Split collar with offset hook and hinge hopper assembly

An assembly connecting a valve to a flange, the valve regulating the flow of bulk material from a container, such as a hopper or a tank locating above a horizontal surface or ground, the bulk material having a temperature, into a horizontal unloading system using pressurized air, the horizontal unloading system having an upstream and an opposite downstream flow of bulk material therein, said valve connecting assembly increasing the rate of unloading the bulk material from the container while operating from one side only of a container, comprising:

• a first collar and a cooperating second collar, said first collar having a generally semi-circular shape and said collar having a generally semi-circular shape wherein said first collar and second collar mutually adapting to connect around the flange of the hopper;
• said first collar having two opposite ends and a pair of hinge flanges extending perpendicular to one end, said hinge flanges having coaxial apertures therein;
• a hinge arm pivotally connecting to said hinge flanges, said hinge arm extending generally below said first collar;
• said second collar having two opposite ends and a pair of hook flanges extending perpendicular to one end generally opposite said hinge flanges and spaced away from said hinge flanges, said hook flanges being mutually parallel to said hinge flanges;
• a hook bolt pivotally connecting to said hook flanges, having a bight opposite said hook flanges;
• a flange mutually parallel to and spaced away from said first collar and said second collar when assembled, said flange extending beneath said first collar and said second collar when assembled, and said hinge arm extending upwardly and outwardly from said flange;
• said flange including at least one lug extending away from said flange, said lug adapting to retain a valve placed therein upon said flange, and a pair of bight flanges extending away from said flange generally opposite said at least one lug, said bight flanges being mutually parallel and opposite said hinge arm;
• and,
• a cam pivotally connecting to said bight flanges, said cam locating generally offset from said hinge arm, and said cam receiving said bight of said hook bolt for attaining a partially closed and a closed position of said assembly from one side of the assembly.

An assembly connecting a valve to a flange depending from a hopper or a tank containing bulk material therein unloading using pressurized air, comprising:

• a two piece collar adapting to surround said flange;
• said collar having a hook bolt pivotally connecting to one piece of said collar and a hinge arm pivotally connecting to the other piece of said collar, said hook bolt being offset and spaced apart from said hinge arm;
• and,
• a flange integral with said hinge arm, said flange having at least one lug thereon and a cam depending from said flange for engaging said hook bolt;
• wherein said valve connecting assembly accommodates worn flanges, imperfections in alignment of valve and assembly, and fits within mandated clearances;
• and,
• wherein said valve connecting assembly increases the rate of unloading the bulk material from the hopper or tank as a user operates the assembly from only one side.