The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 11, 1994
Filed:
Sep. 07, 1993
David J Akers, Indiana, PA (US);
Jurgen Brat, Indiana, PA (US);
CQ Inc., Homer City, PA (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for monitoring the flow of bulk material in a bulk materials handling system is disclosed. A critical stage in the system is identified in which variations in flowability of the material might result in the entire system flow being impeded. Upstream from that critical stage, flow conditions in the critical stage are simulated so that the flow can be interrupted if unsatisfactory flowability conditions exist. A pivotable chute may be positioned at an angle to simulate the flow of particular materials at critical downstream points in a material handling system. If material conditions such as excess moisture impede the rate of flow of the material to a degree which would cause blockages in critical downstream points, the chute will pivot to a secondary position which will temporarily interrupt the material flow.