Apparatus for handling bulk material

Apparatus for handling bulk material located in a pile at a storage site including a stationary support column that is anchored at the lowermost end thereof. The support column supports a stacker device at the uppermost end thereof, the stacker device being mounted for rotating movement relative to said support column for stacking the material at the storage site in a substantially circular array. A material feed device is mounted over said stacker device and feeds the material thereto during the stacking operation. Mounted for rotary movement relative to said support column is a reclaimer device, the reclaimer device being operable to reclaim the material from the pile for transfer thereof to a discharge area. The reclaimer device is rotated about a vertical axis to provide access to the circular array of material, the vertical axis of rotation of the reclaimer being disposed such that it is not coincident with the longitudinal axis of said support column, wherein the reclaimer device is rotatable about its own axis through a range of 0.degree. to about 310.degree. without interference with the support column.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention has particular application for building up and 
discharging an annular dump of bulk material at a circular storage site. 
The prior known apparatus for handling bulk material as located at a 
storage site have included several versions of the well known 
stacker-reclaimer apparatus, and two of such kinds of equipment are 
illustrated in the U.S. Patents to STROCKER, U.S. Pat. No. 3,472,357 and 
FISHER, U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,985. Both the STROCKER and FISHER patents 
disclose equipment that includes a device for receiving bulk material from 
a feed conveyor and for conveying and dumping the bulk material onto a 
pile at the storage device. The usual scraper reclaimer devices are also 
disclosed in these prior known constructions for removing the bulk 
material from the stored piles for transfer to a remote location. In other 
versions of stacker-reclaimers, the equipment included a support structure 
that was mounted on wheels for travel along elongated tracks on both sides 
of which the bulk material was deposited in stored piles. The stacking 
mechanism and the scraper reclaimer devices were both pivotally mounted on 
the traveling structure and were rotated therewith. In the apparatus as 
shown in the STROCKER patent, both the stacker and the scraper reclaimer 
devices are also pivotally mounted with respect to the main frame of the 
apparatus, and in this manner are able to stack the bulk material and 
reclaim it from the stacked pile as required. However, this equipment as 
constructed was not practical for simultaneous stacking and reclaiming of 
the bulk material. In the FISHER patent, the piles of material are 
arranged in piles relative to a stationary central column, and the stacker 
and reclaimer are rotated relative to the stationary column for both 
stacking the bulk material and reclaiming it as required. The FISHER 
apparatus also includes a fixed hopper that is mounted under the column 
for receiving the bulk material from the scraper reclaimer device for 
transfer to a remote location. However, the hopper has spokes fixed 
thereto that support the column; and as a result, the hopper is obstructed 
and the material tends to clog the hopper as it is deposited therein. 
Further, the reclaimer and stacker devices in this construction cannot 
pass each other, but must still work on material arrayed in a 360.degree. 
pile, requiring complex and expensive equipment, including an undergound 
discharge conveyor. The FISHER construction also requires that the feed 
end of the feed conveyor be supported by the central column which further 
requires a complex bearing arrangement that additionally increases the 
cost of the unit. 
Both the bulk material handling apparatus as illustrated in the STROCKER 
and FISHER patents were useful in certain environments, but were limited 
in the application thereof because of the bulky equipment used and space 
requirements therefor. Further the heavy loads as carried by the scraper 
conveyor apparatus illustrated in the STROCKER patent, required that the 
stacker and scraper reclaimer devices utilized therein be cantilevered in 
a manner so as to effectively offset each other. Locating these devices on 
a central column as shown in the STROCKER patent had its inherent 
disadvantages; and because of cost factors, the STROCKER scraper-conveyor 
apparatus could only be used in special applications. Similarly, the 
FISHER conveyor loading and unloading apparatus are quite complex in the 
structural arrangement thereof and, as a result, the economic factors 
dictated that the FISHER apparatus could only be used in those locations 
that would warrant the installation of that kind of equipment. Another 
system known to applicants but having limited commercial use included a 
tower construction having a truss structure on which a stacker device was 
supported for conveying bulk material to a pile. Offset from the tower was 
a reclaimer device that was supported by the tower; but because the 
reclaimer device had limited rotational movement relative to the tower, 
this system had only limited application. 
Some efforts were made by the applicants herein to provide a relatively 
simplified device for building up and discharging an annular dump of bulk 
material at a circular storage site, and this device is illustrated in 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,396. As shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,396, a scraper 
reclaimer device and a stacker device are mounted on a rotating column for 
movement with and relative thereto, respectively; and the material as 
recovered by the scraper reclaimer device is deposited into a hopper that 
is unobstructed at the receiving end thereof, this kind of hopper being 
contrary to the kind of hopper shown in the earlier described FISHER 
patent. However, because of certain limitations with respect to the costs 
embodied in the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,363,396, the device also 
had some limitations in use; although, as an operating mechanism, it has 
found favor in the trade. It was because of economic considerations and 
the facility of use thereof that the subject invention was developed, and 
in this respect does present an alternative to the device shown in U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,363,396. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention embodies a unique approach for a device that is 
utilized in the building up and discharging of an annular dump of bulk 
material at a circular storage site. 
Contrary to the conventional equipment utilized heretofore in forming 
and/or discharging a circular pile of bulk material, the present invention 
provides a stationary column on which a stacker device is mounted, a 
reclaimer device being located such that the axis thereof is not 
coincident with the axis of the column. Both the stacker and the reclaimer 
devices are independently rotatable about their axis, although these 
devices can be arranged in either concentric or eccentric relation 
relative to each other. In one form of the present invention, the 
supporting column for the stacker having an appropriate foundation is 
disposed in an inclined position and is supported in the inclined position 
with stabilizers that are fixed to the ground at one end thereof and at 
the other end are fixed to the uppermost end of the column, wherein the 
stabilizers are maintained mainly under tension and cooperate to support 
the column when it is mainly under compression loads the stacker and 
reclaimer devices. In another form of the invention, the support column 
for the stacker is located in a vertical position. 
Since the prior known stacker and/or reclaimer systems rotated around a 
central axis that also defined the axis of the stacker support, the 
location of the support imposed limits on the reclaimer design relative to 
the weight of the reclaimer structure and the size of the bearing elements 
and the manner in which the material was discharged. By providing the 
offset axis for the stacker support relative to the axis of the reclaimer 
device in the present invention, the reclaimer devices are capable of 
reaching a rotation of substantially more than 180.degree.; and in most 
versions of applicants' unique system, the reclaimer device is capable of 
being rotated about its axis up to approximately 310.degree. from the 
position of rest. The subject invention further provides that the stacker 
device is rotated wholly independently of the reclaimer device, and each 
can pass the other in their rotating movement at any given period of 
operation of the unit. 
Because the axis of the stacker support is not coincident with the axis of 
the reclaimer device, the design of the reclaimer device is not determined 
by considerations for supporting the stacker; and, as a result, the 
reclaimer device may be designed without providing for either supporting 
or accommodating the stacker structure in some manner. 
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus 
for building up and discharging an annular pile of bulk material at a 
circular storage site through the use of a stacker support column, the 
axis of which is not coincident with the axis of a reclaiming device that 
is incorporated in said apparatus for removing the material from the pile. 
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become 
apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection 
with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, one form of the apparatus as embodied in 
the subject invention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10. The 
apparatus 10 is of the type for operation at a circular storage site in 
which an annular dump or pile of material indicated at 12 is stored for 
removal to a remote location. As illustrated in the drawing, the annular 
pile 12 is composed of a bulk material of any known variety and has an 
angle of repose that is defined by the angle between the sides thereof and 
the horizontal. As will be described, a reclaimer device that is formed as 
part of the apparatus of the subject invention is disposed in generally 
parallel relation with the inclination of the pile of material and is 
pivotally movable to follow the angle of the surface of the pile and is 
also rotatable about its vertical axis as required during the reclaiming 
operation. 
