The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material

UNLOADING VESSELS BY BARGE OR SHIP ELEVATORS 473 of 26 ft. 6 in. centres, the post rotating on trunnions carried on the top of the turntable 16 ft. 6 in. above the deck. 1 he top of the jib is provided with a conveyor band which carries the grain from the elevator to a shoot running down the post, which in turn discharges into swivelling shoots through the deck into the well of a second, but stationary, elevator. These swivelling shoots are so arranged that they automatically adjust themselves for every movement of the elevator leg. The band is of canvas and rubber, and is provided with diagonal ribs to facilitate the grain running uphill when the jib is dipping downward more than 20°. I he ribs are placed diagonally so that they will run over the return idlers without shock. i’he grain is re-elevated by the deck elevator to any required height, and delivered into a hopper from which it is weighed and delivered. Weighing is accomplished by six “Avery” automatic scales, three on each side, which deliver either into sacks, or shoot loose at will. The elevators are also provided with a means of delivering grain loose and unweighed to barges on either side, and also with a portable conveyor for delivery ashore to bands on the quay when necessary. The range of motion is very extensive, the elevator being able to work from a point 20 ft. 3 in. below the water line, and it can also be lifted clear over the side of a steamer having 40 ft. freeboard. When required for towing, the elevator can be turned right round after the manner shown in dotted lines and stowed over the top of the weigh-house in a position of absolute safety.