Patent ID: 6390280
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B41F,B65G

Abstract:
A feed hopper adapted to receive a multiplicity of items and discharge said items on a movable conveyor, said feed hopper comprising:a chamber enclosed by a plurality of side walls, a first and a second of said side walls being oppositely arranged, said chamber having a top opening for receiving said items and a bottom opening positioned overlying said conveyor; a plurality of baffle plates arranged within said chamber in spaced relationship one above another, said baffle plates extending partially across said chamber, a first of said baffle plates having a first edge adjacent to said first side wall and a second edge arranged distally to said first edge and extending toward said second side wall; a second of said baffle plates having a first edge adjacent to said second side wall and a second edge arranged distally to said first edge and extending toward said first side wall, said second edge being at a lower level than said first edge for both said first and second baffle plates; said first and second baffle plates being arranged vertically adjacent one above another, said first baffle plate being movable between an open position in said spaced relation to said second baffle plate, and a closed position wherein said second edge of said first baffle plate is contiguous with said second edge of said second baffle plate, thereby closing off said chamber and preventing movement of said items therethrough; said items being introduced into said hopper through said top opening and impacting on at least one of said baffle plates, said baffle plates thereby impeding the flow of said items before they land on said conveyor; one of said side walls being arranged substantially transversely to the direction of motion of said conveyor and having a side facing opening positioned adjacent to said conveyor allowing said items to be discharged from said chamber upon movement of said conveyor; means for measuring a quantity of said items received on said conveyor; means for moving said first baffle plate between said open and said closed positions; and means for controlling said moving means in response to said quantity measured by said measuring means, said controlling means causing said moving means to move said first baffle plate from said open to said closed position when said quantity exceeds a first predetermined amount, thereby preventing further of said items from being received on said conveyor, said controlling means causing said moving means to move said first baffle plate from said closed to said open position when said quantity is less than a second predetermined amount less than said first predetermined amount, thereby allowing further of said items to be received on said conveyor.