Powdered Product Unloading and Storage System

Abstract

An exemplary implementation of a powder product unloading and storage apparatus has a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a drum into the cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere. A rotary spout dispenses and directs the product entering into the cabinet to a preselected storage hopper which has been selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The plurality of storage hoppers are preferably all held within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to unloading and storage systems, and, more particularly, to an integrated, compact, multistation unloading and storage system for use primarily with powdered products.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Small scale production facilities commonly use powdered products that are shipped in small bags, or small drums, including drums having a liquid volume of between 20 and 200 litres, or more. The bags are often made of plastic or paper, or the drum, which can often be made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or even fibrous paper materials, and can have a plastic inner liner (or plastic bag) in which the powdered material is held. The powdered material is typically transferred from the bag or the drum to a storage hopper where it is dispensed as needed in the production process.

Slightly larger small scale production facilities (which can handle larger volumes), can also receive product in larger drums, or even in “bulk bags” (for example, a large bag of a cubic meter in size). However, difficulties arise when the production facility receives or uses a variety of different materials, in various containers.

Commonly, large scale production facilities often use dedicated product delivery systems which are able to unload, discharge or empty the raw material from the received container, directly into a dedicated storage hopper. For either large or small scale shipments to such a larger facility, each material is handled in a separate individual system for that product since the larger facility will commonly have a dedicated transfer station for each product to be transferred from the larger shipment containers directly to the storage hopper. The amount of space needed for these separate individual systems is not typically an issue for these systems, since the larger facility will commonly have increased space available in which to transfer the powdered material from the container to the hopper.

Unfortunately, smaller facilities commonly do not have the space or capability to handle a wide variety of materials in the same manner. As such, more compact systems for product transfer would be desirable.

One problem in any powdered product transfer system, though, is the generation of dust during the transfer and handling of the powdered product. The elimination, containment and/or control of the dust generated, is frequently an issue which must be resolved. This is particularly true if the powdered product is a hazardous material, or an environmentally unfriendly material.

Again, larger facilities will commonly have dust control systems in place in order to minimize the amount of dust which escapes during the transfer of powdered product from the drum to the hopper. Smaller scale facilities may not have a suitable system in place which addresses this issue, particularly in view of the absence of dedicated transfer systems for each material.

Even if the smaller scale facilities have installed suitable dust control systems (to, for example, comply with any applicable health and safety standards), the costs of installation and use of these systems, can be relatively large. This may limit the overall flexibility of a smaller facility to handle various products, or restrict the amounts and types of materials that can be used and/or that are available during production.

As a result, many smaller scale facilities commonly have individual transfer stations that are used to transfer powdered product from the bags, drums or bulk bags to the storage hoppers, with minimal or no dust collection ability. Alternatively, the smaller scale facilities must invest in a system which will provide dust collection capabilities at a number of different transfer stations.

One option available for dust collection is the use of a separate “glove box” (e.g. a sealed cabinet having access to its interior by using sealed gloves) for each material. The material to be transferred is unloaded from its shipping container, each in a separate and dedicated glove box, into a separate storage bin. The product is transferred by gravity, and the storage bin can include a weighing device to measure the amount of product transferred.

However, this type of system can commonly stretch over several building floors and can have a total height of 5 meters, or more. Moreover, each raw material to be used in production will have its own individual glove box, storage hopper, isolation gates, dust control system, and the like. As such, the prior art systems require a significant amount of space, both in terms of floor space, but also in terms of height in which to place the necessary equipment for these systems.

To overcome these difficulties, it would be advantageous to provide a compact, integrated drum unloading system wherein dust generation was minimized, and wherein one transfer station can be used to provide different powders to different storage hoppers. It would also be desirable to provide such a system having mechanisms to prevent or ameliorate cross-contamination of the powdered materials, or inadvertent placement and/or storage of the powdered material in an incorrect storage hopper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a powdered product unloading and storage system and apparatus that can unload, store and discharge a number of different, and possibly hazardous powdered materials to a plurality of different storage hoppers. Further, the device prevents, minimizes or ameliorates the release of powdered material or dust to the atmosphere, or to the area outside of the apparatus. As such, the apparatus contains the hazardous air born dust or particles inside the device while unloading from a container and while distributing the material to the correct storage container.