As described hereinafter, the components that define the stacker and 
reclaimer units of the subject invention are illustrated somewhat 
diagrammatically, but are believed to be sufficiently illustrated and 
disclosed to enable anyone skilled in the art to which the invention 
pertains to have a full and complete understanding thereof. In this 
connection, the manner in which the units are mounted for rotation on the 
support members is sufficiently described to obtain a clear understanding 
of the operation of the invention. In this connection, reference is also 
made to motor drive devices through pinion ring-gear units. This structure 
of the motor drive devices as illustrated and described is considered to 
be conventional and forms no part of the present invention. 
Heretofore, the most commonly used stacker and reclaimer devices utilized 
at circular storage sites have normally been mounted for rotation about a 
central column that in effect defined a support therefor. The subject 
invention departs from this prior known construction and includes an 
offset support column 14. In the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1, 
the support colum 14 which is preferably formed of a structural metal 
material of any suitable design, is disposed in inclined relationship with 
respect to the vertical and is mounted in fixed position on a foundation 
16 that is anchored into the ground at the storage site. As will be 
described, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the lowermost end of the colum 14 
is somewhat enlarged as indicated at 18, the enlarged portion 18 having an 
opening 20 formed therein to permit a discharge conveyor 22 to pass 
therethrough. The enlarged portion 18 of the column 14 also tends to 
stabilize the column when it is subjected to side loads. Fixed to the 
uppermost end of the inclined column 14 is an upper jib 24, the central 
axis of which is substantially vertical, the central axis being disposed 
in angular relation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the column 
14. Thus, the axis of the colum 14 is located such that it is not 
coincident with respect to the central axis of the jib 24. In order to 
anchor the support column 14 in place so as to provide for effectively 
carrying the loads that are imposed thereon during the operation of the 
apparatus are a pair of stabilizers 26 which as shown in FIG. 2 extend 
angularly downwardly and outwardly relative to the inclined support column 
14 and are fixed to the uppermost end of the column by conventional tie 
bolts 28 or some similar connecting means. The lowermost ends of the 
stabilizers 26 are anchored in concrete bases 30 by bolts that extend 
through brackets 32 that are fixed to the bases 30. As will be described, 
in the operation of the device, the inclined support column 14 carries the 
loads imposed thereon by the stacker and reclaimer devices, the loads 
transmitted therefrom being directed mainly in compression toward the 
bottom of the column 14 and toward the concrete bases 16. The stabilizers 
26 which may be in the form of wires or structural members are disposed 
mainly in tension and cooperate with the support column 14 to absorb the 
loads as the stacker and reclaimer devices are rotated during operation of 
the apparatus. 
Secured to the support column 14 approximately at the midpoint thereof is a 
downwardly inclined lower jib 34 which includes an horizontal extension 
36, the central axis of which is substantially vertical and that is 
generally coaxial with the central axis of the upper jib 24. As will now 
be described, a stacker device generally indicated at 38 is mounted for 
rotation on the upper jib 24 relative thereto while a reclaimer device 
generally indicated at 40 is mounted on the extension 36 of the lower jib 
34 and is rotated relative thereto and also relative to the rotation of 
the stacker device 38. As will be apparent, the loads as imposed by both 
the stacker device 38 and the reclaimer device 40 are carried by the 
support column 14 and the stabilizers 26 fixed thereto, and the 
arrangement of the column 14 with its stabilizers 26 is such as to 
effectively absorb the loads during the operation of the apparatus. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacker device 38 includes spaced side frame 
members 42 between which a trough conveyor 44 is located. The trough 
conveyor which is of the endless type is movable on end rollers 46 and 48, 
the end roller 46 defining the drive for the conveyor 44 and being 
interconnected by a chain 50 to a motor drive unit 52 that is mounted on 
the frame of the stacker 38. The motor drive unit 52 is selectively driven 
to move the conveyor 44 in the operation of the stacker device, as will be 
described. The stacker device 38 is mounted on the upper jib 24 for 
rotation relative thereto and is rotated as required to dump bulk material 
as received from a feed conveyor onto the pile 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the 
stacker device 38 is fixed to an upper sleeve member 54 that is mounted on 
a bearing 56. Fixed to the lowermost end of the bearing 56 is a lower 
sleeve member 58 which is mounted on the upper jib 24. The stacker device 
38 is rotatably driven on the bearing 56 and relative to the jib 24 and 
support column 14 by a motor 59 that is mounted on the frame of the 
stacker device 38. The motor 59 drives a pinion 60 that engages a ring 
gear 61 fixed to the upper sleeve member 56 that in turn is fixed to the 
frame of the stacker device 38. Thus, upon operation of the motor 59, the 
upper sleeve member 54 and the stacker device 38 mounted thereon are 
rotated. It is understood, of course, that any convenient drive mechanism 
may be utilized to rotate the stacker device 38, the just-described pinion 
and gear drive being only one example of such a conventional mechanism. 
The stacker device 38 receives bulk material from an outside source for 
distribution onto the pile 12 by way of a feed conveyor generally 
indicated at 62. The feed conveyor 62 includes a support frame 64 in which 
a conveyor belt 66 of the endless type is mounted. The frame 64 is 
supported by a mast 68 to which support wires 70 are secured, the support 
wires being fixed to the frame 64 at convenient locations for supporting 
the frame 64 in the position as illustrated. The feed conveyor 62 
terminates at its outermost end at a location remote from the apparatus 
10, at which location the bulk material is deposited onto the conveyor 
belt 66 for movement to the stacker device 38. The conveyor belt 66 
terminates above the stacker device 38 and directs the bulk material 
conveyed thereon into an upper chute 72 that is suspended below the frame 
64. The material is then directed by the chute 72 through a lower hopper 
74 onto the trough conveyor 44 of the stacker device 38 for deposit onto 
the pile 12. 
In order to remove the bulk material from the pile 12 for transfer to a 
remote location, the reclaimer device 40 is provided. The reclaimer device 
40 must of necessity be pivotally movable about a horizontal axis to 
follow the pile 12 as it is depleted and must also be rotatable relative 
to the column 14 so as to reach all of the areas of the annular dump. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, the reclaimer device 40 as illustrated includes 
a cantilevered boom 76 on which an endless conveyor 78 is mounted having 
spaced flights or rakes (not shown) fixed thereto. End roller 79 and 
sprockets 80 are mounted adjacent to the ends of the boom 76, the 
sprockets 80 being drivingly connected to a drive unit motor 90. As is 
conventional in conveyors of this type, the rakes as attached thereto upon 
operation of the conveyor move a layer of the bulk material with which the 
rakes engage to the innermost end of the reclaimer device 40 for deposit 
into a hopper as will be described. 
In order to mount the reclaimer device 40 for rotation relative to the 
support column 14, the innermost end thereof is mounted on a lower support 
member 82 by any suitable bracket construction (not shown), the lower 
support member 82 being rotatable relative to the jib extension 36 by 
connection to a bearing 87 that is mounted on the extension 36. The lower 
support member 82 is rotated by a motor drive device 84 that is mounted on 
an upper support member 86. The upper support member 86 which is an 
extension of the lower support member 82 is fixed onto a bearing 87 that 
is carried by the fixed jib extension 36. The motor drive device 84 drives 
a pinion 88 that in turn engages a ring gear 89 fixed to the bearing 87. 
Since the upper support member 86 is also rotatable on the bearing 87. The 
operation of the motor drive device 84 will rotate the pinion gear 88, the 
ring gear 89 and the upper and lower support members 82 and 86 therewith. 
It is also seen that operation of the motor drive device 84 that produces 
the corresponding rotation of the upper and lower support members 82 and 
86 will carry the reclaimer device 40 therewith that is mounted on the 
lower support member 82. As described above, the scraper conveyor 78 of 
the reclaimer device 40 is independently operated by the motor drive unit 
90 that is fixed to the lower support member 82 and is drivingly connected 
to the sprockets 80 through a drive chain 91. Since the motor drive unit 
90 is fixed to the lower support member 82, it will also rotate therewith 
along with the reclaimer device 40 during the operation thereof. 
