摘要 |
This invention relates to a material discharge apparatus ( 1 ), method and computer program for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper ( 2 ), the apparatus ( 1 ) including a hopper ( 2 ) having an inlet opening ( 4 ) at the top and a discharge outlet ( 5 ) at the base of the hopper ( 2 ), and a valve means ( 7 ) configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve means ( 7 ) having a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet ( 5 ) forming a gap between the hopper and the valve means for material to flow therethrough, the valve means and/or the hopper being adapted to move relative to the other, in use, for controlling the rate of discharge of material through the gap.
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