Patent ID: 6102088
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for moving a supply of particulate material from a hopper to a container, the apparatus comprising:a conduit adapted to be operably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit adapted to permit a flow of particulate material therewithin, the particulate material in the hopper having a hopper bulk density;the apparatus further comprising a conveyor located at least partially within the conduit, the conveyor assisting to provide the flow of particulate material from the hopper to the container;a vacuum valve assembly adjacent to the conduit, the vacuum valve assembly controlling application and removal of a vacuum source to the conduit;a nozzle assembly operably connected to a lower portion of the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle assembly having a nozzle assembly inlet and a nozzle assembly outlet;wherein:the vacuum source is applied to the conduit at a point where the conduit has a substantially constant and non-converging diameter with respect to the particulate material flow direction, the point being proximate to the conveyor, anda substantial portion of the nozzle assembly has a substantially decreasing and converging diameter with respect to the particulate material flow direction,so that:the flow of particulate material ceases when the vacuum source is applied and the conveyor ceases; andthe flow of particulate material continues when the vacuum source is removed and the conveyor operates.