Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments of a butterfly-type valve that provide a reduction in the unseating torque are disclosed that include a valve body defining a flow passage therein, and a closure disc disposed in the flow passage that has an axis of rotation about which the closure disc rotates between open and closed positions. The valve includes a cylindrical body liner disposed within the valve, which includes a circumferential sealing surface that is engaged by the closure disc to establish a seal when the closure disc is rotated to a closed position. At least one resilient band is at least partially interposed between the valve body and the cylindrical body liner, and at least a portion of the resilient band is tapered to a reduced thickness. The taper reduces the forces associated with the engagement by the closure disc, to thereby reduce the unseating torque required to open the closure disc.

Abstract: A filter silencer with quick disconnect lid has a cylindrical hollow casing, an inlet, a filter within the casing, a spring loaded seal plate beneath the filter, a flange opposite the inlet, and a lid turning to connect to the flange. The inlet admits blower air into the casing generally beneath the spring loaded seal and the air enters the sides of the filter. The air travels upwards through the filter and exits through the lid. Wear pads beneath a locking ring engage the tapered ears upon the lid. The lid has an outlet through which filtered air discharges. The lid has ports for monitoring differential pressure and air temperature while the casing has a port for a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A swing-away hopper tee assembly comprises a mounting frame, tee assembly, and a valve assembly. The hopper tee assembly is removably mountable to a flange at the discharge end of a hopper. The mounting frame includes a bottom wall, a top wall spaced from the bottom wall, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a channel sized and shaped to receive the hopper flange. The flange includes at least one opening, and a corresponding opening is formed in the channel. A fastener extends through the aligned flange and channel openings to removably secure the mounting frame to the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight check valve for use in bulk material transfers that incorporates a smooth, generally spherical interior cavity to minimize flow inefficiencies. The check valve is made from two portions: a body portion and a lid assembly which is removably mounted to the body portion. The gate valve, or poppet, is hingedly mounted to the lid assembly. Hence, when the check valve assembly is opened for inspection, by removing the lid assembly, the poppet is removed along with the lid assembly, to allow for easy inspection of the poppet.

Abstract: A preassembled fluidizing device that incorporates an expansive air passage that stimulates the enhanced flow of granular materials to the discharge port of a tank trailer, vessel, bin, or other container, during usage. The fluidizing device includes an aerator housing having affixed thereto a wear plate, the upper end of the housing having a mount to which a resilient gasket may be applied, and prestressed against the wear plate, once assembled. A fastening rod extends from the aerator housing and mounting boss, and a positioning or clip secured thereto provides an initial fastening of the preassembled device in place, once installed. A nut or other fastener connects with the opposite end of the fastening rod in order to tightly secure and seal an air distributor in place, for final assembly of the fluidizing device of this invention.