As previously described, the reclaimer device 40 is pivotal about a 
horizontal axis, and in this connection is pivotally movable relative to 
the lower support member 82 as it follows the angle of the dump 12, the 
pivot axis of the boom 76 being indicated at 92. Although not shown, 
suitable bearings are located at the pivot axis 92 to permit rotation of 
the boom 76 about the pivot axis thereof. As described hereinabove, a 
suitable bracket construction is mounted on the lower support member 82 
for receiving the innermost end of the reclaimer device 40 in pivotal 
relation with respect thereto. The pivotal movement of the reclaimer boom 
76 is effected through a winch cable assembly, a motor winch unit 93 being 
mounted on the upper support member 86 that is carried by the extension 36 
of the jib 34. A hoisting cable 94 supported on the motor winch unit 93 
extends around an upper pulley 96. The pulley 96 is mounted for rotation 
on a support bracket 98 that is secured to the lower sleeve member 58 
through a bearing 99, the bearing 99 being mounted on sleeve member 58. A 
swivel arm 102 is secured to the frame of the reclaimer boom 76 and is 
interconnected to a roller 100 that receives the hoisting cable 94 
therearound. As the winch motor unit 93 is operated, the hoisting cable 94 
cooperates with the swivel arm 102 to pivotally move the reclaimer device 
40 to the desired inclined position that corresponds to the angle of the 
surface of the pile 12. It is seen that as the motor 84 is operated to 
produce rotation of the lower and upper support members 82 and 86 relative 
to the fixed jib 34, the reclaimer device 40 will rotate therewith along 
with the motor drive unit 90 that drives the conveyor of the reclaimer 
device 40, the winch motor unit 93 and the cable 94 controlled thereby. As 
the reclaimer device 40 rotates on the extension 36 of the jib 34, the 
swivel arm 102 connected to the boom 76 thereof, the hoisting cable 94, 
cable rollers 96 and 100 and the bracket 98 rotate therewith, the roller 
96 and the bracket 98 being rotatable relative to the fixed upper jib 24. 
Thus, the reclaimer device 40 and those elements interconnected therewith 
are rotatable relative to the inclined support column 14 and the stacker 
device 38 mounted thereon. 
Located centrally of the annular pile 12 and disposed directly beneath the 
innermost end of the boom 76 of the reclaimer device 40 is a circular 
protective conveyor housing 104 having an opening formed in the upper wall 
thereof in which an open and unobstructed hopper 106 is positioned. The 
right wall of the protective housing 104 as seen in FIG. 1 is formed with 
an opening 105 and extending from the protective housing right hand wall 
is a conveyor housing extension 107 that shields the discharge conveyor 22 
that extends therethrough from debris. As described hereinabove, the 
discharge conveyor 22 projects through the opening 20 in the lower end of 
the inclined support column 14 and extends outwardly of the annular dump 
12 for transfer of the bulk material received thereon to a remote 
location. It is seen that as the bulk material is moved by the scraper 
rakes mounted on the conveyor 78 of the reclaimer device 40 toward the 
innermost end of the boom 76, the bulk material is directed into the 
unobstructed hopper 106 for deposit on the conveyor 22 for transfer to the 
remote location for eventual use thereof. 
As shown in FIG. 1, the discharge hopper 106 and the lower support member 
82 together with the extension 36 of the lower jib 34 are disposed 
substantially concentric with the axis of rotation of the stacker device 
38. It is understood that these units may be located at various positions 
so as to be eccentric with respect to each other without departing from 
the spirit of the invention so long as the units are not coincident with 
respect to the longitudinal axis of the support column 14. However, as 
will be set forth hereinafter, the stacker device itself may, as required, 
be located in concentric relation with the support column when the column 
is disposed in a vertical position. 
As will further be described, the apparatus for stacking and reclaiming a 
bulk material as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be modified in 
accordance with the requirements of use. Since the stacker device 38 and 
reclaimer device 40 are not directly mounted on the support column 14, and 
the axes of rotation thereof are not coincident with the longitudinal axis 
of the support column, the devices are movable relative to the support 
column in an angular direction that is substantially greater than 
180.degree.. It is contemplated that the reclaimer device 40 will be moved 
to an end position following an angular travel of approximately 
310.degree., whereas the stacker device may be movable through an angle of 
360.degree. if necessary. As mentioned above the support column 14 may be 
located with the longitudinal axis thereof disposed in a vertical 
position. In this connection, the upper and lower jibs may have to be 
lengthened to effectively offset the stacker and reclaimer devices 
relative to the support column. 
In FIGS. 3-14, various modified forms of the invention as just described 
are illustrated. As shown in FIGS. 3-14, the components that define the 
variations of the subject invention are illustrated in diagrammatic form; 
and it will be understood that some of the components as described 
includes a more complete structure that is of a construction well known to 
those skilled in the art, and therefore further explanation of the details 
of construction thereof is not considered to be necessary. 
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3(a), a modified form of a unit that includes 
both a stacker and a reclaimer is illustrated and is generally indicated 
at 104. The unit 104 as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3(a) includes an 
inclined support column 106 of the type as described hereinabove, the 
lowermost end of which is received on a concrete foundation 108. 
Stabilizer rods 110 are interconnected to the uppermost end of the column 
106 and are fixed to individual base members 112 in any convenient manner. 
As will be described, the apparatus 104 includes a stacker device 
generally indicated at 114 that is mounted for rotation relative to the 
inclined column 106 and is supported thereby, and further includes a 
reclaimer device 116 that is mounted for rotation relative to the support 
column 106 and in the form of the invention shown in FIG. 3 is also 
supported thereby. 
The support column 106 differs from the column 14 described above and shown 
in FIG. 1, in that the column 106 does not include an upper extension as a 
jib. Instead the upper end of the column 106 has a sleeve 118 mounted 
thereon. It is understood that an upper jib may be utilized with the 
inclined support column in the structure just described or in any of the 
modified versions of the invention as will be described hereinafter. 
Mounted on the upper portion of the sleeve 118 is a bearing 122, and 
secured to the upper race of the bearing 122 is a lower support member 124 
that is rotatable relative to the sleeve 118 and the inclined column 106. 
The stacker device 114 is selectively rotatable by the operation of a 
drive motor and gear assembly (not shown) similar to that illustrated in 
FIG. 1, but any conventional arrangement could be utilized for this 
purpose. Projecting upwardly from the lower support member 124 is a 
tapered upper support member 126 on which the stacker device 114 is 
mounted for rotation therewith. The stacker device 114 is also mounted for 
pivotal movement about a horizontal axis, and for this purpose is 
pivotally connected to the upper support member 126 through a shaft and 
bearing assembly indicated at 127. As also shown in FIG. 3, a jacking 
device 128 of conventional design is interconnected between the frame of 
the stacker device 114 and the lower support member 124 and is operable to 
effect the vertical pivotal movement thereof. A motor operated unit (not 
shown) is operatively controlled to effect movement of the jacking device 
128 to produce the required vertical pivotal movement of the stacker 
device 114 on the upper support member 126. 
The stacker device 114 is similar in construction to the stacker 38 shown 
in FIGS. 1 and 2 and includes a frame 130 in which a trough conveyor is 
located that is driven by a motor unit (not shown) that, in turn, is 
drivingly connected to a drive roller 132. Since the stacker device 114 as 
illustrated in FIG. 3. is relatively elongated in construction, a 
counterweight 134 is required and is located at the innermost end thereof, 
a mast 136 having support wires 138 joined thereto being provided for 
stabilizing of the stacker device in the operation thereof. Rotation of 
the stacker device 114 is accomplished by utilizing a drive motor (not 
shown) similar to the drive motor 60 illustrated and described in FIG. 1. 
Joined to the inclined support column 106 and extending laterally therefrom 
is a jib 140 having an extension 142 fixed thereto. A bearing 144 is 
mounted on the extension 142, and secured to the upper race of the bearing 
144 for rotation therewith is the upper end of a frame 146 on which a 
motor winch unit 148 is mounted. The motor winch unit 148 is operated to 
control pivotal movement of the scraper reclaimer device 116 through a 
hoisting cable 150 as will be hereinafter described. 
