Patents Assigned to Pnu-Tank, a division of Gulf Island Industries
  • Patent number: 4580927
    Abstract: A pneumatic material transportation apparatus utilizes a continuous supply of particulate material which is fed to an open hopper, and flows by gravity through a pneumatic sealing feed valve into a pulse drive chamber containing a series of internal gravity flow chambers. Near simultaneous timed pulses of compressed air applied to the upper and lower portions of the drive chamber forces the feed valve to a closed position. The air fluidizes the particulate material, and drives the material from the upper end of the internal gravity flow chambers through a lower drive passage and outlet check valve into a pneumatic transport line. Cessation of the air pulse reduces the pressure within the chamber to ambient. The outlet check valve is forced closed and the inlet feed valve opens, thereby admitting more particulate material and resuming the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Pnu-Tank, a division of Gulf Island Industries
    Inventor: Wyatt Weeks