Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
CLAMPING OF BULK STORAGE BAG DISCHARGE SPOUT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This disclosure relates to bulk storage bags and, more
particularly, relates to clamping of a bulk storage bag
discharge spout to a process interface connection, for
example.
BACKGROUND
In the dry solids industry, bulk storage bags have become
more prevalent in transporting and storing many of the vast
number of materials available today. This change has
occurred, in part, due to the reduced cost associated with
using bulk storage bags verses other traditional methods.
They are generally cost effective, easily handled, transported
and stored. Moreover, the integration of bulk bags into
traditional feeding systems has spawned many new and
innovative designs.
Since the use of Bulk Bags has entered the processing
industry, there have been many developments associated with
handling and discharging material from these containers. For
example, vibration and various types of mechanical agitation
devices are commonly utilized to effectively promote the
discharge of materials that have taken a set (e.g., compacted
or hardened) within a bulk storage bag during transit or
storage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a clamping system is disclosed that
secures the discharge spout of a bulk storage bag to an
outer surface of a process interface connection. The
clamping system includes a first clamping arm and a second
1
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
clamping arm. Each clamping arm has a fixed end and a free
end arranged such that the free end can pivot (e.g., in a
clamshell-style manner) about the fixed end between a
clamping position and an open position. Each clamping arm
has an inner clamping surface configured to clamp a portion
of the discharge spout against a portion of the outer
surface of the process interface connection when the
clamping arm is in the clamping position. The inner
clamping surfaces are arranged such that when the first and
second clamping arms are in the clamping position, the
inner clamping surfaces cooperate to clamp the discharge
spout against substantially the entire outer surface of the
process interface connection.
In a typical implementation, there is a bead or bar
near an upper edge of the process interface connection that
grips the discharge spout when the clamping arms are in the
clamping position. This arrangement can help prevent the
discharge spout from slipping when, as discussed below, the
mechanism (including, for example, the process interface
connection and clamping arms) is lowered and tension is
applied to remove pleats in the discharge spout. The bead
or bar may have a cross-section that is rectangular, square
or some other shape that facilitates gripping (or biting).
In a typical implementation, the first and second
clamping arms are movable between the clamping position and
the open position within a common plane. The common plane
can be, for example, substantially perpendicular to an axis
of the process interface connection.
According to some embodiments, each inner clamping
surface has a substantially resilient material. Moreover,
each inner clamping surface and corresponding mating
section on the outer surface of the process interface
2
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
connection can be contoured so as to produce a serpentine
path, through which a bulk storage bag's discharge spout
can pass. This can include, for example, both being
contoured in a non-linear and complementary manner.
In some embodiments, an outer conduit surrounds at
least part of the process interface connection. In these
embodiments, the process interface connection and the outer
conduit define a substantially annular space therebetween.
In such implementations, the clamping arms typically
include outwardly-extended portions that are adapted to
cooperatively cover at least part (or all) of the
substantially annular space when the clamping arms are in
the clamping positions. Moreover, each outwardly-extended
portion has a bend at its outer circumferential edge. The
bends extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the
process interface connection. The bends are configured
such that, together, they extend around substantially an
entire perimeter of the process interface connection.
In a typical implementation, there is a discharge tube
extending from the outer conduit. The discharge tube is
configured to allow displaced air to escape from the
annular space when, for example, material is being
dispensed from a bulk storage bag into the process
interface connection.
The clamping system typically includes a manually-
operable latching mechanism to urge and latch the first and
second clamping arms into the clamping position.
The manually-operable latching mechanism typically
includes a first engagement feature at the free end of the
first clamping arm and a first pull-action latch clamp
proximate the free end of the second clamping arm. The
first pull-action latch clamp has a first gripping element
3
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
04
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
adapted to grippingly engage the first engagement feature;
and a first lever coupled to the first gripping element and
arranged such that manipulating the lever when the first
gripping element is grippingly engaged to the first
gripping element urges at least one of the free ends toward
the other free end.
The manually-operable latching mechanism also
typically has a second engagement feature at the free end
of the second clamping arm. The second engagement feature
is configured to be grippingly engaged by a second pull-
action latch clamp.
According to another aspect, a system includes a
process interface connection (e.g., a substantially
cylindrical tube) configured to receive dry solids flowing
at least partially under the influence of gravity from a
bulk storage bag suspended above the process interface
connection. A system can secure a discharge spout of the
suspended bulk storage bag to an outer surface of the
process interface connection. The system includes a first
clamping arm and a second clamping arm.
