Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel used for transporting articles in an arcuate path. The star wheel is provided with a vacuum apparatus to retain the articles within pockets of the star wheel as the wheel is rotated between a point where the articles are loaded onto the wheel and a point where they are removed. The hub of the star wheel functions as a plenum for low pressure, high flow vacuum, and short openings are provided between the plenum and the pockets. One of the walls of the hub is stationary and, at its periphery, it is positioned closed to but slightly spaced from the rim of the star wheel. A blocking surface is provided within the plenum spaced with a small gap from the inner end of some, but not all, of the short openings, so that vacuum is blocked from some positions of the pockets as they rotate. The apparatus avoids wear and friction, is able to transport irregular shaped articles, and is less costly to manufacture and use.

Abstract: The compressed air foam and high pressure liquid dispersal system provides a compressed air foam product in addition to concurrently producing a liquid under pressure for decontamination, general cleaning, vapor suppression, Hazmat remediation, fuel spills, and fire suppression support for durable equipment, vehicles, terrain, facilities, and aircraft. The system includes a power plant for powering the compressed air foam and high pressure liquid sub-systems of the system. The high pressure sub-system further includes a boiler for heating the liquid to a temperature above ambient temperature. The boiler and power plant may use the same type of fuel for decreasing the number of fuel supplies to the system. In addition, the power plant drives an air compressor for providing compressed air for powering the compressed air foam sub-system. The power plant further drives a high pressure water pump for pressurizing the water for the high pressure sub-system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a star wheel used for transporting articles in an arcuate path. The star wheel is provided with a vacuum apparatus to retain the articles within pockets of the star wheel as the wheel is rotated between a point where the articles are loaded onto the wheel and a point where they are removed. The hub of the star wheel functions as a plenum for low pressure, high flow vacuum, and short openings are provided between the plenum and the pockets. One of the walls of the hub is stationary and, at its periphery, it is positioned closed to but slightly spaced from the rim of the star wheel. A blocking surface is provided within the plenum spaced with a small gap from the inner end of some, but not all, of the short openings, so that vacuum is blocked from some positions of the pockets as they rotate. The apparatus avoids wear and friction, is able to transport irregular shaped articles, and is less costly to manufacture and use.