GB588766A - Improved means for automatically sampling coal, grain or like granular materials - Google Patents

Abstract

588,766. Sampling granular materials. SEABORNE, A. B. Oct. 5, 1944, No. 19074. [Class 58] [Also in Group XVIII] In a machine for continuously sampling granular materials of the type in which a scoop is caused to cut across a stream of the material, the scoop is given an accelerated motion as it cuts across the stream. In the form shown in Fig. 1, a scoop 1 with a mouth 4 is mounted on a hollow cylinder 2. The scoop and cylinder are freely mounted on a shaft 3 which also carries a screw conveyer 9 operating within the hollow cylinder. By the use of a timing gear 16 the scoop is caused, at pre-determined intervals, to rotate about the shaft 3 and to cut across a stream 5 of pulverulent material passing from a band conveyor 6. The unbalanced weight of the scoop assists in the rapid movement of the scoop across the stream and a ratchet and pawl mechanism (Fig. 2, not shown) prevents the scoop from falling back after its movement. The sample is removed by the screw conveyor and is discharged into a shoot 11. In a modification (Fig. 4 not shown) the scoop may be caused to cut across the stream under the action of a spring. In the form shown in Fig. 6, a sectorshaped scoop 1c rotates about a vertical spindle 3a. The accelerated motion of the scoop across the powder stream 5 is obtained by the falling of a weight 34 mounted on an arm 33, the arm being carried by a sleeve 32 which drives the spindle 3a through bevel gearing 27, 28. In the form shown in Fig. 8, the scoop is pivoted to rock on a shaft 37 and its upper end, containing mouths 1d, is caused periodically to traverse the powder stream under the action of weighted levers 39, 41, which are connected to the timing gear (not shown). In a further modification (see Group XVIII), samples are extracted from a powder stream by a reciprocating tray.