Patent Publication Number: US-2023136201-A1

Title: Support system for meat container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The subject disclosure is related to systems for automatically dumping components from a container for a manufacturing process, food processing process or the like. Often containers include an inner bag that holds the components within the container, which provides a cleanliness barrier between the components and the container, as well as various other benefits. Often when the container is rotated by a chute to a dumping position the bag will fall out of the container along with the components of the container, which could lead to problems with the manufacturing or food processing process, especially if the bag is not quickly recovered from the location where the components were deposited when dumping the container. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     A first representative embodiment of the disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a system to retain a container. The system includes a hopper comprising a chute, a floor, and a rotation mechanism which selectively moves the hopper from a first position where a container is supported upon the floor, and a second position wherein contents from within the container fall out of the container due to the force of gravity. A retaining mechanism is provided and couples, a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate. The input is connected to the fixed plate at a first end thereof and where the input is additionally connected to the first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm, wherein the first arm is pivotably connected to the fixed plate. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm. The hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm. 
     Another representative embodiment of the disclosure is provided. The embodiment includes a system to retain a container. The system includes a hopper comprising a chute, a floor, and a rotation mechanism which selectively moves the hopper from a first position where a container is supported upon the floor, and a second position wherein contents from within the container fall out of the container due to the force of gravity. A retaining mechanism comprising, a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate. The input is connected to the fixed plate at a first end thereof and where the input is additionally connected to the first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm, wherein the first arm is pivotably connected to the fixed plate. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis through the first arm. The hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm, wherein the input is an air cylinder and a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first portion and a piston disposed within the air cylinder and a second portion that extends out of the air cylinder, wherein an extended end of the second portion of the shaft is pivotably connected to the first arm, wherein the air cylinder has first and second air inputs, wherein when compressed air is received through the first input the shaft is urged to translate along a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first direction where the extended end of the second portion of the shaft extends further away from the air cylinder toward to urge the second arm and hook toward the holding position where the second arm engages a container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, and a second input that when receiving compressed air therethrough causes the shaft translate along the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the second arm and hook toward the release position where the second arm does not engage the container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, wherein translation of the shaft in the first direction results in the second arm rotating in the same direction as the first arm until the second arm engages the container either upon a side wall or an upper edge thereof when the container is positioned upon the floor of the hopper or the hook engages the side wall of the container when the container positioned upon the floor of the hopper, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the wall of the side wall of the container, the second arm or the hook contacts a bag that is disposed within the container, wherein the hopper further comprises a holding bar, wherein when the container is rotated in toward the second position by the chute by the rotation mechanism, the container contacts the holding bar to prevent further movement of the container, wherein with rotation of the rotation mechanism the contents within the container are free to fall out of the container due to the force of gravity, and wherein when the contents fall out of the container the bag is prevented from falling with the contents due to the engagement between the second arm, the container and the bag or a pinched engagement between the hook, the bag, and the container. 
     Further embodiments of the disclosure are described in the Numbered Paragraphs below. 
     Advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments of the disclosure that have been shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the disclosed subject matter is capable of other and different embodiments, and its details are capable of modification in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is perspective view of a chute and dumping arrangement that includes a bag retention mechanism, with the bag retention mechanism in a withdrawn position. 
         FIG.  2    a front view of the view of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is the perspective view of  FIG.  1    showing the bag retention mechanism in an engaged position. 
         FIG.  4    is a front view of the view of  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is a detail view of detail P of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a detail view of detail Q of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  7    is schematic view of the chute in a dumping position depicting the linkage in the engaged position. 
         FIG.  7   a    is a detail view of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  8   a    is a first detail view of detail R of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  8   b    is another detail view of detail R of  FIG.  6   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  1 - 8     b , a system  10  for retaining a bag within a container is provided. The system is configured to be used with a mechanism for dumping the contents of a container  400 , such as a container of meat or other food in a food processing production line. The system  10  disclosed and discussed in detail herein is specifically configured to be used with a container  400  for storing meat for further processing, while the system  10  can be successfully used for other types of containers, which may be food, beverages, liquids, or other items (chemicals, gravel, wood chips, or various other types of components used in a large scale manufacturing process). 
