WO2025221439A1 - Device for opening bags within a material stream - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for opening bags within a material stream is disclosed. The device includes a hopper, a retaining tube having an interior wall surface, a plurality of bag opening mechanisms extending away from the interior wall and an auger comprised of a central axle and a helical ridge that wraps around the axle. A first portion of the auger is disposed in the hopper and a second portion of the auger is disposed in the retaining tube (30). The auger is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper through the retaining tub. An outer edge of the helical ridge forms a gap with plurality of bag opening mechanisms. As the auger conveys the material stream, bags within the stream are opened by the bag opening mechanisms. The size of the gap may be selected based on the size of the bags in the material stream.

Description

DEVICE FOR OPENING BAGS WITHIN A MATERIAL STREAM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims priority to U.S. 63/635546 filed on April 17, 2024 entitled DEVICE FOR OPENING BAGS WITHIN A MATERIAL STREAM the contents of which are incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The present invention relates generally to machines used to sort materials and mixed recyclable materials.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) employ screening and sorting machinery to separate solid waste into salable scrap materials such as different grades of scrap paper, plastic, and metal. However, inbound solid waste materials are often enclosed in plastic bags used for handling the solid waste materials at point of origin. This is especially likely as the moisture content of the inbound material increases, such as with kitchen scraps or with residual household waste, often called Municipal Solid Waste (MSW).

[004] To separate the solid waste stream into salable scrap materials, the bagged material must first be removed and liberated from the bag. In the current state of the art there are a variety of ways to accomplish this. The most common is to use a shredder or material reducer with large tooth spacing to shred or reduce all inbound material. The spacing of the teeth can typically vary between eight inches (200 mm) and 20 inches (500 mm) depending on the anticipated throughput, bag size, and other considerations. However, such a shredder also tends to denature the material, such as by reducing the size of large item of cardboard and plastic into smaller sizes, or mangling and changing the shape of smaller items. As MRFs use the typical size and shape of materials to efficiently separate scrap materials, this denaturing makes the separation of scrap materials more difficult. The industry is increasingly using neural network-based classifiers to identify and sort scrap materials. As these classifiers are typically trained on unshredded items, and shredding changes the shape of items in unpredictable ways, shredders reduce the ability to visually identify scrap items.

[005] It is generally understood that the smaller the opening of the shredder, the more it will denature the inbound material. However, the larger the opening, the more likely it is that a bag will make it through the shredder unopened.

[006] In addition, shredders are expensive and maintenance intensive machines. A typical shredder has one or two rotatable shaft which the material passes through. These shafts can wrap on inbound materials, such as linens, hoses, ropes, and other long items. Most shredders also use sharpened teeth to cut inbound material, and these teeth need to replaced, rotated, or sharpened often.

[007] Several attempts have been made to solve these known issues of material denaturing and wrapping. For example, in US 5484247A Miller et al disclose a bag breaking device which uses a set of pull fins to pull apart bags rather than shredding them. This reduces the tendency of a shredder to denature the inbound material. However, this machine still passes the waste stream through a set of rotating shafts., where the material is moving perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shafts. In practice, this machine wraps and clogs frequently due to the rotating shafts.

[008] Another bag opening device is disclosed in US 9611061 B2 by Eggersman in which the tearing elements are mounted on a common axis of rotation but are moved individually such that tearing is achieved by two tearing devices pulling away from each other. However, this is a large, expensive machine with many moving parts and the material still moves perpendicular to the axis of rotation, allowing for material to wrap on the shaft.

[009] What is needed is a device that reliable opens bags while overcoming the above-mentioned shortcomings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] A device for opening bags within a material stream is disclosed. The device includes a hopper, a retaining tube having an interior wall surface, a plurality of bag opening mechanisms extending away from the interior wall and an auger comprised of a central axle and a helical ridge that wraps around the axle. A first portion of the auger is disposed in the hopper and a second portion of the auger is disposed in the retaining tube. The auger is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper through the retaining tub. An outer edge of the helical ridge forms a gap with the distal tips of the plurality of bag opening mechanisms. As the auger conveys the material stream, bags within the stream are opened by the bag opening mechanisms. The size of the gap may be selected based on the size of the bags in the material stream.