Each clamping arm has a fixed end and a free end
arranged such that the free end can pivot about the fixed
end between a clamping position and a non-clamping
position. Each clamping arm also has an inner clamping
surface configured to clamp a portion of the discharge
spout against a portion of the outer surface of the process
interface connection when the clamping arm is in the
clamping position. The inner clamping surfaces are
arranged such that when the first and second clamping arms
are in their respective clamping positions, the inner
clamping surfaces cooperate to clamp the discharge spout
4
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
4
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
against at least substantially the entire (e.g., the
entire) outer surface of the process interface connection.
The first and second clamping arms typically are
movable between the clamping position and the non-clamping
position within a common plane.
Each inner clamping surface is substantially resilient
(e.g., includes a substantially resilient element that may
be contained, for example, in a recess) and may be
contoured in a non-linear manner to engage a
correspondingly contoured section on the outer surface of
the process interface connection.
In some implementations, an outer conduit/outer
conduit section surrounds at least part of the process
interface connection and defines, with the process
interface connection, a substantially annular space between
the outer surface of the process interface connection and
the outer conduit section.
Each clamping arm typically includes an outwardly-
extended portion that is adapted to cover at least part of
(or all of) the substantially annular space when the
clamping arm is in the clamping position. Moreover, the
outwardly-extended portions cooperatively cover at least
substantially all (e.g., all) of the substantially annular
space when the first clamping arm and second clamping arm
are in their respective clamping positions.
The system also can include a discharge tube extending
from the outer conduit section and configured to allow
displaced air and/or dust to escape the annular space when
material is being dispensed from a bulk storage bag into
the process interface connection.
According to some embodiments, the system can include
a manually-operable latching mechanism to urge the first
5
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
4
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
and second clamping arms into the clamping position. The
manually-operable latching mechanism, in a typical
implementation, includes a first engagement feature at the
free end of the first clamping arm and a first pull-action
latch clamp at the free end of the second clamping arm.
The first pull-action latch clamp can include a first
gripping element adapted to grippingly engage the first
engagement feature and a first lever coupled to the first
gripping element and arranged such that manipulating the
lever when the first gripping element is grippingly engaged
to the first gripping element urges at least one of the
free ends to move toward the other of the free ends.
The system also can include a second pull-action latch
clamp coupled to an outer surface of the process interface
connection or to an outer surface of a conduit surrounding
at least part of the process interface connection; and a
second engagement feature at the free end of the second
clamping arm, wherein the second engagement feature is
configured to engage the second pull-action latch clamp.
The system typically includes structural frame
arranged to suspend the bulk storage bag above the process
interface connection.
In certain implementations, an actuator (e.g., a
pneumatic actuator) is provided to move the process
interface connection toward or away from the bulk storage
bag suspended above the process interface connection.
According to yet another aspect, a system includes a
process interface connection, a bulk storage bag suspended
above the process interface connection, the process
interface connection having an opening configured to
receive dry solids flowing at least partially under the
influence of gravity from the bulk storage bag, a clamping
6
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-00530A1
assembly to secure a discharge spout of the suspended bulk
storage bag to an outer surface of the process interface
connection. The clamping assembly includes a first
clamping arm and a second clamping arm. Each clamping arm
has a fixed end and a free end arranged such that the free
end can pivot about the fixed end between a clamping
position and a non-clamping position. Each clamping arm
has an inner clamping surface configured to clamp a portion
of the discharge spout against a portion of the outer
surface of the process interface connection when the
clamping arm is in the clamping position. The inner
clamping surfaces of the first and second clamping arms are
arranged such that when the first and second clamping arms
are in their respective clamping positions, the inner
clamping surfaces of the first and second clamping arms
cooperate to clamp the discharge spout against at least
substantially the entire (e.g., the entire) outer surface
of the process interface connection.
In yet another aspect, a method includes: coupling a
bulk storage bag containing dry solid material to a bulk
bag unloader assembly with a discharge spout of the bulk
storage bag directed substantially downward toward a
process interface connection; arranging the discharge spout
to substantially face the process interface connection;
clamping the discharge spout to the outer surface of the
process interface connection with a clamping system. The
clamping system includes a first clamping arm and a second
clamping arm. Each clamping arm has a fixed end and a free
end arranged such that the free end can pivot about the
fixed end between a clamping position and a clamping
position. Each clamping arm also has an inner clamping
surface configured to clamp a portion of the discharge
V
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
spout against a portion of the outer surface of the process
interface connection when the clamping arm is in the
clamping position. The inner clamping surfaces of the
first and second clamping arms are arranged such that when
the first and second clamping arms are in their respective
clamping positions, the inner clamping surfaces of the
first and second clamping arms cooperate to clamp the
discharge spout against at least substantially the entire
(e.g., the entire) outer surface of the process interface
connection.
