WO2012172569A1

WO2012172569A1 - Apparatus for dumping agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2012172569A1
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mahesh Kumar CHHABRA
Original assignee: Chhabra Mahesh Kumar
Priority date: 2011-06-15
Filing date: 2012-06-15
Publication date: 2012-12-20

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus 100 for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce from a vehicle 300, such as a trolley. The apparatus includes a base frame 10, a middle frame 40 hinged to the base frame 10 at hinges 16 and supported thereon, and a rotating frame 70 attached to the middle frame 40, wherein the rotating frame 70 is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame 40 and the base frame 10. For dumping the agricultural produce, the rotating frame 70 is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the base frame 10 to allow the vehicle 300 to be loaded there-upon, and the rotating frame 70 is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame 10 and then angularly tilted for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the duping vehicle 300 due to gravity.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DUMPING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE LOADED ON A VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce, such as sugarcane, loaded on a vehicle in an industrial plant, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus that facilitates a quick, effective & safe dumping of sugarcane loaded on trolleys in sugarcane plants. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Agricultural products, such are as sugarcane, after being harvested required to be transported to mills, granaries and refineries, where these agricultural products are stored, processed and refined. Usually, the transportation of these products is carried out using transport vehicles, such as dumpers. However, in many developing countries and regions like India, China and Africa, the preferred mode of transporting the agricultural produces is through trolleys or wagons. These trolleys or wagons are economical and therefore easily affordable by the farming community in such regions. Usually, the sugarcane is loaded on these trolleys or wagons via cranes or manually, and these trolleys or wagons are attached to a pulling tractor, car, mini truck and the like, for transporting the produces to plant sites.

Though loading of these agricultural produces is easily done in this manner, unloading of such produces at plant sites is very difficult. Sugarcane mills operate 24 * 7 and require continuous supply of raw materials. Any delay in unloading the raw sugarcane is detrimental to the overall efficiency of the plant, and therefore, plant operators use cranes and employ large number of workers to unload the raw sugarcane from trolleys or wagons. This process, however, is time consuming, expensive and requires a lot of labour. Therefore, there is a need to mechanize the process of unloading by minimizing the man hours involved in unloading sugarcane in the mills, thereby improving the turnaround time and efficiency of the unloading process.

To improve the efficiency of the unloading process, tools such as tippler platforms have been conventionally employed. Such platforms include a tippling deck on which the transporting vehicles, such as trucks, are loaded and secured, and the platforms are controllably tippled using gravitational force to unload the sugarcane into a pit or a conveyer belt of the plant. This process though saves time and effort, but, is only suited for vehicles, such as trucks or tempos.

As mentioned above, most of the farm to plant transport in developing countries happens through wagons or trolleys, and the tipplers have proven to be ineffective in unloading the sugarcane loaded on such wagons or trolleys. The reason for this is that these wagons or trolleys are removably attached to the back of a car or tractor through carriage shafts. Accordingly, during the dumping process, difficulties arise in setting up these trolleys or wagons in precise alignment with the tippling platforms due to the rigid nature of these shafts. Specific difficulties arise when the alignment requires a precise reversing of the trolleys or wagons to align them with respect to the tippling platform and the pit or conveyor belt, in which the sugarcane is required to be dumped. Therefore, there is a need to solve this precarious problem of dumping sugarcane in sugar mills.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, in a sugarcane mill.

Another object of the present invention is to provide quick, effective & safe dumping of sugarcane loaded on trolleys in sugarcane plants.

Yet another object of the present invention is to minimize the man hours involved in unloading sugarcane in sugarcane mills, and overall improve the turnaround time and efficiency of the process.

Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the productivity of sugarcane mills by improving the efficiency of raw sugarcane dumping process in a sugarcane mill or refinery.

Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the safety of the sugarcane unloading process in sugarcane mills.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be clear from the ensuing description. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With respect to limitations set above, in one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley. The apparatus includes at least one base frame capable of being ruggedly secured to a stable substantially horizontal surface. Further, the apparatus includes at least one middle frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported thereon. The middle frame is adapted to angularly move about the hinges and with respect to the horizontal base frame. Moreover, the apparatus includes at least one rotating frame rotatably attached to the middle frame, wherein the rotating frame is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame and the base frame. During operation of the apparatus for facilitating dumping of sugarcane, the rotating frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the base frame for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, then rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame, and the middle frame is angularly tilted at a predetermined angle for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the vehicle due to gravity.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley. The apparatus includes at least one base frame capable of being ruggedly secured to a stable substantially horizontal surface. Further, the apparatus includes at least one middle frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported thereon. The middle frame is adapted to angularly move about the hinges and with respect to the horizontal base frame. The apparatus further includes a first hydraulic mechanism having one or more hydraulic cylinders secured to the base frame, wherein each of the one or more hydraul ic cylinders includes a hydraulic arm capable of retractably moving inside the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders on being hydraulically operated, and wherein the hydraulic arm is adapted to be extended for angularly moving the middle frame with respect the base frame about the hinges. The apparatus also includes at least one rotating frame rotatably attached to the middle frame, wherein the rotating frame is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame and the base frame. The apparatus also includes a second hydraulic mechanism positioned between the middle frame and the rotating frame. The second hydraulic mechanism is capable of rotating the rotating frame with respect to the middle frame and the base frame. To unload the sugarcane loaded on the vehicle, the rotating frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the base frame for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, and rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame via the second hydraulic mechanism. Thereafter, the middle frame is angularly tilted via the first hydraulic mechanism for allowing the agricultural produce to being dumped from the duping vehicle due to gravity.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley. The apparatus includes at least one base frame capable of being disposed on a stable substantially horizontal surface. Further, the apparatus includes at least one supporting frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported on the base frame, wherein the supporting frame is adapted to angularly move about the hinges and with respect to the horizontal base frame. The at least one base frame is capable of being rotated by a rotating mechanism with respect to the at least one base frame. The base frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the stable substantially horizontal surface for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon. The base frame is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the stable substantially horizontal surface, and the supporting frame is angularly tilted at a predeterm ined angle for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the vehicle due to gravity. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism includes a first hydraulic mechanism capable of angularly moving the supporting frame with respect to the base frame about the hinges. In another embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises a second hydraulic mechanism positioned between the base frame and the supporting frame, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism is capable of rotating the base frame with respect to the supporting frame. In another embodiment, the rotating mechanism comprises an electric motor capable of rotating the base frame with respect to the supporting frame.

This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle wherein a rotating platform is in a loading position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 wherein a rotating platform is in an unloading position, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig. 1 wherein the rotating platform is in a tilted position during unloading process, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a base frame of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a middle frame of the apparatus of Fig.

1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a rotating frame of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a foundation on which the apparatus of Fig. 1 may be supported, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 9- 10 illustrates perspective views of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in operation, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 1 1 illustrates various civil drawings of the apparatus of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present disclosure, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims. Although the present disclosure is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as lim iting.

The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

The terms "comprising", "including" and "consisting" herein do not denote a limitation to the foregoing items cited.

The present invention provides an apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, in an industrial site. The term 'agricultural produce' as mentioned herein refers to, but is not limited to, a crop produce, such as sugarcane. The term 'vehicle' relates to, but is not limited to, vehicles, such as a trolley, wagon, cart, or a truck, used to carry the agricultural produce to an industrial site or storage. The term 'industrial site' refers to a mill, factory, granary, and the l ike. However, it should be clearly noted that the above references should not in anyways be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is applicable for facilitating dumping of any material, such as minerals, coal, or any other material in an industrial site, where the material is carried to industrial sites using vehicles. However, it should be understood that the apparatus described in the present invention is tailor made for dumping of sugarcane in sugarcane mills, where the sugarcane is transported to the industrial site using trolleys, or wagons.

Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a base frame, a middle frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported thereon, and a rotating frame rotatably attached to the middle frame, wherein the rotating frame is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame and the base frame. For dumping the agricultural produce, the rotating frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with * respect to the base frame to allow the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, and the rotating frame is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame and then angularly tilted for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the duping vehicle due to gravity. The apparatus will now be explained in details as apparatus ( 100) with reference to Figs. 1 - 1 1 .

As shown in Figs. 1 - 1 1 , the apparatus ( 100) includes the following main components: at least one base frame ( 10) [only one base frame ( 10) is shown], at least one middle frame (40) [only one middle frame (40) is shown] hinged to the base frame ( 10), and at least one rotating frame (70) [only one rotating frame (70) is shown] attached to the middle frame (40). Each and every component of the apparatus ( 100) will now be described in details with reference to the figures appended. However, it should be noted that the description of the apparatus ( 100) should not be construed to be lim ited to the ensuing description. The following description and figures only explains an embodiment in which the present invention may be practiced.

Referring to Figs. 1 -1 1 and specifically Fig. 4, there is shown the base frame ( 10). The base frame (10) is capable of being ruggedly secured to a stable substantially horizontal surface (S). The base frame ( 10) provides the basic support on which the entire apparatus ( 100) is supported. Preferably, the base frame ( 10) is capable of being ruggedly secured to ground, near to where the raw agricultural produce loaded on the vehicle (300) is required to be dumped. For the securing purposes, the base frame ( 10) includes a plurality of bolting brackets (1 12). These bolting brackets ( 1 12) along with bolts may be used to bolt the base frame ( 10) on the ground surface (S).

Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention, the base frame ( 1 0) may be rested on any other surface, such as a platform or a foundation, and the like. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base frame ( 10) is rested on a foundation structure (200). The foundation structure (200) on which the base frame ( 10) is bolted will be explained in details later in the description.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base frame ( 10) includes a plurality of supporting arms ( 12) extending outwardly from peripheral edge portions ( 14) of the base frame ( 10). These supporting arms ( 12) are adapted to support the m iddle frame (40) thereon. Further, the base frame ( 10) includes one or more hinging arms ( 16) integrally built into the base frame ( 10) at a peripheral edge portion ( 1 14). These hinging arms ( 16) are adapted to hinge the middle frame (40) to the base frame ( 10). It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that such hinging allows the middle frame (40) to angularly move with respect to the base frame ( 10).

Additionally, the base frame ( 1 0) includes a plurality of support members ( 1 16).

These support members ( 1 16) are provide to support the base frame ( 10) to ensure that the base frame (10) is ruggedly secured to the ground surface (S), thereby precluding any movement of the base frame ( 10) during the operation of the apparatus ( 100). This is very essential to provide stability to the entire apparatus ( 100).

The base frame ( 10) as shown in Fig. 4 is rectangular in shape. However, such shape of the base frame ( 10) should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. Accordingly, the base frame ( 10) may be of any other shape such as square shape, and the like. Moreover, the base frame ( 10) is composed of rigid, robust and stable materials, such as metallic materials, such as titanium, hard alloys, such as steel, and hard polymeric materials, such as plastics and the like. Further, the base frame ( 10) may be of any desired dimensions based on the requirements of the apparatus ( 100).

Now moving on to the explanation of the middle frame (40), a reference is made to Figs. 1 -3 and Fig. 5. As shown in these figures, the middle frame (40) is hinged at hinges (16) to the base frame (10) and is capable of being supported thereon. This allows the middle frame (40) to angularly move about the hinges ( 16) and with respect to the horizontal base frame (10) as shown by reverse arrow 'A' in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 5, the middle frame (40) carries plurality of support members (42). These support members (42) are adapted to provide strength to the middle frame (40). Further, the middle frame (40) includes locking holes (44), which are utilized to lock the rotating frame (70) to the middle frame (40). This aspect of locking will be explained later in the description.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the middle frame (40) is rectangular in shape. However, such shape of the middle frame (40) should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. Accordingly, the middle frame (40) may be of any other shape such as square shape, and the like, and preferably a shape similar to the shape of the base frame ( 10). Moreover, the middle frame (40) is composed of rigid, robust and stable materials, such as metallic materials like titanium, hard alloys, such as steel, and hard polymeric materials, such as plastics and the like. Further, the middle frame ^'(40) may be of any desired dimensions based on the requirements, and preferably of dimensions similar to the base frame ( 10).