[Oi l] A motor may be used to turn the auger. And to achieve proper speed and torque, a gear box may be connected to the auger and the motor.

[012] The bag opening mechanisms may include a blade/fin connected to a pivot, wherein rotating the blade/fin about the pivot changes the size of the gap. The blade/fin may be connected to a spring.

[013] The bag opening mechanisms may include an actuator connected to a blade/fin, wherein actuating the actuator changes the size of the gap. The actuator may include a screw drive, a solenoid or a piston.

[014] A method using the device may include determining the target size of the bags in the material stream and changing the size of the gap based on the target size. Likewise, a system for sorting a material stream may use the device in conjunction with a sensor.

[015] Additional aspects, alternatives and variations as would be apparent to persons of skill in the art are also disclosed herein and are specifically contemplated as included as part of the invention. The invention is set forth only in the claims as allowed by the patent office in this or related applications, and the following summary descriptions of certain examples are not in any way to limit, define or otherwise establish the scope of legal protection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[016] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following figures. The components within the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed on clearly illustrating example aspects of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views and/or embodiments. Furthermore, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. It will be understood that certain components and details may not appear in the figures to assist in more clearly describing the invention.

[017] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a device for opening bags within a material stream.

[018] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the device.

[019] FIG. 3 illustrates a top isometric view of the device with the side panel removed. [020] FIG. 4 illustrates a top isometric cross-sectional view take along line A-A of FIG. 3.

[021] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the device.

[022] FIG. 6 illustrates a side cross-sectional view take along line B-B of FIG. 5.

[023] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the bag opening mechanisms on the inner surface of the container tube.

[024] FIG. 8A illustrate a side view of the bag opening mechanisms using an actuator and screw drives.

[025] FIG. 8B illustrate a side view of the bag opening mechanisms using an actuator and piston drives or solenoid drives.

[026] FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the bag opening mechanism of FIG. 7 using a actuator.

[027] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustrating the device used as part of a larger sorting system.

[028] FIG. 10A illustrates a top isometric view of a device with two augers for opening bags within a material stream.

[029] FIG. 10B illustrates a side isometric view of the device with two augers for opening bags within a material stream.

[030] FIG. 10C illustrates a top plan view of the device with two augers for opening bags within a material stream.

[031] FIG. 11 A illustrates a side isometric view of the device with two augers for opening bags within a material stream.

[032] FIG. 1 IB illustrates a side isometric view of the device of FIG. HA with a large item forcing open the bag opening mechanism using gravity.

[033] FIG. 11C illustrates an end isometric view of the device of FIG. HA with a large item forcing open the bag opening mechanism using gravity.

[034] FIG. 1 ID illustrates an end isometric view of a device with two augers for opening bags within a material stream using a bag opening mechanism with hydraulic pistons.

[035] FIG. 1 IE illustrates a detailed end isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 ID with a large item forcing open the bag opening mechanism with hydraulic pistons.

[036] FIG. 1 IF illustrates a side isometric view of the device of FIG. HD with a large item traveling towards the bag opening mechanism with hydraulic pistons.

[037] FIG. 11G illustrates a front view of the device of FIG. 11A with a large item forcing open the bag opening mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[038] Reference is made herein to some specific examples of the present invention, including any best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described or illustrated embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[039] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Example embodiments of the present invention may be implemented without some or all these specific details. In other instances, process operations well known to persons of skill in the art have not been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the present invention. Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However, it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple iterations of a technique or multiple mechanisms unless noted otherwise. Similarly, various steps of the methods shown and described herein are not necessarily performed in the order indicated, or performed at all in certain embodiments. Accordingly, some implementations of the methods discussed herein may include more or fewer steps than those shown or described. Further, the techniques and mechanisms of the present invention will sometimes describe a connection, relationship or communication between two or more entities. It should be noted that a connection or relationship between entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection, as a variety of other entities or processes may reside or occur between any two entities. Consequently, an indicated connection does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted.