     In some embodiments, the system  10  is configured to retain a bag  800  that is disposed within a container  400  such that the bag  800  does not fall out of the container when the container  400  is flipped to dump the contents of the container  400 , such as for the contents to be used in a food processing application. The bag  800  may be sized such that it extends above the side walls  402  of the container  400 , and in some embodiments, a portion of the bag  800  may extend over the upper edge  401  of the container and rest outside the side wall  402 . The bag  800  is intended to provide a cleanliness barrier between the contents of the container and the walls and bottom of the container  400 , which are often cardboard or sometimes wood. The bag  800  often is not fixed to the container  400  and therefore can be removed from the container  400 , and often falls from the container  400  when the container is raised and rotated, such as by a chute, to dump the contents of the container  400 . 
     The system  10 , in some embodiments, is used with an automated dumping system for a container  10 . The dumping system  200  includes a frame  201  that supports a chute that includes a rear wall  206  and right and left side walls  205 , and a floor  202 , upon which a container  400  is disposed. The container  400  is normally full, or partially full, of a food product, such as pieces of meat, vegetables, fruit, flour, sugar, or other edible materials, such that the contents of the container  400  are used in a food processing line. In some embodiments, the container  400  rests directly upon the floor, while in other embodiments, the container  400  may rest upon a conventional skid  409 , which rests upon the floor. As depicted schematically in  FIGS.  7  and  7     a , the dumping system further includes a hydraulic system  207  that can lift the frame  201  and rotate the frame  201  such that the container  400  is partially or fully turned over such that the contents within the container  400  fall from the container due to the force of gravity and onto the chute, where the contents are directed into a portion of the food processing arrangement. 
     The dumping system  200  further may include a hold down bar  600 . The hold down bar  600  is configured to be contacted by the container  400  when the container is partially or fully turned over such that the container does not fall out of the chute due to the force of gravity. The dumping system  200  further may include a safety rail  700 , which extends out from the container  400  when received upon the floor  202  of the chute  200  and prevents personnel from being close to the container  400  when the dumping system is operated. The safety rail  700  may be normally in a stowed position, which is vertically above the hold down bar  600 , and may automatically pivot downward to a lower position outside of the container, as shown in the figures. Alternatively, the safety bar  700  may be manually movable between the stowed position and the lower position. In some embodiments, the dumping system may have an interlock that prevents operation of the dumping system from lifting and rotating the chute (and therefore the container  400 ) unless the safety bar  700  is in the lower position. 
     The system  10  comprises a linkage  19  (or a plurality of linkages  19 ) that selectively engages the container  400  and the bag  800  to prevent the bag  800  from falling out of the container. The term engage is defined herein to include direct contact between the linkage  19 , the container  400  (either side wall  402  and/or the upper edge  401 ) and the bag  800 , as well as to include indirect contact between these three components in such a manner to apply a force or a pinching manner between the three components. Specifically, the linkage  19  operates to create a pinch point between an arm of the linkage or portion of the linkage and the bag  800  and in some embodiments between an arm, the side wall  402  (and/or top edge  401 ) of the container and the bag  800 . This pinch point prevents the bag  800  from falling out of the container  400 , or at least prevents the bag  800  from falling away from the container  400  and into the position upon the food processing line where the dumped contents of the container is received. 
     The linkage  19  may be supported by the frame  201  such that the linkage  19  moves and rotates as the frame is rotated to allow the contents to be dumped from the container  400 . The linkage  19  may be fixed directly to the frame  201 , or may be fixed to a plate  12  that is fixed to or with respect to the frame  201 . 
     The linkage  19  includes an input  20 , a first arm  30 , and a second arm  40 . In some embodiments, a hook  50  may extend from a second end portion  41  of the second arm  40  although this is not required for a design that can properly pinch the bag  800  with respect to the container  400 . In some embodiments, a single linkage  19  is provided, while in the embodiment depicted in the figures two linkages  19  are provided that simultaneously operate to engage opposite sides of the container  400  (and opposite sides of the bag  800 ). 
     The input  20  may be a compressed air cylinder  23  with air inlet ports  21   a ,  22   a  disposed upon both the respective opposite ends  21 ,  22  of the air cylinder, and a piston  28  that is disposed within the air cylinder ( FIG.  6    is broken lines). A shaft  25  is connected to the piston  28  with a portion of the shaft  25  extending out of the air cylinder. The piston  28  establishes a first volume (A) that is fluidly (gaseously) connected to the first air inlet port  21   a , which is disposed at a first end portion  21  of the air cylinder  23 , with a first side of the piston  28  establishing the first volume (A). The piston further establishes a second volume (B) that is fluidly (gaseously) connected to the second air inlet port  22   a , which is disposed at a second end portion  22  of the air cylinder  23 , with an opposite second side of the piston  28  establishing the second volume (B). The piston  28  and therefore the shaft  25  translates along the longitudinal axis of the shaft  25 , which causes more or less length of the shaft  25  to extend out of the air cylinder, due to differential air pressure being established across the piston  28 . 