In between the base frame ( 10) and the middle frame (40), at least one hydraulic mechanism (30) is disposed. The primary job of the hydraulic mechanism (30) is to angularly lift or tilt the middle frame (40) with respect to the fixed base frame ( 10). In other words, this hydraulic mechanism (30) is capable of angularly moving the middle frame (40) with respect to the base frame ( 10) about the hinges ( 1 6).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic mechanism (30) includes one or more hydraulic cylinders (32) secured to the base frame ( 10). More specifically, the base frame (10) may include a pair of hinges ( 1 18). These pair of hinges ( 1 18) may be adapted to receive a bottom portion ( 120) of the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders (32) and secure the one or more hydraulic cylinders (32) to the fixed base frame ( 10). Further, the middle frame (40) includes a pair of hinges ( 122) as shown in Fig. 5. These pair of hinges ( 122) receives the hydraulic arms (34) therein.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 9, each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders (32) includes the hydraulic arm (34) capable of retractably moving inside the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders (32) on being operated. Specifically, the hydraulic arm (34) is adapted to be extended for angularly moving the middle frame (40) with respect the base frame ( 10) about the hinges ( 16). Such extension of the hydraulic arms (34) allows the middle frame (40) to be lifted with respect to the fixed base frame ( 10) giving it a lift. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that such movement lifts the middle frame (40) of the apparatus ( 1 00), giving the apparatus ( 1 00) the capability of angular movement with respect to the ground surface (S). The hydraulic cylinders (32) employed in the present invention are similar to hydraulic cylinders known in the art, however, the hydraulic cylinders (32) are adapted to suit the requirements of the apparatus ( 100). Typically, the hydraulic cylinders (32) include direction control valves for controlling the direction of movement of the arms (34) of the hydraulic cylinders (32). In this manner, the apparatus (100) gets its tilting capability that may be used to tilt the apparatus ( 100) with respect to the ground when required for dumping the agricultural produce.

Now furthering the description, we have the rotating frame (70) attached to the middle frame (40). Essentially, the rotating frame (70) is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame (40) and the base frame ( 10). More specifically, the rotating frame (70) is adapted to rotate by minimum 90 degrees. This gives the apparatus ( 100) the capability to rotate a part thereof with respect to the ground surface (S). The significance of such rotation will be described in details later in the description when the operation of the apparatus ( 100) will be explained.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the rotating frame (70) includes one or more hooks (88, 89) ruggedly secured to a front portion ( 127) of the rotating frame (70). These one or more hooks (88) are adapted to be secured to an axle of the vehicle (300) during operation of the apparatus ( 100). This keeps the vehicle (300) in a fixed position with respect to the rotating frame (70). Further, the rotating frame (70) includes a plurality of stoppers (90) proximal to a latitudinal edge portion (92) of the rotating frame (70). The plurality of stoppers (90) is adapted to protrude outwardly from the rotating frame (70) for clasping to tires (93) of the vehicle (300). More specifically, the plurality of stoppers (90) is hydraulically controlled and may be activated to protrude out of the rotating frame (70) when the vehicle is loaded thereon.

Additionally, the rotating frame (70) includes a plurality of wheels (94) secured at a bottom portion (96) of the rotating frame (70) for allowing the rotating frame (70) to be moved over an external guide track (99) or over an internal guide track (97). These wheels (94) are very important as they allow a smooth rotation of the rotating frame (70) over the external surfaces.