[040] The following list of example features corresponds with the attached figures and is provided for ease of reference, where like reference numerals designate corresponding features throughout the specification and figures:

[041] Debagging Device 5

[042] Debagging Device 5A

[043] Debagging Device 5C

[044] Hopper 10 [045] Auger 12

[046] Auger Central Axle 15

[047] Auger Helical Ridge 20

[048] Auger First Portion 22

[049] Auger Second Portion 24

[050] Motor 25

[051] Gearbox 27

[052] Retaining Tube 30

[053] Interior Wall Surface 32

[054] Discharge Opening 35

[055] Bag Opening Mechanism 40

[056] Restorative Structure (Spring) 40-1

[057] Blade/Fin 40-2

[058] Pivot 40-3

[059] Blade/Fin Retraction Direction Clearance 40-4

[060] Bag Opening Mechanism 41

[061] Pivot 41-1

[062] Slat 41-2

[063] Blade/Fin 41-3

[064] Restorative Structure (Piston/Spring) 41-4

[065] Force 41-5

[066] Distal Tip 42

[067] Gap 45

[068] Helical Ridge Outer Edge 50

[069] Actuator 55

[070] Actuator Movement 57

[071] Screw Drive 60

[072] Solenoid 65

[073] Piston 70

[074] Sensor 75

[075] Processor 80 [076] Conveyor 85

[077] Material Stream 90

[078] Large Item lOOAs an overview, a debagging device is disclosed that uses an auger to push the bagged material through a retaining tube. The retaining tube may have bag opening mechanism such as teeth, ridges, or other obstruction placed on the inner perimeter of the tube to catch plastic bags as the bags travel through the retaining tube. The helical ridge of the auger pushes the material stream through the retaining tube, past the bag opening mechanism, which then pulls the bag apart release the bag’s contents.

[079] Now turning to FIGS. 1-7, a debagging device 5 is shown. A material stream is introduced into the device 5 through the hopper 10. An auger 12 extends from the hopper 10 through the retaining tube 30. A first portion of the auger 22 is at the bottom of the hopper 10, and a second portion extends through the retaining tub 30. The auger 12 is made up of a central axle 15 and a helical ridge 20. As the motor 25 rotates the auger 12, the material stream is conveyed from the hopper 12 through the retaining tube 30 and out the discharge opening 35. To better control rotational speed and torque, a gearbox 27 is mechanically linked to the motor 25 and the auger 12. A plurality of bag opening mechanisms 40, each with a distal tip 42, extend away from the interior wall surface 32 of the retaining tube 30. An outer edge 50 of the helical ridge 20 forms a gap 45 with the distal tips 42. As the auger 12 conveys the material stream, bags within the stream are opened by the bag opening mechanisms 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the auger 12 is preferably cantilevered such that the discharge opening 35 of the device 5 is free of bearings, bushings, or other obstructions.

[080] Referencing FIG. 7, the plurality of bag opening mechanisms 40 may include a blade 40-2 connected to a pivot 40-3. Rotating the blade/fin 40-2 about the pivot 40-3 increases the size of the gap 45. The blade/fin 40-2 may be connected to a restorative structure (shown as a spring) 40- 1 that imparts a first force on the blade/fin 40-2 that allows the blade/fin 40-2 to retract when the material stream 90 imparts a second force on the blade/fin 40-2 that is larger than the first force. Once the second force is removed or reduced below that of the first force, the restorative structure 40-1 restores the position of the blade/fin 40-2 to a non-force state. The restorative structure 40-1 reduces jamming of the device 5 while allowing the bag opening mechanisms 40 to be placed closer to the helical ridge 20 so that the device 5 may open smaller bags. While a spring 40-1 is shown as the restorative structure, other pressure sensitive mechanisms may be used such as, but not limited to, air bags and gas-filled pistons. In this embodiment to change the size of the gap 45 in the non-force state, a different size blade/fin may be used. Also, it should be noted that in FIG.

