Abstract: Apparatus for conveying material between two terminals using a reversible blower system that conveys a carrier member through a tube by suction from one terminal to an intermediate location and by pneumatic pressure from the intermediate location to the other terminal, and vice versa. The carrier member is gradually retarded and stopped at each terminal by a yieldable plate inclined into the path of the carrier member with a yieldable latching element urging the plate inwardly and also serving to latch the carrier member in its ultimate terminal position. The tube has separately manipulatable, open-ended, end portions in which the carrier member is retained for manipulation into position for receiving or discharging its contents. Covers on the carrier member are automatically removed and replaced at each terminal by radially movable latching elements on the cover that are manipulated by an axially movable central unlatching element.

Abstract: A gutter protector adapted for mounting on a sloping shingled roof for attachment under the next-to-last row of shingles and extending at an inclination to the roof with perforations for flow of water through the gutter protector directly into the gutter and onto the roof and into the gutter. There are a series of alternating perforated sections and imperforate sections that are relatively inclined to cause change of direction of flow to facilitate flow of water through the perforations and to facilitate lifting and washing of leaves and debris from section to section and off the gutter protector away from the roof. An outer end portion extends upwardly from the gutter to obstruct view of the other sections from ground level.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube carrier system (10) includes a first carrier receiving and sending terminal (11) and a second carrier receiving and sending terminal (13). A carrier (20) is transported back and forth between the terminals (11,13) through a pneumatic tube (12) interconnecting the first and second terminals. Means are operatively associated with at least one of the first and second terminals for automatically removing contents from the carrier at the at least one terminal before returning the carrier to the other terminal. A cover (30) is held on the carrier by magnetic attraction and without hinges or latches.

Abstract: A fluid assisted doffer (30) is disclosed in combination with a fluid filter (10). The fluid filter (10) includes a rotatably mounted drum (23) covered with a filter screen (25). Fluid is filtered through screen (25) from the upstream to the downstream side to form an overlying porous layer of particulate matter. The downstream side of the drum (23) includes filter chambers (A) and (B) being sealed against direct fluid flow. The fluid assisted doffer comprises a doffing chamber (45) positioned on the downstream side of screen (25) at the position where the overlying porous layer of particulate matter is to be removed from the screen (25) and communicating through the screen (25) with the upstream side thereof. The doffing chamber (45) is sealed against direct fluid communication with filter chambers (A) and (B) on the downstream side of the screen (25).

Abstract: A filter apparatus having an inlet duct (30) with a plurality of vanes (10) therein. Each vane (10) is positioned in the fluid duct (30) and adapted for deflecting fluid as it moves through the duct (30) and further for preventing the accumulation on the vane (10) of particulate matter entrained in the fluid. Vane (10) comprises a vane body (11) defining a forward edge portion (12) which faces upstream into the moving fluid. Forward edge portion (12) has a pre-determined angle of incidence to the direction of travel of the moving fluid sufficient to overcome frictional adherence of the particulate matter. Vane body (11) also has a free end (16) spaced apart from the inner walls of duct (30). The vane body (11) also defines a rearward edge portion (13) downstream of forward edge portion (12) and defines an angle within duct (30) corresponding to the extent of deflection to be applied to the moving fluid. One of the embodiments includes alternating vane bodies (11) positioned on opposite walls of the duct (30).

Abstract: Bobbin handling apparatus including means for feeding bobbins from a supply station in random end orientation to a delivery station for use by a doffing machine. The bobbin handling apparatus is conveniently mounted on the doffing machine, and includes means for sorting bobbins of one end orientation from the other and means to reorient bobbins of the one orientation to the other for presentation to the doffing machine of bobbins of a single orientation. The handling apparatus includes a bobbin supply box adapted to be manually positioned on and removed from the apparatus immediately above floor level, thereby requiring minimum physical effort.