The rotating frame (70) as shown in Fig. 6 is rectangular in shape. However, such shape of the rotating frame (70) should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. Accordingly, the rotating frame (70) may be of any other shape such as square shape, and the like, and preferably similar to the shape of the middle frame (40) and the base frame (10). Moreover, the rotating frame (70) is composed of rigid, robust and stable materials, such as metallic materials, such as titanium, hard alloys, such as steel, and hard polymeric materials, such as plastics and the like. Further, the rotating frame (70) may be of any desired dimensions based on the requirements.

Between the middle frame (40) and the rotating frame (70), a second hydraulic mechanism (60) is positioned. The second hydraulic mechanism (60) is capable of rotating the rotating frame (70) with respect to the middle frame (40) and the base frame ( 10). This gives the rotating capabilities to the apparatus ( 100). The second hydraulic mechanism (60) will now be explained. In one embodiment, the second hydraulic mechanism (60) includes one or more hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) for rotating the rotating frame (70) with respect to the middle frame (40) and the base frame ( 10).

In another embodiment (refer to Fig. 5), the second hydraulic mechanism (60) includes a first hydraulic cylinder (62), which is hinged to a longitudinal peripheral edge portion (65) of the middle frame (40). Specifically, the middle frame (40) includes a bracket (129) for receiving the first hydraulic cylinder (62) and securing thereto. The first hydraulic cylinder (62) has a retractable arm (82) capable of retracting inside the first hydraulic cylinder (62).

Further, the second hydraulic mechanism (60) includes a second hydraulic cylinder (64), which is hinged to a longitudinal peripheral edge portion (69) that is opposite to the longitudinal peripheral edge portion (65) to which the first hydraulic cylinder (62) is attached. Specifically, the middle frame (40) includes a bracket ( 13 1 ) secured at the longitudinal peripheral edge portion (65). The bracket (13 1 ) keeps the second cylinder (64) secured thereto. In an embodiment, the second hydraulic cylinder (64) has a retractable arm (84) capable of retracting inside the second hydraulic cylinder (64). Such retraction of the retractable arms (82, 84) allows the hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) to rotate the rotating frame (70) with respect to the base frame ( 10) and the middle frame (70).

In details, the second hydraulic mechanism (60) includes a rotatable central hub assembly (66) secured at an axially central portion (67) of the middle frame (40). The central hub assembly (66) is capable of rotating by operation of the first hydraulic cylinder (62) and the second hydraulic cylinder (64).

Specifically, the rotatable central hub assembly (66) includes a central bearing (72) for receiving a central stem (not shown) of the rotating frame (70). This allows the rotating frame (70) to be rotatable with respect to the middle frame (40). Further, the rotatable central hub assembly (66) includes a first bracket (74) capable of receiving the retractable arm (82), and a second bracket (76) capable of receiving the retractable arm (84). The first hydraulic cylinder (62) and the second hydraulic cylinder (64) are adapted to alternatively operate with respect to each other for creating a torque at the central hub assembly (60) for rotating the rotating frame (70) received inside the central bearing (72). This allows the rotating frame (70) to rotate with respect to the middle frame (40) and the base frame ( 10). It should be noted that the hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) are similar in construction to conventional hydraulic cylinders known in the art. However, few adaptations may be made to make the hydraulic cylinders (62, 64) to perform the rotation operation.

The base frame (10) is usually bolted ruggedly to the ground. However, in an embodiment of the present invention, the base frame ( 10) may be adapted to be placed on an external structure, such as a foundation structure (200), which is designed to efficiently support the apparatus ( 100).

