GB1064434A - Improvements in or relating to hopper discharging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,064,434. Emptying storage chambers from below; loading receptacles; shoots. BUTTERLEY ENGINEERING CO. Ltd. Nov. 5, 1965 [Aug. 8, 1964], No. 32387/64. Headings B8E and B8S. Apparatus for off-loading material from a hopper 1, Fig. 1, comprises a paddle 7 which is rotatable in a slot 8 extending along the hopper bottom to feed material therefrom to shoots 11, 12, the angle of separation of the latter being adjustable by an hydraulic or pneumatic ram 14 and a flap valve 13 being provided to control the feed of material to the shoots. The paddle 7 is mounted on a shaft 6 which is driven by a motor 2 through a fluid coupling 3, a variablespeed gear-box 4 and gears 5. Beneath the paddle 7 is a hopper 9 which feeds a chamber 10 connected to the shoots 11, 12. The valve 13 is operated by an hydraulic or pneumatic ram 15. Alternatively, there may be two half-valves operated separately by two rams 15 so that one half-valve closes half of the shoot 11 and the other half-valve closes half of the shoot 12 or both half-valves simultaneously close either of the shoots 11, 12. Two further rams 16 are provided for moving vertically the chamber 10 and shoots 11, 12. The apparatus is mounted on wheels 17 which engage rails 18 extending along the hopper 1. The paddle 7 has curved fingers 22, Fig. 3 (not shown). Sensing probes A, B, C depend from the apparatus and co-operate with a train of wagons to be filled from the shoots 11, 12; the probes control the movement of the valve 13 so that there is no overspill in the spaces between the wagons, Figs. 4 to 9 (not shown). The probes may operate mechanically by consisting of rods moved by contact with the wagons or they may operate to complete an electric circuit upon contact. Alternatively, the probes may operate photo-mechanically by completing a circuit when they observe a certain light density or they may operate on a principle of sonic waves. A control cab may be provided adjacent the paddle 7, manual control means being provided for overriding the probes.