Abstract: Bi-directional vibratory conveyor apparatuses comprise an elongated horizontal conveying surface, a vibration inducing motor, and vertically-disposed legs under the horizontal conveying surface, the deflection of which via one or more deflector in conjunction with vibrations of the horizontal conveying surface by the vibration inducing motor induces directional travel of parts on the horizontal conveying surface based on the direction of deflection of the legs therebeneath. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough having a first end and a second end, and at least first and second variable amplitude vibration generators coupled to the trough. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators include at least one variable eccentric weight assembly having a variable center of mass relative to an axis of rotation. The first and second variable amplitude vibration generators have at least a first state wherein an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the first vibration generator is different than an amplitude of a vibratory force generated by the second vibration generator to cause movement of material in the trough toward the first end or the second end.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus.

Abstract: A separator includes a trough having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a bottom wall, and a vibration generator attached to the trough. The separator also includes first, second, and third deck sections, each of which is disposed within the trough, the first deck section being disposed at a higher elevation relative to the bottom wall than the second deck section, and the third deck section being disposed above the second deck section. The separator also includes at least one source of heated air, the first deck section and the second deck section being in fluid communication with the at least one source of heated air so that heated air from the at least one source passes through the first and second deck sections.

Abstract: A separator system may include a first trough having an inlet end, a downstream, outlet end and a trough floor, a first screen section supported in the trough spaced from the trough floor, the first screen section having a first end and a second downstream end, a material-retaining surface disposed at the downstream end of the first screen section, the material-retaining surface disposed at an angle relative to the first screen section to limit the movement of material across the first screen section, and a vibratory generator coupled to the trough. The separator system may alternatively or in addition include a gate disposed at the end of the screen section, the gate having a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus.

Abstract: A separator system may include a first trough having an inlet end, a downstream, outlet end and a trough floor, a first screen section supported in the trough spaced from the trough floor, the first screen section having a first end and a second downstream end, a material-retaining surface disposed at the downstream end of the first screen section, the material-retaining surface disposed at an angle relative to the first screen section to limit the movement of material across the first screen section, and a vibratory generator coupled to the trough. The separator system may alternatively or in addition include a gate disposed at the end of the screen section, the gate having a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A separator system may include a first trough having an inlet end, a downstream, outlet end and a trough floor, a first screen section supported in the trough spaced from the trough floor, the first screen section having a first end and a second downstream end, a material-retaining surface disposed at the downstream end of the first screen section, the material-retaining surface disposed at an angle relative to the first screen section to limit the movement of material across the first screen section, and a vibratory generator coupled to the trough. The separator system may alternatively or in addition include a gate disposed at the end of the screen section, the gate having a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for agglomerating chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands into uniform segments includes a container having a curved inner surface disposed about a generally horizontal axis where the container is mounted on a plurality of springs. The chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be agglomerated are placed onto the curved inner surface at an input end of the container. A vibratory force is produced to cause the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be moved from the input end toward an output end of the container. The vibratory force causes the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be directed in a rising and falling path of rolling movement within the container. As a result of the rolling movement of the chopped bundles within the container which is produced by the vibratory force, the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands are converted into uniform segments by reason of agglomeration of the wet fiberglass strands.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for agglomerating chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands into uniform segments includes a container having a curved inner surface disposed about a generally horizontal axis where the container is mounted on a plurality of springs. The chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be agglomerated are placed onto the curved inner surface at an input end of the container. A vibratory force is produced to cause the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be moved from the input end toward an output end of the container. The vibratory force causes the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be directed in a rising and falling path of rolling movement within the container. As a result of the rolling movement of the chopped bundles within the container which is produced by the vibratory force, the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands are converted into uniform segments by reason of agglomeration of the wet fiberglass strands.

Abstract: Apparatus for reclaiming sand is provided for removing impurities therefrom. The apparatus includes a vibratory conveyor in which the sand is fluidized and heated. The conveyor vibrates the sand to obtain a more uniform temperature. The apparatus may be used to clean used process sand, such as by pyrolyzing binder from foundry sand, or may be used to remove impurities from virgin sand, thereby minimizing the amount of silica which must be added to the virgin sand.

Abstract: In order to separate two classifiable materials, a material classifying apparatus includes a vibratory conveyor for conveying a fluidizable material from a material to be separated therefrom from an inlet end through a material separation section to an outlet end located downstream of the material separation section. A plenum chamber directs air upwardly through the fluidizable material and the material to be separated therefrom in the material separation section of the vibratory conveyor to cause fluidization of the fluidizable material and separation of the material to be separated therefrom by forming the material separation section to include a fluidizing deck for supporting the two classifiable materials while accommodating passage of air upwardly from the plenum chamber therethrough.

Abstract: In order to effectively remove and reclaim sand from a metal casting, an apparatus and system includes a bed having an entrance for receiving the casting and an exit for removing the casting. The bed is adapted to fluidize sand and may also be subjected to vibratory forces. The apparatus and system further includes a sand distribution conveyor for supplying sand to be fluidized to the bed at a point generally near the entrance and a sand transfer conveyor for removing sand to be recirculated from the bed at a point generally near the exit. The bed achieves a thorough mixing of the sand due to the fluidization and vibratory forces. With these features of construction, the apparatus and system also includes a sand return conveyor with all of the conveyors being vibratory and insulated to achieve energy efficient sand recirculation.

Abstract: A non-mechanical leak proof coupling for use on a gas carrying pipe having two pipe sections which are moveable relative to each other. The coupling includes a first pipe section having an upstream end in flow communication with a stationary gas source and further includes a second pipe section having a downstream end in flow communication with a vibrating distribution chamber. A downstream end of the first pipe section and an upstream end of the second pipe section are disposed in closely spaced relation to define a gap therebetween. The first pipe section downstream end is in flow communication with the second pipe section upstream end such that the pressurized gas is communicated between the first pipe section to the second pipe section for discharge to the vibrating distribution chamber.

Abstract: In order to effectively heat treat and decore a metal casting, and thereafter fully reclaim the core sand for reuse, a two-stage system processes metal castings and core sand formed of sand and binder. The two-stage system includes a first stage for removing the core sand from the metal casting while at the same time heat treating the metal casting, and it also includes a separate, second stage for reclaiming the core sand. For this purpose, fluidized and heated sand is utilized as the castings and sand are conveyed together in the first stage and the sand alone is conveyed in the second stage for recirculation of at least a portion of the sand to the first stage.

Abstract: A weir gate assembly includes a substantially rectangular weir gate immersed in a fluidized bed of material with a pair of resilient links rotatably connecting the weir gate and the material conveying trough through which the flow travels. A rotatable arm is pivoted on the housing and is connected to the weir gate such that rotation of the arm varies the configuration of the weir gate within the fluidized bed of material. Rotation of the arm forces a lower weir edge into sealed engagement with the conveying trough and deforms the links such that the relationship of an upper weir edge to the lower weir edge is varied to regulate the depth of the flow. A guide slot with a clamp bolt is provided for guiding rotation of the rotatable arm and maintaining the configuration of the weir gate.