Abstract: A trailer for particulates, especially for fracturing sand, but also for other materials, has a clam shell gate, which sealingly engages when closed preventing egress of particulates. The gate is attached to a hopper which has an exterior control mechanism thus avoiding wear and tear from particulates. The hopper is an inverted pyramid with downward and inward inclined walls below the trailer. The trailer itself has a cargo compartment with forward and rear sloping walls and upright side walls. The sloping walls of the trailer and the inclined walls of the hopper are inclined at about 38° to the horizontal, which is greater than the angle of repose of fracturing sand to allow complete or near complete discharge of fracturing sand.

Abstract: Casting plates constructed for facing the casting orifice of a metallurgical vessel are provided with a metallic casing. The casting plates and metallic casing are provided with a protrusion configured to interact with a detector. The casing has a main surface with an opening, and two substantially longitudinal bearing surfaces. The protrusion extends from the casing in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal bearing surfaces. The protrusion is formed by a ramp having an inclined portion.

Abstract: A pharmacist's spatula, or pill tray spatula, is provided for assisting in sorting and counting of pills and capsules comprising generally flat stainless steel blades extending from opposing ends of a generally bi-conic handle. The first blade has a straight portion less than or equal in length to a width or length of a pill counting tray, a curved portion between the straight portion and the handle and a curved and angled tip at the distal end of the first edge of the first blade. The second edge of the first blade has a notched hook, a fulcrum, and a bottle opener. The second blade is short and has the shape of a flat truncated arrow.

Abstract: A proppant storage vessel has a container having a first end wall, a second end wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall. The first and second end walls extend between opposite ends of the first and second side walls. The walls define an interior volume of the container. The walls have a rigidity suitable for retaining no less than 30,000 pounds of proppant therein. A top hatch is formed centrally on the top wall and is movable between an open position and a closed position. A bottom hatch is formed generally centrally on the bottom wall of the container and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A hopper having a passage through which a medicine can be passed downward is provided. The hopper is configured to cause rippling vibration on an inner surface thereof by an external force applied to the hopper. According to this configuration, the rippling vibration applies a force to the medicine to separate the medicine away from the inner surface of the hopper. This prevents the medicine from easily adhering to the hopper.

Abstract: A recharging apparatus is disclosed. The recharging apparatus includes a body provided with an introduction port and a discharge port, a cover unit including a plurality of divided covers, each of the covers being connected to one end of the body and adapted to rotated about the one end of the body, and an opening and closing adjuster to support one surface of each of the covers and to rotate each of the covers about a portion of each of the covers connected to the one end of the body.

Abstract: A bulk product feeding system includes a product hopper, having a sloped bottom, a front side, and an outlet located at a lowermost confluence of the sloped bottom and the front side, the hopper being configured to receive and hold a bulk quantity of sticky or fragile product. A first sloped ram is reciprocally disposed in the bottom of the hopper, and configured to reciprocate toward and away from the outlet. A second, substantially vertical ram is reciprocally disposed on the front side of the hopper, and configured to reciprocate toward and away from the outlet and the first ram. Motion of the first and second rams is coordinated to controllably discharge the product through the outlet.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a panel, and a handle assembly. The body defines a closed volume of the container and further includes at least two opposing walls having a width and longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end of the body. The panel includes an inner surface fixedly secured to the panel to the body. The handle assembly is at least partially disposed within a space created between the panel and the body, the handle assembly having a dispensing aperture, and the handle assembly being slidable within the space. A method of forming a container and a method of dispensing a container are also discussed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gate valve design with a proportionally controlled orifice area. The moving element of the gate is shaped to cooperate with a fixed element so that as the gate opens, the open orifice area changes geometrically.

Abstract: A personal hydration system includes a control valve assembly including a valve body provided with a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port provided with a delivery hose for dispensing at least fluid from the hydration bladder. The control valve assembly further includes a non-collapsible reservoir which holds an additive and is directly mounted via a rigid connection to the second inlet port of the valve body. A supply hose is connected between the hydration bladder and the first inlet port of the valve body. A valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve body to establish at least either a single flow condition of the liquid or a mixed flow condition of the liquid and the additive. In the mixed flow condition, the liquid from the hydration bladder freely flows through the valve core and is admitted into and circulated through the reservoir to produce a mixture of liquid and additive deliverable to the outlet port.

