US20050199650A1 - Bulk bag discharging system assembly - Google Patents
Bulk bag discharging system assembly Download PDFInfo
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- US20050199650A1 US20050199650A1 US11/118,986 US11898605A US2005199650A1 US 20050199650 A1 US20050199650 A1 US 20050199650A1 US 11898605 A US11898605 A US 11898605A US 2005199650 A1 US2005199650 A1 US 2005199650A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- material container
- impactors
- assembly
- bag
- discharge assembly
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B69/00—Unpacking of articles or materials, not otherwise provided for
- B65B69/0075—Emptying systems for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
- B65B69/0091—Emptying systems for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC] using frames whereby the container is bottom supported
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
- B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
- B66C1/22—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks
- B66C1/226—Rigid members, e.g. L-shaped members, with parts engaging the under surface of the loads; Crane hooks for flexible intermediate bulk containers [FIBC]
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C19/00—Cranes comprising trolleys or crabs running on fixed or movable bridges or gantries
Definitions
- Bulk bag discharging systems have been used to transfer materials, usually raw materials, from one container into another without contaminating the materials.
- bulk bag discharging systems lift a material-containing bag into a dispensing position. Once the bag is in position, an operator must somehow stretch the outlet portion of the bag material that is below a tie off point around a dispensing spout. This is extremely difficult in known bulk bag systems employing a dust free chamber around the dispensing spout because the dispensing spout is normally contained within a square chamber. When a dust free chamber is used, they only employ a single door on one side.
- prior bulk bag dispensing systems have used V-shaped impactors that run off one pneumatic cylinder and pinch together to squeeze the sides of the bulk bag, thereby preventing the formation of bridging/rat-holing, which is a condition whereby a material arches or bridges across a dispensing hole, resulting in sporadic flow or a complete cessation of flow.
- Massagers have also been used to help prevent rat-holing/bridging.
- the massagers used in the prior art are typically manufactured using square metal segments.
- the prior art massagers are typically positioned near the bottom of the bag and contact the bag on each side simultaneously.
- the prior art bulk bag dispensing apparatuses typically employ an iris type shut off valve above the dispensing aperture.
- this design only allows the operator to stop the flow of material by closing the iris shut off valve when the material is flowing out of the bag. There simply is not enough strength in the prior art iris designs to close the container when the material itself is preventing the iris from closing.
- an easily operably, durable, heavy-duty bulk bag container discharging system which can provide: an easily accessed dispensing chamber; a system for easily sealing the loose material of a bag container in a dust free fashion within the dispensing chamber; independently driven, adjustable impactors and massaging units, which will allow the operator to not only squeeze the bag using these systems but also rock the bag container back and forth in the same or different directions; and a flow stopping discharge system, which allows an operator to close the bag container at any time, including when the material is not flowing.
- One embodiment of the present invention includes a material container discharge assembly including a main frame assembly; a spout access chamber engaging the main frame assembly; at least two independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly and adapted to engage a material container when the material container is positioned within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; and wherein the material container impactors include a conditioning frame.
- Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for conditioning a material container including the steps of: providing a material container discharge assembly that includes a main frame assembly, a spout access chamber engaged with the main frame assembly, at least two independently moveable material container impactors including a conditioning frame and engaged with the main frame assembly and further providing a material container; positioning the material container within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; actuating the conditioning frame of at least two of the material container impactors in a direction towards the material container; and applying force from the conditioning frames to opposite sides of the material container.
- FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the material discharge assembly of the present invention showing the material bag/container being moved into position;
- FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the material bag/container in the dispensing position within the material discharge assembly
- FIG. 3 is a side perspective view showing the material bag/container in the dispensing position within the material discharge assembly
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the material bag/container transport assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 a is a partial perspective view of the ultra low material container transport assembly of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 b is a partial perspective view of the powered turner of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 c is a partial perspective view of a hand crank of the motorized (or manual) rotary liner tensioner system of the present invention
- FIG. 4 d is a partial perspective view of the motorized rotary liner tensioner system of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 e is a partial perspective view of the rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the at least two independently movable material container massaging frames and the discharge receiving gate, which is shown in the open position;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the discharge receiving gate, where the receiving aperture is closed by the curved first and third plates matingly receiving a second curved plate;
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spout access chamber to access doors in the open position and showing the movable sealing assembly in the open and bag sealing position;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spout access chamber, where the two access doors are closed.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the material discharge assembly showing a side view of bag conditioning impactors of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of the material discharge assembly showing a front view of the bag conditioning impactors of an embodiment of the present invention.
- the discharge assembly 10 of the present invention typically includes a main frame assembly 12 that includes a hoist support 14 engaged to the main frame assembly 12 and a hoist 16 moveably engaged with the hoist support 14 ; a material container transport assembly 18 engaged to the hoist 16 , typically by a heavy-duty chain 20 ; at least two independently movable material container impactors 22 adjustably engaged to the main frame assembly to accommodate different sized soft-sided material containers (bags) 24 ; at least two independently movable material container massaging frames 26 engaged to the main frame assembly 12 ; a discharge receiving gate 28 ; and a spout access chamber 30 .
- the main frame assembly 12 typically utilizes about three inch to about four inch square tubing having about 1/4 inch to about 5/8 inch thick walls about the perimeter of the main frame assembly 12 . These perimeter pieces 32 are typically continuously welded with one another to provide added strength.
- the main frame assembly 12 further includes a hoist support 14 , which is typically an I-beam engaged to the top of the main frame assembly 12 .
- the I-beam is typically about an eight inch S-flange, approximately 23 pound beam that conforms to ASTM A36 carbon steel specifications.
- the hoist I-beam is typically engaged to the main frame assembly 12 with about a one inch thick plasma cut mounting support bracket.
- the cross support members 34 are typically about 11 ⁇ 2 by 11 ⁇ 2 by about 11 ⁇ 2 inch square metal segments.
- the cross support members 34 are typically continuously welded to the other portions of the main frame assembly 12 to provide optimum strength. While not preferred, the cross support members 34 may be anchored to the structural members by any other suitable means, such as bolts and angle irons.
- the hoist 16 is typically a heavy-duty hoist capable of lifting loads from about 1 ton to about 3 tons. Typically, the hoist is controlled with a conventional controller 17 . The lifting strength of the hoist may be increased or decreased to any strength, depending on user need.
- the hoist 16 is operably coupled with a heavy-duty chain 20 or other lifting member.
- the heavy-duty chain 20 typically employs a steel hook 36 .
- the steel hook 36 is typically mounted to the heavy-duty chain 20 such that it is allowed to rotate without binding the chain, usually utilizing a bearing in a ball and socket type arrangement.
- a forklift may be used in conjunction with a bag-hanging frame, which engages the bag 24 .
- the bag suspends from the bag hanging fame and is moved into position with the forklift.
- the bag-hanging frame engages the main frame assembly.
- the bag-hanging frame typically engages the top of the main frame assembly and sets upon the four corners of the assembly. There are typically stacking pads on the top four corners of the main frame assembly that position the bag and the bag hanging assembly in the proper discharging position.
