Patent Publication Number: US-11046527-B2

Title: Chain disk corner

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/047,898 filed on Jul. 27, 2018, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 is hereby claimed. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The disclosure relates to a feed delivery system, and more particularly to a chain disk corner for a feed delivery system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Livestock feed systems allow for large scale, simultaneous delivery of livestock feed from a central storage container to multiple animals, which may be housed in separate enclosures and buildings at a farm or other livestock management facility. Some systems use a chain disk conveyor to move feed along a feed path toward one or more outlets. Some feed paths are formed by a plurality of tubes and corner housings. A chain with a plurality of disks positioned generally perpendicularly thereon is placed within the feed path. As the chain and corresponding disks move through the tubes and corner housings, the disks on the chain push feed from the central storage container (or feed hopper) through the feed path. An advantage of chain disk conveyors is that they provide an enclosed system that can operate at various angles and various planes. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a feed system  100  including a plurality of chain disk corners  102 . In particular, the feed system  100  includes one or more feed hoppers  104 , tubing  106  (may also be referred to as a chain disk line, chain disk tubing, etc.), chain disk corners  102 , and a plurality of feed drops  108  (may also be referred to as feed outlets). The feed hoppers  104  house feed (or other particulate) in bulk. The feed hoppers  104  may deliver feed by gravity to the tubing  106  at a bottom of the feed hopper  104 . The tubing  106  and chain disk corners  102  form a feed path for delivering the feed from the feed hopper  104  to the various feed drops  108 . However, corner housings  102  used in these chain disk conveyor systems suffer from a number of deficiencies. 
     Some corner housings  102  are entirely opaque, which prevents viewing the interior of the housing, such as to inspect any potential problems and/or confirm proper operation of the wheel within the housing. While some corner housings  102  may be entirely transparent, such corner housings  102  are typically prone to cracking and breaking, as the transparent material (e.g., transparent plastic material) tends to be weaker and less robust than the opaque materials (e.g., opaque plastic material), as transparent materials may be limited to certain resins. Further, some corner housings  102  are of a clamshell configuration, such that accessing the interior of the housing may be time consuming and difficult. For example, opening the corner housing  102  may require removing the corner housing  102  from the feed path to remove the top half of the housing from the bottom half of the housing. Often, the wheel assembly is mounted to the top half and/or bottom half of the housing, which may further complicate this process. 
     Some corner housings  102  include radially extending ribs on the exterior of the housing to provide structural support and rigidity to the housing. These ribs are typically on the exterior of the housing for ease of manufacturing (e.g., mold construction). However, external ribs may form pockets on the top half of the housing, which may collect dust, dirt, water, and/or other particulate. Such accumulation is generally undesirable and may even affect proper operation of the corner housing  102 , such as by pooling next to the axle, seeping into the housing, and/or interfering with operation of the wheel. 
     The wheel assembly may be mounted at a seat within the housing. Load and operation of the wheel assembly within the housing may deflect and increase structural stress at the mounting point of the housing. This may lead to cracking, breaking, or other structural damage to the corner housing  102 . 
     Some corner housings  102  include a self-cleaning wheel which may be configured to redirect any feed that has accumulated within the housing back into the feed path. However, some self-cleaning wheels include moving parts, operation of which may be negatively affected by accumulation of feed particulate within those moving parts. Some self-cleaning wheels may be orientation dependent, where the self-cleaning wheel has a designated top and bottom, and cannot function properly if positioned upside down. Further, some self-cleaning wheels may be directionally dependent, where the wheel cannot self-clean clockwise and counter-clockwise. Such limitations hinder installation, maintenance, and repair of corner housings. 
     No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of any cited documents. 
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed is a bi-directional orientation independent chain disk corner wheel. In particular, the wheel is molded and devoid of moving parts. The wheel relies on the geometry thereof to create a sweep path to direct feed grain or other material from an interior of the wheel to an exterior of the wheel. The wheel can self-clean regardless of whether the wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction. Further, the wheel can self-clean regardless of whether the wheel is in an upright orientation or an inverted orientation. Accordingly, the wheel and corresponding chain disk corner are easier to assemble, install, repair, and maintain. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a window portion. In particular, the chain disk corner includes a bottom housing subassembly that includes a bottom body of an opaque material and a window portion of a translucent material that is hingedly attached to the bottom body. By forming only a portion of the bottom body out of the translucent material, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength while still providing visual access to an interior of the chain disk housing during operation of the chain disk housing. Further, the window provides selective access to an interior of the housing, even during operation of the chain disk housing. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner housing with a reinforcing washer. In particular, a top body of the chain disk corner housing includes a top washer attached by injection molding to an interior of the top body, and/or a bottom body of the chain disk corner housing includes a bottom washer attached by injection molding to an interior of the bottom body. The top body and the bottom body are made of plastic and the top washer and bottom washer are made of metal, which is stronger and more rigid than plastic (although heavier and more expensive). In this way, the top washer and the bottom washer increase the strength and rigidity at the point of attachment of a wheel assembly within the chain disk corner housing. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a top surface devoid of pockets. In particular, a top body of a chain disk corner housing includes a plurality of ribs positioned at an interior surface of the top body. In this way, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength, but avoids any material accumulation, such as particulate, feed, or water, on top of the chain disk corner housing. 
     One embodiment is directed to a wheel for a chain disk corner comprising a central hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes. The central hub extends along a center axis. The central hub defines a central hole to receive an axle therethrough to rotatably mount the wheel within the chain disk corner. The rim has a circular sidewall to route a disk chain through the chain disk corner. The circular sidewall has a top edge and a bottom edge opposite the top edge. A portion of the bottom edge is recessed to define at least one bottom passage in the circular sidewall. A plurality of spokes is circumferentially positioned around the central hub. Each of the plurality of spokes has an inner end connected to the central hub and an outer end connected to the rim. At least one of the plurality of spokes defines a first upright sweeping surface and a second upright sweeping surface opposite the first upright sweeping surface. The first upright sweeping surface and the second upright sweeping surface are configured to contact material accumulated within the wheel at a bottom inner surface of the chain disk corner when the wheel is in an upright configuration. The first upright sweeping surface is configured to direct the material through the at least one bottom passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotates in a clockwise direction. The second upright sweeping surface is configured to direct the material through the at least one bottom passage outside the wheel as the wheel rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. 
     Another embodiment is directed to a wheel for a chain disk corner comprising a central hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes. The central hub extends along a center axis. The central hub defines a central hole to receive an axle therethrough to rotatably mount the wheel to the chain disk corner. The rim has a circular sidewall to route a disk chain through the chain disk corner. The plurality of spokes is circumferentially positioned around the central hub. Each of the plurality of spokes has a proximal end connected to the central hub and a second end connected to the rim. The wheel is devoid of moving parts. The wheel is configured for bi-directional self-cleaning by rotation around a central axis of the wheel. 
     One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner comprising a chain disk corner housing and a wheel. The chain disk corner housing comprises a top body, a bottom body, and a window. The top body comprises a top wheel portion and a top channel proximate the top wheel portion. The bottom body is attached to the top body. The bottom body comprises an opaque material. The bottom body comprises a bottom wheel portion and a bottom channel proximate the bottom wheel portion. The bottom channel and the top channel together define an angled channel for routing a disk chain therethrough. The window is attached to the bottom body. The window comprises a translucent material to provide visual access to an interior of the chain disk corner housing. The wheel is rotatably mounted to and positioned within the top wheel portion and the bottom wheel portion to route the disk chain through the angled channel. The top wheel portion is complementary in size and shape to a combination of (i) the bottom wheel portion of the bottom body and (ii) the window. 
