Abstract: An apparatus for arraying parts on respective trays therefor comprises a tray-stocking device for receiving empty trays from a conveyor and maintaining a stock of the empty trays from which the latter are individually lifted by a first elevator to a conveying line extending above the tray-stocking device past a tray-accommodating station, a parts supplying mechanism disposed adjacent such station for selectively supplying parts to an empty tray disposed thereat, a vibrator for shaking the tray disposed at the tray-accommodating station and thereby arraying the parts supplied to the tray, whereupon the tray with parts arrayed thereon is withdrawn from the station along the conveying line, and a second elevator for removing the individual trays with parts arrayed thereon from the conveying line and for returning the removed trays with parts arrayed thereon to the first-mentioned conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting tip device, and method of using the device, for removing the build-up of particulate from an internal surface of a storage bin, such as a coal bunker or a grain silo. The cutting tip is attached to a source of compressed gas by a hose, and includes at least one internal gas passageway through which the compressed gas is forced. The compressed gas is at a predetermined minimum pressure and flow rate sufficient to cause the cutting tip to gyrate in an erratic fashion about the hose, and to strike the build-up with sufficient force to remove the particulate from the interior of the storage bin. By lowering a hose having the cutting tip attached to it into a storage bin and forcing compressed gas through the hose and cutting tip, the interior of the storage bin is cleared of its build-up.

Abstract: Means for reducing hoop stress in a silo cell comprising a grain tube located in the lower part of the silo cell, the wall of the grain tube having apertures at the silo base allowing entry of granular material into the grain tube, and a restrictor below the apertures restricting the material flow so that when the silo cell first discharges the material, all of that discharge is through the upper ends of the tube, downwardly through the tube and outwardly from the silo cell through valve means beyond the lower end of the tube and restrictor.

Abstract: A general purpose valve is provided to control the discharge of particulate material. An overlying plate with a first, through aperture, cooperates with an underlying plate having a solid surface and a second through aperture. The first aperture is in vertical alignment with the solid surface on the underlying plate. Structure is provided to vary the vertical spacing between the overlying and underlying plates to selectively commence, terminate, and vary the rate of flow of particulate material.

Abstract: For a slide closure 10 attached to a pouring vessel 2 which has a movable slide part 14 disposed between a bottom plate 12 and a discharge part 16, there is, in addition to a cylinder piston unit 24 acting on the slide part, which unit is dominant by way of a servocontrol block 26 by regulating arrangement 32, a vibrator 36 which is controlled by an oscillator 34. The vibrator 36 is switched into the connection between the cylinder-piston unit 24 and the movable slide part 14, and is in a position to oscillatingly drive the latter both in its closing position as well as in other positions and, indeed, in the same direction as the cylinder piston unit. A position generator 44 starts the oscillator 34 forcibly in the closed position.

Abstract: A dispersing supply device in an automatic weighing apparatus includes a base plate, a vibrator supported on the base plate by a pair of springs, and a trough supported on the vibrator by groups of leaf springs, the trough being vibrated by the vibrator so as to convey articles from one end to the other thereof. The dispersing supply device, one provided for each of a plurality of weighing machines, is disposed between the corresponding weighing machine and a dispersing table so as to receive articles from the table and supply them to the weighing machine via the trough. The base plate is formed to include a mounting slot having a first portion of prescribed width and an elongate second portion narrower in width than the first portion. A mounting table to which the dispersing supply device is attached is provided with a projecting pin having a head portion.

Abstract: Material discharge apparatus including in one embodiment, a material receiving hopper which can be attached to the outlet of a silo and carrying a conical closure member which is mounted on an actuating cylinder to be raised and lowered with respect to the wall of the receiving hopper thus to determine and control the flow of material from the silo into and through the receiving hopper. A vibrating motor is also provided, being adapted to impose a vertical oscillatory motion on the closure member thus to promote the free flow of material through the annular opening created when the closure member is in its raised position, the height of the member in this position being determined, for example, by a control device whereby the rate of flow of material can be varied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing solid particles are provided wherein a screen unit is movably disposed within a hopper for containing solid particles to be dispened. Vibration of the hopper causes the screen unit therein to move relative to the hopper so as to assist in the prevention of plugging of the hopper.