- the material container transport assembly 18 of the present invention is typically engaged to the hoist 16 by placing the hook 36 in the eyelet portion 38 of the material container transport assembly 18 .
- the material container transport assembly 18 typically includes a central hub portion 40 , four material container support members 42 engaged to the central hub portion via weld, extending at an upward angle of from about three degrees to about seven degrees, but most typically about five degrees.
- the support members 42 typically are spaced at about 90 degree angles from one another (see Angle A in FIG. 4 ).
- Each of the material container support members 42 also typically include at least one outwardly extending bag loop retention member, which are typically L-shaped bent steel rods engaged to the support members via a weld or a nut and bolt type arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, there are three L-shaped outwardly extending bag loop support retention members 44 on each material container support member 42 to allow the transport assembly to easily accommodate material bags of various sizes.
- each material container support members 42 typically include an inwardly extending L-shaped bag loop retention member 46 engaged at or near the non-hub engaging end of the material container support members 42 .
- These L-shaped inwardly extending bag retention members while not necessary, assist in preventing the loops of the bag/container from falling off the ends of the material container support members when the bag is placed on the ground for removal from the material container transport assembly. Without the L-shaped inwardly extending bag loop retention members, the bag loops could unintentionally disengage from the material container support members of the transport assembly when the bag container is no longer held in position by gravity.
- the inwardly extending L-shaped bag loop retention members may be of any suitable height, but typically extend slightly higher than the outwardly extending bag loop retention members.
- the inwardly extending L-shaped bag loop retention members are typically substantially flat bent members, while the outwardly extending bag loop retention members may be any suitable shape, but are typically cylindrical in shape.
- the fact that the material container support members 42 extend from the central hub portions at approximately five degrees accomplishes two significant functions.
- this construction allows the distance from the bottom of the hoist hook 36 to the top of the bag loops 48 to be optimally minimized from zero inches to about 11 ⁇ 2 inches. This allows manufacturers to install the entire bulk bag discharge assembly 10 in facilities with lower ceilings than were previously possible.
- an ultra low clearance material container transport assembly 18 a can be used.
- the ultra low clearance material container transport assembly 18 a optionally includes a chain basket 18 b , which is typically integral with the support members 42 a and may be made of solid panels or apertured (see FIG. 4A ) panels.
- the chain basket 18 b collects the heavy duty chain 20 or other lifting member as the hoist is elevated and lowered thereby eliminating the need for a chain bag and also preventing the chain from interfering with the operation of the discharge assembly (because in low clearance installation locations a chain bag may not be useable).
- the panels of the chain basket 18 b may be constructed of any number of materials including wire mesh, sheet metal, or some form of perforated metal.
- support members 42 a have a first substantially horizontal section, a substantially vertical section 43 , and a second substantially horizontal section.
- the support members 42 a each typically have an at least substantially vertical section 43 that raises the ends of the support members 42 a .
- the vertical section 43 extends from the first substantially horizontal sections of the support members 42 a at an angle of about 90 degrees (see FIG. 4A ).
- the second substantially horizontal sections of the support members 42 a extend from vertical sections 43 at an angle of about 90 degrees (see FIG. 4A ).
- Each vertical section typically is reinforced using an internal triangular shaped reinforcing section 45 a and an external triangular shaped reinforcing section 45 b to strengthen the junction of the vertical section and the substantially horizontal sections of the support members 42 a .
- the ultra low assembly 18 a reduces the overall height of the unit, which is especially useful because it allows the discharge assembly 10 to be utilized in areas where ceiling height is an installation issue or in low head room applications.
- the ultra low assembly 18 a requires approximately 12 to 14 inches less clearance than the material container transport assembly 18 .
- the height reduction is achieved because the ultra low assembly 18 a has lifting arms that extend at a more aggressive angle, typically, at an angle of about 90 degrees.
- the ultra low clearance material container transport assembly 18 a typically utilizes L-shaped bag loop retention members 46 a and outwardly extending bag loop retention members 44 a.
- FIG. 4B shows a powered turner 49 that can be disposed between the hoist 16 and the material container transport assembly 18 .
- the powered turner 49 allows rotation of the soft-sided material containers 24 . Frequently, in operation, conditioning two sides of soft-sided material containers will not suffice. Rotating the bag by any degree such as about 45 degrees or about 90 degrees, but preferably about 90 degrees, allows the two unconditioned sides of the typically hexahedron, such as a cube, shaped bag 24 to be conditioned. Optionally, conditioning may be done after the bag has been rotated about 45 degrees and then optionally conditioned a third time after a subsequent rotation of about 45 degrees.
- the powered turner 49 may be activated remotely by a user on the ground when the material container 24 is elevated.
- the powered turner 49 keeps the material container 24 rotated at any predetermined angle thereby eliminating the need for a user to hold the position of the material container 24 at some angle from its original position thereby improving safety.
- the powered turner 49 may be powered by various devices, including a (hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic) motor, or an (pneumatic) actuator.
- liners which may be disposable, are placed in the material container 24 so that the contents of the material container 24 contact the liner instead of the material container 24 .
- the liner often falls through the spout of the bag during discharge.
- a manual rotary liner tensioner system 51 a may be used to keep a liner from discharging out of the soft-sided material container 24 .
- the tensioner system prevents the liner from discharging through the discharge spout where it could become entangled in down-stream equipment.
- the excess liner is wound up on a spool that is entirely outside of the bag directly above it.
- This type of tensioner system typically consists of a spool drum 51 b and manual hand crank 51 c that are attached to the bottom of the material container support assembly 18 .
- the top of the material container 24 must be opened, typically by untying it.
- the untied or tied liner is engaged to the spool 51 b , typically by securely wrapping the liner around the spool 51 b .
- the liner is manually tensioned prior to raising the material container 24 into the discharge position to keep the liner in place.
- This type of tensioner initially tensions the liner, but simply acts as a retention device once discharging of the container contents begins.
- a motorized rotary liner tensioner system 51 d may be used, which typically provides at least substantially constant tension on the liner throughout discharging of the container contents.
- tension may be applied to the liner at operator selected or predefined intervals using the motorized rotary liner tensioner system.
- the system may also only apply initial tension and thereafter operate to retain the liner in a similar fashion to the manual rotary liner tensioner system.
- a motorized rotary liner tensioner system 51 d typically has a powered spool drum 51 e and hand crank 51 c that are attached to the bottom of the material container system assembly 18 or to the bottom of the ultra low clearance material container transport assembly 18 a (not shown).
- the liner is attached to the spool drum 51 e and manually tensioned with the hand crank 51 c prior to raising the material container 24 into the discharge position.
- the powered spool drum 51 e is actuated and typically applies substantially constant tension to the liner.
- the liner is retracted as required to keep tension and provide slope to the discharge.
- the motorized and manual liner tensioner systems also help prevent the liner from falling out of the discharge spout of the bag as material is discharged from the bag.
- FIG. 4E illustrates a rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer system 51 f that can be used to hold the liner inside the material container 24 .
- the rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer system 51 f typically consists of a manual, rotating cam jam-cleat 53 with a quick release capability that is typically attached or otherwise engages the material container system assembly 18 .
