Pocket door ship loader

A pocket dock ship loader of the type wherein bulk materials are transported from an off dock storage to a dock storage site in preparation for loading of a vessel and wherein the bulk materials may be loaded on such vessel at a speed such as to minimize the demurrage time of such vessel, comprising:

• a. at least one pocket constructed on a dock, said pocket to accommodate dock side storage of bulk material;
• b. first conveyor means for transporting bulk material from an off-dock source to said pocket;
• c. an apron, said apron extending perpendicular to the face of said dock and being positionable in a generally horizontal operating position and a generally vertical stowed position;
• d. a first track section mounted on said dock under said at least one pocket;
• e. a second track section mounted on said apron, said second track section being aligned and coplanar with said first track section when said apron is in said generally horizontal operating position;
• f. second conveyor means for transporting said bulk material from said pocket to a drop point above the cargo hatch of a bulk material carrying vessel, said second conveyor means being extensible from a stowed position, in which it is entirely supported by said first track section, to an operating position in which it is supported by both said first and said second track sections;
• and
• g. means, mounted on said at least one pocket above said second conveyor means, for regulating the flow of bulk material from said at least one pocket to said second conveyor means.