Square-section metering tube for powder, pellets etc. - has slots in one side for alternate insertion of two integral curved damper plates

摘要

The mechanism is intended for metered dispensing of powder or granular material, or flakes, pellets, etc. e.g. for cattle feed. It comprises a square-section vertical tube with round-section lower outlet end, two vertically spaced horizontal slots in one tube wall, and two slide dampers which are alternately insertable through the slots to close the passage through the tube. Each damper is formed by a portion of a plate which portion is curved in a direction at right angles to the corresponding slot. The portions may have their concave sides facing each other whilst being connected via an integral central portion outside the tube. Appts. is a metering unit for powder, granular material, pellets, flakes, etc. e.g. a cattle feeding unit or a packaging unit. The proposed unit requires a minimum of material and labour to produce, has a minimum number of moving parts, prevents caking and bridging of the material handled, and, if produced as described and claimed, has no weld seam. It does not require a left and a right-handed design which enables installation, when used as cattle feeder, such that cattle cannot operate it themselves to obtain additional portions.