A bin sweep auger unplugging system for unplugging a central unloading sump in a storage bin. The bin sweep auger unplugging system generally includes an auger having a driven shaft with auger fighting, a drive unit having a drive shaft, and a clutch connected between the drive shaft and the driven shaft. The clutch selectively transfers the rotation of the drive shaft to the driven shaft of the auger. The drive shaft includes a clump breakup component that breaks up the clump of granular material above the unloading sump when the drive shaft is rotated. The clutch is disengaged when breaking up a clump of granular material to prevent the rotation of the auger.

Exemplary embodiments include improved systems and methods for sorting and metering materials to be recycled at a material recovery facility. Systems and methods for the accurate and automated sorting and metering of recoverable materials may include a bunker with an integral conveyor adapted to meter presorted materials such that predetermined amounts of the materials may be delivered to a baler for baling and sale. Exemplary systems may include an auger screw type conveyor sized and shaped to deliver the materials to, for example, a baling system. The systems may also include a crusher for reducing the volume of the materials prior to metering from the bunker; by reducing the volume of the materials in the bunker, a baler may operate more efficiently, increasing output from the facility.

Exemplary embodiments include improved systems and methods for sorting and metering materials to be recycled at a material recovery facility. Systems and methods for the accurate and automated sorting and metering of recoverable materials may include a bunker with an integral conveyor adapted to meter presorted materials such that predetermined amounts of the materials may be delivered to a baler for baling and sale. Exemplary systems may include an auger screw type conveyor sized and shaped to deliver the materials to, for example, a baling system. The systems may also include a crusher for reducing the volume of the materials prior to metering from the bunker; by reducing the volume of the materials in the bunker, a baler may operate more efficiently, increasing output from the facility.

A bulk loader system is disclosed that may include a conveyor unit in connection with a fuel-powered engine powering a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor may be used to operate the conveyor unit. The system may be configured to function while being mounted on a bed of a truck or be operated as a stand-alone unit. The unit may be sized such that an operator can stand on the deck of the truck along with the unit. The fuel-hydraulic powered motor can enable the conveyor unit to operate at variable speeds. The conveyor unit can be adjustable to facilitate controlling the direction of the material being transported via the conveyor. Some embodiments can include operating the hydraulics of the motor from the Power Take-Off (PTO) of the truck. Some embodiments can facilitate operation of the system in a hot or other harsh environment.

A technique facilitates delivery of bulk materials at a desired site, such as a wellsite. According to an embodiment, a silo is pivotably mounted to a trailer, such as an over-the-road trailer. An actuator is coupled between the silo and the trailer to enable transition of the silo between a transverse position for transport and an upright position which facilitates outflow of the bulk material. The system also may comprise various other features used alone or in combination, such as pivotable wings, a foldable trailer, and an adjustable suspension which allows a frame of the trailer to be positioned firmly on the ground.

A proximity detector includes a sensor providing a proximity reading. The proximity detector is capable of comparing the reading to a rising threshold level and a falling threshold level, wherein the falling threshold level is less than the rising threshold level. The proximity detector continuously stores a minimum reading value for the proximity reading. The proximity detector will report the presence of granular material only if the proximity reading remains less than the falling threshold level and within an epsilon value of the minimum reading value for a predetermined period of time.

A proximity detector includes a sensor providing a proximity reading. The proximity detector is capable of comparing the reading to a rising threshold level and a falling threshold level, wherein the falling threshold level is less than the rising threshold level. The proximity detector continuously stores a minimum reading value for the proximity reading. The proximity detector will report the presence of granular material only if the proximity reading remains less than the falling threshold level and within an epsilon value of the minimum reading value for a predetermined period of time.

In one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus comprising an auger section having an auger and a drive unit containing a motor for driving the auger. A collector ring housing containing a collector ring is positioned between the auger section and the drive unit. In another aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus for attachment to a floor grate. The apparatus includes a pivot stand attached to a top surface of the floor grate, the pivot stand defining a vertical pivot axis. A collector ring has a first stationary portion and a second rotatable portion, with the stationary portion attached to the pivot stand. A housing surrounds the collector ring, and the housing and second rotatable portion of the collector ring rotate together about the pivot axis.

Dispensing device (1) for the controlled dispensing of food substances contained in a container (2) which can be associated with the dispensing device (1) in correspondence with a mouth (20) of the container through which the substance to be dispensed passes; the device (1) comprises: a screw element (10) comprising a hollow cylindrical body (12) with an inlet (11) connectable to the container (2) and a dispensing outlet (14); a helicoid (13) disposed internally and coaxial with respect to the cylindrical body (12); a support base (3) comprising motor means (4, 5) connected and acting on the screw (10) to activate on command the controlled rotation of the helicoid (13) and obtain the consequent controlled transfer of the substance to be dispensed from the container (2) towards said dispensing outlet (14); the screw element (10) can be connected to the base (3) by means of a quick release connection.

A scale controller system and method of using the system is disclosed. The scale controller is adapted for use with a grain cart or similar implement that includes a discharge opening and conveyor. The system includes a scale and a plurality of sensors that work together to automate numerous functions that are typically performed manually. For example, the present invention discloses a system that automatically records the amount of material loaded or unloaded by continuously monitoring the load on a scale and the RPMs of a power take-off shaft that drives a conveyor.