Abstract: An assembly for easily filling an elevated wildlife feeder. The filler assembly has a hopper and a blower connected to a junction, the hopper, blower, and junction being supported by a base. The junction connects to a fixed feed pipe. A translating feed pipe connects to and slides along the fixed feed pipe. An air diffuser connects to the translating feed pipe, the diffuser being positioned above the feeder. The translating feed pipe is supported by a folding telescoping leg and by a hook that hooks upon the feeder. The feeder has a lifting rotating lid assembly. The lid assembly is useful upon feeders of various sizes. The lid is supported by a framework and is secured by a chain and hooked spring. Alternatively to the base, the filler assembly may be supported by a framework rotatably mounted to a trailer. The filler assembly rotates on the trailer.

Abstract: A stone dumping vessel having symmetrical stone compartments includes a hull, a stone conveying unit, and an oblique fallpipe unit. The hull has a control cabin. A cannula compensating device of the oblique fallpipe unit is disposed on a side of the hull and connected with a fallpipe. Two sides of the control cabin are symmetrically provided with the stone compartments and dynamic positioning (DP) system cabins, respectively. The stone compartments are operated independently for automatically unloading stones to the stone conveying unit disposed at a lower center thereof. The stones are conveyed by independent conveyor systems disposed at the left and right of the control cabin to the fallpipe. The dynamic positioning (DP) system cabins and the cannula compensating device are adapted to position the hull and the fallpipe respectively so that the stone dumping vessel having symmetrical stone compartments can achieve high accuracy of stone dumping.

Abstract: A material distribution system for efficiently distributing a material such as molasses products into one or more containers. The material distribution system generally includes an auger for conveying a material and a hopper connected to the auger. The hopper is adapted to receive the material from the auger. A distributor is rotatably connected below the lower opening of the hopper such that the material may flow through the lower opening into the distributor. A cutter is slideably connected between the hopper and the distributor, wherein the cutter is adjustable between a first position covering the lower opening of the hopper and a second position not covering the lower opening of the hopper. The cutter is adapted to cut through the material such that a portion of the material exits the distributor via an outlet.

Abstract: A system for orienting strands (e.g., wood strands) includes multiple rotatable shafts that extend perpendicular to a travel direction of a mat of aligned strands. Each shaft can include axially spaced agitation members that extend radially away from the shaft, such as in a direction parallel to the travel direction. A vane set can be positioned vertically below the shafts. The vane set can include multiple partitions that define inter-partition spacings parallel to the travel direction. In an example, an inter-partition spacing of the vane set can be greater along a bottom portion of adjacent partitions than along a top portion of the same adjacent partitions. In an example, an upper edge thickness of a partition can be greater than a lower edge thickness of the same partition.

Abstract: A precision measurement dispenser provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a storage container that is preferably airtight. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section that is preferably positioned within the storage container. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient by gravity to a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control, temperature control, and/or humidity control on the storage container. The dispensing section uses screw, roll, vibration, or shuttle mechanisms for precise dispensing of material.

Abstract: A feeding mechanism and method for feeding objects singulated from a bulk mass of objects includes receiving the bulk mass into a hopper system having a hopper screw set including first and second hopper screws and a plurality of feeding pockets defined by the thread forms of the hopper screws. Rotation of the hopper screws tumbles the bulk mass to cascade and singulate individual objects into respective feed pockets. An object set including at least one singulated object is discharged from the hopper screw set by rotation of the hopper screws. A discharge assembly including a ramp and star wheel receives the discharged object set, and transfers the object set to a discharge outlet. The object set output from the discharge outlet is received by a target defined by a receiving article. In one example, the object is rounded, the target is an opening of a container.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus useful for mechanically delaying formation of or breaking a pocket and a method of delaying formation of or breaking a gas pocket employing the apparatus.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: A radial distribution system includes a base member for receiving product for distribution to a plurality of conveyors, a plurality of gate members radially-spaced around the base member and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a vibration member configured to vibrate the base member. The vibration causes product received on the base member to move on the base member in a substantially circular manner.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus transfers articles downward into packaging. The article transfer apparatus includes a cylindrical chute that extends in a vertical direction. Slits are formed in a side wall surface of the chute. A clogging prevention member is rotatably supported adjacent to the chute. The clogging prevention member is configured and arranged to periodically enter the chute through the slit from an exterior of the chute while the clogging prevention member is rotating.