Particular embodiments of the subject matter described
in this specification can be implemented so as to realize
one or more of the following advantages.
For example, many bulk storage bag manufacturers
typically manufacture bags with an 18 inch long discharge
spout. With conventional mechanisms for securing a discharge
spout to a conduit, it can be extremely difficult, if not
impossible, to secure such a short discharge spout to the
conduit. This is because the space required to allow an
operator access for attachment of the bag spout to a process
interface connection is more than that which this standard
spout length allows. Indeed, many bulk bag unloader
manufacturers require a 21" or longer bag spout length as a
minimum. This creates an added cost to the end user who must
now pay a premium for non-standard bulk bags.
In a typical implementation of the techniques and
structures disclosed herein, the clamp plate opens to the left
and right of the operator, allowing for full access to the
process interface connection without any additional bag length
requirement. Thus, the operator is able to attach a
discharge spout that has a relatively short length to the
process interface connection with ease and efficiency.
8
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
Additionally, many processors are not willing to
customize the bulk storage bags they use. If this is the case
and a longer bag spout is not available, the use of certain
conventional bag spout connection designs cannot be
considered. In a typical implementation, this situation can
be avoided.
Moreover, in certain implementations, the potential of
having a discharge spout slip out of engagement with the
process interface connection is reduced. This can be
particularly significant when, for example, after being
secured to the process interface connection, the process
interface connection and clamping system are lowered.
Also, when the process interface connection and clamping
system are lowered, any pleats that may exist in its spout are
removed, which aids in product discharge through the spout.
Removing pleats and folds from the spout of a Bulk Bag as it
empties can also be accomplished by utilizing an Automatic
Bulk Bag Tensioning Mechanism, such as available from Acrison,
Inc. of Moonachie, New Jersey, which can be integral to the
applicable bulk storage bag frame assembly.
In a typical implementation, the techniques and
structures disclosed herein bring the discharge spout clamps
close to the operator, thus making for a highly ergonomic
design. The techniques and structures also typically result in
a design that is cost effective.
Terms describing relative positions, such as "left,"
right," "in," "out," "front," "back," "up," "down, "top,"
"bottom," "over," "under," "above," "below," "horizontal,"
"vertical" and the like, in the description and the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not
necessarily for describing permanent relative positions.
It is to be understood that the terms so used are
9
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that
embodiments of the invention described herein are, for
example, capable of operation in other orientations than
those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The details of one or more embodiments of the subject
matter described in this specification are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter
will become apparent from the description, the drawings,
and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implementation of a
system that includes a bulk storage bag unloader assembly
and a structural frame element for supporting a bulk
storage bag.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bulk storage bag unloader
assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a side view of the bulk storage bag unloader
assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the bulk storage bag
unloader assembly of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5A is a plan view showing a bulk storage bag
unloader assembly's clamping arms in a clamping position.
FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a bulk storage bag
unloader assembly's clamping arms in a non-clamping
position.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of using a system
that includes a bulk storage bag unloader assembly and a
structural frame element for supporting a bulk storage bag.
FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of an unloader
assembly with a bulk storage bag.
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the unloader
assembly in FIG. 7 with the bulk storage bag's discharge
spout placed around a process interface connection.
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the unloader
assembly in FIG. 7 with the bulk storage bag's discharge
spout clamped to the process interface connection and
expanded.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the
bulk storage bag unloader assembly of FIG. 1 with a bulk
storage bag coupled to the assembly.
Like reference numerals refer to like element.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a typical system 10 that includes a bulk
bag unloader assembly 100 with a structural frame element
103 for supporting a bulk storage bag (not shown) above the
unloader assembly 100. FIGS. 2 to 4 show the unloader
assembly 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 shows a pair of clamping
arms. FIGS. 6 to 8 show the system 10 being connected to a
bulk storage bag.
The unloader assembly 100 includes a process interface
connection 102, which in the illustrated implementation is
a substantially cylindrical conduit with an upwardly-facing
open end, through which material from the bulk storage bag
can be introduced into a process (e.g., a process involving
weigh feeding or volumetric feeding of the material from
the bulk storage bag). In a typical implementation, the
bottom end of the process interface connection 102 is
connected to or arranged to deliver material to the
process. For example, the bottom end of the process
interface connection 102 may be physically coupled to a
11
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
conduit or physically arranged so as to empty material into
adjacent downstream equipment.
