or trough adapted to guide the sacks as they pass therealong from end to end. The out-board end of the chute 19 is positioned directly over the hopper of the out-board vertical chute, as hereinafter described, and is adapted to deliver the sacks thereinto. The hopper of the in-board vertical chute is positioned quite near to the inboard end of the strong-back, as hereinafter described, and the receiving chute 19 is provided with a dumping gate 24, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6, adapted to deliver the sacks into the said in-board hopper. This gate 24 fits between the vertical side flanges 22 of the receiving chute 19, and is of a section similar to that of the said chute 19, being provided with vertical side flanges 25 and with a dished upper surface 26. The upper surface 23 of the chute 19 is cut away, between the flanges 22, to make room for the dumping gate 24. The gate, 24 is pivotally secured to the chutev 19 by means of the two pivot bolts 27 which pass through the

flanges

22 and 25, coaxial with each other, and positioned a short distance from the out-board end of the said gate 24. Stops 28 extend inward from the flanges 22 and are adapted to receive the -in-board ends of the two flanges 25 of the gate when the gate is in its closed or lowered position, in which position it forms a continuous portionof the main receiving chute 19. Suitable means may be provided to hold the out-board end of the gate 24 in either its closed or its open posi-. tions, as for-example the removable'bolts, 29 which pass through holes 30 in the

flanges

22 and 25, positioned near the outboard end of the flanges 25 and thus hold the said gate in its closed position'against the weight of a sack thereon betweenthesaid pivot bolts 27 and the out-boardend, or which engage the upper edge of the said gate 24to hold it in its open position (Fig. 6). When the gate 24 is thus held open, it permits the sacks of flour, etc., to pass through the opening, thus formed, and into the first of the two hoppers. In'this position the lower side of the dished surface 26 forms a guide which forces the sack downward and into' the hopper, in case its velocity might be such as to cause it to overleap the said hopper (Figs. 1 and 4).

As above stated, there are two vertical chutes to my apparatus, each independent of the other, one being adapted to serve the loading of the port side of the vessel while the other serves the loading of the starboard side thereof. In Fig. 1 I have shown the out-board vertical chute as serving one of the intermediate decks 3 of the ship, while the corresponding in-board vertical chute serves the lower hold thereof, it being therefore understood that each vertical chute may be quickly shortened from its longest length to any intermediate length, by removing one or more of its sections, as hereinafter described, each chute being independent of the other and being adjusted for service of its own side of the vessel 1. Each vertical chute is in all respects like the other and it will therefore 'be understood that whatapplies to one will also apply to the other. The in-board vertical chute is suspended from the in-board hopper 31 and the outboard vertical chute is suspended from the out-board hopper 32, and both of these vertical chutes are revoluble about the vertical axes of their respective hoppers.

The two

hoppers

31 and 32 are similar in all essential respects, the in-board hopper 31 being mounted below the opening for the dumping gate 2- while the out-board hopper is mounted just beyond the end of the receiving chute 19, above described.

The

hoppers

31 and 32 are both inverted truncated cones, and each is mounted on a strong framework (Figs. 7 and 8), which comprises the double circular track formed by two concentric angle-

iron rings

33 and 34, attached to the lower end of the hopper, and coaxial therewith, by means of raised plates 35, and suspended on their opposite sides from the strong-back tubes 9 by means of the hanger plates 36, secured to the rings and and to the said strongback tubes 9, being bent therearound at their upper ends as shown in the drawings. Suitable side brace plates 37 are secured to the

rings

33 and 34 and to the hanger plates 36. Thus it will be seen that the whole structure comprising the hopper and the circular track is rigidly supported on the said strong-back tubes 9, in a fixed position thereon.

The entire weight of each vertical chute 38 is supported by the two

concentric rings

33 and 34 of the hopper frame, by means of four pairs of hangers 39, each having a flanged bearing wheel 40 mounted thereon. Four of these wheels l0 roll on the inner ring while four roll on the outer ring 34. The hangers 39 are preferably secured to the vertical chute at the four corners thereof. Thus it is evident that the vertical chute 38 is supported by the hopper frame but that it is free to turn around the vertical axis thereof into any position thereunder.

The vertical chute comprises a series of separate sections, secured together in such manner that any of them may be removed in order to shorten the vertical height of the said chute 38. I prefer to make the intermediate sections all similar to each other and therefore any such section will fit in at any point of the chute.

