Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for forming blades (10) of a screw conveyor (9), the system (100) comprising:
a frame (7);
a first plate (1) fixedly connected to the frame (7), wherein the first plate (1) is defined with one or more first recess (1a) along at least one side of the first plate (1);
a second plate (2) positioned parallel to the first plate (1) and movably supported by the frame (7), wherein the second plate (2) is defined with one or more second recess (2a) corresponding to the one or more first recess (1a), along at least one side of the second plate (2);
an actuator (4) supported on the frame (7) and connected to the second plate (2) wherein, the actuator (4) is structured to traverse the second plate (2) relative to the first plate (1);
wherein, for forming the blades (10) of the screw conveyor (9), a first portion (8a) of at least one plate (8) is accommodated in one of the one or more first recess (1a) and a second portion (8b) of each of the at least one plate (8) is accommodated in a corresponding second recess (2a) of the one or more second recess (2a), such that the second portion (8b) of each of the at least one plate (8) undergoes deformation relative to the first portion (8a), defining the blade (10) when the second plate (2) is traversed relative to the first plate (1).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the actuator (4) traverses the second plate (2) between a first position and a second position.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the one or more first recess (1a) of the first plate (1) is configured to be adjacent to the one or more second recess (2a) of the second plate (2) when the second plate (2) is in the first position.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises, at least one guide rod (3) fixedly connected to the frame (7) wherein, the at least one guide rod (3) slidably accommodates at least one bush (6).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the at least one bush (6) is fixedly connected to the second plate (2) and the at least one bush (6) with the at least one guide rod (3), guides the movement of the second plate (2) along the first longitudinal axis (A-A) of the frame (7).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, each of the one or more first recess (1a) on the first plate (1) define one or more first sections (1b).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, each of the one or more second recess (2a) on the second plate (2) define one or more second sections (2b).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the at least one side of the second plate (2) with the one or more second recess (2a) is adjacent to the at least one side of the first plate (1) with the one or more first recess (1a).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first portion (8a) of the at least one plate (8) is clamped to the one or more first sections (1b) of the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) of the at least one plate (8) is clamped to the one or more second sections (2b) of the second plate (2).

10. A method of forming blades (10) for a screw conveyor (9), the method comprising:
accommodating a first portion (8a) of at least one plate (8) in one or more first recess (1a) defined along at least one side of a first plate (1) wherein, the first plate (1) is fixedly connected to a frame (7);
accommodating a second portion (8b) of each of the at least one plate (8) in a corresponding second recess (2a) of one or more second recess (2a) defined corresponding to the one or more first recess (1a), along at least one side of the second plate (2) wherein, the second plate (2) is positioned parallel to the first plate (1) and is movably supported by the frame (7);
traversing the second plate (2) relative to the first plate (1), by an actuator (4) supported on the frame (7) and connected to the second plate (2);
wherein, the second portion (8b) of the at least one plate (8) undergoes deformation relative to the first portion (8a) defining the blade (10) when the second plate (2) is traversed relative to the first plate (1).

11. The method as claimed in claim 10 wherein, the first portion (8a) of the at least one plate (8) is clamped to the one or more first sections (1b) of the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) of the at least one plate (8) is clamped to the one or more second sections (2b) of the second plate (2).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates in general to a field of manufacturing. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a system for manufacturing screw conveyors. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, discloses the system and a method for producing helical shaped blades for the screw conveyor.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Screw conveyors may be defined as a mechanism with a rotating helical shaped blade that is generally configured around a shaft. Screw conveyors are generally used to move liquid or solid material including but not limited to granular materials, to pulverized materials etc. The screw conveyor mechanism may include an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end. The shaft with helical shaped blades may be rotated by an actuating means. As the shaft rotates, the helical shape of the blade causes the material that is caught between the blades to be pushed forward. Thus, screw conveyors are generally used to convey or transfer material. The screw conveyors are generally operated at tilt angles of 0° to 90°.

