초록 ▼

An applicator for distributing a flowable solid product in the form of pellets or granules includes a hopper assembly which supplies the product to a product distribution gun, both being coupled to a pressurized air source. The hopper assembly includes a hopper having a downwardly and inwardly taper

An applicator for distributing a flowable solid product in the form of pellets or granules includes a hopper assembly which supplies the product to a product distribution gun, both being coupled to a pressurized air source. The hopper assembly includes a hopper having a downwardly and inwardly tapering bottom which terminates at a central cuplike portion. The product passes from the cuplike portion, through a product line and into an air flow path in the gun. The product is pulled into the gun by a venturi arrangement connecting the product line and the gun. Air is injected into the cuplike portion to fluidize the product in the hopper. Baffles in the hopper control the product flow in the hopper. Bell transitions, having a narrowing and widening cross-sectional dimensions, are used to collimate elongate pellets passing between the hopper and the gun.

대표청구항 ▼

A supply hopper assembly for use with a flowable solid product comprising: a hopper for holding a supply of the flowable solid product, the hopper having a hopper bottom, the bottom having a cuplike central portion and tapering walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the cuplike central portion,

A supply hopper assembly for use with a flowable solid product comprising: a hopper for holding a supply of the flowable solid product, the hopper having a hopper bottom, the bottom having a cuplike central portion and tapering walls extending upwardly and outwardly from the cuplike central portion, the cuplike central portion including a generally vertical sidewall and a bottom; the cuplike central portion of the hopper having a product discharge opening through which the product passes out of the hopper; a f1rst baffle mounted to the tapering walls of the hopper bottom above the product discharge opening, the baffle including a baffle opening through which the product can pass; a source of pressurized air; and an air injector, connected to the pressurized air source, for introducing pressurized air downwardly towards the bottom of the cuplike portion at an acute angle to the vertical so to help fluidize the product within the hopper.