Steven J Frank

US Patent:

55134840, May 7, 1996

Filed:

Jul 21, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/278623

Inventors:

Eitan Zehavi - Kiriat Tivon 36000, IE
Matti Laserson - Golden Beach FL
Steven Frank - Newton MA

International Classification:

A01D 4620

US Classification:

56 166

Abstract:

A transfer station for collecting and transferring harvested material to large transport vehicles includes a hopper, in which harvested material accumulates, supported on a rigid frame. The hopper may be elevated from a lower "collection" height to an upper "transfer" height that facilitates release of harvested material into the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the contents of the hopper are poured into a collection vehicle by tilting the entire transfer-station frame. In a second embodiment of the invention, the transfer-station frame does not tilt. Instead, the hopper is equipped with a sloped floor member. When lifted vertically and positioned over a collection vehicle, the hopper discharges by gravity as soon as an opening is established at the base of the slope.