Apparatus and method for conveyance of flowable solid materials

A transfer system for flowable solids or particulates is described. The transfer system includes an air seal assembly having an upstream side and a downstream side. The air seal assembly is constructed such that an air pressure differential can be maintained between the opposite sides thereof, but particulate material can be transferred through the air seal assembly. The transferring system includes an arrangement for transporting flowable solid material to the upstream side of the air seal assembly, the transfer taking place within a moving airstream at a pressure of less than ambient. Also, the system includes an arrangement for transporting the flowable solid material from the downstream side of the air seal assembly, preferably under gravity influence and ambient pressure. The transfer system includes an articulated arm arrangement on which the air seal assembly is mounted, for convenience.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to systems for transferring cargo. In 
general, the invention concerns systems for transferring flowable solid 
material. Specifically, in the preferred applications the invention 
concerns an apparatus and method for transfer of flowable solid material 
from one container to another. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Flowable solid materials (herein "flowable solids", "particulates", or 
variants thereof) include, inter alia, agricultural grains, fertilizers, 
herbicides, pesticides, and synthetics in pellet or granular form. 
Flowable solids are frequently handled in bulk; and, consequently, 
specialized technologies are needed for transporting, storing, and 
transferring them. 
Consumers of flowable solid materials in agriculture and industry 
frequently need to transfer flowable solids from one container to another. 
As an example, agricultural grain sometimes needs to be transferred 
quickly and efficiently from a truck to a storage bin; or from a storage 
bin to a truck, etc. 
Conventional methods of transporting and transferring flowable solids have 
been less than fully acceptable. One conventional method involves both 
transporting and transferring flowable solid material in barrels. Handling 
barrels is quite difficult and loss of flowable solid material during 
transfer may occur when barrels are used. This is due to their size, 
shape, and weight. Conventional barrels are quite heavy and have large 
openings at their top. When transferring material from a barrel to another 
container spillage may occur or dust (airborne) may be generated. 
Another problem with barrels is that they take up as much room empty as 
they do when full. Shippers may want to reuse barrels. They would 
therefore have the barrels returned when empty. However, the large volume 
occupied by empty barrels would create undesirable shipping expense One 
alternative solution, destruction of the barrels after a single use, 
solves the problem of wasted storage and shipping space, but wastes the 
resources represented by the empty barrels. 
Another conventional method of transferring flowable solids uses flexible 
sacks holding about 100 pounds of material. There are a number of problems 
associated with use of these sacks. In particular, the sacks are subject 
to breakage during shipping, thus leading to spillage and loss of product. 
In addition, large shipments require a large number of sacks, each of 
which must be filled, transported and stacked. Also, loss of material or 
dust generation may accompany transfer of the flowable solids from the 
sacks to a container. In addition the lack of automation in this 
conventional method inhibits transfer from one closed container to another 
closed container. 
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE OF FIGS. 1-6 
FIGS. 1-6, and principles relating thereto, were disclosed in U.S. 
application Ser. No. 07/850,564. According to Ser. No. 07/850,564, a 
transfer system is provided for moving flowable solids. Generally, the 
transfer system is used to move flowable solids such as particulates from 
a first receptacle or location to a second receptacle or location. For 
example, there may be transfer from a storage container to the holder of a 
farm distributor, as would be done for pesticides, herbicides or seed 
materials. 
Transfer systems according to FIGS. 1-6 generally include an air seal 
(airlock) assembly. The air seal assembly has an upstream side and a 
downstream side. The air seal assembly generally includes means for 
maintaining an air pressure differential between the upstream and 
downstream sides thereof It also includes means for transporting the flow 
of solid material between the upstream side and the downstream side, while 
still maintaining the air pressure differential. Preferably, this is 
conducted through utilization of a rotary air seal as the air seal 
assembly. Air transfer systems according to FIGS. 1-6 also include means 
for transporting flowable solid material to the upstream side of the air 
seal assembly, while conveying the solid flowable material within an 
airflow stream having an air pressure less than ambient. That is, in 
general, a vacuum draw is used to draw the particulate material from the 
first location and transfer it to the upstream side of the air seal 
assembly. In this manner, the particulate material, while contained within 
the airstream, is generally under conditions of a pressure less than 
ambient. Should a leak develop in the system containing the airflow with 
the particulate material suspended therein, escape of the particulate 
material to the ambient is unlikely. Rather, what will occur at the leak 
is that ambient air will be drawn into the airflow. This operation under 
"negative" pressure (pressure less than ambient) is highly advantageous, 
especially when a transfer concerns hazardous material. 
Preferred transfer systems also include means for transporting flowable 
solid material from the downstream side of the air seal assembly, to a 
selected remote location. Preferably, this comprises means for 
transferring the particulate material under about ambient pressure and 
gravity influence. The arrangement may comprise a telescoping tube 
assembly with means for collecting particulate material at the downstream 
side of the air seal assembly and for directing passage of the particulate 
material to a selected location. 
In certain applications, the telescoping tube assembly, which defines an 
internal solids flow passageway, includes means thereon for selectively 
closing the internal solids flow passageway. In one embodiment described 
and shown, a butterfly valve controllable by an operator is provided. When 
closed, the valve can be utilized to inhibit undesired spillage of 
material from the inside of the telescoping tube assembly. 
In certain applications, detection means are provided for detecting an 
amount of flowable material discharged from the telescoping tube assembly. 
In addition, means for stopping flow of flowable solids to the air seal 
assembly upstream side, in automatic response to a selected amount of 
discharged material detected by the detection means, is provided. This 
allows for an automatic shut-off of transfer of material by the transfer 
system, if desired. 
