Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section – With means to affect flow
Reexamination Certificate
1999-06-08
2001-08-21
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor system having a gravity conveyor section
With means to affect flow
C198S532000, C198S533000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276516
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the discharge of bulk material from storage to a conveying system and more particularly to control devices for regulating the flow of such bulk material.
For the sake of convenience, the invention will be described in relation to the discharge of particulate material from a stockpile using a vibratory stockpile reclaimer but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto as it may be applied to other circumstances where it is necessary to regulate the flow of bulk material from storage to a conveying system. For example, the invention could be used on the outlet of a silo, hopper, rail car or bunker as well as a stockpile where controlled discharge of high volumes of bulk material such as gravel, coal, grain ore, sand and the like is required and where blending from a number of outlets may be required. A typical prior art reclaimer is disclosed in Australian Patent Specification 555,108.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
Large bulk storage reclaim systems usually comprise a single or series of vibratory stockpile dischargers which promote flow of material into a conical discharge section then to a flow control device that regulates the amount of material discharged onto the conveying system.
A typical prior art flow control device is shown in Australian Patent Specification 555,108. It is an object of this invention to provide an improved flow control device for use in the discharge of bulk material from storage.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a flow control device for use with apparatus for discharging granular material from storage, said apparatus including an inlet adapted to receive granular material from the storage, a containment chute for receiving material from the inlet and for discharging the material through a discharge opening to a conveyor system, said flow control device comprising a pivotally mounted segment gate adapted to move in an arcuate manner across the discharge opening of the containment chute to vary the cross-sectional area of the discharge opening and an actuator or prime mover for moving or positioning the segment gate.
In a preferred form of the invention, the flow control device includes a displaced air control system that directs displaced air from the granular material flow where it is recombined with the discharge material at the conveyor level.
In a further preferred form of the invention, the flow control device includes means for vibrating the floor of the containment chute on the entire containment chute to assist the discharge of difficult materials or when blending at low discharge rates.
In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
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Bagust Kevin Ronald
Rudd Robert Brydon
Welik Stanislaw
Abelman ,Frayne & Schwab
Ellis Christopher P.
Sharma Rashmi
Transfield PTY Limited
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