Device and method for the transferring of grain from a grain bin

Abstract

An improved device and method for transferring grain or other particulates from a grain bin. The invention comprises an inlet positioned in a sidewall of the grain bin, and an outlet in another sidewall of the grain bin opposite the inlet. A grain transfer tube is inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet, the tube having at least one opening therein for permitting grain in the grain bin to enter into the interior of the tube. A blower for communicating with the grain transfer tube is positioned at an end of the grain transfer tube positioned at the inlet, and provides an air stream the tube. A suction hose is coupled with the outlet, to create, in combination with the blower, a vacuum force for drawing the grain in the grain bin to enter into the interior of the tube, and then propelling the drawn grain along the tube through the outlet to a remote location.

1 . A grain transfer system for a grain bin having an interior for holding a quantity of grain, the system comprising: 
 an inlet in a sidewall of the grain bin;    an outlet in another sidewall of the grain bin opposite the inlet;    a grain transfer tube, the tube being inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet so as to be positioned substantially within the interior of the grain bin, the grain transfer tube having at least one opening therein for permitting grain in the grain bin to enter into an interior of the tube;    at least one blower for communicating with the grain transfer tube, the at least one blower being positioned at an end of the grain transfer tube positioned at the inlet, and for providing a high powered air stream through the grain transfer tube to entrain and propel the grain within the tube to the outlet; and    a suction hose, coupled with the outlet, for drawing grain in the grain bin into the tube for transferal through the outlet to a remote location.    
   
   
       2 . The grain transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein the suction hose, in combination with the at least one blower, creates a vacuum force for drawing grain in the grain bin to enter into the interior of the tube, and for propelling the drawn grain along the tube through the outlet to the remote location.  
   
   
       3 . The grain transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein the tube has a cover positioned on an upper surface thereof, for selectively sealing the at least one opening of the tube.  
   
   
       4 . The grain transfer system of  claim 3 , wherein the cover has a handle portion thereon for facilitating opening and closing of the cover over the at least one opening of the tube.  
   
   
       5 . The grain transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein any end of the grain transfer tube, inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet, can be sealed with a removable cap cover.  
   
   
       6 . The grain transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein the grain transfer tube which is inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet is positioned substantially near a bottom portion of the interior of the grain bin.  
   
   
       7 . The grain transfer system of  claim 1 , wherein a screen is attached over the at least one opening of the tube.  
   
   
       8 . The grain transfer system of  claim 4 , wherein the cover is made of aluminum, or stainless steel.  
   
   
       9 . The grain transfer system of  claim 4 , wherein a pair of spaced apart guideways are positioned on an upper surface of the tube in parallel relationship to one another, whereby, in opening or closing the cover, the cover may slide along the spaced apart guideways in assuming an open or closed position.  
   
   
       10 . A grain transfer system for a grain bin having an interior for holding a quantity of grain, the system comprising: 
 an inlet in a sidewall of the grain bin;    an outlet in another sidewall of the grain bin opposite the inlet;    a grain transfer tube, the tube being inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet so as to be positioned substantially near a bottom portion of the interior of the grain bin, the grain transfer tube having at least one opening therein for permitting grain in the grain bin to enter into an interior of the tube;    at least one blower for communicating with the grain transfer tube, the at least one blower being positioned at an end of the grain transfer tube positioned at the inlet, and for providing a high powered air stream through the grain transfer tube to entrain and propel the grain within the tube to the outlet; and    a suction hose coupled with the outlet, to create, in combination with the at least one blower, a vacuum force for drawing the grain in the grain bin to enter into the interior of the tube, and for propelling the drawn grain along the tube through the outlet to a remote location.    
   
   
       11 . A method of transferring grain from a grain bin having an interior for holding a quantity of grain, the method comprising: 
 positioning an inlet and an outlet in opposed sidewalls of the grain bin;    inserting a grain transfer tube through each of the inlet and the outlet so as to be positioned substantially within the interior of the grain bin, the grain transfer tube having at least one opening therein for permitting grain in the grain bin to enter into an interior of the tube;    placing at least one blower at an end of the grain transfer tube positioned at the inlet;    utilizing the at least one blower to draw an air stream through the grain transfer tube; and    attaching a suction hose to the outlet to draw, in combination with the at least one blower, grain in the grain bin into the tube for transferal through the outlet to a remote location.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of attaching a cover to an upper surface of the tube, for selectively sealing the at least one opening of the tube.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of selectively attaching a cap cover to any end of the grain transfer tube when not in use.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of inserting the grain transfer tube through each of the inlet and the outlet further comprises positioning the grain transfer tube substantially near a bottom portion of the interior of the grain bin.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of positioning a pair of spaced apart guideways on an upper surface of the tube in parallel relationship to one another, whereby, in opening or closing the cover, the cover may slide along the spaced apart guideways in assuming an open or closed position.  
   
   
       16 . A grain bin assembly for transferring grain from a grain bin having an interior for holding a quantity of grain comprising: 
 an inlet in a sidewall of the grain bin;    an outlet in another sidewall of the grain bin opposite the inlet;    a grain transfer lube, the tube being inserted through each of the inlet and the outlet, the grain transfer tube having at least one opening therein for permitting grain in the grain bin to enter into an interior of the tube;    at least one blower for communicating with the grain transfer tube, the at least one blower being positioned at an end of the grain transfer tube positioned at the inlet, and for providing an air stream through the grain transfer tube; and    a suction hose coupled with the outlet, to create, in combination with the at least one blower, a vacuum force for drawing the grain in the grain bin to enter into the interior of the tube, and for propelling the drawn grain along the tube through the outlet to a remote location.