     One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner comprising a chain disk corner housing comprising a first body, a second body, a first washer, and a wheel. The first body comprises a first wheel portion and a first channel proximate the first wheel portion. The first body comprises a first material. The first wheel portion defines a first center hole. The second body is attached to the first body. The second body comprises a second wheel portion and a second channel proximate the second wheel portion. The second body comprises the first material. The first channel and the second channel together define an angled channel for routing a disk chain therethrough. The first washer is non-rotatably attached to a first inner surface of the first wheel portion about the first center hole. The first washer comprises a second material having greater strength and rigidity than the first material. The first washer is configured to increase a strength and rigidity around the first center hole. The wheel is rotatably mounted and positioned within the first wheel portion and the second wheel portion to route the disk chain through the angled channel. 
     One embodiment is directed to a chain disk corner, comprising a chain disk corner housing comprising a top body. The top body comprises a top wheel portion to at least partially enclose and rotatably mount a wheel therein and a top channel proximate the top wheel portion to at least partially enclose a portion of a disk chain therein. The top wheel portion comprises a top surface devoid of pockets to prevent material accumulation on the top surface. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a feed system including a plurality of chain disk corners; 
         FIG. 2A  is a bottom perspective assembled view of a chain disk corner according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  is an exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 2A , including a housing and a wheel assembly contained within the housing; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded top perspective view of the housing top subassembly of  FIGS. 2A-2C ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a top body of the housing top subassembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view of the top body of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a bottom perspective view of the top body of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4D  is a bottom view of the top body of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4E  is a cross-sectional side view of the top body of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4F  is an enlarged top view of a latch mount of the top body of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4G  is a cross-sectional side view of the latch mount of  FIG. 4F ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top view of a housing gasket of the housing top subassembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a left side view of the housing gasket of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a front view of the housing gasket of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a top perspective view of a retainer clip of the housing top subassembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a side view of a lever of the retainer clip of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a top view of a wire of the retainer clip of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded top perspective view of a housing bottom subassembly of  FIGS. 2A-2C ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a bottom perspective view of a bottom body of the housing bottom subassembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a bottom view of the bottom body of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a top perspective view of the bottom body of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  is a top view of the bottom body of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8E  is a cross-sectional side view of the bottom body of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a top perspective view of a window of the housing bottom subassembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9B  is a bottom perspective view of the window of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9C  is a bottom view of the window of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9D  is a cross-sectional side view of the window of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 9E  is a back view of the window of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a window gasket of the housing bottom subassembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly of  FIG. 2A-2C ; 
         FIG. 11B  is a top view of a wheel of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  is a bottom view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11D  is a cross-sectional side view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 12A  is an exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner of  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrating assembly of the chain disk corner; 
         FIG. 12B  is a top perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 12C  is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 12A  with the window in a closed position; 
         FIG. 12D  is a top view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 12A  illustrating movement of a feed grain from an interior to an exterior of the wheel when the wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction; 
         FIG. 12E  is a top view of the wheel of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 12A  illustrating movement of a feed grain from the interior to the exterior of the wheel when the wheel is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction; 
         FIG. 12F  is a side view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 12A  with the retainer clip in a closed position; 
         FIG. 12G  is a side view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 12A  with the retainer clip in an open position; and 
         FIG. 12H  is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner of  FIG. 12A  with the window in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     Terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “horizontal,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “vertical,” “lateral,” “coplanar,” and similar terms are used for convenience of describing the attached figures and are not intended to limit this description. For example, terms such as “left side” and “right side” are used with specific reference to the drawings as illustrated and the embodiments may be in other orientations in use. Further, as used herein, terms such as “horizontal,” “parallel,” “perpendicular,” “vertical,” “lateral,” etc., include slight variations that may be present in working examples. 
     Disclosed is a bi-directional orientation independent chain disk corner wheel. In particular, the wheel is molded and devoid of moving parts. The wheel relies on the geometry thereof to create a sweep path to direct feed grain or other material from an interior of the wheel to an exterior of the wheel. The wheel can self-clean regardless of whether the wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction. Further, the wheel can self-clean regardless of whether the wheel is in an upright orientation or an inverted orientation. Accordingly, the wheel and corresponding chain disk corner are easier to assemble, install, repair, and maintain. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a window portion. In particular, the chain disk corner includes a bottom housing subassembly that includes a bottom body of an opaque material and a window portion of a translucent material that is hingedly attached to the bottom body. By forming only a portion of the bottom body out of the translucent material, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength while still providing visual access to an interior of the chain disk housing during operation of the chain disk housing. Further, the window provides selective access to an interior of the housing, even during operation of the chain disk housing. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner housing with a reinforcing washer. In particular, a top body of the chain disk corner housing includes a top washer attached by injection molding to an interior of the top body, and/or a bottom body of the chain disk corner housing includes a bottom washer attached by injection molding to an interior of the bottom body. The top body and the bottom body are made of plastic and the top washer and bottom washer are made of metal, which is stronger and more rigid than plastic (although heavier and more expensive). In this way, the top washer and the bottom washer increase the strength and rigidity at the point of attachment of a wheel assembly within the chain disk corner housing. 
     Disclosed is a chain disk corner with a top surface devoid of pockets. In particular, a top body of a chain disk corner housing includes a plurality of ribs positioned at an interior surface of the top body. In this way, the chain disk corner maintains robustness and strength, but avoids any material accumulation, such as particulate, feed, or water, on top of the chain disk corner housing. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  are views of a chain disk corner  200  according to one embodiment. The chain disk corner  200  (may also be referred to as a chain disk corner, corner wheel unit, etc.) includes a housing  202  (may also be referred to as housing assembly, etc.) with a wheel assembly  204  positioned therein. The housing  202  includes a housing top subassembly  206  (may also be referred to as a housing top, top subassembly, top half, etc.) and a housing bottom subassembly  208  (may also be referred to as a housing bottom, bottom subassembly, bottom half, etc.) defining an interior  210 . In particular, the wheel assembly  204  is positioned between and contained within the housing top subassembly  206  and the housing bottom subassembly  208 . 
     The interior  210  formed by the top housing subassembly  206  and the bottom housing subassembly  208  includes a wheel cavity  212  for housing the wheel assembly  204  and an angled channel  214  (may also be referred to as a feed channel, etc.) proximate the wheel cavity  212  for containing the disk chain. The angled channel  214  directs the disk chain positioned within the angled channel  214  as the disk chain moves through the angled channel  214 . The angled channel  214  includes a first opening  216  (e.g., an inlet) defining a first axis A 2  at a first end of the angled channel  214  and a second opening  218  (e.g., an outlet) defining a second axis B 2  at a second end of the angled channel  214 . The first opening  216  (and first axis A 2 ) is positioned 90 degrees from the second opening  218  (and second axis B 2 ) about a central axis C 2 . In this way, a disk chain may be positioned within and fed through the first opening  216  through the angled channel  214  and through the second opening  218 . Accordingly, the chain disk corner  200  redirects the disk chain and corresponding feed path by 90 degrees. The wheel assembly  204  is positioned within the wheel cavity  212  and mounted to the housing  202  to freely rotate therein. The wheel assembly  204  keeps the feed within the angled channel  214 , keeps the disk chain taught, and freely rotates with the disk chain to route the disk chain through the angled channel  214  (as the disk chain is pulled through the angled channel  214 ). 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded top perspective view of the housing top subassembly  206  of  FIGS. 2A-2C . The housing top subassembly  206  includes a top body  300 , a top reinforcing washer  302  (may also be referred to as a stiffening washer) (see  FIGS. 4C-4D ) to increase the structural strength and rigidity where the wheel assembly  204  mounts to the top body  300 , a housing gasket  304  attached to the top body  300  to form a seal with the housing bottom subassembly  206 B, and a plurality of retainer clips  306  (may also be referred to as latches) to releasably engage the bottom subassembly  208  and provide tool-less entry to the interior  210  of the chain disk corner  200 . The housing top subassembly  206  further includes a top washer  308  and a top nut  310  to engage the wheel assembly  204 , thereby mounting the wheel assembly  204  to the top body  300  of the housing top subassembly  206 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4G  are views of the top body  300  of the housing top subassembly  206  of  FIG. 3 . Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , the top body  300  includes a top surface  400  (may also be referred to as an exterior surface) and an interior surface  402  (may also be referred to as a bottom surface) opposite to the top surface  400 . The top body  300  further includes a wheel portion  404  which partially defines the wheel cavity  212  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) and a channel portion  406  proximate the wheel portion  404  which partially defines the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     The wheel portion  404  includes a top wall  408  with a peripheral wall  410  extending at least partially around the top wall  408 . In particular, the top wall  408  is surrounded by a combination of the channel portion  406  and the peripheral wall  410 . Further, the top wall  408  defines a top center hole  412  extending through the top wall  408  from the top surface  400  to the interior surface  402 . The top surface defines an external seat  414  surrounding the top center hole  412  to receive the top washer  308 , which facilitates assembly as the external seat  414  aligns the top washer  308  with an axis A 4  of the top center hole  412 . The top surface  400  of the top wall  408  of the wheel portion  404  is generally smooth and includes no pockets where water or particulate can accumulate. In other words, the top surface  400  of the top wall  408  is devoid of pockets to prevent material accumulation on the top surface  400 . 