Abstract: A container includes a body, a panel, and a handle assembly. The body defines a closed volume of the container and further includes at least two opposing walls having a width and longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end of the body. The panel includes an inner surface, a width and a length, and a securing means which fixedly secures the panel to the body. The handle assembly is at least partially disposed within a space created between the panel and the body, the handle assembly having a dispensing aperture, and the handle assembly being slidable within the space. A method of forming a container and a method of dispensing a container are also discussed.

Abstract: A bulk bag includes a shell and a gate valve assembly and is configured to retain a material. The gate valve assembly includes a gate which is slidable to selectively prevent and facilitate variation of rate of dispensation of material from the bulk bag and, more particularly, through an aperture defined by the shell of the bulk bag. The gate valve assembly has a configuration which, during movement of the gate to restrict dispensation of material through the aperture in the shell, renders the gate unlikely to snag with other portions of the bulk bag such as, for example, portions of the shell which define the aperture. Methods are also provided.

Abstract: A nozzle for the discharge of a flowable substances, for example adhesive or sealing compositions, having a discharge orifice with a variable geometry. The adjustable nozzle permits the user to select the optimal discharge profile suited to a particular application of the composition being discharged.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus having a multipart, separable needle that can be easily repaired should the needle becomes distorted or damaged.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an emptying device for large-volume receptacles which consists of an auxiliary transport apparatus that is composed of at least four uprights, on the lower ends of which one respective stacking leg is arranged and in the lower end of which one respective lifting mechanism is arranged. This lifting mechanism can be connected to the carrying straps of the large-volume receptacle by means of carrying strap holders, wherein the uprights are respectively connected to one another by means of transverse braces in their lower region in order to accommodate a bottom plate. The bottom plate contains a central opening for accommodating a shutter mechanism with a shutter that is situated in a base plate arranged on the bottom plate and can be actuated by means of a hand crank.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a hopper having a simplified structure that can prevent fragments of component parts generated by vibrations and bolts, nuts, etc., that have fallen out of place from intermixing with the articles in the weighing hoppers or on the conveyor of a combination weighing apparatus. A link mechanism for opening and closing a gate is arranged on a plate provided on one side of the box-like body of a pool hopper. A cover that covers the entire link mechanism is provided and the cover is configured such that it can be freely attached to and detached from the box-like body. The cover can be attached to and detached from the box-like body by engaging and disengaging an engaging member of the cover with and from a nut coupled to the box-like body.

Abstract: An adjustable dispenser tip including a nozzle forming a passage along a length of the nozzle. A plurality of independently movable, flexible fingers define an orifice at a dispensing end portion of the nozzle. A coupler is positioned about at least a portion of the nozzle and movable with respect to the nozzle to contact and urge the fingers to adjust an area of the orifice. An elastomeric web is positioned with respect to the nozzle and connects adjacent fingers. The elastomeric web can be positioned on an outer surface of the nozzle, an inside surface of the nozzle, or between adjacent fingers, for example.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus having a multipart, separable needle that can be easily repaired should the needle becomes distorted or damaged.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered a new vent which can be used in a venting closure and particularly in venting closures for large heavy duty liquid detergent and other liquid laundry product containers. In one embodiment, the vent comprises a wall, a vent opening in the wall, and one or more spacers on the surface of a face of the wall. Most especially the spacers are protuberances, especially rounded protuberances. A liner is adhered to a portion of the surface of the face and spaced from the vent opening by the spacers. The liner is made of a material which permits air to pass through the vent hole, but preferably, the liner material does not permit liquids to pass through the vent hole. In an especially preferred embodiment, the liner is comprised of a tetrafluoroethylene polymer. In a most preferred embodiment the application is also directed to a venting closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting desired sand distribution into a mold flask in a foundry process, comprising a proximal distribution plate mounted subjacent a hopper, a distal distribution plate slidably mounted subjacent the proximal distribution plate, and a masking plate assembly mounted subjacent to the distal distribution plate. The proximal distribution plate includes a series of primary apertures, while the distal distribution plate includes a series of repeating secondary apertures therethrough, with each series of secondary apertures corresponding to one primary aperture. The masking plate assembly includes a masking plate having a series of masking plate bores traversing therethrough, with each masking plate bore corresponding to each secondary aperture. Each masking plate bore includes a principal diameter extending through the masking plate, with the principal diameter determining the flow rate of sand through the masking plate.