The structural frame element 103 is adapted to
physically support a bulk storage bag (not shown in FIG. 1)
above the unloader assembly 100 so that the bulk storage
bag's discharge spout can be coupled to the process
interface connection 102. When the discharge spout is so
coupled and un-cinched, the contents of the bag are able to
flow, at least partially under the influence of gravity,
out of the discharge spout and into the process interface
connection 102.
The unloader assembly 100 includes a clamping system
104 that enables an operator to securely couple (or
"clamp") the discharge spout of the bulk storage bag to the
outer surface of the upwardly-facing, open end of the
process interface connection 102. In a typical
implementation, this clamping process can be performed in a
safe, easy and reliable manner.
The illustrated clamping system 104 includes an outer
conduit section 106, which is optional, surrounding at
least part of the process interface connection 102.
Typically, the upper surface of the process interface
connection 102 extends slightly beyond (e.g., between about
1 and 10 inches) the upper surface of the outer conduit
section 106. The portion of the process interface
connection 102 that extends slightly beyond the upper
surface of the outer conduit section 106 typically gives
the user a clear view of the process connection point
(i.e., the point on the process interface connection 102
where the discharge spout connects).
In a typical implementation, the outer conduit section
106 is rigidly secured to the process interface connection
12
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
102, for example, by a rigid connecting element (see 702 in
FIG. 7) that extends between an inner surface of the outer
conduit section 106 and an outer surface of the process
interface connection 102.
When connected to downstream process equipment, the
process interface connection 102 conveys material flowing
out of the bulk storage bag to the downstream process
equipment. However, the actual connection to the
downstream process equipment is made to the outer conduit
106. In a particular implementation, an example of which
is shown in FIG. 10, this connection is made via a
corrugated bellows 1096. In the illustrated
implementation, the corrugated bellows 1096 is designed to
expand or collapse so as to allow the clamping assembly 104
to move up or down, respectively, relative to the
downstream process equipment while maintaining a
substantially dust tight and/or air tight connection to the
downstream process equipment.
Together, the process interface connection 102 and the
outer conduit section 106 define a substantially annular
space 108 therebetween.
In some implementations, the annular space 108 can
capture any material dispensed from the bulk storage bag
that does not end up entering the process interface
connection 102, thereby preventing a mess from occurring
around the unloader assembly 100. It may be possible for a
small amount of material to enter the annular space 108
when, for example, a user is removing a not-yet-empty bag
from the system 10, which may be done for a variety of
reasons.
In some implementations, the annular space 108 can
provide a path for any material that may have been caught
13
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
in the pleats of a bulk storage bag's discharge spout to
fall down toward the downstream process equipment.
Additionally, in some implementations, the annular
space 108 provides a path for displaced air and/or dust to
escape (see, e.g., arrows in FIG. 10) when material is
being dispensed from a bulk storage bag into the process
interface connection 102. In some implementations (see,
e.g., Fig. 10), there is a discharge tube 1090 formed in
the outer conduit 106. The discharge tube 1090 allows the
displaced air to escape the annular space 108. In some
implementations, a dust collector (not shown) is attached
to the open, discharge end of the discharge tube 1090.
The outer conduit section 106 is coupled to a support
element 111 and an actuator 113 that can cause the support
element 111 (and, therefore, both the outer conduit section
106 and the process interface connection 102) to move up or
down (i.e., either toward or away from the bulk storage
bag's discharge spout. In the illustrated implementation,
the actuator 113 is pneumatically powered. However, in
various implementations, the actuator can be operated using
other sources of energy, such as electric, hydraulic,
pneumatic, or the like.
The clamping system 104 also includes a pair of
clamping arms (i.e., a first clamping arm 114a and a second
clamping arm 114b) that are respectively mounted to pivot
pins (not shown in FIG. 1, but see 120a, 120b in FIG. 2)
that allow the clamping arms 114a, 114b to pivot in a
clamshell-style manner between a clamping position (see,
e.g., FIG. 5A) and a non-clamping position (see, e.g., FIG.
5B). The pivot pins 120a, 120b are mounted to the support
element 111.
14
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
Each clamping arm 114a, 114b has a fixed end 116a,
116b, which is fixed to one of the pivot pins 120a, 120b,
and a free end 118a, 118b, which is able to swing about the
corresponding fixed end. In the illustrated
implementation, the free ends 118a, 118b move within a
substantially horizontal plane. In a typical
implementation, the clamping arms 114a, 114b are considered
to be in a clamping position when their free ends 118a,
118b are positioned close to one another. In some
instances, the free ends 118a, 118b are in contact with one
another in the clamping position.
