Abstract:
A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/246,063 filed on Oct. 6, 2008, now pending, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/423,429, filed Jun. 9, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,537, which claims Priority to Canadian Application No. 2,547,163, filed on May 17, 2006, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to the field of bulk transfer machines for grain, particulates and granular materials (hereinafter referred to as “particulates”) and, more particularly, to an improved, highly efficient portable unit useable by farmers and others to move and handle particulates. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     Grain and fertilizer collector machines have been commercialized for many years, and represent the underlying technology over which the present invention is a significant improvement. Previous prior art machines have been subject to certain shortcomings which have been overcome in the present invention. 
     For example, some prior art machines utilize a single stage fan or blower to create suction for the vacuum pickup of the granular or particulate materials, in a negative pressure system. The prior art, although quite satisfactory from a functional standpoint, have limitations in their application when compared to the present invention, and do not provide an acceptably high operating capacity given the fact that these solely use a single stage blower for generating suction or negative pressure for operating such a machine. Further such machines allow for particulate materials, when the vacuum-generated pickup air stream is drawn through the loader, to come into contact with the rotors of the blower, which permits possible clogging of the blower and/or rotor wear thereof, which, through repeated prolonged contact, can limit or reduce the life span of such blowers or rotors. 
     In addition, prior auger assemblies for such grain and fertilizer collector machines may include an elongated barrel or tube presenting a material inlet and a material outlet spaced from the inlet, with an elongated, axially rotatable, material-conveying auger screw positioned within the tube. Auger assemblies are often used for conveying materials such as granular agricultural products along a desired path of travel, for example, from the outlet of a grain cart to a collection hopper. In negative pressure systems, appropriate airlock doors, housings, and the like are provided for preserving the integrity of the overall negative pressure system, and to maintain the negative pressure within the loader. 
     However, two related problems have arisen in conventional loader auger air locks or housings. The first is that materials exiting from the outlet through the airlock doors generally allow, once the airlock door is opened for the discharge of materials, outside air to enter into the barrel or tube, which weakens the vacuum and suction effect. Conventional airlock doors, once opened, allow for materials to be discharged downwardly from the end of the discharge port, but also to be discharged and directed out to sides of the discharge port once exiting the auger assembly, thus allowing outside air to enter from the sides into the barrel or tube. The second further problem stems from the possibility, once outside air has entered into the barrel or tube of the auger assembly, that material being transported by the auger to be discharged can be blown back down the auger assembly, resulting in what is commonly known as “blowback”. When this occurs, it is not uncommon for almost all of the vacuum effect to be lost or substantially reduced. It will thus be appreciated that both of these problems can impair the negative pressure conditions within the overall system. Hence, there is a real need for an improved, high efficiency auger airlock assembly and end dump housing which can maintain the vacuum suction created by the negative pressure, thereby assuring smooth, trouble-free operation. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus which utilizes an auger airlock assembly and end dump housing which, for materials exiting the auger assembly, limits the direction in which materials are to be discharged downwardly from the end of the discharge port, and limits the opportunity for outside air to enter the discharge port from the sides of the port upon the discharge of materials, thus preserving the integrity of the overall negative pressure system and maintaining the vacuum suction created by the negative pressure within the loader. 
