Sequencing bulk material containers for continuous material usage
US11186452B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2020 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D90/66
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, systems and methods for sequencing portable containers of bulk material to provide continuous bulk material usage at an outlet are provided. The disclosed sequencing techniques may involve identifying a sequence for opening different portable containers of bulk material (or identifying the “next” portable container to open) and automatically actuating the discharge gates of the portable containers in the desired sequence to provide a continuous flow of bulk material to the outlet (e.g., blender unit). The identified sequence may be executed through a control system communicatively coupled to actuators used to open/close the discharge gates of the portable bulk material containers. A GUI may be communicatively coupled to the control system to allow an operator to select the desired sequence for execution by the control system and to display information regarding the portable bulk material containers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.