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WO2017049273A1 - Conteneur à verrouillage réciproque présentant un équilibrage de poids et une accessibilité améliorés - Google Patents

Conteneur à verrouillage réciproque présentant un équilibrage de poids et une accessibilité améliorés Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017049273A1
WO2017049273A1 PCT/US2016/052448 US2016052448W WO2017049273A1 WO 2017049273 A1 WO2017049273 A1 WO 2017049273A1 US 2016052448 W US2016052448 W US 2016052448W WO 2017049273 A1 WO2017049273 A1 WO 2017049273A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
interlocking
container
interlocking container
frame
retractable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/052448
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Allen LOPEZ
Original Assignee
Lopez Allen
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lopez Allen filed Critical Lopez Allen
Publication of WO2017049273A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017049273A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
    • B65D88/022—Large containers rigid in multiple arrangement, e.g. stackable, nestable, connected or joined together side-by-side
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/26—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections
    • B65D88/30—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections specially adapted to facilitate transportation from one utilisation site to another
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/26—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections
    • B65D88/32—Hoppers, i.e. containers having funnel-shaped discharge sections in multiple arrangement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G53/00—Conveying materials in bulk through troughs, pipes or tubes by floating the materials or by flow of gas, liquid or foam
    • B65G53/34—Details
    • B65G53/36—Arrangements of containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2590/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
    • B65D2590/0091—Ladders

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to transportation systems, and in particular, to systems and methods for intermodal transportation.
  • Intermodal transportation refers to the transportation of materials using multiple modes of transportation, such as rail, truck, barge, and the like. Changing transportation modes often involves moving materials from one shipping container to another, which increases delays as well as adds costs related to, e.g., the loss of spilled materials. Storing shipping containers can also be costly, as real estate surrounding shipping junctions becomes increasingly valuable.
  • an interlocking container includes three storage chambers encompassed by a frame. Each storage chamber has an inlet in an upper surface of the storage chamber and an outlet in a lower surface of the storage chamber. Each outlet is coupled to a sealing member.
  • the sealing members transition from a retracted position within the frame to an extended position below the frame in order to operatively couple their associated storage chambers with vertically adjacent storage chambers of a vertically adjacent interlocking container.
  • the interlocking containers are operatively coupled to a conveyance unit, which include multiple transport mechanisms for moving materials from the storage chambers to the target destination.
  • FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an interlocking container, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is another upper perspective view of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 in which the hopper caps are in the open position.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sealing member and other components of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 in which the sealing member is in the retracted position.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the sealing member of Fig. 4 in which the sealing member is in the extended position.
  • Fig. 6 is an upper perspective view of the hopper caps and other components of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 in which the hopper caps are in the closed position.
  • Fig. 7 is an upper perspective view of the hopper caps and other components of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 in which the hopper caps are in the open position.
  • Fig. 8 is another upper perspective view of the hopper caps and other components of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 in which the hopper caps are in the closed position.
  • Fig 9 is a side elevation view of the interlocking container of Fig. 1.
  • Fig 10 is a top plan view of the interlocking container of Fig. 1.
  • Fig 1 1 is the side elevation view of Fig. 9 with additional markings.
  • Fig 12 is a front elevation view of the interlocking container of Fig. 1 .
  • Fig 13 is a side view of the interlocking container identified by the box "C in Fig. 1 1 .
  • Fig. 14 is a cut-away view the interlocking container along the lines ⁇ - ⁇ " in Fig. 1 1 .
  • Fig. 15 is a top view of the interlocking container identified by the box "D" in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of two interlocking containers in a stacked configuration, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the two interlocking containers of Fig. 16 in an interlocked configuration.
  • Fig. 18 is a perspective view of four interlocking containers in a stacked configuration, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 19 is perspective view of the four interlocking containers of Fig. 18 in an interlocked configuration.
  • Fig. 20 is an upper perspective view of the four interlocking containers of Fig. 18.
  • Fig. 21 is a side elevation view of the four interlocking containers of Fig. 18.
  • Fig. 22 is a front elevation view of the four interlocking containers of Fig. 18.