     Instead, the water runs off the top surface  400 . It is noted that the top surface does not include radially extending ribs, where, for example, water can accumulate between adjacent radially extending ribs and the channel portion  406 . However, it is further noted that some recesses, ribs, or other protrusions could be positioned on the top surface  400  as long as such recesses, ribs, or other protrusions do not form pockets where water or particulate can accumulate. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4C-4E , the interior surface  402  of the top wall  408  of the wheel portion  404  includes an internal seat  416  surrounding the top center hole  412 , and a plurality of top internal ribs  418  circumferentially positioned around and radially extending from the internal seat  416 . The top internal ribs  418  provides increased strength and rigidity, however, positioning them at the interior surface  402  of the top body  300  avoids formation of pockets in the top surface  400  of the top body  300 . 
     The internal seat  416  is configured to receive a top reinforcing washer  302  to provide structural support and rigidity. In other words, the top reinforcing washer  302  is attached at an interior surface  402  of the top body  300 . The material of the top reinforcing washer  302  has a greater strength and rigidity than the material of the top body  300 . As previously noted, the wheel assembly  204  is mounted at the top center hole  412 , and the area around the top center hole  412  may be subject to increased deflection and/or stress, leading to an increased likelihood of structural damage or failure. The top reinforcing washer  302  provides increased strength and rigidity around the top center hole  412  at the mounting point of the wheel assembly  204 , thereby decreasing the likelihood of structural damage or failure. The top reinforcing washer  302  includes a center hole  420  that aligns with the top center hole  412  of the top wall  408 . Further, the top reinforcing washer  302  includes one or more peripheral holes  422  (may also be referred to as secondary holes). The top body  300  is made of plastic or non-metal material (also may be referred to as a first material), and the top reinforcing washer  302  is made of a metal or metal material (also may be referred to as a second material) and is positioned during the molding process such that a portion of the top body  300  integrally extends into at least one of the plurality of peripheral holes  422  in the top reinforcing washer  302 , thereby maintaining position and preventing translation or rotation of the top reinforcing washer  302  around the top center hole  412  of the top wall  408  of the top body  300 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4G , the top body  300  further includes a plurality of retainer clip mounts  424 ( 1 )- 424 ( 3 ) (referred to generally as retainer clip mount  424 ) circumferentially positioned along the peripheral wall  410 . Each retainer clip mount  424  is configured to pivotably mount one of the plurality of retainer clips  306 . Referring to  FIGS. 4F-4G , each retainer clip mount  424  includes a center portion  426  defining a horizontal groove  428  to receive a portion of a retainer clip  306 . A tab  430  extends from a top of the center portion  426  into the horizontal groove  428  to retain the portion of the retainer clip  306  within the horizontal groove  428 . 
     A first lateral wall  432 A is positioned towards a first side of the center portion  426  and defines a first lateral gap  434 A between the first lateral wall  432 A and the center portion  426 . Similarly, a second lateral wall  432 B is positioned towards a second side of the center portion  426  and defines a second lateral gap  434 B between the second lateral wall  432 B and the center portion  426 . As explained in more detail below, the lateral walls  432 A,  432 B prevent lateral movement of the retainer clip  306  and the lateral gaps  434 A,  434 B allow the retainer clip  306  to pivot from a locked state to an unlocked state while being retained within the horizontal groove  428 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , the channel portion  406  of the top body  300  defines a first port  436  at a first end of the channel portion  406  and a second port  438  at a second end of the channel portion  406  (opposite the first port  436 ). The first port  436  at least partially defines the first opening  216  of the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ) and the second port  438  at least partially defines the second opening  218  of the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ). A bend  440  is defined between the first port  436  and the second port  438 , such that the first port  436  is rotationally offset from the second port  438  by 90 degrees. However, in certain embodiments the angle of the rotational offset may be more or less than 90 degrees. 
     The channel portion  406  includes a peripheral edge  442  extending along the channel portion  406  between the first port  436  and the second port  438 . The peripheral edge  442  defines a plurality of counter bore hex holes  444  to receive a hex bolt therethrough to attach the top body  300  to the housing bottom subassembly  206 B. The counter bore hex holes  444  prevent rotation of the hex bolt placed therein to facilitate assembly and application of a nut onto the hex bolt. 
     The interior surface  402  of the top body  300  further defines a gasket groove  446 , which forms a general loop around the peripheral edges of the top body  300 . In particular, the gasket groove  446  includes a wheel portion  448  extending along the peripheral wall  410  of the wheel portion  404 , a channel portion  450  extending along the peripheral edge  442  of the channel portion  406 , a first channel portion  452  across the interior surface  402  of the channel portion  406  proximate the first port  436 , and a second channel portion  454  across the interior surface  402  of the channel portion  406  proximate the second port  438 . The gasket groove  446  is configured to receive the housing gasket  304  to form a seal between the top body  300  and the housing bottom subassembly  208 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5C  are views of the housing gasket  304  of the housing top subassembly  206  of  FIG. 3 . The housing gasket  304  is configured to be positioned in the gasket groove  446  of the top body  300 . The housing gasket  304  includes a wheel portion  500  generally sized and shaped consistent with the periphery of the wheel portion  404  of the top body  300 , and a peripheral channel portion  502  generally sized and shaped consistent with a periphery of the peripheral wall  410  of the top body  300 . The wheel portion  500  and the peripheral channel portion  502  configured to form a seal between the top body  300  and the housing bottom subassembly  208 . 
     The housing gasket  304  further includes a first inlet portion  504  integrally connecting first ends of the wheel portion  500  and the peripheral channel portion  502 , and a second inlet portion  506  integrally connecting second ends of the wheel portion  500  and the peripheral channel portion  502 . The first inlet portion  504  is configured to form a seal between the first port  436  of the channel portion  406  of the top body  300  and a top portion of a tube positioned in the first port  436 . 
