초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for removing excess material from a container with a follower plate pump assembly comprising providing an air bladder, disposing the bladder within the container, connecting the bladder to the air source, and inflating the bladder via the source when the follower plate has re

An apparatus and method for removing excess material from a container with a follower plate pump assembly comprising providing an air bladder, disposing the bladder within the container, connecting the bladder to the air source, and inflating the bladder via the source when the follower plate has reached a point in the container where it no longer has the ability to pump material, the air bladder forcing material up to the follower plate.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A pump assembly in connection with a container for removing a material from the container, the pump assembly including:a follower plate disposed in the container for vertical movement;a pump connected to said follower plate;an air bladder disposed in the container below the material

[ I claim:] [1.] A pump assembly in connection with a container for removing a material from the container, the pump assembly including:a follower plate disposed in the container for vertical movement;a pump connected to said follower plate;an air bladder disposed in the container below the material;an air source located external to the container; anda flexible hose interconnecting said air bladder and said air source, said hose passing through said follower plate. [5.] A method for removing a material from a container with a pump assembly having a follower plate, the method the steps of:providing an air bladder;disposing said bladder within said container below the material;providing an air source;connecting said bladder to said source with a flexible air hose passing through the follower plate;lowering the follower plate; andinflating said air bladder from said source when said follower plate has reached a point in said container where it no longer has the ability to pump the material, said air bladder forcing material up to said follower plate.