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:
Dec. 05, 1995
Filed:
Oct. 05, 1993
Richard L Geiser, Goshen, IN (US);
John W Marttila, Milford, IN (US);
CTB, Inc., Milford, IN (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and a related method for facilitating and controlling the flow within, and out of a particulate matter bulk storage facility is provided. The apparatus includes a pre-shaped member, preferably in the form of a substantially impermeable plate, held within the storage facility, in a substantially horizontal orientation, above a discharge port. The pre-shaped member is of a predetermined size and shape and is located at a predetermined height above the discharge port. A vibrator unit is attached to the pre-shaped member and preferably supplied with power transmitted through a flexible conduit which does not restrict the motion of the vibrator/pre-shaped member combination. Operation of the vibrator causes the pre-shaped member to oscillate thereby creating moving voids and shock waves within the stored material which promotes an even velocity profile across the storage facility and produces a mass flow unloading pattern. The system minimizes bridging, coring, arching and ratholing, supports a central core of the stored material above the discharge port, and significantly reduces normal weight forces acting on adjoining material transport equipment.