The apparatus can include load cells to measure transfer weights, and from the storage hopper, the different ingredients can be discharged to a batch or continuous weighing system or addition to the facility production system. As such, the system and apparatus of the present invention, is particularly well suited for applications requiring the addition of multiple, and possibly hazardous, powder ingredients in small quantities.

An exemplary implementation of the unloading and storage apparatus of the present invention first comprises a product unloading device, which preferably comprises a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a product container into the product unloading device, wherein the product unloading device includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere.

The product unloading device can also comprise a system for unloading of plastic or paper bags of material, in a cabinet, or a mechanism to unload a bulk bag directly to the storage apparatus.

Next, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a rotary spout which receives, dispenses and/or directs the product entering into the product unloading device to a preselected storage hopper selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The rotary spout preferably has a upper opening at an upper end which upper opening is centred around an axis or rotation. One side wall of the rotary spout is preferably angled so as to allow product to slide by gravity along the inner wall of the spout. The lower opening of the rotary spout rotates around a center of rotation which is offset from the central axis of the lower opening. As such, by rotation of rotatable spout, the position of the lower opening will move around to transcribe a circle around the center of rotation of the upper opening of the rotary (or rotatable) spout. However, the position of the upper opening remains essentially in a constant position (other than rotating).

Other arrangements for the rotatable spout can be provided depending on the nature of the installation. For example, in more confined areas, an essentially horizontal rotatable spout could be provided by using a screw feeder to move the product along an essentially horizontal chute, or a vibrating or moveable belt or bed, might also be used.

Third, the apparatus of the present invention provides a plurality of storage hoppers, the loading openings of which are preferably all completely positioned within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated. The loading openings to the storage hoppers are preferably greater in size than the lower opening of the rotary spout. In one preferred embodiment, however, the tops of the storage hoppers are completely uncovered, so that the loading opening is the size of the top of the storage hopper.

Preferably, the storage hoppers are contiguous one to one another. In a most preferred embodiment, the storage hoppers are located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout. The storage hoppers can vary in size, but in one preferred embodiment, the storage hoppers are identical in size and shape, and are located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout.

In any case, while the size, shape and placement of the storage hoppers can vary, the loading openings of the storage hoppers are arranged in a circular pattern around the circle transcribed by the movement of the lower rotary spout opening.

The positioning of the lower opening of the rotary spout can be positioned manually, but preferably is positioned and controlled by a computer operated system to avoid accidental loading of a material into an incorrect storage hopper.

In the embodiment wherein the tops of the storage hoppers are completely open, the contiguous loading openings of adjacent storage hoppers are divided by a narrow ridge which passes between the storage hoppers. In this respect, the narrow ridge is a ridge of material which is sufficiently strong to resist movement, but which is sufficiently thin to prevent or ameliorate the collection of powdered material on the ridge. For example, joined plates of 1 cm steel plate (from the walls of adjacent storage hoppers, or the dividing wall between hoppers) would provide a suitable narrow ridge.

In any case, the openings of the storage hoppers, as well as the area wherein the lower opening of the rotary spout is position, are preferably contained within a housing which prevents the escape of dust or material from the housing. The housing is preferably vented through a dust collection system to prevent the release of dust from the system.

Further, the housing and the storage hoppers can be provided with humidity control systems such as by providing an air exchange system which dries the air. This allows hygroscopic materials to be stored in the hopper(s).

Further, the storage hoppers and/or housing can be fitted with explosive resistant covers that will minimize any damage if an explosive material is stored within the apparatus of the present invention.

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides an apparatus as herein described with respect to the drawings and following discussion, as provided hereinbelow.

In a still further aspect, the present invention also provides a powdered product unloading and distribution system, which utilizes the device of the present invention as hereinafter described.

