Patent Publication Number: US-2016228831-A1

Title: Liquid transfer system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/112,274 filed on Feb. 5, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to liquid transfer systems for use with bulk containers in the transportation, storage, and delivery of bulk materials. 
     The transportation of large quantities of bulk liquids or solids has traditionally been carried out by tanker trucks or the like, whereas smaller quantities thereof have been shipped or transported in conventional 55-gallon drums. However, use of such drums has a number of problems, such as their weight and their tendency to leak, dent, and corrode. Furthermore, there are significant costs associated with the handling, use, and disposal of 55-gallon drums, and there are situations where amounts greater than 55 gallons, but less than that carried by a tanker truck, are needed. 
     One area, for example, where various quantities of bulk material are often needed is the agricultural industry. Individual production sites in the agricultural industry (e.g. farms) are more numerous and more geographically dispersed than in other industries, and are often relatively remote from major transport arteries. Furthermore, due to the number of sites and their size, intermediate, but generally not tanker-sized, amounts of materials such as fertilizer and crop protection chemicals are often required for each site. Distribution channels for the agricultural industry have evolved to deal with this geographical dispersion through use of a number of intermediaries, and generally there is at least one step in the distribution channel between the original supplier and the agricultural site. This leads to the need to be able to safely transport bulk materials where loading, unloading, and temporary storage may occur repeatedly before delivery and use at a final site. 
     When bulk material is potentially hazardous, as may be the case for fertilizers or crop protection chemicals, repeated handling of the bulk containers can increase the risk of damage to the containers and potential spills. As most crop protection chemicals have a high price/volume ratio and many may be potentially hazardous if spilled or leaked, container integrity is very important. 
     Increasingly, volumes of bulk materials such as those used in agriculture are being purchased by end-users in large refillable containers sometimes referred to as shuttles. Many of these shuttles may be more formally referred to as intermediate bulk containers (IBC) and may come in a variety of different sizes. Requirements for these types of containers are outlined in various D.O.T. and F.D.A. regulations, and are specifically described in 49 CFR Section 178. IBCs may include numerous types of designs, including metal IBCs (i.e., those constructed of metal), rigid plastic IBCs (i.e., those constructed of all-plastic material), and composite IBCs (i.e., those that include a rigid outer package enclosing a plastic inner receptacle). IBCs may define a capacity in the range of 100-550 gallons. 
     IBCs may have an integral pump or connector for an external pump to permit transfer of liquid, and are commonly shipped on a pallet and handled by a forklift. For example, the liquid transfer system may provide a 150 gallon tank that is suspended on a frame, which then delivers material to a 5-10 gallon measuring vessel for mixing into carrier liquid for delivery, typically at an agricultural site. 
     While a great deal of progress has been made in providing bulk material containers, particularly those suited for intermediate sized amounts of material, many of these containers are still awkward to deliver, and difficult to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention provides a transfer system and methods of use that can be used to separately receive, support, and/or rinse one or more bulk containers. Specifically, a platform or stand (e.g., an Intermediate Container Platform (ICP)) may support a variety of different sized interchangeable bulk containers (e.g., Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)). The bulk containers may be any type of container or tank that is used for transporting and storing, for example, bulk chemicals (e.g., solutions, fertilizer, etc.). The transfer system may also include a measuring vessel or measuring container that may be fluidly coupled or attached to and removed from each bulk container that is positioned on the platform or stand (e.g., using a quick connect hose or connection apparatus) to transfer solution from the bulk container to the measuring vessel. Each bulk container that is positioned on top of the platform or stand may be removed and replaced with a different bulk container (e.g., of the same or different size). The platform or stand may include a variety of different materials such as, e.g., plastic (e.g., by a mold process) or metal. 
     The transfer system may also include a flow control apparatus that is fluidly coupled to a storage container configured to store fluid (e.g., liquid, water, etc.) and fluidly coupled to the measuring vessel. The flow control apparatus combines (e.g., mixes) the fluid of the storage container with the bulk chemicals of the measuring vessel at a predetermined ratio (e.g., determined by the volume of fluid present in the storage container and the volume of bulk chemicals in the measuring vessel) to be dispersed out of the flow control apparatus (e.g., to a spraying container). The flow control apparatus may also include a port that may be fluidly coupled to a rinse tube such that the fluid of the storage container may be used to rinse either the bulk container or the measuring vessel to clean any remaining bulk materials therein. 
     One exemplary transfer system for receiving and supporting one of a first bulk container and a second bulk container may include a platform apparatus, a measuring vessel apparatus, and a connection apparatus. Each of the first and second bulk containers may be configured to hold a solution. The first bulk container may include a first container base having a first cross-sectional area and the second bulk container may include a second container base having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The platform apparatus may include a receiving platform portion, a base platform portion, and one or more sidewalls including a first sidewall extending between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion and a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall and extending between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion. The receiving platform portion may be configured to separately receive each of the first and second bulk containers. The platform apparatus may include a first plurality of supports extending along the first sidewall and a second plurality of supports extending along the second sidewall. Each of the first plurality of supports and the second plurality of supports may extend between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion at a distance inwards from the first and second sidewalls, respectively. 
     The measuring vessel apparatus may be coupled to the platform apparatus and configured to hold and measure the solution. The measuring vessel apparatus may define a measuring vessel inlet and a measuring vessel outlet. The connection apparatus may extend from a first end connection region to a second end connection region. The connection apparatus may define a passageway configured to transfer fluid between the first end connection region and the second end connection region. The first end connection region may be coupled to the measuring vessel inlet and the second end connection region may be removably couplable to a bulk container outlet of each of the first and second bulk containers. The connection apparatus may be configured to transfer the solution in either of the first or second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus. 
     In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second pluralities of supports may define a center point. The center points of each of the first plurality of supports may define a first support axis and the center points of each of the second plurality of supports may define a second support axis. A support width may be defined between the first support axis and the second support axis. The support width may be less than or equal to a width of each of the first and second bulk containers. In one or more embodiments, the distance inwards from the first and second sidewalls may be measured between the first support axis and the first sidewall and between the second support axis and the second sidewall, respectively. The distance may be between 3 inches and 6 inches. 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system may also include a flow control apparatus. The flow control apparatus may define a flow control inlet, a flow control outlet, and a measuring vessel port therebetween in fluid communication with the measuring vessel outlet. The flow control apparatus may be configured to transport fluid from the flow control inlet to the flow control outlet such that the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus may be moved from the measuring vessel port towards the flow control outlet and mixes with the fluid. In one or more embodiments, the flow control apparatus may also define one or more rinse ports positioned upstream of the measuring vessel port and in fluid communication with the fluid from the flow control inlet before the solution mixes with the fluid. In one or more embodiments, the one or more rinse ports may be positioned upstream or downstream of the measuring vessel port. In one or more embodiments, the transfer system may also include one or more rinse tubes configured to transfer fluid from the one or more rinse ports to the measuring vessel apparatus, the first bulk container when received on the receiving platform portion, or the second bulk container when received on the receiving platform portion to rinse the measuring vessel apparatus, the first bulk container, or the second bulk container. The one or more rinse tubes may include a first rinse tube portion extending from a first rinse tube inlet to a first rinse tube outlet and a second rinse tube portion extending from a second rinse tube inlet to a second rinse tube outlet. Each of the first and second rinse tube inlets may be removably couplable to the one or more rinse ports, the first rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a container inlet of either of the first and second bulk containers, and the second rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a vessel rinsing inlet of the measuring vessel apparatus. 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system may also include a bulk container nozzle fluidly connected to the first rinse tube outlet and configured to spray fluid into either of the first or second bulk containers. The transfer system may also include a measuring vessel nozzle fluidly connected to the second rinse tube outlet and configured to spray fluid into the measuring vessel apparatus. In one or more embodiments, the connection apparatus may be configurable between an attached configuration and a detached configuration. The second end connection region may be coupled to at least one of the bulk container outlets of the first or second bulk container when the connection apparatus is in the attached configuration such that fluid passes between the bulk container outlet of either of the first or second bulk container and the measuring vessel inlet. The second end connection region need not be coupled to the bulk container outlet of either of the first or second bulk container when the connection apparatus is in the detached configuration. In one or more embodiments, the platform apparatus may include a holding apparatus configured to support the second end connection region when the second end connection region is not coupled to the bulk container outlet of either of the first and second bulk containers. 
