Abstract: A riser system for transporting slurry from a sea bed (4) includes a vertical riser pipe (10) and at least one pump (30) provided along the riser pipe (10). The riser pipe (10) includes a pipe input opening (12). The riser system includes a frame (40) to which the pump (30) is mounted. The frame (40) has a first connection member (41) at a predetermined distance from a pump output opening (32). The riser system includes a second connection member (15) provided along the riser pipe (10) at the predetermined distance above the pipe input opening (12). The first and second connection member (41, 15) are rotatably connectable allowing the frame (40) to rotate under the influence of gravity to a hanging position in which the pump output opening (32) connects to the pipe input opening (12).

Abstract: This invention relates to a container emptying apparatus including a frame, a first and second tube, a suction tube, a motor, and a sweeper. The frame is adapted to be positioned over an opening of the container. The first tube is mounted on the frame and is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The second tube is rotatably connected to the first tube and is also in fluid communication with the first tube. The sweeper assembly is connected to the second tube. The suction tube extends from the second tube such that, when the frame of this invention is placed over a container, the second tube, the suction flexible tube, and the associated sweeper assembly are lowered into the container and rotated by the motor such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the suction tube suctions the contents from the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for conveying powder. A container is provided for the powder, where the powder defines a surface in the container. A suction means has a suction opening for sucking in the powder from the surface. A moving means serves for producing a relative movement between the suction opening and the surface of the powder. During the relative movement, the powder is sucked in, a speed of the relative movement being variable in such a way that there is a constant mass flow.

Abstract: Method for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system, in which material, such as waste material, is input from an input aperture of an input point, such as from an input aperture of a refuse chute or of some other input point, and is handled with a shaping device, arranged in connection with the input point or in the proximity of it, to be more compact and is transferred onwards. The shaping device is a rotary shaper, which includes rotatable handling device, which includes an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, and which rotary shaper includes at least one stationary handling device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the rotary shaper and/or through it at least partly by means of gravity and/or suction and/or a pressure difference.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container emptying apparatus including a frame, a first and second tube, a suction tube, a motor, and a sweeper. The frame is adapted to be positioned over an opening of the container. The first tube is mounted on the frame and is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The second tube is rotatably connected to the first tube and is also in fluid communication with the first tube. The sweeper assembly is connected to the second tube. The suction tube extends from the second tube such that, when the frame of this invention is placed over a container, the second tube, the suction flexible tube, and the associated sweeper assembly are lowered into the container and rotated by the motor such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the suction tube suctions the contents from the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum loader assembly wherein the assembly is comprised of a frame, a first and second tube, a flexible tube, a motor, and a sweeper assembly. The frame is adapted to be positioned over an opening of the container. The first tube is mounted to the frame and is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The second tube is rotatably mounted to the first tube and is also in fluid communication with the first tube and the sweeper assembly is mounted to the second tube. The flexible tube extends from the second tube such that, when the frame of the present invention is placed over a container, the second tube, flexible tube, and sweeper assembly are lowered into the container and rotated by the motor such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the flexible tube suctions out the contents of the container.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A system for separating pieces of plastic bag from ground yard debris and the like, e.g., asphalt shingles. A conveyor conveys the debris material along a conveyor path and an agitator bounces the conveyor to cause the lighter plastic to reposition to the top of the material on the conveyor. A suction tube end is positioned over the debris material following agitation to draw the plastic off the top of the material. The tube end is selectively adjustable to enable discriminate suction effect to draw off a maximum amount of plastic and a minimal amount of nonplastic recyclable debris.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.

Abstract: A material feed apparatus 34 for influencing the travel properties of a feed stream of material 42 moving between a pulverizer 14 and a furnace 12 includes a feed path 36 passing through an upstream passage periphery UPZ. The feed path 36 includes one duct 44A having a branch entry 66A and another branch duct 44C having a branch entry 66C both downstream of the upstream passage periphery UPZ through which the feed stream of the material 42 travels in two segregated portions. A Y-axis drive assembly 58 and the X-axis drive assembly 62 move the nozzle 52 relative to the reference axis RA, whereupon the upstream passage periphery UPZ moves relative to the reference axis RA such that the travel properties of the one portion of material in the one branch duct 44A are different than its travel properties before the movement of the upstream passage periphery UPZ.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an incremental link robot mast for vacuuming nuclear waste from a storage silo. The mast is made of incrementally linked segments that are clamshell in construction to enclose and shield the working cables of the vacuuming robot. Each segment is linked together as needed by a transverse hinge pin and two hydraulic connecting pins. The clamshell is hinged and latched together by an array of screws. The robot comprises a linked clamshell mast and a master-slave robot arm on the end of the mast which includes tools for viewing and breaking up the waste and vacuuming same to a removal area.

