Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for sequencing portable containers of bulk material to provide continuous bulk material usage at an outlet are provided. The disclosed sequencing techniques may involve identifying a sequence for opening different portable containers of bulk material (or identifying the “next” portable container to open) and automatically actuating the discharge gates of the portable containers in the desired sequence to provide a continuous flow of bulk material to the outlet (e.g., blender unit). The identified sequence may be executed through a control system communicatively coupled to actuators used to open/close the discharge gates of the portable bulk material containers. A GUI may be communicatively coupled to the control system to allow an operator to select the desired sequence for execution by the control system and to display information regarding the portable bulk material containers.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for sequencing portable containers of bulk material to provide continuous bulk material usage at an outlet are provided. The disclosed sequencing techniques may involve identifying a sequence for opening different portable containers of bulk material (or identifying the “next” portable container to open) and automatically actuating the discharge gates of the portable containers in the desired sequence to provide a continuous flow of bulk material to the outlet (e.g., blender unit). The identified sequence may be executed through a control system communicatively coupled to actuators used to open/close the discharge gates of the portable bulk material containers. A GUI may be communicatively coupled to the control system to allow an operator to select the desired sequence for execution by the control system and to display information regarding the portable bulk material containers.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for sequencing portable containers of bulk material to provide continuous bulk material usage at an outlet are provided. The disclosed sequencing techniques may involve identifying a sequence for opening different portable containers of bulk material (or identifying the “next” portable container to open) and automatically actuating the discharge gates of the portable containers in the desired sequence to provide a continuous flow of bulk material to the outlet (e.g., blender unit). The identified sequence may be executed through a control system communicatively coupled to actuators used to open/close the discharge gates of the portable bulk material containers. A GUI may be communicatively coupled to the control system to allow an operator to select the desired sequence for execution by the control system and to display information regarding the portable bulk material containers.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for sequencing portable containers of bulk material to provide continuous bulk material usage at an outlet are provided. The disclosed sequencing techniques may involve identifying a sequence for opening different portable containers of bulk material (or identifying the “next” portable container to open) and automatically actuating the discharge gates of the portable containers in the desired sequence to provide a continuous flow of bulk material to the outlet (e.g., blender unit). The identified sequence may be executed through a control system communicatively coupled to actuators used to open/close the discharge gates of the portable bulk material containers. A GUI may be communicatively coupled to the control system to allow an operator to select the desired sequence for execution by the control system and to display information regarding the portable bulk material containers.

Abstract: A component mounter which picks components which are stored in tape and supplied from a component supply device by a component picking device and mounts components on a board which is conveyed by a board conveyance device including a waste box which stores the cut tape after the components are picked, a scraping out device which can scrape the tape out of the waste box, and a control device which controls scraping out the stored tape by the scraping out device when the tape is stored in the waste box to a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A bulk material handling device can comprise a base and a frame rotatably coupled about the base. The frame can have a first bin engagement feature. The bulk material handling device can also comprise a carriage slidably coupled to the frame. The carriage can have a second bin engagement feature. In addition, the bulk material handling device can comprise an actuator coupled to the base and the carriage. The actuator can be operable to cause the carriage to move relative to the frame to secure a bin with the first and second bin engagement features and to cause the frame to rotate relative to the base to dump material disposed in the bin.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace, in particular for a blast furnace and a cooperating distribution chute are proposed, where the distribution chute has an elongated chute body providing a sliding channel for bulk material and two chute-mounting members attached laterally to either side of the chute body for mounting the distribution chute to the charging device, the charging device including a mechanism for rotating the distribution chute, the mechanism having a rotatable support rotor with two suspension flanges cooperating with the chute-mounting members of the distribution chute for mounting the distribution chute, where each chute-mounting member of the chute includes a hook-shaped portion that forms a suspension hook for mounting the distribution chute to the suspension flanges, each suspension flange in turn has a support configured for engagement with the hook-shaped portion of the chute along a hook engagement direction, and furthermore, each chute-mounting member includes an abutment portion tha

Abstract: A grain spreader with an active choking funnel is described. The grain spreader includes an upper funnel assembly to receive grain. A choking funnel assembly is in a spring loaded engagement with the upper funnel assembly. The upper funnel assembly directs the grain to the choking funnel assembly. A spreader pan or a grain distributor is positioned beneath the choking funnel assembly. The choking funnel assembly spreads the grain on the spreader pan or the grain distributor.