     For example, when high pressure air is ported into the first volume (A) via the first air inlet port  21   a  the differential pressure across the piston  28  establishes a force that pushes the piston  28  within the air cylinder  25  in a directly that makes the first volume (A) larger and therefore translates the shaft  25  so that additional length of the shaft  25  extends out of the air cylinder  23 . When high pressure air is introduced through the second air inlet port  22   a , the air pressure in the second volume (B) may become greater than the first volume (A), which establishes a force upon the piston  28  that moves the piston within the air cylinder to increase the volume of the second volume (B) and decreases the volume of the first volume (A), thereby withdrawing more of the shaft  25  within the air cylinder. The first and second air inlet ports  21   a ,  22   a  may be connected to sources of high pressure air, such as an air compressor (not shown) via air hoses (not shown). A controller ( 3000 ,  FIG.  7   ) may operate to selectively port or release air via the first and second air inlet ports  21   a ,  22   a  to result in piston  28  and shaft  25  moving in the desired direction to establish movement of the linkage  19 , as discussed below. One of ordinary skill when reviewing this specification will understand that the shaft is moved  25  when there is a differential pressure across the piston  28 , which can be achieved by adding high pressure air through one of the two ports  21   a ,  22   a  or releasing high pressure air through one of the ports, or a combination of the two. Further, as discussed below, forces may be applied to the shaft  25  via the linkage, which also may cause the shaft to translate, such as when the combination of the an applied force and the air pressure in the second volume (B) that is applied to the piston  28  overcomes the force applied to the other side of the piston  28  due to the air pressure in the first volume (A). 
     The input  20  may be connected to the frame  201  or to a plate  12  with a pivotable connection  16 . 
     The shaft  25  has a portion  25   a  that extends out of the air cylinder  23 , which the length of the extending portion  25   a  determined by the position of the piston  28  within the air cylinder  23 . The extended end  25   b  of the shaft  25  makes a pivotable connection  18  with the first arm  30 . 
     The first arm  30  is a rigid link that extends from a first end portion  31  to an opposite second end portion  32 . The first arm  30  includes a pivotable connection  17  with the frame  201  or the plate  12 , and a pivotable connection with the extended end  25   b  of the shaft  25 . The first arm  30  further makes a pivotable connection  19  with the second arm  40 . The pivotable connection  18  with the shaft  25  may be intermediate the pivotable connections  17  and  19  with the frame  201  and the second arm  40 , respectively, such that movement of the shaft  25  becomes rotation of the first arm  30  and vice versa. One of ordinary skill in the art with a thorough review of the subject specification will be able to construct the linkage  19  for the desired movement with respect to the movement of the shaft  25  and with respect to a typical container  400  that is positioned upon the floor  202  of the chute with only routine skill in the art and without undue experimentation. 
     A longitudinal axis  1003  is defined along the length of the first arm  30 , or more specifically between the pivot connections  17  and  19   a , as best shown in  FIG.  6   . In some embodiments, the pivot connection  18  may extend through the longitudinal axis  1003 , while in other embodiments the pivot connection  18  may be offset from the longitudinal axis  1003 . The first arm may be a relatively straight member, or in other embodiments, the first arm may be another shape (round, arcuate, rectangular, or arbitrary). The shape of the first arm  30  may be dedicated by allow the first arm  30  the needed range of motion without impacting the frame  201 , or limiting the size of container  400  that can be received upon the floor  202  of the chute. 
     The second arm  40  is a rigid link that extends from a first end portion  41  to to a second end portion  42 . The second arm is pivotably connected to the second end portion  32  of the first arm  30  via a pivotable connection  19   a . The second arm  40  supports a hook  50  that extends from the second end portion  42 . The second arm  40  establishes a longitudinal axis  1001  that extends between the pivotable connection  19   a  and the end from where the hook  50  extends. As with the first arm  30 , the second arm  40  may be a relatively straight member, or in other embodiments, the second arm  40  may be another shape (round, arcuate, rectangular, or arbitrary). The shape of the second arm  40  may be dedicated to allow the second arm  40  the needed range of motion without impacting the frame  201 , or other components of the linkage, or limiting the size of container  400  that can be received upon the floor  202  of the chute. 