Through the use of the apparatus and system of the present invention, the user can reduce the number of transfer stations, and thus, the overall unloading and storage system space requirement. The apparatus and system utilize one dumping station for emptying the product material (from drums, bags, bulk bags, or the like) into any one of a plurality of storage hoppers. Further, the apparatus and system of the present invention preferably incorporates a dust filter and/or containment system that keeps any dust generated within the apparatus.

As a result, the apparatus and system of the present invention uses a smaller “foot print” when compared to using multiple systems, uses less vertical space, and commonly has less capital cost, all while providing better dust containment and better spillage containment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus and system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a further cutaway view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a still further cutaway view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an apparatus according to the prior art;

FIG. 7 is a top view of a storage hopper collection according to the prior art;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a storage hopper collection according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cutaway view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

Further, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a first embodiment of a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus 10, is shown, which is being used to provide a facility to unload powdered material supplied in drum. In these figures, fibrous drum 12 holding a powdered product weighting, in this example, 25 kg, is positioned on top of powdered product unloading and storage apparatus 10. Drum 12 can be any suitable size, but typically is between 20 and 200 liters in liquid capacity, and can be made of any suitable material, as previously described. Typically, however, drum 12 is a fibrous drum, and the powdered material contained within drum 12, is held in the drum in a plastic bag (not shown).

For this embodiment, drum 12 rests against a drum support arm and bracket 16, and is held in place using an elasticized cord 18. A top lid 14, and lower lid (not shown) to drum 12, are maintained in a closed position using clamps 17, and drum 12 essentially fills the opening 20 at or near the top of an otherwise sealed glove box 22. A small gap 15, is left between drum 12, and glove box 22 in order to provide air leakage around drum 12, so that air can be first drawn into glove box 22, and then withdrawn from the glove box 22 under negative air pressure, by the dust collection system, as discussed hereinbelow.

Glove box 22 has two additional openings 24 in which the arms 30 of user 32, can be inserted. While the openings 24, can be open to the air, they can also be fitted with two gloves sealed to the cabinet, in order to provide a more effective seal, and minimize contact of the product with the user, or for release of the powdered product.

A viewing port can also be provided if needed or desired.

The air quantity and the size of the integrated cabinet filters (see below) will depend on whether sealed gloves are used and/or the size of gap 15, around the drum The skilled artisan will be aware that this can be varied depending on, for example, the hazard level of the material being handled.

Other types of cabinets can be used in place of glove box 22 depending on the nature of the products, and the like. For example, a totally closed cabinet, with mechanical or electrically controller operating arms, might be used in some applications. Other modifications to the cabinet will be apparent to the skilled artisan depending on the products being handled. For example, opening 20 might also be adjustable by using inflatable seals or the like, to allow for different sized drums to be unloaded. Further, as discussed hereinbelow, other product unloading systems can be utilized, such as unloading systems for bags, bulk bags, or the like.

At opening 20, a vacuum gate 26 is positioned and is attached to glove box 22 using a hinge 23. Vacuum gate 26 can be moved to a position adjacent to lower drum lid 17, or moved to its open position, as shown in FIG. 3. Integral with vacuum gate 26 are a plurality of suction cups 28, and a vacuum source (not shown) is connectable to vacuum gate 26.

It is to be noted that other container unloading arrangements, such as for bags or bulk bags, can be provided in place of the drum handling section of this embodiment, as described hereinbelow.

At the bottom of glove box 22, is a rotatable spout 40 having an angled wall surface 41, and a straight wall surface 42. Rotatable spout 40 has an upper opening 43 located at the base of glove box 22, and a lower opening 44 located within a lower cabinet assembly 46. Spout 40 is rotated using motor 48, around a center of rotation which is offset from the central axis of the lower opening. As such, by rotation of rotatable spout 40, the position of lower opening 44 will move around to transcribe a circle around the center of rotation of rotatable spout 40. However, the position of upper opening 43 remains essentially in a constant position (other than rotating).

Other arrangements for the rotatable spout 40 can be provided depending on the nature of the installation. For example, in more confined areas, an essentially horizontal rotatable spout could be provided by using a screw feeder to move the product along an essentially horizontal chute, or a vibrating or moveable belt or bed, might also be used. Other options will be apparent to the skilled artisan.