  • Fig. 23 is a side elevation view of two interlocking containers in an interlocked configuration, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 24 is a front elevation view of the two interlocking containers of Fig.
  • Fig. 25 is an upper perspective view of the two interlocking containers of
  • Fig. 26 is a cut-away view of the two interlocking containers of Fig. 23 along the lines "A-A" in Fig. 23.
  • Fig. 27 is a view of the sealing member of the top interlocking container of Fig. 23 and the opening of the bottom interlocking container of Fig. 23 as identified by the box "B" in Fig. 26.
  • Fig. 28 is a top plan view of a conveyance system, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 29 is a cut-away view of the conveyance system of Fig. 28 along the lines "A-A" in Fig. 28.
  • Fig. 30 illustrates components of a conveyor box or conveyor unit, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 31 is a side elevation view of a storage container or blower tank, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 32 is a top plan view of a storage container according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 33 is a side elevation view of another interlocking container, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 34 is a top plan view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33 in which the hopper caps are in the closed position.
  • Fig. 35 is a front elevation view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 37 is a cut-away view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33 along the lines "B-B" in Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 38 is top view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33 as identified by the box "C" in Fig. 34.
  • Fig. 39 is another side elevation view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 40 is another front elevation view of the interlocking container of Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 41 is a side elevation view of two interlocking containers in an interlocked configuration, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 42 is a cut-away view of the two interlocking containers of Fig. 41 along the lines "A-A" in Fig. 41 .
  • Fig. 43 is a view of components of the two interlocking containers identified by the box "B" in Fig. 42.
  • Fig. 44 is a front elevation view of the two interlocking containers of Fig. 41 .
  • Fig. 45 is an upper perspective view of the interlocking containers of Fig. 41 .
  • Fig. 46 is a side elevation view of four interlocking containers placed on a rail car, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 47 is a bottom view of the two horizontally adjacent interlocking containers of Fig. 48 along the lines "A-A" in Fig. 46.
  • Fig. 48 is an upper perspective view of the four interlocking containers and rail car of Fig. 46.
  • Fig. 49 illustrates an exemplary specification sheet containing design parameters according to some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 50 illustrates an exemplary calculation sheet containing calculations for some embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 51 illustrates an exemplary calculation sheet continuing the calculation sheet of Fig. 50, as well as an exemplary specification sheet containing design parameters relating to pressure due to granular fill, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 52 illustrates an exemplary specification sheet containing design parameters relating to pressure vessel shell design, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 53 illustrates an exemplary specification sheet continuing the specification sheet of Fig. 52.
  • Fig. 54 illustrates an exemplary specification sheet detailing conclusions derived from the sheets shown in Figs. 49-53.
  • Figs. 55-82 are views of an interlocking container and components thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • Fig. 83 is a view of an interlocking container and components thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • an interlocking container includes a frame and one or more storage chambers.
  • the frame is adapted to support multiple interlocking containers vertically stacked on top of the interlocking container.
  • storage chambers within one interlocking container are vertically aligned with storage chambers in other interlocking containers.
  • Sealing members are used to operatively connect vertically aligned storage chambers.
  • a conveyor box or conveyor unit is operatively coupled to the storage chambers of one of the interlocking containers, for example, the lowest interlocking container of the stack.
  • the conveyor unit includes multiple transport mechanisms to facilitate the removal of materials from the storage chambers using different conveyance techniques, such as pulling the materials using negative pressures, blowing the materials using positive pressures, and mechanically moving the materials using a conveyor belt.
  • an interlocking container 100 includes a frame 102 formed of various frame members, e.g., frame member 104, and corner castings, e.g., corner casting 105.
  • the frame 102 may be formed of steel, iron, or similar materials.
  • the frame 102 may be formed of lighter materials, such as aluminum.
  • the frame 102 defines an upper plane 106 and a lower plane 108, which are shown in Figs. 9 and 1 1.
  • the interlocking container 100 is placed on flatbed rail cars or similar transport mediums (e.g., as shown in Figs. 46 and 48).
