초록 ▼

A metering and/or feeding unit for fluid materials, particularly dry particulate materials and semifluid materials, is disclosed. An elastic-walled tube having an open feed end and an open discharge end is vertically oriented. A power-driven assembly, including tube rollers, are adapted to constrict

A metering and/or feeding unit for fluid materials, particularly dry particulate materials and semifluid materials, is disclosed. An elastic-walled tube having an open feed end and an open discharge end is vertically oriented. A power-driven assembly, including tube rollers, are adapted to constrict the elastic tube, beginning at its upper end and progressively moving down the length of the tube. The material being metered or fed is introduced into the elastic tube at its upper end and is progressively moved down the length of the tube as the tube roller of the power-driven assembly moves down the length of the tube. A valve is provided to prevent entry of material into the feed end of the tube at periodic intervals and in coordination with constriction of the tube so that when a tube roller initially engages the tube near the feed end of the tube, that portion of the tube is substantially free of material. The material being fed may be discharged into a plenum through which a stream of pressurized gas is discharged to convey the material to a work location.

대표청구항 ▼

A metering and feeding unit for fluid material, comprising: an open-ended, elastic-walled tube for receiving the material having an open feed end and an open discharge end; a power-driven assembly positioned adjacent the length of the tube including spaced tube rollers mounted on a endless, flexible

A metering and feeding unit for fluid material, comprising: an open-ended, elastic-walled tube for receiving the material having an open feed end and an open discharge end; a power-driven assembly positioned adjacent the length of the tube including spaced tube rollers mounted on a endless, flexible, drive belt which, in repeating cycles, engage the tube to collapse a portion of the tube against itself starting at the feed end of the tube and working progressively toward the discharge end where it disengages from the tube to allow reinflation of the tube and discharge of the material from the tube; and valve means coordinated to open the feed end of the tube after one of the spaced tube rollers of the power-driven assembly initially engages and collapses the portion of the tube at the feed end when that portion of the tube is substantially free of material.