Six storage hoppers 50, are shown, in this embodiment, and each has an opening 52. Openings 52 are located beneath the circular path transcribed by lower opening 44 as it rotates. As such, lower opening 44 can be positioned above any one of the openings 52 in hoppers 50.

The skilled artisan will understand that the number and size of hoppers 50 can vary for different embodiments. Most preferably, though, the number of hoppers will be between 2 and 10. Most preferably, however, the number of hoppers is between 4 and 8, with 6 hoppers being a most preferred value. The size of each hopper can be the same, but can also vary one to the next, depending on the relative volume of material being used.

Also, it should be noted that openings 52 are shown in a solid plate 53, and are preferably slightly larger than lower opening 44 so that the position of lower opening 44 does not need to be exactly positioned, while still ensuring that all of the product exiting lower opening 52, enters the appropriate hopper 50. As such, the size of openings 52 are preferably at least 10% larger in diameter than the diameter of lower opening 44.

More preferably though, openings 52 are at least 20%, and still more preferably, at least 30% larger in diameter than the diameter of lower opening 44.

Hoppers 50 are all open within lower cabinet assembly 46. Lower cabinet assembly 46 includes two filter cartridges 54 which filter the air moving between lower cabinet assembly 46, and the area 56 formed around the base of glove box 22. The number of filter cartridges, and the type of cartridge can vary depending on the nature of the product being used, the frequency of use, and the like.

Area 56 can be kept under vacuum when apparatus 10 is in use, so that any material or dust within lower cabinet assembly 46 is drawn into filter cartridges 54 and so that any dust escaping around rotatable spout 40, is also collected. Vacuum to area 56 is provided through dust control pick up 58, which is attached to a remote vacuum source. A “flush” air source can be provided through piping 59.

Each of hoppers 50 preferably contain a unique raw material for use in the production process. Not shown at the bottom of each hopper is a discharge chute which can be opened or closed to allow material to exit the hopper. These chutes can discharge into a container 60, shown in FIG. 8, which containers 60 can be connected to load cells 62, or the like, which can measure the amount of material added to container 60. In a batch operation, for example, a single container 60 with a load cell 62, can also be used to collect and measure the quantity of material taken from each hopper 50.

In operation, a drum 12 is positioned on the top of glove box 22. Drum 12 rests against drum support arm and bracket 16, and an elasticized cord 18 is placed around drum 12 to hold it in place. Vacuum lines are connected to vacuum gate 26, and to dust control pick up 58 in order to activate vacuum gate 26, and initiate collection of any dust generated in apparatus 10. It is preferred, and recommended, that vacuum gate 26 be prevented from opening until the dust control system is operational. This can, however, be controlled by many possible automatic control systems.

The operator selects the appropriate hopper for the product, and moves the rotatable spout 40 so that its lower opening 44 is positioned over the opening of the appropriate hopper 50. Movement of the rotatable spout 40 can be controlled manually by the operator, but preferably is computer controlled by merely having the operator select the desired hopper from a display and/or control screen (not shown). More preferably, the position of rotatable spout is controlled and/or verified by a computer controller (not shown) that verifies the contents of drum 12 using a bar code reader, RFID codes or any other drum identification system, or the like, so that the appropriate hopper 50 is automatically selected based on the type of material held within drum 12.

Vacuum gate 26 is positioned adjacent to the lid of drum 12, so that suction cups 28 engage the lid. Clamp 17 is released so that vacuum gate 26 can be rotated out of the way, and take and hold the drum lid in an open position. Using openings 24, the operator can reach in to glove box 22 in order to open the plastic bag within drum 12, and allow the product to flow into glove box 22.

An optional valve can be provided at the bottom of glove box 22 to close rotatable spout 40, and thus hold the product within glove box 22. However, this is typically not needed. Also, in an optional feature, vacuum gate 26 is preferably “locked” by, for example, a mechanical lock, which is controlled by a computer controller so that it will not open until the lower opening 44 of rotatable spout 40, is in the correct position.