Projecting through the extension 142 is a lower end of the frame 146 that 
is formed integrally with the upper end thereof. A discharge chute 156 is 
attached to the lower end of the frame 146, and it is seen that the 
reclaimer device 116 that is interconnected to the lower end of the frame 
146 delivers bulk material to the chute 156 for discharge to a remote 
location. 
The reclaimer device 116 in the form of the invention as illustrated in 
FIGS. 3 and 3(a) includes an elongated boom 160 that is connected to a 
fixed arm 162 by a shaft and bearing assembly 163 for pivotal movement 
relative thereto. A scraper conveyor is mounted for continuous movement on 
the boom 160 and fixed arm 162, guide rollers 164 providing for movement 
of the scraper conveyor around the pivot point therebetween. The boom 160 
and the fixed arm 162 cooperate to receive the scraper conveyor and the 
rakes secured thereto that transfer the bulk material from a pile to the 
chute 156 that is located at the uppermost end of the arm 162. The chute 
156 directs the bulk material received from the reclaimer device 116 into 
a hopper 166 that is mounted on a conveyor structure generally indicated 
at 167. As shown in FIG. 3, a motor unit 168 is also mounted on the lower 
portion of the frame 146 for movement therewith and is operably connected 
to the scraper conveyor through a chain drive for selectively producing 
movement thereof and the scraper rakes attached thereto for reclaiming the 
bulk material from the pile for transfer to the chute 156 and hopper 166. 
A conveyor belt 170 is mounted on the conveyor structure 167 and extends 
through an opening in a conveyor housing 172, the conveyor belt 170 
receiving the bulk material from the hopper 166 for the transfer thereof 
to a remote location as previously described. 
It is contemplated that the unit 104 shown in FIGS. 3 and 3(a) will carry 
relatively heavy loads during the operation thereof. In order to properly 
support the reclaimer device 116 during the rotating movement thereof and 
to assist the inclined support 106 in withstanding the additional heavy 
loads, support members 170 are provided and define an A-frame 
configuration that are interconnected at the upper ends by an upper 
connecting member 172. Each of the support members 170 are joined at the 
lowermost ends thereof to a lower support beam 174 (FIG. 3a) that carries 
one or more rollers 176 on the lowermost end thereof. The rollers 176 rest 
on a rail 178 that is circular in configuration and that conforms to the 
angular movement of the rollers 176 during the rotating movement of the 
reclaimer device 116. Although not specifically illustrated with respect 
to the details thereof, the arm 162 of the reclaimer device 160 is carried 
by the lower support beam 174 and is supported thereby together with the 
support members 170 for rotating movement. The uppermost ends of the 
support members 170 are held in place by a tie rod 179 that connects the 
connecting member 172 to the upper end of the frame 146 and that is 
rotatable relative to the extension 142 and inclined support column 106. 
It is also contemplated that the tie rod 179 be secured to a bracket and 
bearing assembly located at the uppermost end of the support column 106 
when circumstances require a different distribution of loads. An example 
of such a bracket and bearing assembly is illustrated at 98 and 99 in FIG. 
1. As previously described, a hoisting cable 150 is connected to the motor 
winch unit 148, and is also interconnected to the boom 160 of the scraper 
reclaimer device 116 adjacent to the outer end thereof. Such a connection 
may take the form as illustrated in FIG. 1 and described hereinabove, and 
it is seen that operation of the motor winch unit 148 will produce a 
pivotal movement of the boom 116 relative to the fixed arm 162 around the 
pivot axis 163. 
In order to produce the rotating movement of the reclaimer device 116, 
including the arm 162 and to also effect the accompanying rotating 
movement of the frame 146 and the chute 156, a motor drive unit indicated 
at 180 is provided and is operatively interconnected to the wheels 176 in 
any convenient manner to drive the wheels 176 around the track 178. As the 
support members 170, tie rod 179 and accompanying framework move with the 
wheels 176 on the track 178, the reclaimer device 116, including the arm 
162 and frame 146 move as a unit therewith. 
In the operation of the apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3(a), the 
stacker device 114 is rotatable on the bearing 122 as mounted on the 
inclined support column 106 to direct bulk material to a pile. For this 
purpose, a feed conveyor 180 is located above the stacker device 114 and 
directs the bulk material in the conventional manner to the conveyor of 
the stacker device 114 by way of a chute 182 that communicates with a 
hopper 184 mounted on the stacker device. Since the axis of rotation of 
the reclaimer device 116 is not coincident with respect to the axis of the 
support column 106, the reclaimer device 116 is rotatable through an angle 
of substantially greater than 180.degree. and up to approximately 310. The 
angle of rotation of the stacker device 114 is limited only by the 
location of the feed conveyor 180 relative therto. Although the support 
column 106 is inclined as illustrated and described in FIG. 3 and as also 
illustrated in FIG. 1, it is understood that a vertical column can be 
utilized in place thereof, provided that the jib connected thereto 
supports the structure for mounting the reclaimer device such that the 
axis thereof is not coincident with respect to the axis of the column 106. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, another version of the apparatus as embodied in 
the subject invention is disclosed. As shown in FIG. 4, an inclined 
support column 186 is mounted on a foundation 188 and is retained in 
position by stabilizers 190 that are fixed to a ground support 192 and to 
a bracket 194 located at the uppermost end of the support column 186. As 
contrasted with the units illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the support column 
186 supports essentially a stacker device generally indicated at 198. As 
will be described, the column 186 does help to support the reclaimer 
device through the hoist cable thereof. The stacker device includes a 
conveyor (not shown) mounted in a framework 200. A drive roller 202 
carried by the framework 200 is rotated by a drive motor (not shown), and 
this structure is similar to that more clearly illustrated in FIG. 1. The 
stacker device 198 is fixed to an upper collar 204 that is mounted on a 
bearing 206 for rotation therewith, the lower portion of the bearing 206 
being received on a sleeve 207 that is fixed to the bracket 194 of the 
column 186. Thus, the stacker device 198 is mounted on the support column 
186 for rotation relative thereto. A motor drive device (not shown) and 
similar to that described in connection with the unit illustrated in FIG. 
1 selectively rotates the stacker device 198 as required. In order to 
pivotally adjust the stacker device 198, a jacking device 208 is provided 
and is operatively movable to pivotally adjust the stacker assembly 
relative to the collar 204. In this connection, the stacker device 198 is 
pivotally mounted on the upper collar 204 by a shaft and bearing assembly 
previously described in connection with FIG. 3. A feed conveyor 210 is 
mounted in a frame 212 that is supported by a pedestal 214 and directs 
incoming bulk material to a feed chute 216 and hopper 217 for depositing 
the bulk material into the trough conveyor of the stacker device 198. It 
is further contemplated that the feed conveyor frame 212 be supported by 
the column 186, in which case the pedestal 214 would be mounted directly 
on the support column 186 or, as will be described, the feed chute would 
be supported by the stacker device 198 through a suitable bearing 
assembly. 
