Abstract: A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an MRS extruder while maintaining the pressure within the MRS portion of the MRS extruder below about 1.5 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.

Abstract: A grain cart has a wheel supported container with an inclined auger unloading conveyor having an inclined lower section positioned to receive grain from the container and an upper section supported for folding movement between a stored position adjacent the container and an inclined discharge position projecting upwardly, forwardly and laterally outwardly from the left side wall of the container. The upper section of the auger conveyor has a tubular housing with an askewed discharge spout supporting a pivotable flow control spout for tilting movement on a horizontal axis extending parallel to the left side wall of the container for discharge of grain laterally across an open top rectangular semi-trailer within a vertical plane perpendicular to the left side wall of the cart. The flow control spout is tilted by a remotely controlled actuator for filling and topping off the semi-trailer including all four corner portions of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material conveyor system (1) for a road paver and feeder. The material conveyor system (1) comprises a material hopper (2), which comprises a first and a second hopper half (3, 4), a main conveyor device (5), which defines a main conveyor flow and which runs between the first and the second hopper halves (3, 4), and conveying screws (6, 7), which define a transverse conveyor flow and which are arranged in the hopper halves (3, 4). The material conveyor system (1) is characterized in that the conveying screws (6, 7) can be operated independently of the main conveyor device. The independent operation of the conveying screws (6, 7) and the main conveyor device (5) makes it possible to achieve improved homogenization of the mixing temperature of the paving material.

Abstract: Conveyor apparatus and methods of conveying a foodstuff. A foodstuff conveyor apparatus may include a foodstuff inlet, a foodstuff outlet, and a conveyor chamber coupling the inlet to the outlet. A conveyor screw having an axis oriented longitudinally in the conveyor chamber may be configured to urge the foodstuff from the inlet towards the outlet. The conveyor screw may have a spindle at each end, with a spindle free portion between the spindles. The screw may be positioned in the conveyor chamber so that one spindle is near the outlet, and the other spindle is near the inlet. The spindles may be configured so that the pitch of the screw near the outlet is less than the pitch of the screw near the inlet to provide a mixing and compacting effect as the foodstuff is conveyed from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying granular material, comprising a storing unit for storing granular material, a feeding unit for feeding granular material stored in the storing unit to a supply destination, a driving unit coupled to the feeding unit for driving the feeding unit, and a supporting unit forming a space for receiving the feeding unit, supporting the storing unit, the feeding unit and the driving unit, and being fixed to an object to be installed. The driving unit is supported by the supporting unit so as to be freely displaced between a coupling position where the driving unit is coupled to the feeding unit and a retracting position where coupling of the driving unit with the feeding unit is released and the feeding unit is removable from the supporting unit.

Abstract: The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.

Abstract: A powder conveying device includes a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, a conveying member, a powder pulverizing member, and a protective member. The first conveying unit has a lower end. The second conveying unit has one end connected to the lower end. The conveying member is disposed in the second conveying unit and includes a shaft member and a protruding portion formed around the shaft member, and conveys the powder. The powder pulverizing member is disposed in the first conveying unit so as to be able to oscillate. The protective member is attached to the powder pulverizing member and makes contact with the protruding portion of the conveying member. A contact state between the protective member and the protruding portion changes according to a rotation angle of the conveying member, and the protective member and the powder pulverizing member oscillate due to changes in the contact state.

Abstract: The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.

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: In a method and a device for discharging poorly pourable bulk materials from a receptacle, the material is first rendered free-flowing via a helically shaped agitating element (worm conveyer) and secondly discharged from the receptacle via a spiral shaped agitation element (spiral conveyer). Both elements are mechanically coupled at their respective lose ends. The respective other ends of the agitating elements are attached to a common shaft. The shaft connects to a gear drive at its upper end which provides for the rotational movement of the two agitating agents. The rotation of the worm conveyor transports the material situated between the turns of the worm conveyer upward to the bulk material surface. This breaks up the bulk material. Material that has been brought up by the worm conveyer flows downward again due to the gravitational force. Some of the material flows back along the outer space around the worm conveyer while the other portion moves down through the center of the worm conveyer.

Abstract: A conveyor system for moving flowable bulk material is equipped with a funnel (12) that has a circular funnel inlet (13) formed by a cylindrical wall section (16′) and an orthogonal funnel outlet (14) formed by eight funnel walls (18; 17, 17A; 17′, 17″) connected at one end to the cylindrical wall section (16′) and forming at the opposite end the orthogonal funnel outlet (14). Four walls (17, 17A; 17′, 17″) of the eight funnel walls are flat or plane and form funnel side or lateral walls. The remaining four four walls (18) have a curved cross-section and form funnel corner walls which interconnect the funnel lateral plane walls. The eight funnel walls are substantially longer in the axial direction than the cylindrical wall section (16′). The corner walls (18) and the lateral plane walls have approximately the same axial length (H≈H′). The eight funnel walls cooperate in avoiding clogging of the bulk material as it flows through the funnel.