     There is a further need for an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus which utilizes a multi-stage suction mechanism for forming a source of negative pressure to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials into the loader and thus achieve a higher operating capacity. There is also a further need for an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus utilizing a multi-stage suction mechanism, in communication with a separation chamber and in one embodiment, a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust, fine chaff or other particles from the suctioned particulate or granular materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus reducing contact between particulates and the blowers so as to reduce clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus for use by farmers and others for loading grain and other particulate materials from, for example, bins and other storage structures into trucks, trailers, wagons, or other receptacles which provides a dramatic improvement over the prior art machines in terms of operating efficiency and capacity. Another object is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus having a high efficiency auger airlock assembly and end dump housing which can maintain negative pressure within the auger assembly and loader. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus which utilizes a multi-stage suction mechanism, comprised of at least two fan or centrifugal blowers connected in tandem, for creating a source of negative pressure, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials into the loader and thus provide a higher operating capacity. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus utilizing a multi-stage suction mechanism as noted above, in communication with a separation chamber and a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust, fine chaff or other particles from the suctioned particulate or granular materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a surface of the settling chamber, this reducing contact between the particulates and the blowers so as to reduce clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus which utilizes a variable speed auger, and which comprises a power transfer case for transferring power from a main drive shaft to an intermediate shaft which extends on an angle which corresponds with or substantially corresponds with the angle of the longitudinal axis of the auger to the horizontal. In this manner, regardless of the angle or positioning of the auger in relation to the loader, power to the auger, through use of a corresponding pulley or multi-pulley set linking the intermediate shaft to the lower end of the auger, can be simply and easily provided. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a high capacity bulk loader for particulate materials comprising a chassis adapted to be positioned adjacent materials to be loaded; a hollow body mounted on the chassis and defining an internal, air-materials separating chamber and a settling chamber therein; an inlet in a sidewall of the hollow body; a pickup conduit coupled with the inlet through which materials may be directed into the separating chamber; at least two fan blowers, operably interconnected in tandem to form a multi-stage suction mechanism, carried by the chassis and communicating with the separating chamber and the settling chamber for drawing a high powered air stream through the conduit to entrain the materials and propel them into the separating chamber through the inlet; an outlet in another sidewall of the body opposite the inlet; means within the separating chamber for allowing the air stream to escape through the separating chamber and the settling chamber, while the momentum of the materials propelled into the separating chamber carries the materials across a width of the separating chamber and charges them into the outlet; a discharge conveyor operably coupled with the outlet for transferring materials charged into the outlet to a remote location; and means for sealing the discharge conveyor against substantial entry of ambient air during operation of the discharge conveyor and the multi-stage suction mechanism to prevent significant diminution of a strength of the air stream created by the multi-stage suction mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a high capacity bulk loader for particulate materials comprising a chassis adapted to be positioned adjacent materials to be loaded; a hollow body mounted on the chassis and defining an internal, air-materials separating chamber therein; an inlet in a sidewall of the hollow body; a pickup conduit coupled with the inlet through which materials may be directed into the separating chamber; at least two fan blowers, operably interconnected in tandem to form a multi-stage suction mechanism, carried by the chassis and communicating with the separating chamber for drawing a high powered air stream through the conduit to entrain the materials and propel them into the separating chamber through the inlet; an outlet in another sidewall of the body opposite the inlet; separating means within the separating chamber for allowing the air stream to escape through the separating chamber, while the momentum of the materials propelled into the separating chamber carries the materials across a width of the separating chamber and charges them into the outlet; a discharge conveyor operably coupled with the outlet for transferring materials charged into the outlet to a remote location; and means for sealing the discharge conveyor against substantial entry of ambient air during operation of the discharge conveyor and the multi-stage suction mechanism to prevent significant diminution of a strength of the air stream created by the multi-stage suction mechanism. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-stage suction mechanism for use in a bulk loader having a chassis, a substantially hollow body mounted on the chassis which defines an internal, air-materials separating chamber therein, and a pickup conduit coupled with an inlet of the chamber through which materials may be directed into the chamber, the multi-stage suction mechanism comprising at least two centrifugal blowers carried by the chassis and each having an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air outlet of a first centrifugal blower is operably connected to the air inlet of a second centrifugal blower, and the air outlet of the second centrifugal blower is connected to an outside exhaust, the operably connected first and the second centrifugal blowers forming the multi-stage suction mechanism for communicating with the chamber and for drawing a high powered air stream through the conduit to entrain the materials and propel them into the chamber through the inlet of the chamber. 
     A still further aspect of the present invention provides for a system for providing a multi-stage suction mechanism in a bulk loader having a chassis and a substantially hollow body mounted on the chassis which defines an internal, air-materials separating chamber therein, the system comprising the steps of providing a pickup conduit, the pickup conduit being coupled with an inlet of the chamber through which materials may be directed into the chamber; providing a settling chamber, the settling chamber being positioned between the separating chamber and the multi-stage suction mechanism; operably interconnecting at least two centrifugal blowers, in tandem, to form the multi-stage suction mechanism, the multi-stage suction mechanism being carried by the chassis, and communicating with the separation chamber and the settling chamber; operably interconnecting the multi-stage suction mechanism to an outside exhaust; and utilizing the multi-stage suction mechanism to draw a high powered air stream through the conduit to entrain the materials and propel them into the separation chamber through the inlet of the separation chamber. 