In certain applications, the means for transporting flowable solid material 
to the upstream side of the air seal assembly comprises a vacuum and 
separator construction including means for selectively collecting flowable 
solid material into a moving airstream and transporting same; and, means 
for selectively and continuously separating transported solid particulate 
material from the moving airstream and depositing the separated solids 
particulate material at the air seal assembly upstream side. Preferably 
separation is conducted through utilization of a cyclone separator 
arrangement. 
For certain applications, a vacuum adapter is provided, as an intake for 
particulate material. The vacuum adapter may comprise a rigid tubular 
member having an air bleed arrangement or hole therein. Preferably, a gate 
is provided to allow selected control of the size of the air bleed. 
In certain arrangements, the vacuum tube arrangement includes at least a 
section of flexible hose associated therewith. Also, it may include at 
least a pair of rigid tubular sections, one section being radially 
rotatable (about a common central axis) relative to the other. This, as 
will be seen from detailed descriptions, provides for flexibility in 
directing transport of flow of particulate material from one end of the 
transfer system to another. 
Also, a transfer and storage assembly is provided. The assembly includes a 
transfer system as previously described and a holding receptacle for 
flowable solid material; the holding receptacle being constructed, 
arranged, and positioned to receive transported particulate material from 
the transfer system. Means are provided for sealing the transfer system to 
the holding receptacle, to obtain transfer from the transfer system into 
the holding receptacle without generation of dust at the communication 
interface therebetween. A variety of adapters, conduits, and tubes may be 
utilized to accomplish this. 
In certain systems, the assembly also includes a collapsible, flexible 
storage bag for flowable solid material in association with an intake to 
the transfer system. The collapsible, flexible storage bag is provided in 
sealing engagement to the intake, so that a closed transfer can be 
effected. Means for accomplishing this are described in detail. 
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE WITH RESPECT TO CLAIMS 7-11 
According to the present invention as disclosed in FIGS. 7-11, transfer 
system for moving flowable solids is provided. The transfer system 
comprises a support structure including a base frame in an articulated arm 
arrangement. The articulated arm arrangement includes a first arm 
extension and a second arm extension, the first extension being pivotally 
mounted on the base frame for selective pivotal movement with respect 
thereto; and, the second arm extension is pivotally mounted on the first 
extension for selective pivotal motion with respect thereto. An air seal 
assembly is defined herein is supported on the second arm extension, for 
pivotal movement therewith. That is, as the second arm extension is 
pivoted, the air seal assembly is also pivoted. 
In preferred embodiments, the second arm extension includes a parallelogram 
linkage arrangement constructing and arranged for selective vertical 
movement of the air seal assembly. A motion dampener and vertical support 
member such as a gas charged spring-loaded shock absorber, is utilized in 
preferred embodiments of the parallelogram linkage system, for controlled 
movement and support. 
As explained hereinbelow in detail, features of the transfer system, 
especially the air seal (airlock) assembly, for the arrangement shown in 
FIGS. 7-11 may be generally analogous to features described with respect 
to FIGS. 1-6, and the parent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 1-6 
Agriculture and industry make use of a variety of flowable solid materials. 
Flowable solid materials are typically in the form of grains, pellets, 
seeds, or granules. Common flowable solid materials include fertilizers, 
herbicides, insecticides, seeds, grains, and synthetic plastic pellets and 
grander form. 
Transporting and transferring flowable solid materials (flowable solids) 
presents a number of problems. In particular, these problems arise when 
transporting large bulk shipments from one point to another, and when 
transferring flowable solid material from shipping containers to other 
containers for storage or use. One specific problem is loss through 
spillage of flowable solid material when transferring from a shipping 
container to a second container. Another problem is the generation of 
airborne dust, posing a threat to the safety of workers. 
In addition, many flowable solid materials such as agricultural herbicides 
and pesticides are subject to restrictions on use and handling. For 
example, regulations may require that shipping containers for certain 
restricted materials be returned to the manufacturer or supplier of the 
material after the containers are empty. Also, because of the hazardous 
nature of such materials, it is desirable to provide a system of 
transferring flowable solid materials from one closed container to another 
closed container, without generating dangerous dusts in the air. The 
parent application, Ser. No. 07/850,564, disclosed arrangements for 
addressing these and related concerns. The arrangements disclosed in Ser. 
No. 07/850,564 are presented herein as FIGS. 1-6. 
The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates a transfer system for 
moving flowable solids. The transfer system 1 includes an air seal 
assembly (airlock) 4. The air seal assembly 4 has an upstream side 5 and a 
downstream side 6. By "upstream" and "downstream" in this context, 
reference is being made to a flow path of solid particulate material 
through the air seal assembly 4, in operation. That is, in normal use as 
flowable solids pass through the air seal assembly 4 they pass from the 
upstream side 5 to the downstream side 6. The air seal assembly 4 includes 
means, described below, for maintaining an air pressure differential 
between the upstream and downstream sides even as flowable solid material 
is passed therebetween. 
Transfer system 1 also includes means for transporting flowable solid 
material to the upstream side 5 of the air seal assembly 4. This is 
generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The system 1 further includes 
means for transporting flowable solid material from the downstream side 6 
of the air seal assembly 4 to a selected location. This is generally 
indicated by reference numeral 15. 
In FIG. 1, transfer system 1 is depicted resting on a bed 19 of a truck 20. 
This is to indicate that transfer systems 1 can be constructed, 
configured, and sized to be positioned on trucks, carts, rollers, wheels, 
and the like, for easy transport. A variety of means for transporting 
transfer system 1 may be utilized, the truck 20 merely providing an 
example. 
