Mobile conveyor system
OwnerStanley R. Duncalfinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved mobile belt conveyor is provided which can be quickly and easily converted between use and transport positions. A conveyor frame is pivotally connected to a hopper frame, with hydraulic cylinders controlling the angular position of the hopper relative to the conveyor frame. When the hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the hopper is pivoted upwardly relative to the conveyor, thereby raising a hitch on the forward end of the hopper such that a vehicle can be positioned beneath the hitch. When the hydraulic cylinders are extended, the hopper is pivoted downwardly relative to the conveyor, such that the hitch is lowered onto a hitch receiver on the tractor or vehicle. Thus, a simple two-step process is provided for movement of the conveyor system between the use and transport positions.
Claims15
An improved mobile belt conveyor system comprising:
- a conveyor frame with opposite forward and rearward ends;
- a hopper having a rearward end pivotally connected to the forward end of the conveyor frame and an opposite forward end;
- a belt conveyor extending along the conveyor frame;
- a motor for driving the belt conveyor;
- a hitch on the forward end of the hopper;
- a first hydraulic cylinder having one end connected to the conveyor frame and an opposite end connected to the hopper;
- and
- wherein actuation of the hydraulic cylinder pivots the hopper relative to the conveyor frame, thereby raising and lowering the hitch.
An improved mobile conveyor system, including a belt conveyor and a hopper pivotally mounted to the conveyor for movement between transport and use positions, the improvement comprising:
- a hitch on a forward end of the hopper;
- and
- a hydraulic system connected to the conveyor and to the hopper so as to raise and lower the hitch by pivoting the hopper upwardly towards the conveyor.
A method of moving a conveyor and hopper system between transport and use positions, comprising:
- actuating a hydraulic cylinder connected between the conveyor and the hopper to pivot a forward end of the hopper upwardly relative to the conveyor, thereby raising a hitch on the forward end of the hopper;
- positioning a hitch receiver on a vehicle beneath the hitch;
- and
- pivoting the forward end of the hopper downwardly relative to the conveyor, thereby lowering the hitch onto the hitch receiver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.