System and method are provided where parcels or packages are associated or grouped, into logical group or logical containerization of parcels or packages, without need for physical container, such that parcels or packages can be tracked as a group, for example with a unique group ID. Logical group may be tracked within specified logical zone on conveyor, transported, sorted and/or otherwise processed as unique logical group without need to be contained in physical container. System and method for automated sortation can accumulate set number or set volume of packages, and then process the accumulated set number or volume of packages, including automatically closing a container filled with the packages.

System and method are provided where parcels or packages are associated or grouped, into logical group or logical containerization of parcels or packages, without need for physical container, such that parcels or packages can be tracked as a group, for example with a unique group ID. Logical group may be tracked within specified logical zone on conveyor, transported, sorted and/or otherwise processed as unique logical group without need to be contained in physical container. System and method for automated sortation can accumulate set number or set volume of packages, and then process the accumulated set number or volume of packages, including automatically closing a container filled with the packages.

An ingredient preparation and batching system may include a first hydrated ingredient pre-mix station including a first holding tank configured to store a first hydrated ingredient consisting of water and one or more non-time constrained ingredients. The ingredient preparation and batching system may include a dry ingredient pre-mix station including a first hopper configured to store a first ingredient in dry form, a second hopper configured to store a second ingredient in dry form, and a mixer fluidly coupled to the first hopper and the second hopper. The mixer is configured to receive and mix the first ingredient and the second ingredient to form an ingredient mix. The ingredient preparation and batching system may include a batch tank fluidly coupled to the first holding tank and the mixer.

An ingredient preparation and batching system may include a first hydrated ingredient pre-mix station including a first holding tank configured to store a first hydrated ingredient consisting of water and one or more non-time constrained ingredients. The ingredient preparation and batching system may include a dry ingredient pre-mix station including a first hopper configured to store a first ingredient in dry form, a second hopper configured to store a second ingredient in dry form, and a mixer fluidly coupled to the first hopper and the second hopper. The mixer is configured to receive and mix the first ingredient and the second ingredient to form an ingredient mix. The ingredient preparation and batching system may include a batch tank fluidly coupled to the first holding tank and the mixer.

A supply system supplies an explosives material and comprises an explosives material delivery mechanism, a bin, a first outlet, a first removable cover, a port and an operation tool. The bin has an upper end, a lower end, and an interior volume that provides a first compartment for storing the explosives material. The first compartment has a corresponding lower end. The first outlet at the lower end of the first compartment feeds the explosives material from the first compartment to the explosive material delivery mechanism. The first removable cover is placed on a second outlet at the lower end of the compartment. The port is at the upper end of the bin by which the explosives material is loadable into the first compartment. The operation tool allows installation and removal of the first removable cover by way of the port without requiring any personnel to enter into the bin.

A supply system supplies an explosives material and comprises an explosives material delivery mechanism, a bin, a first outlet, a first removable cover, a port and an operation tool. The bin has an upper end, a lower end, and an interior volume that provides a first compartment for storing the explosives material. The first compartment has a corresponding lower end. The first outlet at the lower end of the first compartment feeds the explosives material from the first compartment to the explosive material delivery mechanism. The first removable cover is placed on a second outlet at the lower end of the compartment. The port is at the upper end of the bin by which the explosives material is loadable into the first compartment. The operation tool allows installation and removal of the first removable cover by way of the port without requiring any personnel to enter into the bin.

A dispensing apparatus for dispensing articles includes a housing and a drive system. The housing defines a hopper chamber to hold the articles, a dispensing outlet, and a dispensing path between the hopper chamber and the dispensing outlet. The drive system includes a belt and a belt actuator operable to drive the belt. The dispensing apparatus is configured such that articles disposed in the hopper chamber are directed onto the belt and the belt, when driven by the belt actuator, conveys the articles received from the hopper chamber in a dispensing direction along the dispensing path toward the dispensing outlet to be dispensed.

A grain dryer unload system is presented that facilitates operation of a discharge system independent of a metering system. A motor connects to an axle that connects to the discharge system, which may be a drag chain, a belt or an auger. The axle also connects to a metering system. A clutch mechanism is connected to an end of the axle and is positioned between the discharge system and the metering system. When the clutch mechanism is in an engaged position, the motor simultaneously operates the metering system and the discharge system. However, when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged position, the motor operates the discharge system while the metering system does not operate. This arrangement facilitates easier cleaning of the grain dryer without introducing the fines into the grain or a connected grain storage device.

A grain dryer unload system is presented that facilitates operation of a discharge system independent of a metering system. A motor connects to an axle that connects to the discharge system, which may be a drag chain, a belt or an auger. The axle also connects to a metering system. A clutch mechanism is connected to an end of the axle and is positioned between the discharge system and the metering system. When the clutch mechanism is in an engaged position, the motor simultaneously operates the metering system and the discharge system. However, when the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged position, the motor operates the discharge system while the metering system does not operate. This arrangement facilitates easier cleaning of the grain dryer without introducing the fines into the grain or a connected grain storage device.

A system for converting an irregular flow stream of solid particulates into a continuously flowing stream of solid particulates is disclosed. The system comprises a bin adapted to receive the irregular particulate flow stream. A level sensor is adapted to produce an output signal representative of the volume of particulates in the bin. The bin level controller has a set point corresponding to a desired level for the volume of particulates in the bin and is adapted to receive the output signal from the level sensor. The bin level controller produces a bin level control signal proportional to the deviation from the set point signal. A movable valve is positioned proximate the outlet adapted to modulate the particulate flow stream out of the bin and a valve controller is operatively associated with the valve. The valve controller is adapted to respond to bin level control signals from the bin level controller. The bin level controller is constructed and arranged to operate the valve such that the volume of particulates remains at the bin set point level to ensure a constant stream of particulates out of the bin through the outlet. Once the particulate flow stream is continuous and measured, it may be subjected to further operations such as proportional coating or mixing of additional constituents.