Abstract: A vacuum trailer assembly for collecting and disposing of debris. The vacuum trailer assembly includes a frame having a hitch portion and a trailer portion. The trailer portion has a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame. The hitch portion is designed for coupling to a vehicle. A vacuum assembly is coupled to the frame. The vacuum assembly includes a flexible intake tube for sucking debris into the vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly has a discharge tube for expelling debris from the vacuum assembly. A collection bin is coupled to the frame. The collection bin is positioned whereby debris expelled from the discharge tube is collected in the collection bin. A stand assembly is coupled to the frame. The stand assembly includes a support panel designed for supporting a person thereon whereby the person can manipulate the intake tube to collect debris from an area surrounding the frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for transporting loosened soil from a hole, trench or excavation, comprising a probe device and internal nozzles which are spaced from a distal end of the probe device and are directed towards the longitudinal axis of that probe device. Air pulsed through the nozzles lifts the soil along the tube to a discharge chamber.

Abstract: An eductor wand for vacuuming free flowing, bulk particulate materials consisting generally of a first conduit having first and second inlets; a venturi disposed within such first conduit and spaced therefrom to provide a passageway therebetween intercommunicating the first and second inlets of the first conduit and having an inlet disposed adjacent the first inlet of the first conduit and an outlet communicable with a particulate material conveying means; and a second conduit having an inlet connectable to a source of air under pressure and an outlet configured to inject pressurized air into the venturi inlet whereby upon applying air under pressure to the second conduit and positioning the first conduit inlet adjacent a mass of particular material, a low pressure zone will be created in the first conduit inlet causing particulate material to be drawn through the first inlet of the first conduit and ambient air to be drawn through the second inlet of the first conduit, and such particulate and ambient air to

Abstract: An improved extraction apparatus for bulk material containers, in particular for bins (1) filled with a pourable bulk material (3), comprises a suction head which can be lowered onto the bulk material (3). According to the improvement, provision is made for the suction head (10) to be provided with a float (11), floating in or on the bulk material (3), and to be held above it, and for the oscillation control device (35) to be arranged in such a way that the suction head (10) and/or the float (11) can be caused at least indirectly to oscillate.

Abstract: A feeder for transporting particles, such as carbon dioxide pellets, includes a container for receiving particles and a suction nozzle having an inlet end disposed adjacent a discharge area of the container. The nozzle is configured generally as a pipe having a circular cross-sectional area. The nozzle is reciprocally carried by the feeder so that the inlet end may be moved into and away from the particles to prevent the particles from clogging. The container bottom is generally shaped as a chute to direct/move the particles toward the discharge area. A vibrator may be used to assist in the movement of the particles. The nozzle may be reciprocated manually or automatically. Alternatively, the nozzle may be stationary and a mechanical assist included to move the particles toward the discharge area.

Abstract: A mobile cargo discharge device which moves across the floor of a container, pulling cargo under vacuum pressure into a discharge opening in the front of the device and outputting cargo into a conventional discharge conduit such as a pneumatic or screw conveying device. The device may also have a fluidizing mechanism on the forward wall which disturbs the cargo and enhances cargo flow through the discharge opening. The fluidizing mechanism is implemented through vibration or through jet streams of air emitted from the forward wall of the device. The device can be used in containers with or without liners.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying discrete parts between first and second locations. The conveying apparatus has a receptacle for at least one part. Structure is provided for guiding movement of the part receptacle between the first and second locations. Structure is also provided for conveying the part receptacle a) from the first location to the second location and b) from the second location to the first location.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material conveyed in a product stream and across a substantially level single layer on a conveyor, wherein the conveyor passes beneath an examination device which determines the presence and transverse location of any undesired material; a number of movable conduits are positioned transversely across the conveyor downstream from the examination device, and are arranged in staggered rows to transversely encompass the entire product stream on the conveyor; the suction device and movable conduits are respectively controlled by the examination device, to cause each conduit to selectively move toward the conveyor and remove undesired material from the conveyor as it passes beneath the suction device, and to move away from the conveyor when no undesired material is positioned beneath the suction device; a valve in the common suction line connected to all conduits stabilizes suction pressure during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatic sprayer installation for powder coating product comprises a plurality of powder sprayers and a plurality of powder storage tanks each adapted to contain powder of a specific color. Connecting ends of a plurality of suction tubes for each storage tank are disposed side by side on a connecting socket of the storage tank. A connecting block is provided with powder suction devices each establishing communication between a hose connected to a sprayer or a group of sprayers and one of the suction tubes. The connecting block is removable so that it can be mounted on the connecting socket of a selected storage tank. An air blower station has a connecting socket analogous to that of a storage tank and comprises air ejector orifices disposed to be connected to the suction devices.

Abstract: A hopper subjected to a suction effect of a vacuum source such as a vacuum pump is connected by a hose to a suction nozzle thrown into a container for grainy material and an ejector is provided to supply the suction nozzle with pressurized air, and thereby a smooth pneumatic conveyance of the grainy material is achieved. A cap laterally provided with openings is slidably put on an open end of the suction nozzle and a total opening area of the lateral openings is adjusted by axially sliding the cap on the open end of the suction nozzle.

