Abstract: A grain bin has a top opening with a hopper for receiving grain that is directed downwardly to a spreader supported for rotation by a vertical shaft. The spreader has an elongated inclined chute having a V-shape cross-section. The chute has a center portion having an opening with a trap door pivoted or controlled from a mechanism operable from the top opening of the bin. A deflector is positioned under the trap door opening and rotates the chute in response to the flow of grain through the opening. The chute has an extension that also supports a pivotal deflector.

Abstract: A grain spreader wherein grain received in the hopper is directed to spreader arms by a spreader cone. The spreader cone has a convergent cone and a divergent cone. The spreader cone has a center opening that allows a first portion of the grain collecting in the convergent cone to pass through and fall through the underside of the divergent cone. The grain spreader further includes support springs that lift the spreader cone upwards into the hopper when the spreader cone is lightly loaded. A center flow choke is configured to throttle the flow of grain through the center opening to partially close the center opening in low grain flow conditions, wherein the center flow choke is mounted to the hopper body such that up and down movement of the spreader cone moves the center opening into or out of engagement with the center flow choke.

Abstract: A method for managing the charging of a space with solid particles, comprising: modelling an expected charging profile over a charging duration, during the charging, receiving, from at least one sensor, measured values of a parameter indicative of the height of a bed of solid particles charged into the space, determining filtered values of the parameter indicative of the height from the measured values received and from the modelled charging profile, and transmitting the filtered values to control the charging with solid particles.

Abstract: An integrated elevator bin system for efficiently loading and distributing a particulate material within a storage bin. The integrated elevator bin system generally includes a storage bin having an elevator assembly positioned therein for aiding with the even distribution of particulate material being loaded into the bin. The elevator assembly, which vertically extends from a lower portion of the storage bin, includes an internal conveyor having a track and plurality of paddles for transferring the material up the elevator assembly. The upper and lower sections of the elevator assembly include louvered openings for selectively distributing the particulate material into the interior of the bin as the material is conveyed up the elevator assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into a vessel comprising: particle feed means (24); means (26) for dispersing the particles from the top to the bottom of the vessel; at least one means (17) for measuring the height of the filling bed; and at least one automated system for controlling the feed means (24) and/or the dispersion means (26), and also to a process and uses implementing the device.

Abstract: A particulate bed levelling arrangement has a rotational drive shaft and a particulate distribution arrangement coupled to the shaft. The particulate distribution arrangement engages with the particulate bed and moves to redistribute the particulate material in the bed in a direction radially outwardly away from the rotational drive shaft axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into an enclosure, including: a means for supplying solid particles to be dispensed, which can be arranged on the top part of the enclosure to be loaded and which pours the solid particles in a substantially vertical manner into a feeding pipe (1); a mobile device (2) disposed entirely or partially inside the enclosure and under the feeding pipe, including a central shaft (3) rotatably driven by a motor means (4) about a substantially vertical axis and deflector elements (6) having a substantially identical shape and being rotatably secured to the shaft (3), preferably arranged in line with one another at different heights about the shaft (3) and pivotably connected thereto so that they can be raised, for example by centrifugal force; and a feeding pipe (1) at least partially surrounding said central shaft (3) and comprising at least one opening (5) for discharging the solid particles, which opening is provided on the horizontal or side wall thereo

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for loading solid particles into a vessel, comprising: a means for supplying solid particles to be distributed, said means pouring said solid particles into a supply pipe (1), a movable assembly (2) arranged below the supply pipe (1), comprising a central shaft (3) and deflector elements (5) which are integral in rotation with said shaft and arranged around the shaft on multiple vertical tiers (E1-E4) and are articulated about it in such a way that they can lift up, a supply pipe (1) surrounding at least partially said central shaft and comprising at least one orifice (4) for discharging the solid particles which is arranged on a side and/or horizontal wall, this device being characterized in that the movable assembly (2) is designed in such a way as to allow adjustment of the position of the deflector elements (5) on the central shaft (3) in order to vary its permeability to the solid particles.

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 charging device capable of moving a distribution chute with a simple structure and easy control is provided. The charging device includes: a frame; a rotation axis set in the frame; a rotor supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; an adjustment axis set in the rotor and intersecting with the rotation axis at a first angle; a holder supported by the rotor and being rotatable around the adjustment axis; a distribution chute fixed to the holder and extending in a direction intersecting with the adjustment axis at a second angle; a rotation drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the rotor against the frame; a transmission-side bevel gear supported by the frame and being rotatable around the rotation axis; a holder-side bevel gear fixed to the holder and being meshed with the transmission-side bevel gear; and an adjustment drive motor fixed to the frame and rotating the holder against the rotor by rotating the transmission-side bevel gear.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A silo de-bridging device (100), comprising: a rotary shaft (11) and at least one de-bridging unit (10) connected to the rotary shaft (11); each de-bridging unit (10) includes a fixed sleeve (101), a movable sleeve (102) and at least one de-bridging arm (103) connected to the movable sleeve (102), and a cam structure is formed between two end surfaces of the movable sleeve (102) and the fixed sleeve (101) adjoining each other. The silo de-bridging device can de-bridge the materiel in the silo effectively.

