Abstract: A feeder system for item feeding is presented. The feeder system may include a container having a plurality of walls, an actuator, a selector, and a chute. The container receives a plurality of items. An opening is formed in the container. The items flow through the opening towards the selector by a gravitational force. The selector singulates the plurality of items into one item. The chute receives the singulated item one at a time from the selector. The actuator is attached to the container and agitates the container to maintain a flow of the plurality of items passing through the opening.

Abstract: A device and system for delivering an aerosol to a patient on ventilatory support comprise a contact component 10 to be positioned in contact with a respiratory organ. The contact component 10 comprises a lumen 18a, 20a, 24 through which breathing gas and an aerosol are delivered to lungs of a patient.

Abstract: Microfluidic laminar flow nozzle apparatuses are described herein. An example apparatus includes a base having a sidewall that forms a lower plenum chamber, and a micro-fluidic nozzle panel disposed above the base to enclose the lower plenum chamber, the micro-fluidic nozzle panel including a plurality of micro-fluidic nozzles, each of the plurality of micro-fluidic nozzles having a fluid output orifice for outputting a fluid.

Abstract: A device (20) suitable for transforming a continuous and controlled flow (320) of absorbent material in granules (310) into an intermittent flow (250) for providing to receiving means (50, 60) movable along a direction X, comprising a feed manifold (210), an outlet nozzle (500) and a main body (200), placed between said feed manifold (210) and said outlet nozzle (500), configured to cause said absorbent material in granules (310) to flow along a direction (Y?-Y?) coinciding with the respective axes of symmetry of said feed manifold (210), said outlet nozzle (500) and said main body (200); wherein within said main body (200) a movable element (240) is housed, capable of moving alternately between a first and a second working position, in such a way that when said movable element (240) is located in the first working position, it forms a first accumulation chamber (230) of the absorbent material in granules (310) fed in a continuous manner (320), and a first discharge duct (233) of said material (310), and when

Abstract: Subsea power sources and related systems include a housing having at least one first magnetic member, an internal member having at least one second magnetic member, and at least one elastic member positioned in the housing. Movement of the one or more second magnetic members relative to the one or more first magnetic members, which can be obtained by positioning the power source in a subsea environment such that forces therein contact and move the housing or internal member, produces an electromagnetic output for powering a subsea object. Contact between the internal member and one or more elastic members causes the one or more elastic members to impart a force to the internal member to facilitate continued movement and power generation. Power generated in this manner or through other means is usable to operate a subsea kill plant, usable to kill a well or operate a subsea blowout preventer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for fine grained powder (1), in particular for medicinal powder (1) for pulmonary administration, and to a method for operating the metering device. The metering device comprises a powder pump and a metering mechanism (3), wherein the metering mechanism (3) comprises a continuous powder passage (4) and at least one metering chamber (5) with an outlet valve (6). The metering chamber (5) branches off from the powder passage (4) at an angle. The metering chamber (5) has a larger cross section than the powder passage (4). The powder (1) is conveyed through the powder passage (4) by means of the powder pump, the at least one metering chamber (5) being filled with the powder (1) in a self-levelling manner. The conveying by means of the powder pump is then interrupted, and at least one target container is filled from the metering chamber (5) with the outlet valve (6) being opened and a residual quantity of powder (1) remaining in the metering chamber (5).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for embedding wireless IC tags in an object to be embedded with wireless IC tags. The apparatus for embedding wireless IC tags including: an alignment unit for aligning the wireless IC tags in the same direction by applying a vibrating force to the wireless IC tags; a distribution unit for distributing the wireless IC tags to a plurality of passages; a radio communication unit for performing, through radio communication, data writing and/or reading to/from the wireless IC tags; and a wireless IC tag embedding unit for embedding the wireless IC tags into an object to be embedded with wireless IC tags by applying air pressure to the wireless IC tags.

Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.