Each clamping arm 114a, 114b has an inner surface that
is contoured to match part of the contour of the outer
surface of the process interface connection 102.
Accordingly, when the clamping arms 114a 114b are in the
clamping position (i.e., as shown in FIG. 5A), their inner
surfaces can press and seal a discharge spout of a bulk
storage bag against the corresponding portions of the outer
surface of process interface connection 102. In a typical
implementation, the clamping arms 114a, 114b cooperatively
press and seal the discharge spout against the entire (or
substantially the entire) outer surface of the process
interface connection 102.
In some implementations, the inner surface of each
clamping arm 114a, 114b and/or corresponding (mating)
portions of the outer surface of the process interface
connection 102 include a substantially resilient material
(e.g., rubber or the like). This allows a small amount of
elastic deformation to occur when pressing and sealing the
discharge spout of the bulk storage bag and enables the
inner surface or corresponding portion of the outer surface
to return at least substantially to its previous size
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-00530A1
without permanent deformation. The elastic deformation
can, in some instances, facilitate better sealing.
In some implementations, the inner surfaces of the
clamping arms 114a, 114b and the corresponding (mating)
portions of the outer surface of the process interface
connection 102 are contoured in a non-linear, but
complementary manner. The contours can form any non-linear
pattern including, for example, a serpentine pattern, a
sinusoidal pattern, a saw tooth pattern, a triangle wave
pattern, a square wave pattern, or the like. The
complementary contours may also facilitate better sealing.
The clamping system 104 further includes a manually-
operable latching mechanism 122 to urge the clamping arms
114a, 114b together and releasably hold clamping arms 114a,
114b in the clamping position.
The manually-operable latching mechanism 122 includes
a first engagement feature 124a at the free end 118a of the
first clamping arm 114a, and a second engagement feature
124b at the free end 118b of the second clamping arm 114b.
In the illustrated implementation, the first engagement
feature 124a is a hook and the second engagement feature
124b is a vertical tube.
The manually-operable latching mechanism 122 also has
a first pull-action latch clamp 126a at the free end 118b
of the second clamping arm 114b and a second pull-action
latch clamp 126b coupled to the outer surface of the outer
conduit section 106.
The first pull-action latch clamp 126a has a first
gripping element 128a (e.g., a hook) that is adapted to
grippingly engage the first engagement feature 124a and a
first lever 130a coupled to the first gripping element
128a. In a typical implementation, manipulating the first
16
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
lever 130a when the first gripping element 128a is
grippingly engaged to the first engagement feature 124a
causes at least one of the free ends 118a or 118b of the
clamping arms 114a, 114b to move toward the other free end.
Similarly, the second pull-action latch clamp 126b has
a second gripping element 128b (e.g., a hook) that is
adapted to grippingly engage the second engagement feature
124b and a second lever 130b coupled to the second gripping
element 128b. In a typical implementation, manipulating
the second lever 130b when the second gripping element 128b
is grippingly engaged to the second engagement feature 124b
causes the free end 118a to move toward the free end 118b.
Once latched, the inner surfaces of the clamping arms
114a, 114b can securely seal a discharge spout of a bulk
storage bag to the process interface connection to help
ensure that when material is flowing out of the bulk
storage bag through the discharge spout, substantially all
of the material is properly directed into the process
interface connection 102.
To release the pull-action latch clamps 126a, 126b, an
operator simply manipulates the levers 130a, 130b in an
opposite direction from the direction that the levers are
manipulated to latch.
Each clamping arm 114a, 114b is further contoured to
include an outwardly-extended portion 132a, 132b that
covers part of the substantially annular space 108 between
the outer surface of the process interface connection 102
and the outer conduit section 106 when the clamping arm
114a, 114b is in the clamping position. In a typical
implementation, the outwardly-extended portions 132a, 132b
cooperatively cover the entire (or substantially the
17
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
entire) substantially annular space 108 when the clamping
arms 114a, 114b are in the clamping position.
The outer circumferential edge of each outwardly-
extended portion 132a, 132b has a bend 134a, 134b that
extends in an axial direction toward and relative to the
process interface connection 102. In the illustrated
implementation, the bends 134a, 134b extend from their
respective outwardly-extended portions 132a, 132b in a
substantially downward direction. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second engagement feature 124b of the
manually-operable latching mechanism 122 is coupled to the
outer surface of bend 134b. When the clamping arms 114a,
114b are in the clamping position, the bends 134a, 134b
substantially (or entirely) surround an upper part of the
outer conduit section's outer surface.