Abstract: A grain spreader with an active choking funnel is described. The grain spreader includes an upper funnel assembly to receive grain. A choking funnel assembly is in a spring loaded engagement with the upper funnel assembly. The upper funnel assembly directs the grain to the choking funnel assembly. A spreader pan or a grain distributor is positioned beneath the choking funnel assembly. The choking funnel assembly spreads the grain on the spreader pan or the grain distributor.

Abstract: A device for loading particulate matter into a transport container having a blade assembly slidably mounted to a frame. Preferably the blade assembly includes a pair of cylinders mounted in parallel spaced relation to the frame, a pair of brackets slidably mounted to the cylinders, and a blade rotatably mounted to the brackets at each end.

Abstract: An air cushion conveyor stacker reclaimer device and a method thereof, wherein burial of enclosed air cushion outfeed conveyors eliminates the need for costly, reinforced underground tunnels and walkways, wherein overhead suspension of air cushion infeed conveyors eliminates the need for construction of raised walkways and costly ground support structures, wherein lightweight air cushion conveyor stacker devices eliminate the need for massive counterweights, and wherein the fully exploited method for stacking and reclaiming bulk materials via enclosed tubular components, stacking boom curtains, and/or domed enclosures essentially eliminates adverse environmental impact.

Abstract: A grain spreading device that uses a pre-spreading device within a cone shaped guide to provide uniform distribution of grain. Specifically, the pre-spreading device has an opening therein such that a distance between the opening and the outer periphery of the pre-spreading device forms a shelf to direct grain toward the opening to provide a uniform distribution of the grain. Additionally, the pre-spreading device can have laser cut knockouts to adjust the pre-spreading device to a plurality of different spreading devices.

Abstract: A charging device for a shaft furnace, which includes at least one charging hopper having a discharge orifice arranged in a position off-centre with respect to the central axis of the shaft furnace, and a material distribution device arranged below this hopper. The material distribution device includes a feed channel coaxial with the central axis of the furnace and a rotatable, pivotable chute, which is arranged below the feed channel for distributing a charge in the shaft furnace. The charging device also includes a connecting box in the shape of a funnel, arranged between the material distribution device and the charging hopper. The connecting box possesses a lower central outlet communicating with the charging hopper and at least one upper inlet which is arranged off-centre with respect to the central axis of the furnace and communicates with the discharge orifice of the hopper.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of bulk material, in particular a free-flowing bulk material such as, e.g., plastic granules, comprises a discharge base (7) having recesses (8), with a discharge opening (9) being formed in each of the recesses (8), and a cover plate (11) which is arranged on the outflow side of the discharge base (7) at a distance (h) from the same, with the cover plate (11) having openings (12) which are arranged essentially in the same pattern as the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7). The cover plate (11) and the discharge base (7) are movable relative to each other between an opened condition in which the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7) and the openings (12) of the cover plate (11) overlap each other at least partially, preferably being congruent, and a closed condition in which the discharge openings (9) of the discharge base (7) exhibit such an axial offset (s) from the openings (12) of the cover plate (11) that no overlap is produced.

Abstract: The invention refers to an order picking plant for order picking of articles into order containers. The order picking plant comprises a picking station and a sorter. Between the sorter and order container a number of collection points are provided. Further, the invention relates to a process where the articles are stored intermediately in a collection point between sorter and order container.

