FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGM Russian patent published in 2012 - IPC B65D81/03 A01D91/02 

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: diaphragm for non-traumatic handling of tuberous roots consists of base and frame (1), made as rectangular rigid spatial bar structure with double bottom (2). Walls are made solid and rigidly mounted on bars of base or frame (1). Inside the frame, flexible diaphragm (4) is attached to bottom with possibility to be filled with air from common compressor (5) with control panel (6). To side walls of the frame (1), flexible belt (7) having width equal to diaphragm (4) length is rigidly attached. Near bottom this belt forms narrow loop (8) and passes upwards without being rigidly attached to diaphragm (4) material. At the top, the belt (7) is rigidly attached to diaphragm (4) material and can be made of polyurethane foam or in combination. Profile of diaphragm (4) when being filled with air forms trough shape. At the top of front wall, pneumatic chute is rigidly attached being possible to fold and unfold depending on feeding or removing air to/from it. The chute is made of flexible material, and its outer surface is covered with polyurethane foam. From below, along centerline near the front wall pneumatic cylinder with air stock under pressure of 100-150 MPa inside the cylinder is attached. The cylinder has drain valve and exhaust valve. Cross profile of the chute is trough-shaped. From below of the chute, horizontal rectangular concavity is formed where horizontal rigid link (9) is stretched. Its one end is pivotally attached to the front wall of the said concavity, and the second end is rigidly connected with tape-coil spring. There can be several such devices installed along a wall with equal pitch.

EFFECT: invention provides non-traumatic handling of tuberous roots.

6 dwg