Abstract: A continuous constant-rate feeding system includes at least one storage unit, a scratching unit and a water-cooled screw feeding unit. The storage unit includes a tank and an agitator. The tank stores material and includes upper and lower chambers. The agitator is rotationally located in the upper chamber for agitating the material. The scratching unit includes upper and lower scratchers and a material divider. The upper scratcher is located in the upper chamber and can spin to convey the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lower scratcher is located in the lower chamber and can spin to convey the material from the lower chamber into the water-cooled screw feeding unit. The material divider locates between the upper and lower chambers and spin automatically or manually to fall the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber through a specific aperture alternately.

Abstract: A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the discs rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated.

Abstract: A bulk material leveling and volumetric measuring and feeding apparatus includes a conveyor for transporting bulk material from a hopper to a leveling assembly. The leveling assembly includes a pair of augers located perpendicular to the conveyor and with the auger terminal ends at a desired height from the conveyor. Side walls are provided parallel to the conveyor direction of travel and extend up to the auger terminal ends. Each auger is positioned within a semicircular longitudinal channel of a trough. Bulk material being transported and which is located above the augers terminal ends is lifted by the augers and thrown back towards the hopper. Thus, bulk material being transported under and beyond the leveling assembly is maintained at a desired depth. By monitoring and/or controlling the conveyor speed and the depth of the transported bulk material, the volumetric feed rate and total volume of transported material can be determined and/or controlled.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus transfers articles downward into packaging. The article transfer apparatus includes a cylindrical chute that extends in a vertical direction. Slits are formed in a side wall surface of the chute. A clogging prevention member is rotatably supported adjacent to the chute. The clogging prevention member is configured and arranged to periodically enter the chute through the slit from an exterior of the chute while the clogging prevention member is rotating.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding dispensing and conveying substances such as dry foods such as, for example, flour, breakfast cereal or granola. The device may include a stand holding a possibly hermetically sealed container which may include a conveyor, having a flexible paddle belt mounted on at least two axles and possibly at least one connector. The conveyor is connected to a handle which when rotated may cause the conveyor to rotate and dispense the dry substances such as food from the container into, for example, an outside bowl.

Abstract: Distribution unit (21, 23) for distributing material into a number of delimited openings (23) arranged next to each other in such a manner that a transition (27) is provided between the individual openings; and wherein, in connection with the individual transition, a pushing unit (25) is arranged, wherein said pushing unit is arranged such that it is able to actively push material in a direction away from the transition. The distribution unit may partake in a weighing apparatus. Material settling in the transition is pushed down into one of the openings by the pushing unit.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a dispersion unit, a plurality of weighing hoppers, and a combination unit. The dispersion unit circumferentially disperses articles that drop from above. The weighing hoppers are arranged generally circumferentially below the dispersion unit. The combination unit combines weight results obtained from each of the weighing hoppers. In addition, a state of a drop position of the articles in the dispersion unit changes during operation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably process dry powders using a non-linear vibratory signal individualized or customized to a target dry powder undergoing processing to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory floor consisting of independent vibratory modules that can be pre-fabricated and are strictly controlled before being put into place in structures for storage or transport of bulk products. Each vibratory module consists of a frame (14) in which a support material (12) is arranged, on which a metal sheet (9) is mounted, said metal sheet being attached to a vibratory element (10) and a stiffener (19) and held in place only by a peripheral sealing membrane (11), optionally supported by compression springs (13). The filling material can comprise ribs (30) for deforming the metal sheet in the form of transversal waves (31) under the effect of the weight of the stored product. The vibratory modules constructed in this way are dust-tight, do no transmit vibrations to the surrounding structure, and effectively drain any lumpy or powdery product from silos, ships, railroad cars, or other containers.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a surface having an input end and an output end, and a vibratory generator coupled to the surface to cause material to move along the surface. The apparatus also includes a barrier coupled to the surface and having a plurality of openings disposed therethrough to provide for controlled passage of materials from an upstream side of the barrier to a downstream side, and a solid gate disposed to one side of the barrier, the gate moveable relative to the barrier between a first position wherein a first portion of the plurality of openings are occluded and a second position wherein a second portion of the plurality of openings are occluded, the first portion being different than the second portion. A method of operating such an apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Linear vibratory conveyor including a utility weight and a counterweight that are each vibratingly connected to a bottom plate via at least one spring element, wherein at least one piezo-electric actuator is arranged on at least one spring element for producing the opposing vibrations.

