Abstract: A control measuring and supply apparatus and method for receiving a substantially, continuous flow of fluent material from a source of supply; the assembly having a bottom-sealed diverter plate, optionally positionable to direct the fluent material, by gravity, to either one or the other of a pair of adjacent, parallel supply chambers, each of the supply chambers having lower, sealed valve plates which can be optionally opened or closed, a and visa versa, one of the supply chambers being filled with the fluent material while the other is simultaneously emptied, and power operated control motors for controlling the operation of the diverter and valve plates; the diverter plate and valve plates cooperating with seals disposed out of the path-of-movement of the fluent material.

Abstract: A preheater for particulate material comprising a cylindrical refractory lined vessel with top feed and exhaust offtake. The preheater diameter is enlarged below the offtake so that the sloping material forms an area surrounded by ports which receive hot gases from the kiln. The lower portion of the preheater is conical, leading toward a small central discharge point. This portion constitutes a soaking zone in which heat is allowed to penetrate the material.