Sweep system for grain bins

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• wherein the agitator has an axis of rotation that extends in a direction forward from the elongated body of the sweep apparatus;
• the agitator having a central hub;
• the agitator having one or more arc-shaped rim members operably connected to the central hub;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• the agitator having a central hub;
• the agitator having one or more arc-shaped rim members operably connected to the central hub;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus, and
• wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members have a circular ring shape.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus,
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• the agitator having a central hub;
• the agitator having one or more arc-shaped rim members operably connected to the central hub;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members are operably connected to the central hub by a set of connection members;
• wherein the connection members are formed primarily of a first material;
• and wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members are formed of a second material;
• wherein the second material has a lower coefficient of friction than the first material.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• the agitator having a central hub;
• the agitator having one or more arc-shaped rim members operably connected to the central hub;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members are operably connected to the central hub by a set of connection members;
• wherein the connection members are formed primarily of a metallic material;
• and wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members are formed of a non-metallic material.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• the agitator having a central hub;
• the agitator having one or more arc-shaped rim members operably connected to the central hub;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• and
• wherein the one or more arc-shaped rim members are formed of an ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) material.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the elongated body houses a sweep mechanism having a plurality of links and paddles configured to move grain inward toward the inward end of the elongated body when operated;
• wherein the sweep mechanism is mechanically connected to the agitator and is configured to cause the agitator to rotate when the sweep mechanism is operated.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus, and
• wherein a position where the agitator connected to the elongated body is adjustable along a length of the elongated body.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• further comprising at least one skid connected to the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the skid is configured to contact a floor of the grain bin so as to support the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the skid is configured to slide along the floor as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to rotate around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• wherein operation of the sweep apparatus causes the agitator to be rotated thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• and
• wherein the agitator is positioned adjacent a leading side of the elongated body;
• further comprising a second agitator positioned adjacent a trailing side of the elongated body.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• the inward end of the elongated body operatively connected to a pivot point;
• wherein the elongated body is configured to pivot around the pivot point as the elongated body rotates around the grain bin;
• a drive mechanism;
• the drive mechanism configured to rotate the elongated body around the pivot point in a first rotational direction;
• wherein the drive mechanism helps to pull the sweep apparatus forward
• wherein the agitator is configured to rotate around an axis of rotation that is positioned at an angle relative to the length of the sweep apparatus,
• wherein the drive mechanism is configured to break up grain clumps positioned adjacent the outward end of the sweep apparatus.

A system for a grain bin, comprising:

• a sweep apparatus;
• the sweep apparatus having an elongated body;
• the elongated body extending a length from an outward end to an inward end;
• an agitator;
• the agitator operatively connected to the elongated body;
• the agitator positioned adjacent the outward end of the elongated body;
• wherein the agitator is configured to rotate, thereby agitating grain so as to facilitate removal of the grain by the sweep apparatus;
• wherein the agitator is configured to contact a floor of the grain bin in a manner so as to support the elongated body adjacent the outward end of the elongated body;
• a drive wheel;
• wherein the drive wheel is configured to move the outward end of the elongated body forward and rotate the elongated body around a pivot point in a first rotational direction.