CA1195073A

CA1195073A - Spout spinner spreader

Info

Publication number: CA1195073A
Application number: CA000467104A
Authority: CA
Inventors: George E. Bourgault
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-11-06
Filing date: 1984-11-06
Publication date: 1985-10-15

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to apparatus for filling storage bins with free flowing particulate material and, more in particular, to the level filling of circular bins in a uniformly distributed manner.

Description

INTRODUCTION

1 The present invention relates to apparatus for filling storage bins with free flowing particulate material and, more in particular, to the level filling of circular bins in a uniformly distributed manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Heretofore, when loading bins with particulate materials the loading spout was directed at the center of -the bin where the material was allowed to accumulate in a conlcal pile. When this material was an aggregate of different sizes, shapes, and densities, the material separated upon filling.
This is often undesirable, e.g. grain, where this self-segragation results in separation of dry seed from moist seed and of the seed from the chaff. Also, center filling results in uneven compaction, which reduces the capacity of the bin.

Where storage bin~ are frequently filled, levelling or spreading devices such as Canada Patent # ~19,5~4, and 835,177 or 1,063,311 are warranted. However~ where bins are infrequently filled such devices are often too costly and less effective methods are employed. One such method employed to alleviate the problem involved the installation of a Eunnel-~ed cone at the top of each bin, which deflec-ted the Ealling material to the perimeter of the bin.

Therefore, it is the primary object of the invention to provide a cost-effective means of spreading par-ticulate material at the discharge end of bin loading machines.
Other objects and advantages of -this invention will become apparen-t from the follo~ing description and drawing~

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1 Essentially, the invention is a free turning vane located under the discharge spout of loading machines where the free fall of particulate material induces the vane to rotate. The spreading action is a combination of ever-changing deflection, where the material is bounced off the vane blades, and of centrifugal force, where the material is flung from the vane. The invention further consis-ts of one or more funnel-like guides whose purpose is to direct most of the fal]ing material into a concentrated stream aimed at -the center of the vane.
In accordance to one aspect of the invention, this device would be attached to, or incorporated in, a movable or mobile loading machine, where the invention would be used for a plurality of bins.
In accordance to another aspec-t of -the inven-tion, this device would be incorporated as a part of a permanent bin structure where the discharge end of the loading machine is also fixed.

THE D~AWING
~0 This is an exploded view of the invention where it is shown as being incorpora-ted in the last two sections of a segment flexible spout. Fasteners, and other hardware are well known and have been left out for the sake of clarity.

As employed herein, the term "bin" means any larye box, container, silo or tank which is used to store "particulate material" which may be seeds, pellets, powders, granules, of a wide range of sizes, shapes, and densities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EM~ODIMENT

1 Illustrated are the tubular sections ~ and 9 of a flexible telescoping spout of which two are shown but where the usual number is four or more. The strap 11 joins the sections to each other and can be of any rope, chain, or belt providing it is of a type that the length can be adjusted~
Shown in the cut-away of the uppermost section 8 is the first converging guide 10 whose purpose is to funnel -the falling particulate material to the center of the lower section. The second guide 2 is attached to both the section 9 of the spout and to the bearing support bracket 3 by fasteners 7. The slotted nut 6 completes the assembly by holding the vane to the bearing 5.

In the operation of many loading machines such as augers and belt conveyors, the discharge is sideways; as a result, spouts are attached to direct this discharge downwards.
However, this flow is often along the slde of the spou-t, it is therefore necessary, to place a guide in an upper section to change the flow to the center of the lower spout section.
In permanent structures where other machines are usually employed, the discharge is usually vertical and the guide 10 is not required.

As the particulate material descends it is further aimed and concentrated by a second funnelling guide onto the center of the vaneO In order to reduce funnel-to-material resistance, which is the main cause of bridging and subsequent blockage, gaps have been placed in the sides of the funnel.
This guide i5 constructed of spriny-like strips which converge to form an aperture that can accommodate variations in -the -lo~.
These flexible strips have also the advantage, in sticky material, of heing able to shed the adhering particles.

~;~L'' a~3 1 In the operation of the vane~ the distance the particulate material falls before striking the vane determines7 the ro-tational velocity o~ -the vane, and the radius of dispersal of the particulate material. Therefore; to accommodate different hin diameters the length o~ the telescoping spout is varied by changing the length of the connec-ting strap.

In the design of the vane, the angle, shape and si~e of the vane blades will determine the shape of the deposited pile. The vane illustrated will produce a doughnut-shaped pile, which in -the case of canola, is the ideal shape. In most particulate material, the maximum horizontal deflection is obtained, when, the falling material strikes a surface which is inclined at ~5 degrees. However, when that inclined surface is moving perpendicular to the falling material as when the vane is rotating, the apparent angle is less than when it was static. Therefore; the angle should be adjusted accordingly, while evaluating the effect of mass, velocity, and resilience of both the particulate material and vane on the rotation of the vane.

~:Lso significant, are the size and construction of the bearing support bracket, since its obstruction to deflected and flung particles afEect the shape of the deposited pile.

Obviously many mod~fications and variations can be made of the above invention in order to accomrnodate the many materials to which this invention can be employed. It is, therefore; understood that within the scope of the a-ttached claims the invention may be practised otherwise than specifically described~

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Apparatus for depositing free flowing particulate material in a circular level pile within a bin, positioned under the discharge end of loading means, comprising:
guide for funnelling said material, rotary spreader means suspended under funnelling means, whereby the fall of said material on rotary means induce said rotary means to rotate, thereby dispersing said material within confines of said bin.

2. Apparatus for depositing free flowing particulate material in a circular level pile within a bin, at the discharge end of loading means, comprising: an elongated flexible conduit means for feeding said material, a rotary spreader means positioned at discharge of conduit means;
whereby the fall of said material within said conduit means onto said rotary means induce said rotary means to rotate, thereby dispersing said material within confines of said bin.

3. Apparatus as in Claim 2 wherein said loading means is a grain auger.