7, the retractable blade/fin 40-2 is a non-automated structure - i.e., a dumb structure - that simply reacts to a force that is imparted by the material stream 90.

[081] FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate other variations of the bag opening mechanism 40. Instead of the waste imparting the force to change the size of the gap 45, a separate actuator 55 may be used. For example, in FIG. 8A an actuator 55 rotates screw drives 60 to lower or raise the blade/fin 40-2 (see actuator movement arrow 57), thereby changing the size of the gap 45. In FIG. 8B, a solenoid 65 or a piston 70 lowers and raises the blade/fin 40-2. And in FIG. 8C, an actuator 55 along with a screw drive 60, a solenoid 65 or a piston 70 may be used to change the size of the gap 45.

[082] The size of gap 45 may be selected based on the size of the bag to be opened. For example, a 96-gallon refuse bag will tear open on a larger gap 45 than a 40-gallon refuse bag, which will then tear open on a larger gap 45 than a typical grocery bag. The larger the gap 45, the more tolerant the device 5 is to jamming on hard objects. The inbound material may be screened by size so that different size devices are used on different sizes of bags and material. As a typical augertype conveyor is substantially cheaper than a typical shredder, this is economically feasible.

[083] FIG. 9 shows the device 5 used as part of a large sorting system. A material stream 90 is conveyed to the device 5 on a conveyor belt 85. The material stream 90 passed under sensor 75 that, in conjunction with processor 80, can determine the size of individual components of the material stream 90. Based on the determined size, the processor 80 may send a control signal to actuator 55 to change the gap to the optimal size.

[084] The machine may have one or more augers acting together, such as illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10C. These figures illustrate a two-auger 12 device feed by a single hopper 10. The gearbox and motor are not illustrated, but those parts would connect to the auger central axles 15. The augers 12 may turn in the same direction as each other or in opposite directions. A multiple auger machine will be able to move larger objects and will be more tolerant to jamming on hard objects. Also, the illustrations in FIG. 10A-10C show the restorative structure 40-1 on only some of the bag opening mechanisms 40, but it may be preferable to have those restorative structures 40-1 on all the bag opening mechanisms 40. [085] FIGS. 11 A-l 1 G illustrate another embodiment where the debagging device 5C includes a plurality of bag opening mechanisms 41 that permits large items 100 to pass through the device without clogging. The debagging device 5C has a large hopper 10 with two augers 12 (the number of augers 12 can vary). The augers 12 turn and move the large item 100 (shown as a tub) towards and under the plurality of bag opening mechanisms 41. Although the device 41 is shown at the end of the augers 12 and hopper 10, the device 41 may be positioned upstream as well. The plurality of bag opening mechanisms 41, shown in detail in FIGS. 11C-11E, each includes a slat 41-2 connected to a pivot 41-1. The slat 41-2 can therefore hinge about the pivot 41-1, allowing large items (such as the tub 100) to pass through. Along the surface of the slat 41-1 that is exposed to the augers 12, the slats 41-1 may have several blades/fins 41-3 each with a distal tip 41-5, that will cut into and open bags. The distal tip 41-5 forms a gap 45 with the outer edge 50 of the helical ridge 20. Rotating the slat 41-2 about the pivot 41-1 changes the size of the gap 45.

[086] The weight of the slat 41-2 may be used to assist the blades/fins 41-3 to cut into the bags. This is shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C. Optionally, restorative structures 41-4 such as springs or hydraulic pistons may be added to apply a downward force 41-5 to the slats 41-2 that assist the blades/fins 41-3 to cut into the bags. This is shown in FIGS. 11D-11F. These pistons may be connected to sensor 75 such that the processor 80 may adjust the gap 45 size and/or the magnitude of the downward force 41-5.