In the form of the invention as shown in FIG. 4, a reclaimer device 
generally indicated at 218 is supported on a vertical column 220 for 
rotation therewith relative to the inclined support column 186. The 
vertical column 220 is mounted on a bearing 222 that is carried by a 
foundation 224, the vertical column 220 thereby being rotatable relative 
to the foundation 224. The vertical column 220 is rotated by a motor drive 
unit 225 that is mounted on the vertical column 220 and through a pinion 
engages a ring gear 226 mounted on the foundation 224. An alternate drive 
for rotating the vertical column 220 that is similar to the drive 
described in FIG. 3 for rotating the frame 146 and reclaimer device 116, 
may also be substituted for the motor drive unit 225 and ring gear 226. In 
this connection, the alternate drive would be attached to an extension arm 
232 of the reclaimer device 218. An upper bracket 227 is mounted on the 
vertical column 220 and carries a motor winch unit 228 thereon. The 
reclaimer device 218 includes a boom 230 that is pivotally connected to 
the extension arm 232 at a pivot connection 233 which is described in 
connection with FIG. 3. The extension arm 232 is mounted on the vertical 
column 220 by a bracket 234, and a motor drive unit 236 that is carried by 
the bracket 234 is also drivingly interconnected to end conveyor sprockets 
237 of the extension arm 232 for driving the endless conveyor that is 
operably movable in the boom 230 and extension arm 232. A hoisting cable 
238 is operated by the motor winch unit 228 and extends over a sheave 240 
rotatably secured to a bracket 242 for connection to a swivel arm 239 for 
pivotally moving the boom 230 of the reclaimer device 218. The bracket 242 
is mounted on a bearing 243 fixed to the sleeve 207 that allows for 
relative rotation of the bracket 242 with respect to the support column 
186. As the reclaimer device 218 is rotated relative to the foundation 
224, the cable 238 moves therewith relative to the column 186. It is 
contemplated that when circumstances require that the load from the 
reclaimer winch cable sheaves 240 be removed from the inclined support 
column 186, an arrangement similar to that of FIG. 3 will be utilized, 
whereby an A-frame as defined by the support members 170 and connecting 
member 172 will be incorporated into the structure in FIG. 4 and will 
connect to the extension arm 232. In this modification, a tie rod 179 will 
also be connected to the A-frame and to the vertical column 220. A hopper 
244 which may be fixed relative to the vertical column 220 is located on 
the foundation 224 and receives material from the extension arm 232 of the 
reclaimer device 218 for deposit through the bearing 222. The hopper 244 
communicates with a discharge conveyor 246 that extends through the 
foundation 224 for directing the material thereto. 
It is seen that the reclaimer device 218 and the stacker device 198 are 
both rotatable relative to the inclined support column 186 substantially 
more than 180.degree., the inclined column 186 also functioning to support 
the stacker 198 while the vertical column 220 on which the reclaimer 
device 218 is mounted is supported on the foundation 224 for rotation 
relative thereto. It is also seen that the hopper 244 is unobstructed and 
directly receives the material as deposited thereon by the conveyor 
located in the extension arm 232 of the reclaimer device 218 for deposit 
onto the conveyor 246. 
In FIG. 5 a variation of the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 4 is 
disclosed, and differs essentially therefrom by the elimination of the 
extension arm 232 of the reclaimer device 218. The boom 230 of the 
reclaimer device 218 is pivotally connected to the bracket 234 of the 
vertical support 220 at the innermost end of the boom in any convenient 
manner, the boom 230 of the reclaimer device 218 thus transfering the bulk 
material from the pile directly through the bearing 222 and into the 
hopper 244 located within the foundation 224 for deposit onto the 
discharge conveyor belt 246. As also shown in FIG. 5, a protective wall 
247 is employed for preventing the bulk material from spilling into the 
discharge conveyor area. 
FIG. 6 illustrates a variation of a discharge hopper that is employed with 
the equipment illustrated in both FIGS. 4 and 5. In this connection, the 
innermost end of the reclaimer device 218 is mounted on a bracket 248 and 
is located in spaced relation with respect to the vertical column 220. The 
bracket 248 and the reclaimer device 218 are rotated with the vertical 
column 220 in the manner as described above relative to the apparatus 
shown in FIG. 4. Located below the reclaimer device 218 is a retaining 
wall 250 that prevents the bulk material from spilling into the conveyor 
area. A fixed foundation support member 252 having a laterally extending 
offset portion 254 is spaced from the retaining wall 250, the laterally 
extending offset portion 254 providing a support for the bearing 222 on 
which the vertical column 220 rotates. A discharge chute 256 is fixed to 
the retaining wall 250 and/or the fixed support member 252 and receives 
material from the conveyor of the reclaimer device 218 for directing the 
material into a hopper 258 located above a discharge conveyor 260. Thus, 
in the form of the hopper arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6, the bulk 
material is discharged exteriorly of the lower bearing 222 and is directed 
to the hopper 258 by way of the discharge hopper 256. 
In FIG. 6(a) another variation of the discharge hopper as shown in FIG. 1 
is illustrated, and in this form of the invention, the boom 76 of the 
reclaimer device 40 is mounted at the inner end thereof on the lower 
support member 82 for rotation therewith. The conveyor housing 104 has an 
inclined upper portion 263 which acts to prevent bulk material from 
spilling into the discharge conveyor drive area. A discharge chute 264 is 
mounted on the lowermost end of the support member 82 for rotation 
therewith and receives the bulk material as directed thereto from the 
innermost end of the boom 76 for discharge into a hopper 266 supported 
above the conveyor 22 for deposit thereon. It is understood that in all 
versions of the apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-6(a), the discharge hopper 
and chutes in all combinations thereof are free and unobstructed for 
receiving the bulk material directed thereto by their respective reclaimer 
devices 218 and for depositing the bulk material onto a discharge 
conveyor. 
Referring now to FIG. 7, a still further modified form of the invention is 
illustrated; and in this form of the invention, as will be described 
hereinbelow, the stacker and reclaimer devices are combined into a single 
unit. In this version of the invention, the construction permits either a 
stacking or reclaiming operation, but not both simultaneously. As 
previously described above in connection with the other forms of the 
invention, an inclined support column 270 is provided in FIG. 7 for 
effectively supporting the structural elements of the apparatus, the 
support column 270 resting on a foundation 272 and being supported by 
stabilizer bars 274. The stabilizer bars 274 are equivalent in structure 
to the stabilizer wires 26, 110 and 190 as previously described above in 
FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, respectively, and are secured to a foundation 276 in any 
convenient manner. Fixed to the uppermost end of the inclined support 270 
is an upper jib 278 on which a bearing 279 is mounted. A structural ring 
280 is mounted on the bearing 279 for rotation relative to the jib 278. In 
order to feed the bulk material to a pile 281, a feed conveyor 282 is 
provided and is mounted in a frame 284 that is supported by a mast 286. 
The feed conveyor 282 directs the bulk material into a feed chute 288 
fixed to the underside of the frame 284 for introduction into an upper 
spout 290. The bulk material then passes through the spout 290 which 
extends through a central opening in the bearing 279 and structural ring 
280 and then through an axial opening in the extension of the upper jib 
278 to a lower spout 294. 
A lower jib 296 that is fixed to the inclined support column 270 is formed 
with an extension on which a bearing 298 is mounted. A support sleeve 300 
is mounted for rotation on the outer race of the bearing 298 with respect 
to the jib 296 and receives an upper support bracket 301 thereon. An 
opening is formed in the upper support bracket 301 for receiving the 
lowermost end of the upper spout 290; and also fixed to the upper support 
bracket 301 is the uppermost end of the lower spout 294 that is offset 
relative to the support sleeve 300. Extending through the extension of the 
jib 296 and rotatable with the bearing 298 on which the support sleeve 300 
is mounted is a circular frame 306 to the lowermost end of which a 
combination stacker-reclaimer device generally indicated at 308 is 
pivotally secured. The combination stacker-reclaimer device 308 includes 
an elongated boom 310 that is pivotally secured to a lower support bracket 
312 that is carried by the circular frame 306. A motor drive unit 314 is 
also mounted on the lower support bracket 312 and is operatively connected 
through a chain drive to drive sprockets 315 for operating a conveyor 316 
of the boom 310. As shown, the conveyor 316 includes spaced rakes 313 that 
are pivotally arranged so as to form a floor when material is received 
from the spout, and to act as conventional rakes when the unit is 
reclaiming the material from a pile in a manner as previously described. A 
motor drive unit (not shown) is mounted on the circular frame 306, and 
through a pinion ring gear assembly of the type previously described in 
connection with FIG. 1, selectively rotates the circular frame 306, the 
stacker-reclaimer device 308, the support sleeve 300, upper support member 
301, spout 290 and offset spout 294 therewith. 