Each section 41 of said vertical chute is square in cross-section (Fig. 9) and is built up of four separate plates, the side plates 42 being shaped as segments of an annular ring, their upper and lower edges being formed on the radii of the said ring, while the two other plates 43 are bent to conform to the outer and inner edges of the said annular ring. The said section 41 therefore forms about one-quarter of a complete hollow circular ring. The plates l2 and 43 may be secured together in any convenient manner, though I prefer to bend their edges outward from the chute, as shown in Fig. 9, and rivet them together. These flanges l4, thus formed, are therefore double and add materially to the strength and stiffness of the several sections 41, especially if they are bent to form an angle of about 133 degrees with their respective surfaces. The upper ends of the double flanges H are provided with two plates 45, one on each side of each such double flange, said plates being firmly riveted to the said flange 44 and extending upward therefrom above the upper end of the section 41. The upper ends of these fastening plates 45 are provided with large holes, and with a pin 40 adapted to be passed therethrough. Corresponding holes are formed in the lower ends of the said double flanges 44, said holes being also zulapted to receive the pins 46. Thus one section 4-1 is adapted to be fastened to the lower end of the next upper section 41 by passing the said plates 45 over the flanges 44 of the said upper section and passing the pins 46 through the said holes in the said plates and flanges.

The intermediate sections 41 of the vertical chute 38 are thus attached together in reversed positions, each section which swings to the loft being placed between sections which swing towards the right. Thus though the eneral line of the fall of the sacks is vertical, it is in reality made up of a number of short consecutive falls, first in one direction then in the other, and each fall made in conjunction with a short slide on the curved sides 43.

The uppermost section 47 of the vertical chute 33 is of special form at its upper end. shown in Fig. 7. being curved upward to join the horizontal upper end thereof with the main part thereof, and also being provided, at its four corners, with the said brackets 39 which carry the wheels 40, as above described.

The lowermost section 48 of the vertical chute 38 is aiso of special form, being providcd with and n'lounted in a frame mounted in a horizontal bracing ring, wherein it is free to rotate on the vertical axis, and being also provided with a distributing chute attached thereto and turning therewith about the said vertical axis. The axis of the bracing ring is vertically coincident with the vertical axis of the hopper and of the supporting

rings

33 and 34.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 12 to 15, it will be seen that the said lowermost section 48 of the vertical chute 38 is secured in a horizontal frame, at its central point. This frame comprises the four sides 49 engaging and secured to the said chute section 48, and has a series of arms extending therefrom. The first arm 50 extends from the center of the outside portion of the foursided frame 49, and is provided with a roller 51, mounted between two horizontal tines 52 of the said arm, which tines 52 are extended beyond the said roller 51 to pass above and below the vertical flanges of the ring 53 (Fig. 15) as hereinafter described. Two other arms extend from the frame 49 at the two inner corners of the section 48 and are provided with corresponding tines 52 at their ends and with rollers 51 mounted between the said tines, as above described. The three rollers 51, thus provided, are preferably positioned to engage the vertical inner flange of the ring 53 at points equidistant from each other.

The ring 53 is constructed or formed of a T-iron bent on a circle, with its cross-arm vertical to form the inner flanges. and forms a complete ring around the frame 4.) and the arms 50 and 54, mounted therein, as above described. This ring is secured in a horizontal position, vertically below the axis of the hopper and rings 325 and 34, by means of a plurality of cables or other suitable tackle, extending therefrom to convenient parts of the ship 1 (Fig. 1), whereby it is maintained in its position, and may be adjusted therein.

The lower end of the lowermost section 48 of the vertical chute, is provided with a pair of coaxial hinge pins 56 which secure the inner or upper end of the distributing chute 5T thereto. This chute 57 may be of the same general form as the above described receiving chute 19, and, if desired, it may be made of telescoping sections whereby its length may be adjusted to that desired by the operators. The chute 57 is supported by means of the hinge pins 56 and the hanger rods 58. These rods 58 are mounted, at their upper ends, on arms 59 forming part of the frame 49 mounted in the inside of the bracing ring Plates ()0 are mounted on the sides of the chute 57 and are provided with a plurality of holes 61 adapted to receive the hooked end of the rod 58. These holes 61 are positioned in the plates 0 in such manner that the incline of the said distributing chute 57, or the height of its outer end, may be adjusted to suit the convenience of the operators. A portion of the weight of the said distributing chute 57 may be carried to the main part of the vertical chute 38, by means of a pair of upper rods 62, secured to the said frame arms 59, immediately above the rods 58, and adapted to hook into suitable rings 63 secured at the center of the intermediate section 41 immediately above the said lowermost section 48. Each such intermediate section 41 is also provided with these central rings 63.

Thus it will be seen that when it is desired to stack the sacks being loaded in any particular direction from the axis of the vertical chute 38, it is only necessary to push or pull the end of the distributing chute 57 around to the desired point and the entire chute apparatus, except the fixed parts above the hopper frame and except the bracing ring 58, will turn about the axis of the hopper and rings 33 and 53, and the sacks will thus be delivered to the stevedorcs at the desired point. As soon as it is desired to change this point of delivery the end of the chute 57 is again moved to swing the chute into the new direction. It is evident that, since the bracing rods 58 and (32 are attached to the frame, which is secured to the lo' wermost section 48 of the vertical chute 88, and since this frame turns inside of the fixed ring 53, that this adjustment of the position or direction of the end of the distributing chute 57 is accomplished without any change in the guy cables 55 or any other part of the apparatus.

One of the many ad 'antages that my apparatus has over any at present: in use, is that it may be fully assembled on the dock, even before the steamer arrives, and then raised by the ships hoisting apparatus and lowered into the hold, the strong-backs thereof being set on the combing of the hatchway, as above described. The bracing rings are then secured to convenient parts of the vessel, in proper alincment, and the entire apparatus is then ready tor immediate use.

\Vhen it is desired to shorten the vertical height of the chute, the section innnediatcly above the lower section 48 is removed in the following manner :-The cables of the bracing ring 53 are attached to the ship at points above the new position of the ring and include suitable tightening tackle therein. Then a tackle is attached to the ring 63 of one of the upper sections 41 and to the ring 53, while another tackle connects one of the higher rings ()3 with that of the section 41 to be removed. Then the rods 62 are disconnected from the ring (33 of said lower section 41. Then the eight fastening pins 46, which secure the upper and lower ends of said section 41 to the adjacent section 41 and to the lower section 48, are removed, thus enabling the said section 41 to be swung away on its tackle. Then the section 48 is turned in the ring 53 into its reversed position. Then the ring 53, with its section 48, is raised by the tackle to its new level. Then the four pins 46 are inserted to connect the section 41 with the section 48, and the rods 62 are inserted in the rings 63. The apparatus is now ready for use at this new level. In making this change of level, the distributing chute 57 may be removed from the lower end of said section 48, by removal of the hinge pins 56 and the disconnection of the rods 58, if desired.

It is evident that many variations may be made in the details of my apparatus, without departing from the spirit of my invention, outlined in the claims attached hereto.

Having described my invention, what I claim is 1. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a hopper secured thereto; a receiving chute supported thereon and adapted to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute rotatably depending from said hopper; a bracing means rotatably engaging the lower end thereof to prevent its swaying but permitting its free rotation therein; and a distributing chute extending laterally from the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute and adapted to ex tend in any direction from the axis of the sinuous chute as the said sinuous chute is rotated.

2. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a hopper secured thereto; a receiving chute supported thereon and adapted to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute rotatably depending from said hopper; a bracing means rotatably engaging the lower end thereof to prevent its swaying; a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute; and means for adjustably supporting the outer end of said distributing chute from said sinuous chute, whereby the elevation of the end of the chute may be adjusted without preventing the free rotation of said chute to extend in any direction from the axis of the sinuous chute the said sinuous chute is rotated.

3. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a horizontal circular track secured to said supporting means; a hopper secured to and supported by said circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by said supporting means and adapt ed to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute; roller means secured to said vertical sinuous chute and engaging said circu lar track whereby said vertical sinuous chute is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute, and coaxial with said hopper; and a frame secured to said vertical sinuous chute and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby said vertical sinuous chute may be turned about the vertical axis of said hopper and said ring to discharge in any direction therefrom.

4. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a horizontal circular track secured to said supporting means; a hopper secured to and supported by said circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by said supporting means and adapted to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute; roller means secured to said vertical sinuous chute and engaging said circular track whereby said vertical sinuous chute is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute, and coaxial with said hopper; a frame secured to said vertical sinuous chute and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is braced from swaying; and a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute and adapted to be rotated therewith about the axis of said hopper and ring to distribute in any direction therefrom.

5. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a horizontal circular track secured to said supporting means; a hopper secured to and supported by said circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by said supporting means and adapted to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute; roller means secured to said vertical sinuous chute and engaging said circular track, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute, and coaxial with said hopper; a frame secured to said vertical sinuous chute and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is braced from swaying; a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute and adapted to be rotated therewith to distribute in any direction therefrom; and means for adjustably supporting said distributing chute from said vertical sinuous chute.

6. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a horizontal circular track secured to said supporting means; a hopper secured to and supported by said circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by said supporting means and adapted to dump into said hopper; a vertical sinuous chute; roller means secured to said vertical sinuous chute and engaging said circular track, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute, and coaxial with said hopper; a frame secured to said Vertical sinuous chute and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby said Vertical sinuous chute is braced from swaying; a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute and adapted to be rotated therewith to distribute in any direction therefrom; and rods joining said frame to said distributing chute, whereby said distributing chute is adjustably supported.

7. A chute comprising a fixed supporting means; a horizontal circular track secured to said supporting means; a hopper secured to and supported by said circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by said supporting means and adapted to dump into said hopper; a Vertical sinuous chute; roller means secured to said vertical sinuous chute and engaging said circular track, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the lower end of said vertical sinous chute, and coaxial with said hopper; a frame secured to said vertical sinuous chute and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby said vertical sinuous chute is braced from swaying; a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said vetical sinuous chute and adapted to be rotated therewith; upper rods extending downward from a part of said vertical sinuous chute to said frame; and lower rods continuing downward from said frame and ad justably secured to said distributing chute, whereby said distributing chute is adjustably supported from said vertical sinuous chute and may be turned therewith to distribute in any direction therefrom.

8. A chute for loading a ship, comprising a strong-back; an adjustable extension thereof; fastening means secured to the ends of the strong-back and its extension whereby the strong-back may be mounted on and secured to the combing on both sides of the hatchway; a hopper mounted on said strongback; a receiving chute supported at one end by said combing and at the other end by said strong-back, and adapted to dump into said hopper; and a Vertical sinuous chute, depending from said hopper.

9. A chute for loading a ship, comprising two parallel tubular beams secured together in spaced relation to each other; two extensions thereof; fastening means on the ends of each said tubular beams and said extensions, whereby the strong-back thus formed may be mounted on and secured to the combing on both sides of the hatchway; a hopper mounted between said tubular beams and supported thereby; a receiving chute supported at one end by the combing between said tubular beams and at the other end by and between said tubular beams, and adapted to dump into said hopper; and a vertical sinuous chute depending from said hopper.

10. A chute for loading a ship, comprising a strong-back; an adjustable extension thereof, whereby the ends of said strong-back may be mounted on and supported by the combing on both sides of the ship hatchway; a horizontal circular track secured to said strong-back; a hopper secured to and supported by the circular track and coaxial therewith; a receiving chute supported by the combing of the hatrhway at one end and by the strong-back at the other end; a gate in said receiving chute and adapted to be opened to cause said chute to dump into the said hopper; an upper curved chute section; roller means secured to the upper end of said upper chute section and engaging the said circular track, whereby said chute section is supported and may be rotated about the axis of said hopper; intermediate curved chute sections secured together in reversed positions and forming a vertical sinuous chute; releasable means securing all said chute sections together; a lower curved chute section releasably secured to the lower end of said vertical sinuous chute; a horizontal ring fixedly supported adjacent to and enclosing the central portion of said lower curved chute section, and coaxial with the hopper; a frame secured to said lower curved chute section and rotatably mounted in said ring, whereby the said vertical sinuous chute is braced against swaying; a distributing chute secured to and extending laterally from the lower end of said lower curved chute section; rods joining said frame to an upper intermediate chute section; and rods joining said frame to said distributing chute, where by said distributing chute is adjustably supported and may be turned with said vertical sinuous chute to distribute in any direction therefrom.

ALFRED PAYNE.