  • the frame 102 also includes lifting lugs 109 that are used to couple the interlocking container 100 to cranes or other machines for moving, stacking, or aligning the interlocking container 100.
  • the lifting lugs 109 may also be used to secure vertically adjacent interlocking containers 100.
  • each storage chamber 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 is a sealing member 1 16, 1 18, 120.
  • the sealing members 1 16, 1 18, 120 are configured to selectively extend below the lower plane 108 in order to operatively couple the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 to vertically adjacent storage chambers.
  • Each storage chamber 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 includes a gate 122, 124, 126, such as a knife gate or knife gate valve, which selectively opens and closes an outlet in a lower portion or surface of each storage chamber 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • a knife gate wheel 128, 130, 132 is used to manually open and close a respective outlet in each storage chamber 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • other manual or automated mechanisms may be used to open and close the outlets in the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • the sealing members 1 16, 1 18, 120 each include an extension section 134, 136, 138 and a sealing boot 140, 142, 144, also referred to as a hatch seal.
  • the sealing boots 140, 142, 144 may be formed of rubber or similar materials in order to create impermeable seals between a sealing boot 140, 142, 144 and an inlet into a storage chamber.
  • the impermeable seals in some embodiments, are impermeable to water and/or air.
  • Each extension section 134, 136, 138 is driven by a sealing boot wheel 146, 148, 150 (also referred to as a hatch seal or hand wheel) that, when operated, engages a gearbox 152, 154, 156 that drives lead screws (e.g., lead screws 153 in Fig. 4) and an extension section 134, 136, and 138.
  • a sealing boot wheel 146, 148, 150 also referred to as a hatch seal or hand wheel
  • lead screws e.g., lead screws 153 in Fig. 4
  • each sealing member 1 16, 1 18, 120 may be driven between a retracted position in which the sealing boots 140, 142, 144 are above the lower plane 108 (as shown in, e.g., Fig. 4) and an extended or engaged position (as shown in, e.g., Fig.
  • sealing boots 140, 142, 144 extend below the lower plane 108.
  • other manual or automated mechanisms may be used to drive the sealing members 1 16, 1 18, 120 between the retracted and extended positions.
  • the distance between the retracted position and the extended position may be, e.g., approximately three inches.
  • the interlocking container 100 includes a pressure system 160, also referred to as a Venturi system, which is used to reduce pressure within the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • the pressure system 160 includes a primary pipe and a series of pinch valves.
  • the primary pipe couples to a compressor that imparts a vacuum within the primary pipe.
  • the pinch valves are used to selectively expose individual storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 to the vacuum. Reducing pressure (i.e., applying the vacuum or applying negative pressure) removes air pockets formed among the materials in the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14. That lower pressure and reduction in air pockets helps to facilitate the removal of the materials from the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • the interlocking container 100 includes additional mechanisms, such as a motor driven cork-screw within a pipe 164, that facilitate the removal of the materials from the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • additional mechanisms such as a motor driven cork-screw within a pipe 164, that facilitate the removal of the materials from the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • many or all of the interlocking containers do not have a separate pressure system 160 and/or active mechanisms for material extraction, such as a cork-screw operating within the pipe 164.
  • ladders are integrated within the frame 102 to facilitate access to, and the operation of, various components (e.g., the wheels 128, 130, 132, 146, 148, and 150) on different portions of the interlocking container 100 from the exterior of the interlocking container 100.
  • the frame 102 may incorporate slide bars or non-slip plates that allow individuals to quickly move from one storage chamber to a horizontally adjacent storage chamber.
  • each storage chamber 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 includes a hopper lid 174, 176, 178, also referred to as a hopper cap, that covers a hatch opening or inlet 175, 177, 179, into the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • Hopper lid wheels 180, 182, 184 which in some embodiments utilize a folding handle, are used to drive gear boxes 186, 188, 190 and screws 192, 194, 196 that cause the hopper lids 174, 176, 178 to slide from a closed position (as shown in, e.g., Fig.
  • hopper lids 174, 176, 178 seal the inlets 175, 177, 179 to the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14 into an open position (as shown in Fig. 7) in which the hopper lids 174, 176, 178 do not seal the inlets 175, 177, 179 to the storage chambers 1 10, 1 12, 1 14.