     In this way, the wheel portion  500  and the peripheral channel portion  502  are positioned in the same plane as one another. The first inlet portion  504  and the second inlet portion  506  extend perpendicularly from the wheel portion  500  and the peripheral channel portion  502 . The first inlet portion  504  rotationally offset from the second inlet portion  506 . 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  are views of a retainer clip  306  of the housing top subassembly  206  of  FIG. 3 . As explained in more detail below, the retainer clip  306  provides for tool-less entry into the interior  208  of the chain disk corner  200 . The retainer clip  306  includes a lever  600  and a wire  602  rotatably attached to the lever  600 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , the lever  600  includes a grip end  604  and an insertion end  606  opposite the grip end  604 . The grip end  604  provides a surface for a user to rotate the lever, and the insertion end  606  is configured to engage a portion of the housing bottom subassembly  208 . The lever  600  further includes a first hole  608 A a second hole  608 B (not shown) in lateral sides of the lever  600  to rotatably engage the wire  602 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6C , the wire  602  forms a generally square shape including a base  610  with a first leg  612 A integrally extending from a first end of the base  610  and a second leg  612 B integrally extending from a second end of the base  610  (and in the same direction as the first leg  612 A. A first end  614 A integrally extends inwardly from an end of the first leg  612 A (opposite the base  610 ) and a second end  614 B integrally extends inwardly from an end of the second leg  612 B (opposite the base  610 ). In this way, the first end  614 A and the second end  614 B are axially aligned but separated from one another. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , the first end  614 A of the wire  602  is positioned within the first hole  608 A of the lever  600 , and the second  614 B of the wire  602  is positioned within the second hole  608 B (not shown) of the lever  600 . In this way, the lever  600  and the wire  602  are pivotably attached to one another. The base  610  of the wire  602  is configured to be positioned in the horizontal groove  428  of the peripheral retainer clip mounts  424  of the top body  300 , such that the wire  602  is rotatably mounted to the top body  300  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded top perspective view of a housing bottom subassembly  208  of  FIGS. 2A-2C . The housing bottom subassembly  208  includes a bottom body  700 , a window  702  hingedly connected to the bottom body  700  by an L-shaped rod  703  to provide selective access to the interior  208  of the chain disk corner  200 . The L-shaped rod  703  includes a long leg  704 A and a short leg  704 B perpendicular thereto. The housing bottom subassembly  208  further includes a bottom reinforcing washer  705  (may also be referred to as a stiffening washer) and a window gasket  706  positioned between the bottom body  700  and the window  702  to form a seal therebetween. The housing bottom subassembly  208  further includes a first channel gasket  708  to create a seal between the bottom body  700  and an inlet tube (not shown) and a second channel gasket  710  to create a seal between the bottom body  700  and an outlet tube (not shown). The housing bottom subassembly  208  further includes a first channel clamp  712  to engage and secure the inlet tube to the bottom body  700  and a second channel clamp  714  to engage and secure the outlet tube to the bottom body  700 . The housing bottom subassembly  208  further includes a bottom washer  716  and a bottom nut  718  to engage the wheel assembly  204 , thereby mounting the wheel assembly  204  to the bottom body  700  of the housing bottom subassembly  208 . 
     The bottom body  700  is made of a first, opaque material. The window is made of a second, translucent material. Note that translucent, at least as used herein, comprises semi-transparent and transparent. In particular, as used herein, the term semi-transparent identifies objects that allow at least some light to pass through at least part of the object and transparent identifies objects that allow substantially all light to pass through all or part of the object. In some embodiments, at least part of the body window is semi-transparent (e.g., translucent but not transparent). The second translucent material has a greater strength and rigidity than the first opaque material. 
       FIGS. 8A-8E  are views of a bottom body  700  of the housing bottom subassembly  208  of  FIG. 7 . The bottom body  700  includes a bottom surface  800  (may also be referred to as an exterior surface) and an interior surface  802  (may also be referred to as a top surface) opposite to the bottom surface  800 . The bottom body  700  further includes a primary wheel portion  804  which partially defines the wheel cavity  212  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) and a channel portion  806  proximate the primary wheel portion  804  which partially defines the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     The primary wheel portion  804  includes a bottom wall  808  with a peripheral wall  810  extending at least partially around the bottom wall  808 . In particular, the bottom wall  808  is at least partially surrounded by a combination of the channel portion  806  and the peripheral wall  810 . The bottom wall  808  further defines a planar edge  812 , such that the primary wheel portion  804  only defines a portion of a circle. Further, the bottom wall  808  defines a bottom center hole  814  extending through the bottom wall  808  from the bottom surface  800  to the interior surface  802 . The bottom surface  800  defines an external seat  816  surrounding the bottom center hole  814  to receive the bottom washer  716 , which facilitates assembly as the external seat  816  aligns the bottom washer  716  with the bottom center hole  814 . The interior surface  802  of the bottom wall  808  of the primary wheel portion  804  is generally smooth and includes no pockets. In other words, the interior surface  802  of the bottom wall  808  does not include any pockets where water or particulate can accumulate. Instead, the water runs off the bottom surface  800 . It is noted that the interior surface does not include internal ribs, thereby facilitating self-cleaning by the wheel assembly  204 . 
     The interior surface  802  of the bottom wall  808  of the primary wheel portion  804  includes an internal seat  818  surrounding the bottom center hole  814 , and a plurality of bottom external ribs  820  circumferentially positioned around and radially extending from the internal seat  818 . The bottom external ribs  820  provide increased strength and rigidity. The internal seat  818  is configured to receive the bottom reinforcing washer  705  to provide structural support and rigidity. As previously noted, the wheel assembly  204  is mounted at the bottom center hole  814 , and the area around the bottom center hole  814  may be subject to increased deflection and/or stress, leading to an increased likelihood of structural damage or failure. The bottom reinforcing washer  705  provides increased strength and rigidity at the mounting point of the wheel assembly  204 , thereby decreasing the likelihood of structural damage or failure. The bottom reinforcing washer  705  includes a center hole  822  that aligns with the bottom center hole  814  of the bottom wall  808 . Further, the bottom reinforcing washer  705  includes one or more peripheral holes  824  (may also be referred to as secondary holes). The bottom body  700  is made of plastic or non-metal material (also may be referred to as a first material), and the bottom reinforcing washer  705  is made of a metal or metal material (also may be referred to as a second material) and is positioned during the molding process such that a portion of the bottom body  700  integrally extends into at least one of the plurality of peripheral holes  824  in the bottom reinforcing washer  705 , thereby maintaining position and preventing rotation of the bottom reinforcing washer  705  around the bottom center hole  814  of the bottom wall  808  of the bottom body  700 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8E , the channel portion  806  of the bottom body  700  defines a first port  826  at a first end of the channel portion  406  and a second port  828  at a second end of the channel portion  806  (opposite the first port  826 ). The first port  826  at least partially defines the first opening  216  of the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ) and the second port  828  at least partially defines the second opening  218  of the angled channel  214  (see  FIGS. 2A-2B ). A bend  830  is defined between the first port  826  and the second port  828 , such that the first port  826  is rotationally offset from the second port  828  by 90 degrees. However, in certain embodiments the angle of the rotational offset may be more or less than 90 degrees. 
     The channel portion  806  includes a peripheral edge  832  extending along the channel portion  806  between the first port  826  and the second port  828 . The peripheral edge  832  defines a plurality of holes  834  to receive a hex bolt therethrough to attach the top body  300  to the bottom body  700 . 
     The interior surface  802  of the bottom body  700  further defines a first gasket groove  836  proximate the first port  826 , and a second gasket groove  838  proximate the second port  828 . In particular, the first channel gasket  708  is positioned in the first gasket groove  836  and the second channel gasket  710  is positioned in the second gasket groove  838 . 
     The bottom body  700  further includes a hinge connectors  842 A,  842 B for mounting the window  702  of the housing bottom subassembly  208 . Referring to  FIG. 8E , the first hinge connector  842 A and the second hinge connector  842 B are proximate the planar edge  812 . 
