Abstract: An apparatus for filling an upright container having a base and an open top with a number of similar articles from an elevated source includes an inlet and an auger assembly. The inlet is adapted to be proximate the elevated source of the similar articles such that the articles enter the apparatus therethrough. The auger includes a substantially helical ramp disposed about a shaft. The auger is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft and is translatable along the longitudinal axis. An end of the auger is disposed proximate the container and includes a discharge through which the articles are discharged into the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling an upright container having a base and an open top with a number of similar articles from an elevated source includes an inlet and an auger assembly. The inlet is adapted to be proximate the elevated source of the similar articles such that the articles enter the apparatus therethrough. The auger includes a substantially helical ramp disposed about a shaft. The auger is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft and is translatable along the longitudinal axis. An end of the auger is disposed proximate the container and includes a discharge through which the articles are discharged into the container.

Abstract: A variable volume buffer is employed to conduct a multitude of articles from an elevated supply stream into a container at a lower elevation while maintaining a drop distance for the articles that is shorter than the distance from the source to the bottom of the container. The bottom of the buffer is vertically displaced in response to the height of the articles in the buffer in a continuous or step-wise function to maintain the fill level of the articles in the buffer at substantially a constant drop distance from the source. Upon the bottom of the buffer moving adjacent the bottom of the container, the gate is opened and the buffer is raised to permit the spilling of the articles directly from the buffer and into the container.