Abstract: A developer filling apparatus includes a bag setting portion where a developer bag in which a developer containing toner and a carrier is sealed is set, an accommodation case setting portion where a developer accommodation case for accommodating the developer is set, and a transfer path constructed to initially fill the developer accommodation case set in the accommodation case setting portion with the developer taken out of the opened developer bag while the developer bag is set in the bag setting portion.

Abstract: A dual modality container for transporting either frac sand and proppant or frac liquids for temporary storage and delivery to a well site for fracking operations. In a first modality, a plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the container roof receives frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper. In a second modality, frac liquid is received at the well site and stored in bilateral bladders within a central chamber. An in situ elongated longitudinal linear valve disposed within the hopper effectuates industry standard pressurized discharge of stored frac sand or discharge of frac liquid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply apparatus including a hopper in which medicine is not likely to remain. The medicine supply apparatus of the present invention includes a hopper and a deforming operation portion. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is configured as a deformable portion having flexibility. The deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close a passage. The deforming operation portion deforms the deformable portion to thereby open and close the passage, and applies vibrations to the deformable portion. The medicine adhering to an inner surface of the deformable portion is processed by the vibrations.

Abstract: A feeder with variable rhomboidal walls includes a base housing, a soft hopper, a plurality of extrusion mechanisms, a pusher screw pole, a motor, and a decelerator. The extrusion mechanisms are respectively provided at four appropriate positions of the soft hopper, and are activated by protruding wheels with the aid of the motor in conjunction with the decelerator, so that the four extrusion mechanisms operate in pairs to squeeze the soft hopper while rendering a rhomboidal space change. Accordingly, a bridge effect associated with the prior art is eliminated to allow a raw material to fall and then to be dispensed by the pusher screw rod for further processing.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing a dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency has a housing and at least one dispensing head. At least one reservoir cavity is formed inside the housing and serves to receive dosage material. The at least one dispensing head is formed of an elastomeric material. The dispensing head has an outlet which is slit-shaped in its non-deformed state and is delimited by a first outlet lip and a second outlet lip. The outlet can be opened to a variable width by the application of a lateral compressive force. The arrangement further includes at least a first motion-transmitting means designed to impart an oscillatory movement to the first outlet lip relative to, and in the lengthwise direction of, the second outlet lip.

Abstract: A feeding device, particularly for feeding powdered materials into a device processing the same, in particular an extruder, the feeding device including a housing with a receiving region for receiving the material, which is movable laterally over at least one flexible wall, which is movable by at least one moving mechanical element acting thereon, wherein the element is movable along the wall. The wall exterior has bumps, is moved via the element, and/or the element is non-round in its motion.

Abstract: A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. The hopper is configured to cause rippling vibration on an inner surface thereof by an external force applied to the hopper. According to this configuration, the rippling vibration applies a force to the medicine to separate the medicine away from the inner surface of the hopper. This prevents the medicine from easily adhering to the hopper.

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 unit for dispensing a dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency has a housing and at least one dispensing head. At least one reservoir cavity is formed inside the housing and serves to receive dosage material. The at least one dispensing head is formed of an elastomeric material. The dispensing head has an outlet which is slit-shaped in its non-deformed state and is delimited by a first outlet lip and a second outlet lip. The outlet can be opened to a variable width by the application of a lateral compressive force. The arrangement further includes at least a first motion-transmitting means designed to impart an oscillatory movement to the first outlet lip relative to, and in the lengthwise direction of, the second outlet lip.

Abstract: A storage container for granular fuel, comprising a lower, essentially horizontal, limiting surface and at least one adjoining lateral limiting surface, a feeding out device with an axial extension that considerably exceeds its radial extension, the feeding out device being arranged along at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferred at least 90% of the axial extension of said lower limiting surface, a forward-feeding device arranged to transport said fuel in a direction towards said feeding out device, comprising a flexible bag that via a pressurized air inlet is inflatable and that is arranged in connection with at least a portion of the storage container's lower limiting surface and its adjoining lateral limiting surface, the feeding out device being arranged inside said storage container and the bag also comprising at least one outlet for pressurized air, whereby a flow of pressurized air is allowed through the bag during the inflation thereof.

Abstract: A feeding device, particularly for feeding powdered materials into a device processing the same, in particular an extruder, the feeding device including a housing with a receiving region for receiving the material, which is movable laterally over at least one flexible wall, which is movable by at least one moving mechanical element acting thereon, wherein the element is movable along the wall. The wall exterior has bumps, is moved via the element, and/or the element is non-round in its motion.

