Patent ID: 6588928
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: A22C,B01F

Abstract:
A system for receiving and handling incoming product streams of different characteristics to yield a final product stream, said system comprising:a incoming product line for each of said streams respectively, each of said lines including a combined preblender and pumping device operable to receive, preblend and pump the respective product stream into and through an output; and a continuous mixer operably coupled with the combined devices of each said product lines in order to receive said product streams of said outputs, and to generate said final product stream, at least one of said combined preblender and pumping devices comprising: a hopper presenting a bottom wall having front and rear portions, opposed front and rear wall sections and opposed sidewall sections coupled to said bottom wall, there being an outlet opening through said bottom wall adjacent said front portion thereof; a pair of elongated, axially rotatable shafts located within said hopper and extending along the length thereof between said front and rear wall sections, said shafts being disposed above said bottom wall and said outlet opening, each of said shafts having mixing elements coupled thereto; and a pumping assembly including an elongated housing presenting an input and an output, said housing input operably coupled with said outlet opening, and a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, flighted auger screws within said housing and operable to pump said product through and out of said housing, said hopper defining a mixing zone along the length of said bottom wall rear portion which is separate from said housing for initial mixing of an incoming product stream in the mixing zone with subsequent delivery of the mixed incoming product stream to said housing through said bottom wall outlet opening and said housing input.