Patent ID: 9487362
Filing Date: 2016-11-08
CPC Classification: B65G

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for unloading granular material from a storage container onto a transport vehicle, the apparatus including an outlet source by which granular material is discharged from the storage container into a pan having an open, upper end in which the granular material is deposited and an auger mechanism for moving the granular material from the pan through an auger outflow into the transport vehicle, an auger pan/hopper splash shield completely encompassing a discharge end of the outlet source through which the granular material is discharged into the pan, the open, upper end of the pan, and an inlet end of the auger outflow so as to prevent any spillage of the granular material as the granular material is conveyed between the storage container and the transport vehicle, the auger pan/hopper splash shield including: an upper perimeter sleeve completely encircling the discharge end of the outlet source from the storage container, the upper perimeter sleeve including an open-ended column fitting about the outlet source; a first attachment mechanism for securing the upper perimeter sleeve about the outlet source above the discharge end thereof; a lower perimeter sleeve fitting over and about the pan and completely encircling a circumference of the pan below the open, upper end of the pan and including an inlet end of the auger outflow extending into the pan, the lower perimeter sleeve including a flared section, an upper end of which is integrally formed with a lower end of the upper perimeter sleeve, and a curtain section which fits about the pan below the open, upper end of the pan so to completely encircle the pan and the inlet end of the auger outflow; and, a second attachment mechanism for securing the lower perimeter sleeve to the pan beneath the open, upper surface of the pan; whereby the auger pan/hopper splash shield prevents any granular material from being lost during conveyance thereof between the storage container to the transport vehicle.