The chip supporting gates (36, 37) in a chip bin assembly (20-28) are mechanically mounted for synchronous movement so that chips flowing into the chip bin (20) interior between the gates (36, 37) falls into the chip bin (20) (e.g., substantially along its center line). This results in more uniform flow within the chip bin (20) with resultant uniformity of steaming. Particularly useful are single-convergence types of chip bin transitions (30). Mechanical synchronisation between the gates is provided by sprockets and chains, sheaves and V-belts, pulleys and toothed belts (50, 51, 52, 56, 57, 58) directly intermeshing gear segments (60, 61, 62, 63), rack and gear elements (50, 51, 64, 66), linkages (101-105), or hydraulic components.
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