The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 11, 1997
Filed:
Nov. 14, 1995
Victor T Podd, Montreal, Quebec, CA;
Victor I Podd, Boca Raton, FL (US);
Other;
Abstract
A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.