- the rotating cam jam-cleat 53 has a first spring-biased toothed cam 53 a and a second spring-biased toothed cam 53 b .
- Cam 53 a is spring-biased so that the distal end from the point of rotation for cam 53 a rotates towards cam 53 b .
- cam 53 b is spring-biased so that the distal end from the point of rotation for cam 53 b rotates towards cam 53 a .
- a line that is engaged to the liner can be inserted between cams 53 a , 53 b so that relatively minimal force will shift the line in the direction designated by 53 c .
- the cam alignment prevents substantial movement of the line in a direction opposite to 53 c .
- the liner is typically manually tensioned prior to raising the material container 24 into the discharge position.
- the jam-cleat 53 can be instantly released once the material container 24 discharge is complete.
- the bulk bag discharge assembly 10 also typically includes at least two independently driven pneumatic impactors 22 ( FIG. 5 ), which are typically mounted to the main frame assembly 12 using a metal bracket 50 and a nut and bolt type arrangement 52 in spaced adjustment apertures 54 of the metal bracket 50 .
- the spaced apart adjustment apertures 54 allow the impactors to be moved into a closer or more distant proximity to the material container/bag 24 , as needed, to accommodate various sized material containers 24 .
- the actual material container 24 contacting portion of the impactors is typically rounded and typically has a plastic or other soft material, which will not harm the bag container material, which is typically plastic or polyester.
- the contacting portion may also be made from steel or other metal.
- the impactors are typically located somewhere near the top 2 ⁇ 3 of the bag material container.
- the impactors are adjustable in force, frequency, and stroke.
- the force may be adjusted by setting the pressure regulator to the desired setting.
- the frequency may be adjusted by setting an adjustable timer.
- the stroke may be adjusted by moving the unit in or out using the spaced adjustment apertures 54 .
- the impactors are independent from one another, they can be set to stroke into the bag in an alternating fashion such that the right impactor will stroke in when the left impactor retracts and visa versa. This imparts a rocking motion to the bag 24 , which further assists in collapsing any rat-holing that may occur in the material contained within the bag material container 24 .
- the bulk bag discharging assembly 10 of the present invention also typically contains at least two, typically independently driven, bag massagers 26 , which are mounted such that they massage the bottom portion, typically the bottom about two feet, of the bag material container 24 .
- the massagers are typically made of steel tubing and are pneumatically driven. The rounded steel tubing allows the assembly to be easily washed down when required.
- the pneumatic mechanism 80 that moves the massagers, as with the impactors, each independently provide a force of up to 1000 pounds on each side of the bag.
- the massagers 26 like the impactors 22 , are adjustable in force and in frequency. The force is adjusted by setting the pressure regulator to the desired setting and the frequency is adjusted by setting an adjustable timer.
- the massagers can be set to stroke into the bag in alternating fashion.
- the massager on the right will stroke in, then, as it retracts, the massager on the left will stroke in and visa versa.
- the massagers and the impactors can be set to stroke in and out simultaneously.
- the impactors and massagers may be used in conjunction with one another to prevent bridging and rat-holing by any combination of forces.
- operators may find that the right impactor and massager should apply force in alternating fashion with the left impactor and massager such that the bag container rocks back and forth.
- the operator may find that the impactors and massagers may work together in opposing fashion to rock the top of the bag container in one direction while the bottom of the bag container is massaged in opposite directions by the massagers.
- pressure may be applied from all impactors and massagers simultaneously as well.
- the bulk bag discharge assembly 10 also typically includes a discharge-receiving gate 28 having a material container-receiving aperture 58 , which receives the spout portion 60 of the bag material container 24 .
- the discharge receiving gate 28 also includes three, typically ultrahigh molecular weight plastic (or other durable material not likely to damage the bag material container) plates, which are typically concavely curved and, in the open position, define the material container receiving aperture 58 .
- Two of the plates 62 , 64 are substantially aligned, typically engaged with one another, and define a plate receiving area 90 for receiving the middle plate when the plates are in the closed position.
- pneumatic cylinders apply force to the two substantially aligned plates and the middle plate 66 in opposing fashion such that the middle plate 66 is received in the middle plate receiving area 90 and is sandwiched between the substantially aligned plates 62 , 64 as the plates move toward one another.
- This action not only pinches the bag material spout portion 60 from two sides, but, due to the concave shape of the plates, also cinches the bag from all around.
- the two substantially aligned plates 62 , 64 and the middle plate 66 can also be used as a material conditioning system or as a flow aid.
- the plates can be used to crush large chunks of material that may fall into the container receiving aperture 58 .
- the diameter of the discharge receiving gate 28 is slightly smaller than any downstream restriction. This construction allows for chunks of material to be crushed by actuation of the discharge receiving gate 28 .
- the discharge receiving gate 28 breaks the chunks and allows them to pass into the smaller orifice freeing the discharge area so that material can flow freely. This action closes the bag's spout portion and pulls it together such that the operator may easily tie off the bag.
- the ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) plastic guide plates support the weight of the bag for better closure.
- the discharge-receiving gate of the present invention provides significantly more force than previously allowed by other designs, thereby allowing a user to close off standing columns of materials while previous materials must have been flowing in order to close off the bag material containers.
- the material need not be flowing in order to close off the material containers using the discharge-receiving gate of the present invention.
- the discharge receiving gate 28 can further be used to meter the flow of material using a “bulk and dribble” arrangement.
- Substantially aligned plates 62 , 64 may be in an open position relative to middle plate 66 or in a completely closed position relative to middle plate 66 or any position therebetween.
- This arrangement substantially eliminates back-ups caused by discharging material from the bulk bag too rapidly. More precise measurements of discharge may be measured in this manner. Further, the three plate construction of this design holds the size of the material container receiving aperture 58 as a fixed relationship and does not allow floating. Any forces applied by the material falling through the gate 28 against the container receiving aperture 58 do not further expand the aperture 58 .
- the bulk bag material discharge assembly 10 also typically includes a circular dust tight spout access chamber 30 having at least two access doors 68 , 70 .
- the spout access chamber 30 is typically circular, but may be of any suitable shape.
- the doors 68 , 70 are gull wing doors, which open wide, thereby allowing access to nearly 2 ⁇ 3 of the spout access chamber. This allows significantly greater space than previous designs for operators to easily and more ergonomically attach a material container bag to the discharge spout. Better access to the spout also results in a significantly increased ability of the operator to achieve a successful seal between the bag spout portion 60 and the connection spool 72 .
- the spout access chamber 30 typically has an airtight rubber seal 74 about the perimeter of the access openings. This allows for better dust tight sealing of the access chamber when the doors are closed.
- the doors 68 , 70 are typically locked using a clamp 76 (see FIG. 8 ).
- safety interlocks may be employed such that the discharge-receiving gate 28 and/or the bag container connection system discussed below cannot be moved or otherwise altered when the doors 68 , 70 are open.
- a bag container connection system Contained within the spout access chamber 30 is a bag container connection system, which includes a pneumatically driven sealing ring that moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position (shown in FIG. 7 ).