Communicating with the offset spout 294 is a receiving hopper 317 through 
which the conveyor 310 of the combination unit 308 runs. An extension of 
the hopper 317 indicated at 318 having reduced sides relative thereto is 
located adjacent to the hopper 317 and also receives the conveyor 316 of 
the combination unit 308 therein. An appropriate opening is formed in the 
lower wall of the hopper extension 318 for discharge of the bulk material 
therethrough onto the pile 281. The combination stacker-reclaimer unit 308 
is pivotally mounted relative to the circular frame 306 about a horizontal 
pivot axis 319 as described hereinabove; and in order to produce the 
pivoting movement of the combination unit, a motor winch unit 320 is 
provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the motor winch unit 320 controls the 
movement of a hoisting cable 321 that is received about a sheave 322 that 
is located on the structural ring 280. The cable 321 is conveniently 
connected to the boom 310, and upon operation of the motor winch unit 320, 
the boom 310 is pivoted to the required angular position of the pile of 
the bulk material 281. Located below the innermost end of the combination 
stacker-reclaimer unit 308 is a conveyor housing 323 into which a 
discharge conveyor 324 extends. A hopper 326 is mounted within the 
conveyor housing 323 and receives the bulk material therein as discharged 
from the innermost end of the combination stacker-reclaimer unit 308 for 
deposit onto the conveyor 324. 
It is seen that the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 7 avoids the use of a 
separate stacker device and incorporates a combination unit 308 to perform 
the function of not only providing for stacking of the material onto the 
pile 281 by directing the material through the spout 290, offset spout 294 
and receiving hopper 317, but also for removing the material for discharge 
into the discharge hopper 326 and onto the discharge conveyor 324. In this 
regard then, the combination unit 308 has an economic advantage. As shown, 
the rotation axis of the combination unit 308 is disposed such that it is 
not coincident with the axis of the inclined support column 270. Thus, the 
combination unit 308 is movable well beyond 180.degree., and in normal 
operation can be expected to move through a radial angle of more than 
300.degree.. Since the stacking or reclaiming operation is independently 
carried out by the unit 308, the permitted radial movement of the boom 310 
is more than sufficient to perform either operation. 
In FIG. 8, a combination stacker-reclaimer device is also illustrated, but 
as contrasted with the combination unit 308 as just described in 
connection with FIG. 7, the stacking and reclaiming operation as performed 
by the unit in FIG. 8 can be carried out simultaneously. Referring now to 
FIG. 8, an inclined support column 328 is provided that is fixed in a 
foundation 330 and is reinforced by stabilizers 332 as hereinabove 
described. An upper jib 334 joined to the support column 328 supports a 
bearing 336 on the upperside thereof on which a tubular sleeve 338 is 
mounted. A structural ring 340 is fixedly mounted on the tubular sleeve 
338 and carries a sheave 341 over which a hoisting cable 342 extends for 
connection to the combination unit as will be described. A feed conveyor 
344 feeds bulk material through the tubular sleeve 338 and into an offset 
spout 343 that is fixed to the lower end of the tubular sleeve 338. The 
spout 336 then directs the bulk material into a hopper 346. Fixed to the 
support column 328 and extending laterally with respect thereto is a lower 
jib 348. Mounted on the lower jib 348 is a lower frame member 350 on which 
a bearing member 351 is located, the bearing member 351 supporting an 
upper frame member 352 for rotation relative to the fixed lower frame 
member 350. A motor drive unit (not shown) is mounted on the upper frame 
member 352 and is connected to a pinion ring gear asembly (not shown) for 
producing selective rotation of the upper frame member 352 and the 
components carried thereby as will be described. 
The combination stacker-reclaimer device, only a portion of which is 
illustrated in FIG. 8 is generally indicated at 356 and includes an 
elongated boom 357 that carries the hopper 346 and a motor winch unit 360 
thereon. The innermost end of the stacker-reclaimer boom 357 is mounted on 
the upper frame member 352 as previously described for rotation therewith, 
and is also pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis as will be further 
described hereinabove. A motor unit (not shown) is also mounted on the 
upper frame member 352 for drivingly engaging drive sprockets of the 
stacker-reclaimer device 356 for operating a trough conveyor 361 that is 
movable mounted in the elongated boom 357. 
It is seen that the spout 334 that receives bulk material from the feed 
conveyor 344 directs the material into the receiving hopper 346 of the 
combination unit 356 for deposit on the trough conveyor 361 when the unit 
is used as a stacker. The material is then deposited on a pile by the 
conveyor 361. The motor winch unit 360 is operable to pivotally move the 
combination unit 356 as the bulk material is deposited on the pile or as 
the material is reclaimed. Although not shown, the spout 343 is preferably 
telescopically constructed and pivotal so as to move and expand or 
contract in accordance with the location of the boom 357. When the 
material is to be reclaimed, the conveyor 361 of the combination unit 356, 
which carries pivotal rakes (not shown) thereon, is then operable to 
direct the material inwardly toward a center discharge or reclaimer 
element 362 and exteriorly of the lower frame member 350. As shown more 
clearly in FIG. 8(a), the center discharge element or reclaimer device 362 
is independently rotated relative to the rotational movement of the unit 
356, and for this purpose a motor drive unit generally indicated at 363 is 
provided and is fixed to the interior wall of the frame member 350 by a 
bracket 364. The motor drive unit 363 drives a pinion 365 that drivingly 
engages a ring gear 366 for producing rotation thereof. Secured to the 
ring gear 366 is a carriage 367 on which the reclaimer element 362 is 
carried for rotation with the ring gear 366. In order to rotate the 
reclaimer element 362 on its own axis to direct material inwardly toward a 
discharge area, a motor 368 fixed to the ring gear 366 drives a shaft 369 
through a gear reducer 370, the shaft 369 being drivingly connected to the 
reclaimer element 362 to produce the rotating movement thereof. It is seen 
that the center reclaimer element 362 is rotatable about the axis of the 
support 350 and scrapes and moves the material into a chute 371 that is 
attached to the center discharge element 362. A conveyor 373 receives the 
material that is directed through the chute 371 by the reclaimer element 
362, a hopper 372 that is mounted on the frame of the conveyor 373 
directing the material onto the belt of the conveyor 373 as required. The 
conveyor 373 then conveys the material to a remote location. Since the 
reclaimer element 362 is separately rotated by the motor drive unit 363 
and rotated on its own axis by the motor 368, the flow of material into 
the spout 371 and onto the conveyor 373 can be effectively metered and 
controlled as required. 
As previously described, the unit 356 is normally used for either stacking 
or reclaiming but not both simultaneously, and therefore stacking and 
reclaiming can be carried out simultaneously only when the unit 356 is 
used for stacking and the reclaimer element 362 is operated to reclaim the 
material. If desired, the structure illustrated in FIG. 8 can be modified 
to provide a separate stacker device as previously described, in which 
case the boom 357 and reclaimer element 362 would cooperate together to 
reclaim the material. This is particularly useful in cold weather areas 
where the exterior surface of the pile tends to freeze and the use of the 
reclaimer element 326 provides for withdrawing the material from beneath 
the pile to effectively break up the exterior frozen portions thereof. 
Mounting of a separate stacker on the support 328 would of course require 
removal of the spout 343 and hopper 346. As further shown in FIG. 8, the 
pivot point of the reclaimer boom 357 is located relatively high on the 
frame 350, which allows the reclaimed material to effectively flood around 
the reclaimer element 362 as dropped thereover by the reclaimer conveyor 
361. 
FIG. 9 illustrates a simplified version of the concept of the invention and 
includes a stacker device 374 that is mounted for rotating movement on a 
bearing 375 that is supported by a sleeve 376. The sleeve 376 is mounted 
on a bracket 377 that is secured to the uppermost end of an inclined 
support column 378. Stabilizers 379 are employed for supporting the column 
378 in the inclined position thereof as hereinabove described. Bulk 
material is fed to the stacker 374 by a feed conveyor 380 that is located 
in a frame 382 supported by a mast 384. A feed spout 386 directs the bulk 
material into a hopper 388 carried by the stacker 374. The stacker 374 is 
rotated relative to the column 378 by a motor drive unit (not shown) that 
is interengaged to a gear (not shown) located on the sleeve 376. The 
stacker conveyor is operated in the conventional manner by a motor drive 
unit (not shown) mounted on the frame of the stacker 374. 