     In some embodiments, the pivotable connection  19   a  between the first and second arms  30 ,  40  may include a spring  900  ( FIG.  5   , schematic) or other biasing member to urge the second arm  40  to extend with respect to the first arm  30  such that the respective longitudinal axes are substantially co-linear, as depicted in  FIG.  5   . The term substantially co-linear is defined herein to mean exactly co-linear, and to also include relative positions where the longitudinal axes make an acute angle with each other that is less than 10 degrees. As depicted in  FIG.  5   , the longitudinal axes  1003  and  1001  both extend through the pivot connection  19   a  and the acute angle (if one exists when the spring  900  fully biases the second arm) between the longitudinal axes  1001 ,  1003  is measured with respect to the pivot connection  19 . 
     The hook  50  extends from the second end portion  42  of the second arm  40 . In some embodiments, the hook  50  may be a straight member that is offset from the second arm and extends in a direction where an axis  1002  through the hook is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis  1001  through the second arm  40 . The term substantially parallel is defined herein to include exactly parallel as well as well as including an acute angle in a range of up to 10 degrees. In other embodiments, the hook  50  may be a curved member that extends from the second end portion  42  of the second arm, or a member that extends with multiple portions that extend in a different direction. The hook  50  establishes a void  51  that is between the hook and the second arm  40 . 
     The linkage  19 , as controlled by the controller  3000 , may extend between a first position ( FIG.  5   ) and a second position ( FIG.  6   , shown with the hook  50  engaging the side wall  402  of a container  400 ), as controlled based upon the differential air pressure across the piston  28  within the air cylinder  23 . The first position is depicted in  FIG.  5   , and is established when the shaft  25  is fully withdrawn (with an portion that establishes a the pivot connection  18  extending from the air cylinder  23 ), due to the air pressure in the second volume (B) being greater than the air pressure in the first volume (A), and the magnitude of the air pressure in the second volume (B) establishing a differential pressure upon the piston  28  that is greater than the downward force upon the shaft  25  and the piston  28  based upon the weight of the first and second arms  30 ,  40  of the linkage due to gravity (which in some embodiments tends to pull the shaft  25  out of the air cylinder  23 . As discussed above, the second arm  40  is biased to establish a substantially co-linear position between the longitudinal axes  1003 ,  1001  extending through the respective first and second arms  30 ,  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , in the first position, the hook  50  and the portion of the second arm  40  that is aligned with where a container  400  could be received upon the floor  202  of the chute is disposed vertically above the height of the hold down bar  600 , such that the linkage  19  does not interfere with the container  400  being placed upon the floor  200  of the chute from a side loading direction. As depicted in  FIG.  5   , the lowest portion of the hook  50  may be disposed at a distance Z above the bottom surface of the hold down bar to prevent interference. 
     Once the container  400  is placed upon the floor  202  of the chute, the linkage is transferred to the second position as depicted in  FIG.  6   . To move the linkage toward the second position the controller  3000  increases the air pressure within the first volume (A) within the air cylinder  23  such that the differential pressure across the piston  28  establishes a force to push the piston downward in the air cylinder to cause the shaft to translate in a direction to cause more length of the shaft to extend out of the air cylinder  23 . This translation of the shaft  25  places a force upon the first arm, which causes the first arm  30  to rotate about its pivotable connection  17  (direction X,  FIG.  6   ) with the frame  201 /fixed panel  12 . The rotation of the first arm  30  urges similar rotation of the second arm  40  due to the spring  900 . After sufficient rotation in the direction X, the second arm  40  contacts the upper edge  401  of the container  400 , which inputs a force to the second arm  40  against the biasing force of the spring  900 . With additional rotation of the first arm  30  in the direction X, the second arm  40 , due to the force thereon from the container rotates in the direction Y of  FIG.  6   . The alignment of the second bar  40  establishes an acute angle α with respect to the side wall  402  of the container, which is initially at its largest value at initial contact (a position similar to the position of  FIG.  5    with the first and second arms  30 ,  40  rotated in the direction X until the second arm  40  contacts the container  400  (likely at the top edge  401 ) and with continued rotation lowers to a smaller acute angle α as depicted in  FIG.  6   .  FIG.  6    depicts the linkage  19  in the second position, i.e. with the shaft  25  fully extended from the air cylinder  23 . 