- a sealing ring 81 which is typically a closed neoprene seal, is engaged to the bottom portion of the metal, typically steel, pneumatically driven ring 82 .
- the pneumatic cylinders may be positioned inside or outside, but typically are placed inside the access chamber 30 .
- the neoprene sealing ring prevents damage to potentially fragile bag container material when it is sealed.
- the operator would open the doors of the spout access chamber 30 , place the portion 92 of the bag container 24 , which is below the tie 86 around the connection spool 72 or other outlet device while the bag connection system is in its disengaged state.
- the operator actuates the pneumatically or manually operated clamping mechanism into the engaged position, which seals the bag to the connection spout by clamping the portion 92 between the sealing ring and the connection spout.
- a foot pedal may be used to operate the pneumatics and thereby actuate the bag connection system between the engaged and disengaged position, but great care should be used to avoid personal injury if such a control system is used.
- the operator merely unties the bag, closes the doors of the spout access chamber, and the bag is ready to be discharged.
- a pneumatically actuated clamp is used in the bag connection system, a constant pressure is applied to the sealing ring. If the bag spout portion should move, stretch, or otherwise change the way that the bag is being clamped, the mechanism responds with equal pressure, thereby maintaining a positive seal.
- the hoist 16 , impactors 22 , massagers 26 , discharge receiving gate 28 , and the bag container connection system are typically all electronically controlled by the operator utilizing control panel 100 .
- a CPU central processing unit
- a CPU central processing unit
- the material discharge assembly of the present invention may also optionally include bag conditioning impactors 104 that are designed to at least partially break up or condition material in bag material container 24 , which may have become hardened during transportation or due to exposure to any number of environmental conditions prior to reaching the ultimate location where the material will be transferred from the material container 24 using the material discharge assembly.
- bag conditioning impactors 104 operate to break up or condition the material that has hardened inside the material container, thereby allowing material to be discharged from the material container.
- At least one and, more typically, at least two or more hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders 106 with carbon steel conditioning frames 108 are used to apply force to the outside of the bag material container 24 .
- the force applied and the force required to condition the material typically determines the related cylinder quantity and size.
- the bag conditioning impactors provide from about 1,000 lbs. to about 25,000 lbs. of force, but more typically about 16,000 lbs. of force.
- the bag conditioning impactors unlike the typical pneumatic impactors 22 that are typically used in the present invention to prevent rat-holing, typically move in unison to impact the bag substantially simultaneously. However, conditioning may also be achieved by impacting the bag material container with one bag conditioning impactor at a time.
- the carbon steel conditioning frames 108 may be of any suitable shape, but are typically a slightly curved smooth surface to help prevent damage to the bag material container when it is struck with the impactor(s).
- the conditioning frames 108 are generally from about seven to about 12 square feet, such as about nine square feet.
- the system typically employs a hydraulic pumping unit mounted on the side of the main frame assembly; however, the unit may also be free standing.
- the hydraulic pumping unit may also include a digital pressure switch to control and adjust unit operation and performance.
- the hydraulic pumping unit may be housed in an enclosure with a bolt on a louvered door for easy cleaning. If the conditioning impactors are pneumatic, the system may include all controls and other systems required to operate the unit in a similar fashion as the hydraulic unit.
- the bag conditioning impactors may be mounted on a separate bag conditioning frame assembly. Such an assembly would be used alone or in conjunction with the material discharge assembly.
- Any component or combination of components discussed herein may also be manufactured from stainless steel, which is typically used for corrosion prevention, wash-down, and for food material applications.
Abstract
A material container discharge assembly including a main frame assembly; a spout access chamber engaging the main frame assembly; at least two independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly and adapted to engage a material container when the material container is positioned within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; and wherein the material container impactors include a conditioning frame.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/430,518, filed on May 6, 2003, entitled BULK BAG DISCHARGING SYSTEM ASSEMBLY, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/378,298, filed on May 6, 2002, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Bulk bag discharging systems have been used to transfer materials, usually raw materials, from one container into another without contaminating the materials. Generally, bulk bag discharging systems lift a material-containing bag into a dispensing position. Once the bag is in position, an operator must somehow stretch the outlet portion of the bag material that is below a tie off point around a dispensing spout. This is extremely difficult in known bulk bag systems employing a dust free chamber around the dispensing spout because the dispensing spout is normally contained within a square chamber. When a dust free chamber is used, they only employ a single door on one side. As a result, there is no convenient way to seal the bag in a dust free manner because, before the bag is untied to release the contents, the loose bag material must be fitted around the dispensing spout, which is difficult if not impossible, for an operator when the only access point is a single door on one side of the chamber. The single door does not allow the operator to easily reach around the entire circumference of the spout and fit the loose bag material over the spout.
- Additionally, prior bulk bag dispensing systems have used V-shaped impactors that run off one pneumatic cylinder and pinch together to squeeze the sides of the bulk bag, thereby preventing the formation of bridging/rat-holing, which is a condition whereby a material arches or bridges across a dispensing hole, resulting in sporadic flow or a complete cessation of flow. Massagers have also been used to help prevent rat-holing/bridging. The massagers used in the prior art are typically manufactured using square metal segments. As with the prior art impactors, the prior art massagers are typically positioned near the bottom of the bag and contact the bag on each side simultaneously.
- Lastly, the prior art bulk bag dispensing apparatuses typically employ an iris type shut off valve above the dispensing aperture. Unfortunately, this design only allows the operator to stop the flow of material by closing the iris shut off valve when the material is flowing out of the bag. There simply is not enough strength in the prior art iris designs to close the container when the material itself is preventing the iris from closing.
- Accordingly, there is a significant need for an easily operably, durable, heavy-duty bulk bag container discharging system, which can provide: an easily accessed dispensing chamber; a system for easily sealing the loose material of a bag container in a dust free fashion within the dispensing chamber; independently driven, adjustable impactors and massaging units, which will allow the operator to not only squeeze the bag using these systems but also rock the bag container back and forth in the same or different directions; and a flow stopping discharge system, which allows an operator to close the bag container at any time, including when the material is not flowing.
- One embodiment of the present invention includes a material container discharge assembly including a main frame assembly; a spout access chamber engaging the main frame assembly; at least two independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly and adapted to engage a material container when the material container is positioned within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; and wherein the material container impactors include a conditioning frame.
- Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for conditioning a material container including the steps of: providing a material container discharge assembly that includes a main frame assembly, a spout access chamber engaged with the main frame assembly, at least two independently moveable material container impactors including a conditioning frame and engaged with the main frame assembly and further providing a material container; positioning the material container within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; actuating the conditioning frame of at least two of the material container impactors in a direction towards the material container; and applying force from the conditioning frames to opposite sides of the material container.