     In one or more embodiments, the bulk container outlet of each of the first and second bulk containers may be positioned on a bulk container surface adjacent the first container base and the second container base, respectively. The platform apparatus may define a platform cavity inward from a plane defined by one of the one or more sidewalls. At least a portion of the measuring vessel apparatus may be positioned in the platform cavity. In one or more embodiments, the transfer system may also include one or more straps configured to secure one of the first and second bulk containers to the platform apparatus. Each of the one or more straps may extend from a first end strap region coupled to the platform apparatus proximate the first sidewall to a second end strap region coupled to the platform apparatus proximate the second sidewall. The first or second bulk container may be positioned between the one or more straps and the receiving platform portion. In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one or more sidewalls of the platform apparatus may include one or more steps configured to allow a user to step thereon. 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system may include an additional platform apparatus that is identical to and stackable on the platform apparatus and may include a receiving platform portion, a base platform portion, and one or more sidewall portions extending between the receiving platform portion of the additional platform apparatus and the base platform portion of the additional platform apparatus. The receiving platform portion of the platform apparatus may be configured to mate with the base platform portion of the additional platform apparatus and the base platform portion of the platform apparatus may be configured to mate with the receiving platform portion of the additional platform apparatus. 
     Another exemplary transfer system for receiving and supporting one of a first bulk container and a second bulk container may include a platform apparatus, a measuring vessel apparatus, a connection apparatus, a flow control apparatus, and one or more rinse tubes. Each of the first and second bulk containers may be configured to hold a solution. The first bulk container may include a first container base having a first cross-sectional area and the second bulk container may include a second container base having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The platform apparatus may include a receiving platform portion, a base platform portion, and one or more sidewalls extending between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion. The receiving platform portion may be configured to separately receive each of the first and second bulk containers. The measuring vessel apparatus may be coupled to the platform apparatus and may be configured to hold and measure the solution. The measuring vessel apparatus may define a measuring vessel inlet and a measuring vessel outlet. The connection apparatus may extend from a first end connection region to a second end connection region. The connection apparatus may define a passageway configured to transfer fluid between the first end connection region and the second end connection region. The first end connection region may be coupled to the measuring vessel inlet and the second end connection region may be removably couplable to a bulk container outlet of each of the first and second bulk containers. The connection apparatus may be configured to transfer the solution in either of the first or second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus. 
     The flow control apparatus may define a flow control inlet, flow control outlet, and a measuring vessel port therebetween in fluid communication with the measuring vessel outlet. The flow control apparatus may be configured to transport fluid from the flow control inlet to the flow control outlet such that the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus may be moved from the measuring vessel port towards the flow control outlet and mixes with the fluid. The flow control apparatus may also define one or more rinse ports. The one or more rinse tubes may be configured to transfer fluid from the one or more rinse ports to the measuring vessel apparatus, the first bulk container when received by the platform apparatus, or the second bulk container when received by the platform apparatus to rinse the measuring vessel apparatus, the first bulk container, or the second bulk container. The one or more rinse tubes may include a first rinse tube portion extending from a first rinse tube inlet to a first rinse tube outlet and a second rinse tube portion extending from a second rinse tube inlet to a second rinse tube outlet. Each of the first and second rinse tube inlets may be removably couplable to the one or more rinse ports, the first rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a container inlet of either of the first and second bulk containers, and the second rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a vessel rinsing inlet of the measuring vessel apparatus. 
     One exemplary method of using and replacing one of a first bulk container and a second bulk container on a platform apparatus may include providing a platform apparatus, a measuring vessel apparatus, and a connection apparatus. Each of the first and second bulk containers may be configured to hold a solution, wherein the first bulk container may include a first container base having a first cross-sectional area and the second bulk container may include a second container base having a second cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area. The platform apparatus may include a receiving platform portion, a base platform portion, and one or more sidewalls extending between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion. The measuring vessel apparatus may be coupled to the platform apparatus, may be configured to hold and measure a solution, and may define a measuring vessel inlet and a measuring vessel outlet. The connection apparatus may extend from a first end connection region to a second end connection region and may define a passageway configured to transfer fluid between the first end connection region and the second end connection region. The first end connection region may be coupled to the measuring vessel inlet. 
     The method may also include supporting the first bulk container on the receiving platform portion and coupling the second end connection region of the connection apparatus to a bulk container outlet of the first bulk container to fluidly couple the first bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus. Further, the method may include transferring solution in the first bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus using the connection apparatus. The method may also include uncoupling the second end connection region from the bulk container outlet of the first bulk container and removing the first bulk container from the receiving platform portion. 
     The method may further include supporting the second bulk container on the receiving platform portion, coupling the second end connection region of the connection apparatus to a bulk container outlet of the second bulk container to fluidly couple the second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus, and transferring solution in the second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus using the connection apparatus. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method may also include transferring fluid through a flow control apparatus from a flow control inlet to a flow control outlet such that the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus may be moved from the measuring vessel outlet through a measuring vessel port of the flow control apparatus towards the flow control outlet and mixes with the fluid. The measuring vessel outlet may be fluidly coupled to the measuring vessel port of the flow control apparatus and may be positioned between the flow control inlet and the flow control outlet. In one or more embodiments, the method may further include rinsing either of the first or second bulk containers using a bulk container rinse tube. The bulk container rinse tube may extend from a container rinse tube inlet removably couplable to one or more rinse ports of the flow control apparatus towards a container rinse tube outlet removably couplable to a container inlet of each of the first and second bulk containers. The fluid may transfer from the flow control inlet through the bulk container rinse tube to rinse either of the first or second bulk containers. In one or more embodiments, the method may also include rinsing the measuring vessel apparatus using a measuring vessel rinse tube. The measuring vessel rinse tube may extend from a measuring vessel rinse tube inlet removably couplable to one or more rinse ports of the flow control apparatus towards a measuring vessel rinse tube outlet removably couplable to a vessel rinsing inlet of the measuring vessel apparatus. The fluid may transfer from the flow control inlet and through the measuring vessel rinse tube to rinse the measuring vessel apparatus. 