From glove box 22, the product flows through rotatable spout 40, and into the appropriate hopper 50.

Once the contents of drum 12 have been emptied, the operator replaces the plastic bag and any other contents, back within drum 12, if needed. The drum lid is moved back into position on drum 12, by rotating vacuum gate 26. The drum lid is sealed to drum 12 using clamp 17, and the vacuum released from suction cups 28 so that the drum lid is released from vacuum gate 26. The drum can then be removed from apparatus 10, and replaced by another drum 12 to be emptied.

It should be noted that the drum lid is held in a position wherein only its “inner” surface is exposed to the product. As a result, the other surface, which might be contaminated by other materials, does not touch the product. Also, contamination of the inside of drum 12 is minimized, since the user never needs to touch the inside of drum 12.

In FIG. 6, a typical installation of a prior art apparatus 110 according to the prior art is shown having similar components including a drum 112, a glove box cabinet 122, and a hopper 150. The contents of hopper 150 can be released to a container 160, which is connected to a load cell 162. However, it should be noted that this installation 110 is only used for a single raw material, and thus, for six materials, for example, six different installations 110 would be required. A common arrangement of hoppers 150 for six materials, is shown in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 8, the total installation of an apparatus 10 of the present invention is shown, which provides a more compact and integrated method for unloading a plurality of different materials through one unloading cabinet, into a plurality of storage hoppers 50. Similar to the prior art, the contents of hopper 50 can be released to a container 60, which is connected to load cell 62. While the same number of containers are provided, the “foot print” required for storage hoppers 50 is shown in FIG. 9, which is clearly less than the area required by the prior art in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 10A of the present invention is shown wherein hoppers 50 are substantially uncovered (by removing plate 53), so that previous openings 52 are effectively the size of the tops of hoppers 50.

In this embodiment, hoppers 50 are separated only by a ridge of material 55 provided by joining the side walls of adjacent hoppers 50 together to form the ridge 55. As a result, hoppers 50 are now open within lower cabinet area 46, and rotary spout 40 moves around the lower cabinet area 46 so as to deposit material into hoppers 50.

With this design, all of the material exiting the lower opening of rotary spout 40 is deposited into a hopper, and the minimal amount of material collecting on ridges 55 is not of concern. While some dust from one hopper might “contaminate” an adjacent hopper, the amount is typically not significant, and thus, this design can be utilized.

In FIG. 11, a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a modified apparatus 10B is shown. In this embodiment, the drum-based product unloading system has been replaced by a bag unloading system. As a result, a cabinet 64 is provided into which a bag of material can be inserted. The contents of the bag (not shown) are dumped through grid 66, which grid prevents the bag from falling into rotary spout 40. Once the product has been dumped into rotary spout 40, the apparatus 10B operates in a manner similar to the previously described devices.

However, at the bottom of each storage hopper 50 is a load cell 62. Moreover, to measure the amount of product within hoppers 50, the entire lower cabinet 46 is supported from supports 72, through additional load cells 74, and via hopper supports 75. Supports 72 are connected to the apparatus support structure, and not to the apparatus, per se, other than through the load cells 74. Similarly, the upper cabinet area is supported from apparatus support structure trusses 68. As such, the upper and lower cabinets are connected together only by a flexible material 70. This flexible material can be any suitable material depending on the products stored in the hoppers, and the like, and can be a material such as a cloth, neoprene, a rubberized membrane, or the like, which allows the upper and lower cabinets to move independently.

As such, the product from a bag can be dumped into a hopper 50, through cabinet 64, and the amount of material collected within the hopper 50 can be measured using load cells 74. In this manner, the amount of material added from the bag can be verified.

Product released from hoppers 50 can also be measured using the load cells 60 on each hopper 50. Thus, the user is able to verify the amount of material added to the storage hoppers, as well as the amount of material removed from the storage hoppers.

In FIG. 12, a view of the lower cabinet of FIG. 11 is shown wherein additional details of construction can be seen. In particular, the flexible membrane 70, and the ridges 55 between storage hoppers 50 can be seen.