- These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the material discharge assembly of the present invention showing the material bag/container being moved into position; -
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the material bag/container in the dispensing position within the material discharge assembly; -
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view showing the material bag/container in the dispensing position within the material discharge assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the material bag/container transport assembly of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 a is a partial perspective view of the ultra low material container transport assembly of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 b is a partial perspective view of the powered turner of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 c is a partial perspective view of a hand crank of the motorized (or manual) rotary liner tensioner system of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 d is a partial perspective view of the motorized rotary liner tensioner system of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 e is a partial perspective view of the rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the at least two independently movable material container massaging frames and the discharge receiving gate, which is shown in the open position; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the discharge receiving gate, where the receiving aperture is closed by the curved first and third plates matingly receiving a second curved plate; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the spout access chamber to access doors in the open position and showing the movable sealing assembly in the open and bag sealing position; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the spout access chamber, where the two access doors are closed; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the material discharge assembly showing a side view of bag conditioning impactors of an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a side view of the material discharge assembly showing a front view of the bag conditioning impactors of an embodiment of the present invention. - The
discharge assembly 10 of the present invention typically includes amain frame assembly 12 that includes ahoist support 14 engaged to themain frame assembly 12 and ahoist 16 moveably engaged with thehoist support 14; a materialcontainer transport assembly 18 engaged to thehoist 16, typically by a heavy-duty chain 20; at least two independently movablematerial container impactors 22 adjustably engaged to the main frame assembly to accommodate different sized soft-sided material containers (bags) 24; at least two independently movable materialcontainer massaging frames 26 engaged to themain frame assembly 12; adischarge receiving gate 28; and aspout access chamber 30. - The
main frame assembly 12 typically utilizes about three inch to about four inch square tubing having about 1/4 inch to about 5/8 inch thick walls about the perimeter of themain frame assembly 12. Theseperimeter pieces 32 are typically continuously welded with one another to provide added strength. Themain frame assembly 12 further includes ahoist support 14, which is typically an I-beam engaged to the top of themain frame assembly 12. The I-beam is typically about an eight inch S-flange, approximately 23 pound beam that conforms to ASTM A36 carbon steel specifications. The hoist I-beam is typically engaged to themain frame assembly 12 with about a one inch thick plasma cut mounting support bracket. Thecross support members 34 are typically about 1½ by 1½ by about 1½ inch square metal segments. Thecross support members 34 are typically continuously welded to the other portions of themain frame assembly 12 to provide optimum strength. While not preferred, thecross support members 34 may be anchored to the structural members by any other suitable means, such as bolts and angle irons. - The
hoist 16 is typically a heavy-duty hoist capable of lifting loads from about 1 ton to about 3 tons. Typically, the hoist is controlled with aconventional controller 17. The lifting strength of the hoist may be increased or decreased to any strength, depending on user need. Thehoist 16 is operably coupled with a heavy-duty chain 20 or other lifting member. The heavy-duty chain 20 typically employs asteel hook 36. Thesteel hook 36 is typically mounted to the heavy-duty chain 20 such that it is allowed to rotate without binding the chain, usually utilizing a bearing in a ball and socket type arrangement. - Optionally, a forklift may be used in conjunction with a bag-hanging frame, which engages the
bag 24. The bag suspends from the bag hanging fame and is moved into position with the forklift. The bag-hanging frame engages the main frame assembly. The bag-hanging frame typically engages the top of the main frame assembly and sets upon the four corners of the assembly. There are typically stacking pads on the top four corners of the main frame assembly that position the bag and the bag hanging assembly in the proper discharging position. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , the materialcontainer transport assembly 18 of the present invention is typically engaged to thehoist 16 by placing thehook 36 in theeyelet portion 38 of the materialcontainer transport assembly 18. The materialcontainer transport assembly 18 typically includes acentral hub portion 40, four materialcontainer support members 42 engaged to the central hub portion via weld, extending at an upward angle of from about three degrees to about seven degrees, but most typically about five degrees. Thesupport members 42 typically are spaced at about 90 degree angles from one another (see Angle A inFIG. 4 ). Each of the materialcontainer support members 42 also typically include at least one outwardly extending bag loop retention member, which are typically L-shaped bent steel rods engaged to the support members via a weld or a nut and bolt type arrangement. In the preferred embodiment, there are three L-shaped outwardly extending bag loopsupport retention members 44 on each materialcontainer support member 42 to allow the transport assembly to easily accommodate material bags of various sizes. - Additionally, each material
container support members 42 typically include an inwardly extending L-shaped bagloop retention member 46 engaged at or near the non-hub engaging end of the materialcontainer support members 42. These L-shaped inwardly extending bag retention members, while not necessary, assist in preventing the loops of the bag/container from falling off the ends of the material container support members when the bag is placed on the ground for removal from the material container transport assembly. Without the L-shaped inwardly extending bag loop retention members, the bag loops could unintentionally disengage from the material container support members of the transport assembly when the bag container is no longer held in position by gravity. The inwardly extending L-shaped bag loop retention members may be of any suitable height, but typically extend slightly higher than the outwardly extending bag loop retention members. Moreover, the inwardly extending L-shaped bag loop retention members are typically substantially flat bent members, while the outwardly extending bag loop retention members may be any suitable shape, but are typically cylindrical in shape. - Significantly, the fact that the material
container support members 42 extend from the central hub portions at approximately five degrees accomplishes two significant functions. First, via gravity, the angle forces the loops of the bag containers into engagement with the L-shaped outwardly extending bagloop retention members 44 when the bag container is hoisted off of the ground, thereby providing safety benefits during such procedures. Secondly, this construction allows the distance from the bottom of the hoisthook 36 to the top of thebag loops 48 to be optimally minimized from zero inches to about 1½ inches. This allows manufacturers to install the entire bulkbag discharge assembly 10 in facilities with lower ceilings than were previously possible. - Alternatively, an ultra low clearance material
container transport assembly 18 a, as shown inFIG. 4A , can be used. The ultra low clearance materialcontainer transport assembly 18 a optionally includes achain basket 18 b, which is typically integral with thesupport members 42 a and may be made of solid panels or apertured (seeFIG. 4A ) panels. Thechain basket 18 b collects theheavy duty chain 20 or other lifting member as the hoist is elevated and lowered thereby eliminating the need for a chain bag and also preventing the chain from interfering with the operation of the discharge assembly (because in low clearance installation locations a chain bag may not be useable). The panels of thechain basket 18 b may be constructed of any number of materials including wire mesh, sheet metal, or some form of perforated metal. Generally,support members 42 a have a first substantially horizontal section, a substantiallyvertical section 43, and a second substantially horizontal section. Thesupport members 42 a each typically have an at least substantiallyvertical section 43 that raises the ends of thesupport members 42 a. Thevertical section 43 extends from the first substantially horizontal sections of thesupport members 42 a at an angle of about 90 degrees (seeFIG. 4A ). In addition, the second substantially horizontal sections of thesupport members 42 a extend fromvertical sections 43 at an angle of about 90 degrees (seeFIG. 4A ). Each vertical section typically is reinforced using an internal triangular shaped reinforcingsection 45 a and an external triangular shaped reinforcingsection 45 b to strengthen the junction of the vertical section and the substantially horizontal sections of thesupport members 42 a. Consequently, the ends ofsupport members 42 a are elevated above thecentral hub portion 40. Because of the additional clearance provided by thevertical sections 43, the ultralow assembly 18 a reduces the overall height of the unit, which is especially useful because it allows thedischarge assembly 10 to be utilized in areas where ceiling height is an installation issue or in low head room applications. The ultralow assembly 18 a requires approximately 12 to 14 inches less clearance than the materialcontainer transport assembly 18. The height reduction is achieved because the ultralow assembly 18 a has lifting arms that extend at a more aggressive angle, typically, at an angle of about 90 degrees. As similarly used in the embodiment ofFIG. 4 , the ultra low clearance materialcontainer transport assembly 18 a typically utilizes L-shaped bagloop retention members 46 a and outwardly extending bag loop retention members 44 a. -