Abstract: A particle spreader system for efficiently evenly distributing particles (i.e. grain, seed, etc.) within a storage bin. The particle spreader system generally includes a manifold including a plurality of discharge openings and a lower opening, a plurality of gates attached to the manifold, wherein the gates incrementally adjust about the discharge openings and a plurality of chutes attached to the manifold, wherein the plurality of chutes extend outwardly from the plurality of discharge openings. The manifold suspendedly attaches to an inlet of a storage bin, wherein the manifold receives a mass of particles via the inlet and wherein the gates regulates a flow of the mass of particles through the discharge openings.

Abstract: The grain spreader is a device for evenly spreading particulate material in a storage facility, particularly for spreading grain in a silo or storage bin. The grain spreader includes an array of grain receiving chutes suspended for rotation on a shaft and positioned below a hopper outlet. The shaft is mounted to rotate around its longitudinal axis and thereby enable the chutes to rotate when impelled by the force of grain exiting the hopper outlet. The grain receiving chutes are uniquely designed in a manner to cause the grain to be evenly spread in the silo or storage bin.

Abstract: A device for distributing loose materials, arranged in a curtain of loose material tipped out from a means of conveying loose material includes a box with a top opening, at least one wall which extends transverse to the curtain of material inside the box to subdivide the box into at least two compartments, and at least two tipping-out means, one of the tipping-out means being associated with each of the compartments of the box, the tipping-out means being directed in such a way as to deflect the material received in the respective compartments into a distinct region of the hopper. The method for loading a hopper includes tipping loose material out in the form of a curtain of material over the hopper and splitting the curtain into at least two partial streams so as to deflect each of the partial streams towards a distinct region of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for distributing a lumpy bulk material, in particular iron ore which has been at least partially prereduced, onto an extensive surface, in particular onto a fixed bed, this surface extending within a reactor or vessel used in physical or chemical process technology, in particular in a reactor used in a metallurgical plant to produce pig iron or primary steel products, and the lumpy bulk material being charged via at least one charging apparatus, which has at least two, in particular rotationally symmetrical, chutes, which are preferably arranged at the same distance from the vertical longitudinal axis of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permanently mounted hose fitting for filling tank cars that facilitates the insertion of the hose into the top of the tank car to disperse material, pellet-like particles for example, throughout the tank car. The secured hose fitting of this invention is permanently affixed to the top of the tank. One preferred embodiment of a hose fitting for filling tank cars with particulate matter comprises a t-shaped pipe that defines a bore there-through. The t-shaped pipe comprises a tubular member and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the tubular member. The intermediate leg has an intermediate leg end that is adapted to couple with a hose. A securing flange radiates outwardly from the intermediate leg and is adapted to fixedly attach the hose fitting to the top of the tank car.

Abstract: A method for packing a solid catalyst is provided, whereby the pressure loss of a reaction tube packed with the catalyst can be reduced. The method is characterized in that prior to packing a solid catalyst in a reactor, the solid catalyst is sieved to remove a cracked catalyst. For example, sieving is carried out against a solid catalyst of a columnar or cylindrical shape having an outer diameter A being larger than the length B in the axial direction by using a sieve having a sieve mesh with a width C satisfying the condition of A>C>B and a length being at least the width, or against a solid catalyst of a columnar or cylindrical shape with an outer diameter A being from 1 to 0.5 time the length B in the axial direction by using a sieve having a sieve mesh with a width C satisfying the condition of A>C>0.5B and a length being at least the width.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for distributing a lumpy bulk material, in particular iron ore which has been at least partially prereduced, onto an extensive surface, in particular onto a fixed bed, this surface extending within a reactor or vessel used in physical or chemical process technology, in particular in a reactor used in a metallurgical plant to produce pig iron or primary steel products, and the lumpy bulk material being charged via at least one charging apparatus, which has at least two, in particular rotationally symmetrical, chutes, which are preferably arranged at the same distance from the vertical longitudinal axis of the reactor.