In an embodiment, the foundation structure (200) includes at least one base track (1 10) to which the base frame ( 10) is secured. Reference is made to Fig. 7 to highlight this aspect. The foundation structure (200) also includes one or more side tracks ( 120) between which the base track ( 1 10) is sandwiched. The one or more side tracks ( 120) are adapted to allow the rotating frame (70) to slide thereon during operation. Further, the foundation structure (200) includes a loading member ( 140) aligned substantially perpendicular to the base track ( 1 10). The loading member (140) allows the vehicle (300) to be loaded on the rotating frame (70) when the rotating frame (70) is substantially perpendicular to the base frame (10), as shown in Fig. 8. Further, the foundation structure (200) includes an unloading member ( 150) aligned substantially parallel to the base track ( 1 10). The unloading member ( 150) allows the vehicle (300) to be unloaded from rotating frame (70) when the rotating frame (70) is rotated to a position which is substantially parallel to the base frame ( 10). The foundation structure (200) is composed of rigid cemented materials in case a permanent fixture is required. Alternatively, the foundation structure (200) may be composed of steel or other rigid allows. Usually, the foundation structure (200) may be fixed to the ground surface (S) or may be detachably attached to the ground surface so that it may be repositioned when required.

In addition, the apparatus (100) may be operated by a power pack (not shown). In one embodiment, the power pack includes a hydraulic tank, a hydraulic pump run by an electric motor and a control valve. In addition to these components, the power pack also includes other accessories, such as a level gauge, return filter, breathers, and other such accessories. The power pack is adapted to receive oil from the oil tank and is configured to pump the received oil to direction control valves. The hydraulic control valves maintain the supply of the oil to the hydraulic cylinders. In addition, the power pack includes high pressure steel wire braided flexible weather resistant and abrasion resistant hoses.

Further, the apparatus (100) includes proximity switches, which control the interlocking between rotation, blocking and tilting of the apparatus ( 100). For example, these switches make sure that unless rotation is complete and stoppers (90) are deployed, the tilting does not start. Further, these switches make sure that once the apparatus is in a tilted position, rotation of the rotating member (70) is not possible and stoppers (90) cannot come down. Furthermore, the hose fail valves in the cylinders make sure that the rotating frame (70), which is tilted to come down slowly or rotate in a controlled manner.

In addition, the apparatus ( 100) includes an audio visual indicator (not shown), which gets activated during operation of the apparatus (100), and deactivated during its in-operation.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that this allows the vehicle (300) to be loaded on the apparatus ( 100) without the vehicle (300) having to be aligned with respect to the apparatus ( 100). Therefore, the problem in the prior art has been circumvented and this allows trolleys or wagons to be unloaded very efficiently.

The operation of the apparatus ( 100) will now be explained in details. Reference is made to Figs. 1 , 3, 8-10, in this respect. The first step in the process of operating the apparatus ( 100) is to fix the apparatus ( 100). In usual cases, the base frame ( 10) of the apparatus ( 100) is bolted to ground surface (S), near to the place where the agricultural produce, carried by the vehicles (300), is required to be dumped. Alternatively, the apparatus ( 100) is secured to a civil structure, such as the foundation (200), as described above. In case, the apparatus ( 100) is secured to the foundation (200), the base frame ( 10) is bolted to the base track (1 10).

After fixing of the base frame ( 10), the rotating frame (70) is positioned for allowing the vehicle (300) to be positioned thereon. It will be remembered that the problem in conventional apparatus is that trolleys and wagons carried by cars or tractors face alignment difficulties. Therefore, to solve this problem, the rotating frame (70) is positioned at a position, which is perpendicular to the base frame ( 10), as shown in Figs. l and 8, and the rotating frame (70) is rotated back to parallel position with respect to the base frame ( 10), as shown in Fig. 2. This allows a convenient loading of the trolley or the wagon on the apparatus (100) precluding the need of reversing the trolley or the wagon and aligning it with respect to the apparatus ( 100). Since the convention problem relates to loading of the vehicle (300) on the platform, the innovation in the present invention provides a clear cut solution to the problem. Additionally, the car or tractor carrying the trolley or wagon is disengaged, and can go back into the job of loading.

After the vehicle (300) is loaded on the rotating frame (70), the stoppers (90) are activated, as shown in Figs. 3, 9- 10. The activation of the stoppers (90) protrudes them outwardly from the rotating frame (70). The vehicle (300) is then operated to contact the stoppers (90), thereby making them clasp to tires (93) of the vehicle (300). These stoppers (90) thereby act as a pivot for the vehicle (300), when the middle frame (40) is lifted.