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: The invention is an apparatus to more efficiency move aggregate material from a bulk shipping or storage container to a hot melt or intermediate tank. The apparatus allows the chips to flow from the shipping container into an enclosed chamber by means of a feed chute which opens close to the floor of the chamber so that, as the chips fall out of the feed chute onto the chamber floor, the chips form a pile of a predictable size. By raising or lowering the bottom end of the chute, the size of the pile is varied such that the outer edge of the chip pile reaches the chamber's exit portal, so the chips fall into the hot melt tank or a transportation system, taking the material to the hot melt tank with minimal bridging or complex instrumentation.

Abstract: A discrete drop dispensing device comprises a substrate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and orifices extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, adapted to receive a fluid at a flow rate. The discrete drop dispensing device also comprises an oscillator disposed adjacent to the substrate and configured to vibrate the substrate to expel drops having a substantially equal volume of the fluid. The flow rate is substantially identical to a drop dispensing rate. A method and a device for performing liquid chromatography are also described. The method comprises automatically adjusting the drop dispensing rate to a change in the flow rate or a change in a composition of a mobile phase of the fluid.

Abstract: A discrete drop dispensing device comprises a substrate comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and orifices extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, adapted to receive a fluid at a flow rate. The discrete drop dispensing device also comprises an oscillator disposed adjacent to the substrate and configured to vibrate the substrate to expel drops having a substantially equal volume of the fluid. The flow rate is substantially identical to a drop dispensing rate. A method and a device for performing liquid chromatography are also described. The method comprises automatically adjusting the drop dispensing rate to a change in the flow rate or a change in a composition of a mobile phase of the fluid.

Abstract: A device (1) for feeding a product, in particular an infusion product, to a packaging machine is of the type comprising means (2, 6) for collecting and transporting the product and means (8) for conveying the product itself. The conveying means (8) are of the type with vibrating channeling means and are connected to the collection means (2, 6) to receive the product from the collection means (2, 6) and to feed the product to an operating station (10) of the packaging machine.

Abstract: Objects containing radio frequency transponders, such as RFID tags, can be encoded with information and mixed with a substance. The mixed objects and substance can be applied to a surface such as a road, such that a vehicle traveling over the surface may later read encoded information stored in the transponders. In one variation, the objects may include spherical marbles that are mixed with asphalt and embedded in a road surface. An apparatus includes components arranged to receive multiple objects, encode transponders contained in the objects, and mix them with a substance such as asphalt or concrete. Objects may include spheres having helical antenna elements or antenna elements formed on an outer surface thereof. A vehicle may be configured with a reader and antennas arranged to read transponders embedded in a roadway surface.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine for uniformly spreading a dry carpet cleaning powder onto a surface and working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the surface. The cleaning machine includes base having a hopper integrally formed therein, distribution slots on the bottom of the hopper, a rotary powder agitator inside the hopper, wheels for supporting the base over a floor surface and for rotating the powder agitator, a metering gate for controlling the dispensing of the dry carpet cleaning powder, a trigger located on the cleaner handle for controlling the metering gate, and a plurality of motor driven vertical axis rotary brushes for working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the carpet. The dry carpet cleaning powder is dispensed onto the carpet and allowed to sit for a short period of time to allow the dry carpet cleaning powder to absorb the dirt contained in the carpet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable solids onto articles located on a moving conveyor. A flowable solid is placed on a vibrating trough and dispensed to an article on the moving conveyor through a slot in the trough. A third planar surface placed beneath the slot receives the flowable solid from the slot and provides an even dispersing pattern of the flowable solid onto the articles.