Abstract: A dispenser outlet including a nozzle (15) having at least partly tapering sides (21) leading to a nozzle outlet (23) at the tip to allow for accurate dispensing of material, the nozzle (15) having an opening (25) in one or more of the sides of the nozzle to assist removal of blocking material from the nozzle (15); and a sleeve (27) which in one position is able to substantially close the opening (25) but allow dispensing through the tip and which in a second position allows access to the opening (25) and to the inside of the nozzle (15) to assist removal of blocking material from the nozzle (15).

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting uniform sand distribution into a mold flask in a foundry process, comprising a fixed distribution plate mounted subjacent a hopper and a slide distribution plate slidably mounted subjacent the fixed plate, wherein the slide plate has a repeating series of apertures therethrough with each aperture series corresponding to one aperture through the fixed plate. Each aperture series comprises a plurality of apertures having different diameters wherein the largest aperture diameter is substantially equal to the uniform aperture diameter through the fixed plate. Accordingly, the slide plate is movable between a plurality of open positions such that as different flow rates are desired through the distribution plates, the appropriate sized apertures through the slide plate are fully aligned with the apertures through the fixed plate.

Abstract: An emergency closure for use in grain storage facilities, the emergency closure utilizes a fail-safe closure mechanism such that upon the termination of motive force to the gate the gate is forced into a closed position to terminate the flow of grain or other flowable substance out of it container.

Abstract: An outlet (10) for unloading a pulverulent lading comprises an outlet body secured to the lower reaches of a railcar in communication with the lading carried by the railcar. The outlet body has an opening therein through which the lading is unloaded. A valve mechanism (30, 32) is movable between a closed and an open position for lading discharge. A valve operator (56, 58) is used to open and close the valves. A sampling port (60) is formed in the valve mechanism. Movement of the valve from its closed position to a sampling position intermediate its closed and open positions, allows a small amount of lading to be discharged only from the sampling port so a sample of the lading may be readily taken. At this time, the valve member blocks the remainder of the outlet so a lading discharge tube (26) cannot be overfilled with lading, and no spillage of lading onto a right of way can occur.

Abstract: A gate for supplying granule to and removing it from the other apparatus, Which comprises: a drive source (2); a fixed gate (6) having multiple feeder holes arranged such that granule can pass through; a movable gate (7) that is attached such that it can slide across the fixed gate (6) and is equipped with multiple openings (71) that have the same pitch as the feeder holes (61) on the fixed gate, and that allow granule to pass through when said openings (71) are aligned with said feeder holes; and a power transmission mechanism.The granule gate lowers the height of the mounds of granule that accumulate in granule weighing machines (1). It can also entirely open and close feeding holes using a short stroke. The granule weighing machine (1) can be designed thin, so that the maximum quantity of granule to be weighed nearly matches the capacity of the weighing container (3).

Abstract: An adjustable tip caulking tube including a tapered nozzle having an open inner end and an open outer end. The open inner end has a diameter greater than a diameter of the open outer end. The open inner end couples with an opening in a front end of a caulking tube. A dial couples with the tapered nozzle whereby movement of the dial away from the open outer end will reduce the diameter thereof.

