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:
Jun. 03, 2003
Filed:
Mar. 30, 2001
Charles R. Bird, Milford, IN (US);
CTB IP, Inc., Wilmington, DE (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for adjustably directing granular material through a container. The apparatus includes a converging transition portion defining an input opening that converges to an output opening having a first transverse opening dimension (x ). The apparatus further includes an elongated chimney portion coupled to the converging transition portion and having a second transverse opening dimension (x ), where the first transverse opening dimension (x ) is smaller than the second transverse opening dimension (x ). This configuration reduces the outlet pressure created in the converging transition portion as the granular material passes through the container to minimize bridging of the granular material within the container.