Abstract: A dosage device for feeding grained, pourable materials, particularly abrasive blasting materials. Feeding is accomplished by use of a dosage auger that employs a screw mechanism that either decreases or increases relative to the distance between the incline of the spiral wings. The device also includes an adjustable drive, a flow measuring device to monitor and control flow rates and a mixing chamber to assure full mixing of abrasive material in a compressed air stream.

Abstract: A portable tabletop or counter top cookie dispenser has a transparent container. A pair of laterally spaced partitions extends lengthwise of the container along the bottom of the latter, and the partitions define a trough which opens to a discharge chute at the front of the container. Inclined guide walls are mounted in the container above the trough and serve to funnel cookies placed in the container to the rear of the trough. A screw conveyor is located in and extends longitudinally of the trough. The screw conveyor is driven by a handwheel disposed at the front of the container externally thereof. When the handwheel is rotated, the screw conveyor urges cookies in the trough towards the discharge chute.

Abstract: An improved auger design comprises a one-piece assembly with bearings at both the inboard and outboard ends of the auger flight to self-support the auger flight within a discharge tube of the feed bin. Furthermore, a single mounting plate secures the auger to the discharge tube such that a small number of bolts may be removed to thereby facilitate the ready insertion or removal of the auger from within the discharge tube to aid in its cleanability and maintenance or replacement of failed parts.

Abstract: The feeding system comprises one or more material storage devices and a discharge device associated with each storage device. Each discharge device comprises a conveyor channel tilted upwardly and away from its inlet arranged to be connected with the outlet of the storage device. A chute is adapted to be loosenably suspended, rapidly and simply, on the lower longitudinal side of the conveyor channel in a working position, a sampling position or in an emptying position, as required. In its working position the chute is positioned parallel to the conveyor channel, while the upper outlet of the conveyor channel opens into the chute at the upper end of the latter. In its sampling position the chute is tilted downward and away from the upper end of the conveyor channel at a right angle to the latter. In its emptying position the chute is tilted downward and away from the lower end, i.e. from the start of the conveyor channel and at a right angle to the latter.

Abstract: A flail auger assembly is disclosed which is useful for unloading semi-liquid material from a holding tank mounted on a tractor drawn trailer. A rotatably mounted shaft extends lengthwise through the lower portion of the tank. One end of the shaft penetrates the front wall of the tank enabling connection with the power takeoff of the tractor. The second end penetrates the rear wall of the tank where it connects with the impeller of the discharge pump. A plurality of flails extend radially outward at regular intervals along the shaft. The flails are pivotally attached via pins which secure them to brackets welded to the rotatably mounted shaft. The pivotal axis of each flail allows it to aggressively attack the material in the tank while at the same time limiting the power drain on the tractor since the radius of effectiveness decreases as a function of increasing load.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A latch pin is extended from the latch arm and is guided to obstruct movement of the auger relative to the support member.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A guide member includes a slot and the latch arm extends through the slot and terminates adjacent a latch arm receiver.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A latch arm receiver protrudes from the support member for engagement with a notch formed in the latch arm.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a new and improved screw conveyor useful for bagging animal bedding comprising subdivided newsprint. The screw of the auger has flights of predetermined different heights which avoid undue compaction of the bedding as it is conveyed.

Abstract: A conveyor for transport of bags of refuse comprising a feed tube in which bags of refuse are introduced and transported from one end to the other and a feed screw in the tube for driving the bags of refuse through the tube. The feed screw is constructed as a helix forming successive spaced flanges and the pitch of the helix is such that the space between successive flanges will accommodate a bag of refuse of predetermined maximum overall size. The feed screw is eccentrically journaled in the feed tube and is in tangential contact at the bottom thereof. A charging device for introducing the bags of refuse into the feed tube comprises a vertical tube with an inlet unit which limits the size of the bag of refuse which can be introduced to that which can be accommodated between the flanges of the helix.

Abstract: A volumetric screw feeder is interchangeably convertible from a twin screw feeder to a single screw feeder without modification of the gearing or drive means. The change from twin screw feeder to single screw feeder is made by interchanging the screws and the feeder hopper. Moreover, the drive shafts for all of the screws are brought out through a unitary seal.