[087] When the material stream imparts a second force on the blade/fin 41-3 that is sufficient to overcome the force 41-5, the slat 41-2 rotates about the pivot 41-1 and enlarges the gap 45. For example, a large item 100 propelled through the bag opening mechanism 41 may overcome the force 41 -5 from gravity or the restorative structures 41 -4, pushing the slats 41 - 1 open, and allowing the large item 100 to pass. The magnitude of the force 41-5 may be selected to reduce clogging of the device 5C. For example, the slats 41-1 may be weighted to increase the force 41-5, or the restorative structure 41-4 may be adjusted to increase the force 41-5. The size of the gap 45 may be selected based on the size of the bags in the material stream 90.

[088] In all the embodiments above, the hooper 10 may have bag opening mechanisms 40, with a restorative structure (spring) 40-1, blade/fin 40-2 and pivot 40-3 located on the sides and/or bottom of the hooper 10 to cut into bags that may fall through the augers 12.

[089] While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment of the invention. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

Claims

1. A device (5) for opening bags within a material stream (90), the device (5) comprising: a hopper (10); a retaining tube (30) having an interior wall surface (32); a plurality of bag opening mechanisms (40) extending away from the interior wall (32), each in the plurality (40) having a distal tip (42) that is retractable; an auger (12) comprised of a central axle (15) and a helical ridge (20) that wraps around the central axle (15), wherein: a first portion of the auger (22) is disposed in the hopper (10) and a second portion of the auger (24) is disposed in the retaining tube (30); the auger (12) is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) through the retaining tub (30); wherein an outer edge (50) of the helical ridge (20) forms a gap (45) with the distal tips (42).

2. The device (5) of claim 1, further comprising a motor (25) constructed to turn the auger (12).

3. The device (5) of claim 2, further comprising a gear box (27) connected to the motor (25) and the auger (12).

4. The device (5) of claim 1, further comprising a discharge opening (35) downstream from the retaining tube (30).

5. The device (5) of claim 1, wherein each in the plurality of bag opening mechanisms (40) comprises a blade/fin (40-2) connected to a pivot (40-3), wherein rotating the blade/fin (40-2) about the pivot (40-3) changes the size of the gap (45).

6. The device (5) of claim 5, wherein the blade/fin (40-2) is connected to a restorative structure (40-1).

7. The device (5) of claim 6, wherein the restorative structure (40-1) is a spring, an airbag or a gas-filled piston.

8. The device (5) of claim 6, wherein: the restorative structure (40-1) imparts a first force on the blade/fin (40-2), and when the material stream imparts a second force on the blade/fin (40-2) that is sufficient to overcome the first force, the blade/fin (40-2) rotates about the pivot (40-3) and enlarges the gap (45).

9. The device (5) of claim 1, further comprising: an actuator (55); wherein each in the plurality of bag opening mechanisms (40) comprises a blade/fin (40-2) connected to the actuator (55); wherein actuating the actuator (55) changes the size of the gap (45).

10. The device (5) of claim 9 wherein the actuator (55) comprises a screw drive (60), a solenoid (65) or a piston (70).

11. The device (5) of claim 1, where the size of the gap (45) is selected based on the size of the bags in the material stream (90).

12. The device (5) of claim 1, where the auger (12) is cantilevered through the retaining tube (30).

13. The device (5 A) of claim 1, further comprising a second auger of similar construction as the auger (12), wherein the second auger is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) through the retaining tub (30).

14. A method of opening bags in a material stream comprising: a. providing a device (5) of claim; b. determining the target size of the bags in the material stream; c. changing the size of the gap (45) based on the target size.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein: step (b) is performed by a sensor (75) and a processor (80); step (c) comprises the processor (80) sending a control signal to an actuator (55).