The clamping plates 114a, 114b also have bolt holes
136 arranged to enable coupling plates 138a, 138b to be
connected to the clamping arms 114a, 144b. Each clamping
plate 138a, 138b can be connected to the clamping arms
114a, 114b as shown, for example, in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Once
connected, the clamping plates 138a, 138b further help
maintain the clamping arms 114a, 114b in the clamping
position.
The unloader assembly 100 also has a cinch valve 198
that is adapted to close-off the discharge spout of a bulk
bag storage bag supported on the structural frame 103.
This may be desirable, for example, when process
stipulations require a material change before one bulk
storage bag is empty to avoid the need for a processor to
discharge the entire contents of the bag before a material
change can be implemented, which can be costly and time
18
CA 02819445 2013-09-10
consuming. A cinch valve allows for the closure of a
partially emptied bulk bag when such a product change is
required. An example of the cinch valve 198 is disclosed
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0127194.
The illustrated unloader assembly 100 also has a
mechanical agitator assembly 110 that is adapted to assist
with unloading material from bulk bags, especially those
materials that may be less than completely free-flowing, or
those that have become tightly packed in a bag during
transit and/or storage. The illustrated mechanical
agitator assembly 110 has a pair of shaker paddles 112a,
112b arranged to contact lower portions of the bulk storage
bag when the bulk storage bag is supported by the frame
106. The shaker paddles 112a, 112b are powered by
respective pneumatic cylinders 199a, 199b that cause the
shaker paddles 112a, 112b to shake thereby moving whatever
portions of the bag the shaker paddles are in contact with.
In some instances, this can encourage material to flow out
of the bulk storage bag. Some methods of emptying bulk
bags involve the use of vibration.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method of using a system
that includes a bulk storage bag unloader assembly and a
structural frame element for supporting a bulk storage bag.
FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are referenced in the description of FIG.
6.
The illustrated method includes coupling (at 650) a
bulk storage bag to the structural frame 103 of the bulk
bag unloader assembly 100 and feeding (at 652) a discharge
spout of the bulk storage bag through the assembly's cinch
valve and toward the process interface connection 102.
19
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-00530A1
An example of this is shown in FIG. 7, which shows a
bulk storage bag 980 coupled to the structural frame above
a bulk bag unloader assembly 100 and whose discharge spout
982 has been fed through the assembly's cinch valve (not
shown) and toward the process interface connection 102. In
FIG. 7, the clamping arms 114a, 114b are in a non-clamping
position. More particularly, each clamping arm 114a, 114b
is swung away from the clamping position so that the upper,
outer perimeter of the process interface connection 102 is
exposed.
Referring again to FIG. 6, the illustrated method
further includes elevating (at 654) the process interface
connection 102 and clamping system 104 relative to the
structural frame 103 and, therefore, toward the discharge
spout 982 of the bulk storage bag 980. The bottom of the
discharge spout is placed (at 656) around the process
interface connection 102 and inside the substantially
annular space 108.
An example of this is shown in FIG. 8, which shows the
process interface connection 102 and the clamping system at
an elevated position relative to their position in FIG. 7.
The clamping arms 114a, 114b are in the non-clamping
position and the bottom of the discharge spout 982 has been
placed around the process interface connection 102 inside
the substantially annular space 108. Referring again to
FIG. 6, the illustrated method also includes moving (at
658) the clamping arms 114a, 114b to a clamping position to
clamp the discharge spout to an outer surface of the
process interface connection 102 and manipulating (at 660)
the latching mechanism to latch the clamping arms in the
clamping position.
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
The method further includes lowering (at 662) the
process interface connection 102 and clamping system 104 to
extend the discharge spout 982.
An example of this is shown in FIG. 9, which shows the
clamping arms 114a, 114b in a clamping position and
clamping the discharge spout 982 of the bulk storage bag
980 against the outer surface of the process interface
connection (which is inside the outer conduit section 106).
Moreover, the process interface connection and the clamping
system 104 are at a lower elevation than the elevation in
FIG. 8 and the discharge spout is in an extended
configuration. Typically, extending the discharge spout
helps ensure that the discharge spout will open fully when
the bottom of the bulk storage bag is opened and flow
through the discharge spout is desired.
Once the bag's discharge spout is clamped and the
clamping system 104 is lowered, the clamping arms 114a,
114b prevent the bag spout from slipping by the resilient
seals. Once the clamping system 104 is lowered to a
predetermined tension, the bag's discharge spout supports a
portion of the clamping system's weight and air pressure in
the air cylinder supports the rest of the clamping system's
weight. This establishes a predetermined tension that is
imparted onto the clamped bag spout regardless of the spout
length. When the clamping system 104 is supported in this
manner, the bag's discharge spout can exert a tugging force
(tension) on the clamping system 104.
in some implementations, a bead 1092 (see FIG. 10) is
provided around the perimeter of the outer conduit 106.
