| abstract |
A funnel shaped conveyor receives containers of powdered materials and is coupled to the containers. A screen support member within the funnel receives granules from the container and supports the same above a spray nozzle. The nozzle directs a spray of liquid, such as water, against the underside of the support screen and wets the granules resting thereon, dissolving the same and causing the solution to pass through the screen. The nozzle further sprays the sides of the funnel in order to remove any caking material and reduce clogging. A discharge port provides the resulting solution to a receptacle, such as a washing machine. The apparatus includes a dual safety feature, which assures that an operator will not be exposed to any caustic solutions during a change of containers. Rotatable mounting brackets permit gravity fed operation in a first position, and permit container replacement in a second position in which a sensing switch disables the nozzle. Further, the nozzle remains pointed upward even in the second position, assuring that any accidental discharge is directed at the discharge port and not at the operator. |