US 6,802,434 B2 · Method and apparatus for improved regulation of flow of particulate matter

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for regulating the flow of rates of particulate matter. The invention includes a flow gate with a generally cylindrical body having a flow path defined there through. A stator member is provided in fixed position relative to the cylindrical body. The stator member has a plurality of alternating tapered vein portions and inlet portions. A rotor member is interfaced with the stator member. The rotor member has a plurality of alternating stock portions and outlet port portions. The rotary coupling is utilized to couple the rotor member and the stator member. A position actuator is provided for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of the rotor member. A mechanical coupling is provided between the position actuator and the rotor member. The flow gate is utilized to obtain a particular flow rate within a range of available flow rates by determining the relative positions of the inlet ports of the stator member and the outlet ports of the rotor member.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A method of regulating flow rates of particulate matter, comprising the method steps of:

(a) providing a housing defining a flow path having an inlet and an outlet;
(b) locating a first gate member fixed in position relative to said housing;
(c) interfacing a second gate member with said first gate member;
(d) wherein at least one flow path is defined by the relative position of said first gate member and said second gate member;
(e) providing a position control valve for receiving at least one control input and producing a corresponding displacement of said first gate member relative to said second gate member;
(f) providing a programmable controller member for providing a control input to said position control valve;
(g) utilizing said programmable controller member to obtain a particular flow rate within a range of available flow rates by providing a particular control input to said position control valve to determine the relative positions of said first and second gate members.

4 more elements

A method of controlling flow of a substance, comprising the method steps of:

(a) defining a flow path;
(b) locating a plurality of flow gates in said flow path;
(c) providing a weighing assembly including (i) weighing hopper, in gravity-driven flow communication with an upper one of said plurality of flow gates, and (ii) a measurement means for generating an electrical signal indicative of the weight of a particulate matter in said weighing hopper;
(d) providing a controller member for (i) receiving said electrical signal from said measurement means of said weighing assembly and (ii) providing control signals to said plurality of flow gates.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for improved regulation of flow of particulate matter

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for improved regulation of flow of particulate matter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8