Abstract: A distributor device including a distribution chute that extends inside the tank at an inclined angle for distributing material in the interior of the tank. A rotation frame is rotatable around a vertical central rotation axis (L) and includes a vertical inlet channel extending to the interior of the tank. A circular support frame is horizontally attached to the rotation frame, concentrically in relation to the vertical central rotation axis. A number of support rollers are connected to the tank and the axes of the support rollers are positioned radially with respect to the central rotation axis (L). At least one of the support rollers is as a support roller driving the rotation frame, which support roller the actuator is arranged to rotate. The distributor device includes a counterweight attached to the rotation frame, on the opposite side of the central rotation axis (L) in relation to the distribution chute.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A composite continuous feeder is arranged above a growth furnace and comprises a primary feeder and a secondary feeder. The primary feeder includes a feeding chamber, a first material holder holding a plurality of material bits and an elevator mechanism. The elevator mechanism is coupled to the feeding chamber and first material holder, and used to lift or lower the first material holder in the feeding chamber. The secondary feeder includes a second material holder also holding a plurality of material bits, a buffering discharger and a material discharging guide tube. The buffering discharger is arranged at the outlet of the second material holder to receive the material bits output therefrom. The material discharging guide tube discharges the material bits into the growth furnace. By using the primary and secondary feeders, the invention can apply to mono-crystal and poly-crystal growth furnaces and effectively control material feeding amount and speed.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a shaft furnace, including a rotary distributor and a variable drive for rotating the rotary distributor about an essentially vertical axis of rotation, where the rotary distributor includes a plurality of guiding members which form sliding channels for charge material, and where the rotary distributor comprises a junction slide from which each guiding member issues and which is arranged such that a flow of charge material slides via one specific guiding member in function of the velocity and/or the sense of rotation of the rotary distributor.

Abstract: A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.

Abstract: A charging device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) for distributing bulk material in an enclosure, in particular in a shaft furnace comprises a stationary housing (12) that supports a rotatable structure (14) carrying adjustable distribution means (16). Distribution of bulk material in circumferential direction is achieved by rotation of the distribution means (16) together with the rotatable structure (14). Distribution of bulk material in radial direction is achieved by adjustment of the distribution means (16). For rotating the distribution means, usually about the central axis (A) of the charging device, the device (1 10; 210; 310; 410; 510; 610, 710) includes a first rolling bearing (122) with a first stationary race (124; 324) that bears a first rotary race (128). The first rotary race is coupled to a first gear ring (130; 430; 530; 730) that cooperates with a first drive (50) for rotating the rotatable structure and thereby the distribution means.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.

Abstract: A three hopper charging installation for a shaft furnace includes a rotary distribution device for distributing bulk material in the furnace by rotating a distribution member about the furnace central axis and a first, a second and a third hopper arranged in parallel above the rotary distribution device and offset from the central axis. A sealing valve housing is arranged between the hoppers and the distribution device. It has a top part with a first, a second and a third inlet respectively communicating with the first, the second and the third hopper. A first, a second and a third sealing valve are provided in the top part. Each sealing valve includes a flap which is pivotable between a closed sealing position and an open parking position. The sealing valve housing also has a funnel shaped bottom part with an outlet communicating with the distribution device.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

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 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 particulate bed levelling arrangement has a rotational drive shaft and a particulate distribution arrangement coupled to the shaft. The particulate distribution arrangement engages with the particulate bed and moves to redistribute the particulate material in the bed in a direction radially outwardly away from the rotational drive shaft axis.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

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: An assembly for processing wood chips has a rotatable drum with a plurality of blades circumferentially spaced from one another fed by a feed chute assembly. The feed chute assembly comprises a moveable element mounted so as to be dynamically moveable between a first position and a second position. The feed chute assembly may include a downwardly angled feed chute and a redirecting wall disposed downstream thereof. The moveable element may be all or part of either or both of the main chute and the redirecting wall. Wood chips are directed toward the rotating drum at a rotational position that varies depending on the position of the moveable element. The wood chips fed to the drum are flung therefrom in a pattern that varies in a side view along the axis depending on the position of the element. There may be multiple moveable elements.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: An ice distribution device for delivering ice to an ice retaining unit is provided, whereby a nozzle of the distribution device is adapted to be rotated in an eccentric rotation when installed at an upper end of an ice retaining unit, such that, when it is rotated about its axis, forces acting inside an eccentrically mounted nozzle will produce both axial and lateral components, with the lateral components of force providing a controlled “wobble”, that will deliver a substantially uniform distribution of ice within the retaining unit. A sensing device, which may be ultrasonic, mechanical or some other means, may be used to sense the level of build-up of ice within a retaining unit, for discontinuing the flow of ice to the distribution device, or diverting it to another ice retaining unit, as may be desired. The distribution and sensing devices are mounted on a top wall of the ice retaining unit and are adapted to accommodate top walls of such units of various thicknesses.

Abstract: A body (1), feeding a group of enlarged pipes (2) in which straight pipes (6) slide so as to control the discharge of particles. At the exit of these tubes, the particles are propelled towards the periphery by gas jets that originate from perforated tubes (4). A rotating set of plates (3) whose periphery is fitted with brushes (30) having bristles of various dimensions, scatters the particles in such a way so as to distribute them uniformly according to a horizontal plane. A correcting device (9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16) that gets its feed of particles from the top of the device enables to set right any mal-distribution by directing an additional partial flow of particles towards an area where the height of the bed is low or uneven. Such a machine can also be used for the loading of silos or of catalytic reactors.

Abstract: An assembly for processing wood chips with a novel blade profile allows wood chips to be packed great density. The profile may be a stepped profile with a plurality sections forming a rotationally forward face. Neighboring sections are non-collinear and at least one of the sections is parallel to a rotational axis. The profile may include a generally centrally disposed first section of ?¼ of a relevant dimension; a third section of ?? of the relevant dimension; a second section disposed between the first section and a third section and non-collinear with the third section; with the sections disposed relative to the rotational axis in advantageous positions. The profile may be such that second and third sections of the blade have approximately equal longitudinal extents, but the tilt-angle-weighted surface area of the second section is substantially less than the third tilt-angle-weighted surface area of the third section.

Abstract: A charging device for charging a shaft furnace, including a rotary distributor and a variable drive for rotating the rotary distributor about an essentially vertical axis of rotation, where the rotary distributor includes a plurality of guiding members which form sliding channels for charge material, and where the rotary distributor comprises a junction slide from which each guiding member issues and which is arranged such that a flow of charge material slides via one specific guiding member in function of the velocity and/or the sense of rotation of the rotary distributor.

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: 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 bulk material comprises a rotor having a substantially vertical axis of rotation a first drive for rotating the rotor and a chute supported by the rotor so as to be rotated with the latter. The chute can be rotated about its longitudinal axis. Its concavely curved sliding surface has a width that is diminishing from the top end to the bottom end of the chute, so that it is possible to vary the location where bulk material sliding down the chute channel leaves the latter by rotating the chute about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A handling device packs wood chips with a density greater than that achieved using conventional free-fall techniques by ?20%-35%. The device includes a drum rotating about a generally horizontal axis that includes a plurality of outwardly extending blades that act to fling the wood chips so as to land with a substantially uniform orientation. The blades may comprise a leading face with at least a first face section that extends in a first direction and at least a second face section extending at a forward angle relative to the first section. The first direction may be generally normal to the drum core's peripheral surface. The output from the drum, when an input stream of wood chips is fed to the drum, covers an arc of at least 90°, typically in the range of 90°-120° and generally downwardly facing, when viewed from the side along the axis.

Abstract: A device for distributing bulk materials includes a suspension rotor is mounted in a support frame which is capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. A chute is suspended to the suspension rotor and is tiltable about a substantially horizontal tilt axis. A first motor is capable of rotating the suspension rotor about its axis of rotation in a first direction, and a tilt controlling motor mounted in the support frame is capable of rotating about a substantially vertical axis of rotation. A tilting mechanism is also connected between the chute and the tilt controlling rotor, while a first braking device exerts a braking moment on the tilt controlling motor. A first control device controls the angle of inclination of the chute by controlled braking of the tilt controlling rotor.