Screw conveyors are conventionally manufactured by forming a plate into a helical shaped blade and the helical shaped blade is subsequently welded to the shaft. Circular plates are generally procured and are heated to a deforming temperature. Subsequently, the circular plate is manually deformed to the shape of the helical blade by hammering. Since, the circular plates are generally manufactured by hammering, the dimensions and the accurate helical shape of the blade is largely dependent on the workers skill and experience. Consequently, the helical shaped blades that are manufactured are often inconsistent in quality. Further, manufacturing the helical shaped blades by manually forming the circular plates is often a tedious task and is prone to errors by the worker. Since, each helical shaped blade must be formed manually, the overall time consumed in manufacturing the screw conveyor increases drastically and overall cost of the screw conveyor also increases. When such helical shaped blades with inconsistent shapes are welded to the shaft, the operational efficiency of the screw conveyor reduces drastically. The quantity of material that the screw conveyor may transfer is also extremely inconsistent due to the low quality of the helical shaped blades. Consequently, there is no accurate measurement of the material that the screw conveyor may transfer when the screw conveyor is rotated at a pre-determined speed in a pre-determined time. Lastly, screw conveyors with inferior quality of helical shaped blades are prone to be deformed at significantly short intervals of time. Consequently, the maintained and service cost of conventional screw conveyors is excessive whereas, the overall operational time is significantly low.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitation associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a method and a product as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the method as described in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for forming blades of a screw conveyor is disclosed. The system includes a frame. A first plate is fixedly connected to the frame, where the first plate is defined with one or more first recess along at least one side of the first plate. A second plate is positioned parallel to the first plate and is movably supported by the frame, where the second plate is defined with one or more second recess corresponding to the one or more first recess, along at least one side of the second plate. An actuator is supported on the frame and is connected to the second plate where, the actuator is structured to traverse the second plate relative to the first plate. Further, for forming the blades of the screw conveyer, a first portion of at least one plate is accommodated in one of the one or more first recess and a second portion of each of the at least one plate is accommodated in a corresponding second recess of the one or more second recess. The second portion of each of the at least one plate undergoes deformation relative to the first portion, defining the blade when the second plate is traversed relative to the first plate.

In an embodiment, the actuator traverses the second plate between a first position and a second position.

In an embodiment, the one or more first recess of the first plate is configured to be adjacent to the one or more second recess of the second plate when the second plate is in the first position.

In an embodiment, at least one guide rod is fixedly connected to the frame wherein, the at least one guide rod slidably accommodates at least one bush.

In an embodiment, the at least one bush is fixedly connected to the second plate and the at least one bush with the at least one guide rod, guides the movement of the second plate along the first longitudinal axis (A-A) of the frame.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more first recess on the first plate defines one or more first sections.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more second recesses on the second plate defines one or more second sections.

In an embodiment, the at least one side of the second plate with the one or more second recesses is adjacent to the at least one side of the first plate with the one or more first recess.

In an embodiment, the first portion of the at least one plate is clamped to the one or more first sections of the first plate and the second portion of the at least one plate is clamped to the one or more second sections of the second plate.

In one non limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of forming blades for a screw conveyor is disclosed. The method includes aspects of accommodating a first portion of at least one plate in one or more first recess defined along at least one side of a first plate where, the first plate is fixedly connected to a frame. The next step involves the aspect of accommodating a second portion of each of the at least one plate in a corresponding second recess of one or more second recess defined corresponding to the one or more first recess, along at least one side of the second plate where, the second plate is positioned parallel to the first plate and is movably supported by the frame. Further, the second plate is traversed relative to the first plate, by an actuator supported on the frame and connected to the second plate. The second portion of the at least one plate undergoes deformation relative to the first portion defining the blade when the second plate is traversed relative to the first plate.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure. 1 shows a perspective of a system for forming blades for a screw conveyor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 shows a front view of a first plate and a second plate in the system from Fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a plate for a screw conveyor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 shows a front view of the screw conveyor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming blades for the screw conveyor, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the description of the disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, as to method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method that comprises a list of acts does not include only those acts but may include other acts not expressly listed or inherent to such method. In other words, one or more acts in a method proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other acts or additional acts in the method.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Further, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. While some specific terms directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings.