Abstract: A material discharge apparatus including a hopper having a flow path leading to a discharge opening. The apparatus includes a pair of vibration generators tuned to move material along the flow path toward the discharge opening. The apparatus also includes a gate or bypass for adjustably controlling the rate material is discharged through the discharge opening onto a conveyor. With this construction, the gate or bypass causes any material in excess of the preselected rate of discharge of material from the discharge opening to be recirculated to the flow path.

Abstract: A material spreader system includes an elevated bridge for spanning a section of plastic concrete. A spreader including a hopper having an elongated rectangular slot is translated back and forth across the bridge to dispense a widthwise stream of topping material onto the underlying surface. Vibration generating elements are coupled at spaced apart intervals to the spreader hopper to provide for a uniform flow of topping material to the slot. A flow control device spans the length of the slot to dispense a continuous stream of topping material from the slot. A rotating metering device meters the flow of topping material through the slot. A motor translates the spreader back and forth across the bridge and rotates the rotating metering device as the spreader moves such that sequential translations of the spreader across the bridge followed by sequential translations of the bridge along the length of the plastic surface covers the entire surface with a uniform blanket of topping material.

Abstract: An automatic weighing apparatus with a dispersion feed apparatus comprising a plurality of feed troughs adapted to be separately vibrated and radially arranged around the outer periphery of a dispersion table which performs spiral reciprocating vibratory motion, the feed troughs being separately vibrated at predetermined times to feed articles to associated weighing units.

Abstract: A developer material supply arrangement which includes a developer hopper mounting portion for detachably mounting a developer hopper on the mounting provided portion at an opening at the upper portion of a developing tank of an electrophotographic copying apparatus, a hopper-shaped container for a developer material, a supply port provided at a lower portion of the hopper-shaped container and formed into a configuration which can be detachably mounted with respect to the developer hopper mounting portion, and a valve member provided within the supply port for selective opening or closing of the supply port.

Abstract: A container for beer such as a can with an arrangement for frothing beer contained therein by which a micro-froth layer is formed on the surface of beer before drinking by imparting vibration to a part of a container wall, which arrangement comprises a mounting member attached to the container wall and a movable member having a free end and another end resiliently connected to the mounting member. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement is made from a piece of hard plastic which is symmetrical with respect to upper and lower parts thereof and is adapted to be fixed on the concave bottom wall portion of a can.

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely dispensing free flowing particulate solids with a controllable variable flow rate is disclosed. The invention includes a container for holding a free flowing solid to be dispensed which is pivotable through an angular range of inclination, a transporting mechanism connected to the container, which includes two segments intersecting to define an angle, for transporting particles from the container to a discharge end. The angle causes the particles disposed within the conduit to form a bridge for stopping the flow of particles when the container is inclined at an angle less than the angle at which gravity causes free flow of the powder through the conduit. A vibrator selectively applies vibrations to the particles with an energy level sufficient to cause the bridge to break apart to cause the particles to be free flowing from the container through the transporting mechanism in response to the application of the vibrations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a predetermined amount of material into a predetermined position on each of a series of moving trays while avoiding spillage of the product onto other portions of the trays. A conveyor lifts the material from a supply bin and deposits the material onto a shaker pan. The shaker pan delivers the material in an even flow on to a rotating turntable having a plurality of radially extending gutters thereon. The turntable directs the material to flow along the gutters and into a plurality of hoppers disposed at the periphery of the turntable. The hoppers are rocked to distribute the product evenly within each hopper. Once a hopper is full, any excess material falls onto a drip tray which returns the material back to the supply bin. The filled hoppers are rotated above the trays, which are moving on a conveyor, and release the material onto a predetermined area of the trays by means of funnels mounted adjacent to each hopper.

Abstract: An improved distribution feeder of circular disc type, for receiving articles at the central portion and exhausting them from a plurality of outlets at the periphery, having the upper surface provided with a slope highest at the center and slanting down toward the periphery and a vibrator for imparting vertical and rotational vibration to the distribution feeder, thereby facilitating free movement of the articles to eliminate undesirable accumulation of the articles at the closed outlets.

