Patent ID: 7513280
Filing Date: 2009-04-07
Classification: B65D,B65G,E01C

Abstract:
1. Storage and discharge apparatus for particulate material, comprising: a silo; at least three hoppers adjacent a lower end of said silo with each hopper being in the form of an inverted, four-sided frustum terminating in a generally rectilinear bottom discharge opening; said openings being generally parallel to one another and being spaced from one another in a direction normal to length directions of the openings; and a gate for each opening movable between open and closed positions, wherein each said gate includes an elongated arcuate closure member pivotally carried by said silo for movement between said open and closed positions, each said member in the closed position having a margin extending peripherally about said opening and a gap between said members and said opening, an inlet for supplying a fluid to the margin of each member for submerging the gap between the gate members and the opening, thereby sealing the material in the hopper adjacent the opening from atomosphere.