In FIG. 1, apparatus 1 is shown depicted for conveying flowable solid 
material from a first location or container 23 to a second location or 
container 24. The first container 23 depicted comprises a barrel 25 
containing flowable material 26, for example a pesticide. The second 
container 24 comprises the holding container 27 of a pesticide spreader 
(not shown). Although the first container 23 depicted comprises a barrel 
25, it will be understood that any of a variety of containers, including 
bags, sacks, bins or the like, may be utilized. Similarly, even though the 
system 1 is depicted in FIG. 1 being utilized in the field for transfer 
from a storage container 23 to an implement spreader container 27, a 
variety of other transfers may be conducted with apparatus 1. It is an 
advantage, however, that transfer systems 1 can be sized, shaped, and 
configured for use in the field for typical conveyances that might be 
needed on farms. 
Still referring to FIG. 1, means 10 for transporting flowable solid 
material to the upstream side 5 of the air seal assembly 4 generally 
comprises a transport arrangement 30 for transporting particulate material 
26 from barrel 23 to air seal assembly 4. Transport arrangement 30 is 
constructed and arranged to deliver particulate material 26 to the 
upstream side 5 of air seal assembly 4 in an airflow stream having a 
pressure of less than ambient. Thus, for a typical transfer system 1, 
transport arrangement 30 comprises an arrangement for generating a vacuum 
draw on particulate material 26 and barrel 23. Advantage which results 
from this will be apparent from further descriptions hereinbelow. By "less 
than ambient" in this context it is meant that the pressure within the 
transport arrangement 30, is less than the pressure outside of it (ambient 
being the environment outside of the transport arrangement 30), when the 
system 1 is in operation to conduct a transfer. 
Transport arrangement 30 comprises intake tube 32, separator arrangement 
33, filter arrangement 34, and blower assembly 35. Operation is generally 
as follows: 
Particulates 26 are drawn into intake tube 32 through vacuum adapter 38. 
The particulates (carried by an air stream) travel through tube 32 and up 
to inlet 40 of separator arrangement 33. In separator arrangement 33, the 
particulates 26 are separated from the airflow stream. The airflow stream 
is drawn off from separator arrangement 33 through outlet 43. The 
airstream then passes through outlet tube arrangement 44 to filter 
assembly 34, whereat fine contaminants are removed from the airflow 
stream, before the air passes through blower assembly 35 and is vented to 
the atmosphere. The blower assembly 35 generally comprises a blower which: 
draws air from the ambient (i.e., creates a vacuum draw on intake tube 
32); pulls the air through filter arrangement 34 and blows (discharges or 
exhausts) it into the environment. The blower assembly 35 may comprise a 
conventional engine/blower system, or any of a variety of alternative 
systems. 
From the above description, it will be apparent that in general the airflow 
stream inside of intake tube 32 is at a pressure less than ambient, while 
it is carrying the particulate material to the separator 33. Thus, should 
a break or puncture form in line 32, generally under the negative pressure 
relative to the environment air from the environment would flow into the 
puncture from outside (as opposed to flow of particulate material 
outwardly from the puncture). 
For the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, separator arrangement 33 
comprises a cyclone separator 45. A conventional such cyclone separator 45 
may be utilized. For such an arrangement, separation occurs on a 
continuous flow through basis, with particulate material continuously 
separated from the airflow stream dropping under gravity influence to 
particulate exit 47. Exit 47 from separator arrangement 33 is generally 
aligned to provide gravity flow passage of the particulate material to the 
upstream side 5 of the air seal assembly 4. 
For the arrangement described and shown in FIG. 1, air seal assembly 4 
comprises a rotary air seal 50. A rotary air seal 50 is depicted in 
greater detail, in FIG. 2. 
Referring to FIG. 2, rotary air seal (airlock) 50 has an upstream side 5 
and a downstream side 6. Upstream side 5 defines an entrance port 51, for 
receipt of particulate material from the separator arrangement 33. Inside 
of rotary air seal 50, a rotating multi-compartment vaned arrangement 53 
is provided; in FIG. 2, compartments 56 and 57 being viewable. In 
operation, the vaned arrangement 53 is continuously rotated as a 
separation process in separator arrangement 33 is conducted. Particulate 
material, then, falls on a continuous basis into the compartments, such as 
compartments 56 and 57, as the vaned arrangement 53 rotates. On side 6, a 
port (not shown) similar to port 51 is provided. As the compartments 
rotate past the port in side 6, the particulate material is dumped from 
rotary seal 50. A pressure differential between sides 5 and 6 is provided 
by ensuring an appropriately snug fit between vanes 58 and housing 59. 
Herein, when it is said that means for maintaining an air pressure 
differential between the upstream and downstream side of the air seal 
assembly are included within systems according to the present 
descriptions, it is meant that such means is capable of providing enough 
differential for operation of the separator arrangement 33 under the 
reduced pressure conditions of the airflow stream. An extremely tight 
seal, it will be understood, is not required since in operation the blower 
arrangement 35 provides a substantially continuous draw. In general, what 
is required is sufficient maintenance of seal so that there is not a 
substantial flow of air upwardly through rotary air seal 50 as the system 
is operated, (other than air provided in compartments 56 and 57 when 
particulate material is dumped therefrom; i.e., air which displaces the 
contents of the compartments 56,57 as the assembly is rotated). 
Referring to FIG. 1, the vaned arrangement 53 within rotary air seal 50 is 
automatically and continuously rotated by means of motor 60. While motor 
60 is not illustrated in FIG. 2, it will be understood that it can 
communicate with the vaned arrangement 53 through access port 61. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, means 15 for transporting particulate material 
from the downstream side 6 of air seal assembly 4 comprises transport 
arrangement 65. For the arrangement described and shown, transport 
arrangement 65 is a gravity transport arrangement. That is, particulate 
material is conveyed by transport arrangement 65 under the influence of 
gravity to the second container 24 (i.e. it flows downwardly). For the 
arrangement illustrated, transport arrangement 65 includes: a funnel 66 
for receipt of particulate dropping through the bottom side 6 of air seal 
assembly 4; and conduit assembly 68, for directing particulate material 
from funnel 66 to a selected location. Conduit assembly 68 includes a 
telescoping tube construction 69 defining an internal solids flow 
passageway therein. An operator can adjust the length of telescoping tube 
assembly 69 to achieve a selected delivery of solids. In particular, 
telescoping tube arrangement 69 includes inlet end portion 70 for receipt 
of particulate material from air seal assembly 4, and outlet end portion 
71 through which transported particulate material is selectively 
discharged. 