After the activation of stoppers (90) and contacting of the vehicle (300) with the stoppers (90), the one or more hooks (88, 89) are fastened to axles of the vehicle (300), as shown in Fig. 10. This ensures that no matter what, the vehicle (300) remains absolutely fixed and does not move on the rotating frame (70). For the convenience, adjustable guide adjusters ( 131 ) are provided which increases or reduces the distance between front hooks (88) and the rear hooks (89) based on the length of the trolley carrying the agricultural produce.

Next, the first hydraulic mechanism (30) is activated, as shown in Fig. 3. This hydraulic mechanism (30) tilts the middle frame (40), and accordingly, the vehicle (300) starts tilting. The hydraulic mechanism (30) is controllably operated by an operator and the hose fail safety valves make sure that the rotating frame (70) is tilted at a controlled rate. The tilting of the middle frame (40) leads to dumping of the agriculture produce due to gravity. The tilting is usually done by an angle of 55 degrees, however, the first hydraulic mechanism (30) may be controlled to operate so that the tilt is less than said angle. The agricultural produce is thereby accumulated and run over a conveyer or collected in a pit as the case may be.

The apparatus (1000) as described above has unique advantages. Firstly, the apparatus (1000) provides for a convenient dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, in a sugarcane mill. Secondly, the apparatus ( 1000) quickly, effectively & safely dumps sugarcane loaded on trolleys in sugarcane plants. Thirdly, the apparatus (1000) minimizes the man hours involved in unloading sugarcane in sugarcane mills, and overall improve the turnaround time and efficiency of the process. Fourthly, the apparatus ( 1000) improves the productivity of sugarcane mills by improving the efficiency of raw sugarcane dumping process in a sugarcane mill or refinery. Fifthly, the apparatus (100) includes safety features, such as hose valves, and proximity switches, which ensure a higher standard of safety while using the apparatus ( 1000). These advantages are only exemplary and not exhaustive.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1 CLAIM

1 . An apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, the apparatus comprising:

at least one base frame capable of being ruggedly secured to a stable substantially horizontal surface;

at least one middle frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported on the base frame, wherein the middle frame is adapted to angularly move about the h inges and with respect to the horizontal base frame; and

at least one rotating frame rotatably attached to the middle frame, wherein the rotating frame is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame and the base frame, and

wherein the rotating frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the base frame for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, and

wherein the rotating frame is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame, and the middle frame is angularly tilted at a predetermined angle for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the duping vehicle due to gravity.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base frame comprises a plurality of supporting arms extending outwardly from peripheral edge portions of the base frame, wherein the plurality of supporting arms are adapted to support the middle frame thereon.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the base frame comprises one or more hinging elements for hinging the middle frame to the base frame.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a first hydraulic mechanism capable of angularly moving the middle frame with respect to the base frame about the hinges.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first hydraulic mechanism comprises:

one or more hydraulic cylinders secured to the base frame, wherein each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders comprises a hydraulic arm capable of retractably moving inside the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders on being operated, and

wherein the hydraulic arm is adapted to be extended outwardly from the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders for angularly moving the middle frame with respect the base frame about the hinges.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second hydraulic mechanism positioned between the middle frame and the rotating frame, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism is capable of rotating the rotating frame with respect to the middle frame and the base frame.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders for rotating the rotating frame with respect to the middle frame and the base frame.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism comprises:

a first hydraulic cylinder hinged to a longitudinal peripheral edge portion of the middle frame, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder has a retractable arm capable of retracting inside the first hydraulic cylinder;

a second hydraulic cylinder hinged to a longitudinal peripheral edge portion that is opposite to the longitudinal peripheral edge portion to which the first hydraulic cylinder is attached, wherein the second hydraulic cylinder has a retractable arm capable of retracting inside the second hydraulic cylinder; and

a rotatable central hub assembly secured at an axially central portion of the middle frame, wherein the central hub assembly is capable of rotating by operation of the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotatable central hub assembly comprises:

a central bearing for receiving the rotating frame in order to rotate the rotating frame;

a first bracket capable of receiving the retractable arm; and

a . second bracket capable of receiving the retractable arm, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are adapted to alternatively operate with respect to each other for creating a torque at the central hub assembly for rotating the rotating frame received inside the central bearing.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotating frame comprises one or more hooks ruggedly secured to the rotating frame, wherein the one or more hooks are adapted to be secured to an axle of the vehicle for keeping the vehicle in a fixed - position with respect to the rotating frame.