  • other manual or automated means may be used to drive the hopper lids 174, 176, 178 between the open and closed positions.
  • interlocking containers e.g., multiple interlocking containers 100
  • the sealing members may be used to couple vertically adjacent storage chambers.
  • Figs. 16-17 and 23-27 illustrate embodiments in which two interlocking containers 200, 300 are stacked on top of each other. The frames of the interlocking containers 200, 300 may be secured to each other using the lifting lugs.
  • stacking multiple interlocking containers does not increase the footprint of the bottom interlocking container. In this manner multiple interlocking containers may be stacked and secured without substantially increasing the real estate required to store the additional interlocking containers.
  • Figs. 18-22 illustrate embodiments in which four interlocking containers are vertically stacked.
  • interlocking containers aligns the storage chambers in each interlocking container.
  • storage chamber 210 is vertically aligned with storage chamber 310
  • storage chamber 212 is vertically aligned with storage chamber 312
  • storage chamber 214 is vertically aligned with storage chamber 314.
  • the hopper lids of the bottom interlocking container 200 are moved (e.g., by actuating the hatch lid wheels, which drive gear boxes and screws) from the closed position to the open position, enabling access to the interior of the storage chambers.
  • the sealing members on the upper interlocking container 300 are driven into the extended position (e.g., by actuating the sealing boot wheels, which engage gearboxes driving the extension sections) so that the sealing boots contact the inlets of the storage chambers 210, 212, 214.
  • Each sealing boot creates a seal with the portions of a storage chamber defining an inlet to prevent stored material from escaping (e.g., crystalline silica dust) and/or to prevent external material (e.g., moisture) from entering.
  • FIGS. 26 and 27 depict a seal formed between a sealing boot or hatch seal (340 in Fig. 26) of a storage chamber of an upper interlocking container and an inlet (275 in Fig. 26) of a storage chamber of a lower interlocking container when the sealing member is in the extended position.
  • the knife gate valves are opened.
  • the materials within the storage compartments of the upper interlocking container will be pulled by gravity into the storage compartments of the lower interlocking container.
  • all of the materials stored in the series of vertically connected storage compartments may be accessed through the storage compartment in the bottom interlocking container.
  • movement of the material from one storage compartment to another is facilitated by the application of a pressure (either positive or negative) to the storage chambers, either by a pressure system (e.g., pressure system 160 discussed above) on one of the interlocking containers or by an external system, e.g., as incorporated into the conveyor box discussed below.
  • interlocking containers 200, 300, 400, and 500
  • their respective storage compartments 210, 310, 410, and 510; 212, 312, 412, and 512; and 214, 314, 414, and 514) are aligned and coupled.
  • the interlocking container is able to facilitate the removal of materials using a variety of techniques. For example, materials may be blown out using positive pressure, materials may be removed using a negative pressure (e.g., using a Venturi system), and/or materials may be removed mechanically, e.g., using a motor-driven corkscrew.
  • each interlocking container has multiple mechanisms for loading or unloading material into the storage compartments. Because technical abilities vary from location to location, this flexibility enables the interlocking container to be used in many locations without significant changes to the interlocking container or the need to transfer stored materials to different containers.
  • these transportation mechanisms are located on an external component (e.g., the conveyor unit discussed below) and not on the interlocking containers. In other embodiments, only the bottom interlocking container incorporates these transportation mechanisms.
  • an interlocking container includes a series of transportation pipes, which may include, e.g., the pressure system 160 of Fig. 1 .
  • Figs. 28-29 illustrate a conveyance system 600 that includes three connecting portions 610, 612, 614 that couple with three storage chambers.
  • Each connecting portion 610, 612, 614 includes a valve 616, 618, 620 (e.g., a butterfly valve), and a reducer 622, 624, 626.
  • Each connecting portion 610, 612, 614 may also include an air nozzle and a discharge nozzle.