FIG. 4B shows apowered turner 49 that can be disposed between the hoist 16 and the materialcontainer transport assembly 18. Thepowered turner 49 allows rotation of the soft-sided material containers 24. Frequently, in operation, conditioning two sides of soft-sided material containers will not suffice. Rotating the bag by any degree such as about 45 degrees or about 90 degrees, but preferably about 90 degrees, allows the two unconditioned sides of the typically hexahedron, such as a cube, shapedbag 24 to be conditioned. Optionally, conditioning may be done after the bag has been rotated about 45 degrees and then optionally conditioned a third time after a subsequent rotation of about 45 degrees. Thepowered turner 49 may be activated remotely by a user on the ground when thematerial container 24 is elevated. In addition, thepowered turner 49 keeps thematerial container 24 rotated at any predetermined angle thereby eliminating the need for a user to hold the position of thematerial container 24 at some angle from its original position thereby improving safety. Thepowered turner 49 may be powered by various devices, including a (hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic) motor, or an (pneumatic) actuator. - Oftentimes, liners, which may be disposable, are placed in the
material container 24 so that the contents of thematerial container 24 contact the liner instead of thematerial container 24. However, previous to the present invention where a liner is used, the liner often falls through the spout of the bag during discharge. As shown inFIGS. 4B and 4C , a manual rotaryliner tensioner system 51 a may be used to keep a liner from discharging out of the soft-sided material container 24. The tensioner system prevents the liner from discharging through the discharge spout where it could become entangled in down-stream equipment. In the case of a powered or motorized liner, the excess liner is wound up on a spool that is entirely outside of the bag directly above it. This type of tensioner system typically consists of aspool drum 51 b and manual hand crank 51 c that are attached to the bottom of the materialcontainer support assembly 18. When attaching the liner to the tensioner system, the top of thematerial container 24 must be opened, typically by untying it. Thereafter, the untied or tied liner is engaged to thespool 51 b, typically by securely wrapping the liner around thespool 51 b. Thereafter, the liner is manually tensioned prior to raising thematerial container 24 into the discharge position to keep the liner in place. This type of tensioner initially tensions the liner, but simply acts as a retention device once discharging of the container contents begins. - Alternatively, a motorized rotary liner tensioner system 51 d, as shown in
FIG. 4D , may be used, which typically provides at least substantially constant tension on the liner throughout discharging of the container contents. Alternatively, tension may be applied to the liner at operator selected or predefined intervals using the motorized rotary liner tensioner system. The system may also only apply initial tension and thereafter operate to retain the liner in a similar fashion to the manual rotary liner tensioner system. - A motorized rotary liner tensioner system 51 d typically has a powered
spool drum 51 e and hand crank 51 c that are attached to the bottom of the materialcontainer system assembly 18 or to the bottom of the ultra low clearance materialcontainer transport assembly 18 a (not shown). The liner is attached to thespool drum 51 e and manually tensioned with the hand crank 51 c prior to raising thematerial container 24 into the discharge position. Once in place, thepowered spool drum 51 e is actuated and typically applies substantially constant tension to the liner. As the material is removed from thematerial container 24, the liner is retracted as required to keep tension and provide slope to the discharge. The motorized and manual liner tensioner systems also help prevent the liner from falling out of the discharge spout of the bag as material is discharged from the bag. -
FIG. 4E illustrates a rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer system 51 f that can be used to hold the liner inside thematerial container 24. The rotating cam jam-cleat liner retainer system 51 f typically consists of a manual, rotating cam jam-cleat 53 with a quick release capability that is typically attached or otherwise engages the materialcontainer system assembly 18. The rotating cam jam-cleat 53 has a first spring-biasedtoothed cam 53 a and a second spring-biasedtoothed cam 53 b.Cam 53 a is spring-biased so that the distal end from the point of rotation forcam 53 a rotates towardscam 53 b. Likewise,cam 53 b is spring-biased so that the distal end from the point of rotation forcam 53 b rotates towardscam 53 a. A line that is engaged to the liner can be inserted betweencams material container 24 into the discharge position. The jam-cleat 53 can be instantly released once thematerial container 24 discharge is complete. - The bulk
bag discharge assembly 10 also typically includes at least two independently driven pneumatic impactors 22 (FIG. 5 ), which are typically mounted to themain frame assembly 12 using ametal bracket 50 and a nut andbolt type arrangement 52 in spacedadjustment apertures 54 of themetal bracket 50. The spaced apartadjustment apertures 54 allow the impactors to be moved into a closer or more distant proximity to the material container/bag 24, as needed, to accommodate varioussized material containers 24. Theactual material container 24 contacting portion of the impactors is typically rounded and typically has a plastic or other soft material, which will not harm the bag container material, which is typically plastic or polyester. The contacting portion may also be made from steel or other metal. The impactors are typically located somewhere near the top ⅔ of the bag material container. The impactors of the present invention provide a force of up to about 1000 pounds on each side of the bag to push the material and collapse the rat-holing or bridging that may occur in the bag. The preferred force applied is between about 350 pounds of force to about 1000 pounds of force, but any desired force may, of course, be utilized. Aligning the impactors in this fashion allows the force to be directly at the center of the bag where most rat-holing occurs. The force is typically horizontal. - The impactors are adjustable in force, frequency, and stroke. The force may be adjusted by setting the pressure regulator to the desired setting. The frequency may be adjusted by setting an adjustable timer. The stroke may be adjusted by moving the unit in or out using the spaced
adjustment apertures 54. Also, because the impactors are independent from one another, they can be set to stroke into the bag in an alternating fashion such that the right impactor will stroke in when the left impactor retracts and visa versa. This imparts a rocking motion to thebag 24, which further assists in collapsing any rat-holing that may occur in the material contained within thebag material container 24. - The bulk
bag discharging assembly 10 of the present invention also typically contains at least two, typically independently driven,bag massagers 26, which are mounted such that they massage the bottom portion, typically the bottom about two feet, of thebag material container 24. The massagers are typically made of steel tubing and are pneumatically driven. The rounded steel tubing allows the assembly to be easily washed down when required. Thepneumatic mechanism 80, that moves the massagers, as with the impactors, each independently provide a force of up to 1000 pounds on each side of the bag. Themassagers 26, like theimpactors 22, are adjustable in force and in frequency. The force is adjusted by setting the pressure regulator to the desired setting and the frequency is adjusted by setting an adjustable timer. Also, as with the impactors, the massagers can be set to stroke into the bag in alternating fashion. The massager on the right will stroke in, then, as it retracts, the massager on the left will stroke in and visa versa. Alternatively, the massagers and the impactors can be set to stroke in and out simultaneously. - Further, because each of the impactors and massagers are typically independently driven, the impactors and massagers may be used in conjunction with one another to prevent bridging and rat-holing by any combination of forces. In particular, operators may find that the right impactor and massager should apply force in alternating fashion with the left impactor and massager such that the bag container rocks back and forth. Also, the operator may find that the impactors and massagers may work together in opposing fashion to rock the top of the bag container in one direction while the bottom of the bag container is massaged in opposite directions by the massagers. Of course, pressure may be applied from all impactors and massagers simultaneously as well.