Abstract: A gravity grain diverter for use with a grain bin having an inlet opening for allowing grain to be introduced into the interior thereof. The gravity grain diverter includes a hopper for being positioned beneath the inlet opening of said grain bin. The hopper includes a tubular body member having an upper inlet opening for receiving grain loaded through the inlet opening of the grain bin and a lower outlet opening for discharging grain received in the upper inlet opening. The hopper means includes a lower outlet plate for closing the lower outlet opening of the tubular body member. Springs or the like are provided for urging the lower outlet plate toward the lower outlet opening of the tubular body member.

Abstract: A device for distributing materials in bulk includes a suspension rotor and a chute located below the suspension rotor. The chute is provided with two lateral suspension arms which are connected to the suspension rotor. A driving mechanism produces a pivoting torque capable of pivoting the chute, while a cylindrical suspension pin is associated with each suspension arm for pivotably connecting it to the suspension rotor. A control lever is connected to the suspension rotor, the driving mechanism being connected to the control lever so as to transmit to the latter the pivoting torque. A stop on the control lever and a counterstop on a suspension arm engage with each other to transmit the pivoting torque to the suspension arm. The stop and the counterstop are disengagable by a translation movement of the two suspension arms after withdrawal of the cylindrical suspension pins for removal of the chute.

Abstract: A helical distributing chute conveyor for a receptacle for transferring loose varied fragile chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly of the granular or pulverulent type. This chute conveyor, placed in a receptacle, comprises helical chute paths developed about a vertical axis; each chute path, whom cross section is straight, is inclined transversely towards the vertical axis, the angle of inclination of the chute path being calculated such that, whatever their size, the particles of material transported deviate towards the vertical axis when the centrifugal force which originally keeps them on the chute path cancels out or drops below a critical value.

Abstract: A security paper shredder where the residue of individual shredded document pages are collected in multiple collection bins for disposal, ensuring that no single collection bin contains the residue of any entire page. To further ensure that no adversary could obtain the contents of all the multiple collection bins and reassemble the document, the contents of the collection bins are disposed of at differing times and in geographically dispersed locations.

Abstract: A palletizer for bottles having loader carriage with a plurality of horizontal corridors (11) formed by pairs of laterally adjustable guides (21), which suspend the collars (92) of the bottles, and pairs of laterally adjustable side walls (31), which can move toward each other to lock the bottle bodies from movement along the corridors. During loading of the carriage, the guides are moved to engage the bottle collars and the side walls are moved apart. During unloading of the carriage, the side walls are moved inward to lock the bottles and the guides are moved apart so that the gripper (52) can enter the carriage from above.

Abstract: A helical distributing chute conveyor for a receptacle for transferring loose varied fragile chemical and pharmaceutical products, particularly of the granular or pulverulent type. This chute conveyor, placed in a receptacle, comprises helical chute paths developed about a vertical axis; each chute path, whom cross section is straight, is inclined transversely towards the vertical axis, the angle of inclination of the chute path being calculated such that, whatever their size, the particles of material transported deviate towards the vertical axis when the centrifugal force which originally keeps them on the chute path cancels out or drops below a critical value.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling a silo (1) with a fluidizable material. The arrangement includes conveying devices (5, 9) for supplying material to an upper area of the silo and a central material distributor (10). The material distributor includes a tank (29) which has an inlet (28) and one or more distributor pipes (26, 26′) for distributing material to one or more feed units (11, 11′)which convey the material down towards the surface of the material in the silo.

Abstract: A material loading skirt system for reducing contamination of material during loading. The material loading skirt system includes a tubular skirt having a narrow end and a broad end, a first elastic band is attached to the broad end of the tubular skirt, and a second elastic band is attached to the narrow end of the tubular skirt. The narrow end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a loading tube and the broad end of the tubular skirt is snugly attachable about a container hatch. The tubular skirt has a tapered structure from the broad end to the narrow end.

