Abstract: A method of transporting large diameter solids, such as coal having a diameter of greater than 1 inch, preferably eight to twelve inches, predicated on pipe diameter, in the form of a slurry through a pipeline is disclosed. The method comprises the step of placing large diameter solids in a vehicle and pumping it through a pipeline. The specific gravity of the vehicle is substantially equal to the specific gravity of the solids so that the coal remains in suspension over a wide range of pipeline velocities. A lubricant is added to the vehicle to reduce friction and enhance energy efficiency of the process. The coal is pumped from a pumping tank into which the solids and vehicle are introduced, the pumping tank, after filling, is pressurized with a fluid such as air or inert gas to propel the mixture through the pipeline. This pump and its valving allows large diameter solids to be pumped through the pipeline.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure relief valve having a broad range of variable relief pressures. The valve has an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a valve seat interposed between said passages, a valving member mounted for movement into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, a valve stem assembly operably connected to said valving member, and two or more resilient compression springs of preferably variable length mounted relative to said valve stem to exert a progressively greater compressive force upon said valve stem upon compression of said valve springs, and an adjustable pressure plate assembly for pre-compressing of the compression springs so as to set the relief pressure at a desired pressure value. A preferred embodiment is directed to that comprising a valve stem assembly for preventing the valve spring from being compressed beyond a predetermined selected point of relief pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique hinge means comprising three components, two of which are wedge shaped members or segments which slidably pivot relative to each other about a central pivot point and the third being a base bracket pivotably attached to the center wedge whereby the two wedge members fan open relative to the base bracket in operational sequence.The present hinge finds particular application for use in a solid rigid suitcase and which is adapted for retaining garments in a full length arrangement. The present suitcase comprises two halves operably connected along their bottom portions by opposing pairs of expanding hinges positioned at each end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo valve mounted upon a horizontal bulkhead having a discharge opening. A vertically disposed preferably cylindrical valve housing is mounted on the bulkhead above the opening and a plurality of support plates mounted at their respective end portions to the bulkhead and to the valve body. The plates support the body a distance above the opening allowing fluid of slurry flow to enter the discharge opening between the bulkhead and the valve body. A preferably cylindrical valve piston is slidably mounted within the valve body housing between upper open and lower closed positions. The valve piston provides a lower preferably circular valve seat conforming to the circular discharge opening which has a diameter preferably greater than the diameter of the opening which allows for the sealing thereof. A seal is provided at the lower circular edge of the seat and forms a closure of the discharge opening when the valve piston is in its lower closed position.

Abstract: An automatic pneumatic pumping system of the type using two or more pumping tanks which are filled in alternate sequence with liquid from a common source and are alternately purged by air pressure so as to effect a continuous and uninterrupted flow of the liquid into a common discharge line, wherein exhaust pumping air is used to create additional head within the liquid supply tanks and the creation of vacuum is used for system and auxiliary use. A preferred application of the system to marine vessels, for example a barge, is described (FIGS. 2-5), along with two special valves, a cargo valve of "top hat" design (FIG. 6) and a cargo inlet feed valve of a two-port wafer type (FIGS. 7A-C).

Abstract: A rotary valve apparatus having particular utility to the valving of high solids content fluids such as slurries and the like provides a normally fixed, generally flat circular disk defining a valve body and providing a plurality of radially spaced flow openings and an open center. A generally flat valving member is mounted in face-to-face engagement with the disk and is movable with respect to the disk between open and closed positions. The valving member provides a hub with a shaft opening therethrough and a plurality of radially projecting valving members which align with and cover the flow openings in the closed position. A common shaft penetrates the open center and the shaft opening and affixes at one thereof to the valving member for rotation therewith. The common shaft is generally coincident with the central axis of the valve body and is entirely disposed within the fluid flow stream being valved.