     The advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus for use by farmers and others for loading grain and other particulate materials from, for example, bins and other storage structures into trucks, trailers, wagons, or other receptacles which provides a dramatic improvement over prior art machines in terms of operating efficiency and capacity. Another advantage is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus having a high efficiency auger airlock assembly and end dump housing which can maintain negative pressure within the auger assembly and loader. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus utilizing a multi-stage suction mechanism for forming a greater source of negative pressure with which to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials into the loader and thus achieve a higher operating capacity. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus utilizing a multi-stage suction mechanism as noted above, in communication with a separation chamber and a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust, fine chaff or other particles from the suctioned particulate or granular materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a surface of the settling chamber, thus reducing contact between particulates and the blowers so as to reduce clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof. 
     A still further advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus which utilizes a variable speed auger, and which comprises a power transfer case for transferring power from a main drive shaft to an intermediate shaft which extends on an angle which corresponds with or substantially corresponds with the angle of the longitudinal axis of the auger to the horizontal. In this manner, regardless of the angle or positioning of the auger in relation to the loader, power to the auger, through use of a corresponding pulley or multi-pulley set linking the intermediate shaft to the lower end of the auger, can be simply and easily provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a right side view of an embodiment of the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a left side elevational view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a back end elevational view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a front end elevational view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front left side elevational view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the bulk loader shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic cutaway view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-stage suction mechanism utilized in the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a cutaway view of a preferred embodiment of the multi-stage suction mechanism utilized in the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged fragmentary view of an embodiment of the end dump assembly utilized in the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged rear perspective view of the embodiment of the end dump assembly shown in  FIG. 9 , and which is utilized in the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a rear view of one embodiment of an exhaust structure which can be utilized with the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of another alternative embodiment of an exhaust structure which can be utilized with the bulk loader of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of the drive mechanism for the auger and blowers in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic of the drive mechanism for the auger in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIGS. 1 to 13  relate to a high capacity bulk loader  1  for grain, particulate or granular materials which incorporates the principles of the present invention, it being understood that grain, particulate or granular materials (hereinafter referred to as “particulates”) can encompass, for example, grain or agricultural products, fertilizer, chemicals, or other small particulate matter such as styrofoam packing chips or material, glass beads, or other materials which would be apparent to a worker skilled in the art. As illustrated, in one embodiment, a loader  1  includes a wheeled chassis  3  having a forwardly extending tongue  5  by which the loader  1  may be coupled with a towing vehicle (not shown). In an alternative embodiment a non-wheeled, stationary chassis is provided, for permanent or long-term positioning and/or installation at a location, powered for example, by a gasoline or diesel engine or electric motor (not shown). For the purposes of clarity, in this description, the front of the loader is to be understood to be that end of the loader which would, during typical operation, face a tractor or other power take-off or drive mechanism, the right side of the loader being that side which in the preferred embodiment, has the inlet  19  therethrough (as described below), the left side of the loader being the side which has the auger  33  extending therefrom, and the rear of the loader being that side which is opposite the front. 
     Supported on the chassis  3  is an air-materials separating chamber  21 , a settling chamber  23 , and a multi-stage suction chamber  24  which houses a multi-stage suction mechanism  25 , as hereinafter described, it being understood that, in an alternative embodiment, no settling chamber is utilized, the separating chamber  21  being connected directly, or by a conduit, to the multi-stage suction chamber. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the air-materials separating chamber  21  is generally cylindrical, having a generally semicircular upper wall  9 , as seen in  FIG. 7 . The air-materials separating chamber  21  is also provided with an upright front wall  11  and with a similarly upright rear wall  13 , both of which span the distance between opposite sidewalls  15 ,  17  and the upper wall  9 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment of the present invention, interior side surfaces of the air-materials separating chamber  21  (not shown) are inclined downwardly and inwardly, converging toward one another as the bottom of the air-materials separating chamber  21  is approached. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , an inlet  19  is located in sidewall  15  of the air-materials separating chamber  21 , and is transformed from a generally rectangular configuration adjacent the sidewall  15  to a generally circular cross-section at its outermost end, as can plainly be seen in  FIG. 4 . In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the inlet has a larger square cross-sectional area adjacent the sidewall than at the circular cross-section outermost end. As the air and particulates pass within the inlet  19 , they are transferred from the entrance of the inlet (which in the preferred embodiment is of circular cross-section having a diameter of approximately 8 inches), to an area of the inlet having a larger cross-section (which in the preferred embodiment, is of square cross-section, being approximately 10 inches on each side), and accordingly lower pressure, the air and particulates being slowed as they move toward the larger cross-sectional area of the inlet adjacent the sidewall. The slowing of the air and particulates within the inlet  19  reduces the likelihood or extent of damage to the particulates as they enter and impact with the surfaces within the separating chamber and additionally provides an early stage for the separation of the particulates from the air stream. 
