Automated apparatus and method for packaging granular materials

Abstract

An apparatus (5) for packaging generally granular materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a structural framework (7) on which a feed hopper (8) is mounted, the feed hopper being supplied with the material to be packaged, and storing the material therein. A fill hopper assembly (11) is supported on the framework with respect to the feed hopper, and has a spaced pair of fill hoppers (31, 32) received thereon. As spaced pair of discharge chutes (15, 16) are also supported on the framework, and are offset with respect to the feed hopper. Each one of the fill hoppers is alternately moved into alignment with the feed hopper and into alignment with one of the discharge chutes, respectively, in reciprocable fashion on the framework. Each one of the fill hoppers includes a gravity actuated trap door (44, 45) constructed and arranged to be held in a substantially sealed and closed position on the fill hopper as it is aligned with the feed hopper, and constructed and arranged for movement into an opened position within one of the discharge chutes, respectively, as the fill hopper is aligned over the discharge chute for transferring material from the fill hopper into the discharge chute and toward one of a number of containers (20) provided for receiving the material therein.