     When the linkage  19  reaches the second position, the differential pressure across the piston  28  still establishes a force upon the piston. This force is transferred to the first arm, which is then transferred to the second arm due to the spring  900 , which causes the second arm  40  (and/or the hook  50 ) to apply a force to the container. As depicted in  FIG.  6   , the second arm  40  may contact the upper edge  401  of the container, or in some embodiments the side wall  402  of the container. This contact applies a force to the container  400  due to the biasing force of the spring  900 . As depicted in  FIG.  8   a   , the hook  50  may engage and apply a force to the inner surface of the side wall  402  of the container and the second arm engages the side wall  402  of the container  400 .  FIG.  8   b    depicts the second arm  40  (particularly a portion of the second arm that connects the hook  50  to the second arm  40 ) engaging the upper edge  401  of the container, with the hook  50  engaging the inner surface of the side wall  400 . In these figures, the second arm  40  and the hook are compressing the bag  800  between the engagements with the container. This engagement prevents the bag  800  from sliding with respect to the container  400  as discussed below. 
     As depicted in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , a bag  800  may be positioned within the container, and specifically between the side wall  402  of the container  400  and the contents of the container, shown schematically as  4000  in  FIG.  5   . The bag  800  may extend above the upper edge  401  of the container and outside of the container ( 801 ). The portion of the bag  800  within the side walls of the container is identified as element  802 . The bag  800  when between the second arm  40  and/or hook  50  and the container  400  establish a compressive force between the arm/bag/container or hook/bag/container which prevents sliding of the bag with respect to the container. 
     The linkage  19  is configured to remain in the second position as the chute is moved and pivoted toward the position to allow the contents of the container  400  to be dumped out of the container due to gravity (as shown schematically in  FIG.  7    with the contents  4000  falling from the container in the direction W). Specifically, when the linkage  19  is in the engaged position the hook  50  and/or the second arm  40  remain in engagement with the top edge  401  or the side wall  401  of the container, with the bag  800  disposed therebetween. As can be understood with respect to  FIG.  7   , as the chute is rotated, the force of gravity begins to urge the container off of contact with the floor  202  (either direct contact, or contact with a skid therebetween. As the container moves within the chute, the top edge  401  of the container  400  (or the side wall  402 ) applies a force F1 ( FIG.  7   ) upon the hook  50  or the second arm  40 . This force F1 causes the second arm to move due to the force of gravity in the direction of F1, which causes the first arm  30  to rotate in the direction Y. Rotation of the first arm  30  applies a force F2 to the shaft  25 , which changes the force balance upon the piston  28  within the air cylinder  23 , which causes the piston  28  (and therefore the shaft  25 ) to translate within the air cylinder  23 , which increases the second volume (B) within the air cylinder  23  and decreases the first volume (A). This movement of the linkage  19  allows for the container  400  to move within the chute due to the force of gravity, and until the upper edge  401  of the container  400  contacts the hold down bar  600 , as depicted in  FIG.  7   . The freedom of the linkage  19  to move allows the linkage  19  to move with the movement of the container  400 , which prevents, for example, the top edge  401  and side walls of the container  400  from tearing, which might occur if the linkage did not have an play to move in the directions F1 and F2 due to the weight of the container when the chute is in the dumping position. 
     The movement of the linkage  19  in this dumping situation allows the second arm and/or hook to maintain engagement with the side wall  402  and/or the top edge  401  of the container, with the bag  800  therebetween, which prevents the bag from falling out of the container  400  when the contents of the container are being dumped. 
     In use, the system operates as follows. A container  400 , which includes contents  4000  that are disposed within a bag  800  is positioned within the chute is disposed upon a floor  202  of the chute, while the linkage  19  is in the withdrawn position, which provides the hook  50  and the portion of the second arm  40  that is in-line with the location within the chute where containers  400  will be introduced to the chute are at a position vertically above the hold down bar  600  (distance Z) to prevent interference between the linkage  19  and side loading the container  400 . When the container  400  is positioned, the controller  3000  transfers the linkage  19  to the engaged position. Specifically, the controller  3000  increases the relative pressure within the air cylinder  23  in the first volume (A), which establishes a downward force upon the piston  28  that increases the volume of the first volume (A). This translates the shaft  25  along its length such that the second end  25   b  of the shaft further extends outside of the air cylinder  23 . 
     Movement of the shaft  25  transfers a force to the first arm  30 , which causes first arm  30  to rotate in the direction X about pivot point  17 . Rotation of the first arm  30  causes similar rotation of the second arm  40  due to the biasing force of the spring  900  about the pivot point  19 . 