     At such outermost end, a conduit or hose (not shown) can be fixedly attached thereto in direct communication with the inlet  19  and is provided with a pickup nozzle (not shown) at its outer end for receiving particulate or granular materials to be handled by the loader  1 , which are drawn through the inlet  19 , into the air-materials separating chamber  21 . 
     In the opposite sidewall  17  and disposed in a generally fore-and-aft alignment with the inlet  19  is an outlet  29 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , and extending upwardly along the sidewall  17  from the floor of the air-materials separating chamber  21 . A channel-shaped housing  31  of elongated, trough-like configuration is affixed to the sidewall  17  outboard of the outlet  29  and in covering relationship therewith so as to house an elevating or discharging auger denoted by the numeral  33  in  FIG. 4 , which extends generally upwardly and outwardly at an incline from a point just below the floor of the air-materials separating chamber  21  to a remote outermost end spaced upwardly and outwardly above and away from the air-materials separating chamber  21 . Preferably, a lower longitudinal portion of the channel-shaped housing  31  which adjoins the sidewall  17  is open along its length to facilitate the unimpeded reception and entry of particulate materials from the inlet  19  directly to the outlet  29  and into the auger assembly  27 , as later described. 
     The auger  33  and the housing  31  form portions of what may be more broadly termed an auger assembly  27  (as seen in  FIG. 4 ) which further includes an elongated tubular housing  35  leading upwardly and outwardly away from the lowermost housing  31  in open communication therewith, as seen in  FIG. 1 . The auger  33  is supported in coaxial relationship with the tubular housing  35  interiorly of the latter for moving particles upwardly and outwardly away from the body  7  to an awaiting truck or other location. It will be noted that the housing  35  is hinged at  37  (as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ) to enable an upper section  39  of tubular housing  35  to be folded back into overlapping relationship for roading purposes. Of course, the auger  33  is likewise constructed in sections so the entire auger assembly  27  is hingable at  37  for alternative disposition in either a transport condition (overlapping relationship, or overlapping relationship with the body  7 ) or the full line working condition seen in any one of  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
     Also disposed within the air-materials separating chamber  21  is a separating drum  41  of a generally perforated nature, as can be seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . The drum  41  is affixed to a fore-and-aft extending shaft  43  about whose axis the drum  41  is rotated during operation. Air drawn through the air-materials separating chamber  21  passes through the separating drum through small perforations therein, the separating drum&#39;s small perforations thereby separating the particulates from the air, leaving the particulates in the air-materials separating chamber  21  while the air which has passed through the perforations in the separating drum  41  is exhausted through the multi-stage suction mechanism as more fully described herein. An internal baffle  45  within and in close proximity to the drum  41  is suspended and free to remain in a generally stationary position relative to the air-materials separating chamber  21 , functions to block the ingress of air into the lower peripheral portion of the drum  41  such that any light, adhering particles on the drum surface will drop therefrom as the periphery of the drum passes around the baffle  45 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as seen in  FIG. 8A , the present invention utilizes a multi-stage suction mechanism  25  comprising at least two fan blowers, and preferably at least three fan blowers. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8A , three such fan blowers ( 79 A,  79 B,  79 C) are connected together along blower shaft  83  and used in combination so as to create a higher negative pressure within the air material separating chamber and settling chamber, and thus achieve a much higher operational capacity for the particulate loader of the present invention. It is, of course, to be understood that, alternatively, two or more than three such fan blowers could also be utilized in combination, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, a singular blower may draw 75 psi of pressure, while utilizing at least two centrifugal blowers, connected together and in combination, will draw, for example, approximately 120-160 psi of vacuum pressure, drawing a powerful current of air and particulates to enter the hose (not shown) connected to the inlet and flow into the air-materials separating chamber. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , a powerful current of air will be drawn through a hose (not shown) connected to inlet  19  by the negative pressure condition created by the fan blowers  79 A,  79 B, 79 C, connected in series to one another by means of blower shaft  83 . Such air flow enters the inlet  19  in the body  7 , passes through the perforations within the drum  41  in the air-materials separating chamber  21 , and is drawn through the settling chamber  23 , and enters through inlet  81  of blower  79 A, where the air is then directed by blower  79 A through stators  85 ,  86  to enter blower  79 B, the air then being directed by blower  79 B through stators  91 ,  92  to enter blower  79 C, whereupon it is ultimately and eventually exhausted to the outside atmosphere through the exhaust  61  by way of fan chamber  63 , the exhausted air, in one embodiment, passing through an exhaust structure, as hereinafter described, before passing to the outside atmosphere, to reduce noise and dust for the operator. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the present invention utilizes a multi-stage suction mechanism  25  comprising, preferably, at least two centrifugal blowers. In this alternative embodiment of the present invention, and as seen in  FIG. 8 , three such centrifugal blowers ( 47 A,  47 B and  47 C) are connected together along blower shaft  83  and used in combination so as to create a higher negative pressure within the air material separating chamber  21  and settling chamber  23 , and thus achieve a much higher operational capacity for the particulate loader of the present invention. It is, of course, to be understood that, alternatively, two or more than three such blowers could also be utilized in combination, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , a powerful current of air will be drawn through a hose (not shown) connected to inlet  19  by the negative pressure condition created by the centrifugal blowers  47 A,  47 B,  47 C, connected in series to one another along blower shaft  83 . Such air flow enters the inlet  19  in the body  7 , passes through the perforations within the drum  41  in the air-materials separating chamber  21 , and is drawn through the settling chamber  23 , and enters through inlet  49  of blower  47 A, where the air is then forced through the outlets  51 ,  52  of blower  47 A to enter blower  47 B at inlet  53 , the air then being forced through the outlets  55 ,  56  of blower  47 B to enter inlet  57  of blower  47 C. This air is then forced through the outlet  59  of blower  47 C, whereupon it is ultimately and eventually exhausted to the outside atmosphere through the exhaust  61  by way of fan chamber  63 , the exhausted air, in one embodiment, passing through an exhaust structure before passing to the outside atmosphere, to reduce noise and dust for the operator. 
     While it is possible that the blades or rotors of the blowers could be of the same size, number and pitch, it is also conceivable, in an alternative embodiment, that the blades of one or more of the blowers are of different size, number and pitch, in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. 
     In yet another alternative embodiment, one or more positive displacement pumps may be utilized in place of the fan or centrifugal blowers. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the blowers communicate with the interior of drum  41 , the air-materials separating chamber  21 , the settling chamber  23  and with the fan chamber  63  to operably draw a negative pressure within the drum  41 , the air-materials separating chamber  21  and the settling chamber  23 , to draw air initially through a hose (not shown) connected to inlet  19  and into the air-materials separating chamber  21 . It will be noted that, in the preferred embodiment, the inlet  19  is located substantially below the axis of rotation of the drum  41  defined by the shaft  43  and, likewise, the outlet  29  is located substantially below the shaft  43 . The drum is positioned in the upper portion of the separation chamber to maximize the usable separation capacity of the chamber. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , an exhaust structure  101  is attached to exhaust  61 . In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust  61  is substantially at a 45 degree angle to the horizontal, which, when a 45 degree first elbow portion  103  is attached thereto, permits the exhaust structure  101  to swivel or rotate in relation thereto, permitting the exhaust structure  101  to be directed vertically or horizontally as desired. Specifically, the exhaust structure  101  can be connected to exhaust  61  by means of a first elbow portion  103 , to which an elongated length of tubular shaped pipe section  105  can be attached, connected or clamped thereto, in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, this pipe section is between 3 feet and 6 feet in length. A second elbow portion  107  may then be attached, connected or clamped to an end of the of tubular shaped pipe section  105 . In a preferred embodiment, these elbow portions  103 ,  107  can be pivoted, whereby air flow exiting through exhaust  61 , and from the end of tubular shaped pipe section  105 , can be directed in a desired manner, for example, substantially upwardly or outwardly. With reference to  FIG. 10 , such air flow exiting the loader will be directed outwardly and substantially horizontally by elbow portion  103 , along a length of pipe section  105  and, ultimately, downwardly away from the loader by elbow portion  107 . With reference to  FIG. 11 , such air flow exiting the loader will be directed generally upwardly by elbow portion  103 , along pipe section  105  and then directed, by elbow portion  107 , to exit over the loader. In this manner, the exhaust structure  101  can be utilized to direct dust exiting the loader to a desired location. Further, the exhaust structure  101 , once connected to exhaust  61 , also re-directs operational noise and sound connected with the operation of the blowers outwardly away from the loader, thus re-directing such noise away from the operator. 
