Abstract: A cutting apparatus for continuous lengths of filaments bundles, film ribbons, filamentary-type or other material in strip like form is disclosed containing a tube that is readily adjustable in very small increments relative to rotating blades. A housing surrounds the exit end of the tube and rotating blades which is attached to a suction device. The device creates a high velocity flow of air through the tube which aligns the filamentary material for cutting. An insert may be placed in the tube which contains an upper surface or anvil at its outer end. The tube and/or the insert in the tube is adjustable in two dimensions relative to one or more blades rotating in a plane transverse to the axis of the tube. These adjustments which may be made during operation of the cutting process to facilitate a cleaner, uniform cutting of the filamentary material.

Abstract: Pressure control apparatus for a cyclone separator includes a variable air flow control valve in at least one line exiting from the separator. The air flow through that valve is adjusted in response to pressure changes in the separator. A flow control valve with adjustable bladders is preferred.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for segregating a mixture of light and heavy particles from a gas stream carrying such particles includes a separating chamber connected at its upper end to a gas discharge chamber and connected at its lower end to a particle discharge chamber. A feed tube spirally wraps at least partially around the upper gas discharge chamber and communicates with the separating chamber to direct a stream containing the gas and particles into the separating chamber in a downward, radial direction. Some of the entering gas and some minute dust particles from the separating chamber exit through the gas discharge chamber and the balance of particles exit through the lower particle discharge chamber into a particle collector or bin. The separating chamber includes a section containing porous material through which a large percentage of entering gas can exit, thereby reducing the volume and velocity of gas exiting through the upper and lower discharge chambers.

Abstract: An impeller for a materials handling fan can be made in several different diameters utilizing a single central hub of fixed diameter. The single central hub is designed to withstand the varying stresses imposed by different impeller diameters. A circular backplate or shroudplate is welded to the hub to extend the effective diameter of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding scrap thermoplastic material to a screw compactor for further processing the scrap material. Means are located in the material flow stream above the compactor for mixing the scrap material and discharging it from a storage zone to the compactor at substantially zero pressure.