Patent ID: 6729365
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A particulate material distribution device in combination with a silo, said particulate material distribution device for evenly distributing particulate material in said silo, said silo including a frame connected to a silo upper end for supporting a feeder conduit having a feeder end portion which is at least partially positioned in an open end of said silo, said feeder conduit having a feeder conduit axis which is generally parallel to a silo sidewall, said particulate material distribution device comprising:a rotatable sweeper arm connected to said frame and positioned generally orthogonal relative to said feeder conduit axis, said rotatable sweeper arm being at least partially positioned in said open end of said silo and spaced apart from said feeder conduit end and having a sweeper arm axis of rotation which is generally parallel to said feeder conduit axis; and a level sensor connected to said frame and in communication with said rotatable sweeper arm to provide a first signal to said sweeper arm to rotate when a first portion of said particulate material reaches a first predetermined level in said silo, wherein said first portion of said particulate material is peak, and said sensor provides a second signal to said sweeper arm to stop rotation when a second portion of said particulate material reaches a second predetermined level in said silo.