Load out pivoting chute system and method

Abstract

A load out chute system for controlling and directing the flow of relatively large quantities of bulk material, such as coal, is disclosed. The chute system includes an upper chute and a sliding gate valve positioned above the upper chute. A pair of hydraulic cylinders move the valve plates of the upper gate valve into partially overlapping relation for effective sealing of the flowpath. A lower chute pivots from a horizontal stored position to a position wherein the upper and lower flow paths align for discharging material. The lower chute includes a triangular skirt pivotally secured to an overhead structure and includes an arcuate bottom plate enabling the lower chute to cover the upper chute discharge opening when the lower chute is pivoted up. A corresponding curved retainer plate is operative to cover the lower chute inlet opening. A curved blade gate valve is positioned at the bottom portion of the lower chute; the blade is operative to enter the lower flow path for incrementally opening and closing the lower flow path whereby precise topping off at the end of the loading cycle may be achieved and material spillage is minimized. A power cylinder interconnected to the chute with a cable and pulley arrangement pivots the chute. A power winch moves the cable to incrementally adjust the lower flow path to ensure proper alignment with the upper flow path.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.