Patent ID: 6807979
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: B65G,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for coupling first and second storage and/or transport units for a transfer of a product from a first unit into a second unit, comprising:the first unit having a first closing flap in a first pipe socket at a first end; the second unit having a second closing flap in a second pipe socket at a second end; first and second shaft sections in respective active connection with the first and second closing flaps; the closing flaps being movable by the shaft sections from a closed position into a cleaning position, then into an open position, and then from the open position back into the cleaning position; in the closed position the first closing flap tightly closes the first unit off from atmosphere at said first end, the second closing flap tightly closes the second unit off from the atmosphere at said second end, and wherein at least one of the first and second closing flaps and the first and second pipe sockets are movable relative to one another; in the cleaning position at least one of the first and second closing flaps and the first and second pipe sockets are spaced from one another to define a cleaning space connectible to a cleaning device; in the open position the closing flaps lie on one another and at least one flow-through opening for the product is open from the first unit into the second unit; a first substantially annular seal between the first closing flap and the first pipe socket; a second substantially annular seal between the second closing flap and the second pipe socket; a third substantially annular seal between the first pipe socket and the second pipe socket; the second shaft section cooperating with a shaft; a fourth substantially annular seal between the second pipe socket and said second shaft section of the second closing flap; and the first, second, third and fourth seals sealing the cleaning space off from both the atmosphere as well as the product.