Patent ID: 8915644
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: B65G,C12M,C13K

Abstract:
1. A holding tank for a cellulosic feedstock comprising: at least one sidewall defining a passage having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion having a greater cross sectional area than the upper portion; at least one inlet adjacent the upper portion; at least one outlet adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet; and at least one discharge member adjacent the at least one outlet wherein the at least one discharge member comprises a base, an open top that is at least as large as, and is in vertical registration with, the at least one outlet, and at least a first discharge member outlet that is laterally positioned and conveys the cellulosic feedstock laterally across the outlet, wherein (i) the at least one discharge member comprises a first pair of screw conveyors, each conveyor in the first pair rotating about respective first and second generally parallel axes, (ii) the screw conveyors have a first pitch adjacent the first discharge member outlet, and a second pitch narrower than the first pitch distal to the first discharge member outlet, (iii) the axes are generally horizontal and (iv) the cellulosic feedstock is essentially a solid.