Abstract: A through-flow closure for a receptacle of flowable material, the closure includes a body part having a charging aperture and a closure operating member for opening the closure device of a container. There is an annular gap between the edge of the aperture and the closure operating device. A stretchable annular sealing member attached to the body part. The sealing member seals the gap between the body part and the closure operating member when the receptacle and container are separated and forms a seal between the body part and the container when the receptacle and the container are moved together and prior to the closure operating member opening the closure device of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder-fluidizing and feeding device for use with coating and spray forming nozzles and guns. The device includes novel provisions for controlling and feeding powder from a hopper to a vibrating bowl, for heating and vibrating powders in the hopper to dissipate agglomeration and clumping of the powder, and for metering powders from a vibrating bowl to the spray nozzles and guns using a feedback control derived from powder mass loss rate measurements. The device is particularly useful for feeding ultra-fine and nanoscale particles, which are difficult to feed uniformly with the prior art of conventional powder feeders.

Abstract: A particle dispenser and method of regulating the rate of dispensing of particles is disclosed in which particles are dispensed through a plurality of apertures having a variable effective area defined as the total area of apertures through which particles can be dispensed at any given time. The effective area is varied so as to provide a high dispense rate initially and a lower dispense rate later on in the dispense cycle. In this way, relatively larger quantities of particles can be dispensed accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.

Abstract: Material handling apparatus for gravity discharge of flowable particulate material through an outlet (2) of a container (3) (shown dashed) for such material which outlet (2) is normally obturated by a hollow cone valve member (4), the apparatus (1) comprising actuator means (5) having a flat surface (6) and being adapted to engage the cone valve member (2) adjacent the base (7) thereof for raising and lowering same whereby to provide that the interior volume of the cone valve member (4) remains substantially empty. In the embodiment, the apparatus (1) is a component of a materials handling system in the form of a discharge station “D”, which is fixed for example in the floor of a facility for transferring flowable material from a (transportable) IBC (3) to a process “P” such as mixing, blending, tableting the like which is below the discharge station D.

Abstract: An allocating mechanism of a weighing apparatus that temporarily stores objects and allocates the objects to a plurality of hoppers disposed below is provided to reduce the amount of objects that remain without being allocated. The allocating mechanism 21 is included in the weighing apparatus. The allocating mechanism 21 is a mechanism that temporarily stores objects, and allocates the objects to hoppers 24 and 25 disposed below. The allocating mechanism 21 includes a tubular member 61, a bottom plate 62, a driving motor, and a controller. The bottom plate 62 can, together with the tubular member 61, form a storage space S, in which the objects are stored. The driving motor rotates the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62. The controller controls the driving motor to rotate the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62, such that the objects are dropped in one of the hoppers 24 and 25.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising:

Abstract: A silo (1), in particular a vertical one, designed to store products in powder form, and having a vibrating bottom (3), suitable for favoring flow, and for equipping a fixing damper body (2) of a silo (1) by means of a joining element (9) and a fixing damper (10), provided to ensure a tight connection between the body of the silo and the vibrating bottom, while, at the same time, preventing a transmission of vibrations from one to the other. According to the invention, the joining element (9) takes the form of an elastically deformable, peripheral, self-supporting joint, interposed directly and freely between the body (2) of the silo (1) and the vibrating bottom (3), cooperating with the fixing damper (10) to perform both a sealing function and a damping function, without discontinuity over its entire bearing periphery.

Abstract: The material handling apparatus is in the form of apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a store thereof and comprises a hollow support member, a through-flow device slidable within the hollow support member, a closure operating member movable upwardly together with the through-flow device for opening a closure device to allow material to flow from the store into the through-flow device and actuator means between the hollow support member and the through-flow device for moving the through-flow device and the closure operating member relative to the hollow support member.