For the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, transport arrangement 65, 
separator arrangement 33, and air seal assembly 4 are mounted on a pivotal 
base, so that telescoping tube arrangement 69 can be pivoted (about a 
substantially vertical axis) through an arc. Such an assembly would allow 
at least 2 degrees of freedom of motion for outlet end portion 71; a first 
provided by adjusting a length of the telescoping of tube arrangement 69; 
and, a second provided by the pivotal movement. A third can be provided by 
a flexible connection (hose) at elbow 72, FIGS. 1 and 3. Such a connection 
allows the operator to lift or drop end portion 71. 
For the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, transport arrangement 65, air 
seal assembly 4, and separator arrangement 33 are mounted on platform 75. 
Platform 75 is mounted on a two-sectioned tower 80, having an upper 
portion 83 radially rotatable relative to a lower portion 84. The platform 
75 is mounted on the upper portion 83, and thus can pivot rotationally 
relative to the lower portion. With respect to this, attention is directed 
to FIG. 3. In FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary drawing illustrating 
platform 75, a portion of tower 80, air seal assembly 4, separator 
arrangement 33, and transport arrangement 65. In FIG. 3, only a portion of 
tower 80 is shown, and the portion shown is part of the upper section 83. 
Attention is now directed to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary 
perspective view of a portion of transfer system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. 
The portion of system 1 depicted in FIG. 4 generally comprises part of 
tower 80, part of intake tube 32, filter arrangement 34, and blower 
assembly 35. The upper section 83 of tower 80 is illustrated. The bottom 
section of tower 80 is generally indicated at 84. A readily rotatable 
joint 85 is provided between sections 83 and 84. At joint 85, upper 
section 83 engages lower section 84 and is rotatable thereon. This can be 
provided in a variety of manners, including by having a portion of lower 
section 84 extend upwardly into upper section 83, or by providing a 
portion of upper section 83 extending downwardly into lower section 84. In 
general, all that is required is a secure but rotatable connection. This 
rotation is referred to herein as "radial" or "rotation about a common 
central axis". 
Still referring to FIG. 4, for the preferred embodiment illustrated and 
described, a portion of intake tube 32 comprises flexible hose 90. Also, a 
portion of intake 32 comprises rigid sections 91 and 92. Rigid section 91 
generally comprises an extension of pipe forming lower section 84 of tower 
80. Rigid section 92 generally comprises the tube which formed upper 
section 83 of tower 80. Thus, for the arrangement shown, a portion of 
intake tube 32 comprises two rigid tube sections connected to one another 
in a manner allowing for rotation of one (preferably the upper one) 
relative to the other on a common axis. 
Referring to FIG. 3, above rigid section 91, a section of flexible hose 95 
is provided, to allow airflow communication with inlet 40. 
Transfer systems 1 according to the present invention may be utilized to 
transfer particulate material to a closed container. Referring to FIG. 3, 
a closed storage receptacle is indicated generally at 100. Receptacle 100 
may comprise the holding container 101 of a selected piece of farm 
equipment. Container 101 includes a cover 102 thereon. Cover 102 is 
provided with adapter 103. The outlet end portion 71 of transport 
arrangement 65 is provided with a mating adapter 105. Thus, adapter 105 
can be connected to 103 to allow particulate flow through transport 
arrangement 65 into receptacle 101, without generation of significant 
amounts of airborne dust; i.e., the transfer is basically in a closed 
system. Sufficient displacement of air can take place, since particulate 
material is involved, to allow for free flow without significant problem. 
The transfer in a basically closed system as described from air seal 
assembly 4 to receptacle 100 is highly advantageous, and is facilitated by 
the fact that transfer through transport arrangement 65, for selected 
arrangements, is conducted under gravity influence rather than positive or 
negative pressure, and is conducted under ambient air conditions or a 
pressure slightly less than ambient, i.e., it is not conducted in a 
rapidly moving airstream. Thus, dust is not likely to be generated in the 
open atmosphere near end portion 71. (The dust may be drawn back through 
the air seal and be recycled in the separator.) 
In general, transfer system 1 as thus far described operates on a more or 
less "continuous" basis. That is, as long as there is particulate material 
in the first container 23 and as long as a vacuum draw is provided to 
intake tube 32, particulate material will be transported to separator 
arrangement 33, through air seal assembly 4, through transport arrangement 
65 and outwardly through end portion 71. It is foreseen that a worker 
utilizing transfer assembly 1 may desire to stop flow with relatively 
precise control, intermittently. For example, it may be desired to stop 
flow at end portion 71 when end portion 71 is moved from one receiving 
receptacle to another receiving receptacle. A convenient manner for 
accomplishing this is by appropriate control of blower assembly 35. With 
respect to this, attention is directed to FIG. 4. 
