Material transfer mechanism

Claim 2

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, one of said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof being resiliently urged against the utilization means, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 3

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 1, wherein said chute is pivotally mounted and is pivotal between the discharge and storage positions thereof.

Claim 4

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 1, wherein said chute includes an entering member and a sealing member, said entering member in the extended position of said chute entering the inlet of the utilization means, said sealing member in the extended position of said chute engaging the surface on the utilization means adjacent to the inlet.

Claim 5

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 1, wherein said telescoping sections are concentric cylinders.

Claim 6

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 1, wherein said chute is pivotally mounted and is pivotal on the order of about at least 60* between the discharge storage positions thereof.

Claim 7

A material traNsfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a gate movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source of material and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the outlet, a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, one of said telescoping sections in the extended conditions thereof being resiliently urged against the utilization means, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 8

A material traNsfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a gate movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source of material and movable between open and closed positions with respect to the outlet, a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, one of said telescoping sections in the extended conditions thereof being resiliently urged against the utilization means, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 9

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 6, wherein said gate is pivotally mounted and is pivotal between the open and closed positions thereof.

Claim 10

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 6, wherein said gate is pivotally mounted about a fixed point and pivotal between the open and closed positions thereof, said chute being pivotally mounted about said fixed point and pivotal between the discharge and storage positions thereof.

Claim 11

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 6, wherein said gate includes a part-cylindrical bottom wall and a pair of side walls on the sides thereof and extending upwardly therefrom, said bottom wall having an opening therein, means pivotally mounting said side walls on the opposite sides of a spout protruding from the hopper, said gate being in the open position thereof when said opening is aligned with the outlet of the spout and being in the closed position thereof when the bottom wall is pivoted so that the opening is not aligned with the outlet of the spout.

Claim 12

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, one of said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof being resiliently urged against the utilization means, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 13

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, one of said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof being resiliently urged against the utilization means, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 14

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 10, and further comprising a stop in the path of said chute carrier and arranged to be struck thereby in the discharge position of said chute.

Claim 15

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 10, wherein one of said telescoping sections is fixedly secured to said chute carrier.

Claim 16

A material transfer mechaNism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, a stop in the path of said chute and arranged to be engaged thereby in the discharge position thereof, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage coupled to said chute for transmitting force thereto, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof into engagement with said stop and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 17

A material transfer mechaNism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, a stop in the path of said chute and arranged to be engaged thereby in the discharge position thereof, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage coupled to said chute for transmitting force thereto, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof into engagement with said stop and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 18

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring to the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 19

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring to the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 20

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 14, wherein one of said links is coupled at three separate points thereon respectively to said other link and to said first telescoping section and to said force-transmitting means.

Claim 21

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 14, wherein said telescoping sections are concentric cylinders.

Claim 22

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescopiNg sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said first and second telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping sections to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 23

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescopiNg sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said first and second telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping sections to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 24

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 17, wherein said connecting means includes spring means coupled between said second and third telescoping sections to enable said third telescoping section to follow said second telescoping section as said chute is placed in the extended condition thereof.

Claim 25

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 17, wherein said first telescoping section is the innermost of said telescoping sections, said second telescoping section is the outermost of said telescoping sections, and said third telescoping section is intermediate said first and second telescoping sections.

Claim 26

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, first spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a sealing flange on the outer end of said third telescoping section and adapted to engage the area around the inlet of the utilization means when said chute is in the extended condition thereof, an entry member on the outer end of said third telescoping section and having dimensions to enter the inlet of the utilization means when said chute is in the extended condition thereof, second spring means interconnecting said second and third telescoping sections to cause said third telescoping section to follow said second telescoping section when the latter is extended, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said first and second telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said first spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section, said second telescoping section carrying said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section to cause said flange resiliently to engage the area of the utilization means around the inlet thereof and to cause the entry member to enter the inlet, the applicaTion to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping section to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 27

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, first spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a sealing flange on the outer end of said third telescoping section and adapted to engage the area around the inlet of the utilization means when said chute is in the extended condition thereof, an entry member on the outer end of said third telescoping section and having dimensions to enter the inlet of the utilization means when said chute is in the extended condition thereof, second spring means interconnecting said second and third telescoping sections to cause said third telescoping section to follow said second telescoping section when the latter is extended, a linkage including at least two links coupled together and respectively coupled to said first and second telescoping sections, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said first spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section, said second telescoping section carrying said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section to cause said flange resiliently to engage the area of the utilization means around the inlet thereof and to cause the entry member to enter the inlet, the applicaTion to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping section to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 28

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 20, wherein said entry member has a frustro-conical shape having its smaller diameter at the outer end thereof and being constructed to match the shape of the inlet to the utilization means.