- The bulk
bag discharge assembly 10 also typically includes a discharge-receivinggate 28 having a material container-receivingaperture 58, which receives thespout portion 60 of thebag material container 24. Thedischarge receiving gate 28 also includes three, typically ultrahigh molecular weight plastic (or other durable material not likely to damage the bag material container) plates, which are typically concavely curved and, in the open position, define the materialcontainer receiving aperture 58. Two of theplates plate receiving area 90 for receiving the middle plate when the plates are in the closed position. - In operation, pneumatic cylinders apply force to the two substantially aligned plates and the
middle plate 66 in opposing fashion such that themiddle plate 66 is received in the middleplate receiving area 90 and is sandwiched between the substantially alignedplates material spout portion 60 from two sides, but, due to the concave shape of the plates, also cinches the bag from all around. The two substantially alignedplates middle plate 66 can also be used as a material conditioning system or as a flow aid. By installing the substantially alignedplates middle plate 66 at a high position above thespout portion 60, the plates can be used to crush large chunks of material that may fall into thecontainer receiving aperture 58. The diameter of thedischarge receiving gate 28 is slightly smaller than any downstream restriction. This construction allows for chunks of material to be crushed by actuation of thedischarge receiving gate 28. Thedischarge receiving gate 28 breaks the chunks and allows them to pass into the smaller orifice freeing the discharge area so that material can flow freely. This action closes the bag's spout portion and pulls it together such that the operator may easily tie off the bag. Moreover, when closed, the ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) plastic guide plates support the weight of the bag for better closure. - The discharge-receiving gate of the present invention provides significantly more force than previously allowed by other designs, thereby allowing a user to close off standing columns of materials while previous materials must have been flowing in order to close off the bag material containers. The material need not be flowing in order to close off the material containers using the discharge-receiving gate of the present invention. The
discharge receiving gate 28 can further be used to meter the flow of material using a “bulk and dribble” arrangement. Substantially alignedplates middle plate 66 or in a completely closed position relative tomiddle plate 66 or any position therebetween. By having a material container receiving aperture 58 a variable cross-sectional area, various flow rates of product are produced. This arrangement substantially eliminates back-ups caused by discharging material from the bulk bag too rapidly. More precise measurements of discharge may be measured in this manner. Further, the three plate construction of this design holds the size of the materialcontainer receiving aperture 58 as a fixed relationship and does not allow floating. Any forces applied by the material falling through thegate 28 against thecontainer receiving aperture 58 do not further expand theaperture 58. - The bulk bag
material discharge assembly 10 also typically includes a circular dust tightspout access chamber 30 having at least twoaccess doors spout access chamber 30 is typically circular, but may be of any suitable shape. When thespout access chamber 30 is circular, thedoors bag spout portion 60 and theconnection spool 72. Thespout access chamber 30 typically has anairtight rubber seal 74 about the perimeter of the access openings. This allows for better dust tight sealing of the access chamber when the doors are closed. Thedoors FIG. 8 ). Optionally, safety interlocks may be employed such that the discharge-receivinggate 28 and/or the bag container connection system discussed below cannot be moved or otherwise altered when thedoors - Contained within the
spout access chamber 30 is a bag container connection system, which includes a pneumatically driven sealing ring that moves from a disengaged position to an engaged position (shown inFIG. 7 ). A sealingring 81, which is typically a closed neoprene seal, is engaged to the bottom portion of the metal, typically steel, pneumatically drivenring 82. The pneumatic cylinders may be positioned inside or outside, but typically are placed inside theaccess chamber 30. The neoprene sealing ring prevents damage to potentially fragile bag container material when it is sealed. In operation, the operator would open the doors of thespout access chamber 30, place theportion 92 of thebag container 24, which is below thetie 86 around theconnection spool 72 or other outlet device while the bag connection system is in its disengaged state. Once theportion 92 below thetie 86 is positioned over theconnection spool 72, the operator actuates the pneumatically or manually operated clamping mechanism into the engaged position, which seals the bag to the connection spout by clamping theportion 92 between the sealing ring and the connection spout. Optionally, a foot pedal may be used to operate the pneumatics and thereby actuate the bag connection system between the engaged and disengaged position, but great care should be used to avoid personal injury if such a control system is used. - Once the bag material is in position and properly sealed, the operator merely unties the bag, closes the doors of the spout access chamber, and the bag is ready to be discharged. When a pneumatically actuated clamp is used in the bag connection system, a constant pressure is applied to the sealing ring. If the bag spout portion should move, stretch, or otherwise change the way that the bag is being clamped, the mechanism responds with equal pressure, thereby maintaining a positive seal.
- The hoist 16,
impactors 22,massagers 26,discharge receiving gate 28, and the bag container connection system are typically all electronically controlled by the operator utilizingcontrol panel 100. Optionally, a CPU (central processing unit) may be utilized in the present invention to control and automate these functions or any combination of these functions. - As seen in
FIGS. 10-11 , the material discharge assembly of the present invention may also optionally includebag conditioning impactors 104 that are designed to at least partially break up or condition material inbag material container 24, which may have become hardened during transportation or due to exposure to any number of environmental conditions prior to reaching the ultimate location where the material will be transferred from thematerial container 24 using the material discharge assembly. For example, if salt were transported in a humid or wet environment, such as on a ship, the salt might harden due to this exposure. Thebag conditioning impactors 104 operate to break up or condition the material that has hardened inside the material container, thereby allowing material to be discharged from the material container. Typically, at least one and, more typically, at least two or more hydraulic orpneumatic cylinders 106 with carbon steel conditioning frames 108 are used to apply force to the outside of thebag material container 24. The force applied and the force required to condition the material typically determines the related cylinder quantity and size. Typically, the bag conditioning impactors provide from about 1,000 lbs. to about 25,000 lbs. of force, but more typically about 16,000 lbs. of force. The bag conditioning impactors, unlike the typicalpneumatic impactors 22 that are typically used in the present invention to prevent rat-holing, typically move in unison to impact the bag substantially simultaneously. However, conditioning may also be achieved by impacting the bag material container with one bag conditioning impactor at a time. Furthermore, whileFIGS. 10-11 show two bag conditioning impactors, conceivably, any number of impactors could be used. Typically though, either two or four bag conditioning impactors positioned substantially opposite from one another are used. The carbon steel conditioning frames 108 may be of any suitable shape, but are typically a slightly curved smooth surface to help prevent damage to the bag material container when it is struck with the impactor(s). The conditioning frames 108 are generally from about seven to about 12 square feet, such as about nine square feet. - If hydraulic conditioning impactors are used, the system typically employs a hydraulic pumping unit mounted on the side of the main frame assembly; however, the unit may also be free standing. The hydraulic pumping unit may also include a digital pressure switch to control and adjust unit operation and performance. The hydraulic pumping unit may be housed in an enclosure with a bolt on a louvered door for easy cleaning. If the conditioning impactors are pneumatic, the system may include all controls and other systems required to operate the unit in a similar fashion as the hydraulic unit.