  • item 1 is a reducing tee
  • item 2 is a reducer
  • item 3 is a Wye Branch
  • item 4 is a discharge nozzle
  • item 5 is an air nozzle
  • item 6 is an onyx pinch valve
  • item 7 is a butterfly valve
  • item 8 is a Wye Branch
  • items 9 and 10 are pipe spools and items 1 1 and 12 are blind flanges.
  • only the lowermost interlocking container may include a conveyance system (e.g., conveyance system 600 of Figs. 28-29).
  • one or more interlocking containers are placed on top of or next to a conveyor box or container unit.
  • Fig. 30 depicts components of a conveyor box 700 that is placed below an interlocking container 100.
  • the conveyor box 700 includes a frame formed of various frame members and corner castings.
  • the frame may be formed of steel, iron, or similar materials, or may also be formed of lighter materials, such as aluminum.
  • the footprint of the conveyor box 700 is substantially identical, the same, or similar to the footprint of the interlocking containers located above it.
  • storage chambers or blow tanks 710, 712, 714 that receive materials from the storage chambers of the interlocking container.
  • the conveyor box and the interlocking container are first placed into an interlocked position before materials are passed from the interlocking container to the conveyor box through the activation of gate valves (e.g., GV1 -GV3).
  • gate valves e.g., GV1 -GV3
  • activating the gate valves GV1 -GV3 involves activating solenoid valves incorporated into those gate valves.
  • Interlocking the interlocking container and the conveyor box may use the techniques discussed above for sealing the outlets of the interlocking containers to the inlets of the conveyor box.
  • the conveyor box 700 includes multiple transportation mechanisms for extracting and/or transporting materials.
  • a single conveyor box 700 includes components for the mechanical transfer of materials (e.g., conveyor belts) and components for pneumatic transfers of materials under pressure (e.g., compressors and/or blowers) as well as components for applying a vacuum to the storage chambers to facilitate the transfer of materials.
  • the conveyor box includes one, two, three, or more transportation mechanisms. As a result, the conveyor box can be used to remove a wide variety of materials stored in various interlocking containers.
  • conveyor box 700 includes a series of valves and switches that enable the manual and/or electrical engagement of different transport mechanisms.
  • an air container e.g., a blower
  • positive air pressure e.g., 15 PSI or 100 PSI
  • a series of valves e.g., solenoid valves SV1 -SV3 are used to selectively determine where that positive pressure is applied.
  • the positive pressure may be introduced into a top portion of storage containers 710, 712, 714, such that the materials in the storage containers 710, 712, 714 are blown out of the storage containers 710, 712, 714.
  • the positive pressure may also be used to help push materials through a conveyance line 726.
  • the conveyance line 726 may be a four inch pipe, a six inch pipe or a pipe of a similar diameter.
  • the positive pressure may also be used to drive a Venturi system, e.g., on an interlocking container, as discussed above.
  • Positive pressure may also be used to pneumatically operate various mechanisms within the conveyor box 700.
  • compressed air may be introduced into a second air input line 730.
  • valves SV7-SV9 When valves SV7-SV9 are opened, the compressed air passes through those valves and drives corresponding Rotary Valves RV1 -RV3.
  • the Rotary Valves RV1 -RV3 pull materials (e.g., sand) from the storage containers 710, 712, 714 into conveyance lines 740. The materials then pass into the conveyance line 726.
  • valves SV10-SV12 when valves SV10-SV12 are electrically opened, the compressed air passes through those valves and drives corresponding Pneumatic Vibrators PV1 -PV3, which help material fall through the storage containers 710, 712, 714 toward their respective Rotary Valves RV1 -RV3.
  • pinch valves are used instead of Rotary Valves RV1 -RV3.
  • negative air pressure may be applied to either or both of the lines 722, 730 and selectively applied using the valves SV1 -SV9.
  • negative pressure may be introduced into the storage containers 710, 712, 714 (e.g., through the gate valves GV1 -GV3) in order to remove air pockets in the storage containers.
  • the negative pressure may also be applied to the Rotary Valves (e.g., RV1 -RV3) so that materials in the storage containers 710, 712, 714 are pulled from the storage containers 710, 712, 714.