     The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. A more complete understanding will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a platform apparatus. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective cross-sectional view taken at line  2 - 2 ′ of the platform apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of the platform apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  including a cross-sectional outline of a bulk container received on the platform apparatus. 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the platform apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  including a cross-sectional outline of another bulk container received on the platform apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary transfer system including the platform apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  and an exemplary measuring vessel apparatus. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the measuring vessel apparatus shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a bulk container received on an exemplary transfer system including a platform apparatus, a measuring vessel, and a connection apparatus. 
         FIG. 7  is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the transfer system shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is schematic view of a plurality of measuring vessel apparatus, platform apparatus, and bulk containers received by corresponding platform apparatus in series. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the transfer system shown in  FIG. 6  and further including a flow control apparatus and a rinse tube. 
         FIG. 10  is an expanded perspective view of a portion of the transfer system shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary rinse tube for rinsing a measuring vessel apparatus. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary rinse tube for rinsing a bulk container. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the exemplary rinse tube shown in  FIG. 12  coupled to the bulk container. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of multiple exemplary platform apparatus stacked on one another. 
         FIG. 15  is a method of separately supporting, coupling, and transferring solution from different bulk containers on an exemplary platform apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     In the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments which may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from (e.g., still falling within) the scope of the disclosure presented hereby. 
     Exemplary apparatus and systems shall be described with reference to  FIGS. 1-15 . It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that elements from one embodiment may be used in combination with elements of the other embodiments, and that the possible embodiments of such apparatus and systems using combinations of features set forth herein is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the Figures and/or described herein. Further, it will be recognized that the embodiments described herein may include many elements that are not necessarily shown to scale. Still further, it will be recognized that the size and shape of various elements herein may be modified but still fall within the scope of the present disclosure, although certain one or more shapes and/or sizes, or types of elements, may be advantageous over others. 
     The present disclosure relates generally to transfer systems (e.g., for liquids) and methods for supporting and rinsing bulk containers received on a platform apparatus of the transfer system. The platform apparatus may be configured to receive a variety of different sized bulk containers. The bulk containers may include bulk chemicals or solution that is provided into a measuring vessel apparatus (e.g., by gravity) such that the solution may be combined with a fluid, such as water (e.g., from an additional/storage container), at a predetermined ratio and dispersed into a sprayer container (e.g., a container that stores the mixed water and solution that may be sprayed). The transfer system may also include one or more rinse tubes that transfer fluid (e.g., water from the additional/storage container) to rinse bulk chemical (e.g., residue) from the bulk container or measuring vessel apparatus. 
     A platform apparatus  110  for a transfer system  100  (see, e.g., transfer system  100  of  FIG. 4 ) for separately receiving and supporting a variety of different bulk containers is shown in  FIG. 1 . The platform apparatus  110  may be of various shapes and sizes. For example, the platform apparatus  110  may include a receiving platform portion  112  and an opposing base platform portion  114 . The receiving platform portion  112  may be configured to receive or support other components, e.g., bulk containers. In other words, components may be positioned on the receiving platform portion  112  on top of the platform apparatus  110 . The base platform portion  114  may be configured to support the platform apparatus  110  on a variety of things such as, e.g., the ground, a machine, equipment, another platform apparatus  110 , etc. 
     The platform apparatus  110  may also include one or more sidewalls  116  extending between the receiving platform portion  112  and the base platform portion  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the one or more sidewalls  116  may include a first sidewall  122  (e.g., on the left side) and a second sidewall  124  (e.g., on the right side) opposing the first sidewall  122 . Each of the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124  extend between the receiving platform portion  112  and the base platform portion  114 . 
     The platform apparatus  110  may include (e.g., be formed of) one or more materials such as, e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, epoxy resin, polymer, etc. Additionally, the platform apparatus  110  may be made or formed in a variety of different ways such as, e.g., rotary or spin molding, injection molding, forging, thermoforming, etc. The platform apparatus  110  may include a variety of features such as, e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2007/0045355 entitled, “Bulk Container with Collapsible Support,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The platform apparatus  110  may include features such that the platform apparatus  110  may be easily transported and readily stacked (e.g., to facilitate transportation of multiple platform apparatus  110 ). For example, the platform apparatus  110  may be stacked as shown in  FIG. 14 . Specifically, an additional platform apparatus  110  that is identical to the platform apparatus  110  may be configured such that the receiving platform portion  112  of the platform apparatus  110  may be configured to mate with the base platform portion  114  of the additional platform apparatus  110  and the base platform portion  114  of the platform apparatus  110  may be configured to mate with the receiving platform portion  112  of the additional platform apparatus  110 . In other words, the platform apparatus  110  may be configured to be stacked as shown in FIG.  14  for improved storing and/or transportation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the platform apparatus  110  may include one or more protrusions  111  configured to accurately position (e.g., nest) any component (e.g., an additional platform apparatus  110 , a bulk container  10 , etc.) in relation to the platform apparatus  110 . The one or more protrusions  111  may be positioned on any part of the platform apparatus  110  and may include any number of protrusions  111 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the one or more protrusions  111  are positioned proximate the receiving platform portion  112  and include four protrusions  111  at the corners of the receiving platform portion  112 . 
     Additionally, the platform apparatus  110  may define one or more indentations  109  that protrude into (e.g., inward toward the interior of) the platform apparatus  110 . The one or more indentations  109  may be positioned proximate the base platform portion  114 . The one or more indentations  109  may define a shape that is complementary and receptive to the one or more protrusions  111  such that multiple platform apparatus  110  may be stacked (e.g., nested) on one another in a non-obstructive way. Also, the mating of the one or more protrusions  111  and the one or more indentations  109  may help to restrict movement of the platform apparatus  110  relative to one another when nested or stacked. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the one or more indentations  109  are positioned proximate the base platform portion  114  and include four indentations  109  at the corners of the base platform portion  114 . 
     The platform apparatus  110  may also define one or more lift channels  115  proximate the base platform portion  114 . The one or more lift channels  115  may extend into the platform apparatus  110  towards the receiving platform portion  112 . The one or more lift channels  115  may be configured to assist in moving the platform apparatus  110  by, e.g., allowing tines of a forklift to extend within the one or more lift channels  115  to lift the platform apparatus  110 . For example, the one or more lift channels  115  may extend along one or both of the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124  (e.g., spaced a distance inward therefrom) and define an opening in the sidewall between the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124  such that, e.g., the tines of a forklift may be positioned proximate (e.g., under) the base platform portion  114 . For example, the one or more lift channels  115  may be aligned in a generally parallel fashion and equidistant from the center of the platform apparatus to allow for entry by forklift tines. 
