A method and apparatus to facilitate the loading of a grain bin such that the level in the grain bin increases generally uniformly and the distribution of grain size in the grain bin is generally uniform as well. The method includes redirecting the flow of the grain from the conveyer as it flows into the grain bin. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an adjustable leveling band for redirecting the grain uniformly to a plurality of radially extending chutes. In one embodiment, the angle of the chutes can also be easily adjusted.

A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

A grain spreader includes a hopper and spreader arms that distribute grain in a bin with a spreader cone having convergent divergent cones. The convergent cone forms a first flow zone. A center opening between the convergent cone and divergent cone allows a first portion of grain collecting in the convergent cone to pass through the spreader cone. An intermediate funnel is inside the hopper body between the convergent cone and the hopper body. A second portion of the grain spills over the rim of the convergent cone and onto the divergent cone into a second flow zone outside the convergent cone but inside the intermediate funnel. When the second zone fills with grain, a further portion of grain will spill over a rim of the intermediate funnel into a third flow zone radially outward of the intermediate funnel but inside the hopper body.

A grain spreader apparatus is powered in rotation by the flow of grain through the grain spreader apparatus. The gravity grain spreader includes a distribution hopper mounted at the top of a grain storage bin to receive a supply of grain to be distributed within the grain storage bin in a uniform manner. The distribution hopper delivers the grain into a pair of opposingly oriented chutes meeting at an apex underneath the distribution hopper. Each chute is provided with a terminal deflector at the end of the chute, and with intermediate deflectors built into the sides of the chutes to provide a more uniform dispersal of the grain into the grain storage bin. The angle of repose of the chutes is variable through an adjustment mechanism so that higher moisture grains can be fed through the grains spreader apparatus and effectively distributed.

A grain spreading device for evenly distribute grain as it is poured into a storage bin. The grain spreading device generally includes a flow-control ring (e.g., an evenflow ring) adapted to be positioned below a grain bin opening, the flow-control ring comprising an upper opening and a bottom, and a cone movably suspended below the flow-control ring by a plurality of springs to create a variable opening between the cone and the bottom of the flow-control ring, the plurality of springs creating a restoring force, wherein the variable opening increases in size when a weight of grain on the cone moves the cone away from the bottom of the flow-control ring against the restoring force of the plurality of springs.

A gate valve for positioning in the open upper end of a grain bin below the lid thereof which closes the open upper end of the grain bin. The gate valve permits grain to pass downwardly therethrough but which prevents warm moist air from the grain bin from passing upwardly therethrough into a grain spout or deadhead box.

A variable diameter discharge system for controlling the flow and distribution of a material being fed into a bin. The variable diameter discharge system generally includes a storage bin including a bin opening for receiving a material to be stored in the storage bin. A hopper is suspended beneath the bin opening such that materials fed into the bin opening pass through the hopper. A ring member is connected to the hopper which includes a plurality of guide members adjustable between a first position and a second position. An opening is defined between the guide members; with the opening enlarging as the guide members are adjusted toward the second position. Springs connected between the guide members and the ring member bias the guide members toward the first position. The guide members move from the first position to the second position when a material is flowing through the opening.

A storage system for storing material such as sample tube caps comprises a drawer with a reservoir, the drawer being movable between a first position and a second position. A storage container is arranged below the reservoir of the drawer when the drawer is arranged in the first position. A transport device is configured to retrieve material from the storage container and to transport the material out of the storage container. Therein, the reservoir of the drawer comprises a bottom with at least one closable opening.

A grain bin has a top opening with a hopper for receiving grain that is directed downwardly to a spreader supported for rotation by a vertical shaft. The spreader has an elongated inclined chute having a V-shape cross-section. The chute has a center portion having an opening with a trap door pivoted or controlled from a mechanism operable from the top opening of the bin. A deflector is positioned under the trap door opening and rotates the chute in response to the flow of grain through the opening. The chute has an extension that also supports a pivotal deflector.