Apparatus for facilitating flow of solid particles by gravity through a container having an opening in the bottom thereof

Abstract

An apparatus for facilitating the flow of solid particles in bulk form by gravity through a container within which the particles are temporarily stored or through a pipe within which the particles are being moved by force feeding or induced methods. The apparatus is a multisurfaced body the surfaces of which are described by curves in both vertical and horizontal directions. These curves may be cycloidal, hyperbolic or parabolic, among others. However, in its preferred embodiment the apparatus is generated by cycloidal curves. The curves in the vertical and horizontal directions converge toward the center and bottom of the container or pipe, and serve to interrupt the consolidating forces generated within the container or pipe which, absent the presence of the apparatus, would cause clogging or hindrance of the flow of material through the container or pipe.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.