     After sufficient rotation of the second arm  40 , the second arm and hook  50  lower below the hold down bar  600 , and with sufficient rotation, the second arm  40  and/or the hook  50  engage the container  400 . This engagement prevents further rotation in direction X and with continued rotation of the first arm  30 , causes the second arm  40  to pivot with respect to first arm in the direction Y. 
     When the second arm  40  first engages the container  400 , the angle α between the longitudinal axis  1001  through the second arm  40  and the side wall  402  continues to decrease due to the continued rotation of the first arm  30 . 
     Eventually the controller  3000  discontinues adding high pressure air to the first volume (A) of the air cylinder  23 , which allows the differential pressure across the piston  28  to stabilize, therefore halting the motion of the shaft  25  and the rotation of the first and second arms  30 ,  40 . The spring  900  continues to bias the second arm  40  with respect to the first arm to urge the second arm in a rotational direction toward the same rotational orientation of the first arm  30  although the container  400  (top edge  401  or side wall  402 ) prevent the second arm  40  from moving. This force upon the second arm  40  causes the second arm (and/or hook) to apply a force to the container, with the bag  800  sandwiched between the second arm  40  or hook  50  and the container  400 . This establishes a frictional force upon the bag  800  to prevent the bag from moving with respect to the container and second arm  40 /hook  50  at the point of contact. 
     The chute is moved and rotated by the hydraulic system  207 , which partially or fully turns over the container  400  to allow the contents  4000  to fall out of the container due to the force of gravity. As the container is turned over, a force (due to the weight of the container and for a period of rotation the weight of the contents  4000 ) is applied to the second arm  40  or hook  50  as the container wants to slide along the chute due to the force of gravity. This force applied to the second arm  40  is transferred to the first arm and the shaft  25 , which when the force is high enough to create a differential pressure across the piston  28  causes the shaft  25  to translate along its length such that the second end  25   b  slides toward the air cylinder  23 . The translation of the shaft  25  allows the first arm  23  to rotate in the direction Y, which allows the second arm  40  to move along with movement of the container  400  due to the force of gravity, while maintaining engagement with the container  400  to retain the bag  800  therebetween. Once the contents  4000  are dumped as desired the chute is returned to the normal position. If the container  400  upon the floor  202  of the chute is to be removed, the controller  3000  decreases the pressure within the first chamber (A) which causes the shaft  25  to translate further into the air cylinder  23 , which causes the first arm to rotate in the direction Y, and due to the biasing force of the spring  900  causes the second arm  40  to rotate, which removes the engagement with the container  400  (and the bag  800 ) and lifts the portion of the second arm  40  and hook  50  that is aligned with the container above the hold down bar  600 , which allows the container  400  and bag  800  to be removed from the floor  202  of the chute. 
     The figures depict a system with two linkages  19 , each positioned on opposite sides of the chute. The system preferably operates the linkages simultaneously such that the respective second arms  40  or hooks  50  engage the opposite sides of the container  400  simultaneously with the bag  800  therebetween. Simultaneously is defined herein as at the same time or within a short period of time, such as less than 3-5 seconds). In other embodiments, the system may include three linkages  19  that simultaneously or sequentially engage the container  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the hook  50  is configured to engage the side wall  402  and the bag therebetween when the linkage is in the engaged position. The differential air pressure across the piston  28  within the air cylinder  23  causes the shaft  25  to apply a downward force upon the first arm  30  (urging the first urge toward rotation in the direction X), which is transferred to the second arm  40  and results in the hook  50  applying a force upon the side wall  402 . This force has a horizontal component which pushes the side wall of the container outward. This outward movement of the side wall  402  and change in the cross-sectional geometry of the container  400  toward an elliptical shape (especially when two linkages are used that press opposite side walls  402 ) which may tend to result in some movement of the components  4000  within the container (such if the components are somewhat frozen together), which may make the components  4000  more readily fall out of the container when the chute is rotated to a dumping position with the linkages in the engagement position. 
     Another benefit of the disclosed embodiments is that the bag  800  is retained with respect to the container  400  due to the one or more linkages  19 , while minimizing the structure that extends or over the inner cross-section of the container  400  to minimize any interference with the components of the linkage  19  with the path that components  4000  fall out of the container when the chute is rotated into a dumping position. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the disclosed have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not so limited and modifications may be made without departing from the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein. 
