Patent ID: 8328051
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B65D,G01F,G03G

Abstract:
1. A system for conveying a powder, said system comprising: a hopper containing said powder and having an upper portion and a lower portion below said upper portion, said lower portion comprising a funnel comprising: an auger extending vertically through a center of said hopper to said outlet, said auger rotating such that said powder is conveyed through said outlet; and a pair of agitators adjacent opposite sides of said auger, said pair of agitators rotating about said auger in order to mix said powder as said powder moves in a first direction toward said apex and out said outlet and each of said agitators comprising: said rotating of said pair of agitators forcing said powder in a second direction through said spaces, said forcing of said powder in said second direction through said spaces, which become increasingly narrow from said leading edges to said second edges, as said powder also moves in said first direction, which is essentially perpendicular to said second direction, ensures an essentially uniform powder density within said hopper and minimizes cavitations within said powder at said apex.