Abstract: A bulk feed delivery system includes a bulk body having a dispensing opening extending along a bottom end thereof; a pair of gates arranged adjacent the dispensing opening, the gates being movable between a first position to close the dispensing opening and a second position to open the dispensing opening; a gate cover; a plurality of gate supports fictionally supporting the gates under the gate cover, each gate support having a surface; and a gate guide mechanism mounted to an underside of each of the pair of gates, each of the gate guide mechanisms being operable with the respective surface of the gate supports for controlling the movement and orientation of the gates during movement between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A flow controller for the hopper of a self-unloading ship controls the flow of particulate material from the hopper. The controller is a throat having an opening and a movable gate to open and close the opening. The gate has a sloped central surface that blocks the opening. When the gate is open, particulate material in the hopper flows out of the hopper through the opening and onto the central surface. From the central surface the particulate materials flow onto the conveyor system of the self-unloading ship. The throat has a seal surrounding the opening with a corresponding bead surrounding the central surface on the gate. When the gate and throat are in a closed position, the gate is water-tight. When the gate is open, the seal is located away from the flow of material.

Abstract: A conventional bottom dump truck includes doors which in a closed position are suspended underneath the bottom opening of the hopper of the trailer. The doors are opened outwardly and upwardly by pivotal action about an upper suspension point of each of the doors. The amount of movement of the door is limited by an abutment member mounted upon a vertical flange on the outside surface of the hopper bottom. The abutment member includes an abutment plate extending outwardly from the flange together with a bracket which has a slot slidable along the length of the flange and locatable at different points along the length of the flange by a pin passing through openings in the bracket and one of a plurality of openings in the flange.

Abstract: A powder developer container in which an opening through which a powder developer can be discharged is formed by a relative movement between a pair of shutter members in which a sealing member is interposed thereinbetween. The sealing member is fixed to one of the pair of shutter members and slidable relative to the other one of the pair of shutter members. The sealing member has a hardness of 20 to 70, a compressive set lower than 4%. A coefficient of friction .mu. between itself and the mating member on which the sealing member is slidable is not greater than 0.8. The sealing member is compressed between the pair of shutter members at a compression rate higher than 20%.

Abstract: A low profile pneumatic outlet for a covered hopper railway car is disclosed which allows the bottom slope sheets of the hopper car to be moved downwardly closer to the rail thereby increasing the cubic capacity of the car while maintaining the car within AAR clearances. The low profile aspects of the pneumatic outlet result from the provision of an outlet opening in the bottom of the outlet which is opened and closed by a slidable, translatable gate operated by gate opening and closing cam mechanisms positioned generally horizontally with respect to the gate. The preferred gate operating mechanism is a cam operated mechanism which generates a high mechanical advantage initially upon effecting opening movement of the gate thereby to overcome lading and static friction loads, and then, after movement of the gate has been initiated, a lower mechanical advantage is provided so as to more rapidly move the gate toward its open position.

Abstract: The hopper comprises a cylindrical side wall supported by an annular rolling ring so as to be rotatable about its vertical axis, and a funnel shaped bottom with a central outflow orifice controlled by a valve. To allow rapid removal of the rolling ring, the bottom is separated from the side wall and rests freely on an inner edge of the latter. An apparatus is provided for raising the bottom within the wall and for lifting the side wall slightly from the rolling ring.

Abstract: A movable refractory plate assembly for use with a sliding closure unit for controlling the discharge of molten metal from a metallurgical vessel includes a movable refractory plate having therethrough a discharge opening and a movable frame for supporting the movable refractory plate in planar abutting contact with the stationary refractory plate of the sliding closure unit and movable between open and closed positions. A refractory control member is mounted for sliding movement relative to the movable refractory plate between selected positions restricting the cross section of the movable refractory plate discharge opening. An actuator slides the control member relative to the movable refractory plate between the selected positions. The control member and actuator are accessible from the exterior of the sliding closure unit. Thus, when the sliding closure unit is in the open position, only the control member need be actuated to achieve throttling of the size of the discharge opening.

Abstract: A general purpose valve is provided to control the discharge of particulate material. An overlying plate with a first, through aperture, cooperates with an underlying plate having a solid surface and a second through aperture. The first aperture is in vertical alignment with the solid surface on the underlying plate. Structure is provided to vary the vertical spacing between the overlying and underlying plates to selectively commence, terminate, and vary the rate of flow of particulate material.