The bead 1092 may be, for example, welded to the outer
21
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
surface of the outer conduit near its upper end. When the
clamping arms 114a, 114b are in closed positions, recesses
1094 in the inner surfaces of the clamping arms 114a, 114b
engage the bead 1092 thereby locking the clamping arms
114a, 114b and the outer conduit together.
Without the bead 1092 and recess 1094, the tugging
force from the bag's discharge spout can be transmitted at
least in part to the pivot pins, to which the clamping arms
114a, 114b are coupled. This force could, in some
instances, potentially bend and damage the pivot pins.
With the bead 1092 and the recess 1094, if there is a
tugging force from the bag's discharge spout, this force is
transmitted to and distributed around the outer conduit 106
due to the bead, which carries the load.
In implementations that do not include an outer
conduit 106, the bead 1092 can be provided on an outer
surface near the top of the process interface connection
102.Referring again to the method of FIG. 6, the binding at
the bottom of the bulk storage bag (just above the
discharge spout) is then released (at 662) to allow
material to begin flowing through the discharge spout and
into the process interface connection 102.
Typically, material continues to flow until either the
bulk storage bag is empty or the process is stopped. If
the material flow is to be interrupted before the bulk
storage bag is empty, then the cinch valve can be
manipulated to close-in and seal off the discharge spout
and, thereby stop flow.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an
implementation of a bulk storage bag coupled to a clamping
assembly. It also includes detailed views of particular
aspects of the illustrated implementation.
22
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
For example, detailed view 10A shows a bead (i.e., a
perimeter support ring) 1092 provided around the perimeter
of the outer conduit 106. The bead 1092 may be, for
example, welded to the outer surface of the outer conduit
near its upper end. When the clamping arms 114a, 114b are
in closed positions, recesses 1094 in the inner surfaces of
the clamping arms 114a, 114b engage the bead 1092 thereby
locking the clamping arms 114a, 114b and the outer conduit
together.
An outer conduit seal 1096 is provided about the bead
1092. The outer conduit seal 1096 can be a substantially
resilient element and is arranged so as to provide a seal
between the outer conduit 106 and downwardly-extended
portions of the clamping arms 104a, 104b. The outer
conduit seal helps prevent dust or gas from escaping the
process. The illustrated outer conduit seal 1096 has a
substantially bump-shaped cross-section. However, the
outer conduit seal 1096 can have a variety of different
cross-sectional shapes.
Detailed view 10B shows an example of how the
discharge spout of bulk storage bag 980 follows a
serpentine path through the location where clamping arm
114a presses against the process interface connection 102.
According to the illustrated implementation, there is
a resilient seal 1091 in a recess at the inner edge of each
clamping arm 114a, 114b facing the process interface
connection 102. There is also a bead 1093 (e.g., a 1/8
inch square bead) extending outwardly from an outer surface
of the process interface connection 102 at a position on
the process interface connection 102 such that it aligns
with the resilient seal 1091. In a typical implementation,
23
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
4 =
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
the bead 1093 helps grip the bag spout to hold it securely
in place. In the illustrated implementation, an inside
diameter of the clamping arms immediately above and
immediately below the resilient seal 1091 is smaller than
the outer diameter of the process interface connection's
bead 1093. This forces the bag spout to bend in extreme
angles making it more difficult for the spout to be pulled
out of the clamping assembly when, for example, the
clamping assembly is lowered.
The illustrated implementation also includes a
discharge tube 1090 that extends from an outer surface of
the outer conduit and is configured to provide a
ventilation channel to facilitate movement of air that has
been displaced, for example from the inner process
interface connection when material is being dispensed from
a bulk storage bag into the process interface connection.
In particular, air is allowed to flow as indicated by the
arrows shown in the figure.
The illustrated implementation also shows a corrugated
bellows 1096 connected (by clamp 1099) to the outer surface
of the outer conduit 106 near the bottom of the outer
conduit 106. In a typical embodiment, the corrugated
bellows 1096 would be connected to downstream process
equipment.
A number of embodiments have been described.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure.
For example, certain features disclosed herein are
optional and/or can be configured differently.
The process interface connection can have different
physical configurations. In various implementations it
24
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
could have an oval cross-section, a rectangular cross-
section or have any other shape. Depending on the shape of
the process interface connection, the inner surfaces of the
clamping arms may be contoured to press against some or the
entire outer surface of the process interface connection.