     The first hinge connector  842 A includes a medial support  844 A and a distal support  846 A with a gap  848 A therebetween to receive a portion of the window  702 . The medial support  844 A defines a medial bore  850 A and the distal support  846 A defines a distal bore  852 A (aligned with the medial bore  850 A), such that the L-shaped rod  703  can be positioned through the medial bore  850 A and the distal bore  852 A. A retainer structure  854 A defines a recess  856 A to receive the L-shaped rod and prevent axial movement of the rod when positioned in the medial bore  850 A and the distal bore  852 A. 
     The second hinge connector  842 B includes a medial support  844 B and a distal support  846 B with a gap  848 B therebetween to receive a portion of the window  702 . The medial support  844 B defines a medial bore  850 B and the distal support  846 A defines a distal bore  852 B (aligned with the medial bore  850 B), such that the L-shaped rod  703  can be positioned through the medial bore  850 B and the distal bore  852 B. A retainer structure  854 B defines a recess  856 A to receive the L-shaped rod and prevent axial movement of the rod when positioned in the medial bore  850 A and the distal bore  852 A. 
       FIGS. 9A-9E  are views of the window  702  of the housing bottom subassembly  208  of  FIG. 7 . The window  702  includes an exterior surface  900  (may also be referred to as a top surface) and an interior surface  902  (may also be referred to as a bottom surface) opposite to the exterior surface  900 . The window  702  further includes a secondary wheel portion  904  which partially defines the wheel cavity  212  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     The secondary wheel portion  904  includes a bottom wall  906  with a peripheral wall  908  extending at least partially around the bottom wall  906 . The bottom wall  906  further defines a planar edge  910 , such that the primary wheel portion  804  only defines a portion of a circle. The interior surface  802  of the bottom wall  808  of the primary wheel portion  804  is generally smooth and includes no pockets. In other words, the interior surface  802  of the bottom wall  808  does not include any pockets where water or particulate can accumulate. It is noted that the interior surface does not include radially extending ribs, thereby facilitating self-cleaning by the wheel assembly  204 . 
     The window  702  further includes a plurality of retainer clip receptacles  912 ( 1 )- 912 ( 3 ) (referred to generally as retainer clip receptacle  912 ) circumferentially positioned along the peripheral wall  908 . Each retainer clip receptacle  912  is configured to engage one of the plurality of retainer clips  306  (see  FIGS. 6A-6C ). In particular, each retainer clip receptacle  912  includes a center portion  914  defining a horizontal groove  916  to receive a portion of a retainer clip  306 . 
     A first lateral wall  918 A is positioned towards a first side of the center portion  914  and defines a first lateral gap  920 A between the first lateral wall  918 A and the center portion  914 . Similarly, a second lateral wall  918 B is positioned towards a second side of the center portion  914  and defines a second lateral gap  920 B between the second lateral wall  918 B and the center portion  914 . As explained in more detail below, the lateral walls  918 A,  918 B prevent lateral movement of the retainer clip  306 , and the lateral gaps  920 A,  920 B allow the retainer clip  306  to engage and disengage the horizontal groove  916  of the retainer clip receptacle  912 . Each retainer clip receptacle  912  also includes a lever stop  922  positioned next to the horizontal groove  916  to retain the retainer clip  306  in locked state (may also be referred to as a closed orientation) and provide access for a user to move the retainer clip  306  to an unlocked state (may also be referred to as an open position). 
     The window  702  further includes a first hinge connector  924 A and a second hinge connector  924 B at the planar edge  910 . The first hinge connector  924 A defines a first bore  926 A and the second hinge connector  924 B defines a second bore  926 B. In this way, the first hinge connector  924 A and the second hinge connector  924 B engage the hinge connectors  842 A,  842 B of the bottom body  700  (see  FIG. 7 ). In particular, for example, the first hinge connector  924 A of the window  702  is positioned within gap  848 A of the first hinge connector  842 A of the bottom body  700 , and the first bore  926 A of the first hinge connector  924 A of the window  702  is aligned with the medial bore  850 A of the medial support  844 A and the distal bore  852 A of the distal support  846 A to receive the L-shaped rod  703  therethrough. 
     The planar edge  910  of the window  702  further includes gasket groove  928  including a bottom wall groove  930 , a first peripheral groove  932 A in a first end of the peripheral wall  908  end extending from a first end of the bottom wall groove  930 , and a second peripheral groove  932 B in a second end of the peripheral wall  908  extending from a second end of the bottom wall groove  930 . 
       FIG. 10  is a window gasket  706  of the housing bottom subassembly of  FIG. 7 . In particular, the window gasket  706  is positioned at the planar edge  910  of the window  702  within the gasket groove  928 . In particular, the window gasket  706  includes a base  934 , a first leg  936 A integrally extending from a first end of the base  934 , and a second leg  936 B integrally extending from a second end of the base  934 . The base  934  is positioned within the bottom wall groove  930 , the first leg  936 A positioned within the first peripheral groove  932 A, and the second leg  936 B positioned within the second peripheral groove  932 B. In this way, the window gasket  706  forms a seal between the bottom body  700  and the window  702  when the window  702  is in the closed position. 
       FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly  204  of  FIG. 2A-2C , and  FIGS. 11B-11D  are views of the wheel  1100  of the wheel assembly  204 . Referring to  FIG. 11A , the wheel assembly  204  includes a wheel  1100  rotatably mounted to a threaded axle  1102  by a bearing  1104 . The threaded axle  1102  extends through the top body  300  and the bottom body  700 , where a top washer  308  and a top nut  310  secures a first end of the threaded axle  1102 . A bottom washer  716  and a bottom nut  718  secure a second end of the threaded axle  1102 , thereby mounting the wheel assembly  204  to the housing  202  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ). 
     The wheel  1100  defines a first side  1106 A and a second side  1106 B (opposite the first side  1106 A). The wheel  1100  includes a central hub  1108  defining a central axis A 11 , a plurality of spokes  1110 ( 1 )- 1110 ( 4 ) (may be referred to generally as spokes  1110 ) integrally extending from the central hub  1108 , and a rim  1112  at an end of the spokes  1110 , opposite the central hub  1108  and aligned with the central axis A 11 . In other words, the plurality of spokes  1110  are positioned between and integrally connect the central hub  1108  and the rim  1112 . The rim  1112  defines an interior  1114  (within the rim  1112 ) and an exterior  1116  (outside the rim  1112 ) of the wheel  1100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11B , the central hub  1108  defines a center hole  1118  configured to receive the bearing  1104  therein. Further, on the first side  1106 A, the central hub  1108  further includes a top recessed surface  1120 A and a top extended surface  1122 A, both perpendicular to the central axis A 11 . The top extended surface  1122 A extends farther along the central axis A 11  than the top recessed surface  1120 A to provide a sweeping surface to self-clean the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . In particular, the top extended surface  1122 A forms a top teardrop sweep  1123 A including a first top sweeping surface  1124 A (may also be referred to as a first inverted sweeping surface) and a second top sweeping surface  1126 A (may also be referred to as a second inverted sweeping surface) which intersect with each other at a point  1127 A at a first radius R 1 A (from the central axis A 11 ). The first top sweeping surface  1124 A and the second top sweeping surface  1126 A extend along the central axis A 11  and are not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . In other words, the first top sweeping surface  1124 A extends at least from the top recessed surface  1120 A to the top extended surface  1122 A, or from the first side  1106 A toward the second side  1106 B. 
