Patent ID: 6047863
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
A fluent material dispensing apparatus for filling containers with fluent material comprising:(a) a hopper having an top and a closed bottom, being adapted to receive and hold fluent material, and having multiple discharge openings at the hopper's bottom;(b) multiple discharge chutes, each having a top end located adjacent one of the discharge openings;(c) a support frame for supporting the hopper above ground;(d) gate means associated with each discharge chute, the gate means being movable from a chute open position and a chute closed position to control the discharge of fluent material from the hopper;(e) gate actuating means for selectively moving the gate means between the chute open position and the chute closed position;(f) rotatable auger means mounted to the hopper for moving fluent material over the discharge openings, the auger extending substantially the length of the hopper;(g) rotatable agitator means mounted to the hopper to ensure a steady flow of material to the auger and discharge openings; and,(h) power means for rotating the auger means and for rotating the agitator means within the hopper to move the fluent material over the discharge openings and to unblock any clogged discharge opening.