Abstract: A product transport apparatus is provided that includes a transport section for transporting a product by oscillating; a driving section for applying oscillations to the transport section; a product supply section for storing products therein, the product supply section having an aperture for supplying the stored products to the transport section; and a supply stop section that can stop the supply of the products from the aperture by being brought close to the aperture, wherein, when the products are supplied from the product supply section to the transport section, the supply stop section moves away from the aperture and the supply stop section causes at least some of the products on the supply stop section to move toward the transport section by oscillating.

Abstract: The present invention is a vibratory distribution system which utilizes a metering gate assembly useful for selectively passing and diverting articles from a stream of articles to either or both a downstream conveyor or a cross conveyor. The metering gate assembly is capable of providing a proportional distribution in response to a user specified control point. The metering gate assembly includes an actuator that is borne by the conveyor bed, and a control valve that is operable to hold a slide gate in a desired position despite the violent vibratory motion imparted by the conveyor bed.

Abstract: A fruit guide assembly may include a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruit feeder, a vibrator connected to the frame, and a fruit guide body having a series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes. Each pair of adjacent ridges may extend outwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder. This defines integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting the fruit. In other embodiments, the fruit guide body may be used without a vibrator, for example. The fruit guide body may include an upper wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body. For example, the fruit guide body may include rotationally molded polyethylene.

Abstract: A container feeding system is shown having an unscrambler having an unscrambler bowl providing a track or channel that is adjustable such that it can accommodate bottles of varying sizes. The system comprises an adjustable chute that is also adjustable and having a chute channel or track that is also adjustable to accommodate containers of varying sizes when the containers are conveyed from the unscrambling bowl, through the adjustable chute, and to a subsequent processing station.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a means for untangling springs (60) contained in a supply bin (12), characterized in that it comprises untangling means (14) with a rail (30) for receiving springs, provided with an open groove (36), means (32) for dynamically calibrating the springs, means for supplying said rail with springs and evacuation means (18).

Abstract: A control system for regulating a dispenser that includes a feeder bowl and a plurality of dispensing paths is disclosed. The control system includes a control unit for controlling a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths, a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl, and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths, such that the feeder bowl receives a plurality of items and supply the items uniformly to each of the dispensing paths, and the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing machine for weighing portions of material, which weighing machine comprises a frame structure on which a central distributor, a plurality of linear conveyors and a plurality of scales are mounted, and wherein the linear conveyors are arranged around the central distributor and each is configured as a conveyor duct suspended in relation to a counterweight by means of spring elements extending between the conveyor duct and the counterweight in such a manner that the transport duct is, by means of a vibrator intended therefore, caused to vibrate in a vibration pattern causing it to transport, during the vibration, maerial from the centra distributor and radially outwards to the scales. The invention is characterised in that the counterweight for each of the transport ducts in the linear conveyors are constituted of the frame structure of the machine, the spring elements for each transport duct being mounted directly on the frame structure.