In order to reclaim the material deposited in a pile by the stacker 374, a 
screw reclaimer 389 is located adjacent to the support column 378 but is 
offset therefrom and is driven by a drive unit enclosed in a housing 390 
in a sweep and rotating motion and is similar to the drive unit as 
described in connection with the structure illustrated in FIG. 8(a). The 
housing 390 is mounted on a bracket 393 that is supported by foundation 
394. A hopper 391 located beneath the innermost end of the screw reclaimer 
389 receives the reclaimed material therefrom and directs it to a 
below-the-ground discharge conveyor 392. As previously described, the 
screw reclaimer 389 is useful in reclaiming a significant portion of the 
pile without assistance, and in so doing, effectively meters the flow of 
material to the discharge hopper 391. 
In the simplified version of the invention as shown in FIG. 9, the material 
as located at the pile can be moved by conventional earth moving equipment 
such as a bulldozer (not shown) inwardly within the reclaiming area of the 
screw conveyor 389 for deposit onto the discharge conveyor 392. In use, 
since a bulldozer may accumulate the material, the screw conveyor 392 also 
has the advantage of metering the flow of the bulk material onto the 
discharge conveyor 392 which would normally be necessary because of the 
bulk supply to the reclaiming area by the bulldozer. In this form of the 
invention, since the reclaiming operation includes the use of mobile 
equipment, such as a bulldozer, it is possible to easily reclaim material 
that is spread over a wide area. 
It is also contemplated to incorporated a reclaimer device (illustrated in 
phantom) into the structure shown in FIG. 9, and by so doing external 
equipment such as a bulldozer would not be required to move the bulk 
material located at the pile and beyond the reach of the screw conveyor 
389 thereto. In this connection, a reclaimer device 395 is pivotally 
mounted on a support member 396 that is, in turn, supported on a jib 397 
by a bearing member 399. A winch motor 401 controls a cable 403 for the 
pivotal movement of the reclaimer device 395, and a suitable drive motor 
unit (not shown) is operable to rotate the reclaimer device relative to 
the support member 378 as required. It is seen that the reclaimer device 
395 is operable to feed the bulk material to the screw conveyor 389 which 
directs it to the hopper 391 as previously described. 
Referring now to FIG. 10, another form of the invention is illustrated 
wherein the conventional stacker device is eliminated and a so-called jet 
slinging device is employed for distributing the bulk material onto a pile 
indicated in FIG. 10 at 398. Located adjacent to the pile 398 is an 
inclined support column 400 that is fixed in a base 402. As shown in FIG. 
10, stabilizers are previously described and normally associated with an 
inclined column in the various forms of the invention are eliminated, 
although it is understood that such stabilizers can be employed with the 
inclined support column 400 if required. Mounted on the upper end of the 
inclined column 400 is a fixed frame 401 on which a rotatable bearing 404 
is located. A support member 406 is joined to the fixed frame 402, and 
mounted on the support member 406 is a bearing 407. Mounted for rotation 
on the bearing 407 is a support plate 408, a motor drive unit (not shown) 
that is fixed to the support member 40 being interconnected to the support 
plate 408 to provide for rotation of the support plate 408 as required. 
Also mounted on the support plate 408 is a jet slinger device generally 
indicated at 410 that includes an upper hopper 412 that directs material 
to a combination roller unit 414 that is drivingly connected to a motor 
drive unit 416 of the type previously described. A support 
diagrammatically indicated as a vertical member 417 is fixed to the 
support plate 408 for mounting the jet slinger 410 in place for rotation 
therewith. As the material enters the hopper 412 it is directed between 
the rollers of the roller unit 414 and is dispersed outwardly therefrom as 
indicated by the arrows. The support plate 408 is rotatable on the bearing 
407 to direct the distribution of the material onto the pile 398 as 
required. 
The bulk material is introduced into the hopper 412 by a feed conveyor 418 
that is mounted in inclined relation on pedestals one of which is 
indicated at 420. A drive mechanism (not shown) drives the conveyor in the 
well known manner. The conveyor 418 transfers the material to a 
distributing spout 422 located at the uppermost end of the conveyor and 
supported in any conventional manner thereon. The spout 422 then directs 
the material into the hopper 412 of the jet slinger device 410. In order 
to reclaim the material, a reclaimer device generally indicated at 424 is 
pivotally mounted by any suitable construction on the lower end of a 
rotatable support column 426. The support column 426 is mounted for 
rotation on an outwardly extending jib 428, the jib 428 being fixed to the 
inclined column 400. An upper portion 430 of the support column 426 is 
mounted on a bearing 431 for rotation relative to the jib 428 in the same 
manner as hereinabove described. A motor winch unit 432 is fixed to an 
extension of the upper portion 430 and operates a cable 434 to pivotally 
move the reclaimer device 424 as the material is reclaimed from the pile. 
As the reclaimer reclaims the bulk material and directs it inwardly 
thereof in the conventional manner, the bulk material is deposited in a 
hopper (not shown) located in a conveyor housing 436, the hopper then 
directing the material onto a discharge conveyor 438 that transfers the 
material to a remote location. Although not shown, a motor drive unit 
operating through a pinion ring gear assembly is mounted on the upper 
portion 430 in the conventional manner as previously described for 
rotating the upper portion 430 and the support column 426 therewith. It is 
seen that the reclaimer 424, upper portion 430 support column 426, 
together with the motor winch device 432 and the hoisting cable 434 
operated thereby are all rotated relative to the inclined support column 
400. In the illustration of the invention as shown in FIG. 10, the 
reclaimer device 424 is operable to reclaim the material from the pile 398 
at least within the confines of the pile 398 as distributed, and is 
rotatable substantially more than 180.degree. if required to accomplish 
the reclaiming operation. 
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, another form of an inclined support 
column is illustrated and is generally indicated at 440. The support 
column 440, which would normally be employed where loads heavier than 
normal are to be handled, includes an inclined portion 442 that is 
fabricated out of structural steel or, if desired, may be formed of 
reinforced concrete. The configuration of the inclined member 442 is shown 
more clearly in FIG. 12 and tapers from an upper bracket member 444 
downwardly to spaced apart elongated base members 446. The base members 
446 terminate at the outermost ends thereof in upper extensions 450. 
Additional base members 451 extend perpendicular to the base members 446 
and cooperate therewith to provide additional stability for the column 
442. A foundation 452 as shown in phantom in FIG. 11 may also be provided 
and transfers the loads from the base members 446 and 551 to the ground. 
Although the column 440 is designed to be self-sustaining without the use 
of stabilizers, it is contemplated that spaced stabilizers 454 may also be 
utilized, the stabilizers extending from the uppermost end of the member 
442 for connection to the bracket member 444 and being joined to the upper 
extensions 450 as indicated in FIG. 12. 
As will be understood from a description of the various forms of the 
invention hereinabove, the support column 440 is designed to receive both 
a stacker device and a reclaimer device thereon as required. Because of 
the inclination of the member 442 of the column 440, a reclaimer device as 
mounted thereon is radially movable more than 180.degree., and it is 
contemplated that it may be movable approximately 310.degree.. The type of 
column and base design as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are particularly 
applicable for carrying large torque and bending moments that would be 
sustained when a stacker unit and reclaimer device of greater load than 
usual are mounted thereon. It is also contemplated that a column of the 
design as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 be disposed such that the axis thereof 
extends in a generally vertical direction and may be supported with or 
without stabilizers. As will be described hereinbelow, the use of a 
vertical column includes jibs that are joined thereto and extend laterally 
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the column to a distance that 
would be sufficient to safely permit the required angular movement of the 
stacker and reclaimer devices that would be mounted for rotation thereon. 
Referring to FIG. 13, a still further modified form of a stacker and 
reclaimer unit is illustrated and is generally indicated at 460. The 
stacker and reclaimer unit 460 differs from the units previously described 
by incorporating a vertical support column 462 therein. The vertical 
support column 462 is mounted on a foundation 464, and fixed thereto 
adjacent to the upper end thereof is a laterally extending jib 466. A 
platform 468 is joined to the column 462 adjacent to the lower end thereof 
and is further supported by a vertical beam 470. The platform 468 supports 
a small enclosed work station 472, and stabilizer rods 474 extend from the 
upper end of the column 462 to the ground 468 and help to stabilize the 
column under load. 