     In one or more embodiments, at least one of the one or more sidewalls  116  of the platform apparatus  110  may include one or more steps  120 . The one or more steps  120  may be configured to provide a location for an individual to “step-up” and support the weight of the individual to access components that are higher up (e.g., the bulk container  10  as shown in  FIG. 6 ) to, e.g., rinse the bulk container  10 , attach or remove components, etc. The one or more steps  120  may be positioned on any suitable portion of the platform apparatus  110 . For example, the one or more steps  120  may be proximate the first sidewall  122 , the second sidewall  124 , a “front sidewall” of the one or more sidewalls  116 , e.g., between the first and second sidewall  122 ,  124 , or any combination of the one or more sidewalls  116 . The one or more steps  120  may be positioned anywhere along the one or more sidewalls  116  from the receiving platform portion  112  to the base platform portion  114 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the one or more steps  120  are closer to the receiving platform portion  112  than the base platform portion  114  and define a generally flat surface that lies in a plane that may be generally parallel to the receiving platform portion  112 . In one or more embodiments, the one or more steps  120  may include a traction lip that, e.g., provides increased traction to the individual using the one or more steps  120 , and/or a draining feature that, e.g., allows any liquid residing in the one or more steps  120  to drain out of the one or more steps  120 . 
     The platform apparatus  110  may also include a plurality of supports  126 ,  128  configured to strengthen the platform apparatus  110  to, e.g., help support weight added to (e.g., positioned on) the receiving platform portion  112 . In one or more embodiments, the plurality of supports  126 ,  128  may be described as not collapsible under the weight of a bulk container  10  filled with bulk material. The plurality of supports  126 ,  128  may be provided (e.g., positioned or formed) in a variety of different ways. For example, the platform apparatus  110  may be formed (e.g., spin/rotational molded, injection molded, etc.) around and integral with the plurality of supports  126 ,  128  such that the plurality of supports  126 ,  128  are integral with one or both of the receiving platform portion  112  and the base platform portion  114 . Additionally, for example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the platform apparatus  110  may include a first plurality of supports  126  extending along the first sidewall  122  and a second plurality of supports  128  extending along the second sidewall  124 . Each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may extend between the receiving platform portion  112  and the base platform portion  114  to, e.g., reinforce compression forces applied between the receiving platform portion  112  and the base platform portion  114 . The first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may include (e.g., be formed of) one or more materials such as, e.g., plastic, metal, fiberglass, etc. 
     The first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may be described as extending along the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 , respectively, at a distance  101  inwards (e.g., an offset) from the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 , respectively. In one or more embodiments, the distance  101  inwards may be described as measured from a center point  125  of each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128 . For example, each of the first plurality of supports  126  may define a center point  125  and each of the second plurality of supports  128  may define a center point  125 . The center points  125  of the first plurality of supports  126  may align to define a first support axis  127  and the center points  125  of the second plurality of supports  128  may align to define a second support axis  129 . In one or more embodiments, the distance  101  inwards may be measured between the first sidewall  122  and the first support axis  127  and between the second sidewall  124  and the second support axis  129 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first support axis  127  and the second support axis  129  may be parallel to the first sidewall  122  and the second sidewall  124 , respectively, however, in one or more embodiments, the first support axis  127  and the second support axis  129  need not be parallel to the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the distance  101  inwards, from the corresponding sidewall  122 ,  124 , of each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  is equivalent. In one or more embodiments, the distance  101  inwards, from the corresponding sidewall  122 ,  124 , of each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may be different. The distance  101  may be, e.g., greater than or equal to 1 inch, greater than or equal to 3 inches, greater than or equal to 5 inches and/or less than or equal to 8 inches, less than or equal to 6 inches, less than or equal to 4 inches, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a perspective cross-sectional view taken at line  2 - 2 ′ of the platform apparatus  110  shown in  FIG. 1 , the second plurality of supports  128  extend from the receiving platform portion  112  to the base platform portion  114 . The second plurality of supports  128  (and, e.g., the first plurality of supports  126 ) may take any shape or size. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the second plurality of supports  128  define an annular shape and define a hole  139  through each of the second plurality of supports  128  from the receiving platform portion  112  to the base platform portion  114 . 
     The receiving platform portion  112  may separately receive and support a bulk container  10  defined by one or more bulk container surfaces  11  as shown in  FIG. 6 . The one or more bulk container surfaces  11  may include a bottom surface  511 , a top surface  512  opposite the bottom surface  511 , and one or more sidewalls  513 . The bulk container  10  is configured to hold a solution (e.g., bulk material) that, e.g., may be mixed with a fluid (e.g., water from a fresh water supply) before aggregating in a sprayer container. The bulk container  10  may include a bulk container outlet  14  (e.g., where the solution exits the bulk container  10 ) and a bulk container inlet  16  (e.g., where the solution enters the bulk container). The bulk container inlet  16  may be sealed by a cap that is easily attachable and removable. In one or more embodiments, the bulk container outlet  14  may be positioned at a bulk container surface  11  adjacent a surface of the receiving platform portion  112  (e.g., at the one or more sidewalls  513 ). 
     The one or more sidewalls  513  of the bulk container surfaces  11  may be positioned generally parallel to the one or more sidewalls  116  of the platform apparatus  110  between the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 . The bulk container outlet  14  may be positioned lower on the bulk container  10  than the bulk container inlet  16  (e.g., located on the top surface  512 ) to facilitate transfer and retention of bulk material by gravity in the bulk container  10 . Furthermore, the bulk container outlet  14  may be positioned proximate the bottom surface  511  of the bulk container  10  to facilitate egress of released bulk material by gravity. The bulk container outlet  14  may also include a valve to restrict and allow solution to move from the bulk container  10  to a measuring vessel apparatus  130  of the transfer system  100 . 
     The bulk container  10  may include a variety of different sizes and shapes as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The bulk container  10  may be configured to hold various volumes of fluid. For example, the bulk container  10  may define an interior configured to hold greater than or equal to 100 gallons, greater than or equal to 200 gallons, greater than or equal to 250 gallons, greater than or equal to 275 gallons and/or less than or equal to 500 gallons, less than or equal to 400 gallons, less than or equal to 375 gallons, less than or equal to 300 gallons, etc. Each of the different sized and shaped bulk containers  10  may be received and supported by the receiving platform portion  110  separately. 
     For example, a first bulk container  20  (e.g., as shown transparent in  FIG. 3A ) may be received by the receiving platform portion  112  and the first bulk container  20  may include a first container base  22  that defines a first cross-sectional area. Further, a second bulk container  30  (e.g., as shown transparent in  FIG. 3B ) may be received by the receiving platform portion  112  and the second bulk container  30  may include a second container base  32  that defines a second cross-sectional area. In one or more embodiments, the second cross-sectional area of the second container base  32  may be greater than the first cross-sectional area of the first container base  22 . The bulk container outlet  14  of each of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30  may be positioned on a bulk container surface  11  that is, e.g., adjacent the first container base  22  and the second container base  32 , respectively. 
     Further, the bulk container  10  may define a variety of shapes and surfaces. For example, the bulk container  10  may define a shape that is cubed, cuboid, “box-like”, pyramidal, coned, sphere-like, cylindrical, etc. Additionally, the bulk container  10  may include a base (e.g., first and second container bases  22 ,  32 ) received by the platform apparatus  110  that defines a variety of different shapes (e.g., a cross-section across the base of the bulk container  10 ). For example, the base of the bulk container  10  may define a shape that is square, rectangular, triangular, circular, etc. The base of the bulk container  10  may also define a bulk container width  12 . The bulk container width  12  may be measured between, e.g., points farthest from one another on the base, points on an outer edge of the base, opposing sides of a rectangular base, etc. 