  • Each of the storage containers 710, 712, 714 may also include filters (F1 ) accessed through valves (SV4-SV6). Opening the valves (SV4-SV6) enables outside air to pass through the filter and relieve negative or positive pressures in the storage containers 710, 712, 714. Depending on whether positive or negative pressure is applied through the line 722 and/or 730, air may pass in either direction through the filters F1.
  • the conveyor box 700 also includes Rotary Valves (e.g., RV1 -RV3) that enable the manual unloading of materials from the storage containers 710, 712, 714, using, e.g., screws.
  • the manual transport mechanism may also use racks on a skid for manually feeding materials to a conveyor.
  • the outlets of the Rotary Valves RV1 -RV3 connect to the conveyance line 726 through the additional pipes 740 located within the conveyor box 700.
  • extraction rates could reach 32,240 pounds an hour.
  • each interlocking container holds approximately 32,000 pounds, such that an entire container may be emptied in about an hour.
  • the interlocking container includes an adaptor plate that facilitates the entry of materials into the storage compartments.
  • the diameter of the opening into each storage compartment is 18 inches.
  • other transporting containers such as rail cars, use pneumatic conveyance systems with six inch hoses.
  • the adaptor plate is configured to provide the adaptive coupling between the hoses and the openings to ensure secure and air-tight transfer.
  • a storage container 800 (e.g., storage container 710 in Fig. 30) includes an upper portion 802, a middle portion 804 and a lower portion 806.
  • the upper portion 802 includes apertures N1 and N3 that may be used to apply air pressure (e.g., a vacuum or positive pressure) within the container 800.
  • the upper portion 802 further includes an inlet N2 with a special perimeter for engaging a sealing boot (e.g., sealing boot 140).
  • the middle portion 804 in Fig. 31 is cylindrical and the lower portion 806 is cone-shaped ending in an outlet N4.
  • item A1 is a studding outlet
  • item A2 is a tap stud
  • item A3 is a hex nut
  • item A4 is a dished head
  • item A5 is a half coupling
  • item A7 is a structural channel
  • item A8 is a nameplate
  • item A9 is a drive screw
  • item A10 is a plate
  • item A1 1 is another plate
  • item A12 is a support leg
  • item A13 is another support leg
  • item A14 is a cone
  • item A15 is flange.
  • markings that refer to portions of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) that may be employed according to some embodiments.
  • WPS Welding Procedure Specification
  • the storage container 800 includes four legs 850, 852, 854, and 856 equally spaced around the perimeter of the outlet. These legs correspond to items A12 and A13 in Fig. 31 . These legs 850, 852, 854, and 856 are placed 45 degrees from centerlines 860 and 862.
  • Fig. 32 also shows an inner perimeter 870 of the inlet N2 as well as the outer perimeter 872 of the inlet N2.
  • Fig. 32 also includes various reference lines, including line 874 identifying a reference diameter centerline for nozzle layout dimensioning, line 876 identifying a reference diameter centerline for items A2 and A3 in Fig. 31 , and line 878 identifying a break-out line to depict weld details of the storage container 800.
  • an interlocking container 1000 includes many of the features discussed above (e.g., with respect to Figs. 1 -15).
  • Figs. 41 -45 illustrate two interlocking containers 2000 and 3000 that include many of the features discussed above (e.g., with respect to Figs. 16-17 and 23-27).
  • the interlocking container 1000 includes a vent that may be opened using, e.g., a retractable arm 1072.
  • the interlocking container 1000 includes a frame 1002, a storage chamber 1 1 10, a gate valve 1 122, pressure system 1 160, a hopper cap 1 178, and a sealing boot wheel 1 146, according to some embodiments.
  • the interlocking container includes pad eyes (e.g., 1 109 in Fig. 36) at the corners that adhere to the Det Norske Veritas (DNV) 2.7-3 standard for portable offshore units.
  • the interlocking container incorporates a custom design 3-way gear box and a retractable hand wheel, which remain below the upper plane (e.g., 106 in Fig. 9).
  • the frame (e.g., 102 in Fig. 1 ) has been sized to adhere to dimensions of a shipping container per the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for Certification of Cargo Containers (19'-10.5" x 8'-0"x 9'-6") and to maximize space at outside of the corner castings (e.g., 105 in Fig. 1 ).