1 1 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotating frame comprises a plurality of stoppers proximal to a latitudinal edge portion of the rotating frame, the plurality of stoppers are adapted to protrude outwardly from the rotating frame for clasping to tires of the vehicle.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rotating frame comprises a plurality of wheels secured at a bottom portion of the rotating frame for allowing the rotating frame to be moved over an integral guide track and external guide track.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 optionally comprising a foundation structure on which the apparatus is supported.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the foundation structure comprises:

at least one base track to which the base frame is secured; one or more curved side tracks between which the base track is sandwiched, wherein the one or more curved side tracks are adapted to allow the rotating frame to slide thereon;

a loading member aligned substantially perpendicular to the base track, wherein the loading member allows the vehicle to be loaded on the rotating frame when the rotating frame is substantially perpendicular to the base frame; and

an unloading member aligned substantially parallel to the base track, wherein the unloading member allows the vehicle to be unloaded from rotating frame when the rotating frame is rotated to a position which is substantially parallel to the base frame.

15. An apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, the apparatus comprising:

at least one middle frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported on the base frame, wherein the middle frame is adapted to angularly move about the hinges and with respect to the horizontal base frame;

a first hydraulic mechanism comprising,

one or more hydraulic cylinders secured to the base frame, wherein each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders comprises a hydraulic arm capable of retractably moving inside the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders on being hydraulically operated, and

wherein the hydraulic arm is adapted to be extended outwardly from the each of the one or more hydraulic cylinders for angularly moving the middle frame with respect the base frame about the hinges;

at least one rotating frame attached to the middle frame, wherein the rotating frame is adapted to rotate with respect to the middle frame and the base frame; and

a second hydraulic mechanism positioned between the middle frame and the rotating frame, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism is capable of rotating the rotating frame with respect to the middle frame and the base frame, and

wherein the rotating frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the base frame for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, and wherein the rotating frame is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the base frame, and the middle frame is angularly tilted for allowing the agricultural produce to being dumped from the duping vehicle due to gravity.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rotating frame comprises a plurality of wheels secured at a bottom portion of the rotating frame for allowing the rotating frame to be moved over an integral guide track and an external guide track.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 5, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders for rotating the rotating frame with respect to the middle frame and the base frame.

^'

1 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 7, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism comprises:

19. An apparatus for facilitating dumping of an agricultural produce loaded on a vehicle, such as a trolley, the apparatus comprising:

at least one base frame capable of being disposed on a stable substantially horizontal surface; and at least one supporting frame hinged to the base frame at hinges and supported on the base frame, wherein the supporting frame is adapted to angularly move about the hinges and with respect to the horizontal base frame;

wherein the at least one base frame is capable of being rotated by a rotating mechanism with respect to the at least one base frame,

wherein the base frame is positioned in a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the stable substantially horizontal surface for allowing the vehicle to be loaded there-upon, and

wherein the base frame is rotated to a substantially parallel position with respect to the stable substantially horizontal surface, and the supporting frame is angularly tilted at a predetermined angle for allowing the agricultural produce to be dumped from the vehicle due to gravity.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19 wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a first hydraulic mechanism capable of angularly moving the supporting frame with respect to the base frame about the hinges.

21 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises a second hydraulic mechanism positioned between the base frame and the supporting frame, wherein the second hydraulic mechanism is capable of rotating the base frame with respect to the supporting frame.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the rotating mechanism comprises an electric motor capable of rotating the base frame with respect to the supporting frame.