     For each of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 , the corresponding first and second container bases  22 ,  32  may overlap at least a portion of each (or, e.g., at least one) of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  when either of the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30  is received by the platform apparatus  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , the first container base  22  of the first bulk container  20  at least partially covers each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128 . For example, the first container base  22  is positioned to extend along the center points  125  of each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the second container base  32  of the second bulk container  30  is positioned to cover each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  such that each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may be within a boundary of the second container base  32  (e.g., the second cross-sectional area of the second container base  32 ). 
     The first plurality of supports  126  and second plurality of supports  128  may be spaced apart such that the bulk containers  10  positioned on the receiving platform portion  112  (e.g., the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) may be supported by each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  (e.g., each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  is located underneath something positioned on the receiving platform portion  112 ). The distance between the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  may be described as a support width  102  and may be measured between, e.g., the first support axis  127  and the second support axis  129 . The support width  102  may be less than or equal to the bulk container width  12  of any of a plurality of bulk containers  10  (e.g., first bulk container  20  or second bulk container  30  as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B ). In other words, the bulk container width  12  may be larger than the support width  102  such that edges of the sidewalls  513  of the bulk container  10  are covering or outside of each of the first plurality of supports  126  and the second plurality of supports  128  when the bulk container  10  is received by the receiving platform portion  112 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3B . Further yet, one edge of the bulk container  10  may be positioned between the first plurality of supports  126  and the first sidewall  122  and/or another edge of the bulk container  10  may be positioned between the second plurality of supports  128  and the second sidewall  124  when the bulk container  10  is received by the receiving platform portion  112 . 
     Transfer system  100  may include a measuring vessel apparatus  130 , in addition to the platform apparatus  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 . The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be configured to hold and measure the solution after solution is transported from the bulk container  10  to the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may include a bottom surface  133 , a top surface  131  opposite the bottom surface  133 , and one or more sidewalls  135 . The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may include (e.g., be formed of, etc.) one or more materials such as, e.g., polymer plastic, metal, epoxy resins, polymer, etc. The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may include a variety of different shapes and sizes and may be configured to hold various volumes of fluid. For example, the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may define an interior (e.g., between the top surface  131 , bottom surface  133 , and the one or more sidewalls  135 ) configured to hold greater than or equal to 1 gallon, greater than or equal to 5 gallons, greater than or equal to 10 gallons, greater than or equal to 20 gallons and/or less than or equal to 50 gallons, less than or equal to 40 gallons, less than or equal to 25 gallons, less than or equal to 15 gallons, etc. In one or more embodiments, the interior of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be configured to hold between 10 and 50 gallons. 
     The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may measure and hold a predetermined volume of solution that is to be mixed with another fluid (e.g., water) to produce a known ratio between the two fluids, which may then be used to spray for, e.g., agricultural applications. The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may also include a measuring gauge  138  that provides information on the volume of solution (e.g., bulk material) held within the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . For example, the measuring gauge  138  may include a transparent or partially transparent tube that runs along the front of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  that includes graduated markings and is fluidly coupled to the interior of the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . By matching the level of visible solution with the markings provided on the measuring gauge  138 , the amount of solution contained within the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be determined. The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may define a measuring vessel inlet  132  (e.g., proximate the top surface  131 ) through which the solution may enter the measuring vessel apparatus  130  and a measuring vessel outlet  134  (e.g., proximate the bottom surface  133 ) through which the solution may exit the measuring vessel apparatus  130  (e.g., through gravity forcing solution towards measuring vessel outlet  134  proximate the bottom surface  133 ). 
     The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be coupled to the platform apparatus  110  in a variety of different ways and at a variety of different positions. For example, the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be positioned proximate one of the one or more sidewalls  116  of the platform apparatus  110 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the measuring vessel apparatus  130  is coupled proximate a sidewall between the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 . Further, the platform apparatus  110  may define a platform cavity  113  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 ) in the one or more sidewalls  116  (e.g., by deforming at least a portion of a sidewall of the one or more sidewalls  116  to extend inward and toward another sidewall) such that at least a portion of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be positioned within a boundary of the platform apparatus  110  defined by planes in which the one or more sidewalls  116  lie (e.g., not including the plane of the deformed sidewall portion of the one or more sidewalls  116 ). The platform cavity  113  may be defined by one of the sidewalls of the one or more sidewalls  116  that faces the same direction as the bulk container surface  11  (e.g., a surface of the bulk container  10  including the bulk container outlet  14 ). In other words, the platform cavity  113  may be defined by one of the sidewalls of the one or more sidewalls  116  that is between the first and second sidewall  122 ,  124  (e.g., the sidewall deforming inward from a plane generally defined by the sidewall that defines the platform cavity  113 ). The measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be coupled to the platform apparatus using, e.g., fasteners, adhesive, brackets, etc. In one or more embodiments, the platform apparatus  110  may include insert plates, e.g., between the platform apparatus  110  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , to ensure stability of any fasteners securing the measuring vessel apparatus  130  to the platform apparatus  110  (e.g., in the platform cavity  113 ). 
     The transfer system  100  may also include a connection apparatus  140  configured to fluidly couple the bulk container  10  to the measuring vessel apparatus  130  as shown in  FIG. 5  and, e.g., when the bulk container  10  is received by the platform apparatus  110  as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The connection apparatus  140  may extend from a first end connection region  142  to a second end connection region  144  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The connection apparatus  140  may define a passageway  141  that is configured to transfer fluid between the first end connection region  142  and the second end connection region  144 . The connection apparatus  140  may be any suitable component such as, e.g., a tube, a hose, a conduit, etc., that is configured to transfer fluid from one location to another. 
     The connection apparatus  140  may be positioned such that the first end connection region  142  is coupled to the measuring vessel inlet  132  of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  and the second end connection region  144  is removably couplable to a bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., of each of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 ). In other words, the second end connection region  144  may be coupled to and uncoupled from the bulk container outlet  14  of each of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 . The connection apparatus  140  may be configured to transfer the solution in the bulk container  10  (e.g., in either of the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) to the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . The connection apparatus  140  may be coupled to the bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  or the measuring vessel inlet  132  of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  in a variety of different ways such as, e.g., snap fit, interference fit, quick connect/release, threads, magnetic connection, etc. 
     The connection apparatus  140  may be configurable between an attached configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6 ) and a detached configuration (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). For example, the second end connection region  144  may be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., at least one of the bulk container outlets  14  of the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) when the connection apparatus  140  is in the attached configuration such that fluid is allowed to pass between the bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., of either of the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) and the measuring vessel inlet  132 . Also, the second end connection region  144  need not be coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled) to the bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., of either of the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) when the connection apparatus  140  is in the detached configuration. 