Abstract: A vibrator feeder for causing piled up granular material to move down its own slope and off the edge of a shelf-like structure for unloading. The vibration is limited to material resting on a small edge, or lip, of the material support structure. This lip is formed as an extension of the floor of the bin. A series of rods supported from a vibration generator extend into the material resting on the lip. The vibrations disturb the angle of the repose of the material which feeds off the lip.

Abstract: Apparatus which controllably meters dry powder from a powder supply chamber falling through a vertically disposed axial passageway interconnecting the supply chamber with a mixing chamber therebelow for forming an air-powder mixture therein for transport to a desired site. A tapered plug member is bonded to a bimorph bender comprising a piezoelectric element bonded to each face of a thin, flat, cantilevered metallic beam which is deflectable by a dc bias or driving voltage applied to the bender to cause the tapered plug to penetrate or move within the passageway, thus varying width of annular gap formed between the plug and passageway, and hence, amount of powder capable of falling therethrough. An oscillating voltage may be impressed upon the piezoelectric elements to cause the deflected beam to additionally be vibratorily displaced in accordance with the frequency of vibrations of the impressed oscillating source.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling discharge from a silo, comprising a device mounted internally of a discharge opening for flowable material and forming with that opening a flow path for material through the opening. A bellows actuator associated with the device moves the device relative to the discharge opening to close the opening or to open it to a desired extent. A vibrator carried by the device vibrates the device to assist flow of material through the discharge opening when it is open.

Abstract: A hand tool for dispensing particulate matter such as seeds comprises a V-section scoop with a handle incorporating a vibrator mechanism. A labyrinth type barrier arrangement serves to contain a reservoir of seeds in the scoop and to permit controlled flow of the seeds from the reservoir when the tool is held at an angle and vibrations are applied. A barrier arrangement at the dispensing end portion of the scoop effects final separation of the seeds prior to discharge.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the dispensation of fluid material includes a dispensing passage and an outlet gate from the passage, the outlet gate being disposed relative to the dispensing passage such that material passing through the passage deviates to one side to pass through the outlet gate; and a valve operating member which includes a blade supported for movement in a path across the outlet gate and movable between positions in which respectively, the outlet gate is open and the outlet gate is obturated by the blade.

Abstract: To prepare and apply two-component cement, the components are vacuum-packaged in elongated flexible fluid-tight compartments and those compartments are confined in abutting relation with a seal existing around the abutting portions of the compartments. One of the compartments is gradually collapsed to force its contents to break through the abutting wall portions into the other compartment while the extension of the other compartment is controlled as it receives the one compartment contents so as to enhance the intimacy of contact between the cement components. Then the other compartment is gradually collapsed to force its contents into the one compartment while controlling the extension of the one compartment as it receives the other compartment contents so as to further mix the components. The two compartments are alternately collapsed and controlledly extended until the components therein form a homogeneous cementitious mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a stream of green pellets has a wide belt conveyor and a vibrating conveyor having a deck for supporting the green pellets and conveying the green pellets to the wide belt conveyor in a direction of conveyance over a discharge edge. The discharge edge has an adjustable configuration and extends at an acute angle to the conveyance direction across the conveyance surface of the wide belt conveyor whereby the green pellets discharged over the edge form a layer on the conveyance surface. A plurality of parallel deck bars are axially slidably connected to the vibrating conveyor deck and have end portions protruding therefrom in the conveyance direction, the protruding deck bar ends defining the discharge edge. The deck bars are connected to drives for axially sliding the deck bars for adjusting the discharge edge configuration.

Abstract: A powder dispensing assembly (10) comprising; support structure (20), a dispensing platform (26) supported by the support structure (20) for receiving powder and having a distal lip (28) over which particles of powder move to define a falling curtain of powder particles. A supply platform (30) is supported by the support structure (20) for receiving powder and supplying the powder to the dispensing platform (26). A flow control device (34) establishes a flow path of the powder from the supply platform (30) to the dispensing platform (26). A drive device (36) vibrates the dispensing platform (26) to move particles thereover and over the lip (28) and to move the supply platform (30) in unison with the dispensing platform (26) to move powder from the supply platform (30) and through the flow control device (34) to the dispensing platform (26). A shelf (54) is disposed below the lip (28) for receiving the powder from the lip (28 ).

