Inflatable element for assisting in the discharge of particulate material from a storage bin

Abstract From the Canadian patent

In a grain bin after discharge of the majority of the material from the bin by an auger, there is generally left a few inches of material which cannot be collected at the bottom of the auger and sit therefore at the bottom of the bin. An inflatable bag arrangement is provided which has an upper generally conical wall so that when inflated the material slides toward an apex of the conical shape from which the material can be discharged by the auger. When deflated the bag lies flat against the floor. A skirt between the edge of the upper surface and the inside surface of the bin prevents material entering the area between the outer wall of the inflatable bag and the bin. The outer wall is …