- Optionally, the bag conditioning impactors may be mounted on a separate bag conditioning frame assembly. Such an assembly would be used alone or in conjunction with the material discharge assembly.
- Any component or combination of components discussed herein may also be manufactured from stainless steel, which is typically used for corrosion prevention, wash-down, and for food material applications.
- The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modification of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (24)
1. A material container discharge assembly comprising:
a main frame assembly;
a spout access chamber engaging the main frame assembly;
at least two independently movable material container impactors engaged to the main frame assembly and adapted to engage a material container when the material container is positioned within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber; and
wherein the material container impactors comprise a conditioning frame.
2. The material container discharge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the material container impactors provide from about 1,000 to about 25,000 lbs. of force.
3. The material container discharge assembly of claim 1 , wherein the material container impactors provide about 16,000 lbs. of force.
4. The material container discharge assembly of claim 1 , wherein each conditioning frame is curved.
5. The material container discharge assembly of claim 4 , wherein the conditioning frames are from about seven to about 12 square feet.
6. The material container discharge assembly of claim 5 , wherein the material container impactors further comprise at least one pneumatic cylinder.
7. The material container discharge assembly of claim 6 , wherein the material container impactors comprise two or more pneumatic cylinders.
8. The material container discharge assembly of claim 5 , wherein the material container impactors further comprise at least one hydraulic cylinder.
9. The material container discharge assembly of claim 8 , wherein the material container impactors comprise two or more hydraulic cylinders.
10. The material container discharge assembly of claim 1 further comprising a discharge receiving gate engaged to the main frame assembly comprising a material container receiving aperture and first, second, and third moveable plates, wherein the first and third plates are movable between an open and closed position and further define a second plate receiving area for receiving the opposed second plate when the second plate and the first and third plates are in the closed position.
11. The material container discharge assembly of claim 10 , wherein the spout access chamber is substantially circular and spaced below the material container receiving aperture and around a material receiving spout.
12. The material container discharge assembly of claim 11 , wherein the spout access chamber comprises at least two access doors on substantially opposite sides of the chamber that operate to create a substantially air tight seal when closed.
13. The material container discharge assembly of claim 1 further comprising a hoist moveably engaged with the main frame assembly and a material container transport component engaged to the hoist and adapted to engage the material container.
14. The material container discharge assembly of claim 13 , wherein the material transport component comprises a central portion, a plurality of container support members extending outwardly from the central portion and wherein the container support members each comprise:
a first portion, wherein each of the first portions are in substantially the same horizontal plane;
a second portion, upwardly extending from the first portion; and
a third portion, wherein each of the third portions are in substantially the same plane, which is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the first portions.
15. The material container discharge assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second portions extend upwardly from the first portions at about a ninety degree angle.
16. The material container discharge assembly of claim 15 , wherein the third portions of the container support members comprise at least one outwardly extending substantially L-shaped bag loop retention member.
17. The material container discharge assembly of claim 16 , wherein the third portions of the container support members each further comprise an inwardly extending substantially L-shaped bag loop retention member.
18. The material container discharge assembly of claim 14 further comprising a basket engaged with the material transfer component.
19. The material container discharge assembly of claim 18 , wherein the basket is integrated with the container support members.
20. A method for conditioning a material container comprising the steps of:
providing a material container discharge assembly that comprises a main frame assembly, a spout access chamber engaged with the main frame assembly, at least two independently moveable material container impactors comprising a conditioning frame and engaged with the main frame assembly and further providing a material container;
positioning the material container within the main frame assembly and above the spout access chamber;
actuating the conditioning frame of at least one of the material container impactors in a direction towards the material container; and
applying force from the conditioning frames to opposite sides of the material container.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the material container is positioned within the main frame assembly using a hoist.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein at least two of the independently moveable material container impactors apply force to opposite sides of the material container at substantially the same time.
23. The method of claim 20 , wherein at least two of the independently moveable material container impactors apply force to opposite sides of the material container at substantially the same time.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the conditioning frames of the material container impactors each apply from about 1,000 lbs. of force to about 16,000 lbs. of force to the material container.
Priority Applications (1)
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US11/118,986 US20050199650A1 (en) | 2002-05-06 | 2005-04-29 | Bulk bag discharging system assembly |
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US37829802P | 2002-05-06 | 2002-05-06 | |
US10/430,518 US7223058B2 (en) | 2002-05-06 | 2003-05-06 | Bulk bag discharging system assembly |
US11/118,986 US20050199650A1 (en) | 2002-05-06 | 2005-04-29 | Bulk bag discharging system assembly |
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US10/430,518 Continuation-In-Part US7223058B2 (en) | 2002-05-06 | 2003-05-06 | Bulk bag discharging system assembly |
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US20050199650A1 true US20050199650A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
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US11/118,986 Abandoned US20050199650A1 (en) | 2002-05-06 | 2005-04-29 | Bulk bag discharging system assembly |
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WO2010150963A1 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2010-12-29 | (주) 이지로지텍 | Devanning device for goods stuffed in container |
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WO2014177512A1 (en) * | 2013-05-02 | 2014-11-06 | Purac Biochem Bv | Method for storage and/or transport of lactide particles |
CN105164018A (en) * | 2013-05-02 | 2015-12-16 | 普拉克生化公司 | Method for storage and/or transport of lactide particles |
US10266296B2 (en) | 2013-05-02 | 2019-04-23 | Purac Biochem Bv | Method for storage and/or transport of lactide particles |
US10745165B2 (en) * | 2013-07-03 | 2020-08-18 | Bridgestone Corporation | Method and device for crushing and discharging granular clump material in flexible container |
EP3015400A1 (en) | 2014-10-27 | 2016-05-04 | Intrion Nv | A storage assembly for bulk bags |
ITUB20160757A1 (en) * | 2016-02-15 | 2017-08-15 | Goldtop Srl | AUTOMATIC DISTRIBUTOR FOR COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, PARTICULARLY PELLETS AND SIMILAR |
EP3398867A1 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2018-11-07 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | System for discharging product from a bag |
WO2018202581A1 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2018-11-08 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | System for discharging product from a bag |
US11345502B2 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2022-05-31 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | System for discharging product from a bag |
FR3079427A1 (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-04 | Iteks | UNIT AND METHOD FOR FRAGMENTATION OF SOLID MASS BONDED |
WO2019193485A1 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-10 | Iteks | Unit and method for fragmenting a bagged solid mass |
US11883826B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2024-01-30 | Iteks | Unit and method for fragmenting a bagged solid mass |
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