Referring to FIG. 4, airflow from intake tube 32 is directed into filter 34 
through tube 110. Between tube 110 and filter 34, valve construction 115 
is provided. Preferably valve construction 115 comprises a two-way valve, 
operated by a solenoid or the like. The two-way valve of valve 
construction 115 preferably has first and second orientations: the first 
orientation allowing draw of air through filter 34 only from tube 110; a 
second orientation closing tube 110 and allowing draw of air through 
filter arrangement 34 only from the ambient. Thus, when valve construction 
115 is thrown to the first orientation, a suction on intake tube 32 is 
provided. However, when valve construction 115 is thrown to the second 
orientation, the draw on intake tube 32 from blower assembly stops, and 
ambient air is drawn through filter assembly 34 and exhausted by the 
blower assembly 35. Again, preferably valve construction 115 is operated 
by a solenoid. The solenoid may be controlled by remote switch 120, FIG. 
3. Switch 120, it will be understood, is positioned where an operator 
handling end portion 71 can conveniently reach and control operation. 
Thus, by throwing switch 120 to the appropriate position, the operator can 
stop a draw of particulate material up to cyclone separator 33 (and in 
effect stop delivery of particulates to end portion 71). 
Still referring to FIG. 3, in some instances particulate material may be 
retained within telescoping tube 69, even after feed to separator 
arrangement 33 is stopped. In order to inhibit leakage of the particulate 
material from tube 69 as the worker moves in portion 71 from a first 
receptacle to a second receptacle, a control valve 125 is provided in end 
portion 71. Generally, control valve 125 comprises a butterfly valve or 
similar valve controlled by handle 126. In use the operator can, by 
controlling the position of handle 126, close end portion 71 of 
telescoping tube 69, thus inhibiting leakage or spillage of particulate 
material therefrom. This will allow for convenient disconnect of adapter 
105 from one receptacle, and connection to another receptacle. 
It is foreseen that in some instances, means for automatically detecting an 
amount of material discharged from end portion 71 will be useful. For the 
embodiment illustrated and described, the detection means detects the 
amount of material which is transferred out of tube arrangement 75, by 
detecting when the second receptacle 100 is filled a selected amount. 
Thus, it does not provide a quantitative volume measurement, but rather 
detects a level of material in receptacle 100 as it is filled. 
More specifically, a fiber optic sensor arrangement 130 is provided. Fiber 
optic sensor arrangement 130 terminates within end portion 71, generally 
at or near the end of adapter 105. The fiber optic can detect when 
receptacle 100 is nearly filled. In certain selected constructions, the 
fiber optic, which comprises detection means for detecting an amount of 
flowable material discharged from the telescoping tube assembly outer end 
portion 71, is associated with means for stopping the flow of flowable 
solids up to the separator 33. Preferably, the fiber optic arrangement 130 
comprises means for providing an automatic signal to throw valve assembly 
115 into the second configuration previously described. That is, fiber 
optic assembly 130 comprises an automatic override which operates 
analogously to manual switch 120. Thus, fiber optic assembly 130 can be 
utilized to automatically control the discharge of material from end 
portion 71 into receptacles such as receptacle 100. 
Referring to FIG. 4, preferably transfer system 1 is provided with a base 
frame 133 on which the remainder of the transfer system 1 is mounted. The 
base frame 133 depicted has, on an underside thereof, a plurality of 
guides 134. The guides 134 are appropriately positioned for receiving the 
forks or tines of a forklift jack, for easy moving of transfer system 1. 
Thus, the transfer system 1 can be easily mounted on a truck, FIG. 1, or 
dismounted therefrom. It will be understood that base frame 133 further 
includes appropriate means, not detailed, for supporting the remainder of 
the transfer system including, inter alia, filter arrangement 34; blower, 
arrangement 35 comprising an engine and a blower; and the tower. Still 
referring to FIG. 4, transfer system 1 is provided with control box 137 
thereon for controlling various means associated with the system 1. 
Control box 137 may include, for example, switches and controls for the 
engine, the blower, a battery positioned on the arrangement (not shown) or 
similar constructions. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, it is foreseen that in some applications it may 
be desirable to provide transfer system 1 with a jointed tower 80. In this 
manner, the arrangement could be readily collapsed to a configuration 
having a less extensive vertical extension. An arrangement for doing this 
is provided, as illustrated in FIG. 4. 
Referring to FIG. 4, tower 80 is generally jointed at 143 between an upper 
segment 145 and a lower segment 146. Upper segment or section 145 is 
attached to lower segment or section 146 by a hinge, not shown. When 
positioned in an upright position, lock arrangement 149 attaches hook 150 
in extension between the two sections 145 and 146, to provide for secure 
engagement. When hook 150 is disattached from upper section 145, the upper 
section 145 can be pivoted about the hinge, to swing downwardly. 
Assistance to movement of upper section 145 about the hinge, is provided 
by winch arrangement 151. Thus, in the field, transfer system 1 can be 
readily set up by controlling winch 151 to raise upper section 145, and 
then by appropriate engagement of lock arrangement 149. In general, lock 
arrangement 149, including hook 150 and winch 151, are mounted on upper 
section 83, FIG. 4. Thus, they can rotate with section 83 relative to 
section 84. 
Referring again to FIG. 1, as previously described, vacuum adapter 38 is 
provided at inlet end 155 of intake tube 32. A preferred vacuum adapter 
160 for certain applications is illustrated in FIG. 5. 
Referring to FIG. 5, vacuum adapter 160 is depicted in an exploded 
perspective view. Inlet end 155 of intake tube 32 is illustrated, exploded 
from vacuum adapter 160. Adapter 160 is shown exploded from container 23 
and particulate material 26. 
Vacuum adapter 160 comprises hollow tube 165 having an inlet end 170 and an 
outlet end 171. At outlet end 171 an adapter 172 is provided for quick 
connect to an adapter 173 provided at inlet end 155 of intake tube 32. 
Secure connection can be provided by an adapter 173 having lock control 
175 thereon. A conventional adapter 173 may be utilized. 
