Patent attributes
A support apparatus includes a frame assembly with an elevated load surface for supporting a modular proppant container in a position above a ground level. A chute assembly is supported by the frame assembly beneath the elevated load surface. A gate actuator has a coupling configured to engage with a gate assembly of the modular proppant container supported on the elevated load surface and a drive mechanism extending between the frame assembly and the coupling to selectively position the coupling for adjusting the gate assembly. The support apparatus may include a base frame section having a recessed region beneath the elevated load surface providing a feed station, an on-board subsystem attached to the frame assembly for operating the support apparatus in a stand-alone mode or an in-situ weigh station configured to measure the weight of the modular proppant container supported on an elevated surface in the rectangular container bay.