Patent · US Expired

Feeder tube for bulk product

US6722491B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
7References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMay 9, 2002
Grant dateApr 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 23, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65G33/14
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A feeder tube for bulk product, including a tube in which there are inlet openings distributed along the length of the tube. A screw conveyer is disposed axially within the tube. The tube rotates about its axis, the screw conveyer rotates relative to the tube and the feeder tube moves in the lateral direction. Activators form projections on the outer side of the tube and are disposed on the tube near the inlet openings. In each cross-section along at least 40% of the length of the tube, there are at least two inlet openings. At least two activators are also positioned in each cross-section. For a feeder tube having a desired average volumetric capacity (V′) the slot width (d) of the majority of the openings is V′˜dn, wherein n is between 2-3. The total sum of the width (&Sgr;d) of all openings in each-section is between 150-700 mm.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.