Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.

Abstract: The invention provides in a first aspect a closure (10) for a passageway such as a bottleneck. The closure (10) has a concertina element (16). When the concertina element (16) is released, the closure (10) can be removed from the passageway. The concertina element (16) may have folds (18), including compressible folds, may be in the form of a spiral. In a further aspect, the invention provides a second aspect a closure (110), which has a processing (132). The processing (132) may include a computer chip (134), is adapted to receive or convey various types of data, such as characteristics of the contents of the container closed by the closure (10). The first and second aspects may be combined.

Abstract: In a device for pumping meat-containing products, such as pieces of meat, meat paste and meat pulp (dough), it is aimed at avoiding problems of the meat forming bridges in a feed space, of meat remaining in the device during a too long time, of too much churning up of the meat and to provide a simple device adapted to discharge at will a continuous meat discharge flow under constant pressure or at a constant flow rate. Thereto, there is a feed space with means for feeding the meat under pressure to one of a number of cylinders with reciprocating pistons or the like, acting in parallel, with a controlled valve in the delivery line between each piston and a common discharge duct. Several feed means are proposed, depending on the application of the devices for pieces of meat on the one hand or for paste or pulp.

Abstract: A seed dispensing apparatus includes an upper grain flute housing which mounts a grain flute type seed dispensing system, as well as a lower seed plate housing which mounts a seed plate type dispensing system. Both the flute type dispensing system and the seed plate type dispensing system include respective drive shafts. By selecting and rotating the appropriate one of the drive shafts, the disclosed seed dispensing system can be used either to dispense relatively small seeds via the flute type dispensing system, or relatively large seeds via the seed plate type dispensing system.

Abstract: A divided rotary valve feeder includes an inlet conduit, an outlet divided into a plurality of passages by webs, and rotor mounted between the inlet conduit and the outlet. The rotor includes vanes defining troughs and partitions dividing the troughs into a plurality of compartments. The partitions engage the webs to assure discharge of material from each compartment to an aligned passage, and the passages are in communication with conveyors for moving the material to a point of use. Tiltable splitter plates may be provided in the inlet conduit in engagement with the partitions to evenly distribute the flow of material to the compartments in each trough. Compressed air or other gas may be fed to each of the compartments to assist the discharge of material either by direct contact or by flexing a flexible boot in each compartment.

Abstract: A spreading apparatus comprising a large hopper disposed above a series of integral mini-hoppers. Each mini-hopper includes positive metering discharge means for uniformly distributing granular materials containing ingredients of mixed densities such as blended fertilizers.