     The subject disclosure is exemplified by the following numbered paragraphs: 
     Numbered Paragraph 1: A system to retain a container, comprising: 
     a hopper comprising a chute, a floor, and a rotation mechanism which selectively moves the hopper from a first position where a container is supported upon the floor, and a second position wherein contents from within the container fall out of the container due to the force of gravity; 
     a retaining mechanism comprising, a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate, 
     the input is connected to the fixed plate at a first end thereof and where the input is additionally connected to the first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm, wherein the first arm is pivotably connected to the fixed plate; 
     the second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis through the first arm; 
     the hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm. 
     Numbered Paragraph 2: The system of Numbered Paragraph 1, wherein the hook extends from the extended end portion of the second arm in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis through the second arm. 
     Numbered Paragraph 3: The system of either of Numbered Paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein the input is an air cylinder and a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first portion and a piston disposed within the air cylinder and a second portion that extends out of the air cylinder, wherein an extended end of the second portion of the shaft is pivotably connected to the first arm, wherein the air cylinder has first and second air inputs, wherein when compressed air is received through the first input the shaft is urged to translate along a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first direction where the extended end of the second portion of the shaft extends further away from the air cylinder toward to urge the second arm and hook toward the holding position where the second arm engages a container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, and a second input that when receiving compressed air therethrough causes the shaft translate along the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the second arm and hook toward the release position where the second arm does not engage the container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute. 
     Numbered Paragraph 4: The system of Numbered Paragraph 3, wherein allowing compressed air to flow into the air cylinder through the first air input increases a pressure within the air cylinder upon a first surface of the piston, and wherein allowing compressed air to flow into the air cylinder through the second air input increases a pressure within the air cylinder upon the opposite second surface of the piston, wherein the shaft is urged to translate along its longitudinal axis based upon differential air pressure across the piston within the air cylinder. 
     Numbered Paragraph 5: The system of Numbered Paragraph 4, wherein translation of the shaft in the first direction results in the first arm rotating in a direction such that the extended end of the first arm moves further away from the air cylinder. 
     Numbered Paragraph The system of Numbered Paragraph 5, wherein translation of the shaft in the first direction results in the second arm rotating in the same direction as the first arm until the second arm engages a side wall or an upper edge of the container when the container is positioned upon the floor of the hopper or the hook engages the side wall of the container when the container positioned upon the floor of the hopper. 
     Numbered Paragraph 7: The system of Numbered Paragraph 6, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the side wall of the container, continued translation of the shaft in the first direction causes the second arm to rotate such that an angle between a longitudinal axis through the second arm and a side wall of the container forms an acute angle that continuously decreases, wherein the rotation of the second arm is additionally with respect to the longitudinal axis through the first arm and against the biasing force of the spring. 
     Numbered Paragraph 8: The system of Numbered Paragraph 7, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the wall of the side wall of the container, the second arm or the hook contacts a bag that is disposed within the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 9: The system of Numbered Paragraph 8, wherein the second arm contacts the bag that is positioned over the top edge of the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 10: The system of Numbered Paragraph 8, wherein when the second arm and hook approach the holding position the second arm or the hook engages the container to create a pinch point between the respective second arm or hook and the bag. 
     Numbered Paragraph 11: The system of any one of Numbered Paragraphs 7-10, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the side wall of the container, continued movement of the shaft causes the hook to urge the side wall of the container in an outward direction. 
     Numbered Paragraph 12: The system of any one of Numbered Paragraphs 6-11, wherein when the chute and a container that rests upon the floor of the chute is rotated by the rotation mechanism toward the second position, the second arm or the hook continues to engage the side wall of the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 13: The system of Numbered Paragraph 12, wherein with sufficient rotation toward the second position, a force is applied to the shaft via the second and first arms due to the weight of the container due to gravity with rotation of the chute and container, wherein with sufficient rotation in the second direction the force from the container overcomes the force on the first side of the piston and the shaft translates in the second direction thereby allowing the second arm and hook to move a distance proportional to the translation of the shaft in the second direction to allow the container to no longer engage the floor of the hopper. 
     Numbered Paragraph 14: The system of Numbered Paragraph 13, wherein the hopper further comprises a holding bar, wherein the container contacts the holding bar to prevent further movement of the container as the chute and container are further rotated toward the second position by the rotation mechanism, wherein with rotation of the rotation mechanism the contents within the container are free to fall out of the container due to the force of gravity, and wherein when the contents fall out of the container a bag that is disposed between the side wall of the container and the contents within the container is maintained from falling with the contents due to the engagement between the second arm, the container and the bag or a pinched engagement between the hook, the bag, and the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 15: The system of any one of the preceding Numbered Paragraphs, wherein the container rests upon a skid, which rests upon the floor of the chute to allow the container to be supported upon the floor of the chute. 