     As noted previously, a settling chamber  23  is provided, this being, preferably, disposed between the air-materials separating chamber  21  and in the preferred embodiment of the multi-stage suction mechanism  25  (comprising blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C) of the loader  1  of the present invention. The settling chamber  23  functions such that airflow is drawn by the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C through the air-materials separating chamber  21  into the settling chamber  23 , which provides an area where dust, fine chaff or other particles from the suctioned particulate or granular materials, which may be present in the air flow, can settle, through gravity, on a surface of the settling chamber  23 . This provides the benefit of reducing the clogging of the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C through an accumulated presence of such dust, fine chaff or other particles in the blowers. Further, this settling of the dust, fine chaff or other particles reduces rotor blade wear of the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C, thus prolonging the effective usable life span of the rotor blades. In a preferred embodiment, the settling chamber  23  has an access port (not shown) to permit the removal of the dust, fine chaff or other particles which have settled in the settling chamber  23 . Alternatively, the settling chamber  23  itself may be removable to permit the removal of the dust, fine chaff or other particles which have settled in the settling chamber  23 . In another embodiment, a cyclone separator (not shown) is positioned and installed within the settling chamber to remove dust, fine chaff or other particles from the air stream flowing therethrough. 
       FIGS. 9 and 9A  illustrate an embodiment of a material-conveying end dump housing  65 , (hereinafter referred to as a “housing”), which is adapted to cover the outer end  67  of the tubular housing  35 . Thus, it will be appreciated that, when the housing has been attached to the outer end  67  of the tubular housing  35 , the end of the auger assembly is contained substantially within the housing  65 , as can be seen with reference to  FIG. 9 . In this manner, particulate materials advanced by the auger  33  out of the outermost end  67  of the tubular housing  35  will enter into the housing  65  for discharge, as hereinafter described. 
     In a preferred embodiment, particulate materials discharged by the auger assembly  27  out of the outer end  67  of the tubular housing  35 , pass through an inlet port  69  in communication therewith, and accumulate within the housing  65  on an upper surface of a bottom wall  71  of the housing  65 , the bottom wall  71  being hingedly connected  75  thereto, the bottom wall being generally held in the closed position by a spring  73  as described herein. The opening of the bottom wall  71  thus depends upon the weight of the material accumulating in the housing  65 , and the load applied by the spring  73  to keep the bottom wall  71  closed. As material to be discharged will continue to accumulate in the housing until the weight of the accumulated material reaches that weight necessary to force open the bottom wall of the housing, whereupon the bottom wall  71  will swing to an open position thereby allowing the discharge of material from the housing to, for example, an awaiting truck or other receptacle. Of course, the force applied by the auger  33  in feeding material into a full housing will compress the material and force the bottom wall  71  open. As noted previously, the opening of the bottom wall  71  thus depends upon the weight of the material accumulating in the housing, and the counteracting force applied by the spring  73  to keep the bottom wall closed. When material is no longer being sent in sufficient amounts to maintain the bottom wall  71  in the open position, the spring  73  biases the bottom wall  71  back into a position to close the entrance to the housing  65 . As seen in  FIG. 9A , the spring  73  is connected between each of a rear portion  70  of the bottom wall, and bar  72 , which extends laterally between side portions  77 ,  78  of the housing  65 , thus exerting a constant tension force to keep the bottom wall closed, until the weight of the accumulated material in the housing  65  reaches that weight necessary to force open the bottom wall  71  of the housing  65 , whereupon the bottom wall  71  will then pivot about the hinge  75  to an open position thereby allowing the discharge of material from the housing  65 . 
