Flexicon has equipped its TIP-TITE box dumper with a light curtain safety system designed to protect operators while streamlining bulk material handling. The system transfers bulk solids from rigid containers into downstream processing equipment.

The non-contact light curtain replaces traditional safety lock doors. It automatically stops dumper motion when someone enters the designated hazard zone.

The design allows a single operator to load containers using a forklift without leaving the vehicle. This eliminates repeated dismounting, remounting and forklift repositioning during loading.

After loading, the dumper hydraulically raises the container against a discharge hood. The assembly then lifts and tips until the hood's spout connects with a gasketed receiving ring on the receiving bin.

Once the hood is positioned, the operator activates a pneumatically actuated slide gate to release material into downstream equipment. A wire mesh enclosure provides additional protection from moving parts.

The receiving platform accommodates containers measuring 36 to 48 inches (915 to 1,220 millimeters) per side and 36 to 52 inches (914 to 1,321 millimeters) high.

The system houses its hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical functions, including a programmable human-machine interface (HMI), in a NEMA 4 control box suitable for washdown with water or mild solvents.

Flexicon offers the TIP-TITE box dumper in carbon steel with industrial coatings and stainless-steel material-contact surfaces, or in all-stainless-steel construction. Stainless-steel versions can be constructed and finished to food, dairy or pharmaceutical standards.