Patent ID: 6283680
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B65G,F04B

Abstract:
Apparatus for transporting a particulate or granular material, which apparatus comprises a flexible duct having an upstream end connected to material feed means, and a downstream end, means for pinching said duct in a timed manner, and means for injecting compressed air into the duct and capable of being opened and closed in the timed manner,said means for pinching the duct comprising a first pinch member and a second pinch member situated downstream from the first pinch member in the material transport direction, each pinch member having corresponding counter pinching means for cooperation therewith and being movable transversely to the duct between a relaxed position and a pinching position;the apparatus further including a drive member situated between said first and second pinch members and being operative to be displaced transversely to the duct between an inactive position and an active position in which it co-operates with the duct substantially to flatten the latter;the air injection means opening out into a region of the duct situated between the first and second pinch members in the vicinity of said first pinch member;means for timing the injection of compressed air and the movements of the pinch members and of the drive member to perform successive cycles comprising the following stages;a filling stage in which the first pinch member is in the relaxed position thereof, the air injection means are closed, the drive member is in the inactive position thereof, and the second pinch member is in pinching position thereof;a drive stage during which the first pinch member is in the pinching position thereof, the air injection means move from being closed to being opened, the drive member moves from the inactive position to the active position, and the second pinch member is in the relaxed position thereof, anda decompression stage, which occurs after the drive stage and in which the first and second pinch members are in the respective pinching positions thereof, the air injection means are closed and the drive member is caused to move from the active position towards the inactive position thereof.