Self feeding hopper
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A range of self-feeding hoppers for batch processes from Lodematic Ltd., enables the contents of mobile bins, drums, sacks, box pallets and of dump trucks or wheelbarrows to be accepted. The tipping cycle can automatically start on closure of the rise-and-fall gate. The load rises, traverses over the hopper, tips and remains tipped for a predetermined time before the empty container is returned to the ground. On reaching the ground, it can automatically open the gate for removal of the empty bin and replacement by a further load.
The infeed to the Lodematic can also be in the form of a gravity track or powered conveyor, and the control system can be such that the Lodematic will not lift or tip until the correct weight is attained, causing actuation of the tipping cycle. The Lodematic gate can also be interlocked with machinery such as mixers, served by the hopper, so that the mechanism cannot operate until the bin contents have been discharged into the hopper and the gate closed.
Specialized applications for Lodematic equipment have included initial immersion by the tippler of mesh bins containing parts into a de-greasing tank from which the mesh bin is raised after a pre-determined degreasing period and held for draining-off purposes for a further pre-set period before the contents of the bin are lifted and tipped into the hopper. Opening of the gate at any time can be arranged to halt the system.
Models up to 20ft are available, the hydraulics being operated by electric power or by an air-motor driving an hydraulic pump.
Made by: Lodematic Ltd., Clitheroe, Lancashire.