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. 12, 1999
Filed:
Apr. 02, 1998
John F Hart, Holland, MI (US);
Big Dutchman, Inc., Holland, MI (US);
Abstract
A continuously operating reciprocating hopper for continuously supplying feed to an automated feed distribution apparatus of the type having a continuous conveyor which movably traverses through a trough comprises a hopper bin for receiving a supply of feed for distribution wherein a bottom of the hopper bin defines a feed discharge opening. The hopper bin is shaped to direct the supplied feed to the feed discharge opening for delivery of the feed to the feed distribution system. An impeller is rotatably mounted within the hopper bin proximate to the discharge opening. The impeller includes a plurality of blades. A drive rotates the impeller about an axis of rotation in such a manner so that the impeller operates to displace feed away from the discharge area for the prevention of feed compacting in the trough housing.