Surge bin

Abstract

A surge bin having a top and a bottom comprising: a plurality of walls defining an inner chamber; and an opening at or near the top of the surge bin and a discharge outlet at or near the bottom of the surge bin, the discharge outlet positioned to discharge particulate material onto a conveyor; whereby at least one of the plurality of walls having a sloped portion sloping outwards towards the discharge outlet.

1 . A surge bin having a top and a bottom comprising:
 a plurality of walls defining an inner chamber; and   an opening at or near the top of the surge bin and a discharge outlet at or near the bottom of the surge bin, the discharge outlet positioned to discharge particulate material onto a conveyor;   whereby at least one of the plurality of walls having a sloped portion sloping outwards towards the discharge outlet.   
     
     
         2 . The surge bin of  claim 1  wherein the sloped portion is provided on a front wall. 
     
     
         3 . The surge bin of  claim 2  wherein the front wall is positioned so that when the conveyor is operating, particulate material discharged onto the conveyor is moved by the conveyor towards and under the front wall. 
     
     
         4 . The surge bin of  claim 1  wherein the sloped portion causes the discharge outlet to have a larger cross sectional area than the opening. 
     
     
         5 . The surge bin of  claim 1  further comprising a skirt positioned between the discharge outlet and the conveyor. 
     
     
         6 . The surge bin of  claim 1  wherein the sloped portion is angled outwards at approximately 45°. 
     
     
         7 . The surge bin of  claim 2  wherein the front wall has an upper portion that is oriented substantially vertically and the sloped portion.