Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
INTRODUCTION
1 The present invention relates to apparatus for
filling storage bins with free flowing particulate material
and, more in particular, to the level filling of circular
bins in a uniformly distributed manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore, when loading bins with particulate
materials the loading spout was directed at the center of -the
bin where the material was allowed to accumulate in a conlcal
pile. When this material was an aggregate of different sizes,
shapes, and densities, the material separated upon filling.
This is often undesirable, e.g. grain, where this self-
segragation results in separation of dry seed from moist seed
and of the seed from the chaff. Also, center filling results
in uneven compaction, which reduces the capacity of the bin.
Where storage bin~ are frequently filled, levelling
or spreading devices such as Canada Patent # ~19,5~4, and
835,177 or 1,063,311 are warranted. However~ where bins
are infrequently filled such devices are often too costly
and less effective methods are employed. One such method
employed to alleviate the problem involved the installation
of a Eunnel-~ed cone at the top of each bin, which deflec-ted
the Ealling material to the perimeter of the bin.
Therefore, it is the primary object of the invention
to provide a cost-effective means of spreading par-ticulate
material at the discharge end of bin loading machines.
Other objects and advantages of -this invention will
become apparen-t from the follo~ing description and drawing~
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
1 Essentially, the invention is a free turning vane
located under the discharge spout of loading machines where
the free fall of particulate material induces the vane to
rotate. The spreading action is a combination of ever-changing
deflection, where the material is bounced off the vane blades,
and of centrifugal force, where the material is flung from
the vane. The invention further consis-ts of one or more
funnel-like guides whose purpose is to direct most of the
fal]ing material into a concentrated stream aimed at -the
center of the vane.
In accordance to one aspect of the invention, this
device would be attached to, or incorporated in, a movable
or mobile loading machine, where the invention would be used
for a plurality of bins.
In accordance to another aspec-t of -the inven-tion,
this device would be incorporated as a part of a permanent
bin structure where the discharge end of the loading machine
is also fixed.
THE D~AWING
~0 This is an exploded view of the invention where it
is shown as being incorpora-ted in the last two sections of a
segment flexible spout. Fasteners, and other hardware are
well known and have been left out for the sake of clarity.
As employed herein, the term "bin" means any larye
box, container, silo or tank which is used to store "particulate
material" which may be seeds, pellets, powders, granules,
of a wide range of sizes, shapes, and densities.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT
1 Illustrated are the tubular sections ~ and 9 of a
flexible telescoping spout of which two are shown but where
the usual number is four or more. The strap 11 joins the
sections to each other and can be of any rope, chain, or
belt providing it is of a type that the length can be adjusted~
Shown in the cut-away of the uppermost section 8 is the
first converging guide 10 whose purpose is to funnel -the
falling particulate material to the center of the lower
section. The second guide 2 is attached to both the section 9
of the spout and to the bearing support bracket 3 by fasteners
7. The slotted nut 6 completes the assembly by holding the
vane to the bearing 5.
In the operation of many loading machines such as
augers and belt conveyors, the discharge is sideways; as a
result, spouts are attached to direct this discharge downwards.
However, this flow is often along the slde of the spou-t, it
is therefore necessary, to place a guide in an upper section
to change the flow to the center of the lower spout section.
In permanent structures where other machines are usually
employed, the discharge is usually vertical and the guide 10
is not required.
As the particulate material descends it is further
aimed and concentrated by a second funnelling guide onto the
center of the vaneO In order to reduce funnel-to-material
resistance, which is the main cause of bridging and subsequent
blockage, gaps have been placed in the sides of the funnel.
This guide i5 constructed of spriny-like strips which converge
to form an aperture that can accommodate variations in -the -lo~.
These flexible strips have also the advantage, in sticky
material, of heing able to shed the adhering particles.
~;~L'' a~3
1 In the operation of the vane~ the distance the
particulate material falls before striking the vane determines7
the ro-tational velocity o~ -the vane, and the radius of dispersal
of the particulate material. Therefore; to accommodate different
hin diameters the length o~ the telescoping spout is varied
by changing the length of the connec-ting strap.
In the design of the vane, the angle, shape and si~e
of the vane blades will determine the shape of the deposited
pile. The vane illustrated will produce a doughnut-shaped
pile, which in -the case of canola, is the ideal shape. In
most particulate material, the maximum horizontal deflection
is obtained, when, the falling material strikes a surface
which is inclined at ~5 degrees. However, when that inclined
surface is moving perpendicular to the falling material as
when the vane is rotating, the apparent angle is less than
when it was static. Therefore; the angle should be adjusted
accordingly, while evaluating the effect of mass, velocity,
and resilience of both the particulate material and vane on
the rotation of the vane.
~:Lso significant, are the size and construction of
the bearing support bracket, since its obstruction to deflected
and flung particles afEect the shape of the deposited pile.
Obviously many mod~fications and variations can be
made of the above invention in order to accomrnodate the many
materials to which this invention can be employed. It is,
therefore; understood that within the scope of the a-ttached
claims the invention may be practised otherwise than specifically
described~