Abstract: A powder device comprises a powder container which is formed as an exchangeable container mounted on a container receptacle via a quick-connect means. The inside of the powder container has a dome which extends from the output flow opening into the inside of the powder container. This loosens up the powder and prevents it from adhering to surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibratory powder feeding and metering apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining a powder reservoir, a powder storage hopper having an outlet disposed to deliver powdered resin to the reservoir, a powder distribution block having one or more generally vertical fill tubes, a plurality of discharge ports extending from the reservoir to the fill tubes in the distribution block, and a vibration device to which the housing is mounted. Typically, the fill tubes are in communication with individual spray nozzles for transmission of the powdered resin. The housing also carries an adjustable barrier which serves as a dam to control or meter the flow of powdered resin into the discharge ports.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vibratory powder feeding and metering apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. Generally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a housing defining a powder reservoir, a powder storage hopper having an outlet disposed to deliver powdered resin to the reservoir, a powder distribution block having one or more generally vertical fill tubes, a plurality of discharge ports extending from the reservoir to the fill tubes in the distribution block, and a vibration device to which the housing is mounted. Typically, the fill tubes are in communication with individual spray nozzles for transmission of the powdered resin. The housing also carries an adjustable barrier which serves as a dam to control or meter the flow of powdered resin into the discharge ports.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method are provided for the dispensing of particulate material from the gravitationally bottom discharge mouth of a hopper. In a presently preferred form, the particulate material moves downwardly first through a conically sided zone to a toroidally-configured aperture, and, after passage therethrough, moves downwardly through a cavity that preferably has a cross-sectionally circular perimeter. Centrally upstanding in the cavity is a body with preferably conically diverging sides over which the particulate material moves downwardly to a cover plate or deck which has a circumferentially extending discharge opening through which the particulate material is discharged. Most preferably, the body also extends upwardly through the aperture and through the conically sided zone. Particulate material downward movement and discharge is produced by shaking, preferably vibration, of the deck. A presently preferred particulate material is fish feed.

Abstract: A cash register terminal and process for operating a cash register terminal especially for self-service in gaming casinos, with bill-accepting and coin-deposition as well as coin-dispensing structure and with at least one coin box. To design the cash register terminal for high speed of operation and a large storage capacity for coins, the coins (17) are conveyed upward from the bottom from the coin box (2), of which there is at least one, and the coins (17) are dispensed above the at least one coin box (2), to at least one outlet (19, 20, 21).

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense a granular material to a plurality of discrete locations, such as a tube of a reactor vessel. The dispenser includes a hopper to contain the granular material and has a discharge port to permit egress of material from the hopper. A conveyor receives material from the discharge port and transfers it to the plurality of discrete locations. The conveyor comprises a tray having a plurality of outlets spaced from the discharge port and each connectable to respective ones of the discrete locations. A barrier is interposed between adjacent ones of the outlets to inhibit transfer of material therebetween. A vibratory drive oscillates the tray and distributes the granular material uniformly on the tray. The drive induces movement of the material from the discharge port to the outlets along the tray.

Abstract: A flowable bulk product discharge activator and method of discharging flowable bulk products assures uniform, mass-flow discharge of loose, dry, flowable, bulk products from bulk storage containers that is void of any internal horizontal ledges to interrupt downward flow, while including sanitary features that impart a sifting/activating action to the flowable products discharging from the container. The product discharge activator has knife-sharpened and angled supports, a baffle, vertically oriented sifting plates all disposed in a vibratable chamber, the chamber joined to a vibrating motor.

Abstract: A fine particle dispersing apparatus including a cylindrical body, a funnel nozzle provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body, and a valve having a clearance forming member forming a clearance with the inner wall of the funnel nozzle which is larger than the diameter of the fine particles. The funnel nozzle and/or the clearance forming member oscillates, thereby causing the fine particles present within the funnel nozzle to pass through the clearance and discharge from the nose portion of the funnel nozzle.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism is equipped with a bulk material container such as a silo which has at least one movable or flexible wall portion that is moved to help in the discharge of the bulk material through a discharge device. The motion of the discharge device is transmitted directly to the movable wall portion by rigidly connecting the discharge device directly to the movable wall or wall portion and by movably mounting the discharge device below the silo.