Abstract: A cargo loading apparatus and method tightly and efficiently disperse material pieces such as wood chips into a cargo space. The loading apparatus includes an elongated symmetrical body such as an elongated cylinder having vanes or blades along the surface thereof. The apparatus is mounted across the stream of material pieces. As the body rotates through the stream of pieces, the vanes strike the pieces and disperse them within the cargo space. In one embodiment the vanes are mounted parallel to the axis of rotation of the apparatus and thus disperse the pieces primarily in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, at least some of the vanes are mounted at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation and thus disperse the materials in a fan-shaped pattern. The vanes can include a detachable wear plate mounted to a support bracket which may be readily replaced without having to repair or replace other parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: A wood chip loading device loads wood chips into a container with a density greater than that achieved using conventional free-fall techniques by 20%-35% or more. The wood chip loading device may include a drum rotating about a generally horizontal axis. The drum includes a plurality of outwardly extending blades that act to fling the wood chips out in a truncated sector pattern. The wood chips form a wide-based stack in the container such that the wood chips have a substantially uniform orientation, thereby allowing for greater packing densities. The device may also include a feed chute assembly that allows for adjustment of the ratio of the input stream that is delivered to the middle and side portions of the spinning drum. In some of these embodiments, this adjustment may be made while the device is operating, thereby allowing for on-the-fly adjustments by the operator.

Abstract: A grain loading and spreading device has a tapered housing with a grain flow restrictor valve assembly that will cause a uniform discharge of grain around the perimeter of a lower discharge opening. The valve assembly has upper and lower cam elements on a downwardly extending motor drive shaft. The lower cam element is fixed to the shaft, and the upper cam element is not fixed to the shaft. The cam elements are releasably engaged with each other. A horizontal plate with vertical baffles on the upper surface is secured to the upper cam element. When grain flow restricts the rotation of the plate and baffles, the upper cam element will be moved upwardly with respect to the lower cam element, to enlarge the width of the grain passageway between the perimeters of the plate and the side wall of the tapered housing.

Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.

Abstract: A cargo loading apparatus and method tightly and efficiently disperse material pieces such as wood chips into a cargo space. The loading apparatus includes an elongated symmetrical body such as an elongated cylinder having vanes or blades along the surface thereof. The apparatus is mounted across the stream of material pieces. As the body rotates through the stream of pieces, the vanes strike the pieces and disperse them within the cargo space. In one embodiment the vanes are mounted parallel to the axis of rotation of the apparatus and thus disperse the pieces primarily in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, at least some of the vanes are mounted at an angle with respect to the axis of rotation and thus disperse the materials in a fan-shaped pattern. The vanes can include a detachable wear plate mounted to a support bracket which may be readily replaced without having to repair or replace other parts of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for distributing bilk material comprising: a tilting chute (32) suspended to a suspension rotor (18) driven in rotation by a motor (60); a tilt controlling rotor (28) and a tilting mechanism (36, 36′), which transforms a differential rotation of the two rotors (18, 28) into a tilting motion of the chute (32). A first braking mechanism (80) is associated with the tilt controlling rotor (28) and a first control device (102, 106) controls the variation of the angle of inclination of the chute 832) by controlled braking of the tilt controlling rotor (28).

Abstract: A storage apparatus suitable for storing granular material in a large tank-like storage container into which material is introduced from an material inlet at a top of the storage container to pile up in a normal manner. A height adjustable leveling apparatus in the form of a rotary scraper is supported within the storage container which engages the uppermost portion of the heaped material and spreads it for leveling the upper surface of the material. Whereby the storage container may be filled to an upper level surface maximizing the useful volume of the storage container. Discharge from a central or peripheral port is likewise maximized by ensuring all material in the container to the discharge level is fed for reclamation.

Abstract: This device comprises an element driven in rotation about a vertical axis, placed at an outlet of a passage used for introducing a divided solid material into a receptacle. The element comprises two conduits for dispersing the material, each having a curved shape and an opening through which the material can flow out into the receptacle. The conduits are curved about an axis perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the element but in opposite directions from one another. Each of the conduits further comprises at least one longitudinal partition extending over a length of the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chip diffuser that is useful in efficiently distributing wood chips and other particulate materials. The chip diffuser includes a novel spider helix rotor assembly that includes a spider hub that is rotatably mounted upon a central shaft stem, and at least two vane mounting rods that are attached to the spider hub. In addition, substantially planar vanes are attached to the vane mounting rods typically in a one-to-one relationship. The chip diffuser preferably functions using only the kinetic energy of the falling wood chips or other particulate materials contacting the chip diffuser.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: An ice storage and delivery system for radially displacing fragmentary ice stored within an ice storage bin. The ice storage and delivery system has a rotating ice rake of elongated members which radially displaces a portion of the fragmentary ice stored in the storage bin as each elongated member passes through the pile of fragmentary ice. The ice rake pivots in the storage bin between first and second positions such that the rotating elongated members may radially displace the fragmentary ice into a screw conveyor in the floor of the storage bin while in the first position and level-out the fragmentary ice stored in the storage bin while in the second position. In order to displace the fragmentary ice into the screw conveyor and remove the fragmentary ice from the storage bin while in the first position, the displacement assembly translates in the storage bin along the length of the storage bin.