Abstract: This invention provides an improved vibratory storage pile discharger unit for promoting the downward flow of material from a storage pile of a flowable material, such as coal, limestone, woodchips, sulphur and the like, through an opening in a generally horizontal surface on which the pile is supported and into another area located beneath that pile-supporting surface.

Abstract: A feed apparatus in which a feed chute upstanding with its four sides surrounded, and opened at its top and bottom ends is vibratably supported and a vibrator is provided for applying vibration to the feed chute to thereby enable discharge of articles fed from the top end opening of the feed chute substantially at a given density from the bottom end opening and the flow of the articles discharged from the bottom end opening is divided with respect to length for feeding of the articles in the form of blocks, each of a fixed quantity. According to this apparatus, the fixed quantity feed of articles can be obtained, with simplicity in structure and accuracy, in the situation where the articles are packed and divided in fixed quantities.

Abstract: Apparatus for charging granular catalyst, e.g., cylindrically shaped catalyst, into a multiplicity of elongated reactor tubes is described. The apparatus comprises, in combination, a plurality of contiguously arranged storage hoppers arranged in a bundle and disposed above a substantially horizontal vibratory feeder tray having a plurality of V-shaped open troughs equal in number to the number of storage hoppers. Each trough has a discharge opening at its forward end for delivering the catalyst to a discharge spout affixed to the bottom of the feeder tray and communicating with the discharge opening in the trough. Flexible elongated tubular conduits are attached to each discharge spout and rigid nozzle means attached to the end of each flexible tubular conduit. The nozzle is adapted for insertion into the top of the reactor tube. Electrical vibrating means are mechanically connected to the feeder tray.In operation, a predetermined quantity of catalyst is charged to each of the storage hoppers.

Abstract: An automatic weighing apparatus with a dispersion feed apparatus comprising a plurality of feed troughs adapted to be separately vibrated and radially arranged around the outer periphery of a dispersion table which performs spiral reciprocating vibratory motion, the feed troughs being separately vibrated at predetermined times to feed articles to associated weighing units.

Abstract: A method as disclosed for conversion of a stream of particulate fibrous materials that form clusters when poured from a container (semi pourable) by processing the materials through an inclined rotating tubular member having a high degree of surface roughness whereby the clusters are dispersed during travel through the tubular member for issuance as a uniform stream from the outlet thereof. The absence of clusters is particularly desirable when the fibrous materials are intended to be spread into a smooth mat for use in the manufacture of molded board.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a measured quantity of granulated food or concentrate material to a container. A hopper-like container which functions as both a shipping and storage container and an operational storage container for the granulated material to be dispensed is positioned in the interior of a housing having a recessed container filling station. A granulated material transfer tube interconnects the hopper-like container and the container filling station. A valve seat is provided on the lower end of the transfer tube. An electro-responsive, pivoted dispensing valve, having a valve head which engages the valve seat, is provided to interrupt the flow of granulated material through the transfer tube into a cup or other similar container positioned in the container filling station. A timer is provided to control the period of time which the dispensing valve remains open, and, thereby, the quantity of granulated material dispensed to the cup or other similar container.

Abstract: An arrangement for unloading a bulk product bin of the type adapted to store a granulated or powdered product, and providing for tilting of the bin and vibration thereof in a tilted position while isolating the surrounding environment from vibrations induced in the product bin. The arrangement includes a base frame, an intermediate frame pivotably mounted on the base frame and a vibratory frame mounted on the intermediate frame. The intermediate frame pivots about a shaft relative to the base frame to a predetermined tilt angle, and isolation mountings are provided between the vibratory and intermediate frames mounted at the predetermined angle relative thereto. In this arrangement, the isolation mountings are positioned at the predetermined angle relative to a vertical when the intermediate frame is in an untilted position, but are mounted in a substantially vertical position when the intermediate frame is tilted to the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A hopper includes a peripheral side wall having upper and lower open ends, and a conical body provided inside the peripheral side wall to define an annular space for storing solid material therebetween. The lower open end of the peripheral wall is separated from the conical body to define an annular discharge point therebetween.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for feeding uniform controlled amounts of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a nozzle, a powder delivery tube which communicates the nozzle with the powder feed apparatus and a vibrator assembly. The vibrator assembly drives a drive rod located within the powder feed tube so that a constant powder flow rate is insured.