Abstract: A powder feeding device for feeding powder at a constant rate has a container for storing a powdered material and a discharge device mounted in the container at a lower portion thereof for discharging the powdered material from the container at a constant rate. A vibrator is mounted on the container or on a wire net mounted in the container to separate air from the powder. The powder may be supplied from a powder tank to the powder container.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus and method are provided for feeding fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a particulate substance, which may be in chopped or short fibre form, with a matrix metal comprises a container (11) for molten metal (10) having an aperture (12) through which a stream of the metal can fall, a feed motor (20) for feeding the particulate substance into the metal stream, and one or more downwardly inclined nozzles (23) through which jets of atomizing gas are directed on to the combined flow of metal and particulate substance. The feed motor comprising a horizontal ring (20a) which extends about and is coaxial with the molten metal stream, and which has a radial vibration imparted to it so as to form a node on the axis of the ring. The upper surface of the ring may be horizontal or may be inclined downwardly towards the axis and may have annular grooves of ratchet tooth section with the steeper part of the section facing towards the axis.

Abstract: Volumetric dosage machine particularly for granulates, powders and loose products in general, including products that are not uniform or mutually compacted and have a very limited flow ability, comprising a hopper for loading a product to be metered that is provided with a bottom which has a plurality of dosage chambers and is movable to transfer the dosage chambers from a loading position to a discharge position spaced from the loading position, and/or vice versa. There is also a skimming unit interacting with the dosage chambers during the movement of the bottom.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber.The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.

Abstract: A feeder housing is suspended from a material supply bin and has lower and upper cylindrical members with the upper member isolated from the lower member by a flexible collar which also seals the cavity formed by the members. The lower member is suspended from the upper member and has a concave bottom wall with a discharge port. A first fixed baffle next adjacent the bottom wall is a ring with shape of a segment of a toroid with angularly oriented sides having a central opening. A second conical baffle is over the central opening and is axially displaced toward the first baffle between a closed state and a material flow open state wherein material flow is normally arrested until the housing and baffles are vibrated. In a second embodiment, a single fixed baffle comprises a pair of symmetrical cones secured inverted relative to each other over a feeder housing discharge and inlet port.

Abstract: A flexible hopper made of rubber or other suitable flexible material which is driven by a motor through an eccentric drive so as to cause the hopper and a drive auger to vibrate to more readily dispense product in the hopper. One or more flexible fingers are attached to the auger and are flexed as the auger rotates so as to further improve the flow characteristics of the materials in the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing and distributing comminuted tobacco to a plurality of consuming machines (particularly for distributing cut tobacco to cigarette rod making machines) has a circular tray which receives batches of comminuted tobacco at regular or irregular intervals and is caused to perform movements resulting in conversion of stored tobacco particles into a fluidized bed. Upwardly extending suction pipes draw tobacco particles from the fluidized bed for delivery to the respective consuming machines. The mechanism for moving the tray comprises at least three identical eccentrics which are rotatable in vertical planes and are installed at the underside of the marginal portion of the bottom wall of the tray substantially in line with the inlets of the suction pipes. The eccentrics have identical throws and are mounted in spherical bearings which are secured to the bottom wall by hinges for pivotal movement about horizontal axes extending tangentially of the tray.

Abstract: A rotary animal feeder that slowly, periodically discharges feed in response to temperature changes. Preferably the feeder is hung from a tree over an animal trail. A cylindrical pail stores a quantity of feed to be dispensed. Feed is drawn downwardly by gravity to an activator assembly comprising a discharge tube in fluid flow communication with the pail interior. A plurality of radially spaced apart discharge orifices are formed in the tube. A convex floor adjustably, coaxially secured within the tube mounts a rotary impeller proximate the discharge orifices. A bimetallic spring beneath the floor torsionally drives the impeller in response to temperature changes. Feed contacting the convex floor is slowly deflected outwardly towards the discharge orifices both by the shape of the convex floor plate and impeller contact. As the temperature changes the impeller slowly rotates, and feed is gently urged toward and through these orifices.

