Sample taking apparatus

Claim 1

Apparatus for taking samples from a continuous stream of material discharged from a conveyor along a downwardly curvilinear discharge path, said apparatus comprising a first material receiver and a second material receiver communicating with one another via a substantially planar aperture, one of said receivers constituting a sample receiver, said aperture having a width and a height at least as great as the width and thickness of said stream and being located at a level such that material traversing said path normally would pass freely through said aperture; a planar gate having a free end; means mounting said gate at its opposite end for rocking movements between first and second positions, said gate having a width at least as great as the width of said stream and an area of such size relative to the area of said aperture as to be capable of blocking the latter whereby said material may impinge on said gate when the latter is in one of said positions; wear resistant means on that side of said gate on which said material may impinge; means in said sample receiver for sensing the level of material therein; conveyor means communicating with said sample receiver for conveying material therefrom; and means connected to said gate for rocking the latter between said positions, said gate when in one of said positions blocking said aperture with the free end of said gate on one side of the plane of said aperture and when in the other of said positions clearing said aperture and enabling said stream of material to pass through said aperture.