Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a specific volumetric output (e.g., product feed and discharge) of a material. In some implementations, these systems and methods are particularly suited for use with strand-type materials, namely, materials having difficult handling characteristics. For some implementations, a specific pile depth and width of a material is created on a moving belt to provide a specific volumetric output based on the speed of the belt. One or more leveling drums can be used to make the pile depth consistent. Moreover, a weighing system can be provided that is used in combination with the metering mechanism and other components (e.g., a control system) to create a “weight-loss” type weigh feeder.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a specific volumetric output (e.g., product feed and discharge) of a material. In some implementations, these systems and methods are particularly suited for use with strand-type materials, namely, materials having difficult handling characteristics. For some implementations, a specific pile depth and width of a material is created on a moving belt to provide a specific volumetric output based on the speed of the belt. One or more leveling drums can be used to make the pile depth consistent. Moreover, a weighing system can be provided that is used in combination with the metering mechanism and other components (e.g., a control system) to create a “weight-loss” type weigh feeder.

Abstract: An auger is provided for discharging a uniform flow of material, particularly dry solids, through a feeding system. The auger has a shaft and at least one flight extending outward from the shaft for delivering a flow of material from a first end to a second end of the shaft. The flight has at least one notch in its outer perimeter proximate to the second end of the shaft. The auger may be used in a material feeding system having a supply hopper and a discharge conduit mounted to a feed trough. The auger is disposed in the trough and extends into the discharge conduit. The auger is rotated by a motor to drive the material from the feed trough through the discharge spout. The speed of the motor (and hence the feed rate of the material) may be controlled based on the volume of material being fed, the weight of material being fed or the loss-in-weight of the system.