Patent ID: 8308415
Filing Date: 2012-11-13
Classification: B61D,B65G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use in unloading bulk material from containers having at least one discharge outlet at an elevation spaced above the apparatus, said apparatus being vertically adjustable to engage the discharge outlet so that bulk material can be received during unloading thereof, said apparatus comprising: a generally rectangular frame assembly having four corners and having an upper portion and a lower portion that are generally coextensive with one another, said upper portion defining an upper opening and said lower portion defining a lower opening, said upper opening and said lower opening being aligned with each other so that material may pass through each of said upper and lower openings, said upper portion being in engagement with and forming a seal with the at least one discharge outlet; a plurality of inflatable flexible members positioned between said upper and lower portions; a flexible boot assembly having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being mounted to said upper portion, said boot assembly defining a passage for communicating material from said upper opening in said upper portion to said lower opening in said lower portion; and a valve coupled to said plurality of inflatable flexible members and configured to automatically supply a fluid to said members to raise said upper portion and maintain said seal between said upper portion and the discharge outlet as the elevation of the discharge outlet changes during unloading of the bulk material; said plurality of inflatable flexible members being disposed between said upper and lower portions such that one of said plurality of inflatable flexible members is disposed at each of said four corners of said frame assembly for changing the elevation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion by selectively varying the inflation of said members; said upper portion being supported in position to engage the discharge outlet by said flexible members.