     Numbered Paragraph 16: The system of Numbered Paragraphs 3-15, wherein the hopper further comprises a holding bar that is disposed above a top edge of the container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, wherein when the second arm is in the release position the hook is disposed at a vertical position above the holding bar, wherein a container can be loaded upon the floor of the chute in a side loading direction resulting in a top edge of the container being disposed below the holding bar and without the container contacting the second bar or the hook. 
     Numbered Paragraph 17: A system to retain a container, comprising: 
     a hopper comprising a chute, a floor, and a rotation mechanism which selectively moves the hopper from a first position where a container is supported upon the floor, and a second position wherein contents from within the container fall out of the container due to the force of gravity; 
     a retaining mechanism comprising, a linkage that pivots a second arm and a hook between a release position and a holding position, the linkage comprising an input, a first arm, and the second arm that supports the hook, and a fixed plate, 
     the input is connected to the fixed plate at a first end thereof and where the input is additionally connected to the first arm such that movement of the input pivots the first arm, wherein the first arm is pivotably connected to the fixed plate; 
     the second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm at a second end of the first arm, a spring is disposed at the pivotable connection between the first and second arms and is provided to bias the second arm toward a position where the second arm extends along a line that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis through the first arm; 
     the hook extends from an extended end portion of the second arm, 
     wherein the input is an air cylinder and a shaft, wherein the shaft includes a first portion and a piston disposed within the air cylinder and a second portion that extends out of the air cylinder, wherein an extended end of the second portion of the shaft is pivotably connected to the first arm, wherein the air cylinder has first and second air inputs, wherein when compressed air is received through the first input the shaft is urged to translate along a longitudinal axis of the shaft in a first direction where the extended end of the second portion of the shaft extends further away from the air cylinder toward to urge the second arm and hook toward the holding position where the second arm engages a container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, and a second input that when receiving compressed air therethrough causes the shaft translate along the longitudinal axis of the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction to urge the second arm and hook toward the release position where the second arm does not engage the container when the container is supported upon the floor of the chute, 
     wherein translation of the shaft in the first direction results in the second arm rotating in the same direction as the first arm until the second arm engages the container either upon a side wall or an upper edge thereof when the container is positioned upon the floor of the hopper or the hook engages the side wall of the container when the container positioned upon the floor of the hopper, 
     wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the wall of the side wall of the container, the second arm or the hook contacts a bag that is disposed within the container, 
     wherein the hopper further comprises a holding bar, wherein when the container is rotated in toward the second position by the chute by the rotation mechanism, the container contacts the holding bar to prevent further movement of the container, wherein with rotation of the rotation mechanism the contents within the container are free to fall out of the container due to the force of gravity, and wherein when the contents fall out of the container the bag is prevented from falling with the contents due to the engagement between the second arm, the container and the bag or a pinched engagement between the hook, the bag, and the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 18: The system of Numbered Paragraph 17, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the side wall of the container, continued translation of the shaft in the first direction causes the second arm to rotate such that an angle between a longitudinal axis through the second arm and a side wall of the container forms an acute angle that continuously decreases, wherein the rotation of the second arm is additionally with respect to the longitudinal axis through the first arm and against the biasing force of the spring. 
     Numbered Paragraph 19: The system of either Numbered Paragraphs 17 or 18, wherein when the second arm or the hook engages the side wall of the container, continued movement of the shaft causes the hook to urge the side wall of the container in an outward direction. 
     Numbered Paragraph 20: The system of any one of Numbered Paragraphs 17-19, wherein when the chute and a container that rests upon the floor of the chute is rotated by the rotation mechanism toward the second position, the second arm or the hook continues to engage the container. 
     Numbered Paragraph 21: The system any one of Numbered Paragraphs 17-20, wherein with sufficient rotation of the chute and the container resting thereon toward the second position, a force is applied to the shaft via the second and first arms due to the weight of the container due to gravity with rotation of the chute and container, wherein with sufficient rotation in the second direction the force from the container overcomes the force on the first side of the piston and the shaft translates in the second direction thereby allowing the second arm and hook to move a distance proportional to the translation of the shaft in the second direction to allow the container to no longer engage the floor of the hopper. 
     Numbered Paragraph 22: The system of any one of Numbered Paragraphs 17-21, wherein the container rests upon a skid, which rests upon the floor of the chute to allow the container to be supported upon the floor of the chute.