Accordingly, it should be noted that meaning of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Figure. 1 shows a perspective of a system (100) for forming blades (10) and Figure 2 shows a front view of a first plate (1) and a second plate (2) in the system (100) from Fig. 1. The system (100) includes a frame (7) that may be fixedly mounted to a base plate (5). The base plate (5) may be fixedly mounted to a floor and the frame (7) may be configured to extend vertically from base plate (5). The frame (7) at one end may be connected to the base plate (5) and another end of the frame (7) may include at least one extension. The at least one extension may be configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the frame (7) or the at least one extension may extend along a horizontal direction. The length of the at least one extension [hereinafter referred to as the extension] may be significantly smaller than the length of the frame (7). Further, at least one guide rod (3) [hereinafter referred to as the guide rod] may be fixedly connected to the frame (7). More particularly, the guide rod (3) may be connected to the extension of the frame (7). The guide rod (3) may be configured between the extension of the frame (7) and the base plate (5). The guide rod (3) may be connected to the frame (7) such that the guide rod (3) extends vertically from the base plate (5) and lies parallel to the frame (7). The frame (7) along with the guide rod (3) and the extension may be configured to define a substantially rectangular structure. The frame (7) along with the guide rod (3) connected to the extension of the frame (7) defines a substantially empty area between the frame (7) and the guide rod (3). The guide rod (3) may further include at least one bush (6) [hereinafter referred to as the bush]. The bush (6) may be slidably accommodated on the guide rod (3). The bush (6) may be configured to traverse through the length of the guide rod (3) with minimal frication. The bush (6) may traverse along a first longitudinal axis (A-A) and the first longitudinal axis (A-A) may herein extend vertically from the base plate (5).

In an embodiment, the frame (7) may be configured to extend directly from floor. In an embodiment, the frame (7) may be oriented at a pre-determined angle and the frame (7) may be configured to extend in a substantially vertical direction. In an embodiment, the frame (7) may be pivotable connected to the base plate (5) and the frame (7) may be traversed to different angles by means of an actuator. In an embodiment, the bush (6) may traverse on the guide rod (3) by a bearing including but not limited to ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, needle bearings etc. In an embodiment, the material of the frame (7) and the guide rod (3) must not be considered as a limitation since, any suitable material with significant load bearing ability may be used.

The system (100) further includes a first plate (1) that is fixedly connected to the frame (7). The first plate (1) may be accommodated in the empty area defined between the frame (7) and the guide rod (3). The first plate (1) may be fixedly connected to the frame (7) by any known means including but not limited to fasteners, welding etc. The first plate (1) may be defined with one or more first recess (1a) [hereinafter referred to as the first recess] along at least one side of the first plate (1). In this particular exemplary embodiment, the first recess (1a) may be defined on either side of the first plate (1). The first recess (1a) may be cutouts that are defined in an equidistant manner along the sides of the first plate (1). The first recess (1a) may also define one or more first sections (1b) [hereinafter referred to as the first section]. Each of the first section (1b) may be defined between each of the two first recess (1a) on the first plate (1). The first section (1b) may also be defined in an equidistant manner along the sides of the first plate (1). The recess (1a) and the first section (1b) defined on the sides of the first plate (1) may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (A-A).