For the preferred embodiment, tube 165 includes air bleed aperture 180 
therein. In use, end 170 of tube 165 is inserted into particulate material 
26 with air bleed 180 exposed above an upper surface of particulate 
material 26. When transfer system 1 is operated to provide a vacuum draw 
in vacuum adapter 160, air will be pulled through aperture 180 into tube 
165 and upwardly through intake tube 32. The vacuum draw provided by this 
flow of air will pull particulate material 26 upwardly through vacuum 
adapter 160 and intake tube 32 also. A sliding gate arrangement 182 can be 
utilized to control the size of air bleed 180. 
A locking adapter similar to adapter 173 can be utilized to provide locking 
engagement between adapter 105 and adapter 103, FIG. 3. Also, an adapter 
analogous to vacuum adapter 160 can be utilized to draw particulate 
material out of a variety of containers including flexible sacks or bags. 
Of course, a variety of configurations for adapter 160 can be used. 
Attention is now directed to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 a transfer system 1 
generally is described as shown positioned on a truck 20. The truck 20 
also includes thereon a carrier assembly 200. The carrier assembly 
includes a large, flexible, collapsible storage container 201 containing 
particulate material therein. Air intake line 32 is directly connected to 
an outlet from container 201, to draw particulate material therefrom. 
Hoses 202 and 203 allow for air transfer through an air filter arrangement 
205 mounted in carrier assembly 200, before the air is transferred through 
air filter assembly 34. Thus, in operation, transfer system 1 is utilized 
to draw particulate material from carrier assembly 200 and to transfer 
same to holder 208. When carrier assembly 200 is emptied, it can be 
removed from truck 20 and replaced with another carrier assembly. FIG. 6 
illustrates that the transfer systems 1 according to the present invention 
may be utilized to conduct what is essentially a completely "closed" 
transfer, i.e., from closed container 201 to another closed container. 
Thus, dust can be held to a minimum. 
Transfer systems as described may be utilized for conveyance of a variety 
of materials. Thus, they may: be constructed of various materials; be 
provided with various engine and blower systems; and, be provided with a 
variety of sizes, shapes, etc. of hoses, conduits, and framework. They may 
be utilized to transfer relatively small particles, for example on the 
order of 7-8 million population per pound, or relatively large particulate 
materials. Arrangements usable to transfer herbicides, pesticides and seed 
material from large storage containers into the holder of farm equipment 
can be powered with a variety of positive displacement blowers, for 
example ones capable of displacing about 100-150 cubic feet per minute, 
i.e., capable of producing a pressure differential up to about 15 inches 
of mercury. In general, such an arrangement will be capable of 
transferring about 100-200 pounds per minute of material, through a line 
size of about 2 inches diameter. A variety of engine/generator systems may 
be utilized to control such arrangements. These can include internal 
combustion engines positioned on base frame 133. In the alternative, power 
takeoffs from farm equipment or remote generators may be utilized. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGS. 7-11 
As indicated above, FIGS. 1-6 present the disclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 
07/850,564, from which the present disclosure claims priority. FIGS. 7-11 
depict an improved transfer system according to the present invention. As 
will be apparent from the following description, in many ways the 
arrangement of FIGS. 7-11 operates analogously to the arrangements shown 
in FIGS. 1-6. The principal difference concerns the type of mechanism upon 
which the arrangement is mounted, for operation. The arrangements of FIGS. 
1-6 concern a tower-like arrangement, with a rather extended vertical 
reach. This called for a long, downward, gravity flow from the separator 
arrangement, through a telescoping tube arrangement. As will be apparent 
from the following descriptions, the arrangement of FIGS. 7-11 concerns a 
mounting of the air seal and separator arrangement on an elongate 
articulated arm, for extended horizontal reach. As a result, the vertical 
drop or gravity feed (discharge from the air seal arrangement) can be 
through a rather short distance. 
Reference numeral 300, FIG. 7, generally indicates a transfer system for 
moving flowable solids, according to the present disclosure. As with the 
systems of FIGS. 1-6, the transfer system 300 includes an air seal 
(airlock) assembly 304. The air seal assembly 304 has an upstream side 305 
and a downstream side 306. The air seal assembly 304 includes means for 
maintaining air pressure differential between the upstream and downstream 
sides, even as flowable solid material is passed therebetween. 
Transfer system 300 also includes means for transporting flowable solid 
material to the upstream side 305 of the air seal assembly 304. This is 
generally indicated at reference numeral 310. The system 300 further 
includes means for transporting flowable solid material from the 
downstream side 306 of the air seal assembly 304 to a selected location. 
This is generally indicated by reference numeral 315. 
Still referring to FIG. 7, preferred means 310 for transporting flowable 
solid material to the upstream side 305 of the air seal assembly 304 
generally comprises a transport arrangement 330. For the embodiment shown, 
a transport arrangement 330 is constructed and arranged to deliver 
particulate material to the upstream side 305 of air seal assembly 304 in 
an air flow stream having a pressure of less than ambient. Transport 
arrangement 330 comprises intake tube 332, separator arrangement 333, 
filter arrangement 334 and blower assembly 335. As with the arrangements 
of FIGS. 1-6, operation is generally as follows: 
Particulates are drawn into intake tube 332 through an end thereof, not 
shown, in a manner analogous to that shown with respect to FIGS. 1-5 
(vacuum adaptor 160). The particulates (carried by an airstream) travel 
through tube 332 up to inlet 340 of separator arrangement 333. In 
separator arrangement 333, the particulates are separated from the airflow 
stream. The airflow stream is drawn off from separator arrangement 333 
through outlet 343. The air stream then passes through outlet tube 
arrangement 344 to filter assembly 334, whereat fine contaminants are 
removed from the airflow stream, before the air passes through blower 
assembly 335 and is vented to the atmosphere. The blower assembly 335 
generally comprises a blower which: draws air from the ambient (i.e. 
creates a vacuum draw on intake tube 332); pulls the air through filter 
arrangement 334 and blows (discharges or exhausts) the air into the 
environment. The blower assembly 335 may comprise a conventional 
engine/blower system, or any of a variety of alternative systems. 
