| 摘要 |
<p>The invention relates to apparatus comprising a container 1, such as a silo or hopper for storing and distributing flowable material 2, to receptacle 3 such as an I.B.C. via an outlet 4, there being a device 5 adapted for removing and replacing a closure 6 of the receptacle 3, particularly on passage of material into the receptacle 3. The outlet 4 of the silo is normally obturated by a conical (or frusto-conical) closure device 7 which is raised and lowered by pneumatic means in the form of an air bellows 8 mounted in the silo on a frame 9. The bellows 8 is within a cone 10, and there is also means for oscillating the cone, such as a vibrator 11, in order to obviate bridging or rat-holing of material during discharge The bellows 8 is housed within a hygienic cover for cleanliness. The cone 7 is connected with the bellows via a connector means 12 which in the embodiment is in the form of a telescopic tube. The tube 12 passes through the apex of the cone 7 and is secured thereat as by a nut and bolt arrangement. The tube 12 passes down interiorly of the cone and terminates in a suction cup 13 such as a rubber cup, the cup 13 itself being generally conical and its periphery being generally in a plane which also contains the periphery of the cone 7. There is a vacuum line 14 connecting the interior of the tube 12, and hence the interior of the cup 13, with suction means (not shown). <IMAGE></p> |