     In one or more embodiments, the connection apparatus  140  (e.g., the second end connection region  144 ) may be positioned relative to the platform apparatus  110  when the second end connection region  144  is not coupled to the bulk container outlet  14  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., when the connection apparatus  140  is in the detached configuration). For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 6, and 7 , the platform apparatus  110  may include a holding apparatus  118  configured to support the second end connection region  144  (e.g., when not coupled to the bulk container outlet  14 ). In other words, the holding apparatus  118  may position the second end connection region  144  in a known and consistent location when the connection apparatus  140  is not used to transfer fluid (e.g., from the bulk container  10  to the measuring vessel  130 ). 
     The holding apparatus  118  may be positioned at any suitable location on the platform apparatus  110 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the holding apparatus  118  is positioned within the platform cavity  113  and facing forward for access by a user (e.g., towards a “front” facing plane defined by a sidewall between the first and second sidewalls  122 ,  124 ). The holding apparatus  118  may include a coupling portion  119  that is configured to be coupled to the second end connection region  144  and may face, e.g., the same direction as the bulk container outlet  14  (e.g., when the bulk container  10  is received by the platform apparatus  110 ). The coupling portion  119  of the holding apparatus  118  may include any suitable components to couple to the second end connection region  144  such as, e.g., threads, pins, fasteners, etc. Specifically, the second end connection region  144  may couple to the coupling portion  119  of the holding apparatus  118  in a similar manner of coupling the second end connection region  144  to the bulk container outlet  14  as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the transfer system  100  may also include one or more straps  104  configured to secure the bulk container  10  (e.g., one of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 ) to the platform apparatus  110  (e.g., on the receiving platform portion  112 ). Each of the one or more straps  104  extends from a first end strap region  105  coupled to the platform apparatus  110  proximate the first sidewall  122  to a second end strap region  106  coupled to the platform apparatus  110  proximate the second sidewall  124 . The first and second end strap regions  105 ,  106  may include strap holding structures to engage, hold, or otherwise secure the one or more straps  104  in place. The one or more straps  104  may be described as covering or extending over the top surface  512  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) and/or that the bulk container  10  (e.g., the first or second bulk container  20 ,  30 ) may be positioned between the one or more straps  104  and the receiving platform portion  112 . The transfer system  100  may include any number of the one or more straps  104  to secure the bulk container  10  to the platform apparatus  110 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system  100  may be fluidly connected to a storage container  80  (e.g., storing fluid/liquid) using one or more transfer lines  82 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , such that the fluid in the storage container  80  and the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus  130  mixes or combines and is provided into a spraying container (not shown). A predetermined volume of solution may be located in the measuring vessel apparatus  130  to be mixed with a predetermined volume of fluid from the storage container  80 . A valve at the measuring vessel outlet  134  may be configured to control the exit of solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130  such that the solution may be pulled into and/or mixed with the fluid from the storage container  80 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the transfer system  100  may include a pump  84  configured to move the fluid in the storage container  80  and located between the measuring vessel apparatus  130  and the spraying container (not shown). However, the pump  84  may be positioned between the storage container  80  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130  or the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be positioned between the storage container  80  and the pump  84  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 8 ). If the pump  84  is positioned between the storage container  80  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , the pump  84  may be described as configured to pull the fluid from the storage container  80  and push the fluid towards the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . The fluid may then, e.g., mix with the solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130  and the mixture of fluid and solution may move towards a spraying container (not shown). If the measuring vessel apparatus  130  is positioned between the storage container  80  and the pump  84  (e.g., the pump  84  is positioned after the measuring vessel apparatus  130  along the one or more transfer lines  82 ), the pump may be described as configured to pull fluid from the storage container  80  and solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130  so that, e.g., the fluid and solution may mix and move towards a spraying container (not shown). 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the transfer system  100  may include a plurality of platform apparatus  110  and a plurality of corresponding bulk containers  10  and measuring vessel apparatus  130 . Each of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be fluidly coupled to the storage container  80  in series (e.g., in a row) through the one or more transfer lines  82 . Each of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  may include a solution (e.g., that is the same as or different from a solution in a different measuring vessel apparatus  130 ) that is configured to mix with the fluid from the storage container  80 . Any number of measuring vessel apparatus  130  may be aligned together to accommodate various configurations of solutions. 
     The transfer system  100  may also include a flow control apparatus  150  (e.g., an inductor, an eductor, etc.), as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , that may be configured to transport fluid (e.g., from the storage container  80  in  FIG. 8 , from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , etc.). The flow control apparatus  150  may define a flow control inlet  152 , a flow control outlet  154 , and a measuring vessel port  156  located between the flow control inlet  152  and the flow control outlet  154 . The measuring vessel port  156  may be configured to be in fluid communication with the measuring vessel outlet  134 , e.g., when the flow control apparatus  150  (e.g., at the measuring vessel port  156 ) is coupled to the measuring vessel apparatus  130  (e.g., at the measuring vessel outlet  134 ). In one or more embodiments, the flow control apparatus  150  may be configured to transport fluid (e.g., from the storage container  80  in  FIG. 8 ) from the flow control inlet  152  to the flow control outlet  154  such that the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus  130  is moved (e.g., by gravity, by vacuum, by suction, etc.) from the measuring vessel port  156  towards the flow control outlet  154  and mixes with the fluid moving through the flow control apparatus  150 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the flow control apparatus  150  may include a venturi  151  positioned between the flow control inlet  152  and the flow control outlet  154 . Specifically, e.g., the venturi  151  may be positioned between the flow control inlet  152  and the measuring vessel port  156 . The venturi  151  may be configured to create a vacuum in the flow control apparatus  150  such that solution in the measuring vessel apparatus  130  is pulled from the measuring vessel port  156  (e.g., through the measuring vessel outlet  134 ) and towards the flow control outlet  154 . For example, the venturi  151  may create a pressure differential in the flow control apparatus  150  by reducing the cross-section of the flow (e.g., using an orifice) such that the vacuum is created in the flow control apparatus  150 . Furthermore, in a transfer system  100  in which a pump  84  is located between the storage container  80  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , the fluid from the storage container  80  may be pushed past the measuring vessel outlet  134  of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  and the venturi  151  may assist in drawing solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130  into the stream of fluid from the storage container  80 . 
     In one or more embodiments, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , the flow control apparatus  150  may include a first flow control portion  158  and a second flow control portion  160  (e.g., a bypass portion). Each of the first and second flow control portions  158 ,  160  may extend parallel to and separate from the other and from the flow control inlet  152  to the flow control outlet  154 . In one or more embodiments, the first flow control portion  158  may include a venturi  151  configured to pull the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus  130  from the measuring vessel port  156  towards the flow control outlet  154 . In one or more embodiments, the second flow control portion  160  may include a flow control valve  162  configured to selectively restrict fluid flow through the second flow control portion  160  (e.g., to bypass the first flow control portion  158 , which includes the venturi  151 ). In one or more embodiments, fluid passes through each of the first and second flow control portions  158 ,  160  when the flow control valve  162  is open. However, the fluid flow rate through the first and second flow control portions  158 ,  160  may be, e.g., greater than or equal to 200% and/or less than or equal to 500% of the fluid flow rate through the first flow control portion  158 . For example, in one or more embodiments, the fluid may flow through only the first control portion  158  (e.g., through the venturi  151 ) at a rate of 50 gallons/minute and the fluid may flow through both the first and second control portions  158 ,  160  simultaneously (e.g., with flow control valve  162  open) at a rate of 200 gallons/minute. 