     In this way, for example, when the wheel assembly  204  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) is mounted within the housing bottom subassembly  206  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) such that the first side  1106 A of the wheel  1100  is positioned proximate the interior surface  802  (see  FIG. 8A-8E ) of the bottom body  700  (see  FIG. 7 ), the top extended surface  1108 A of the central hub  1108  contacts the interior surface  802  of the bottom body  700 . As the wheel  1100  rotates clockwise within the housing  202 , any feed or other particulate within the first radius R 1 A is swept by the first sweeping surface to a point beyond the first radius R 1 A. Similarly, when the wheel  1100  rotates counter-clockwise within the housing  202 , any feed or other particulate within the first radius R 1 A is swept by the second sweeping surface to a point beyond the first radius R 1 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11C , similarly, on the second side  1106 B, the central hub  1108  further includes a bottom recessed surface  1120 B and a bottom extended surface  1122 B, both perpendicular to the central axis A 11 . The bottom extended surface  1122 B extends farther along the central axis A 11  than the bottom recessed surface  1120 B to provide a sweeping surface to self-clean the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . In particular, the bottom extended surface  1122 B forms a bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B including a first bottom sweeping surface  1124 B (may also be referred to as a first upright sweeping surface) and a second bottom sweeping surface  1126 B (may also be referred to as a second upright sweeping surface) which intersect with each other at a second radius R 1 B (from the central axis A 11 ). The first bottom sweeping surface  1124 B and the second bottom sweeping surface  1126 B extend along the central axis A 11  and are not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . In other words, the first bottom sweeping surface  1124 B extends at least from the bottom recessed surface  1120 B to the bottom extended surface  1122 B, or from the second side  1106 B toward the first side  1106 A. 
     In this way, for example, when the wheel assembly  204  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) is mounted within the housing bottom subassembly  206  (see  FIGS. 2A-2C ) such that the second side  1106 B of the wheel  1100  is positioned proximate the interior surface  802  (see  FIG. 8A-8E ) of the bottom body  700  (see  FIG. 7 ), the bottom extended surface  1122 B of the central hub  1108  contacts the interior surface  802  of the bottom body  700 . As the wheel  1100  rotates clockwise within the housing  202 , any feed or other particulate within the second radius R 1 B is swept by the first sweeping surface to a point beyond the second radius R 1 B. Similarly, when the wheel  1100  rotates counter-clockwise within the housing  202 , any feed or other particulate within the second radius R 1 B is swept by the second sweeping surface to a point beyond the second radius R 1 B. 
     It is noted that top teardrop sweep  1123 A is positioned as rotationally offset from the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B about the central axis A 11 . However, in other embodiments, the top teardrop sweep  1123 A is rotationally aligned with the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11B-11C , the plurality of spokes  1110  are rotationally spaced around the central hub  1108  by 90 degrees and define inter apertures  1128  between each of the plurality of spokes  1110  to reduce weight and amount of material of the wheel  1100 . Of course, more or fewer spokes  1110  could be used. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 11B-11C , each spoke  1110  includes a first rib  1130 ′ and a second rib  1130 ″ that extend between the central hub  1108  and the rim  1112 . The first rib  1130 ′ and second rib  1130 ″ are integrally joined at a point  1131  at the rim  1112 , are arcuate shaped, and define an intra aperture  1132  between the first rib  1130 ′, the second rib  1130 ″, and/or the central hub  1108  to reduce the weight and material amount of the wheel  1100 . 
     On the first side  1106 A, some of the spokes  1110  (e.g., first rib  1130 ′ and/or second rib  1130 ″) may include a top recessed surface  1134 A, but at least one of the spokes  1110  (e.g., first rib  1130 ′ and/or second rib  1130 ″) includes a top extended surface  1136 A, where the top recessed surface  1134 A and the top extended surface  1136 A are perpendicular to the central axis A 11 . The top extended surface  1136 A extends farther along the central axis A 11  than the top recessed surface  1134 A to provide a sweeping surface to self-clean the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . In particular, on the first side  1106 A, the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ) (the first rib  1130 ′ and second rib  1130 ″) includes a top extended surface  1136 A, and the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ), third spoke  1110 ( 3 ), and fourth spoke  1110 ( 4 ) include a top recessed surface  1134 A. It is noted that more of the spokes  1110  could include a top extended surface  1136 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11C , similarly, on the second side  1106 B, some of the spokes  1110  (e.g., first rib  1130 ′ and/or second rib  1130 ″) may include a bottom recessed surface  1134 B, but at least one of the spokes  1110  (e.g., first rib  1130 ′ and/or second rib  1130 ″) includes a bottom extended surface  1136 B, where the bottom recessed surface  1134 B and the bottom extended surface  1136 B are perpendicular to the central axis A 11 . The bottom extended surface  1136 B extends farther along the central axis A 11  than the bottom recessed surface  1134 B to provide a sweeping surface to self-clean the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . In particular, on the second side  1106 B, the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ) (first rib  1130 ′ and second rib  1130 ″) includes a bottom extended surface  1136 B, and the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ), third spoke  1110 ( 3 ), and fourth spoke  1110 ( 4 ) include a bottom recessed surface  1134 B. It is noted that more of the spokes  1110  could include a bottom extended surface  1136 B. 
     Some of the spokes  1110  may include a top recessed surface  1134 A and/or a bottom recessed surface  1134 B, at least one of the spokes  1110  includes a top extended surface  1136 A and/or a bottom extended surface  1136 B. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 11B , the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ) includes a first rib  1130 ′ having an inner end  1138 ′ at a first radius R 2 A′ and an outer end  1140 ′ at a second radius R 3 A. The first radius R 2 A′ of the inner end  1138 ′ of the first rib  1130 ′ is smaller than the first radius R 1 A of the point  1127 A of the top teardrop sweep  1123 A of the central hub  1108 . In other words, the first radius R 1 A overlaps the first radius R 2 A′, along with their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . The inner end  1138 ′ is rotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axis A 11 ) from the outer end  1140 ′. In other words, the first rib  1130 ′ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . As the first rib  1130 ′ includes the top extended surface  1136 A towards the first side  1106 A (not a bottom extended surface  1136 B towards the second side  1106 B), the first rib  1130 ′ defines a top inner sweeping surface  1142 A′ (may also be referred to as an inverted sweeping surface) facing toward the central axis A 11 , and a top outer sweeping surface  1144 A′ (may also be referred to as an inverted sweeping surface) facing away from the central axis A 11 . The first rib  1130 ′ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such that the first rib  1130 ′ bows away from the central axis A 11 . Further, a first top transition gap  1146 A′ is defined between the inner end  1138 ′ and the top extended surface  1122 A of the central hub  1108  to direct feed outside the intra aperture  1132  of the spoke  1110 ( 1 ) when rotated in a first direction. 
     Similarly, the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ) includes a second rib  1130 ″ having an inner end  1138 ″ at a first radius R 2 A″ and an outer end  1140 ″ at a second radius R 3 A. The first radius R 2 A″ of the inner end  1138 ″ of the second rib  1130 ″ is smaller than the first radius R 1 A of the point  1127 A of the top teardrop sweep  1123 A of the central hub  1108 . In other words, the first radius R 1 A overlaps the first radius R 2 A″, along with their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . The inner end  1138 ″ is rotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axis A 11 ) from the outer end  1140 ″. In other words, the second rib  1130 ″ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . As the second rib  1130 ″ includes the top extended surface  1136 A towards the first side  1106 A (not a bottom extended surface  1136 B towards the second side  1106 B), the second rib  1130 ″ defines a top inner sweeping surface  1142 A″ (may also be referred to as an inverted sweeping surface) facing toward the central axis A 11 , and a top outer sweeping surface  1144 A″ (may also be referred to as an inverted sweeping surface) facing away from the central axis A 11 . The second rib  1130 ″ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such that the second rib  1130 ″ bows away from the central axis A 11 . Further, a second top transition gap  1146 A″ is defined between the inner end  1138 ″ and the top extended surface  1122 A of the central hub  1108  to direct feed outside the intra aperture  1132  of the spoke  1110 ( 1 ) when rotated in a second direction (opposite the first direction). 