  • the ladders have been revised to eliminate the additional stop plates so the rungs stop at the frame member (e.g., 104 in Fig. 1 ).
  • a container may facilitate multiple delivery systems (pneumatic, manual/gravity feed to conveyer, and Venturi). These delivery systems may be used to transport a variety of products, including any and all aggregates and agricultural products.
  • the container may be designed for transporting and distributing frac sand, such as barite at 200 mesh.
  • Other containers may be designed for a more lightweight system with lighter weight and more affordable valves, including multiple valve systems employing Venturi-based material transport mechanisms.
  • FIGs. 46-48 four containers 5000, 5002, 5004, 5006 may be loaded on to a flatbed rail car.
  • the two bottom containers 5002 and 5006 have a conveyance/delivery system.
  • the two bottom containers 5002, 5006 connect with a horizontal interlock with quick disconnect hoses, piping, and fittings.
  • the two top containers 5000, 5004 may be vertically connected with their respective bottom containers 5002, 5006 in an interlocking manner as discussed above.
  • these four containers are designed for the oil field, e.g., to be placed on a portable skid system designed to displace the weight and cargo of the four containers.
  • interlocking container 1000 provides several distinct advantages according to various embodiments.
  • these containers provide improved ventilation, facilitate access to the adjustable levers from a ladder system, and/or enable access to the storage chambers and levers from the perimeter of the container.
  • the operator will not need to be on top or crawl in between the containers.
  • They are also designed to load and off load at the same timeframe and capacity as a pneumatic truck or rail car, according to some embodiments.
  • interlocking container 1000 is designed to connect and adapt to a variety and a multitude of existing universal products, e.g., blower handlers, compressors, generators, hoses, tubes, valves, and the like.
  • the interlocking container may be further equipped with quick connect and disconnect fasteners, designed to adapt universally and fit existing products that are industry specific, e.g., farming, mining, petroleum, cement/aggregate, and the like.
  • Figs. 55-82 are views of an interlocking container and components thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the interlocking container includes center point collapsible pad eye pickups, a fully automated pneumatic lid, and a fully automated slide gate system.
  • the interlocking container may be operated from the ground without ladders or unsafe access.
  • the container may meet time constraints imposed at mines, farms, or other origins, where the container can be loaded at or close to the same amount of time as standard rail cars.
  • the pneumatic lids are configured to move to an open position that is far enough away from an inlet that sealing boot from another interlocking container can create a seal around the inlet.
  • the location of the collapsible pad eye pickups enable the interlocking container to carry greater weight.
  • Fig. 83 is a view of an interlocking container 6000 and components thereof, according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the interlocking container 6000 includes a plurality of extendable and retractable pad eye pickups 6002 (for example, four extendable and retractable pad eye pickups 6002, two of which are visible) in addition to or in lieu of center point collapsible pad eye pickups as described above (not shown) and/or corner lifting lugs as described above (not shown).
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 extend above the upper plane 6004 of the interlocking container 6000 (for example, the tops of the pad eye pickups 6002 are disposed at least 5 inches above the upper plane 6004).
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may couple the interlocking container 6000 to a second interlocking container (not shown) stacked atop the interlocking container 6000 by engaging grooves or recesses formed at or near the bottom of the second interlocking container.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be used to couple the interlocking container 6000 to cranes or other machines for moving, stacking, or aligning the interlocking container 6000.
  • the tops of the pad eye pickups 6002 may be flush with the upper plane 6004 of the interlocking container 6000, or the pad eye pickups 6002 may be disposed below the upper plane 6004 of the interlocking container 6000.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be supported by cross-members 6006 disposed below the upper plane 6004.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be moved from the extended position to the retracted position, and vice versa, in a variety of manners.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be spring-biased toward the extended position (and selectively lockable in the retracted position).
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be spring-biased toward the retracted position (and selectively lockable in the extended position).