Abstract: An elevated inverted cone product storage hopper having an enclosed volume with a central opening at the bottom. A dust-free transfer system removes and delivers stored product from the storage hopper through a hopper unloader. The unloader has a converging frustoconical transition body which continues from the inverted cone toward a bottom discharge port. An elongated delivery auger system coupled to the unloader comprises an elongated horizontal barrel having a delivery screw for rotation about its axis for moving product to a product delivery opening. A flexible enclosed delivery tube is coupled to the delivery opening, with the delivery tube having a compliant exterior shell for accommodating free axial length adjustment thereof. The hopper and the delivery auger are rotatable for positioning the auger barrel and enclosed delivery tube radially relative to the storage hopper.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for dispensing bulk materials through a rotary chute with variable angle of inclination comprising an underslung rotor mounted in a supporting frame so as to rotate about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The chute is suspended from the rotor so as to pivot about a substantially horizontal axis of suspension. A mechanism for pivoting the chute comprises a hydraulic motor mounted on the underslung rotor. A hydraulic connecting device comprises a sleeve fixed in rotation and a rotary sleeve driven in rotation by the rotor. The sleeves co-operate to connect the hydraulic motor to a control hydraulic circuit fixed in rotation. A duct feeding the chute passes through the two sleeves. The device can advantageously equip a shaft furnace.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in which the apparatus has a hopper and a tube secured to the hopper, the tube having an opening between distal and proximal end portions thereof. The apparatus may have a second tube secured to the first tube at the opening, and the second tube may extend substantially vertically downward. The lower end of the second tube may be aligned to terminate at a vertical level that is substantially equal to a vertical level of an opening in the distal end portion of the first tube. A Y-shaped tube may be secured to the distal end of the first tube to further distribute the grain. In use, grain is introduced into the hopper, and a first portion is passed to a first tube. The first portion of grain is divided into second and third portions, the second portion is passed through a second tube, and the third portion is passed to a distal end of the first tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding layers of tobacco to an intermediate reservoir, including feeding a continual falling, horizontal shifting stream of tobacco to the intermediate reservoir, the falling stream of tobacco being deflected by web-type separators, below, which predetermined break points form in the tobacco mass in the intermediate reservoir, resulting in vertical columns of tobacco separable from each other, the columns of tobacco separating individually from the tobacco mass and dropping onto a dispensing conveyor.

Abstract: A hose fitting for filling tank cars comprising a t-shaped pipe defining a bore therethrough, the t-shaped pipe comprising a body member with one or more pairs of opposingly directed tubular legs, and an intermediate leg extending substantially perpendicular from the body member, the intermediate leg comprising an intermediate leg end adapted to couple with a hose; and one or more tube extensions for coupling with the tubular legs, each of the one or more tube extensions connected to one of the tubular legs by a connecting wire so that the tube extensions remain connected to the tubular legs when the tube extensions are uncoupled from the tubular legs. A method for filling tank cars with pellet-shaped particles is also provided, the method comprising transporting the t-shaped pipe to the roof of a tank car, the tank car roof having one or more openings for receiving materials.

Abstract: The slurry distributor comprises two or more square pipe sections in end-to-end relation having an inlet at one end for connection to a slurry supply and provided with discharge openings equally spaced longitudinally thereof; on each side of the square pipe for discharge of the slurry, the openings being successively obstructed manually or by deposited solids from the slurry itself piling up on the original ground level. The distributor is used to control the slurry composition for dyke building and general tailings disposal consisting of mine tailings.

Abstract: The invention consists of a hopper to place material in, and a door beneath it to hold back the material until it is to be released onto a grid consisting of four separate compartments or chutes that direct the material into four separate sample containers. The latch is arranged in such a manner as to allow the gates to open suddenly, and simultaneously, releasing the material in a mass (rather than slowly), assuring an even flow of the material down the chutes and into the four waiting containers below. This assures an unbiased sample in each container. For further reductions in sample size, the common practice is to choose any two opposite corner containers, combine in the hopper and repeat the process.