Abstract: A dry product dispenser uses vibration to move product into a dispensing location. A piston is mounted in the dispenser to be moved by pressure exerted thereon by propellant, and a spring mounted post prevents contact between the propellant and the product until the piston has moved a predetermined distance. Immediately after contact between the propellant and the product, the piston is returned to a repose position in which such propellant-product contact is prevented. The cycle is repeated rapidly as long as an actuating element on the device is activated. Alternative embodiments include child safety features.

Abstract: A vibrator with attached prongs which achieves the breakup of compacted materials in structures similar to silos, grain elevators and railroad cars is set forth. Attached to the pronged vibrator is a cable which allows the vibrator to be lowered into the structure where breakup is to be accomplished. The vibrator is housed within a shell of dimensions applicable to the particular use. Secured to the vibrator shell are a multiple of prongs. The vibrator when in operation causes not only the sphere to vibrate, but also the attached prongs. The vibrator is capable of imparting varying frequencies to the compacted materials and may be adjusted to reach the natural frequency of the compacted material. Thus where the vibrator comes into contact with the compacted material, breakup is achieved both by the physical action of the prongs and also by achieving the natural frequency of the material which in and of itself causes breakup.

Abstract: A multi-component fluent product, such as an epoxy resin mixture, is controllably mixed and dispensed from an improved mixer-dispenser. The device has a pair of pressure chambers each of which receives one of the fluent components in its original package. Air under pressure is communicated to the two chambers to force the fluent materials from their packages into flow passages which merge and cause mixing of the components. Special valve arrangements are provided along the flow passages to control the mixture proportions and to enable the flow passages to be purged of the mixed components when desired.

Abstract: An agricultural airplane loading device having a wheeled frame on which is mounted a hopper provided with a lower portion forming a discharge opening. Arranged below the hopper for receiving material from the discharge opening of the hopper is an auger conveyor which elevates the material received from the hopper at an angle permitting the material to be discharged into a reservoir of an airplane without contacting the aircraft. A gate arrangement controls flow of material from the hopper to the conveyor, while a pulley affixed to the auger for rotating same is provided with a mass disposed eccentrically of the auger for vibrating the hopper when the conveyor is in operation and preventing bridging and tunnelling of material in the hopper.

Abstract: Air from a source of pressurized air, acting through a ball-type vibrator and a resilient mounting, serves to form a cloud of abrasive material within a reservoir of such material. Air from the same source serves to aspirate a continuous charge of the cloud of material and to discharge it from a nozzle.

Abstract: A method for filling containers with predetermined amounts of food material (e.g., leafy vegetable, like fresh blanched spinach). It employs a vertically extending tube having removable cut-off means at its lower end. The food material is supplied to the upper end of the tube in loose uncompacted form, and as it moves downwardly into the tube a column of the material is formed which provides progressively increased gravity compaction toward the lower end of the tube. Lower end portions of this column are recurrently cut off and caused to be transferred to containers being filled. Also apparatus for carrying out the method including the vertical tube into which the material is fed and having cut-off means at its lower end. Also, means is provided for continuously shaking the tube with a vertically directed stroke.

Abstract: A material dispenser comprising a material receiver, an elongate vertical material conducting duct communicating with and depending from the receiver and having a lower open discharge end, a vertically opening metering orifice in the duct, a valving member normally engaged in the orifice in a closed position and shiftable vertically to an open position, an armature freely engaged in the duct and shiftable upwardly therein from a lower normal position, means drivingly connecting the armature and the valve member, an annular coil about the duct and positioned so its field normally intersects the armature whereby the armature is drivingly elevated and the valve member is moved to its open position when the coil is energized, a power supply connected with and operable to cyclically energize the coil and including a half-wave rectifier in series with the coil and a resistor in parallel with the rectifier, whereby the coil is energized by pulsating direct current and supplemental alternating current.

Abstract: A method for storing heated asphalt mixture is disclosed, in which superheated steam and an asphalt mixture, both of which are heated to about 150.degree.C, are injected into a container to displace air thereby, and then the container is sealingly closed. Thus, the heated asphalt mixture will not lose its desired characteristics and hence may be stored for a considerably long period of time.