Claim 29

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, a stop in the path of said chute carrier and arranged to be engaged thereby in the discharge position thereof, said chute assembly including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, said first telescoping section being fixedly secured to said chute carrier, spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a linkage including at least first and second links coupled together and respectively coupled to said chute carrier and to said second telescoping section, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping sections to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 30

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, a stop in the path of said chute carrier and arranged to be engaged thereby in the discharge position thereof, said chute assembly including first and second and third telescoping sections movable with respect to one another between retracted and extended conditions, said first telescoping section being fixedly secured to said chute carrier, spring means coupled to said first and second telescoping sections for resiliently holding said first and second telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof, means operatively connecting together said second and third telescoping sections, a linkage including at least first and second links coupled together and respectively coupled to said chute carrier and to said second telescoping section, means coupled to the juncture of said links for transmitting force thereto for moving said chute, the application to said linkage of force in one direction first moving said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to cause said second telescoping section to move away from said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section away from said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said linkage of force in the opposite direction permitting said second telescoping sections to spring toward said first telescoping section and carry said third telescoping section toward said first telescoping section and thus place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 31

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 22, wherein said first telescoping section is the innermost of said telescoping sections, said second telescoping section is the outermost of said telescoping sections, and said third telescoping section is intermediate said first and second telescoping sections.

Claim 32

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 22, and further comprising a stop on said chute carrier and arranged to be engaged by said first link just prior to said telescoping sections being extended.

Claim 33

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chutE assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly including a first telescoping section fixedly secured to said chute carrier and a second telescoping section movable with respect to said first telescoping section between retracted and extended conditions, said chute assembly including spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage including first and second and third links, said first link being coupled to said second telescoping section, said second link being coupled to said chute carrier and to said first link, said third link being pivotally mounted and operatively connected to said second link at one point on said third link, means coupled to a second point on said third link for transmitting force thereto, the application to said third link of force in one direction first pivoting said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said third link of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 34

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier being pivotally mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chutE assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly including a first telescoping section fixedly secured to said chute carrier and a second telescoping section movable with respect to said first telescoping section between retracted and extended conditions, said chute assembly including spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a linkage including first and second and third links, said first link being coupled to said second telescoping section, said second link being coupled to said chute carrier and to said first link, said third link being pivotally mounted and operatively connected to said second link at one point on said third link, means coupled to a second point on said third link for transmitting force thereto, the application to said third link of force in one direction first pivoting said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, the application to said third link of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof and followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 35

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 25, wherein said second link is coupled at one point thereon to said chute carrier and at a second different point to said first link and at a third different point thereon to said third link.

Claim 36

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 26, and further comprising a fourth link coupled between said third link and the third point on said second link.

Claim 37

The material transfer mechanism set forth in claim 25, wherein the first telescoping section is the innermost of said telescoping sections and said second telescoping section is the outermost of said telescoping sections.

Claim 38

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier including a bottom wall with an opening therein and a pair of upstanding side walls thereon, said side walls being pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a spout protruding from the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the spout and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the spout and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, said first telescoping section being fixedly secured to the bottom wall of said chute carrier in line with said opening thereon, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a pair of linkages respectively coupled to opposite sides of said chute and each including first and second and third links, said first link being coupled to said second telescoping section on the associated side thereof, said second link being coupled to the associated first link and to said chute carrier on the associated side thereof, said third link being pivotally mounted adjacent to the associated side of the spout and operatively connected to the associated second link at one point on said third link, means coupled to a second point on said third link for transmitting force thereto, the application to said third link of force in one direction first pivoting said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place the telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, tHe application to said third link of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof and then moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 39

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute including a chute carrier and a chute assembly fixedly mounted thereon, said chute carrier including a bottom wall with an opening therein and a pair of upstanding side walls thereon, said side walls being pivotally mounted on opposite sides of a spout protruding from the outlet of the source to enable said chute to be pivotal between discharge and storage positions, said chute assembly in the discharge position of said chute being aligned with the spout and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute assembly in the storage position of said chute being out of alignment with the spout and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including first and second telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, said first telescoping section being fixedly secured to the bottom wall of said chute carrier in line with said opening thereon, spring means coupled to said telescoping sections for resiliently holding said sections in the retracted condition thereof, a pair of linkages respectively coupled to opposite sides of said chute and each including first and second and third links, said first link being coupled to said second telescoping section on the associated side thereof, said second link being coupled to the associated first link and to said chute carrier on the associated side thereof, said third link being pivotally mounted adjacent to the associated side of the spout and operatively connected to the associated second link at one point on said third link, means coupled to a second point on said third link for transmitting force thereto, the application to said third link of force in one direction first pivoting said chute to the discharge position thereof and then overcoming said spring means to place the telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, tHe application to said third link of force in the opposite direction permitting said telescoping sections to spring back to the retracted condition thereof and then moving said chute to the storage position thereof.

Claim 40

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof, said actuating mechanism including a single input for coupling to a single source of power for moving said chute between the discharge and storage positions thereof and moving said telescoping sections between the extended and retracted conditions thereof.

Claim 41

A material transfer mechanism for transferring material from a source thereof to a utilization means for the material, said material transfer mechanism comprising a chute movably mounted adjacent to the outlet of the source and movable between discharge and storage positions, said chute in the discharge position thereof being aligned with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute in the storage position thereof being out of alignment with the outlet of the source and the inlet of the utilization means, said chute including at least two telescoping sections movable with respect to each other between retracted and extended conditions, and an actuating mechanism coupled to said chute and operable to move said chute to the discharge position thereof followed by placing said telescoping sections in the extended condition thereof, said actuating mechanism being operable to place said telescoping sections in the retracted condition thereof followed by moving said chute to the storage position thereof, said actuating mechanism including a single input for coupling to a single source of power for moving said chute between the discharge and storage positions thereof and moving said telescoping sections between the extended and retracted conditions thereof.