Abstract: Apparatus having a let-down tube for dust free gravity transfer of bulk solids between upper and lower containers. A spool engageable with a discharge opening on the upper container has a lower end for slidably receiving an end of the let-down tube, the other end of which falls into the lower container. As solids flow from the upper to the lower container through the tube, the tube is progressively drawn up over the lower end of the spool, then longitudinally cut into sheets which are separately rolled up. The let-down tube permits transfer of the solids without demixing or aeration.

Abstract: A concrete container for introducing concrete into formworks includes an upwardly open vessel with a downwardly narrowing bottom portion with an outlet opening and a flexible pipe connected to the outlet opening for distributing the concrete. Underneath the outlet opening of the concrete container, an essentially horizontally extending crossbeam is arranged, wherein the crossbeam is arranged so as to be displaceable transversely of the freely suspended flexible pipe. The two ends of the crossbeam, whose length corresponds at least to the diameter of the flexible pipe, are suspended from the concrete container by connecting members. Tension springs are attached in an articulated manner to the two ends of the crossbeam, wherein the other ends of the tension springs are fastened to the support frame, wherein the tension springs are tensioned when the crossbeam is located laterally of the outlet opening in a position releasing the flexible pipe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the uniform dense pack filling of particles of a solid catalyst (6) in a tubular reactor, of the type comprising a plurality of vertical tubes (2) opening at their upper end at the surface of a tube plate, which connects them together and is substantially parallel to them, and having above the tube plate, a system for the uniform distribution in a falling rain of the particles of catalyst, the improvement including:an initial cylindrical wall adapted to rest around and above the tube plate, andcylindrical walls of successively smaller diameters (formed from the initial wall or separately) being also adapted to rest in succession on the tube plate in order to separate the tubes then currently completely filled with catalyst from the tubes not completely filled.

Abstract: A loading spout hoist mechanism comprises a multiple monospiral winch drum. The drum is located under the top of the loading spout, and the loading spout passes through it. The multiple monospiral winch drum is supported on two rings, the first of which is located inside the second. The first ring is fixed to the loading spout support frame, and the second ring is journalled to first one. The second ring also carries a ring gear, which may comprise gear teeth machined into the ring, or a separate ring gear attached to the second ring. The loading spout support frame carries a pinion drive mechanism which engages the ring gear, and can rotate the second ring in either direction, to raise and to lower the loading spout by winding in or out the loading spout support cables carried in each monospiral of the winch drum. In a modification, the loading spout is attached to the support frame by motorised pin mechanisms.

Abstract: A dispersing apparatus (10, 110, 210) uniformly disperses a stream of material pieces, such as wood chips, into a storage area (84) from an overhead feeding channel in order to achieve efficient and compact accumulation of the material pieces in the storage area (84). The dispersing apparatus (10, 110, 210) is detachably mounted to the feeding channel and has an impeller (18, 118) with a plurality of impeller blades (22a-22d; 122a-122d) for rotating through the stream of wood chips for transversely engaging the same. As a result, the wood chips are propelled outwardly from the feeding channel and uniformly toward the storage area (84). A first impeller (18) is shaped in the form of a cone configuration and is utilized to project material pieces outwardly and downwardly from the feeding channel. A second impeller (118) has a dish (128) with a concave deflection surface (132) for directing the material pieces outwardly and upwardly from the feeding channel.

