Abstract: A slide gate assembly for use in maintaining a dust free environment is disclosed. The assembly includes a slide gate and a dust cover which operate to allow the passage of particulate or other material into or out of a bin or other container. In one embodiment, the gate is slidably mounted in a frame which is formed by a plate member, upper and lower base members and upper and lower gasket members. In one embodiment, some of the components are of neoprene while other components are of UHMW, thus providing resilient properties and also self-lubricating properties for the slide gate assembly. The gate assembly is maintained in a dust tight condition by means of controlled compression obtained through the use of bolts or screws which extend through the plate member, the base members and the gasket members.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The apparatus also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A feed assembly for use in filling a container with tablets or other materials is disclosed. The assembly includes a spiral chute which is constructed of a series of interconnected chute segments having a stepped configuration between adjacent segments. A segment support is located in the vertical wall at each junction of chute segments. The action resulting from the protrusions provided by the segment supports, together with the drop caused by the stepped configuration between chute segments, assists in allowing the tablets to remain in motion as they travel along the chute rather than backing up or "freight-training" along the length of the chute.

Abstract: A drop tube assembly for feeding particulate material such as tablets or capsules between an upper level and a lower level is disclosed. The assembly employs a pair of vertical tubes, including an outer tube and a flexible inner tube. The flow of particulate material is controlled by introducing air under pressure between the tubes so as to reduce the diameter of the inner tube and thus constrict the vertical passageway interior of the inner tube. The flexibility of the inner tube and the pressurized air flow are controlled to allow the passageway to be closed initially along approximately 80 to 90 percent of the length of the tube. Air may be exhausted to open the passageway. The length and number of tubes in series can be varied depending on the length of the drop as well as the fragility of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a container from a tumbler is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tumbler loader assembly of the present invention employs a conveyor along with a loader cart and a tumbler device. The loader cart has the capability of raising and lowering the container as well as moving the container laterally into the tumbler. A track is provided on which the loader cart is mounted for lateral movement between a first position where a container is loaded onto a conveyor from a transfer cart and a second position interior of the tumbler. Upon withdrawal of the loader cart, the container is clamped within the tumbler and the tumbling cycle is carried out. The procedure may then be reversed to remove the container from the tumbler and transfer the container back to the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A sanitary hanger bearing assembly for use in food handling screw conveyors is disclosed. The hanger bearing assembly employs a cam construction and stepped lug arrangement which are of substantial benefit in allowing the unit to be easily disassembled for washdown or maintenance, while holding the parts firmly together when the assembly is in the operating position.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank and flanged valve attachment for the tank are disclosed. The storage tank includes a double bottom wall, with the inner bottom wall formed to slope downwardly from all corners of the tank toward a discharge member. Such a downward slope is provided by forming a downwardly sloping channel from each corner of the tank toward the point of discharge, and with the planar surfaces of the upper wall between the channels being also sloped accordingly. Between the two bottom walls, a structural, insulating or vibration dampening material is provided so as to make the inner and outer bottom walls integral for superior strength and vibration resistance. A flanged discharge arrangement is provided for the discharge member in one embodiment. The flanged discharge includes a casting attached to the inner and outer bottom walls, and with holes for receiving bolts to secure a valve to the casting.