Abstract: A vacuum receiver for a pneumatic conveyor for conveying, e.g., plastic pellets, having a receiving vessel with a material inlet, a material outlet and a conveying gas outlet. A first valve member is provided for opening and closing the conveying gas outlet, and a second valve member is provided for opening and closing the material outlet. Both valve members are connected to a common valve shaft and actuated by a single actuator mounted on a vessel lid. The vacuum receiver of the invention has the advantage of affording positive control and sealing of the material discharge valve while at the same time being economical to manufacture and easily cleaned.

Abstract: A vacuum receiver for a pneumatic conveyor for conveying, e.g., plastic pellets, having a receiving vessel with a material inlet, a material outlet and a conveying gas outlet. A first valve member is provided for opening and closing the conveying gas outlet, and a second valve member is provided for opening and closing the material outlet. Both valve members are connected to a common valve shaft and actuated by a single actuator mounted on a vessel lid. The vacuum receiver of the invention has the advantage of affording positive control and sealing of the material discharge valve while at the same time being economical to manufacture and easily cleaned.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling airflow in a desiccant drying system having two desiccant beds (10, 12). A first diverter valve (14) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a regeneration air inlet (22), and a press air outlet (20). A second diverter valve (16) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a process air inlet (18), and a regeneration air outlet (28). First and second regeneration air control valves (24, 30) are also provided which during a cooling phase of the regeneration cycle admit a cooling bleed stream of process air to the desiccant bed being regenerated and then convey the cooling air bleed stream from the desiccant bed and through a heat exchanger (42) back to the process air inlet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying plastic pellets utilizes a venturi air mover (20) in a recirculation loop communicating with a drying hopper (10) containing the plastic pellets. A portion of moist air flow in the recirculation loop is vented to the ambient atmosphere upstream of the venturi air mover. A conventional source of compressed air (16) is dried and supplied to the venturi air mover to provide the exclusive motive power for moving air through the recirculation loop.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling airflow in a desiccant drying system having two desiccant beds. A first diverter valve (14A) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a regeneration air inlet (22A), and a process air outlet (28A). A second diverter valve (16A) communicates with each of the desiccant beds, a process air inlet, and a regeneration air outlet. A first of the beds is regenerated by moving the first diverter valve to a position which the first bed communicates with the regeneration air inlet and a second of the beds communicates with the process air outlet, and by moving the second diverter valve to a position in which the first bed communicates with the regeneration air outlet and the second bed communicates with the process air inlet. The first bed is subsequently cooled by moving the first diverter valve to an intermediate cooling position in which the second bed communicates with both of the process air outlet and the first bed, and closing the regeneration air inlet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for regenerating a moist adsorption medium in a multiple vessel drying system utilize a pulsed control of a purge gas outlet valve during a regeneration phase. Internal heaters are embedded in the desiccant beds. During the regeneration phase of a desiccant bed, the internal heater heats the desiccant to remove the moisture therefrom in the form of water vapor. After the water vapor builds up in the drying vessel for a certain period of time, the purge gas outlet valve is opened for a period of time just long enough to flush the built up water vapor from the vessel, and is then closed again. Accordingly, the amount of purge gas required is minimized, which leads to a higher quality purge, higher overall system drying efficiency, as well as reduced energy requirements.

Abstract: A drive tube apparatus for providing a precisely adjustable linear range of motion to orthodontic devices. The drive tube apparatus includes a threaded tube with a roughened surface for secure attachment to a mounting. A drive screw engages the threaded tube through a predetermined range of motion. A ball and socket rotatably attaches the drive screw to the drive shaft allowing the drive shaft to move within a linear range of motion without rotating with the drive screw. The drive shaft attached to and accomplishes the positioning of an adjustable appliance.

Abstract: An orthodontic apparatus for treating skeletally based dental malocclusions. The orthodontic apparatus includes cooperating upper and lower surface apparatus for causing a mandibular displacement in a desired direction during an act of biting. An adjustment apparatus sets a relative position of the cooperating upper and lower surfaces.

Abstract: A U-shaped acrylic body is separated at its closed end and slideably connected by means of a turnbuckle to allow lateral adjustment, the acrylic body further having a palatal wire extending into the palatal area of the mouth, buccal wires emerging from the outer sides and extending in a rectangular construction parallel thereto, and cuspid guidance wires emerging perpendicularly from the outer sides. The palatal wire is separated at its approximate midpoint in the palatal area and slideably connected, such that when the appliance is positioned in the mouth adjacent the inner sides of the teeth the wearer can make periodic lateral adjustments.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for drying plastic pellets utilizes a venturi air mover (20) in a recirculation loop communicating with a drying hopper (10) containing the plastic pellets. A portion of moist air flow in the recirculation loop is vented to the ambient atmosphere upstream of the venturi air mover. A conventional source of compressed air (16) is dried and supplied to the venturi air mover to provide the exclusive motive power for moving air through the recirculation loop.