     It is noted that the top teardrop sweep  1123 A is rotationally offset from the top extended surface  1136 A of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ). In other words, the point  1127 A of the top teardrop sweep  1123 A is rotationally offset from the point  1131  of the top extended surface  1136 A of the first and second ribs  1130 ′,  1130 ″ of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ). As explained in more detail below, this ensures a path for grain to move from the intra aperture  1132  of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ) to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11C , the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ) includes a first rib  1130 ′ having an inner end  1138 ′ at a first radius R 2 B′ and an outer end  1140 ′ at a second radius R 3 B. The first radius R 2 B′ of the inner end  1138 ′ of the first rib  1130 ′ is smaller than the second radius R 1 B of the point  1127 B of the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B of the central hub  1108 . In other words, the second radius R 1 B overlaps the first radius R 2 B′, along with their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . The inner end  1138 ′ is rotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axis A 11 ) from the outer end  1140 ′. In other words, the first rib  1130 ′ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . As the first rib  1130 ′ includes the bottom extended surface  1136 B towards the second side  1106 B (not a top extended surface  1136 A towards the first side  1106 A), the first rib  1130 ′ defines a bottom inner sweeping surface  1142 B′ (may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing toward the central axis A 11 , and a bottom outer sweeping surface  1144 B′ (may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing away from the central axis A 11 . The first rib  1130 ′ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such that the first rib  1130 ′ bows away from the central axis A 11 . Further, a first bottom transition gap  1146 B′ is defined between the inner end  1138 ′ and the bottom extended surface  1122 B of the central hub  1108  to direct feed outside the intra aperture  1132  of the spoke  1110 ( 1 ) when rotated in a first direction. 
     Similarly, the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ) includes a second rib  1130 ″ having an inner end  1138 ″ at a first radius R 2 B″ and an outer end  1140 ″ at a second radius R 3 B. The first radius R 2 B′ of the inner end  1138 ″ of the second rib  1130 ″ is smaller than the second radius R 1 B of the point  1127 B of the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B of the central hub  1108 . In other words, the second radius R 1 B overlaps the first radius R 2 A″, along with their associated rotational paths, to direct feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . The inner end  1138 ″ is rotationally offset (i.e., at a different radian from the central axis A 11 ) from the outer end  1140 ″. In other words, the second rib  1130 ″ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . As the second rib  1130 ″ includes the bottom extended surface  1136 B towards the second side  1106 B (not a top extended surface  1136 A towards the first side  1106 A), the second rib  1130 ″ defines a bottom inner sweeping surface  1142 B″ (may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing toward the central axis A 11 , and a bottom outer sweeping surface  1144 B″ (may also be referred to as an upright sweeping surface) facing away from the central axis A 11 . The second rib  1130 ″ is arcuate shaped (i.e., has an arc), such that the second rib  1130 ″ bows away from the central axis A 11 . Further, a second bottom transition gap  1146 B″ is defined between the inner end  1138 ″ and the bottom extended surface  1122 B of the central hub  1108  to direct feed outside the intra aperture  1132  of the spoke  1110 ( 1 ) when rotated in a second direction (opposite the first direction). 
     It is noted that the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B is rotationally offset from the bottom extended surface  1136 B of the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ). In other words, the point  1127 B of the bottom teardrop sweep  1123 B is rotationally offset from the point  1131  of the bottom extended surface  1136 B of the first and second ribs  1130 ′,  1130 ″ of the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ). As explained in more detail below, this ensures a path for grain to move from the intra aperture  1132  of the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ) to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . 
     It is noted that although the third and fourth spokes  1110 ( 3 ),  1110 ( 4 ) do not include any top extended surface  1136 A, all of the spokes  1110 ( 1 )- 1110 ( 4 ) are generally similarly shaped and may have general rotational symmetry for even rotation of the wheel  1100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11B and 11D , the rim  1112  includes a sidewall  1149  and a first lip  1150 A extending toward a first side  1106 A. The first lip  1150 A prevents feed from entering the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . The first lip  1150 A defines a top passage  1152 A proximate the point  1131  of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ) to provide a path for feed to move from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . In other words, the first lip  1150 A defines a top extended surface  1154 A, and the top passage  1152 A defines a top recessed surface  1156 A. The top extended surface  1154 A of the rim  1112 , the top extended surface  1136 A of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ), and/or the top extended surface  1122 A of the central hub  1108  may be generally coplanar with one another. The top recessed surface  1156 A of the rim  1112 , the top recessed surface  1134 A of the spokes  1110 , and/or the top recessed surface  1120 A of the central hub  1108  may also be generally coplanar with one another. 
     The first lip  1150 A includes a first top bevel  1157 A( 1 ) defining a first end of the top passage  1152 A, and the first lip  1150 A includes a second top bevel  1157 A( 2 ) defining a second end of the top passage  1152 A. 
     Similarly, referring to  FIGS. 11C and 11D , the rim  1112  includes a second lip  1150 B extending toward a second side  1106 B. The second lip  1150 B prevents feed from entering the interior  1114  of the wheel  1100 . The second lip  1150 B defines a bottom passage  1152 B proximate the point  1131  of the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ) to provide a path for feed to move from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . In other words, the second lip  1150 B defines a bottom extended surface  1154 B and the bottom passage  1152 B defines a bottom recessed surface  1156 B. The bottom extended surface  1154 B of the rim  1112 , the bottom extended surface  1136 B of the second spoke  1110 ( 2 ), and/or the bottom extended surface  1122 B of the central hub  1108  may be generally coplanar with one another. The bottom recessed surface  1156 B of the rim  1112 , the bottom recessed surface  1134 B of the spokes  1110 , and/or the bottom recessed surface  1120 B of the central hub  1108  may also be generally coplanar with one another. 
     The second lip  1150 B includes a first bottom bevel  1157 B( 1 ) defining a first end of the bottom passage  1152 B, and the second lip  1150 B includes a second bottom bevel  1157 B( 2 ) defining a second end of the bottom passage  1152 B. 
     The bevels  1157 A( 1 ),  1157 A( 2 ),  1157 B( 1 ),  1157 B( 2 ) (may be referred to generally as bevels  1157 ) increase the efficiency of removing feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . Although in certain embodiments, the bevels  1157  are omitted. In certain embodiments, the wheel  1100  has a diameter D 1  of 10.975 in. and the top passage  1152 A and/or the bottom passage  1152 B have a first width W 1  (excluding the bevels  1157 ) between 2 and 4 in. (e.g., between 2.5 and 3.5 in., etc.), and a second width W 2  (including the bevels  1157 ) between 3 and 5.5 in. (e.g., between 3.5 and 5 in., between 4 and 4.5 in., etc.). In particular, in certain embodiments, the wheel  1100  has a diameter D 1  of 10.975 in. and the top passage  1152 A and/or the bottom passage  1152 B have a first width W 1  of 3 in. (excluding the bevels  1157 ) and a second width W 2  of 4.336 (including the bevels  1157 ). The widths W 1 , W 2  of the top and bottom passages  1152 A,  1152 B are dimensioned to increase the efficiency of removing feed from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100 . 
       FIGS. 12B and 12C  are views illustrating assembly of the chain disk corner  200 , and of the chain disk corner  200  once assembled.  FIG. 12A  is an exploded top perspective view of the chain disk corner  102  of  FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrating assembly of the chain disk corner  102 ,  FIG. 12B  is a top perspective assembled view of the chain disk corner  200  of  FIG. 12A , and  FIG. 12C  is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner  200  of  FIG. 12A  with the window  702  in a closed position. 