In FIG. 13, the connection using flexible material 70 is shown in further detail wherein the flexible material 70 is clamped between concentric rings of rigid material 76 around the outside of both of the upper and lower cabinets so as to connect the two together, but allow some movement between the upper and lower cabinets. An optional thin metal protective cover, such as a thin steel sheet, can also be added to protect the flexible material from damage.

In FIG. 14, a further embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the product to be added to apparatus 10C is provided in a bulk bag 80. Bag 80 is supported by its own support frame 82. Bag 80 is emptied through chute 84 through a control valve 86. In the cutaway view shown in FIG. 15, the product passes to a rotary spout 88 having a shallow angle, and which incorporates a vibratory screen (or alternatively, a belt conveyor) to cause the material to be directed to the selected hopper 50.

The outside of hoppers 50 is optionally encased with a protective material 90, which allows the materials stored within hoppers 50 to be explosive materials.

Also, a desiccant is stored within air filter 92 which allows hygroscopic materials to be stored within hoppers 50. Air enters the apparatus through filter 92, and exits through exhaust pipe 94, and in doing so, the moisture present in the air is reduced.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a powdered product unloading and storage apparatus and system which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively.

Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

Claims

1. A powdered product unloading and storage apparatus comprising a cabinet assembly for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a drum into the interior of said cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere; a rotary spout which can dispense and direct the product entering into the cabinet to a preselected storage hopper selected from a plurality of storage hoppers; and a plurality of storage hoppers which are all held within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a product unloading device for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a product container into the product unloading device;

a rotary spout which receives, dispenses and/or directs the product entering into the product unloading device to a preselected storage hopper selected from a plurality of storage hoppers, wherein said rotary spout has a upper opening at an upper end which upper opening is centred around an axis or rotation, and a lower opening which rotates around a center of rotation which is offset from the central axis of the lower opening so that by rotation of the rotatable spout, the position of the lower opening will move around to transcribe a circle around the center of rotation of the upper opening of the rotatable spout while the position of the upper opening remains essentially in a constant position; and.

a plurality of storage hoppers each having a loading opening, wherein the loading openings for each storage hopper are all positioned within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated, and wherein the loading openings of the storage hoppers are arranged in a circular pattern around the circle transcribed by the movement of the lower rotary spout opening.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said product unloading device comprises a single, sealed cabinet.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said product unloading system comprises a cabinet for unloading of plastic or paper bags of material, or a mechanism for unloading a bulk bag directly to the storage apparatus.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said product unloading device includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one side wall of said rotary spout is angled so as to allow product to slide by gravity along the inner wall of the spout.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rotary spout comprises a screw feeder to move the product along an essentially horizontal chute, or a vibrating or moveable belt or bed.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said loading openings to the storage hoppers are greater in size than the lower opening of the rotary spout.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the tops of each of the storage hoppers are completely uncovered, so that the loading opening is the size of the top of the storage hopper.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said storage hoppers are contiguous one to one another, and located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein said storage hoppers are identical in size and shape, and are located in a circular pattern around the rotary spout.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the position of said lower opening of said rotary spout is controlled by a computer operated system.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the contiguous loading openings of adjacent storage hoppers are divided by a narrow ridge of material which passes between the storage hoppers.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein said narrow ridge of material is provided by joined plates from the walls of adjacent storage hoppers, or a common wall between storage hoppers.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the loading openings of the storage hoppers, as well as the area wherein the lower opening of the rotary spout is positioned, are contained within a housing, and wherein the housing is vented through a dust collection system to prevent the release of dust from the apparatus.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising one of more load cells to measure the weight of material transferred to or from said storage hoppers.

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein said storage hoppers are supported using load cells, and said product unloading section is connected to said storage hoppers with a flexible material so that the weight of said storage hoppers can be measured independently of said product unloading section.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 comprising between 4 and 8 storage hoppers.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said apparatus additionally comprises a humidity control system, or an explosive resistant cover.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said product unloading device comprises a glove box.