Abstract: A telescopic discharge chute for bulk materials is described including telescoping first and second elongated tubular members. The first tubular member includes a first internal bore leading from a bulk material infeed at a first top end, to first bottom end. The second elongated tubular member includes a second top end and a bulk material discharge at a second bottom end. The second tubular member slides axially over the first tubular member between an extended position wherein the second tubular member projects axially downwardly from the first tubular member. At least one vent is formed by the second tubular member adjacent the second top end, opening outwardly and in open communication with the second internal bore. The vent is situated above the first bottom end of the first tubular member. The vent is included in a ventilation air passageway defined between the first and second tubular members.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for bulk material includes a loading tube having a longitudinal axis, an outer tube surface, an inner tube surface and a material discharge end; a deflection body having an outer body surface and being arranged generally coaxially with the loading tube at the material discharge end thereof. The deflection body is situated partially inside and partially outside of the loading tube. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface together define an annular channel surrounding the longitudinal axis. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface each has a terminal peripheral portion together defining a circumferential, deflecting and accelerating duct forming part of the annular channel and terminating in an annular outlet slot surrounding the longitudinal axis. The terminal peripheral portion of the outer body surface is oriented away from the longitudinal axis such as to effect a radially outward flow of the bulk material from the loading tube.

Abstract: A single tube catalyst loading device is provided which consists of a transport belt system, electric motor, and catalyst loading hopper. Using this equipment, it is possible to control the drop rate of catalyst pellets without incurring mechanical damage or breakage of the catalyst. By raising or lowering the hopper section above the transport belt, it is possible to increase or decrease the drop rate of catalyst. Drop rate is the critical parameter in controlling catalyst density within the tubes of an ethylene oxide reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for injecting fuel in the form of pieces of various sizes into a burning zone of a kiln having an end inlet. The apparatus includes two rubber tires rotating in opposite directions, at least one motor for rotating the tires, an entrance chute, and an exit chute. The tires rotate about horizontal and parallel axes that are in an inclined plane and spaced such that the outer radial surfaces of the tires are generally adjacent. The entrance chute has a vertical inlet portion for receiving the fuel pieces and downwardly accelerating the fuel pieces by gravity and an outlet portion open adjacent the tires for feeding the fuel pieces between the tires. The tires elastically deform around the various size fuel pieces and project them as the tires rotate. The exit chute has an axis perpendicular to the inclined plane of the tire axes for directing the projected fuel pieces through the kiln end inlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing granular material within a container. The apparatus includes a base member for uniformly distributing the granular material within the container by absorbing momentum from the inflow of the granular material. The method includes forming at least two flow paths for the inflow of granular material and then changing the flow of granular material through each of the flow paths to cause a substantially even distribution of granular material within the container.

Abstract: A device for loading bulk material from a stationary source to a filler pipe located at a chosen spot within a predetermined line of travel. The device comprises a loading hopper which is shiftable along the line of travel and exhibits, at its lower end, a filling mechanism and a conveying pipe, feeding the bulk material to the loading hopper, which conveying pipe is pivotably mounted at its end receiving the material and the outlet end of which opens out into the loading hopper. The loading hopper is closed off at the top by a cover, which exhibits an opening receiving the outlet end of the conveying pipe. The cover is rotatable in relation to the loading hopper, the opening being eccentrically disposed. Expediently, the rim of the loading hopper and the cover are circular.

Abstract: A grain spreader apparatus for use with a silo that has a top and side walls includes a housing with an inlet portion for receiving grain to be stored in the silo and an exit portion communicating with a plurality of chutes. The spreader apparatus has a housing that includes a rotating and a non-rotating portion. The non-rotating portion is affixed to the top of the silo. A motor drive rotates the rotating portion of the housing about a vertical axis of rotation. The plurality of chutes include radially positioned chutes that are arranged along a common radial line, with each lower chute being of a smaller thickness than the previous chute. In this fashion, grain falling from the highest chute is divided into one portion that is received by the lower chute and another portion that falls freely to the floor of the silo.

Abstract: A frame (27) supports a receiver chute (18) for conveying particulate solids to a rotatable conveyer chute (26) or (26a) that is configured to rotate as particulate solids are conveyed through the rotatable chute (26) or (26a) to rotate it and convey particulate solids to lateral chutes (50) for conveying the particulate solids in multiple streams throughout the interior of a tank to fill the tank without shoveling to spread the particulate solids and fill the tank.