Abstract: A pneumatic pickup probe or wand, for picking up a dry flowable material from a container and introducing that material into a vacuum conveyor system, constitutes an elongated unitary pickup tube having a plurality of axially displaced air control holes near the vacuum conduit connection end of the tube; the material entry end of the tube is cut off at an acute angle (preferably about 45.degree.), has a narrow, elongated flow modulation slot of about three inches (7.5 cm) axial length extending toward the hose connection end of the tube, and has an anti-closing spacer to preclude blockage of the material entry opening.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly for grain and other particulate material includes a particulate material pick-up head provided with an elongated narrow rectangular forwardly facing opening, a tubular discharge conduit extending rearward from the pick-up head, a main frame supporting the pick-up head and the discharge conduit rigidly with respect to each other, a pair of wheels rotatable on a single horizontal axis mounted to the frame at position toward the rear of the discharge conduit, and a handle rigidly mounted with respect to the frame to be behind and above the wheels. A ground supported flexible hose extends from the rear of the discharge conduit to a pneumatic grain conveyor.

Abstract: A jet stower for use in handling material in mining comprises a casing having a material inlet and at least two outlets, the casing having an inlet for compressed air to be fed to one or more distribution chambers. The stower casing has an air accelerating unit fitted therein, the unit having at least one air chamber fitted with a nozzle upstream of a material inlet to the unit, across which the nozzle outlet is directed. In use, the unit can be positioned in the casing in any one of at least two alternative positions to direct material entrained in an accelerated air flow downstream of the nozzle outlet to a selected outlet so as to discharge it in a selected direction in the mine. The selected positioning of the unit can be carried out merely by removing the unit and reversing its position in the casing or by linearly or angularly moving it without removing it from the casing.

Abstract: An improved concrete apparatus is disclosed herein which is particularly well suited for a wide variety of applications wherein it is necessary to supply a granulated or powdered material in either wet or dry form to a remote worksite. The apparatus of the present invention employs a rotary valving arrangement whereby a plurality of charging bowls may be successively supplied with the desired material and thereafter evacuated under pressure into a central mixing chamber from where the material is conveyed to a suitable conduit which in turn conducts the material to the desired worksite again under pressure. The apparatus includes feeding arrangements whereby water, air, or other desired additives may be automatically fed into and mixed with the material in the mixing chamber before it reaches the remote application nozzle thus affording a greater time for proper absorption of water or the like by the material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing small quantities of fiber or like material from a plurality of bales of the same arranged in rows. The apparatus comprises angularly arranged conduits, one end of which is maintained in sealing relation to another and mechanism for moving up and down one of the conduits for removing the fiber from the bales. Improved sealing means for the mechanism comprises generally flat strips of material spanning and sealing slots in the upper surfaces of the conduits together with means to run under the strip of material without losing the seal. One of such mechanisms seals the two conduits together and the other such mechanism carries the actual pickup mechanism and seals it to the conduit up and down which it reciprocates. All of the mechanisms are under control of an operator who walks up and down the aisles between the rows of bales.

Abstract: During pneumatic discharging of granulates or other not readily flowable bulk goods from ships by means of a suction nozzle and a suction pipe connected thereto, it is necessary to loosen the material within range of the suction nozzle and to cause walls of material left standing to collapse. To this end, the suction nozzle is provided with a frame or tube surrounding and spaced from it and suspended and supported on it in an elastic manner, the frame having tools on the outer side for intervention in the materials to be extracted by suction, and being capable of being placed in horizontal pivotal oscillation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling sucking of a material suspendible in air or liquid by means of a suction nozzle connected to a pump through a conduit and having a flow rate or solids concentration sensor connected to said conduit, the suction nozzle being supported via a supporting wire rope or like flexible support by a hoisting device which is carried by a device for moving the hoisting device and the nozzle along at least one horizontal axis at adjustable velocity, while the nozzle is vertically adjustably carried by the hoisting device, wherein the hoisting device for vertically adjusting the nozzle is controlled with a control device by signals from the flow rate or solids concentration sensor in such a way that said flow rate or solids concentration sensor is preset to supply a control signal to the hoisting device for raising or lowering the nozzle to thereby restore the flow rate or solids concentration quantity per unit time in the conduit when the flow rate or solids concentration quantity per

Abstract: An arrangement for drying and preheating coking gas has a transport tube for transporting coal in a stream of a carrier gas, and a feed conduit for feeding hot gas into the transport tube. The feed conduit is movable relative to the tube so as to vary the conditions of feeding the hot gas into the transport tube. For this purpose, feed conduit may be connected with the transport tube by a ball-and-socket joint, so that it can be movable relative to the transport tube in circumferential and axial directions of the latter. The feed conduit may be composed by a plurality of conduit members located in the transport tube and one in the other, and movable relative to transport tube in the axial direction of the latter.