     In assembling the chain disk corner  102 , the bottom body  700  of the housing bottom subassembly  208  is pivotably attached to the window  702  by aligning the bores  850 A,  852 A (see  FIG. 8E ) of the first hinge connector  842 A of the bottom body  700  and the bores  850 B,  852 B (see  FIG. 8E ) of the second hinge connector  842 B of the bottom body  700  with the first bore  926 A (see  FIGS. 9B-9D ) of the first hinge connector  924 A of the window  702  and the second bore  926 B (see  FIGS. 9B-9D ) of the second hinge connector  924 B of the window  702 , and inserting the long leg  704 A of the L-shaped rod  703  therethrough. The wheel assembly  204  is then positioned in the bottom housing subassembly  208 , the threaded axle  1102  of the wheel assembly  204  is inserted through the bottom center hole  814  of the bottom body  700 , and the bottom washer  716  and the bottom nut  718  are attached to a bottom end of the threaded axle  1102 . It is noted that the orientation of the wheel  1100  of the wheel assembly  204  does not matter. The wheel  1100  is orientation independent and can operate and self-clean regardless of whether the first side  1106 A or the second side  1106 B of the wheel  1100  is proximate the interior surface  802  of the bottom body  700 . Further, the wheel  1100  is direction independent and can operate and self-clean regardless of whether the wheel  1100  is rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
     The housing top subassembly  206  is then positioned over the housing bottom subassembly  208 , thereby containing the wheel  1100  of the wheel assembly  204  within the housing  202  formed by the housing top subassembly  206  and the housing bottom subassembly  208 . The threaded axle  1102  of the wheel assembly  204  is inserted through the top center hole  412  of the top body  300 , and the top washer  308  and the top nut  310  are attached to a top end of the threaded axle  1102 . 
     The counter bore hex holes  444  in the peripheral edge  442  of the top body  300  are aligned with the holes  834  in the bottom body  700  and hex bolts  1200  are positioned therethrough. As noted above, the counter bore hex holes  444  in the top body  300  are counter-bored to receive and rotationally retain the hex bolts  1200  for ease of assembly as the nuts  1202  are attached to the hex bolts  1200 . The plurality of retainer clips  306  of the housing top subassembly  206  releasably attach the top body  300  to the window  702  for tool-less entry, as explained in more detail below. The housing gasket  304  of the housing top subassembly  206  is compressed between the top body  300 , the bottom body  700 , and the window  702 . The footprint formed by the top body  300  is generally complementary to the footprint formed by the combination of the bottom body  700  and the window  702 . 
     A tube may be inserted into the first opening  216  and the second opening  218  before or after the top body  300  is attached to the bottom body  700  and the window  702 . After the tubes are positioned in the first opening  216  and the second opening  218 , the first channel clamp  712  and the second channel clamp  714  are positioned on the tubes and attached to the bottom body  700 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12C , a user can view operation of the wheel  1100  within the housing  202  through the window  702 . Further, by having only a portion of the housing  202  transparent, the chain disk corner  200  is utilizes the stronger and more robust opaque materials. 
     It is noted that the L-shaped rod  703  may be inserted through the bores  850 A,  852 A, the bores  850 B,  852 B, the first bore  926 A, and the second bore  926 B from either direction. In either case, long leg  704 A of the L-shaped rod  703  is rotated and the short leg  704 B of the L-shaped rod  703  is positioned in and retained either in the recess  856 A of the retainer structure  854 A of the first hinge connector  842 A of the bottom body  700  or in the recess  856 B of the retainer structure  854 B of the second hinge connector  842 B of the bottom body  700 . 
       FIGS. 12D-12E  are views illustrating self-cleaning of the wheel  1100  when the wheel  1100  is in an inverted orientation within the chain disk corner housing  202 .  FIG. 12D  is a top view of the wheel  1100  of  FIG. 12A  illustrating movement of a feed grain  1204  from an interior  1114  to an exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100  when the wheel  1100  is rotated in a clockwise direction (from the perspective of the top of the wheel  1100 ). In particular, the grain  1204  is initially positioned within the intra aperture  1132  of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ), and as the wheel  1100  rotates in a clockwise direction, the grain  1204  contacts the top inner sweeping surface  1142 A′ of the first rib  1130 ′. As noted above, the first rib  1130 ′ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . Accordingly, this angled orientation and the arcuate surface, directs the grain  1204  towards the inner end  1138 ′ of the first rib  1130 ′, until the grain  1204  moves beyond the inner end  1138 ′ at the first radius R 2 A′. The second top sweeping surface  1126 A then contacts the grain  1204 . As similarly noted above, the angled orientation directs the grain  1204  outward beyond the first radius R 1 A (which is greater than the first radius R 2 A′). The grain  1204  moves underneath the top recessed surface  1134 A of the other spokes  1110 ( 2 )- 1110 ( 4 ) and then contacts the top outer sweeping surface  1144 A″ of the second rib  1130 ″. As similarly noted above, the angled orientation and arcuate surface directs the grain  1204  outward beyond the point  1131  and through the top passage  1152 A of the rim  1112 . 
       FIG. 12E  is a top view of the wheel  1100  of  FIG. 12A  illustrating movement of a feed grain  1204  from the interior  1114  to the exterior  1116  of the wheel  1100  when the wheel  1100  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction (from the perspective of the top of the wheel  1100 ). In particular, the grain  1204  is initially positioned within the intra aperture  1132  of the first spoke  1110 ( 1 ), and as the wheel  1100  rotates in a counter-clockwise direction, the grain  1204  contacts the top inner sweeping surface  1142 A″ of the second rib  1130 ″. As noted above, the second rib  1130 ″ is not aligned along a radius of the wheel  1100 . Accordingly, this angled orientation and the arcuate surface, directs the grain  1204  towards the inner end  1138 ″ of the second rib  1130 ″, until the grain  1204  moves beyond the inner end  1138 ″ at the first radius R 2 A″. The first top sweeping surface  1124 A then contacts the grain  1204 . As similarly noted above, the angled orientation directs the grain  1204  outward beyond the first radius R 1 A (which is greater than the first radius R 2 A″). The grain  1204  moves underneath the top recessed surface  1134 A of the other spokes  1110 ( 2 )- 1110 ( 4 ) and then contacts the top outer sweeping surface  1144 A′ of the first rib  1130 ′. As similarly noted above, the angled orientation and arcuate surface directs the grain  1204  outward beyond the point  1131  and through the top passage  1152 A of the rim  1112 . 
     It is noted that a similar self-cleaning path is formed on the second side  1106 B when the wheel  1100  is flipped within the housing  202 . 
       FIG. 12F  is a side view of the chain disk corner  200  of  FIG. 12A  with the retainer clip  306  in a closed position. In particular, the insertion end  606  of the lever  600  is positioned within the horizontal groove  916  of the retainer clip receptacle  912  of the window  702 . The lever  600  rests against the lever stop  922  of the window  702 . 
       FIG. 12G  is a side view of the chain disk corner  200  of  FIG. 12A  with the retainer clip  306  in an open position. To move the retainer clip  306 , a user puts their finger underneath the retainer clip  306 , and pulls the grip end  604  of the lever outward toward the user. Doing so rotates the lever  600 , and also rotates the wire  602  within the horizontal groove  428  of the retainer clip mount  424 , until the lever  600  disengages. Continued rotation of the wire  602  moves the lever  600  further out of the way of the window  702 . 
       FIG. 12H  is a bottom perspective view of the chain disk corner  200  of  FIG. 12A  with the window  702  in an open position. In particular, with the retainer clips  306  disengaged, the window  702  can pivot relative to the bottom body  700  to provide access to the interior  210  of the housing  202 , even during operation and rotation of the wheel  1100  within the housing  202 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the embodiments set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.