Further, the system (100) may also include a second plate (2). The second plate (2) may be positioned adjacent to the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be fixedly connected to the bush (6) on the guide rod (3). The bush (6) may facilitate the movement of the second plate (2) with respect to the first plate (1). The bush (6) is configured to slide on the guide rod (3) and since, the second plate (2) is fixedly connected to the bush (6), the second plate (2) may also slide with the bush (6) along the first longitudinal axis (A-A). The second plate (2) may be connected to the bush (6) by any known means including but not limited to fasteners, welding etc. Similar to the first plate (1), the second plate (2) may also be defined with one or more second recess (2a) [hereinafter referred to as the second recess]. The second plate (2) may be defined with the second recess (2a) along at least one side of the second plate (2). In this particular exemplary embodiment, the second recess (2a) may be defined on either side of the second plate (2). The second recess (2a) may be cutouts that are defined in an equidistant manner along the sides of the second plate (2). The second recess (2a) may also define one or more second sections (2b) [hereinafter referred to as the second section]. Each of the second section (2b) may be defined between each of the two second recess (2a) on the second plate (2). The second section (2b) may also be defined in an equidistant manner along the sides of the second plate (2). The second recess (2a) and the second section (2b) defined on the sides of the second plate (2) may also extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis (A-A).

As described above, the second plate (2) may be positioned adjacent to the first plate (1). The second plate (2) may be configured to be traversed between a first position and a second position by an actuator (4). The actuator (4) may be operated by a user to traverse or displace the second plate (2) between the first position and the second position. The actuator (4) may be any known means including but not limited to an electric motor, a hydraulic actuator etc. The second plate (2) may be configured to lie parallel to the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) is configured to lie adjacent to the first plate (1). The distance between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be varied based on the required dimensions and shape of the blade (10). Further, the dimensions of the first recess (1a) on the first plate (1) and the dimensions of the second recess (2a) on the second plate (2) may be configured to be the same in an exemplary embodiment. Consequently, the dimensions of the first section (1b) on the first plate (1) and the dimensions of the second section (2b) on the second plate (2) may also be configured to be the same. The first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be configured such that the first recess (1a) lies adjacent to the second recess (2a). The first recess (1a) may lie adjacent to the second recess (2a) when the second plate (2) is in the first position. Further, the first section (1b) may also lie parallel to the second section (2b) when the second plate (2) is in the first position. The first plate (1) may be symmetrical to the second plate (2) when the second plate (2) is in the first position and the first recess (1a) may complement the second recess (2a). The first recess (1a) and the second recess (2a) may lie along the same axis when the second plate (2) is configured to lie in the first position. As the second plate (2) is traversed to the second position, the symmetrical configuration between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be separated. The first recess (1a) of the first plate (1) may overlap with the second section (2b) of the second plate (2) when the second plate (2) is traversed along the longitudinal axis (A-A) to the second position.

Figure 3 shows a top view of at least one plate (8) [hereinafter referred to as the plate] for the screw conveyor (9) and the Figure 4 shows a front view of the screw conveyor (9). The plate (8) may be of a circular shape with a central through opening. Further, the plate (8) may also be defined with a cut-out. The plate (8) may be defined in the shape of a ring with a cut-out on the ring. The plate (8) may be defined with a substantially C shape. Further, the plate (8) may herein be defined with a first portion (8a) and a second portion (8b). A first lateral axis (B-B) may be defined along the plate (8). The first lateral axis (B-B) may extend through the cut out of the plate (8) and may extend along the width of the plate (8). The first lateral axis (B-B) may equally divide the plate (8). Either side of the plate (8) that is divided by the first lateral axis (B-B) may be defined as the first portion (8a) and the second portion (8b). Further, dimensions or the diameter of the central through opening defined to the plate (8) may be equal or slightly greater than the diameter of a shaft (11) [seen from Fig. 4] of the screw conveyor (9). The first portion (8a) of the plate (8) is accommodated in the first recess (1a) of the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) of the plate (8) is accommodated in the corresponding second recess (2a) of the second plate (2). The end of the first portion (8a) that is proximal to the cut out may be accommodated by the first section (1b) of the first plate (1). Similarly, the end of the second portion (8b) that is proximal to the cut out may be accommodated by the second section (2b) of the second plate (2). Multiple plates (8) may be accommodated within the first recess (1a) and the second recess (2a) of the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) respectively. The plates (8) may be accommodated on either side of the first plate (1) and the second plate (2). The first portion (8a) of the plate (8) may be clamped to the first section (1b) of the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) of the plate (8) may be clamped to the second section (2b) of the second plate (2). The connection between the first portion (8a) with the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) with the second plate (2) may be facilitated by any known means including but not limited to fasteners. The first portion (8a) may be removably connected with the first plate (1) and the second portion (8b) may also be removably connected with the second plate (2). Each of the first section (1b) and the second section (2b) may be provided with the clamping mechanism for facilitating the connection of the first portion (8a) and the second portion (8b) of the plate (1). In an embodiment, the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be made of material with higher ductile strength that that of the plate (8).

Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for forming blades (10) for the screw conveyor (9). The first step 201 involves the aspect of configuring the first portion (8a) of the plate (8) in the first recess (1a). The first portion (8a) is further removably clamped to the first section (1b) of the first plate (1). The next step involves the aspect of configuring the second portion (8b) of the plate (8) in the second recess (2a) of the second plate (2). The second portion (8b) is further removably clamped to the second section (2b) of the second plate (2). Similar to the above disclosed two steps of 201 and 202, multiple plates (8) may be accommodated in each of the first recess (1a) and the each of the second recess (2a). Third step involves 203 the aspect of operating the actuator (4) to traverse the second plate (2) from the first position to the second position. The user may operate the actuator (4) such that the second plate (2) traverses upwardly along the first longitudinal axis (A-A). The first portion (8a) of the plate (8) is connected to the first section (1b) whereas the second portion (8b) of the plate (8) is connected to the second section (2b). Consequently, traversing the second plate (2) upwardly along the first longitudinal axis (A-A) while retaining the first plate (1) in a stationery state causes the plate (8) to be physically deformed. The plate (8) deforms into a helical shape and the blade (10) for the screw conveyor (9) is thus formed by traversing the second plate (2) along the first longitudinal axis (A-A). In an embodiment, the distance between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be varied for varying the pitch of the blade (10). The pitch of the blade (10) may herein be defined as the measurement from the tip of one of the blades (10) to the tip of the next blade (10) in the screw conveyor (9). The pitch of the blade (10) is defined by the parameter “B” and the same is illustrated in the Fig. 4. The distance between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be varied for varying the pitch (B) of the blade (10). For instance, the distance between the first plate (1) and the second plate (2) may be increased for increasing the pitch (B) of the blade (10) and the distance may be decreased for decreasing the pitch (B) of the blade (10). The pitch (B) of the blade (10) may be varied based on the required material and the volume of material that is to be conveyed or transferred by the screw conveyor (9). Once the blades (10) are formed from plates (8), the blades (10) may be welded onto the surface of the shaft (11) as seen from Fig. 4.

In an embodiment, the blades (10) for the screw conveyor (9) are formed from sheet metals cut into plates (8) and these plates (8) are processed in the above-described system (100) without any manual intervention in the deforming process of the plates (8). Consequently, the dimensions and the helical shape of the blades remains uniform throughout. Further, the blades (10) are formed without any application of heat. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the screw conveyor (9) is reduced. Since the blades (10) manufactured from the system (100) illustrated above are of consistent dimensions and shape, the accuracy with regards to the total measurable volume of material that the screw conveyor (9) transports are drastically improved. In an embodiment, the uniform dimensions and shape of the blades (10) ensures that the total load that is imparted on each of the blades (10) while transferring material is uniformly distributed. Consequently, damages and repairs to the screw conveyor (9) is reduced and the overall operational time period is increased.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals

Referral Numerals Description
1 First plate
1a First recess
1b First section
2 Second plate
2a Second recess
2b Second section
3 Guide rod
4 Actuator
5 Base plate
6 Bush
7 Frame
8 Plate
8a First portion
8b Second portion
9 Screw conveyor
10 Blades
11 Shaft
100 System