Granular material distributing apparatus comprising at least two transfer vessels that operate in alternation

The present invention relates to an operator distributing a granular material, in particular sand, from a fixed workstation. In particular, it relates to filling the bunkers, commonly known as "sand boxes" that are provided on trains and trams. More precisely, the invention relates to apparatus for filling said sand boxes from a fixed workstation referred to as a "sand point", while the boxes lie within a determined area surrounding said workstation. Apparatus for distributing granular material, in particular sand, the apparatus comprising:a) a portable distribution head;b) a flexible hose for transferring the material to the portable head;c) a main feed duct for feeding material from a storage vessel;d) a main suction duct associated with the flexible hose for sucking dust from the portable head;e) a plurality of n transfer vessels suitable for being fed with material from the main feed duct and for delivering the material to the portable distribution head;f) sets of multiple connections enabling the distribution head to receive material from a selected vessel and at least one other vessel to be fed simultaneously with the material; andg) control means for obtaining substantially continuous operation of the distribution head by controlling changeovers between the vessels which are caused to operate in alternation.