US3583582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Bucket type barge unloader
Assignee: FMC Corp
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Filing: 1969-09-05
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Granted: 1971-06-08
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Expires: 1989-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A barge unloader is provided with two endless chain bucket elevators mounted on a vertically adjustable platform and a carriage, that raise and lower the elevators and traverse them as a unit across a longitudinally moving barge. The elevator buckets are mounted on bar link chains which hang in a catenary loop below the carriage, allowing the buckets to scrape the deck of the barge. A chain tensioning device automatically adjusts the catenary span and takes up chain slack when the bucket elevators are lowered to and supported by the barge deck.
Inventors
- 👤 William A Ostarello
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 17:36
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G67/00; B65G2814/00; B65G2814/03; B65G2814/0397
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A barge unloading apparatus comprising in combination: a tower structure under which a barge, having longitudinal and transverse axes, is supported for longitudinal movement, a horizontal platform mounted on the tower for vertical movement and extending over the barge, means for effecting vertical movement of said platform, a carriage mounted on said platform for reversible movement along axes that are parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the barge, means for reversibly driving said carriage longitudinally and transversely of the barge, two endless chain bucket elevators depending from the carriage in a closed loop and means for driving the said elevators, and means for collecting material from both of said elevators regardless of the position of the carriage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A barge unloading apparatus comprising in combination: a tower structure under which a barge, having longitudinal and transverse axes, is supported for longitudinal movement, a horizontal platform mounted on the tower for vertical movement and extending over the barge, means for effecting vertical movement of said platform, a carriage mounted on said platform for reversible movement along axes that are parallel to the longitudinal and transverse axes of the barge, means for reversibly driving said carriage longitudinally and transversely of the barge, two endless chain bucket elevators depending from the carriage in a closed loop and means for driving the said elevators, and means for collecting material from both of said elevators regardless of the position of the carriage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said endless chain bucket elevators hang from the carriage in a catenary loop.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the said two endless chain bucket elevators are closely juxtaposed and mounted on the same frame to move together as a single unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the two endless chain bucket elevators are each trained around a drive sprocket and at least one guide sprocket and hang from the carriage in a catenary loop.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further including a chain tensioning device in operable engagement with both of said chain bucket elevators to take up slack in the said elevators and to maintain smooth tracking of the chains around the said sprockets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the said chain tensioning device is expansibly biased against the chain bucket elevators.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the said chain tensioning device is disposed inside the said closed loop to exert outward force on the said chain bucket elevators.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the said chain tensioning device comprises two independently suspended frame members each supporting a chain engaging member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the said chain engaging member comprises a freely rotating shaft with flanged guide wheels secured thereon in alignment with the chains of one of said chain bucket elevators.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the said chain engaging member comprises a pair of curved rails rigidly affixed to the said frame member in alignment with the chains of one of said chain bucket elevators.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |