Material elevator, container for material elevator, and related systems and methods

Abstract

A material elevator includes a continuous belt and a plurality of buckets secured to the continuous belt. Each bucket of the plurality of buckets includes a central common plate, a container portion extending from a first side of the central common plate and defining a trough and a mating portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate. The container portion includes a first side panel and a second side panel attached to and bounding longitudinal sides of the container portion. The mating portion includes a first fin extending from a first longitudinal end of the central common plate and a second fin extending from a second, opposite longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate.

Description

MATERIAL ELEVATOR, CONTAINER FOR MATERIAL ELEVATOR, AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of United Kingdom Patent Application Serial No. GB2405122.9, filed April 10, 2024, titled “Material Elevator, Container for Material Elevator, and Related Systems and Methods” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] Bucket elevators (a.k.a. bucket conveyors) are commonly utilized to elevate particulate materials (e.g., grain) from one elevation to a second higher elevation for dispensing. Conventional bucket elevators comprise a plurality of buckets attached to an elongated flexible structure (e.g., a belt or chain). The flexible structure passes in a continuous loop over and between an upper pulley and a lower pulley such that the attached buckets move in an upward extending run on one side of the loop and in a downward extending run on the opposite side of the loop. At a lower portion of the loop on the downward extending run, empty buckets collect particulate material present in a boot portion of the bucket elevator and then pass around the lower pulley of the bucket elevator. The buckets with particulate material then continue to move upwardly along the upward run of the loop. A motor drives at least one of the pulleys, generally the lower pulley, and therefore drives the elongated flexible structure with the buckets continuously around the loop. At the upper pulley of the bucket elevator, the buckets dispense the particulate material which then exits the bucket elevator through a discharge chute. Vertically orientated bucket elevators often generate a centrifugal force that directs the particulate material out of the buckets and into the discharge chute and are thus often referred to as “centrifugal discharge elevators.”BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] One or more embodiments include a material elevator. The material elevator may include a continuous belt and a plurality of buckets secured to the continuous belt. Each bucket of the plurality of buckets may include a central common plate, a container portion extending from a first side of the central common plate and defining a trough, and a mating portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate. The container portion may include a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion and a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion. The mating portion may include a first fin extending from a firstlongitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate and a second fin extending from a second, opposite longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate.

[0004] The material elevator may further include a head section located at a top of the material elevator and comprising a first pivot point and a discharge, a boot section located at a bottom of the material elevator and comprising a second pivot point and an intake, and two legs extending vertically between the head section and the boot section and defining guides for the continuous belt and plurality of buckets.

[0005] The container portion of each bucket may include a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion comprising a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

[0006] The uppermost edges of the first panel portion and the central common plate may define sides of an opening of the container portion.

[0007] The first panel portion may overhang the arcuate portion of the second panel portion and a portion of the central common plate.

[0008] The arcuate portion of the second panel portion may define a lowermost portion of the container portion.

[0009] An intersection of the first panel portion and the second panel portion of the container portion may be vertically higher than an uppermost edge of the central common plate.

[0010] On a region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, an upper portion of a container portion of each bucket of the plurality of buckets may be nested within a mating portion of a bucket of the plurality of buckets immediately above each bucket.

[0011] On the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, major surfaces of each of the first side panel and the second side panel may be oriented at an acute angle relative to a vertical plane.

[0012] The acute angle may be within a range of about 1° and about 5°.

[0013] An inner surface of the first side panel may be oblique to an inner surface of the second side panel.

[0014] Some embodiments may include a material elevator. The material elevator may include a continuous belt and a plurality of buckets secured to the continuous belt. Each bucket of the plurality of buckets may include a central common plate, a container portion extending from a first side of the central common plate and defining a trough, and a mating portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate. The container portion may include a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion and a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion, wherein, when on a region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, an upper portion of a container portion of each bucket of the plurality of buckets may be nested within a mating portion of a bucket of the plurality of buckets immediately above each bucket.

[0015] The material elevator may further include a head section located at a top of the material elevator and comprising a first pivot point and a discharge, a boot section located at a bottom of the material elevator and comprising a second pivot point and an intake, and two legs extending vertically between the head section and the boot section and defining guides for the continuous belt and plurality of buckets.

[0016] The container portion of each bucket may include a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane; and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion comprising a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

[0017] Uppermost edges of the first panel portion and the central common plate may define sides of an opening of the container portion.

[0018] When on the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, the first panel portion may overhang the arcuate portion of the second panel portion and a portion of the central common plate.

[0019] When on the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, the arcuate portion of the second panel portion may define a lowermost region of the container portion.

[0020] The mating portion may include a first fin extending from a first longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate and a second fin extending from a second, opposite longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate.

[0021] An inner surface of the first side panel may be oblique to an inner surface of the second side panel.

[0022] One or more embodiments may include a bucket configured to be attached to a belt of a material elevator. The bucket may include a central common plate, a mating portion extending from a first side of the central common plate, and a container portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate and defining a trough. The container portion may include a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion, a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion, a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion. The second panel portion may include a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

[0023] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0024] Within the scope of this application it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out herein, and individual featuresthereof may be taken independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that such features are applicable to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or where such features are incompatible.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming what are regarded as embodiments of the present disclosure, various features and advantages may be more readily ascertained from the following description of example embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a material elevator according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket of the material elevator of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0029] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0030] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0031] FIG. 6 is schematic side view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0032] FIG. 7 is another schematic side view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic rear side view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0034] FIG. 9 is schematic top view of the bucket of FIG. 2;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a side schematic view of two buckets of the material elevator of FIG. 1; and

[0036] FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of two buckets of the material elevator of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Illustrations presented herein are not meant to be actual views of any particular material elevator, bucket, component, or system, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe embodiments of the disclosure. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation for convenience and clarity.

[0038] The following description provides specific details of embodiments. However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without employing many such specific details. Indeed, the embodiments ofthe disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with conventional techniques employed in the industry. In addition, the description provided below does not include all the elements that form a complete structure or assembly. Only those process acts and structures necessary to understand the embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below. Additional conventional acts and structures may be used. The drawings accompanying the application are for illustrative purposes only, and are thus not drawn to scale.

[0039] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, but also include the more restrictive terms “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ and grammatical equivalents thereof.

[0040] As used herein, the singular forms following “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] As used herein, the term “may” with respect to a material, structure, feature, or method act indicates that such is contemplated for use in implementation of an embodiment of the disclosure, and such term is used in preference to the more restrictive term “is” so as to avoid any implication that other compatible materials, structures, features, and methods usable in combination therewith should or must be excluded.

[0042] As used herein, the term “configured” refers to a size, shape, material composition, and arrangement of one or more of at least one structure and at least one apparatus facilitating operation of one or more of the structure and the apparatus in a predetermined way.

[0043] As used herein, any relational term, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “beneath,” “side,” “outer,” “inner,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of a material elevator and / or bucket as illustrated in the drawings. Additionally, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of a material elevator and / or bucket when utilized in a conventional manners.

[0044] As used herein, the term “substantially” in reference to a given parameter, property, or condition means and includes to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a small degree of variance, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. By way of example, dependingon the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition may be at least 90.0% met, at least 95.0% met, at least 99.0% met, or even at least 99.9% met.

[0045] As used herein, the term “about” used in reference to a given parameter is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., it includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the given parameter, as well as variations resulting from manufacturing tolerances, etc.).

[0046] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] As used herein, the term “bulk material” may refer to one or more of particles, grains, kernels, and / or seeds of material.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a material elevator 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The material elevator 100 may include a conveying system for vertically transporting bulk materials such as grain, pellets, and powder from one elevation to another elevation. For example, the material elevator 100 may be utilized in conjunction with grain storage facilities, mills, and / or processing plants to move bulk material vertically.

[0049] The material elevator 100 may include a head section 102, a boot section 104, and two legs 106. The head section 102 may be located at a top of the material elevator 100 and may house a drive system 108 (e.g., a motor and gearbox). The boot section 104 may be located at a bottom of the material elevator 100 and may house a conventional boot pulley and tensioning system. The legs 106 may extend vertically between the head section 102 and the boot section 104 and may provide guides for a continuous belt 110 having a plurality of buckets 112 secured thereto. The continuous belt 110 may include any conventional belt utilized with material elevators.

[0050] The continuous belt 110 may pivot about a first pivot point in the head section 102 and a second pivot point within the boot section 104 such that, when driven by the drive system 108, the belt 110 and plurality of buckets 112 travel up a first leg 106 of the two legs 106, through the head section 102 and about the first pivot point, down a second leg 106 of the two legs 106, through the boot section 104 and about the second pivot point, and back up the first leg 106.

[0051] The boot section 104 may include an intake 114 where material is feed into the material elevator 100 and into the plurality of buckets 112, and the head section 102 may include a discharge 116 that leads to a desired output (e.g., silo, conveyor, or processingequipment). Accordingly, in operation, the drive system 108 may drive the belt 110 carrying the plurality of buckets 112 in the manner described above, and material may be fed into the buckets 112 at the boot section 104, the belt 110 may move upward carrying loaded buckets 112, the buckets 112 may be tipped over within the head section 102, discharging the material through the discharge 116, and the empty buckets 112 may return to the boot section 104 for a next cycle.

[0052] The buckets 112 depicted within FIG. 1 are implied with one or more portions removed to better show the continuous belt, material within the buckets 112, and interior of the material elevator 100. The structure of the buckets 112 is described in great detail below in regard to FIG. 2 through FIG. 5.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bucket 112 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and that can be utilized with the material elevator 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 through FIG. 5 show additional perspective views of the bucket 112 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a simplified side view of the bucket 112 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a simplified, side cross-sectional view of the bucket 112 of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the bucket 112 of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a top view of the bucket 112 of FIG. 2.

[0054] As used herein, any relational term utilized to describe the elements and portions of the bucket 112, such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “above,” “beneath,” “side,” “outer,” “inner,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” etc., is used for clarity and convenience in understanding the disclosure and accompanying drawings, and does not connote or depend on any specific preference or order, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of the bucket 112 as illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. Additionally, these terms may refer to an orientation of elements of the bucket 112 traveling upward within the first leg 106 of the material elevator 100 (e.g., in an upright orientation).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2 through FIG. 9 together, the bucket 112 may include a container portion 202 and a mating portion 218. The container portion 202 and the mating portion 218 may extend from a central common plate 222. For instance, the container portion 202 may be defined above the central common plate 222, and the mating portion 218 may be defined beneath the central common plate 222.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mating portion 218 may include a first fin 224 and a second fin extending downward from the central common plate 222. In some embodiments, the first fin 224 may extend downward from a first longitudinal end of the central common plate 222, and the second fin 226 may extend downward from a second, opposite longitudinalend of the central common plate 222. Furthermore, major surfaces of the first fin 224 and major surfaces of the second fin 226 may be at least substantially orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate 222. For instance, the mating portion 218 may have a general U- shape.

[0057] In some embodiments, at an interface with the central common plate 222, major surfaces of each of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may have a same width as the central common plate 222. Furthermore, widths of major surfaces of each of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may decease as the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 extend away from the central common plate 222, as is depicted in at least FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. For instance, major surfaces of each of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may have a general, flat truncated-triangle shape.

[0058] The container portion 202 may include a first side panel 204 and a second side panel 206 connected to and extending upward from the central common plate 222. Additionally, the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 may bound longitudinal sides of the container portion 202. The container portion 202 may further include a first panel portion 208 and a second panel portion 210, which, in conjunction with the central common plate 222 define a trough. The second panel portion 210 may include a planar portion 328 and an arcuate portion 228.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in particular, the first panel portion 208 may extend between the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion 208 are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane 216. The second panel portion 210 may also extend between the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206. The planar portion 328 of the second panel portion 210 may be connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion 208 and major surfaces of planar portion 328 of the second panel portion 210 may extend in an at least substantially vertical direction. The arcuate portion 228 may extend from a bottom of the planar portion 328 to the central common plate 222.

[0060] In some embodiments, the acute angle at which the first panel portion 208 (e.g., major surfaces of the first panel portion 208) may extend relative to the horizontal plane 216 may be within a range of about 40° and about 70°. As a non-limiting example, the acute angle may be about 50°. As a result, the first panel portion 208 (e.g., major surfaces of the first panel portion 208) may extend at an acute angle (A) relative to a vertical plane 714. In someembodiments, the acute angle (A) may be within a range of about 20° and about 50°. As a non-limiting example, the acute angle (A) may be about 40°. Furthermore, the first panel portion 208 may extend from vertically, upper regions of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 to vertically, middle regions of the first side panel 204 and to the second side panel 206.

[0061] As noted above, the second panel portion 210 may be connected to the first panel portion 208 (e.g., an edge of the first panel portion 208) at an edge of the first panel portion 208 (e.g., a bottom edge of the first panel portion 208) proximate the middle regions of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206. Additionally, the planar portion 328 of the second panel portion 210 (e.g., major surfaces of the planar portion 328 of the second panel portion 210) may extend downward in an at least substantially vertical direction. As noted above, the arcuate portion 228 may extend from a bottom of the planar portion 328 and may connect to the central common plate 222.

[0062] In some embodiments, the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210 may smoothly transition to the central common plate 222. For example, an upper surface of the central common plate 222 may be tangential to an arcuate surfaces defined by the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210. In some embodiments, the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210 may defined a lowermost portion of the container portion 202 (e.g., a lowermost portion of the trough defined by the container portion 202). In view of the foregoing, the first panel portion 208 may extend from an upper edge of the second side panel 206 to the vertically, upper regions of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206, and the first panel portion 208 may extend away from the second panel portion 210 in an inclining direction.

[0063] The central common plate 222 may extend from the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210 in an inclining direction at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane 216. For example, in some embodiments, the acute angle may be within a range of about 25° and about 45°. As a non-limiting example, the acute angle may be about 35°. As a result, central common plate 222 (e.g., major surfaces of the central common plate 222) may extend at an acute angle (B) relative to a vertical plane 714 (e.g., the major surfaces of the second panel portion 210). In some embodiments, the acute angle (B) may be within a range of about 45° and about 65°. As a non-limiting example, the acute angle (B) may be about 55°.

[0064] Additionally, the central common plate 222 may extend from the arcuate portion 228 to front side edges 718 of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206. In some embodiments, an upper surface 220 of the central common plate 222, and inner majorarcuate surface of the arcuate portion of the second panel portion 210, and an inner major surface of a planar portion of the second panel portion 210 may form a general, rounded V- shape. Moreover, an upper edge 720 of the first panel portion 208 and an upper edge 722 the central common plate 222 may define an opening 602 of the container portion 202.

[0065] Referring still to FIG. 2 through FIG. 9, the first panel portion 208 may overhang the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210 and at least a portion of the central common plate 222. Additionally, in some embodiments, each the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may extend vertically past (e.g., below) a lower boundary of the container portion 202 of the bucket 112. In other words, bottom edges of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may be vertically lower than a lowermost boundary of the arcuate portion 228 of the second panel portion 210 (e.g., the lowermost portion of the container portion 202).

[0066] Referring specifically to FIG. 8, in some embodiments, each the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 of the bucket 112 may be oriented at an acute angle 802 relative to a vertical plane 804. Furthermore, the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 may be angled relative to the vertical planes 804 such that the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 converge toward each from the upper edges 720 of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 to the bottommost boundaries of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 (e.g., intersections of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 with the central plate portion). In other words, inner surfaces of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 may be oblique to each other. For instance, a distance between the upper edges 720 of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 is greater than a distance between the bottommost boundaries of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206. In some embodiments, the acute angle 802 may be within a range of about 1° and about 10°. For instance, the acute angle 802 may be a about 2.5°.

[0067] With continued reference to FIG. 8, major surfaces of the first side panel 204 of the container portion 202 and the first fin 224 of the mating portion 218 may be horizontally offset, and major surfaces of the second side panel 206 of the container portion 202 and the second fin 226 of the mating portion 218 may also be horizontally offset. Furthermore, at any given point of the mating portion 218 along the X-axis depicted in FIG. 8 (i.e., the axis going into the page of FIG. 8), a distance (e.g., a clearance distance) between inner facing surfaces (e.g., inner facing in a Z-direction) of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 may exceed a maximum distance between outer facing surfaces (e.g., outer facing in a Z-direction) of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 of the container portion 202 (i.e., a maximum width of the container portion 202 in the Z-direction) at the same given point along the X-axis. In other words, the clearance distance (e.g., the distance between inner facingsurfaces of the first fin 224 and the second fin 226) exhibited by the mating portion 218 at any given point along the X-axis may exceed a maximum distance between outer facing surfaces of the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 of the container portion 202 directly above the portion of the mating portion 218 exhibiting the clearance distance (e.g., directly above in Y-direction).

[0068] As is discussed in greater detail below, because a given clearance distance of the mating portion 218 exceeds a maximum width of the container portion 202 directly above the given clearance distance, adjacent buckets 112 on the belt 110 may at least partially fit within each other. For instance, when mounted to the belt 110 and when on a region of the belt 110 positioned to travel upward, an upper portion of a container portion 202 a given bucket 112 may nest within a mating portion of a bucket 112 that is immediately above the given bucket 112.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of two buckets 112 secured to a belt 110 and within a material elevator 100 on a section of the belt 110 positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator 100. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the two buckets 112 secured to the belt 110 and within the material elevator 100 on a section of the belt 110 positioned to travel downward during operation of the material elevator 100.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 together, as noted above, because a given clearance distance of the mating portion 218 exceeds a maximum width of the container portion 202 directly above the given clearance distance, adjacent buckets 112 on the belt 110 may at least partially fit within each other. For instance, when mounted to the belt 110 and when on a region of the belt 110 positioned to travel upward, an upper portion of a container portion 202 of a given bucket 112 may nest within (e.g., be placed within) a mating portion 218 of a bucket 112 that is immediately above the given bucket 112. Furthermore, because of this overlap between buckets 112, the first side panel 204 and the second side panel 206 of a first bucket 112 and the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 of a second bucket 112, within which the first bucket 112 is partially nested, may prevent spillage of the bulk material out of the sides of the buckets 112 during operation of the material elevator 100. As a result, the buckets 112 and the material elevator 100 of the present disclosure may improve efficiency of transporting bulk material in comparison to conventional buckets 112 and material elevators 100. Moreover, by preventing spillage, the buckets 112 and the material elevator 100 of the present disclosure may reduce an amount of cleanup (e.g., cleanup of the boot section 104) after usage. Additionally, by preventing spillage of bulk material into the boot section 104, the buckets 112 and the material elevator 100 of the present disclosure may reduce buildup of bulk material within the boot section 104 and spoilage of the bulk materialthat can occur within the boot section 104. Likewise, by preventing spillage, the buckets 112 and the material elevator 100 of the present disclosure may reduce a number of particles (e.g., corn kernels) of the bulk material that are broken during transport of the bulk material. For instance, preventing spillage, prevents bulk material from falling out of the sides of the buckets 112 and falling down the legs 106 of the material elevator 100.

[0071] Referring specifically to FIG. 11, when on a section of the belt 110 positioned to travel downward, the buckets 112 are tipped upside down (i.e., inverted) and may be configured to dump the bulk material 1116 that is within the container portions 202 of the plurality of buckets 112 into a discharge 116 of the material elevator 100. Moreover, as is shown in FIG. 11, for a given bucket 112, a central plate mating portion 218 of a bucket 112 immediately below the given bucket 112 may define a slide surface 1118 for bulk material 1116 exiting the given bucket 112. Furthermore, because the given bucket 112 is partially nested between the first fin 224 and the second fin 226 of the mating portion 218 of the bucket 112 immediately below the given bucket 112 (also referred to as the “lower bucket 112”), bulk material 1116 is guided by the first side panels 204 and the second side panels 206 of the given bucket 112 along the first panel portion 208 of the given bucket 112 and guided by first fin 224 and the second fin 226 of the lower bucket 112 along the slide surface 1118 of the central common plate 222 of the lower bucket 112 and out of the buckets 112.

[0072] All references cited herein are incorporated herein in their entireties. If there is a conflict between definitions herein and in an incorporated reference, the definition herein shall control.

[0073] The embodiments of the disclosure described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings do not limit the scope of the disclosure, which is encompassed by the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Any equivalent embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, various modifications of the disclosure, in addition to those shown and described herein, such as alternate useful combinations of the elements described, will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. Such modifications and embodiments also fall within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A material elevator comprising: a continuous belt; and a plurality of buckets secured to the continuous belt, each bucket of the plurality of buckets comprising: a central common plate; a container portion extending from a first side of the central common plate and defining a trough, the container portion comprising: a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion; and a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion, and a mating portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate and comprising: a first fin extending from a first longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate; and a second fin extending from a second, opposite longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate.

2. The material elevator of claim 1, further comprising: a head section located at a top of the material elevator and comprising a first pivot point and a discharge; a boot section located at a bottom of the material elevator and comprising a second pivot point and an intake; and two legs extending vertically between the head section and the boot section and defining guides for the continuous belt and plurality of buckets.

3. The material elevator of claim 1, wherein the container portion of each bucket comprises: a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel,wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane; and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion comprising a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

4. The material elevator of claim 3, wherein uppermost edges of the first panel portion and the central common plate define sides of an opening of the container portion.

5. The material elevator of claim 3 or 4, wherein the first panel portion overhangs the arcuate portion of the second panel portion and a portion of the central common plate.

6. The material elevator of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the arcuate portion of the second panel portion defines a lowermost portion of the container portion.

7. The material elevator of claim 6, wherein an intersection of the first panel portion and the second panel portion of the container portion is vertically higher than an uppermost edge of the central common plate.

8. The material elevator of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, on a region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, an upper portion of a container portion of each bucket of the plurality of buckets is nested within a mating portion of a bucket of the plurality of buckets immediately above each bucket.

9. The material elevator of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, on the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, major surfaces of each of the first side panel and the second side panel are oriented at an acute angle relative to a vertical plane.

10. The material elevator of claim 8, wherein the acute angle is within a range of about 1° and about 5°.

11. The material elevator of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an inner surface of the first side panel is oblique to an inner surface of the second side panel.

12. A material elevator comprising: a continuous belt; and a plurality of buckets secured to the continuous belt, each bucket of the plurality of buckets comprising: a central common plate; a container portion extending from a first side of the central common plate and defining a trough, the container portion comprising: a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion; and a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion, and a mating portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate; wherein, when on a region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, an upper portion of a container portion of each bucket of the plurality of buckets is nested within a mating portion of a bucket of the plurality of buckets immediately above each bucket.

13. The material elevator of claim 12, further comprising: a head section located at a top of the material elevator and comprising a first pivot point and a discharge; a boot section located at a bottom of the material elevator and comprising a second pivot point and an intake; and two legs extending vertically between the head section and the boot section and defining guides for the continuous belt and plurality of buckets.

14. The material elevator of claim 12 or 13, wherein the container portion of each bucket comprises: a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane; and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion comprising a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

15. The material elevator of claim 14, wherein uppermost edges of the first panel portion and the central common plate define sides of an opening of the container portion.

16. The material elevator of claim 14 or 15, wherein, on the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, the first panel portion overhangs the arcuate portion of the second panel portion and a portion of the central common plate.

17. The material elevator of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, on the region of the continuous belt positioned to travel upward during operation of the material elevator, the arcuate portion of the second panel portion defines a lowermost region of the container portion.

18. The material elevator of claim 17, wherein the mating portion comprises: a first fin extending from a first longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate; and a second fin extending from a second, opposite longitudinal end of the central common plate and extending away from the central common plate and in a direction orthogonal to major surfaces of the central common plate.

19. The material elevator of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein an inner surface of the first side panel is oblique to an inner surface of the second side panel.

20. A bucket configured to be attached to a belt of a material elevator, the bucket comprising: a central common plate; a mating portion extending from a first side of the central common plate; and a container portion extending from a second, opposite side of the central common plate and defining a trough, the container portion comprising: a first side panel attached to and bounding a first lateral side of the container portion; a second side panel attached to and bounding a second lateral side of the container portion; a first panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein major surfaces of the first panel portion are oriented at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane; and a second panel portion extending between the first side panel and the second side panel in a direction normal to major surfaces of the first side panel and the second side panel and being connected to a bottom edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion comprising a planar portion and an arcuate portion, wherein major surfaces of planar portion of the second panel portion extend in an at least substantially vertical direction, and wherein the arcuate portion extends from a bottom of the planar portion and to the central common plate.

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