Abstract: A horizontal storage silo or bin for particulate matter such as, for example, peanuts and cereal, includes a moving apron or floor and a dam for gently receiving product, controlling product deposit into the silo and supporting the rear face of the product pile during discharge to insure a uniform discharge rate throughout the discharge cycle. Full bin storage capacity is utilized. First-in, first-out processing is attained. Various alternative apparatus and methods are disclosed and various product infeed points and bin orientation are accommodated.

Abstract: A horizontal storage silo or bin for particulate matter such as, for example, peanuts and cereal, includes a moving apron or floor and a dam for gently receiving product, controlling product deposit into the silo and supporting the rear face of the product pile during discharge to insure a uniform discharge rate throughout the discharge cycle. Full bin storage capacity is utilized. First-in, first-out processing is attained. Various alternative apparatus and methods are disclosed and various product infeed points and bin orientation are accommodated.

Abstract: A tobacco feeder for elevating bulk tobacco from a lower level input station to a higher level discharge station including a hopper conveyor and a feed conveyor each having a plurality of abutting conveyor slats movable with drive chains along a horizontal run and an inclined run, respectively. The conveyor slats include a planar top surface and integral forward and rearward legs bent at an included angle of less than 90.degree. but greater than 0.degree. with respect to the top surface forming convexly arcuate longitudinal edges. In order to stiffen the conveyor slats, a reinforcing slat is preferably mounted to each conveyor slat, and provides a slat assembly which has pronounced resistance to bending. Alternatively, a roller is mounted beneath the conveyor slat which is movable along a support to prevent bending of the conveyor slats, or a partial reinforcing slat is provided for riding on an elongated support.

Abstract: A variable slope, cleated channel belt conveyor includes a bed, a bottom pan, and an improved elongated cleated belt. The belt extends around a drive and an idler or take-up pulley and includes a plurality of separate cleats to sweep particulate material along the bottom pan and upwardly onto the belt's top surface by means of a hood extending around the pulley of that end of the conveyor. This prevents build-up of particulate material in the bottom pan. The hood can be pivoted away from the belt to permit reverse operation of the conveyor, and hoods can be mounted at both ends to further accommodate a reversing operation. A universal, adjustable mounting permits the motor and gear box to pivot and thus remain level despite conveyor inclination.

Abstract: A channel belt conveyor includes a bed, an elongated belt, and belt supporting flanges adjustably mounted on the bed and having lower edges spaced from the bed to form an exit passage therebetween. The belt supporting flanges are raised above the bed to support the belt edges so the belt assumes a channel-like configuration in its load bearing run. Displaced particles of conveyed material, which find their way between the belt and the flanges or bed, can work their way free through the passage without being captured or impacted, thereby reducing accumulation of impacted material and consequent belt loading. Conveyed tobacco is contained by the belt so that it does not slide along stationary portions of the conveyor, thereby forming deleterious "shorts" and dust, nor is there any area in which the tobacco can "lump". The bed of the conveyor is extended outwardly of the flanges and is turned downwardly to form the conveyor sides and vertical bed support.