US4248538A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Grain stirring apparatus and method
Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Co
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Filing: 1978-02-15
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Granted: 1981-02-03
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Expires: 1998-02-15
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method are provided for effectively moving and stirring grain in a storage bin. The apparatus comprises a sweep arm, including an auger support shaft and an independently rotatable drive member, that extends between and is supported on a track along the bin sidewall and a pivotal support at the bin center. As the drive member is rotated, a drive wheel thereon moves over the bin track, causing the sweep arm to travel around the bin. The support shaft is rotatable independently of the drive member and extends from the central frame to a location adjacent the bin track. A plurality of spaced stirring augers depend from the laterally extending support shaft, and all except the outermost one are adapted for movement therealong. Rotation of the support shaft in either direction will cause corresponding movement of the movable stirring augers along the sweep arm. The outer auger remains near the outer wall of the bin. Movement of the stirring augers along the sweep arm, and of the sweep arm around the bin will result in an effective grain stirring path.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene G. Sukup
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:37
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01F; A01F25/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19023; Y10T74/19126; Y10T74/19502
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for moving grain within a storage bin comprising a laterally-extending sweep member suspended at a first end by a pivotal support means and at a second end by a track means secured to the storage bin, said sweep member including an outer sleeve and an inner shaft independently rotatable, drive means secured to said inner shaft and engaging said track means, at least one stirring member moveably carried on said outer sleeve and depending from said sweep member, means for moving said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said sweep member in accordance with the direction of rotation of said outer sleeve, and drive mechanism to selectively rotate or counterrotate said outer sleeve and continuously rotate said inner shaft, whereby said sweep member is suspended on said track means by said inner shaft and said drive means propels said sweep member along said track means, and the selective rotation of said outer sleeve causes selective movement of said stirring member along said sweep member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus for moving grain within a storage bin comprising a laterally-extending sweep member suspended at a first end by a pivotal support means and at a second end by a track means secured to the storage bin, said sweep member including an outer sleeve and an inner shaft independently rotatable, drive means secured to said inner shaft and engaging said track means, at least one stirring member moveably carried on said outer sleeve and depending from said sweep member, means for moving said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said sweep member in accordance with the direction of rotation of said outer sleeve, and drive mechanism to selectively rotate or counterrotate said outer sleeve and continuously rotate said inner shaft, whereby said sweep member is suspended on said track means by said inner shaft and said drive means propels said sweep member along said track means, and the selective rotation of said outer sleeve causes selective movement of said stirring member along said sweep member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said drive mechanism is mounted on said pivotal support means in a predetermined relation to said sweep member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the directional rotation of said outer sleeve may be selectively determined to position said stirring member to achieve a desired stirring path as said sweep member moves around said bin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 3, including another stirring member on said sweep member which remains in substantially the same position on said sweep member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said last-mentioned stirring member is adjacent to said second end of said sweep member, and said sweep member includes a plurality of moveable stirring augers along said sweep member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a tilt-activated control switch is mounted on said auger adjacent to said second end of said sweep member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a switching mechanism mounted between said drive mechanism and said inner shaft and outer sleeve drives said inner shaft in a first direction and selectively drives said outer sleeve either in said first direction or a second direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said switching mechanism includes a pivotal support member, first and second rotary drive means mounted on said pivotal support member, means drive connected to said inner shaft and driving said rotary drive means continuously in opposite directions, and means for selectively engaging said first or second rotary drive means with said outer sleeve of said sweep arm to effect rotation or counterrotation of said sleeve, relative to the rotation of said inner shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pivotal support member is moveable between first and second positions to selectively engage said first or second rotary drive means with said outer sleeve of said sweep arm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said pivotal support member is moved into said first or second position by an impulse-activated electrical solenoid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
133 words
