Abstract: A system to fluidize and convey finely divided particulate matter comprises a container with a top and bottom portion separated by a pan with apertures there through and a hatch to receive a volume of particulate matter into the container to be supported on the pan. The pan is funnel-shaped and has a discharge port at the lowermost portion of the pan. A bridging conveyor tube receives fluidized flow of the particulate matter from the discharge port and conveys the matter to a riser conveyor tube, which elevates the fluidized flow to a receiving bin remove from the container. The bridging conveyor tube and the riser conveyor tube receive gas streams provided through apertures from a bridging gas passage and a riser gas passage, respectively, to sustain fluidized flow from the discharge port of the pan to the receiving bin to minimize the air required to convey the matter.

Abstract: A system to fluidize and convey finely divided particulate matter comprises a container with a top and bottom portion separated by a pan with apertures there through and a hatch to receive a volume of particulate matter into the container to be supported on the pan. The pan is funnel-shaped and has a discharge port at the lowermost portion of the pan. A bridging conveyor tube receives fluidized flow of the particulate matter from the discharge port and conveys the matter to a riser conveyor tube, which elevates the fluidized flow to a receiving bin remove from the container. The bridging conveyor tube and the riser conveyor tube receive gas streams provided through apertures from a bridging gas passage and a riser gas passage, respectively, to sustain fluidized flow from the discharge port of the pan to the receiving bin to minimize the air required to convey the matter.

Abstract: A cutting wheel assembly for cutting elongated articles having a cylindrical housing which defines a longitudinal cavity and a circular outer periphery. A plurality of cutting blade support rings are rotatably mounted about the outer periphery of the housing. A plurality of cutting blades are mounted for radial movement on each ring and disposed at angularly spaced increments about the housing, wherein each blade is moveable between a first, non-cutting position and a second, cutting position. A manifold and valve assembly is mounted in the cavity and proximate the blades for selectively directing a pulse of fluid against individual blades at preselected angular positions to urge the blades outwardly from the non-cutting position to the cutting position. A plurality of camming components are positioned about the periphery of the housing and secured against rotation adjacent the rings.

Abstract: A cutting wheel assembly for cutting elongated articles includes a substantially cylindrical housing which defines a longitudinally disposed cavity and a substantially circular outer periphery. A plurality of cutting device support rings are rotatably mounted about the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing. A plurality of cutting devices are mounted for radial movement on each cutting device support ring, and disposed at angularly spaced increments about the cylindrical housing, and wherein each cutting device is radially moveable between a first retracted non-cutting position, and a second extended cutting position. A manifold and valve assembly is mounted in the longitudinally disposed cavity and proximate the cutting devices for selectively directing a pulse of fluid against individual cutting devices at a preselected angular position to urge the respective cutting devices substantially radially outwardly from the retracted non-cutting position to the extended cutting position.