Mounted on the jib 466 is a vertical support collar 476, the axis of which 
is offset with respect to the vertical axis of the support column 462. A 
bearing 478 is supported by the support column 462 and carries either a 
ring gear or rack indicated at 480 that is drivingly connected to a pinion 
482 that, in turn, is rotated by a hydraulic cylinder or a motor drive 
unit 484 for rotating a sleeve 486. Mounted on the sleeve 486 for rotation 
therewith is a stacker unit generally indicated at 488 that is constructed 
and operated substantially the same as those stackers described 
hereinabove. For this purpose, a motor drive unit 490 is mounted on the 
frame of the stacker unit and drivingly engages a roller 492 for operating 
a conveyor belt 494. Also fixed to the frame of the stacker unit 494 is a 
hopper 496 for receiving material from a feed conveyor generally indicated 
at 498. 
The feed conveyor 498 may be supported directly on the support column 462 
as indicated by the post 500 that supports a subframe 502 in which a feed 
conveyor 504 travels. A main feed conveyor frame 506 is also supported by 
the support column 462 through a lateral beam 508 and vertical posts 510, 
the lateral beam 508 being directly fixed to the support column 462. The 
material for stacking is directed by the conveyor 504 to a chute 512 for 
deposit into the hopper 496 and then onto the stacker conveyor 494. 
In order to reclaim the material from the pile, a reclaimer device 
generally indicated at 514 is provided and includes an elongated bottom 
516 in which an outer roller 518 and inner sprocket wheels 520 are mounted 
for receiving a conveyor 522 therearound. Fixed to the vertical support 
column 462 adjacent to the lower end thereof is a lower laterally 
extending jib 524 on which a sleeve 526 is mounted. A bearing 528 is 
carried by the sleeve 526, and mounted on the bearing 528 for rotation 
therewith is a support block 530. Although not specifically illustrated in 
FIG. 13, the innermost end of the reclaimer device 514 is mounted on the 
support block 530 for rotation therewith, wherein the reclaimer device is 
movable relative to the pile in accordance with the reclaiming 
requirements. The support block 530 is rotated on the bearing 528 by a 
motor drive unit 531 such as that illustrated for driving the stacker 
device 488 and described hereinabove. Pivotal movement of the reclaimer 
boom 516 is accomplished by operating a hoisting cable 532 that is 
connected to the boom 516 at 534 and to a yoke assembly 536 that carriers 
a roller 537. An A-frame assembly indicated at 538 is fixed to the support 
block 530 and has a cable sheave 539 located at the top thereof for 
receiving the cable 532 thereon. A motor drive unit 542 is mounted on the 
support block 530 and is operable to effect movement of the cable 532 to 
pivotally raise and lower the boom 516. The uppermost end of the A-frame 
assembly 538 is rotatably supported by a rod 543, an end of which is fixed 
to a bearing member 544 that is received on a downwardly projecting 
extension 545 that, in turn, is fixed to the jib 466. The material is 
discharged from the reclaimer device 514 and is fed into a hopper 546 that 
is preferably mounted on the vertical support column 462. A conveyor 547 
receives the material from the hopper for movement to a remote location. 
In order to prevent the material discharged from the reclaimer device 514 
from filtering onto the conveyor rolers, a protective wall 548 is 
provided. 
As shown in FIG. 13, the vertical support column 462 has a relatively small 
cross-sectional dimension, but the column nevertheless is capable of 
carrying considerable loads during the operation of both the stacker and 
reclaimer devices. Excessive loads can be easily handled by incorporating 
the stabilizers 474 into the assembly. By providing that the axis of the 
reclaimer device 514 is not coincident with the axis of the support column 
462 and, in effect, is offset therefrom, maximum angular movement of the 
reclaimer device is possible; and in this connection, the reclaimer boom 
514 as illustrated in FIG. 13 is capable of movement of at least 
310.degree. from its position of rest. 
As further shown in FIG. 13, the feed conveyor 498 is also supported by the 
vertical support column through the posts 500 and 510. However it is 
further contemplated to support the feed conveyor on the support column 
462 at the chute 512 thereof, and for this purpose a top jib 549 can be 
provided in which an opening is formed for receiving the chute 512 in 
support relation. It is also possible to mount the fixed chute 512 
directly on the rotatable stacker device 488 through a bearing, in which 
case the load of the feed conveyor would be transmitted through the 
stacker device to the jib 466 and the support column 462. 
It is seen from a description of the various embodiments of the invention 
as described herein that the main load carrying column for the stacker 
device has a center axis that is not coincident with respect to the axis 
of rotation of the reclaimer device. This construction differs 
substantially from the conventional apparatus which includes either a 
stationary framework or a rotating column, the axes of which are 
concentric with respect to the axes of the stacker and reclaimer devices 
carried thereby. Thus, in the subject invention, the stacker/reclaimer 
boom axes are normally arranged concentric to each other but not 
coincident with respect to the axis of the support column. However, it is 
also contemplated that the axis of rotation of the stacker and reclaimer 
be arranged offset with respect to each other, if it is necessary or 
desirable to provide for such an arrangement. 
One of the significant features of the invention is the mounting of the 
stacker and reclaimer booms for rotation relative to the stationary offset 
column, which arrangement permits the stacker and reclaimer devices to be 
rotated substantially more than 180.degree.. Further, the stacker device 
is rotatable relative to and independently of the reclaimer device. In 
this connection the booms thereof can pass each other as the stacker boom 
passes over the reclaimer boom. The stacker and reclaimer devices as 
described hereinabove consist generally of structural boom frameworks 
having connecting structures to link each of these devices independently 
to a stationary support by means of bearing members. As a result of this 
arrangement, it is seen that the weight of the rotating devices is 
considerably decreased, which from an economic point of view is quite 
desirable, since the overall cost of the apparatus is reduced 
substantially in comparison to conventional prior known units. The unique 
structural arrangement also simplifies the bearing arrangement, and not 
only reduces the overall cost of the unit, but allows maintenance and 
repairs to be performed with a minimum of effort. 
In all of the variations of the subject invention, the discharge of the 
material, because of the unique arrangement of the offset support column, 
is virtually unobstructed. This provides for deposit of the bulk material 
into the hopper without obstruction therein, and the bulk material may be 
rapidly transferrred from the reclaimer device through the hopper and onto 
the discharge conveyor means without interference. 
The unique arrangement of the inclined support column and the stabilizers 
represent a radical departure from known apparatus, and it is seen that 
the transfer of loads through the support column and stabilizers enable 
the system to carry all of the normally required loads experienced as 
contrasted with comparable equipment now available. It is also seen that 
the winch and reclaimer boom suspension system may not require a mast or 
tie rod, and this could also reduce the overall structural elements 
required in the complete system. Since the support column and stabilizers 
distribute the loading carried by the unit, additional savings can be 
effected. 
In the subject invention, large rotating platforms are no longer needed. 
The electrical system is also relatively simple, and as a result power and 
control cable feed-ins are easily installed. In other systems, rotating 
suspension or supporting structural framework was necessary if an 
unobstructed discharge hopper was to be obtained. In the subject 
invention, the suspension or supporting framework is stationary but still 
enables an unobstructed reclaiming discharge system to be obtained. In 
some of the stationary column systems that were known heretofore, if the 
reclaimer device or stacker device were to rotate more than 180.degree., 
the stationary column required that it be supported by ribs or spokes 
located above and extending to the hopper or have openings in the column 
itself to enable the reclaimed material to be discharged onto the 
discharge conveyor. The subject invention avoids such objectionable 
constructions, and provides a relatively simple unobstructed discharge 
system that enables the bulk material to be transferred directly onto the 
discharge conveyor. Finally, the weight of the stacker device and the 
loads as imposed thereby are not directed through the reclaimer device 
bearing structure or railway wheels such as employed in the prior known 
devices, so as to be carried by the framework thereof, but rather in the 
subject invention the loads are transmitted from the stacker device 
through the offset support column to the foundation thereof for absorption 
thereby. 
While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure 
embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art 
that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made 
without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive 
concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein 
shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the 
appended claims.