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said switching mechanism includes an electrical impulse activated solenoid and tiltable switch plate mounted on said central frame, first, second and reversal sprockets carried on said switch plate, an inner shaft sprocket, a drive chain extending around said sprockets and driven by said inner shaft sprocket, and an outer sleeve gear, whereby the position of said tiltable switch plate is determined by impulses received by said solenoid, and when in a first position said first sprocket on said switch plate intermeshes with said outer sleeve gear to cause said outer sleeve to rotate in a first direction, and when in a second position the second sprocket on said switch plate intermeshes with said outer sleeve gear to cause said outer sleeve to rotate in a second direction.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for generating an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin provided with at least one stirring auger depending from a laterally-extending sweep arm suspended between a central pivotal support and a bin track, which includes an outer sleeve and an inner shaft, comprising: applying a continuous rotational force to one end of the sweep arm's inner shaft, transmitting the continuous rotational force to the opposite end of the inner shaft, and to a drive wheel carried on the bin track and secured to the end of the inner shaft, to effect movement of the sweep member around the bin, applying a selective rotational or counterrotational force to one end of the sweep arm's sleeve, transmitting the selective rotational or counterrotational force along the outer sleeve to canted rollers carried on the stirring auger, and reversing, selectively, the directional force transmitted through the outer sleeve to effect corresponding positional movement of the stirring auger along the sweep arm, whereby the selective reversal and corresponding change in position of each stirring auger along the sweep arm and continuous movement of the sweep arm around the bin generates an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
197 words
A method for generating an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin provided with at least one stirring auger depending from a laterally-extending sweep arm suspended between a central pivotal support and a bin track, which includes an outer sleeve and an inner shaft, comprising: applying a continuous rotational force to one end of the sweep arm's inner shaft, transmitting the continuous rotational force to the opposite end of the inner shaft, and to a drive wheel carried on the bin track and secured to the end of the inner shaft, to effect movement of the sweep member around the bin, applying a selective rotational or counterrotational force to one end of the sweep arm's sleeve, transmitting the selective rotational or counterrotational force along the outer sleeve to canted rollers carried on the stirring auger, and reversing, selectively, the directional force transmitted through the outer sleeve to effect corresponding positional movement of the stirring auger along the sweep arm, whereby the selective reversal and corresponding change in position of each stirring auger along the sweep arm and continuous movement of the sweep arm around the bin generates an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for moving grain in a storage bin comprising a laterally extending sweep member suspended at a first end by a pivotal support means and a second end by a track means secured to the storage bin, said sweep member carrying at least one stirring member movably carried on and depending from said sweep member, a stationary stirring member carried on said sweep member and provided with a tilt control unit to maintain said stationary stirring member in a substantially downwardly extending position, and drive mechanism to selectively move said moveable stirring auger along said sweep member, whereby an effective grain stirring path is generated as said sweep member moves around the storage bin.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
115 words
An apparatus for moving grain in a storage bin comprising a laterally extending sweep member suspended at a first end by a pivotal support means and a second end by a track means secured to the storage bin, said sweep member carrying at least one stirring member movably carried on and depending from said sweep member, a stationary stirring member carried on said sweep member and provided with a tilt control unit to maintain said stationary stirring member in a substantially downwardly extending position, and drive mechanism to selectively move said moveable stirring auger along said sweep member, whereby an effective grain stirring path is generated as said sweep member moves around the storage bin.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said track means is secured to a storage bin wall, and said stationary stirring member is carried on said sweep member adjacent to said track means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said tilt control unit delays forward movement of the sweep member around the bin when said stationary stirring member lags behinds said sweep member, and until said stationary member extends substantially downwardly.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
194 words
An apparatus for moving grain within a storage bin comprising a laterally extending sweep member suspended at an inner end portion by a pivotal support means and at an outer end portion by a track means secured to the storage bin; said sweep member including a sweep drive element in supporting and drive-engaging relation with said track means, and an auger support and movement element rotatable directionally independently of said drive element; at least one stirring member movably carried on said auger support and movement element and depending therefrom; means for moving said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said auger support and movement element in accordance with the direction of rotation of said auger support and movement element; and drive mechanism to selectively rotate or counterrotate said auger support and movement element and continually rotate said drive element in one direction during such rotation and counterrotation of said auger support and movement element; whereby said drive element propels said sweep member along said track means in one direction while said selective rotation of said auger support and movement element causes selective movement of said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said sweep member.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
194 words