     The flow control apparatus  150  may also include one or more rinse ports  164  positioned between the flow control inlet  152  and the flow control outlet  154  and in fluid communication with the fluid from the storage container  80  (e.g., through the flow control inlet  152 ). The one or more rinse ports  164  may be described as a “T-shape” port/outlet between the flow control inlet  152  and the flow control outlet  154 , but may take any configuration suitable to provide the fluid flows necessary to provide functionality described herein. Fluid may travel from the flow control inlet  152  and through the one or more rinse ports  164  to, e.g., rinse or clean the bulk container  10  and/or the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , e.g., using one or more rinse tubes  170 . Due to pressure differentials in the flow control apparatus  150 , the fluid may move from the flow control inlet  152  and through the one or more rinse ports  164  unaided (e.g., may not require any additional pumps). The fluid may then travel through the one or more rinse ports  164  to the bulk container  10  and/or the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , e.g., using one or more rinse tubes  170 . In one or more embodiments, the flow control apparatus  150  may include a valve that allows and/or restricts fluid flow through the one or more rinse ports  164  of the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . 
     The one or more rinse ports  164  may be positioned on either side (e.g., at least one rinse port on each side or all rinse ports on one side) of the measuring vessel port  156 , e.g., upstream of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  (e.g., the measuring vessel port  156 ) or downstream of the measuring vessel apparatus  130  (e.g., the measuring vessel port  156 ). For example, the one or more rinse ports may be positioned in any one or combination of before the flow control inlet  152 , between the flow control inlet  152  and the measuring vessel port  156 , between the flow control outlet  154  and the measuring vessel port  156 , after the flow control outlet  154 , before or after the pump  84  (e.g., the pump  84  shown in  FIG. 8 ), etc. In other words, the one or more rinse ports  164  may be positioned on the flow control apparatus  150  before or after solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130  enters the flow control apparatus  150  (e.g., at the measuring vessel port  156 ) and mixes with the fluid. When the one or more rinse ports  164  are located upstream from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , e.g., between the flow control inlet  152  and the measuring vessel port  156 , the fluid moving through the one or more rinse ports  164  is not mixed with solution, and therefore, is merely fluid from the storage container  80  (e.g., water). When the one or more rinse ports  164  are located downstream from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , e.g., between the measuring vessel port  156  and the flow control outlet  154 , the fluid moving through the one or more rinse ports  164  may be mixed with solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , and therefore, is a combination of fluid from the storage container  80  and solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . In other words, the location of the one or more rinse ports  164  relative to the measuring vessel port  156  determines whether or not the bulk container  10  and/or the measuring vessel apparatus  130  is rinsed with only fluid from the storage container  80  or a mixture of fluid from the storage container  80  and solution from the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . 
     As briefly discussed above, the transfer system  100  may also include one or more rinse tubes  170  configured to transfer fluid from the one or more rinse ports  164  to the bulk container  10  (e.g., when received on the receiving platform portion  112 ) and/or the measuring vessel apparatus  130  to rinse or clean, e.g., bulk material or residue, out of the bulk container  10  and/or the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . The resultant rinsate may then collect in the sprayer container and, e.g., sprayed for agricultural applications to disperse the rinsate. The one or more rinse tubes  170  may include, e.g., a hose that defines an inside diameter of about 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, etc. The one or more rinse tubes  170  may rinse the bulk container  10  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130  simultaneously or separately. For example, the one or more rinse tubes  170  may include a first rinse tube portion  174  (e.g., a bulk container rinse tube) extending from a first rinse tube inlet  171  to a first rinse tube outlet  176  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 ) and a second rinse tube portion  178  (e.g., a measuring vessel rinse tube) extending from a second rinse tube inlet  172  to a second rinse tube outlet  180  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 11 ). In one or more embodiments, the one or more rinse tubes  170  may include one rinse tube  170  that is bifurcated (e.g., multiple tubes separated by splicers, dividers, tees, branches, etc.) such that the rinse tube  170  is coupled to one rinse port  164  of the one or more rinse ports  164 , bifurcates using a tee or any other suitable component, and extends towards two outlets, one outlet for each of the bulk container  10  and the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . In other words, the first and second rinse tube inlets  171 ,  172  are fluidly connected or coupled to the same rinse port  164  of the one or more rinse ports  164 . In one or more embodiments, the first and second rinse tube inlets  171 ,  172  are coupled to separate rinse ports  164  of the one or more rinse ports  164  (that, e.g., may be positioned at various locations). 
     The first and second rinse tube inlets  171 ,  172  may be removably couplable to the one or more rinse ports  164  of the flow control apparatus  150 . The first rinse tube outlet  176  may be removably couplable to a container inlet  16  of the bulk container  10  (e.g., of either of the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 ). The second rinse tube outlet  180  may be removably couplable to a vessel rinsing inlet  136  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5 ) of the measuring vessel apparatus  130 . The one or more rinse tubes  170  may be coupled to the one or more rinse ports  164 , container inlet  16 , or the vessel rinsing inlet  136 , in part, using any suitable connector apparatus such as, a hose clamp and/or a quick connect/coupler. Either of the first and second rinse tube portions  174 ,  178  may include a valve to allow or restrict flow through the corresponding rinse tube portion  174 ,  178 . Therefore, controlling the valves of each of the first and second rinse tube portions  174 ,  178  may control whether the first rinse tube portion  174 , the second rinse tube portion  178 , both the first and second rinse tube portions  174 ,  178 , or neither of the first and second rinse tube portions  174 ,  178  are being used for rinsing purposes. In one or more embodiments, the valves (e.g., for the bulk container  10 , for the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , for the flow control apparatus  140 , for the one or more rinse tubes  170 , etc.) may be manually controlled using, e.g., a handle. 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system  100  may include a measuring vessel connection apparatus  181  to couple and, e.g., fluidly couple, the second tube portion  178  to the measuring vessel apparatus  130 , e.g., as shown in  FIG. 11 . The measuring vessel connection apparatus  181  may include a measuring vessel nozzle  179  on an end of the measuring vessel connection apparatus  181  opposite the second tube portion  178  such that fluid may flow from the second tube portion  178  to the measuring vessel nozzle  179 . The measuring vessel nozzle  179  may be configured to spray or disperse fluid into the measuring vessel apparatus  130  to rinse or clean the measuring vessel apparatus  130  of any residual bulk materials. In one or more embodiments, the measuring vessel nozzle  179  may include, e.g., a rotating nozzle, a stationary nozzle, etc. Also, the measuring vessel connection apparatus  181  may include a threaded portion  182  (e.g., at a lid bung) that is configured to couple to the measuring vessel inlet  136 . Further, in one or more embodiments, the measuring vessel connection apparatus  181  may include a valve  183  to allow and restrict fluid flow from the second rinse tube portion  178  to the measuring vessel nozzle  179 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the transfer system  100  may include a bulk container connection apparatus  184  to couple the first tube portion  174  to the bulk container, e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The bulk container connection apparatus  184  may include a bulk container nozzle  175  on an end of the bulk container connection apparatus  184  opposite the first rinse tube outlet  176  such that fluid may flow from the first tube portion  174  to the bulk container nozzle  175 . The bulk container nozzle  175  may be configured to spray or disperse fluid within the bulk container  10  to rinse or clean the bulk container  10  of any residual bulk materials. In one or more embodiments, the bulk container nozzle  175  may include, e.g., a rotating nozzle, a stationary nozzle, etc. Also, the bulk container connection apparatus  184  may include a threaded portion  185  that is configured to couple to the container inlet  16 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the transfer system  100  may include an adapter  177  configured to alter the size of the threaded portion  185  such that the bulk container connection apparatus  184  may be coupled to varying sizes of container inlets  16  of the bulk container  10 . In one or more embodiments, the bulk container connection apparatus  184  may include a valve port  186  in which a valve (not shown) may be positioned to allow or restrict fluid flow from the first rinse tube portion  174  to the bulk container nozzle  175 . The bulk container connection apparatus  184  may also include a release  187  configured to relieve pressure in, e.g., the bulk container connection apparatus  184 , the first rinse tube portion  174 , the bulk container  10 , etc. 