     It will, of course, be apparent to a worker skilled in the art that the weight of the accumulated material necessary to force open the bottom wall of the housing can be varied, and depends upon, for example, the weight of the bottom wall and the resiliency of the spring which is utilized. Of course, once the spring  73  pivots the bottom wall  71  such as to close the housing  65 , the closed housing blocks or impedes a substantial entry of outside air into the housing  65 , and the attached tubular housing  35 , thus limiting the loss of the negative pressure in the loader and in the auger assembly. In a preferred embodiment of the housing  65 , side portions  77  of the housing  65  extend beyond the lower edges of the front and rear of the housing to provide extender walls alongside the opened or partially opened bottom wall, so that during the gravitational discharge of materials when the bottom wall  71  of the housing has opened, the extended side portions  77 , in conjunction with and substantially abutting the opened or partially opened bottom wall  71 , reduce the unimpeded entry of outside air into the housing  65  (and correspondingly attached tubular housing  35 ), thus inhibiting diminution of the negative pressure in the loader and in the auger assembly. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the drum  41  is driven by a belt (not shown), by way of pulleys mounted on the drive and on the shaft  43 , and that such drives may be similar in most respects to the drives present in respect of prior commercialized machines, as understood to a person skilled in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , power from the front of the machine is delivered via a simple drive shaft such as the main drive shaft  79  connected at one end to, for example, the power take off of a tractor, and connected at the other end to a power transfer case  99  and thereafter a rearward power shaft  80 . The rearward power shaft  80 , by means of a single pulley or preferably a multi-pulley set  110  thereon, (or alternatively, a chain sprocket set (not shown)) provides power for the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C, by belts (or alternatively, where sprockets are utilized, by chain(s)), by way of a corresponding pulley or preferably multi-pulley set  112  (or a corresponding chain sprocket set in an alternative embodiment) attached to a blower drive shaft  81  upon which the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C are mounted. The rearward power shaft  80  and blower drive shaft  83  are rotationally supported by bearing sets  114 ,  87  and  89  respectively illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  7  and  12 . Tensioning for the belt and pulley mechanism can be effected through use of a tensioning or idler arm  86  as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, and as seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5  and  12 , the auger  33  is driven by means of a power transfer case  99 , itself driven by the main drive shaft  79  in a manner known to a person skilled in the art, the power transfer case  99  transferring the power from the main drive shaft to, in the preferred embodiment, an intermediate shaft  116  which, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , extends on an angle downwardly away from the power transfer case  99 . In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the intermediate shaft  116  to the horizontal corresponds with or substantially corresponds with the angle of the longitudinal axis of the auger  33  to the horizontal, such that the intermediate shaft  116  is parallel or substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the auger  33 , thereby allowing the drive mechanism between the intermediate shaft  116  and the auger  33 , more fully described herein, to be aligned or substantially with one another (it being understood that because in the preferred embodiment, the drive shaft  80  passes below the auger  33 , the intermediate shaft, while parallel with and at the same angle to the horizontal as the longitudinal axis of the auger  33 , it will be lower than the longitudinal axis of the auger as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such that, the plane defined by the intermediate shaft and the longitudinal axis of the auger will be sloped downwardly both toward the front side and toward the right side of the loader. In an alternative embodiment where the drive shaft  80  passes above the auger  33 , while the intermediate shaft will be parallel or substantially parallel with and at the same angle to the horizontal as the longitudinal axis of the auger, the plane defined by the intermediate shaft and the longitudinal axes of the auger will slope downwardly toward the right side of the loader, an upwardly toward the front of the auger. 
     In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a pulley  130  is attached to the lower end of the intermediate shaft  116 , and in alignment therewith, a pulley  118  is attached to the lower end of the auger  33 , through which pulleys (and a suitable belt, not shown), rotational power is provided from the intermediate shaft to the auger to thereby drive the auger. In a manner known to a person skilled in the art, an idler pulley  124  is provided between the pulleys to maintain the proper tensioning in the belt. In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), a pair of sprockets, a chain and an idler sprocket may be utilized in the place of the corresponding pair of pulleys, belt and idler pulley in a manner known to a person skilled in the art. 
     In some circumstances, it is desirable to vary the rotational speed of the auger relative to the rotational speed of the blowers. For example, when the loader is being used to move a large quantity of particulates a short distance, it may be desirable to reduce the suction effect of the loader by reducing the rotational speed of the blowers, while at the same time increasing the rotational speed of the auger. On the other hand, when the loader is being used to move smaller quantities of particulates over a long distance, it may be desirable to maintain maximum rotational speed of the blowers, while at the same time decreasing the rotational speed of the auger. In one embodiment of the present invention, the power transfer case includes a variable gearset for the auxiliary drive shaft so that the auxiliary drive shaft  116  can be operated at different rotational speeds relative to the rearward drive shaft  80 . In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in the place of the single pulley  130  on the end of the intermediate shaft  116 , two