As with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1-6, the airflow stream inside of 
intake tube 332 is at a pressure less than ambient, while it is carrying 
the particulate material to the separator 333. Thus, should a break or 
puncture form in line 332, generally due to the negative pressure relative 
to the environment, air from the environment would flow into the puncture 
from outside (as opposed to flow particulate material outwardly from the 
puncture). 
For the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, as with the arrangements of FIGS. 
1-6, separator arrangement 333 comprises a cyclone separator 345. 
Particulate material continuously separator from the airflow stream by 
cyclone separator 345, drops under gravity influence to particulate exit 
347. Exit 347 from separator arrangement 333 is generally aligned to 
provide gravity flow passage to the particulate material to the upstream 
side 305 of the air seal assembly 304. 
For the arrangement described and shown in FIG. 7, air seal assembly 304 
comprises a rotary air seal (airlock) 350, analogously to the arrangement 
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
Referring to FIG. 7, rotary air seal 350 is automatically and continuously 
controlled by hydraulic control arrangement 360. Thus, it is controlled 
differently from the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, which utilized an 
electric motor. However, electric motors and the like could be utilized. 
Referring again to FIG. 7, means 315 for transporting particulate material 
from the downstream side 306 of air seal assembly 304 comprises transport 
arrangement 365. The particular transport arrangement 365 depicted is a 
gravity transport arrangement. That is, particulate material is conveyed 
by transport arrangement 365 under the influence of gravity. Transport 
arrangement 365 includes: a funnel 366 for receipt of particulate dropping 
through the bottom side 306 of air seal assembly 304; and, conduit 368, 
for directing particulate material from funnel 366 to a selected location. 
Conduit 368 comprises a flexible tube 369 defining an internal solids flow 
passage way. For the arrangement shown in FIG. 7, tube 369 is a relatively 
short extension (0.25-0.5 meter) of tubing. It is not a telescoping 
arrangement as utilized in FIGS. 1-6, for reasons described below. 
For the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7, transport arrangement 365, 
separator arrangement 333, and air seal assembly 304 are mounted on an 
articulated construction, so that tube 369 can be selectively pivoted. In 
particular, transport arrangement 365, air seal assembly 304 and separator 
arrangement 333 are mounted on support frame 375. Support frame 375 is 
mounted on articulated arm arrangement 380. Articulated arm arrangement 
comprises first extension 381 and second extension 382. First and second 
extensions 381 and 382 are pivotally connected to one another at pivot 384 
for articulation about (vertical) axis 385. First extension 381 is also 
pivotally mounted within arrangement 300 at (vertical) pivot 387. Pivotal 
movement of the articulated arm arrangement 380 will be further described 
below, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 
Still referring to FIG. 7, arrangement 300 includes a support platform or 
base frame 390 on which articulated arm arrangement 380 is mounted. In 
addition, base frame 390 carries various blower, filter and engine 
assemblies for operation of arrangement 300. Base frame 390 may be 
generally analogous to the base frame arrangement described with respect 
to FIGS. 1-6, if desired. 
Still referring to FIG. 7, the second extension 382 of articulated arm 
arrangement 380 is adapted to permit selected (vertical) movement of 
separator arrangement 333, air seal assembly 304 and transport arrangement 
365. Thus, end 392 of tube 369, with coupler 393 thereon, can be moved up 
and down, as selected by an operator, to obtain connection with various 
arrangements such as planter arrangements, into which particulate material 
may be dispensed from separator arrangement 333. For the arrangement 
depicted in FIGS. 7-11, means providing for vertical motion of air seal 
assembly 304, separator arrangement 333 and transport arrangement 365 
comprise a parallelogram linkage system 396. Parallelogram linkage system 
396 comprises a portion of extension 382. 
Referring to FIG. 8, parallelogram linkage system 396 comprises first and 
second (vertical) end links 398 and 399, respectively, having upper and 
lower cross-extensions 400 and 401, respectively, extending therebetween. 
Upper extension 400 is pivotally mounted to each end link 398 and 399 as 
indicated at (horizontal) pivots 403 and 404 respectively. In general, 
connection is such as to allow for pivoting around a substantially 
horizontal axis through each of pivots 403 and 404. Similarly, lower 
extension 401 is pivotally connected to first and second end links 398 and 
399 respectively, at pivots 405 and 406 respectively. Again, pivots 405 
and 406 operate to allow pivoting of lower extension 401, analogously to 
extension 400, about substantially horizontal pivot axes. 
Pivotal movements at pivots 403, 404, 405 and 406 will be generally 
understood by comparison of FIGS. 7 and 8, and by comparison of the 
phantom lines in FIG. 8 to the solid lines therein. 
The arrangement defined by first and second end links 398 and 399, 
extensions 400 and 401, and pivots 403, 404, 405 and 406 are generally 
referred to herein as parallelogram linkage system 396. A reason for this 
is that as end link 399 is moved up or down, the link arrangement defined 
by these members operates with opposite members maintaining extension 
generally parallel to one another. 
The parallelogram linkage system 396 depicted includes a motion dampener, 
such as nitrogen gas-filled spring-loaded shock absorber 409, extending 
between extensions 400 and 401. Gas spring absorber 409 will operate to 
exert sufficient extension force to essentially balance elements within 
the assembly as well as to resist contraction sufficiently, to provide 
some resistance to vertical movement of link 399. Also, resistance 
provided by resistance pads in pivots 403, 404, 405 and 406 should be 
adjusted to be sufficient so that parallelogram linkage system 396 will 
remain generally stationary at any angle set by a worker, and also be of a 
resistance readily overcome by an average worker's strength, so that the 
worker can readily reset the vertical position of the parallelogram 
linkage system 396 (or transport means 315). Gas springs useable as spring 
409 include commercially available gas springs such as model 
14-20-45-28-B-B-560 available from Industrial Gas Springs, Inc. of Exton, 
Pa., 19341. 
