Patent ID: 6138518
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: A01D,G01F

Abstract:
An impeller apparatus for bulk material when installed in a mass flow measuring apparatus, comprising:a material engaging portion having a surface including a root zone and a peripheral zone, the surface being movable along a locus whereby to impart a peripherally directed force to bulk material engaged by the surface wherein the root zone lies adjacent to a wall generally coterminous with and at an angle to the surface, the angle of the wall and of the surface relative to the point on the locus being such that bulk material at any point on the wall moves to the peripheral zone of the surface when the surface passes the point at the predetermined speed;a drive for driving the surface at a predetermined speed along the locus; andthe surface being so inclined relative to the locus in at least one point thereon that bulk material engaged by the surface moves towards the peripheral zone when the surface passes the point at the predetermined speed, thereby permitting projection of bulk material from the impeller, wherein the locus is curved whereby to impait centrifugal force to bulk material.