Abstract: A control system for regulating a dispenser that includes a feeder bowl and a plurality of dispensing paths is disclosed. The control system includes a control unit for controlling a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths, a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl, and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths, such that the feeder bowl receives a plurality of items and supply the items uniformly to each of the dispensing paths, and the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: Methods for flowably dispensing dry powders from a hopper having a dispensing port and a dry powder flow path can include: (a) generating a first non-linear vibration input signal, the first non-linear input signal comprising a plurality of different selected frequencies that correspond to a first dry powder formulation; (b) applying the first non-linear vibration input signal to a dispensing hopper having at least one dispensing port while the first dry powder formulation is flowing therethrough; and (c) dispensing a first meted quantity of the first dry powder through the dispensing port to a receiving member. Related devices and computer program products for dispensing dry powders are also described.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: A hopper for cigarettes, having at least one outlet and a number of agitating members over the outlet; at least some of the agitating members are integral with a bar, which is movable cyclically along an annular path to move all the relative agitating members simultaneously, and parallel to themselves, along respective identical annular trajectories.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering substantially spherical products into a substantially rectangular container having an open top. The apparatus is provided with a delivery element arranged to be movable up and down relative to the container. The container is movable in a horizontal direction relative to the delivery element. The delivery element includes at least one endless conveyor which is provided with supporting elements which define a number of supporting surfaces extending in horizontal direction. An intermediate conveyor is arranged upstream of the delivery element. The intermediate conveyor is aligned with the delivery element and is arranged for row-by-row transfer of the products to the delivery element. A vibrating feeder is arranged upstream of the intermediate conveyor. The vibrating feeder has a discharge side aligned with an infeed side of the intermediate conveyor.

Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for feeding bulk metal objects from a hopper supported by a frame. The hopper includes side panels that taper downwardly to form an interior chamber therebetween with upper and lower openings. Doors are hingedly attached to the side panels adjacent the lower opening and are opened and closed by piston and cylinder combinations pivotally attached to the frame and pivotally attached to members extending downwardly from the doors. Arms extend from the doors into the interior chamber to facilitate the movement of the metal objects in the hopper toward the lower opening to feed through the doors. Vibrations created by various movements of the doors also help move the metal objects toward the lower opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting particles of a material such as concrete. The apparatus includes a frame and a drive assembly attached to the frame to induce gyroscopic vibratory motion of the frame in a selected rotational direction. Adjacent first and second inclined screens are affixed to the frame. The screens slope downwardly away from an intermediate ridge at different, respective first and second angles. Material dropped onto the intermediate ridge separates into a first stream which passes along the first inclined screen and a second stream which passes along the second inclined screen. The first and second angles are selected in relation to the vibratory motion of the frame so that the first and second streams each move at substantially the same velocity. A diverter member at the intermediate ridge aids in the transition of material flow along the respective screens.

Abstract: An elevated inverted cone product storage hopper having an enclosed volume with a central opening at the bottom. A dust-free transfer system removes and delivers stored product from the storage hopper through a hopper unloader. The unloader has a converging frustoconical transition body which continues from the inverted cone toward a bottom discharge port. An elongated delivery auger system coupled to the unloader comprises an elongated horizontal barrel having a delivery screw for rotation about its axis for moving product to a product delivery opening. A flexible enclosed delivery tube is coupled to the delivery opening, with the delivery tube having a compliant exterior shell for accommodating free axial length adjustment thereof. The hopper and the delivery auger are rotatable for positioning the auger barrel and enclosed delivery tube radially relative to the storage hopper.

Abstract: A silo bin is adapted for receiving lightweight articles such as empty bottles. The floor of each chamber has a selectively operable shutter or aperture allowing the lightweight articles to be released into the next lowest bin such that the articles are not crushed by their own weight. The height of each chamber is predetermined so that the lightweight articles will not be damaged when piled in a heap in each chamber. A conveyor may be provided beneath the silo bin for carrying away discharged containers.

Abstract: A flow control device 7A for use with apparatus 1 for discharging granular material from storage, which has an inlet adapted to receive granular material from the storage, a containment chute 7 for receiving material from the inlet and for discharging the material through a discharge opening to a conveyor system 13, includes a pivotally mounted segment gate 11 adapted to move in an arcuate manner across the discharge opening 8 of the containment chute 7 to vary the cross-sectional area of the discharge opening 8 and an actuator 12 for moving or positioning the segment gate.

Abstract: A parts supply apparatus for moving individual electric parts from a bulk supply of electric parts to an outlet where a part mounting apparatus picks each part up. A parts guide path is located below the bulk supply so that the parts are moved therethrough by force of their own weight. The center of gravity of the parts supply apparatus is preferably located relatively far away from the outlet, so that vibration of the bulk supply of parts to move them into the parts guide path does not cause significant vibration of the outlet and interference with a secure mounting of the parts onto a part mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A railroad vibratory system having a hopper, a shaker, a conveyor assembly and a handling device that fastens railroad material to secure a railroad track onto a railroad track system. The hopper releases the railroad material, through an aperture. The shaker oscillates the hopper so the railroad material releases, controlled and orderly, through the aperture. The conveyor assembly receives the railroad material through the aperture and transports the railroad material to the handling device.

