Abstract: A flow rate monitor for indicating the amount of material being displaced in a displacement system having an electric motor as a prime mover, comprises a power demand monitor for being operably connected to the electric motor; a programmable controller operably connected to the power demand monitor, the controller being adapted to convert the data from the power demand monitor to flow rate data using at least one linear equation relating the power demand of the electric motor to the flow rate of the material, the programmable controller being adapted to parallel shift the at least one linear equation to compensate for any changes to the no-load power demand; and an indicator for indicating the flow rate of the material.

Abstract: An improved cartridge bearing assembly for a dry good material feeder. The feeder includes a feed hopper having a drive opening spaced from a housing wall having an opening. A tubular bearing support member extends into the drive opening and is attached to the wall in line with the wall opening. A bearing support assembly is removably mounted in the bearing support member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft. The bearing support assembly can be removed through the wall opening for bearing replacement.

Abstract: A system for sensing the surface level of flowable material within a container, comprises a drop weight secured to a cable through a pulley for being disposed above the material and brought into contact with the surface level of the material. The cable is wound and anchored to a spool driven by a reversible motor. A transducer operably secured to the pulley provides an output responsive to the strain on the cable exerted by drop weight. A signal processor connected to the transducer generates an output signal responsive to the drop weight being supported by the material. A pulse generator for generating a plurality of pulses the number of which is proportional to the amount of rotation of the spool.

Abstract: A stirrer for stirring dry goods is provided. This stirrer has a plurality of sides for stirring a mass of normally free-flowing, dry, particulate material in a container. The stirrer includes a rotatable shaft, two sets of end blades, and two spaced-apart sets of intermediate blades affixed to the shaft. Each set of end blades is proximate to a different end of the shaft and each end blade of each such set is inclined toward the other set of end blades. The two spaced-apart sets of intermediate blades are affixed on the shaft between the sets of end blades, one set of intermediate blades on each side of a mid point of the shaft. Each set of intermediate blades includes at least one pair of blades extending outwardly in opposite direction at an oblique angle from the same general location on the shaft.

Abstract: A dry good material feeding apparatus is shown which includes a feed hopper having an auger housing portion with oppositely disposed openings. A bearing block is positioned in one opening carrying a removable drive shaft which is releasably connected to an auger extending through the other opening. A bearing assembly mounted to a housing carries a driven shaft removably interconnected to the drive shaft, and the bearing assembly and bearing block both have peripheral flanges which are connected by a removable clamp. The bearing block has an inner peripheral wall surrounding the drive shaft, and a V-ring seal is mounted on the drive shaft for rotation therewith, having a flexible lip engaging the peripheral wall.

Abstract: An improved drive seal arrangement for a dry good material feeder includes an auger member which is provided with a helical flight that extends into the space proximate the drive shaft seal so as to create an underpressure proximate the seal and keep the dry material which is to be conveyed away from the seal. A novel shaft connecting linkage is further provided to isolate the seal from vibration or shock which is imparted to the drive auger during operation. A novel modular construction is also provided whereby the hopper and auger member may be dismounted from a power unit, which slides into the hopper as a single module so as not to affect the drive shaft seal.