Abstract: A powdery mold coating agent supply device includes a tank having at its lower portion a discharge port, the tank storing therein an amount of powdery mold coating agent, a supply, tube connected at its upper end portion to the discharge port and extending downwardly along a vertical line, a first open/close device provided in an upper side of the supply tube for the opening/closing thereof, and a second open/close device provided in a lower side of the supply tube for opening/closing the supply tube and placed away from the first open/close device by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering installation for powder pigments, having an arrangement for supplying the powder pigments into a weighing container of a weighing arrangement. The weighing container may be emptied into a pneumatic conveying conduit which leads into a consuming unit, if appropriate, via an intermediate store. The conveying arrangement has a hopper-like pressure container which can be subjected to the action of compressed air. The pressure container has a closure at the base and a laterally curved outlet connector. An injector tube, which can be subjected to the action of compressed air and has lateral exit openings for the compressed air, extends axially into the outlet connector.

Abstract: A granular liquid crystal of uniform grain diameter is discharged from a liquid crystal application unit. A charged plate ionizes the discharged granular liquid crystal. A power source supplies a plus voltage to the charged plate via a switch which turns on or off a supplied voltage from the power source. If the switch is turned on, the granular liquid crystal is ionized, and the ionized granular liquid crystal is deflected by a deflecting plate to reach a substrate. On the other hand, if the switch is turned off, the granular liquid crystal is not ionized, and not deflected by the deflecting plate to be captured by a garter. The switch is turned on or off in synchronism with the frequency of the piezoelectric transducer, whereby a desired amount of liquid crystal can be dripped on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for delivering powder in a beverage dispenser comprising a hopper for containing a mass of beverage powder. The hopper includes at least one flexible body member and an actuating mechanism coupled with the flexible body member. The actuating mechanism is operatively associated with a mechanical or magnetic driving device which is actuated in an active mode to actuate the actuating mechanism to impart motion to the flexible body member at a frequency that is sufficiently low to correspond to a non-vibrating mode.

Abstract: In a process for dispensing a powdery product (P) from a container (1) with a dispensing nozzle (4) aimed downwards, a flexible section (3) of the container (1) is deformed at least near the dispensing nozzle (3). This is achieved preferably by a movement of the container relative to the dispensing nozzle, in a direction with a component at a right angle to the dispensing nozzle. The movement of the container (1) and the dispensing of a portion of product from the dispensing nozzle (4) can take place immediately after one another. The invention also comprises a device for dispensing a powdery product (P), with which the process can be carried out and bridge and tunnel formation in the powdery product is opposed effectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for unloading a bulk-material bag of the type having a bottom portion, a side portion and a transition portion between the bottom and side portions. The machine includes an apparatus aiding discharge of the material from the bag. In the improvement, the apparatus includes a tri-section panel mounted for movement on the machine, thereby configuring the panel to sequentially contact the bottom, transition and side portions of the bag. The panel has first, second and third segments angle-mounted to one another. In a specific embodiment, the segments are substantially planar. A microprocessor-based controller is coupled to the actuator and regulates its movement as a function of a process parameter, e.g., the compressibility of the bag and/or the weight of the material contained in the bag. A highly preferred embodiment of the machine also has a bag lifting mechanism above the tri-section panel.

Abstract: A replaceable liner for installation in a material handling system where materials normally accumulate on an interior of a material handling apparatus, the liner characterized by being sufficiently large so that the liner is externally supported in a first normal direction when the liner is in a working condition, the liner characterized by being sufficiently strong so as to withstand without tearing a frictional sliding force produced by a material sliding along the liner even though the liner may be sufficiently weak so as not to be capable of supporting and confining the material therein; the liner having a first peripheral region for removably securing the liner in a working condition in a conveying apparatus with the liner further characterized by being sufficiently flexible so that the application of a force in a direction opposite to the normal direction liner causes the liner to flex and bend thereby dislodging any materials accumulated thereon.

Abstract: A massager system for facilitating the rapid unloading of bulk material stored in a semi-rigid bag. The system includes a frame from which the bag is suspended. The bag has a discharge spout in the bottom end thereof that is secured to a complementary hopper. The system includes two massager paddles that are seated against the bottom end of the bag on opposed sides of the hopper. The massager paddles are secured to the frame so as to be able to pivot upwardly. A single actuator, such as a pneumatic drive cylinder, is suspended directly from the massage paddles. The actuation of the drive cylinder causes the simultaneous upward movement of the paddles so that the paddles enhance the movement of the contents of the bag out through the bag discharge spout.

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 bag squeezing apparatus for breaking up bridging of material being delivered from the bag. A pair of jaws are sequentially operated to impact opposite sides of the bag.

Abstract: A container or hopper with a flexible weigh container as an inner member, in which the weigh container is supported through at least one weigh cell on a frame. In order to weigh-in a material to be proportioned, a throttling device is provided at the bottom end of the weigh container. To avoid complicated distributing arrangements and assure precise dosing, the flexible weigh container extends further downwardly like a hose through the throttling device and its bottom is attached to a movable spout which in turn is displaceable in such a manner that the flexible, hose-like extension of the weigh container is carried along with it so as to selectively discharge through different outlets of the container or hopper.

Abstract: An automatic feed supply machine comprising a housing containing a feed container. The feed container has a flexible bottom wall and a pushing plate for moving feed to an outlet. The outlet is closed by a disk. A motor vibrates the flexible bottom and moves the pushing plate. A common actuating lever moves the disk to an open position and operates the motor to dispense feed through the opening and into and through a nozzle.

Abstract: An active bulkhead corner unit with a support surface that faces the cargo and inflatable bags located underneath the support surface. The inflatable bags occupy the space between the support surface, the floor of the container, and the adjacent walls of the container. A vibrating mechanism such as a flutter valve is attached to the pressure pump to create rapid variations in pressure which in turn cause the inflatable bag and the support surface to vibrate against the cargo, disturbing the cargo and enhancing discharge flow. The bulkhead corner can be an independent unit or integrated with a liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging dosed quantities of a bulk material from a bin having a discharge end, includes a material loosening unit adapted to extend below the discharge end, a foil unit covering the material loosening unit and extending so as to form a conical surface for contacting directly the bulk material filled in the bin, so that the loosening unit contacts the bulk material indirectly through the foil unit, and a shutter unit associated with the foil unit opposite to the discharge end and movable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: The proposed micro-dosing device is suitable for finely dosing powdery and granulate substances in quantities lying in the gram, milligram or microgram range. The dosing element per se consists of a nipple (1) comparable to those found on baby bottles. The material outlet (2) is formed by a slit-shaped opening located at the end of the tip (5) of the dosing nipple (1). Varying the lateral pressure applied to the tip (5) causes the material outlet (2) to be opened to various degrees. An activator needle (6) is provided for activating the substance filled in the dosing nipple (1); the needle is stuck into the wall of the dosing nipple (1) at a small distance above the material outlet (2); the tip of the needle projects through the opening of the material outlet (2) below. If large quantities are to be micro-dosed, the dosing nipple (1) can be mounted to a stock bottle (11) via a detachable connector.

Abstract: A batch weighing apparatus includes a plurality of soft sided bulk bags containing a quantity of bulk dry material which are rack mounted thereon and which have generally U-shaped bracket assemblies mounted thereunder for agitating the material in the bulk bag for free flow therethrough. The plurality of bulk bags are used in place of the rack mounted bins in prior art devices and permit shipment, storage, and dispensing of bulk dry material from the same soft sided bag.

Abstract: A system for unloading powdered or granular materials from a container made of flexible material, the system including a line supplying compressed gas to the interior of the container to fluidize the material in the container, and a delivery conduit which may be attached to the container for delivering fluidized material from the container. A pair of arms are movable between a first position in which they are spaced from the container and a second position in which they engage and squeeze the container. Vibrators are provided for vibrating the container. The action of the arms and the vibrators facilitates unloading by breaking up clumps of the material in the container and preventing the formation of air pockets and material bridging.

Abstract: A supporting framework for a soft-sided bulk bag containing a quantity of bulk dry material, the bag having four loop-type straps positioned at the corners of its top, includes a bird cage-like framework with four hook members for securing the bag straps thereto and a pair of U-shaped rails for receiving the blades of a forklift truck. The bird cage-like structure fits over the top of the bulk bag so that the bulk bag may be secured thereto and the framework and bag subsequently lifted and handled from its top instead of its bottom as in the prior art. Additionally, a generally horizontally extending bracket lip surrounds the bird cage-like framework to facilitate its being lifted and set down into place on a batch weighing apparatus or the like for controlled dispensing of the bulk dry material through a pour spout located in the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: A volumetric dry material feeder comprising a movable wall hopper. Nesting lower and end wall hopper components receive and clamp a flexible diaphragm sheet in position to overlie mutually opposing hopper walls and to receive and isolate the material therefrom. A pair of thrust plates are each located between the diaphragm and a hopper wall and alternately displaced relative thereto at differing frequencies to produce a continually varying combination of thrust plate movements.