An apparatus for moving grain within a storage bin comprising a laterally extending sweep member suspended at an inner end portion by a pivotal support means and at an outer end portion by a track means secured to the storage bin; said sweep member including a sweep drive element in supporting and drive-engaging relation with said track means, and an auger support and movement element rotatable directionally independently of said drive element; at least one stirring member movably carried on said auger support and movement element and depending therefrom; means for moving said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said auger support and movement element in accordance with the direction of rotation of said auger support and movement element; and drive mechanism to selectively rotate or counterrotate said auger support and movement element and continually rotate said drive element in one direction during such rotation and counterrotation of said auger support and movement element; whereby said drive element propels said sweep member along said track means in one direction while said selective rotation of said auger support and movement element causes selective movement of said stirring member inwardly and outwardly along said sweep member.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the directional rotation of said auger support and movement element may be selectively determined to position said stirring member to achieve a desired stirring path as said sweep member moves around said bin.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 17, including another stirring member on said sweep member which remains in substantially the same position on said sweep member.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said last-mentioned stirring member is adjacent to said outer end portion of said sweep member, and a plurality of movable stirring members along said auger support and movement element.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein a tilt-activated control switch is mounted on said stirring member adjacent to said outer end portion of said sweep member.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said sweep drive element is rotatably and supportably mounted on an outer end portion of said support and movement element.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said drive mechanism includes a first motor drive connected to said support and movement element for effecting rotation and counterrotation thereof, and a second motor drive connected to said sweep drive element for propelling said sweep member along said track means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said drive mechanism includes means for selective reversible drive interconnection between said sweep drive element and said support and movement element, and motor means connected to said sweep member and effecting simultaneously said rotation of said drive element in one direction, and said rotation and counterrotation of said support and movement element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said drive mechanism comprises a single motor directly connected to said drive element, and said selective reversible drive means being connected for reversible drive of said support and movement element therefrom.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as in claim 16 wherein said drive element is coaxially aligned with said support and movement element.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
73 words
The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said sweep drive element is rotatably and supportably mounted on an outer end portion of said support and movement element; and said drive mechanism includes a first motor supported adjacent said outer end portion and drive connected to said drive element for effecting rotation of said drive element, and a second motor drive connected to said support and movement element for effecting such rotation and counterrotation thereof.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 26 including a stirring member and support frame therefor pivotally supported on said sweep member, means for retaining said support frame and stirring member in a fixed position adjacent the outer end portion of said sweep member, and said first motor being supported on said support frame.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for generating an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin provided with at least one stirring auger depending from a laterally-extending sweep member suspended between a central pivot and a bin track, comprising: applying a continuous rotational force to a sweep member drive wheel carried on the bin track and independently rotatably mounted on the sweep member toward the outer end thereof to effect movement of the sweep member around the bin; applying a selective rotational or counterrotational force to one end of the sweep member; transmitting the selective rotational or counterrotational force along the sweep member to the stirring auger in a manner to effect movement of said stirring auger inward and outward along said sweep member and; reversing, selectively, the directional force transmitted through the sweep member to effect corresponding positional movement of the stirring auger along the sweep member; whereby the selective reversal and corresponding change in position of each stirring auger along the sweep member and continuous movement of the sweep member around the bin generates an effective stirring path within the grain storage bin.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
182 words
A method for generating an effective stirring path within a grain storage bin provided with at least one stirring auger depending from a laterally-extending sweep member suspended between a central pivot and a bin track, comprising: applying a continuous rotational force to a sweep member drive wheel carried on the bin track and independently rotatably mounted on the sweep member toward the outer end thereof to effect movement of the sweep member around the bin; applying a selective rotational or counterrotational force to one end of the sweep member; transmitting the selective rotational or counterrotational force along the sweep member to the stirring auger in a manner to effect movement of said stirring auger inward and outward along said sweep member and; reversing, selectively, the directional force transmitted through the sweep member to effect corresponding positional movement of the stirring auger along the sweep member; whereby the selective reversal and corresponding change in position of each stirring auger along the sweep member and continuous movement of the sweep member around the bin generates an effective stirring path within the grain storage bin.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-02-03 | 1984-08-04 | 1985-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-03 | 1988-08-04 | 1989-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-03 | 1992-08-04 | 1993-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |