US3576262A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rotary particle distributor for minimizing particle size segregation in a bin
Assignee: United States Department of the Interior
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Filing: 1969-06-06
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Granted: 1971-04-27
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Expires: 1989-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A conical chute rotates upon a cylindrical track for distribution of particulate solids within a bin. The vertical axis of rotation of the chute is displaced from the discharge opening of the chute so that the opening traces a circular path in a substantially horizontal plane. The bearing surface of the track has ridges and depressions which cause the chute to oscillate in a generally radial direction as it is rotated. An inverted cone is suspended below the discharge opening for uniform distribution of the particulate in a conical stream. Deflecting baffles, fixed to the bin below the rotating chute and cone, enhance the mixing and distribution of the particulate.
Inventors
- 👤 James L Konchesky
- 👤 Ernest C Oldaker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:47
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G69/00; B65G69/04; B65G69/0441; B65G69/0458; B65G2814/00; B65G2814/02; B65G2814/0241; B65G2814/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A rotary particle distributor comprising: a substantially vertical chute, having an upper inlet opening and a lower outlet opening, supported by wheels at spaced points upon a substantially horizontal track for rotation on the track about a substantially vertical axis displaced horizontally from the outlet opening of the chute; the horizontal track further comprising a scalloped bearing surface for contacting the wheels at said spaced points; and a drive shaft concentric with the axis of rotation, coupling the chute to a source of motive power through a universal joint for rotating the chute upon the track, whereby, as the chute rotates, a tilting radial oscillation is superimposed upon the rotation of the chute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A rotary particle distributor comprising: a substantially vertical chute, having an upper inlet opening and a lower outlet opening, supported by wheels at spaced points upon a substantially horizontal track for rotation on the track about a substantially vertical axis displaced horizontally from the outlet opening of the chute; the horizontal track further comprising a scalloped bearing surface for contacting the wheels at said spaced points; and a drive shaft concentric with the axis of rotation, coupling the chute to a source of motive power through a universal joint for rotating the chute upon the track, whereby, as the chute rotates, a tilting radial oscillation is superimposed upon the rotation of the chute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 1 further comprising dispersion means secured for rotation with the chute below the outlet opening for dispersing a particulate stream emitted by the chute.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 1, further comprising deflecting means which are stationary relative to the rotation of the chute and positioned below the opening of the chute for deflecting a particulate stream emitted by the chute is diverse directions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 2, further comprising deflecting means which are positioned below the dispersion means and stationary relative to the rotation of the chute and the dispersion means for deflecting the particulate stream in diverse directions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 2 in which the dispersion means includes a cone having a vertex and a base, with the vertex positioned below the chute, between the opening of the chute and the base of the cone.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 3 in which the deflecting means includes at least one concentric array of deflecting baffles shaped as frustums of hollow cones.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 4 in which: the dispersion means includes a cone having a vertex and a base, with the vertex positioned below the chute between the opening of the chute and the base of the cone, and the deflecting means includes at least one concentric array of deflecting baffles shaped as frustums of hollow cones.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The particle distributor of claim 1, further comprising means for securing the substantially horizontal track permanently in a fixed position within a bin.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 1, further comprising means for securing the substantially horizontal track for vertical translation within a bin, whereby the chute may be raised and lowered as the bin is charged and discharged.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 4, further comprising means for securing the substantially horizontal track and the deflecting means permanently in fixed positions within a bin.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
61 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 4, further comprising: means for securing the substantially horizontal track and deflecting means for interdependent vertical translation within a bin, whereby the spacing between the dispersion means, the deflecting means and a particulate bed can be maintained constant while the chute and deflecting means are raised and lowered as the bin is charged and discharged.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 7, further comprising means for securing the substantially horizontal track and the concentric array of deflecting baffles permanently in fixed positions within a bin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
63 words
The particle distributor claimed in claim 7, further comprising: means for securing the substantially horizontal track and the concentric array of deflecting baffles for interdependent vertical translation within a bin, whereby the spacing between the cone, the deflecting baffles and a particulate bed can be maintained constant while the chute and baffles are raised and lowered as the bin is charged and discharged.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-26 | 1974-10-26 | 1975-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-26 | 1978-10-26 | 1979-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-26 | 1982-10-26 | 1983-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |