Abstract: A shut-off device for selectively stopping the flow of conveyed loose bulk materials in a conveyor conduit includes a housing (2) with a flow passage (3) therethrough, and at least one shut-off element (4, 5) movably arranged in the housing. The at least one shut-off element (4, 5) is driven by at least one drive (7, 8) and is arranged in such a manner that it moves between a first open position in which the flow passage (3) is completely open, and a second nearly closed position in which the flow passage (3) is nearly but not completely closed. Namely, a flow gap (6) preferably having a dimension on the order of the particle size of the goods to be conveyed, remains open even when the shut-off element (4, 5) is in its most-closed position. Particles of the conveyed material become caught on or in the gap (6) to effectively close off and stop the flow of conveyed materials.

Abstract: Material feeding apparatus having, as one aspect, combining the loading, feeding and refilling functions in a single, vertically disposed housing with a feeder hopper portion of the housing below a refill hopper portion of the housing and separated from the refill hopper portion by a divider wall. The passage of material from the refill hopper portion to the feeder hopper portion is through a valve and material is drawn into the refill hopper portion by a vacuum source and discharged to the feeder hopper portion in response to indications of the level of the material in the refill hopper portion and the feeder hopper portion. A second aspect of this material feeding apparatus is the use of a flap valve as the valve which determines the passage of material from the refill hopper to the feeder hopper.