Dispensing – Jarring and/or vibrating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-26
2001-02-06
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Jarring and/or vibrating
C222S201000, C222S233000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182869
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device that is used to maintain a constant flow of particles through a conveyer system. In particular, the invention relates to a device that maintains the flow of feed, or similar substances, from a bulk storage bin downwardly through an attached boot and unloader for delivery to a flex or rigid auger system that transports the feed to a feed dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bulk feed systems are routinely used in modern livestock and poultry production. In these operations, feed is a significant input cost and directly affects a producer's bottom line. Producers have begun to grind the feed particles into very small micron sizes to reduce the feed expense. Smaller sized feed particles enable the poultry or livestock to digest the feed better and more effectively utilize it for growth. Thus, the smaller the particle size, the better the feed conversion into pounds of meat, which lowers the cost of the feed input per pound of meat output. However, one drawback with the use of smaller particle sizes is the problem of feed in bulk bin systems becoming “hung up” or packed which reduces or stops the flow of feed. To break up the packed feed and regain flow, the producers have to manually pound on the bin and try to loosen and knock down compacted, finely ground particles into the bin's attached boot and unloader for delivery to the auger system.
Prior devices developed to alleviate this packing problem have many disadvantages. One major disadvantage of many of the prior devices is that they need an additional independent power supply to operate them. The additional power supply increases the purchase price and operating costs of the system, necessitates additional electrical wiring and supplies, and often requires professional installation.
Other disadvantages of prior systems are the size and placement of the units. Many devices on the market today mount on the inside of the bulk bin and totally replace the boot and unloader which the producer already has. This is not only wasteful, but it is very difficult and dangerous to work on systems mounted inside the bulk bin if the system needs to be repaired or replaced.
Another disadvantage of prior methods is the wear and tear on the bulk bin. Many devices either cause a constant vibration on the bin or have spinning chains and rods on the inside of the bin. Both of these methods cause wear not only on the parts in the devices but also on the bin itself. In addition, many of the devices on the market today do not achieve their desired results.
Accordingly, a need exists for a device that does not require a separate power supply; is simple, easy and inexpensive to install, operate and maintain; and does not cause excessive wear on the bulk feed bin. One object of the present invention is to provide such a device.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a particle flow enhancer is provided for a bulk storage bin having a flex or rigid auger system, having a boot, an unloader, and a rotating shaft extending through the unloader. The particle flow enhancer comprises a drive axle and a striker arm. The drive axle is attached to the bulk bin auger system and is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft. The striker arm is actuated by the drive axle to periodically strike the boot.
One feature of the present invention is that it comprises a particle flow enhancer that maintains a constant flow of feed and other like substances from the bulk bin into the attached boot and unloader for delivery to a flex or rigid auger system, by providing a constant tapping on the bin's attached boot.
Another feature of the particle flow enhancer of the present invention is that it mounts on the outside of the boot of the bulk bin and can operate off the direct drive of the bin's auger system. This feature has two significant advantages. First, by mounting on the outside of the boot, the device is substantially easier to install, repair, and replace than flow enhancers that are mounted within the interior of the boot or bin. The second significant advantage is that by being driven off the bin's auger system, there is no need for additional drive means, (such as an additional motor) and no need for any additional power sources or wiring (e.g. electrical conduit) for providing power to the drive means. By obviating the need for a separate drive means and power sources, the device can be produced and operated less expensively. The particle flow enhancer provides a simple, mechanical way to automatically cause feed or other substances to flow from the bulk bin into the boot and unloader and be carried out by the auger system regardless to particle micron size.
Preferably, the particle flow enhancer attaches to a bulk bin flex or rigid auger system having a rotating shaft. The particle flow enhancer includes a drive axle attached to the bulk bin auger system which is driven by the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a striker arm that is actuated by the drive axle through a gearing and/or cam system to periodically strike the boot of the bulk bin auger system. The rotating shaft provides the power for the particle flow enhancer to ultimately actuate the striker arm, thereby causing it to strike the boot of the bin auger system. The striking of the boot of the bulk bin auger system by the striker arm enhances the flow of particles through the boot and bulk bin auger system.
REFERENCES:
patent: 733628 (1903-07-01), Cramer
patent: 2370709 (1945-03-01), Barton
patent: 3411675 (1968-11-01), Wahl
patent: 6062720 (2000-05-01), Ionadi
Bose McKinney & Evans LLP
Bui Thach H
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
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