Additionally, it can be disposed at an angle, rather than
facing straight up.
The agitator, the cinch valve and the actuator that
moves the process interface connection and clamping system
up and down are optional. Moreover, each of these
structural elements can be implemented in a variety of ways
other than those specifically describe herein.
Moreover, the clamping system disclosed herein
includes at least two clamping arms. However, it is
possible that a clamping system be provided with more than
two clamping arms, as long as they are configured such
that, together, they can clamp a discharge spout of a bulk
storage bag against an outer surface of a process interface
connection.
The relative position of components can vary as well.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the
drawings in a particular order, this should not be
understood as requiring that such operations be performed
in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or
that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve
desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking
and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the
separation of various system components in the embodiments
described above should not be understood as requiring such
separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood
that various functionalities can generally be integrated
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
together in a single device or component or distributed
across multiple devices or components.
The inner surfaces of the clamping arms 114a, 114b
that press the discharge spout against the process
interface connection typically are quite small (e.g.,
between about 0.2 and 4 inches or between about 0.5 and 2
inches in the process interface connections axial
direction). However, this dimension can be larger as well.
The clamping system 104 can be provided with or
without the outer conduit 106.
Also, in a typical implementation, the resilient
sealing surface of the clamping arms is pressed up against
a bead (e.g., a 1/8 inch square bead that is welded to the
outer surface of the process interface connection 102).
The bead can have a variety of shapes and configurations
and can be affixed to the outer surface of the process
interface connection 102 in a variety of ways.
In some implementations, the weight of the clamping
system, which could be as much as 150 pounds or more, for
example, is counterbalanced by air pressure introduced into
a pneumatic air cylinder that supports the clamping system
(e.g., on one or more vertical tracks). This air pressure
typically is slightly less than the air pressure needed to
lift or raise the clamping assembly. Therefore, the air
pressure typically does not support the full weight of the
clamping assembly and some of the weight of the clamping
assembly is supported by the discharge spout coupled to the
clamping assembly. In this regard, the clamping assembly
typically exerts a downward force (e.g., approximately 10
pounds) on the bag's discharge spout, which helps remove
pleats from the bag spout to help ensure better material
flow through the spout. In various implementations, the
26
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
air pressure provided can vary, such that a greater amount
or a lesser amount of the clamping assembly's weight is
supported by the bag spout.
In a typical implementation, an air source channel and
an air bleed channel are coupled to the air cylinder that
supports (and moves) the clamping system. In a typical
implementation, air is delivered to the air cylinder(s)
through the air source channel to raise the clamping
assembly (e.g., when an operator is interested in coupling
the discharge spout to the clamping assembly) and air is
bled out of the air cylinder(s) through the air bleed
channel to lower the clamping assembly (e.g., to remove
pleats from a bag discharge spout that has been coupled to
the clamping assembly). Other arrangements for raising and
lowering the clamping assembly are possible.
In a typical implementation, clamp 126b, which is
affixed to the outer conduit 106, secures clamping arm 114a
in its final clamping position. The clamping action of
126b pulls the clamping plate 114a with its resilient seal
against the bag spout and the bead on the outer surface of
the process interface connection 102. Once this operation
is completed, clamp 126a can then secure the second
clamping plate 114b, which is affixed to the first clamping
plate, into its final clamping position. Other
arrangements for securing the clamping arms 114a, 114b in
their locking positions are possible.
The annular space 108 between the process interface
connection 102 and the outer conduit 106 is primarily used
to vent off displaced air and/or dust from the process
during refill. When a downstream hopper/device is low on
material, a refill is required. As new material flows into
the hopper/device, the air that was present is forced back
27
CA 02819445 2013-06-25
Attorney Docket No. 11130-0053CA1
up through the inlet and out the vent or to a dust
collection system, for example. The outer conduit 106 can
include one or more vents, which can be arranged at the
same height at different points around the perimeter of the
outer conduit or can be at different heights. Typically,
the vent(s) extend in an upward direction (as shown in FIG.
10, for example) out of the outer conduit 106. Containing
material spillage is another function of the annular space.
Additionally, in some implementations, the clamping
system does not include an outer conduit 106 and,
therefore, also does not include an annular space. This may
be the case where, for example, system cost is a driving
factor.
The height differential between the outer conduit and
the inner process interface connection allows the operator
to see where the spout connection is. This height
difference can vary considerably. Therefore, although
particular embodiments of the subject matter have been
described, other embodiments are within the scope of the
following claims.
28
