Device and method for inwardly transferring bulk material into a pneumatic conveyor line

Abstract

In a device for transferring bulk material from a reservoir or a holding space through a lock space into a pneumatic conveyor line—in which the lock space can be closed in relation to the reservoir or holding space by an axially movable closure body and at least one counterpart sealing element disposed in opposite relationship in its path of movement—the closure body has at least one vent opening which opens into an air discharge passage and can be closed in the upward closing movement of a stroke element with the sealing body; the downward opening travel (x) thereof is shorter than the downward travel of the stroke element with the sealing body. The closure body enlarges from a narrow cross-section—forming an inner sealing edge in a funnel-like configuration towards the sealing body and the narrow cross-section is an annular seat for the sealing body in the closure position. One of the counterpart sealing elements is a flexible sealing surface which is gripped in respect of cross-section at one end and the other is a sealing edge which entrains the free edge region thereof and which increasingly deforms it in the path of movement; the sealing surface is preferably in the form of a ring surrounding the closure body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.