Bulk Cargo Unloader Aerator

As is well known, where subdivided dry materials are to be discharged through a tapered bottom hopper, plugging sometimes occurs due to the tendency of the product to arch therein, or due to caking from other causes. It has heretofore been common to insert various devices for discharging air or other gas into the material in the hopper to inhibit plugging. Generally it has been considered advisable to direct the air upwardly and away from the walls, although some systems have also directed air downwardly within the hopper. Such systems have ordinarily required a substantial amount of permanently-installed piping. The use of a fabric member through which the air is discharged has been found advantageous. Due to the abrasive effect of the dry materials, it is necessary to replace the fabric member periodically. The present invention has an object to provide an improved and simplified air-operated device for the purpose indicated which can be quickly and easily removed and reinstalled, so as to facilitate servicing. It has been found that effective operation of the device disclosed herein is obtained with air discharge throughout 360.degree. around a horizontal unit which extends substantially across the hopper, between the side walls. The invention is therefore installable without regard to angular orientation. This aspect simplifies both construction and installation, and is related to a further object of the invention. Further objects also include the provision of such a device which is inexpensive, rugged, reliable, compact, and which requires a minimum of piping or conduit means.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon consideration of the present disclosure in its entirety.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partly broken away, of a hopper and unloader aerator installation constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the aerator, taken substantially on the line II--II of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a cross section on the line III--III of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the aerator assembly removed from the hopper.

Reference character 10 designates generally a hopper, the discharge from which may be controllable by a suitable discharge valve 12. In order to permit the ready installation and removal of the aerating assembly the hopper 10 is provided with an orifice 11 surrounded by a laterally-projecting neck 14, located in a mid-portion of a side wall thereof. The neck is of relatively large diameter, and is provided with a coupling groove 15 near its outer end.

The aerating assembly consists of a rigid tube 20 having a series of holes 22 in its side wall, closed at its outer end by a plate 24 and at its other end, which comprises its inlet, secured to and interiorally communicating with a metal inlet fitting 25. Fitting 25 has a neck 26 to which an air supply hose 28 is securable, as shown.

A porous fabric sleeve 30 is secured over the orificed portion of the tube 20 as by clamping rings 31, 32 at its ends, so that the air fed therethrough is finely subdivided and distributed through the material in the hopper. Movement of the fabric sleeve due to pulsations in the air supply and the impact of material on the sleeve also assist in maintaining free flow through the hopper.

It will be noted that a portion of the fabric sleeve 30 lies inside the neck 14 and that the sleeve is somewhat smaller than the neck, so that the air discharge inhibits clogging in the neck, as well as in the cross section of the hopper.

The portion of the fitting 25 which abuts the end of the neck 14 when the assembly is installed is of the same diameter as the neck, as is provided with a similar coupling groove 35 so that the assembly can be secured in its operative position shown in FIG. 1 by means of a quickly releasable clamp 40. The tube 20 and entire aerating assembly are thus supported entirely at the neck. When the clamp is released, the assembly can be pulled out for any necessary servicing or replacement.

This Detailed Description of Preferred Form of the Invention, and the accompanying drawings, have been furnished in compliance with the statutory requirement to set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The prior portions consisting of the "Abstract of the disclosure" and the "Background of the Invention" are furnished without prejudice to comply with administrative requirements of the Patent Office.