Apparatus for transferring flowable material to a receptacle and system incorporating the same

Abstract

The invention relates to apparatus comprising a container, such as a silo or hopper for storing and distributing flowable material, to receptacle such as an I.B.C. via an outlet, there being a device adapted for removing and replacing a closure of the receptacle, particularly on passage of material into the receptacle. In a preferred arrangement, outlet of the silo is normally obturated by a conical (or frusto-conical) closure device which is raised and lowered by pneumatic devices in the form of an air bellows mounted in the silo on a frame. The bellows is within a cone, and there is also a device for oscillating the cone, such as a vibrator, in order to obviate bridging or rat-holing of material during discharge. The bellows is housed within a hygienic cover for cleanliness. The cone is connected with the bellows via a connector which may be in the form of a telescopic tube. The tube passes through the apex of the cone and is secured thereat as by a nut and bolt arrangement. The tube passes down interiorly of the cone and terminates in a suction cup such as a rubber cup, the cup itself being generally conical and its periphery being generally in a plane which also contains the periphery of the cone. There is a vacuum line connecting the interior of the tube, and hence the interior of the cup, with a vacuum source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.