Monk Automation have recently introduced a new range of hoppers and elevators which can store a large volume but are gentle on components. The usual problem with bulk storage is damage due to parts rubbing together. This problem has been solved by having the minimum quantity of components in the elevator collection hopper and the bulk storage in a horizontal low level hopper.

The parts are slowly fed as required into the elevator by a conveyor in the base of the hopper.

The system is fully automatic with levels being sensed and feeds switched on and off by a standard control system.

They are ideal for the bulk storage of components being fed into bowlfeeders, assembly or process machines.

In keeping with today's stringent safety regulations the low level design of the bulk hopper eliminates the need for steps and ladders and the need for manual lifting of material.

Recent installations include eight hopper elevators feeding plastic mouldings into a rotary assembly machine for a contact lens cleaning unit.

Six for the bulk storage of pencils - these are placed by hand in the horizontal storage hopper and then fed at 60 per minute into a finishing machine and a fully automated golf driving range using elevators to lift golf balls up to feed conveyors in the roof of the building.

They are available in powder coated steel or stainless steel with capacities up to 1000 litres (35 cubic feet) as standard.