Patent ID: 8562248
Filing Date: 2013-10-22
Classification: E01C

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for introducing particulate into a conduit, comprising: a hopper having an inlet for receiving particulate to be dispensed and having an outlet; a conveying assembly for advancing particulate to the hopper inlet; a hydraulic pump; a blower for introducing air into said conduit to move particulate along said conduit; a first hydraulic motor selectively coupled to said hydraulic pump for driving said blower; and a second hydraulic motor selectively coupled to said hydraulic pump for driving said conveying assembly; a feeder assembly, separate from the blower, that is responsive to mechanical drive provided to said conveying assembly by said second hydraulic motor for introducing said particulate into said conduit, the feeder assembly being configured to prevent air from the blower from entering the hopper when particulate passes through the feeder assembly, wherein said conveying assembly comprises a paddle assembly arranged in a housing containing particulate and in communication with the hopper; said paddle assembly comprising first and second closed-loop sprocket chains arranged in spaced parallel fashion; a third closed-loop sprocket chain for rotating a single, driven sprocket mounted on an input shaft of a rotary air-lock for driving said rotary air-lock during operation of said second hydraulic motor to feed particulate from said hopper into the conduit, whereby said second hydraulic motor imparts a driving force to said paddle assembly and said rotary air-lock.