     The transfer system  100  may be used for supporting and delivering bulk material from multiple different bulk containers (e.g., bulk containers  10 ,  20 ,  30 ).  FIG. 15  illustrates a method  1500  of using and replacing different bulk containers (e.g., a first bulk container  20  or a second bulk container  30 ) using the transfer system  100 . Each of the bulk containers (e.g., the first and second bulk containers  20 ,  30 ) may be configured to hold a solution (e.g., a bulk material), as described herein. The solution may be refilled and poured into the bulk container through a bulk container inlet (e.g., bulk container inlet  16 ) and then secured using a cap. The first bulk container may include a first container base (e.g., first container base  22 ) having a first cross-sectional area and the second bulk container may include a second container base (e.g., second container base  32 ) having a second cross-sectional area that may be greater than the first cross-sectional area. 
     The method  1500  may include providing  1510  a platform apparatus (e.g., platform apparatus  110 ), a measuring vessel apparatus (e.g., measuring vessel apparatus  130 ), and a connection apparatus (e.g., connection apparatus  140 ), as described in further detail herein. For example, the platform apparatus may include a receiving platform portion (e.g., receiving platform portion  112 ), a base platform portion (e.g., base platform portion  114 ), and one or more sidewalls (e.g., one or more sidewalls  116 ) extending between the receiving platform portion and the base platform portion. The measuring vessel apparatus may be coupled to the platform apparatus, configured to hold and measure a solution (e.g., by depositing solution into the measuring vessel apparatus and using a measuring gauge), and define a measuring vessel inlet (e.g., measuring vessel inlet  132 ) and a measuring vessel outlet (e.g., measuring vessel outlet  134 ). The connection apparatus may extend from a first end connection region (e.g., first end connection region  142 ) to a second end connection region (e.g., second end connection region  144 ) and define a passageway (e.g., passageway  141 ) configured to transfer fluid between the first end connection region and the second end connection region. The first end connection region may be coupled to the measuring vessel inlet. 
     The method  1500  may further include supporting  1520  the first bulk container on the receiving platform portion, coupling  1530  the second end connection region to a bulk container outlet (e.g., bulk container outlet  14 ) of the first bulk container to fluidly couple the first bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus, and transferring  1540  solution in the first bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus using the connection apparatus. The solution may flow from the bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus due to gravity and may be controlled using a valve to restrict or allow fluid to flow from the bulk container. 
     The method  1500  may also include uncoupling  1550  the second end connection region from the bulk container outlet of the first bulk container (e.g., after use and after closing the valve to the bulk container to prevent leakage) and removing  1560  the first bulk container from the receiving platform portion (e.g., using a forklift or any suitable methods). Further, the method  1500  may include supporting  1570  the second bulk container on the receiving platform portion, coupling  1580  the second end connection region to a bulk container outlet (e.g., bulk container outlet  16 ) of the second bulk container to fluidly couple the second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus, and transferring  1590  solution in the second bulk container to the measuring vessel apparatus using the connection apparatus. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method  1500  may also include transferring fluid through a flow control apparatus (e.g., flow control apparatus  150 , an eductor, an inductor, etc.) from a flow control inlet (e.g., flow control inlet  152 ) to a flow control outlet (e.g., flow control outlet  154 ) such that the solution in the measuring vessel apparatus may be moved from the measuring vessel outlet (e.g., when the measuring vessel apparatus valve is opened) through a measuring vessel port (e.g., measuring vessel port  156 ) of the flow control apparatus towards the flow control outlet and mixes with the fluid. The measuring vessel outlet may be fluidly coupled to the measuring vessel port of the flow control apparatus and positioned between the flow control inlet and the flow control outlet. The fluid may travel from a storage container (e.g., storage container  80 ) to the fluid control inlet under pressure from, e.g., a pump (e.g., pump  84 ). In one or more embodiments, moving the solution from the measuring vessel outlet to the flow control outlet may include creating a vacuum between the measuring vessel outlet and the flow control outlet using a venture (e.g., venturi  151 ) positioned between the flow control outlet and the flow control inlet. The vacuum in the venturi may “pull” the solution out of the measuring vessel apparatus and towards the flow control outlet. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method  1500  may also include rinsing either of the first or second bulk containers using a bulk container rinse tube (e.g., first rinse tube portion  174 ). The bulk container rinse tube may extend from a container rinse tube inlet (e.g., first rinse tube inlet  171 ) towards a container rinse tube outlet (e.g., first rinse tube outlet  176 ). The container rinse tube inlet may be removably couplable to one or more rinse ports (e.g., one or more rinse ports  164 ) of the flow control apparatus and the container rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a container inlet (e.g., bulk container inlet  16 ) of each of the first and second bulk container. The fluid may transfer from the flow control inlet through the bulk container rinse tube to rinse either of the first or second bulk containers. The rinse fluid (or rinsate) may then travel with any residue solution through the measuring vessel and out the flow control apparatus towards a spraying container. 
     In one or more embodiments, the method  1500  may further include rinsing the measuring vessel apparatus using a measuring vessel rinse tube (e.g., second rinse tube portion  178 ). The measuring vessel rinse tube may extend from a measuring vessel rinse tube inlet (e.g., second rinse tube inlet  172 ) to a measuring vessel rinse tube outlet (e.g., second rinse tube outlet  180 ). The measuring vessel rinse tube inlet may be removably couplable to one or more rinse ports (e.g., one or more rinse ports  164 ) of the flow control apparatus and the measuring vessel rinse tube outlet may be removably couplable to a vessel rinsing inlet of the measuring vessel apparatus. The fluid may transfer from the flow control inlet and through the measuring vessel rinse tube to rinse the measuring vessel apparatus. The rinse fluid (or rinsate) may then travel with any residue solution through the measuring vessel and out the flow control apparatus towards a spraying container. 
     The forgoing description, accompanied by drawings that form a part of the description hereof, show illustrations of various embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein. The use of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g.  1  to  5  includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5) and any range within that range. 
     Particular materials and dimensions thereof recited in the disclosed examples, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this disclosure. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as representative forms of implementing the claims.