Abstract: A feed hopper assembly for feeding granular material to a feed screw in the bottom of the hopper, the assembly including a frame for supporting a flexible type feed hopper, one or more roller assemblies mounted on the frame in a position to engage the sides of the feed hopper, each roller assembly including a shaft and a tube mounted for rotary motion on the shaft, the shaft being eccentrically mounted on the frame to move the tube into and out of engagement with the hopper.

Abstract: A pivotally mounted U-shaped bracket assembly is disposed beneath the bottom of a bag containing a quantity of bulk dry material and surrounding a pourspout in the bottom of the bag. An air cylinder comprising an inflatable bladder positioned opposite the pivotal mount of the bracket selectively pushes the bracket upwardly into the bottom of the bag to dislodge the dry material and separate it into its original granulated or powdered form and break up any agglomerations or solidifications thereof which would otherwise interfere with the free flow of dry material from within the bag and through the pourspout. A vibrator is vertically mounted on the outboard end of the bracket and introduces vibratory forces into the material as the bracket deflects the bag to further aid the free flow of material.

Abstract: A lime feeder includes a metering driving vessel divided into two chambers arranged below a water inlet so that, alternatively one and the other chamber is filled with water and tilts between two end positions. The tilting movement is conducted by a carrier bar fastened in the metering vessel, to carriers that, in turn, drive a disk back and forth. The disk, in turn, feeds lime from a lime hopper with a movement back and forth. The lime powder is thereby brought to fall into the chamber of the metering vessel that has already been emptied. In this way, the lime will be wetted so that when it arrives in the stream of water, it is already suspended, which results in a more efficient dissolving of the lime.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharge unit having a discharge hopper with an inner liner support. The inner liner support is used to retain, in the hopper, the inner liner discharge spout and a portion of the bulk bag inner liner as the bulk bag is emptied. A plurality of splitter fingers hold the inner support in the inside of the hopper and form openings which allow bulk product to pass out of the hopper but also prevent the liner spout and a portion of the liner from passing out of the hopper. A method of preventing the dropping out of the liner during discharge using the liner support is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading station having a frame from which a bag containing powdery, granular or fibrous material and having a bottom spout, may be suspended; a base plate with an opening; and a mechanism above the base plate for intermittently shaking a bottom portion of the bag to aid the flow of material from the spout. The mechanism has a number of liftable petals actuated pneumatically.

Abstract: An arrangement for preventing the development of a frozen bond between individual pieces of cubed or crushed ice collected in a storage bin. The arrangement includes an upstanding flexible wall lining a majority of the inwardly facing wall surface of a storage bin. An agitator device is provided for moving the pieces of ice about within the confines defined by the flexible wall. The agitator includes a rotatable shaft, an arm secured to the rotatable shaft and extending radially thereof and a drive arrangement for drivingly rotating the shaft. Structure is provided for effecting a flexing of the flexible wall toward and away from the inwardly facing walls of the storage bin. The agitator device and the additional structure causing a flexing of the flexible wall periodically initiates a movement of the individual pieces of ice to thereby prevent the development of a frozen bond between the individual pieces of ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the metering of predetermined quantities of at least one product to be delivered to at least one mobile receiver by means of a distribution station which comprises means effecting the discharge of a product from a container, a device effecting simultaneously the preliminary storage, homogeneization and the transfer of the product to a weighing assembly comprising a metering feeder equipped with means to deliver the product to a mobile receiver, means to effect static weighings and dynamic weighings, means to conduct automatically the operations of weighing and the delivery of the product to the mobile receiver, means to effect the transfer of the product to the mobile receiver and to obturate the outlet of the weighing assembly, and the elements of the distributor station are further equipped with means to create and to maintain the impermeability of the apparatus with respect to the product involved and the elements of the environment.

Abstract: An inflatable liner for mounting within a hopper type receptacle or container which receives and discharges flowable bulk particulate material. The liner is comprised of one or more inflatable members such as inflatable fabric bags or tubular members loosely supported by sling members at spaced locations along the interior surface of the walls of the container in such manner that each inflatable member is capable of limited miltidirectional movement with respect to the adjacent container wall and a flexible wear resistant cover sheet loosely covering the wall and the inflatable members. The slings may be attached to either the container wall or to the bottom side of the cover sheet. Alternate inflatable members are inflated and deflated in any desired sequence to cause the cover sheet to undulate and thereby set up a continuous cyclic wave motion which serves to maintain the continuous flow of particulate material through the container.

