US 11,667,481 B2
Bucket elevator adjustable guide system
Dale W. Niemi, Moorhead, MN (US)
Assigned to S-M Enterprises, Inc., Moorhead, MN (US)
Filed by S-M Enterprises, Inc., Moorhead, MN (US)
Filed on Mar. 21, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/699,403.
Application 17/699,403 is a continuation of application No. 17/117,355, filed on Dec. 10, 2020, granted, now 11,292,674.
Prior Publication US 2022/0212886 A1, Jul. 7, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B65G 47/95 (2006.01); B65G 17/12 (2006.01); B65G 43/00 (2006.01); B65G 47/44 (2006.01); B65G 47/82 (2006.01)
CPC B65G 47/95 (2013.01) [B65G 43/00 (2013.01); B65G 47/44 (2013.01); B65G 47/82 (2013.01); B65G 17/126 (2013.01); B65G 2812/02712 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An adjustable guide system for a bucket elevator, comprising:
a head housing with an interior space, a first opening adapted for receiving particulate material to be dispensed from a bucket elevator and a second opening adapted for discharging the particulate material;
an adjustable guide member disposed at least partially within the interior space for guiding the particulate material to the second opening;
a plurality of shafts connected to the adjustable guide member;
a plurality of drive units, wherein each of the plurality of shafts has a proximal end portion pivotably connected to a portion of the adjustable guide member at a spaced apart location and a distal end portion coupled to one of the plurality of drive units, wherein each of the plurality of shafts is rotatable, wherein each of the plurality of shafts extends when rotated in a first direction and retracts when rotated in a second direction, and wherein each of the plurality of drive units is adapted to independently selectively cause one shaft of the plurality of shafts to rotate in the first direction and the second direction to adjust a position of the adjustable guide member; and
a remote control adapted to remotely control the plurality of drive units to selectively drive the plurality of shafts to selectively adjust the position of the adjustable guide member in relation to the head housing.