Embodiments of the invention are directed to a protective collar that covers the edges of a manhole or other personnel entryway. One device comprises at least two pieces and a hinge that connects the two pieces, which allows the device to be folded for storage. Another device includes a skirt portion that extends further into the manhole. A further device includes at least one light to provide light into the manhole. A still further device includes a surface port that provides a connecting point for a line, and a subsurface port that provides a connecting point for another line. A still further device includes another portion to cover any equipment that has been inserted into the manhole. A still further device includes at least one rung to assist in personnel in entering and exiting the manhole.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a protective collar that covers the edges of a manhole or other personnel entryway. One device comprises at least two pieces and a hinge that connects the two pieces, which allows the device to be folded for storage. Another device includes a skirt portion that extends further into the manhole. A further device includes at least one light to provide light into the manhole. A still further device includes a surface port that provides a connecting point for a line, and a subsurface port that provides a connecting point for another line. A still further device includes another portion to cover any equipment that has been inserted into the manhole. A still further device includes at least one rung to assist in personnel in entering and exiting the manhole.

Provided is a containing system which includes a first frame structure, a plurality of first discharge units in the first frame structure, extending in a first direction, and fixedly coupled to the first frame structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second frame structure detachably coupled to the first frame structure in the first direction, a first containing unit fixedly supported on the second frame structure and spaced apart from the first frame structure, a second containing unit connected to the first containing unit and spaced apart from the first frame structure, a plurality of second discharge units connected to the second containing unit, aligned with the first discharge units in the first direction, and spaced apart from the first discharge units, and a pressure control unit connected to the first containing unit and controlling a first air pressure in the first containing unit to counterbalance a second air pressure outside the first containing unit.

Provided is a containing system which includes a first frame structure, a plurality of first discharge units in the first frame structure, extending in a first direction, and fixedly coupled to the first frame structure in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a second frame structure detachably coupled to the first frame structure in the first direction, a first containing unit fixedly supported on the second frame structure and spaced apart from the first frame structure, a second containing unit connected to the first containing unit and spaced apart from the first frame structure, a plurality of second discharge units connected to the second containing unit, aligned with the first discharge units in the first direction, and spaced apart from the first discharge units, and a pressure control unit connected to the first containing unit and controlling a first air pressure in the first containing unit to counterbalance a second air pressure outside the first containing unit.

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a stackable bulk material storage container is provided. The bulk material storage container includes a frame having a top portion and a bottom portion, which is supported by a plurality of rigid bars. A semi-rigid containment structure is further provided, which is supported by the frame. The semi-rigid containment structure may be formed of a plurality of interconnected or attached panels of thin steel sheets, carbon graphite or fiber reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the semi-rigid containment structure may be integrally formed of a roto-molded plastic material. The frame optionally has an opening at the top, which is sized to allow for easy removal and replacement of the semi-rigid containment structure.

In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a stackable bulk material storage container is provided. The bulk material storage container includes a frame having a top portion and a bottom portion, which is supported by a plurality of rigid bars. A semi-rigid containment structure is further provided, which is supported by the frame. The semi-rigid containment structure may be formed of a plurality of interconnected or attached panels of thin steel sheets, carbon graphite or fiber reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the semi-rigid containment structure may be integrally formed of a roto-molded plastic material. The frame optionally has an opening at the top, which is sized to allow for easy removal and replacement of the semi-rigid containment structure.

An automated gate actuator system is provided for use in selectively opening and closing a gate that dispenses proppant from a proppant container during the course of a hydraulic fracturing operation. A lever arm is pivotally mounted for movement to place a drive gear in contact with a driven gear to open and close the gate. The gate may be remotely or autonomously actuated in this manner utilizing an electronic control triggered by human and/or sensor input.

An automated gate actuator system is provided for use in selectively opening and closing a gate that dispenses proppant from a proppant container during the course of a hydraulic fracturing operation. A lever arm is pivotally mounted for movement to place a drive gear in contact with a driven gear to open and close the gate. The gate may be remotely or autonomously actuated in this manner utilizing an electronic control triggered by human and/or sensor input.

A soft container for transporting light loose loads comprises a receptacle in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a volume exceeding 13 m.sup.3. Said receptacle has a charging neck on an upper base, a discharge valve on the bottom, and four soft perforated partitions arranged inside the receptacle. The container further comprises a sling structure, the slings of which are connected to one another on the bottom of the receptacle, and lifting loops of the sling structure have a detachable connection to the receptacle, proximate the upper base thereof, as well as being connected to one another by an additional load-distributing sling strap which, in turn, has a connection to the receptacle, proximate the upper base thereof. The sling structure also includes sling straps arranged along the outer perimeter of the receptacle.

A soft container for transporting light loose loads comprises a receptacle in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a volume exceeding 13 m.sup.3. Said receptacle has a charging neck on an upper base, a discharge valve on the bottom, and four soft perforated partitions arranged inside the receptacle. The container further comprises a sling structure, the slings of which are connected to one another on the bottom of the receptacle, and lifting loops of the sling structure have a detachable connection to the receptacle, proximate the upper base thereof, as well as being connected to one another by an additional load-distributing sling strap which, in turn, has a connection to the receptacle, proximate the upper base thereof. The sling structure also includes sling straps arranged along the outer perimeter of the receptacle.