Abstract: Disclosed is the drive apparatus for the powder feeder, which has; the duty ratio control circuit 12 which applies the alternating voltage with the resonance frequency to the vibrator 10 during a time corresponding to the duty ratio; the current monitor 15 which detects the residual frequency of the electro motive force produced due to the residual oscillation of the vibrator 10 when the alternating voltage with the resonance frequency is not applied from the duty ratio control circuit 12 and feeds back the detected residual frequency to the PLL control circuit 11 through the zero-cross comparator 17.

Abstract: A vibratory screw feed apparatus is provided for delivering controlled rates of particulate materials. The apparatus includes a double walled plastic trough having an open-topped upper recess. A hopper is removably mounted to the top of the trough for feeding particulate materials into the opened top upper recess. The trough further includes a bottom recess. A vibrator is mounted within the bottom recess. A screw feed assembly extends through the trough for feeding particulate material from the trough.

Abstract: Manufactured products, for example those produced by a die press, may be cleaned, separated, randomized and stacked with the apparatus of the present invention. A first conveyor system removes contaminants from the products. A second conveyor system separates and randomizes the products, for example, by allowing the products to cascade down an inclined conveyor belt. The conveyor is segmented to capture a portion of the products as they are pulled downward by gravitational forces. The products are aligned on a shaker table with any of several operator stations. In one embodiment the products pass through a funneling array, a slot and into a stacking tube from which operators may remove stacks of the product in preparation for shipping.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device for the continuous delivery of shredded materials exhibiting low flowability, particularly shredded cellulose materials, characterized in: (A) a receptacle for the shredded material to be delivered, said receptacle having an inlet and an outlet and whereto shredded material is delivered by means of an inlet screw, (B) a discharge arm provided in the receptacle and being arranged rotatably, which discharge arm transports the material present in the receptacle towards the outlet by means of rotation, (C) an outlet pit joined to the outlet receiving the material delivered to the outlet by the discharge arm, (D) an outlet screw protruding into the outlet pit and discharging the material delivered to the outlet pit (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A belt conveyor comprises an elongate tube with an upper run of the belt passing through the tube from a hopper at a lower exposed feed portion of the belt. The feeding of the material from the hopper onto the belt and into the tube is enhanced by the addition of a tapered auger flight on a shaft extending longitudinally of the belt from the bearing at the rear wall of the hopper to a hanger bearing within the tube, The auger flight assists in transporting the material through the open mouth of the tube and spreading the material over the surface of the belt.

Abstract: Particulate material falling from an end of a belt positioned within a rotatable hollowed drum is distributed over an axial width of the interior wall of the drum by a guiding device.

Abstract: A dual-piston pump or similar material handling device includes a hopper assembly for storing material that is to be delivered to the device, and a transfer assembly between the hopper assembly and the frame of the device. The hopper assembly is supported for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis between a use position and a cleaning position, and the transfer assembly is supported for axial movement along a vertical axis and for pivotal movement about the axis so that it too may be moved to a cleaning position exposing the material handling device for cleaning.

Abstract: A side feed type of roller mill having a housing, a rotating table provided in the housing, and a feed inlet chute extending obliquely downwardly through an upper side wall of the housing and having a lower end exposed over the rotating table. The feed inlet chute includes a cylindrical chute body and a liner mounted inside the chute body. The liner is formed of a flexible elastic material, so that the inner surface of the liner is irregularly deformed as accompanying peristalsis and vibration by both the own weight and the gliding/falling forces of a feed material passing through the chute and the elastic restoring force of the liner itself. Accordingly, a deposit layer of the feed material formed on the inner surface of the liner can soon be autonomously removed by the deformation of the liner without interruption of the operation of the roller mill. Thus, stable and efficient pulverization can be continuously performed.