Abstract: A multiple orifice closure for attachment to a container for dispensing product, usually in the form of a liquid, at different rates. The closure includes a cap incorporating the larger orifice and an annular skirt having a container attachment such as threads or a snap bead. Two lids are hinged to the closure; one is an intermediate lid which covers the cap top and contains the second smaller orifice. The other lid is a top lid which acts to close the smaller orifice on the intermediate lid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for containing and feeding particulate material tending to pack into a mass from an elongated hopper having opposed sloping walls converging downward and inward towards each other to terminal margins presenting between them an elongated laterally restricted outlet for directing material onto a conveyor below. Gates are provided to close the outlet for containing the material and to open the outlet to discharge it onto the conveyor belt. Baffles within the hopper are provided to divide the cargo at a level spaced above the outlet into several piles which merge above and below the outlet. In this way the material is channelled to the outlet so that lateral arches which may be formed in the material are prevented or broken up to assure feeding. Pressure may be relieved on some of the piles by flanges extending laterally of the baffles. The invention also includes the combination of gates equipped to break up longitudinal arches with baffles to prevent the formation of lateral arches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer spreader having a hopper for holding a granular material. A handle is connected to the hopper for manipulating the hopper. The hopper has a discharge aperture in its lower portion to allow material to discharge from the hopper. A gate is selectively positionable adjacent to the discharge aperture for controlling the rate of discharge of material through the discharge aperture. A control apparatus is connected to the gate for holding the gate in a selected position relative to the discharge aperture. A pivotal support leg is connected to the control apparatus and the hopper, so that when the support leg supports the hopper, the leg is pivoted to operate the control apparatus to position the gate in an attitude for interrupting the flow of material through the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A covered pitcher for form-filled flexible plastic bags is provided. The flexible plastic bag is normally filled with a potable liquid such as milk, but fruit juices or wine may also be possible. The pitcher has a bottom portion of dimensions so as to substantially accommodate the flexible plastic bag when filled and sealed. The cover fits the bottom in co-operating manner. An opening is formed in the front upper corner of the cover, and the opening has a cutter head mounted therein for upward and downward movement within the opening. The cutter head is associated with a pair of curved and rockable arms which have closer faces that are curved away from each other at least in the upper portions thereof, and are mounted so as to be in close proximity to each other in the lower portions and over a substantial portion of the length of each closer face when the cutter head is moved to the lower end of the opening. A cutting edge is carried by the cutter head.

Abstract: A multiway gravity box and door assembly is capable of selectively storing, transporting and/or dispensing different particulate solid materials. The gravity box has a partition wall to separate the box into two separate compartments each of which communicates with a separate discharge opening from the gravity box. First and second doors are slidably movable in the respective openings and a third outer door overlies the first and second doors and is also slidably movable. Pins are selectively positionable to engage the outer door and either one or both of the first and second doors to selectively open or close the first and second doors when the outer door is opened or closed.

Abstract: A seed planter is provided with a stationary, funnel-shaped bin whose lower-end extension is constructed as a pair of electromagnetically, pneumatically, or mechanically pivoted brackets, defining a duct smaller than the grain when the brackets are closed. Other seeds are blown out of the funnel while one is retained until deposited upon briefly opening the brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling particulate material such as is stored in a hopper having an elongated throat opening closed by one or more gates. The gates are mounted at one end thereof from axially aligned rails which are preferably mounted outside the hopper on each lateral side of the throat opening. The other end of the gate is arcuately formed in axial cross section, and is supported on structure, preferably including rollers, bridging the throat opening transversely. As the gate is moved along the track, the other end moves upwardly and forwardly in the hopper, and will dig into and break up arches and rat holes and other formations within the hopper to promote flow through the gate.