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be pneumatically driven from the extended position to the retracted position and vice versa.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may be hydraulically driven from the extended position to the retracted position and vice versa.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may translate to move from the extended position to the retracted position and vice versa.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may pivot to move from the extended position to the retracted position and vice versa.
  • the interlocking container 6000 includes a section for each storage chamber.
  • the interlocking container 6000 includes three sections 6008, 6010, 6012 for three storage chambers (not shown).
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 are coupled to the frame 6014 of the interlocking container 6000 along longitudinal members 6016 extending between the three sections 6008, 6010, 6012.
  • the frame 6014 of the interlocking container 6000 includes a truss-style structure.
  • the frame 6014 may include trusses 6018 that define an inverted V-shape near the upper plane 6004.
  • One of the pad eye pickups 6002 may be disposed between upper ends of the trusses 6018 (that is, at an imaginary vertex defined by the trusses 6018).
  • the frame 6014 may include trusses 6020 that define a V-shape near a lower plane 6022 of the interlocking container 6000.
  • One of the trusses 6020 may be collinear with or monolithically formed with one of the trusses 6018.
  • the frame 6014 may include trusses 6024 that define an inverted V-shape near the upper plane 6004.
  • Another pad eye pickup 6002 may be disposed between upper ends of the trusses 6024 (that is, at an imaginary vertex defined by the trusses 6024).
  • One of the trusses 6024 may be collinear with or monolithically formed with one of the trusses 6020.
  • the truss-style structure of the frame 6014 may vary from the structure described above.
  • the second section 6010 could also include upper trusses forming an inverted V-shape that, along with trusses 6020, define a diamond shape.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may have a variety of sizes.
  • the pad eye pickups 6002 may have lengths of 12 inches at the base and 6 inches at the top.
  • an interlocking container could include a plurality of extendable and retractable latch mechanisms near a lower plane of the interlocking container. In an extended position, the latch mechanisms may couple the interlocking container to a second interlocking container stacked below the interlocking container by entering grooves or recesses formed at or near the top of the second interlocking container. In a retracted position, the latch mechanisms are disposed above the lower plane of the interlocking container.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un conteneur à verrouillage réciproque pour un transport intermodal comprenant une pluralité de chambres de stockage qui sont entourées par un cadre. Le cadre est configuré pour supporter de multiples conteneurs à verrouillage réciproque empilés sur le conteneur à verrouillage réciproque. Chacune des chambres de stockage est configurée pour s'accoupler à une chambre de stockage verticalement adjacente de sorte que des matériaux stockés à l'intérieur d'une chambre de stockage particulière puissent se déplacer vers une chambre de stockage différente. Chaque chambre de stockage utilise un élément d'étanchéité pour l'accouplement à une chambre de stockage verticalement adjacente pour empêcher la perte de matériaux.
PCT/US2016/052448 2015-09-17 2016-09-19 Conteneur à verrouillage réciproque présentant un équilibrage de poids et une accessibilité améliorés WO2017049273A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562220136P 2015-09-17 2015-09-17
US62/220,136 2015-09-17

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WO2017049273A1 true WO2017049273A1 (fr) 2017-03-23

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5346084A (en) * 1993-04-19 1994-09-13 Rosby Corporation Intermodal container with integrated interbox connectors
US20060118504A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Willemsen Robert P Modular intermodal container
US20070210080A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Hooper Robert C Multi-Use Intermodal Container
US7997213B1 (en) * 2007-08-27 2011-08-16 R3G, Llc Cargo container cradle
WO2013095871A1 (fr) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Pinch Flatbed, Llc Récipient de stockage de propergol et ensemble

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5346084A (en) * 1993-04-19 1994-09-13 Rosby Corporation Intermodal container with integrated interbox connectors
US20060118504A1 (en) * 2004-12-06 2006-06-08 Willemsen Robert P Modular intermodal container
US20070210080A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-13 Hooper Robert C Multi-Use Intermodal Container
US7997213B1 (en) * 2007-08-27 2011-08-16 R3G, Llc Cargo container cradle
WO2013095871A1 (fr) * 2011-12-21 2013-06-27 Pinch Flatbed, Llc Récipient de stockage de propergol et ensemble

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