Method for converting intermittent to constant refuse flow

A method for providing surge capacity and for smoothing out the flow rate of refuse in a refuse feed system wherein refuse is loaded onto a moving conveyor at variable or intermittent rates, comprising:

• 1. preventing excess refuse from passing beyond a given point on the conveyor by providing a rotating leveler spaced at a predetermined distance from the conveyor so as to permit a desired level of refuse to remain on the conveyor beyond the leveler, and
• 2. rotating the leveler at a surface speed greater than twice the speed of the conveyor, the direction of travel of the leveler being opposite to the direction of travel of the refuse on the conveyor,
• whereby refuse in excess of the amount desired to be retained on the conveyor is caused to be retained behind the leveler as a rolling inventory of refuse, thereby causing the refuse to be discharged from the conveyor at a constant and uniform rate.