Abstract: A volumetric dry solids materials feeder comprises a supply hopper, a feed trough disposed below the hopper, and an auger disposed in the feed trough to feed out the material. The trough is anchored to a vibration base, on which is mounted a vibratory mechanism. A vibration transfer spring connects the vibration base to a bracket secured to the hopper. Upon activation, the vibratory mechanism vibrates the vibration base and thus the trough at a predetermined frequency, while the spring transfers the vibration to the hopper. The spring lessens the amplitude of the transferred vibration and changes the frequency thereof, so as to minimize interference (primarily harmonic problems) between the vibration of the hopper and trough.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling dispensing of "dry" powdered compositions particularly carpet cleaning compositions wherein the confined finely divided particles descend in a stream under gravity and have oscillatory movement imparted thereto next before discharge through an orifice leading therefrom so as to agitate, separate and propel the particles therethrough; and in the case of carpet cleaning operations depositing the finely divided discharged particles onto the surface of the fibres in a substantially uniform pattern thereover followed by working same into the fibres through the application thereto of a rotary brush or beater and thereafter recovering the residues by a suitable suction or vacuum unit utilizing a rotary brush or beater and an associated two stage cyclone separator.

Abstract: A powder feeding apparatus comprising a holding hopper for holding a powder, a metering hopper for metering the powder from the holding hopper, a mechanism for opening and closing a discharge opening in the metering hopper, a controller for controlling the hopper opening-closing mechanism, and a trough where the powder discharged in a heap from the metering hopper is smoothed into a layer.

Abstract: A bulk storage silo including a slanted floor opening into a discharge chute provided in the foundation of the silo wherein the floor is covered by a deck composed of a plurality of plates connected to vibrators arranged in a predetermined pattern which, when activated, causes the residual amount of grain which cannot be removed by gravity to flow into the discharge chute.

Abstract: A parts dispenser apparatus for fungible parts such as seeds, powder, manufactured parts and the like. A feed hopper is positioned to feed parts to the area of a downwardly inclined trough which is pivoted at a fixed end and driven at the discharge end with a horizontal reciprocating motion. The combined effect of gravity and horizontal reciprocating motion causes the parts to align in the bottom of the trough and discharge one-by-one at the discharge end of the trough. An adjustable eccentric permits control of the reciprocation.

Abstract: A hot melt dispensing apparatus for converting solid thermoplastic material to molten thermoplastic material and for dispensing the molten thermoplastic material comprises a solid thermoplastic material receiving hopper, a vibrated feed chute mounted beneath a bottom opening in said hopper, which vibrated feed chute has a discharge opening laterally offset from the vertical plane of the hopper, and a heated reservoir mounted beneath the discharge end of the feed chute. The reservoir is laterally offset from the hopper so that heat rising from the reservoir does not melt solid thermoplastic material contained within the hopper or within the feed chute. The hopper is rectangular in configuration and comprises three vertical walls and one sloping wall angled relative to a bottom discharge opening of the hopper.

Abstract: A vibrating discharge apparatus for discharging particulate stored material from a surge or blending bin or the like, having a discharge end, a discharge apron defining an support surface near the bottom of the bin extending in a substantially horizontal plane along a conveyance path to the discharge end. The apron is directed along a downwardly curving convex apron path sloping downwardly from the horizontal plane at the discharge end and comprises a plurality of rigid elongated parallel transversely extending slat members each having a main slat body portion and a thin plate-like lip projecting therefrom to overlie the adjacent slat member.

Abstract: A vessel is provided for holding and discharging loose bulk material, such as cellulosic chips. The vessel includes a cylinder main body with a conical discharge extending downwardly from the body. Chips are fed into the top and discharge from the bottom, with a vibrating discharge structure disposed interiorally of the bottom. In order to prevent hang-up of the chips which might block the outlet a number of prismatic elements are provided attached to the interior side walls of the vessel which terminate generally at the bottom of the main vessel body. The prismatic elements provide void volumes in the loose bulk material flowing downwardly from the inlet to the outlet, so that as the material is being funnelled down for discharge it can fill the void volumes and will not hang-up and block the bulk material outlet.