pulleys  132  of different diameters are provided, and similarly in the place of the single pulley  118  on the end of the auger  33 , two pulleys  120  of different diameters are provided, the larger pulley on the intermediate shaft being aligned with the smaller pulley on the auger, and the smaller pulley on the intermediate shaft being aligned with the larger pulley on the auger so that the operator of the loader may install a single belt on either pair of aligned pulleys and in so doing thereby increase or decrease the relative rotational speed of the auger. An idler pulley  126  may be utilized to maintain proper tension in the belt. In a further alternative embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 , in the place of the single pulley  130  on the end of the intermediate shaft  116 , two sprockets  134  of different diameters are provided, and similarly in the place of the single pulley  118  on the end of the auger  33 , two sprockets  122  of different diameters are provided, the larger sprocket on the intermediate shaft being aligned with the smaller sprocket on the auger, and the smaller sprocket on the intermediate shaft being aligned with the larger sprocket on the auger so that the operator of the loader may install a single chain on either pair of aligned sprockets and in so doing thereby increase or decrease the relative rotational speed of the auger. An idler sprocket  128  may be utilized to maintain proper tension in the chain. In a further embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the power to drive the auger is not provided by way of the power transfer case but rather by way of a variable speed hydraulic motor  144  attached to a pulley  130  aligned with a corresponding pulley  118  on the auger shaft, or alternatively the hydraulic motor  144  is attached to a sprocket  142  aligned with a corresponding sprocket  140  on the auger shaft, a belt (or in the case of the sprockets, a chain, not shown) on the pulley  130  (or sprocket  142 ) attached to the hydraulic motor  144  driving the auger by means of the auger pulley  118  (or sprocket  140 ). A pulley  124  or sprocket  138  idler is provided to maintain proper belt or chain tension. Power for the hydraulic motor is provided through hydraulic hoses  146  by means of a hydraulic pump such as found on a typical farm tractor. The rotational speed of the hydraulic motor may be varied as desired in a manner known to a person skilled in the art, to provide a wide range of rotational speeds for the auger, independent of the rotational speed of the blowers. In an alternative embodiment, a sensor (not shown) adapted to detect the height of the grain or other particulates positioned within the separation chamber (or alternatively, adapted to detect the rate of introduction of grain or other particulates into the separation chamber), will trigger or engage a switch or relay while detecting a predetermined height of grain (or other particulates) positioned within the separation chamber (or a predetermined rate of introduction of grain or other particulates into the separation chamber, as the case may be), which switch or relay will, when triggered or engaged, activate a hydraulic fluid valve (not shown) to increase the flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic motor  144  in a manner known to a person skilled in the art, the increased flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic motor  144  increasing the rotational speed of the auger to more rapidly transfer the grain from the separation chamber, by means of the auger, into an awaiting truck, vehicle or other storage location. When the sensor no longer detects that the height of the grain (or other particulates) within the separation chamber is above a predetermined height (or no longer detects the predetermined rate of introduction of grain or other particulars into the separation chamber) the switch or relay will activate the hydraulic fluid valve to reduce the flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic motor  144  in a manner known to a person skilled in the art, the reduced flow of hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic motor  144  reducing the rotational speed of the auger to more slowly transfer the grain from the separation chamber. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention, and as seen in  FIG. 6 , the loader  1  of the present invention may also comprise a hose storage rack  95 , whereby the hose (not shown) for connection to the inlet  19  can be conveniently stored when not in use. 
     Operation 
     When the loader  1  is towed to the desired work site the auger assembly  27  is unfolded and the hose (not shown) connected to inlet  19 , a drive shaft  79  is coupled with the power takeoff shaft (not shown) of a tractor or other vehicle or device for activation of the blowers  79 A,  79 B,  79 C, the drum  41 , and the auger  33 . As noted previously, in a preferred embodiment, a powerful current of air will be drawn through a hose (not shown) connected to inlet  19  by the negative pressure condition created by the fan blowers  79 A,  79 B, 79 C, connected in combination. Such air flow enters through inlet  81  of blower  79 A, where the air is then directed by stators  85 ,  86  through the blower  79 B and further re-directed by stators  91 ,  92  to enter blower  79 C, whereupon it is ultimately and eventually exhausted to the outside atmosphere through exhaust structure  101  by way of fan chamber  63 . 
     Inside the air-material separating chamber  21 , any particles that do become adhered to the drum  41 , including not only the grain itself but lighter chaff particles and the like, will drop off as they rotate with the drum past the baffle  45 . 
     The auger assembly  27  advances the materials received by inlet  29  upwardly and outwardly away from the body  7  toward the outermost end  67  of the tubular housing  35  to enter into the end dump housing  65  for discharge. As the augered materials to be discharged continue to accumulate in the housing, until the weight of the accumulated material reaches that weight necessary to force open the bottom wall  71  of the housing  65 , the bottom wall  71  will swing to an open position, thereby allowing the discharge of material from the housing to, for example, an awaiting truck or other receptacle, as previously described. Of course, the bottom wall  71  of the housing may also be assisted in opening by the auger feeding more material into an already full housing, whereby the material is thus compressed so as to, eventually, force the bottom wall  71  open. 
     The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.