16. A system for sorting materials from a material stream (90), the system comprising: a debagging device (5) comprising: a hopper (10); a retaining tube (30) having an interior wall surface (32); an actuator (55); a plurality of bag opening mechanisms (40) extending away from the interior wall (32), wherein each in the plurality comprises a blade/fin (40-2) having a distal tip (42) that is retractable, each in the plurality (40) connected to the actuator (55); an auger (12) comprised of a central axle (15) and a helical ridge (20) that wraps around the central axle (15), wherein: a first portion of the auger (22) is disposed in the hopper (10) and a second portion of the auger (24) is disposed in the retaining tube (30); the auger (12) is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) through the retaining tub (30); wherein an outer edge (50) of the helical ridge (20) forms a gap (45) with the distal tips (42); a sensor (75) positioned adjacent to the material stream (90); a processor (80) connected to the sensor (75) and the actuator (55), the processor (80) constructed to perform the steps of: determine the size of the components in the material stream (90); send a control signal to the actuator (55) to change the size of the gap (45) based on size determination.

17. A device (5) for opening bags within a material stream (90), the device (5) comprising: a hopper (10); a retaining tube (30) having an interior wall surface (32); a plurality of bag opening mechanisms (40) extending away from the interior wall (32), each in the plurality (40) having a blade/fin (40-2) with a distal tip (42), the blade/fin (40-2) connected to a pivot (40-3) and to a restorative structure (40-1); each in the plurality (40) having a distal tip (42) that is retractable; an auger (12) comprised of a central axle (15) and a helical ridge (20) that wraps around the central axle (15), wherein: a first portion of the auger (22) is disposed in the hopper (10) and a second portion of the auger (24) is disposed in the retaining tube (30); the auger (12) is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) through the retaining tub (30); wherein an outer edge (50) of the helical ridge (20) forms a gap (45) with the distal tips (42); wherein rotating the blade/fin (40-2) about the pivot (40-3) changes the size of the gap (45).

18. The device (5) of claim 17, wherein: the restorative structure (40-1) imparts a first force on the blade/fin (40-2), and when the material stream imparts a second force on the blade/fin (40-2) that is sufficient to overcome the first force, the blade/fin (40-2) rotates about the pivot (40-3) and enlarges the gap (45).

19. The device (5) of claim 17, wherein the magnitude of the first force is selected to reduce clogging of the device (5).

20. The device (5) of claim 17, wherein the size of the gap (45) is selected based on the size of the bags in the material stream (90).

21. The device (5 A) of claim 17, further comprising a second auger of similar construction as the auger (12), wherein the second auger is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) through the retaining tub (30).

22. A device (5C) for opening bags within a material stream (90), the device (5) comprising: a hopper (10); an auger (12) comprised of a central axle (15) and a helical ridge (20) that wraps around the central axle (15), wherein the auger (22) is disposed in the hopper (10); a plurality of bag opening mechanisms (41) positioned above the auger (12), each in the plurality (41) comprising a slat (41-2) connected to a pivot (41-1), wherein the slat comprises a blade/fin (41-3) with a distal tip (41-5); wherein: the auger (12) is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) under the plurality of bag opening mechanisms (41); an outer edge (50) of the helical ridge (20) forms a gap (45) with the distal tips (41-5); rotating the slat (41-2) about the pivot (41-1) changes the size of the gap (45); the slat (41-2) imparts a first force (41-5) directed towards the auger (12); when the material stream imparts a second force on the blade/fin (41-3) that is sufficient to overcome the first force (41-5) such that the slat (41-2) rotates about the pivot (41-1) and enlarges the gap (45).

23. The device (5C) of claim 22, further comprising a restorative structure (40-4) that imparts the first force (41-5).

24. The device (5C) of claim 22, further comprising: a sensor (75) positioned adjacent to the material stream (90); and a processor (80) connected to the sensor (75) and the restorative structure (41-4), the processor (80) constructed to perform the steps of: determine the size of the components in the material stream (90); and send a control signal to the restorative structure (41-4) to change the size of the gap (45) based on size determination.

25. The device (5C) of claim 22, wherein gravity imparts the first force (41-5).

26. The device (5C) of claim 22, wherein the magnitude of the first force is selected to reduce clogging of the device (5C).

27. The device (5C) of claim 22, further comprising a second auger of similar construction as the auger (12), wherein the second auger is constructed to move the material stream from the hopper (10) under the plurality of bag opening mechanisms (41).