Abstract: In a hopper or the like wherein the flow of particulate material is controlled by a gate the improvement wherein the gate is mounted to be swingable towards an open position within the hopper so as to break arches and rat holes which form in the material above the gate or a gate adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A dispensing valve and nozzle combination for dispensing cartridges filled with viscous material such as caulking, sealant or glue. The valve and nozzle comprise a substantially cylindrical cap terminating in a conical nozzle and a hollow substantially cylindrical valve body terminating in a plurality of integral segments nested together within the conical nozzle of the cap. The segments superficially resemble the segments within a common drill chuck and open and close to provide a sealable passage for the dispensed material. The opening of the segments as the valve is opened permits relatively unimpeded straight through flow of very viscous material, nevertheless permitting the valve to be sealingly closed with little or no dispensable material clinging to the valve nozzle or exposed to the air.The valve cap and nozzle is trimmable on the bias to permit a bead to be put down in the normal manner.

Abstract: An automatic valve shut-off system useful for gas cylinders and the like employing a pneumatically actuated rotatable shaft to engage the valve handle on the cylinder. A control box is located remotely and conduits carry pressurized gas to energize the pneumatic activator. Solenoid or manual type operated switches select the delivery of pressurized gas to the cylinder and a pneumatic feed back device is provided to indicate the position of the valve handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a controlled supply of a powder to a mold for continuous casting has a vibrating conveyor with a delivery edge and a retaining wall carried by the vibrating conveyor. The retaining wall extends along the delivery edge and defines a flow control gap therewith, the retaining wall causing the powder to pile up thereat and to exert a conveying pressure on the powder flowing through the gap. The flow control gap has a height varying in inverse relation to the conveying pressure.

Abstract: A valve for dispensing fluidic substance including a valve housing (12) defining a general axial flow path through the housing, a diaphragm (22) disposed in the valve housing substantially transverse to the axial flow path and defining first and second compartments (38, 39) therein, the diaphragm having a surface facing away from the flow path which includes an annular rib (32) and further having at least one aperture (34) disposed through the diaphragm in a peripheral arrangement outside of the annular rib for allowing passage of fluidic substance from the first compartment to the second compartment, a tubular seal mounted to the valve housing and having an inner end (46) which opens to face the annular rib of the diaphragm, an outer end (50), an annular lip (60) defining the inner end of the seal, and being annularly pivotable relative to the pivoting break sealing engagement between the diaphragm and the tubular seal so that fluidic substance in the second compartment is permitted access to the bore (44) o

Abstract: A grain delivery mechanism for use on the rear wall of a dump truck includes a first gate slidably mounted on the rear wall for closing the large opening through which rapid discharge or dumping of the grain occurs, a lever system for raising and lowering the first gate, i.e. moving the first gate between the closed and open positions, a smaller opening in the first gate aligned with a portion of the large opening when the first gate is closed, a second gate slidably mounted on the first gate for opening and closing the smaller opening, and a chute defined by a plate with a discharge opening therein and telescopically extensible pipe sections slidably mounted on the first gate in front of the second gate, so that opening of the second gate when the first gate is closed permits controlled directional discharge of the grain through the smaller opening and chute.

Abstract: Seeds within a package are dispensed through a seed tube dispenser in the form of a tubular member having a long straight portion for insertion into the seed package and an angled end portion with a dispensing opening. When the package is tilted and the dispensing opening adjusted seeds are dispensed at the rate required by rotating the seed tube within the package which is folded and clamped to prevent spillage of seeds and to act as a journal for rotating the tube.

Abstract: A charging device comprising a receiving hopper with an outlet through which passes a rod carrying a bell adapted to close the outlet of a hopper located above a furnace. Mounted on the receiving hopper from below is an appliance for adjusting the cross-sectional area and shape of the hopper outlet, the appliance including sector shields fixed in guideways, forming a hopper-shaped surface and associated with their longitudinal transfer drive. A rod is provided along the axis of said hopper with guard rings, one of which rings is tapered and disposed at the bottom edge of the sector shields.

Abstract: A gravity assisted feeder is disclosed for feeding flowable solids by means of a rotating blade disposed below a stationary cone. Rotation of the blade causes the solids to move inwardly along the blade to a discharge port adjacent the axis of rotation of the blade. An annular disc is removably supported between the stationary cone and a housing of the feeder. Communication into the feeder is thereby blocked to allow the feeder to be repaired.