Still referring to FIG. 8, it will be apparent that at least portions of 
intake tube 332 and outlet tube arrangement 344 should comprise generally 
flexible tubing, to accommodate the changes and angle at parallelogram 
linkage system 396 as raised and lowered. 
Also still referring to FIG. 8, a preferred construction for support frame 
375 will be understood. Support frame 375 includes lower horizontal frame 
member 413, upright frame member 414 and support elements 415. Support 
elements 415 operate to connect elements such as the cyclone separator 345 
to the upright support frame member 414. The support frame 375 is attached 
to the parallelogram linkage system 396 by frame member 413. 
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, transfer system 300 includes support posts 420 
thereon, for support of intake tube 332, and outlet tube 344 at spaced 
portions therealong. 
It is noted that intake tube 332 need not be flexible along its entire 
length. For example, sections of tube 332 as indicated at 421 may comprise 
rigid tubing, since they extend through portions not required to flex 
during movement of parallelogram linkage system 396, or other movement of 
the articulated arm arrangement 380. 
Still referring to FIG. 8, and as indicated above with respect to the 
description of FIG. 7, parallelogram linkage system 396 is part of an 
articulated arm arrangement 380, in particular it comprises second arm 
extension 382. More specifically, it is pivotally mounted upon first 
extension 381, at pivot 384, for pivoting around axis 385. Articulation of 
extension 382 relative to extension 381 will be better understood by 
reference to FIG. 9. 
Referring to FIG. 9, the arrangement of FIGS. 7 and 8 is shown in top plan 
view; FIG. 9 being partially schematic. Articulated arm arrangement 380, 
comprising extensions 381 and 382, is shown mounted on base frame or 
platform 390. Pivotal engagement at pivots 384, between extension 382 and 
extension 381, permits pivoting around axis 385, in the general directions 
of arrows 425. Thus, cyclone separator 345, and outlet arrangements 
associated therewith, can be readily moved not only up and down through 
the operation of the parallelogram linkage system, but also laterally in 
space by pivoting of extension 382 about pivots 384. 
In addition, extension 381 is pivotally mounted on platform base 390, at 
vertical pivot 387. This was described above. As a result, first extension 
381 can be readily pivoted about vertical pivot 387, in the general 
direction as indicated by arrows 426. 
It will be understood that in general the vertical movement allowed by 
parallelogram linkage system 396, and the pivoting movements permitted by 
pivots 384 and 387, in the articulated arm arrangement 380, provide the 
worker with a great deal of flexibility for positioning outlet means 315, 
and especially tube 369, FIGS. 7 and 8. Tube 369, and coupler 393 can thus 
be readily manipulated by a worker to move discharge of particulate 
material from separator arrangement 345 into alignment with various 
receptacle position around or near the platform base frame 390. 
Attention is directed to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a top plan view generally 
analogous to FIG. 9. In FIG. 10 the articulated arm arrangement 380 is 
shown pivoted to a storage position. This allows for easy transport of the 
transfer system 300, for example on a truck or the like. To facilitate 
this, a lockage system is provided to lock the articulated arm arrangement 
380 in a storage position, for security and safety. 
Referring to FIG. 9, at 430 an upright post is indicated. Post 430 is 
utilized for locking. For example, a magnetic locking mechanism, providing 
for magnetic attraction between extension 381 and post 430, can be used to 
secure extension 381 when collapsed (folded) for storage. An alternate 
mechanical lock is depicted in FIG. 11. 
Referring to FIG. 11, upright post 430 is provided with a latch mechanism 
431 thereon. The latch mechanism 431 includes a locking loop 433 
constructed and arranged for selective engagement with a catch 434 secured 
to extension 381. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, when extension 381 is 
pivoted about vertical pivot 387 sufficiently so that extension 381 comes 
into proximity of post 430, latch mechanism 431 may be selectively 
operated to engage loop 433 over catch 434. Handle 436 can then be locked 
into an appropriate position to maintain engagement. 
It is foreseen that a variety of materials may be utilized to construct 
arrangements according to the embodiments of FIGS. 7-11. Conventional 
materials may be utilized. It is foreseen that flexible plastic tubing 
will be convenient for the conveying tubes. Generally a diameter on the 
order of about 2"-4" will be convenient. 
It is foreseen that steel members will be utilized, in typical embodiments, 
for the load bearing members of the articulated arm arrangement 380 and 
support arrangement 375. Conventional blowers, engines, clutch mechanisms, 
filter arrangements and control mechanisms may be utilized for various 
components in the engine and blower assembly. Conventional separators and 
air seal arrangements may also be utilized. 
It is foreseen that for a typical embodiment for utilization with farm 
equipment, an arrangement wherein each of the first extension 381 and 
second extension 382 have a length of about 8-9 feet or so will be 
convenient. This would allow total length of extension of about 17 feet, 
and thus a working reach of about 34 feet (17 feet in each of two directly 
opposite directions). With such an arrangement one can readily use the 
transfer system 300 to load each of the receptacles in a 12 row planter or 
spreader. 
It is foreseen that with the freedom of movement provided by the 
articulated arm arrangement, including the parallelogram linkage system, 
arrangements according to the present invention can be operated with a 
relatively short extension of tubing, as the outlet tube 369. In fact, all 
that is needed is about a 3-6" extension of tubing at this location. This 
will be convenient for the worker, and generally facilitates operation.