Abstract: In a bin for receiving pulverulent and similar slow-moving materials a pneumatic agitator panel is mounted to the bounding wall inside the bin and at its upper edge is secured to the bounding wall by means of a clamp rail extending along the upper edge and secured to the bounding wall.

Abstract: A resilient liner for mounting within a hopper type receptacle which receives and discharges flowable bulk particulate material. The liner is comprised of one or more resilient panels each having a fluid tight envelope with a top and bottom sheet held in substantially spaced parallel relationship by a series of internal transverse seams or walls or by a layer of open celled foam when the internal pressure of the envelope is at least slightly higher than the ambient pressure outside the envelope. The panels are sufficiently resilient, that particles or chunks of material passing through the hopper striking the top of the envelope cause undulation of the top of the envelope which aids in maintaining the constant flow of particulate material through the receptacle. The panels may be protected by a wear resistant cover loosely covering the panels or integral with the panels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for stimulating flow of particulates toward an outlet of a container or other enclosure. A flexible wear-resistant liner is provided to cover an interior surface of the container along with a plurality of inflatable members at spaced locations juxtaposed between the surface and the liner. The members are inflated and deflated in any of various cyclic patterns so as to separate weakly adherent particulates from the liner and also dislodge jammed particulates in the central area of the container or enclosure, stimulating flow.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with regulation of evolutive pulp. It offers a regulation process and mechanism, said mechanism including an elastic shape-changing pneumatic valve, valve opening control means, and modulating means causing a variation of said valve opening either way from an opening setting achieved through control means. The present invention can be applied to a continuous process for mixing plaster.

Abstract: An automatic bag breaking system in which a bag of powdered material is opened and emptied within a protective enclosure. The enclosure is equipped with a bag holding assembly and at least one flapper to sequentially strike the bag after the bag is cut to enhance discharge of the bag's contents within the protective enclosure.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a bulk container having a discharge opening in its base, and vibratory tray feeder for conveying material from the discharge opening of the container to a second discharge opening. The tray feeder has an inlet connected to the discharge opening of the container by a flexible portion. To assist the passage of the material from the container to the tray feeder, the tray feeder is vibrated in a manner which transmits vibrations through the flexible portion of the connecting means to the container. The container may be a fixed container or part of a mobile unit in which the container and the tray feeder are supported on the same frame.

Abstract: A storage vessel includes a housing which has an inlet for introducing flowable particulate material into, and an outlet for withdrawing the same from the housing. At least one expandable cushion is located inside the housing and is operative for expanding and collapsing so as to agitate the material contained in the housing to thereby prevent agglomeration of the material. Air is introduced into the cushion to expand the same.

Abstract: A vacuum storage hopper for storing and dispensing granular materials, including a storage chamber having a lower inverted conical discharge section terminating in a discharge valve. At least one material inlet and a combination air inlet-outlet are connected to the upper part of the storage chamber. A source of air under vacuum and pressure is connected to the air inlet-outlet for exhausting air from the storage chamber to draw granular material thereinto, and for supplying air under pressure to the storage chamber to assist the discharge of granular material from the hopper. A flexible, resilient air-impervious membrane of inverted generally conical configuration is located in the discharge section of the hopper; the membrane has its upper edge secured to the upper edge of the discharge section of the hopper and hangs downwardly therefrom. A short strip of the membrane, no more than a minor fraction of its circumference, is secured to the storage chamber below its upper edge.

Abstract: A toner dispensing apparatus for electrophotographic copiers. The apparatus includes a toner dispenser portion positioned within the developer housing of the copier, and a toner supply portion positioned exteriorly of the developer housing. The two portions are detachably secured to one another such that when the supply of toner in the toner supply portion becomes exhausted, that portion may be replaced in its entirety. Both portions are provided with a novel valve means to permit transfer of toner from the supply portion to the dispenser portion in normal operation and to prevent toner spillage from either portion when separated. Additionally, a novel toner agitator structure is provided in the toner supply portion to ensure a smooth flow of toner therefrom. This structure includes a plastic bag for holding the supply of toner together with means for periodically deflecting the walls of the bag to loosen up the toner therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing fluent materials, especially components for foundry molding compositions, affording a pluralities of containers feeding serially one to another or in parallel discharging to a common acceptor, for batch or continuous operations, permitting simultaneous mixing of all components, either all brought together at once or, as for reactive component mixing, in parallel diverse component group mixing flows, joined for final mixing bringing the reactive components together; and an agitated shooter injector vessel receiving the mixed material, pneumatically actuated to expel material into a mold or the like.