Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a first compartment having a discharge opening near a lower end thereof comprises a closure member which is movable by an actuator and an adjusting device between a closed position in which the discharge opening is shut and a raised open position in which a gap of a certain width to said discharge opening is opened to allow the flowable material to flow through the gap and the discharge opening. Adjoining the discharge opening is a conveyor section for providing a predetermined path of conveying the material into a second compartment. The quantity of material flown to the second compartment is determined by a quantity determining means. A control unit controls at least the adjusting device and the width of the gap to achieve a desired degree of delivery to the second compartment.

Abstract: The transfer device has a means of securing the grip of the lifting device on the lid (14), in the form of an elastic suction pad (11) with narrowing and widening aperture and a suction line (21). The closer (8) can grip the lid and exert suction on it. There is a monitoring device, possibly with a sensor, to monitor the seating of the lid on the lifting device.

Abstract: A discharge arrangement for discharging bulk material through a discharge opening of a receptacle, such as a bin, includes a closure member that is movable from an open position into a closed position relative to the discharge opening. To this end, an actuator assembly is connected to the closure member for moving it into one of its positions. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder having a inner surface diameter which defines a cavity in which a piston is movable in an axial direction. The piston has an outer surface diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder so as to leave a gap in-between. A rolling membrane between the opposing surfaces of the piston and the cylinder seals this gap and provides rolling friction when the piston moves within the cylinder. A linear guide unit is provided between the cylinder and piston and guides the movement of the latter.