Abstract: A storing and conveying apparatus for mortar and similar substances includes a silo-shaped container supported on legs and having a bottom discharge opening, and a screw conveyor mounted underneath the discharge opening of the container, having an inlet opening in a substantial registry with the discharge opening of the container, and being pivotable about substantially horizontal axis between first and second position. In the first position, the discharge and inlet openings are alignedly juxtaposed with one another, and in the second position, the discharge and inlet openings are spaced from each other and inclined at a given angle with respect to one another. An intermediate member of tubular configuration is interposed between and clamped by the conveyor and the container, the intermediate member having respective open ends which respectively communicate with the discharge opening and the inlet opening and extend along planes which enclose the given angle with one another.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a method of and apparatus for receiving bulk particulate materials from a material supply carrier into a hopper construction in which the hopper construction includes a multicellular or multitubular arrangement providing for free flowing of the material through the cells or tubes into a hopper chamber, the tubular or cellular construction being provided with a central conically-shaped void or space defined by certain of the tubes or cells being of varying lengths whereby the angle of the conically-shaped void simulates a natural angle of repose of the particulate material so that the particulate material in the hopper chamber and in the void or space seals the tubes or cells preventing cross winds or moving air from affecting or entraining the material thereby minimizing or substantially eliminating loss of the material and contamination of the environment by the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading loose particulate solid material having a discharge pipe and a positive discharge device at the outlet end of the discharge pipe. A pressure sensor is arranged to sense the pressure of the material at the outlet end of the positive discharge device and to produce an output signal in response thereto. A positioning device for varying the position of the outlet of positive discharge device is provided and is driven in response to the output signal of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and conveying a plurality of different powders simultaneously and delivering the powders continuously as a blended mix, in which a number of concentric tubes define annular bores carrying helical screw members driven at one end for axial rotation. At the delivery end the tubes are progressively inset from the outermost tube to the innermost tube. A core in the innermost tube defines the annular bore therein and is expanded diametrically at the delivery end of each tube to extend the annular bore to the end of that tube with the pitch of the helical screw member of that tube being increased over the expanded portion of the core to the end of the tube. Preferably the tubes, the helical screw members and the bore are laterally flexible.

Abstract: Apparatus for crimping terminals onto the ends of wires comprises a loading station at which the wires are serially loaded into a groove in a rotating drum. During rotation of the drum, the wires are moved laterally to a wire feeding station at which each wire is fed axially by the rotating drum, in cooperation with a pressure roller, to a crimping station at which a terminal is crimped onto the wire.

Abstract: A hopper funnels a plurality of electrical leads one on top the other and serially drops the leads onto a rotating cylindrical feed roller. The roller is provided with a helical groove which picks off individual leads and transports them transversely of their lengths along the top of the cylindrical roller. The pitch of the groove determines the spacing between transported leads. The roller simultaneously projects each lead lengthwise toward a sensing device which senses the end of each lead in turn and also triggers an applicator which connects an electrical contact to each sensed lead. The leads are then transported along the roller to an escapement station at the end of the roller where the leads escape by gravity to a collection area. An ejectment mechanism initially detains each lead from the escapement station until connected with a contact. The ejectment mechanism positively ejects each lead toward the escapement station.

Abstract: An improved screw feeder such as may be used for conveying ligno-cellulosic materials such as wood chips, shavings, sawdust and the like to pulping apparatus includes a plurality of stopper bars positioned symmetrically about the inner periphery of the screw feeder throat inlet. The stopper bars are narrow, elongate wedge-shaped and extend from the greater diameter flare bore of the conical throat to the lesser diameter taper bore. The stopper bars prevent material from rotating with the screw rather than advancing longitudinally through the throat and thus decrease plugging and clogging problems so that a higher pulping capacity due to improved feed is obtained.

Abstract: A hopper funnels a plurality of electrical leads one on top the other and serially drops the leads onto a rotating cylindrical feed roller. The roller is provided with a helical groove which picks off individual leads and transports them transversely of their lengths along the top of the cylindrical roller. The pitch of the groove determines the spacing between transported leads. The roller simultaneously projects each lead lengthwise toward a sensing device which senses the end of each lead in turn and also triggers an applicator which connects an electrical contact to each sensed lead. The leads are then transported along the roller to an escapement station at the end of the roller where the leads escape by gravity to a collection area. An ejectment mechanism initially detains each lead from the escapement station until connected with a contact. The ejectment mechanism positively ejects each lead toward the escapement station.

Abstract: A boot is disclosed for connecting an automatic feeding system bin to a conveyor. The internal pressure of feed flowing from the bin to the conveyor is reduced by a boot collar. The cross-sectional area of the flow is reduced by an attached upper boot member. The associated conveyor can be located at any of a number of angularly spaced positions by a collar-upper boot member interconnection. A regulator is included to adjust the maximum feed flow and to halt the flow, thereby permitting downstream parts to be removed. If desired, a lower boot member can be included to introduce the feed flow to the conveyor, and an associated sensor can halt the conveyor when the absence of feed in the lower boot member is sensed.