Abstract: A machine for distributing unbonded loosefill insulation material through a hose connected thereto is disclosed. The machine includes a fluidizer having one or more air knives for conditioning the loosefill material as it is being applied.

Abstract: A robotic device for transporting physical money including a receiving interface, a counter mechanism, a storage vault, and a control circuit. The receiving interface receives physical money. The counter mechanism is connected to the receiving interface and receives and counts the physical money inserted into the receiving interface. The storage vault stores the physical money counted by the counter mechanism and remains closed when the robotic device is at a first location. The control circuit determines an amount of physical money stored in the storage vault based on the counted physical money, controls a drive system of the robotic device to cause the robotic device to travel from the first location to a second location, and opens the storage vault when the robotic device reaches the second location.

Abstract: A robotic device for transporting physical money including a receiving interface, a counter mechanism, a storage vault, and a control circuit. The receiving interface receives physical money. The counter mechanism is connected to the receiving interface and receives and counts the physical money inserted into the receiving interface. The storage vault stores the physical money counted by the counter mechanism and remains closed when the robotic device is at a first location. The control circuit determines an amount of physical money stored in the storage vault based on the counted physical money, controls a drive system of the robotic device to cause the robotic device to travel from the first location to a second location, and opens the storage vault when the robotic device reaches the second location.

Abstract: A method for transporting an article used in semiconductor fabrication is provided. The method includes moving a first transporter next to an article to have the article faces a plurality of gas holes formed on the first transporter; suspending the article with the first transporter in a non-contact manner by providing a flow of gas through the gas holes of the first transporter; and transferring the article with the first transporter while the flow of gas is continuously provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for conveying particulate material, in which particulate material is conveyed along a conveying pipeline (117) by a flow of a conveying gas. A plurality of injector arrangements (121) are positioned along the conveying pipeline, for injecting a continuous flow of conveying gas into the pipeline. The system includes pressure differential apparatus for detecting whether a pressure differential in the pipeline between an injector arrangement and an adjacent injector arrangement is above or below a threshold value. In use each injector arrangement is operable to increase the flow rate at which conveying gas is injected into the pipeline when a pressure differential rises above the threshold value is detected between adjacent injection locations along the pipeline. The present invention provides a continuous flow of conveying gas at each of the plurality of injector arrangements, reducing the risk of blockage. Pressure differentials along the conveying pipeline are reduced.

Abstract: A robotic device for transporting physical money includes a receiving interface, a counter mechanism, a storage vault, and a control circuit. The receiving interface receives physical money. The counter mechanism is connected to the receiving interface and receives and counts the physical money inserted into the receiving interface. The storage vault stores the physical money counted by the counter mechanism and remains closed when the robotic device is at a first location. The control circuit determines an amount of physical money stored in the storage vault based on the counted physical money, controls a drive system of the robotic device to cause the robotic device to travel from the first location to a second location, and opens the storage vault when the robotic device reaches the second location.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-aligning a wafer comprises: a wafer stage for carrying the wafer, wherein a first alignment mark (W1) and a second alignment mark (W2) are arranged on the wafer such that they are substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to a center of the wafer; a peripheral vision acquisition system (1), configured to perform a first positional compensation for the wafer based on a relative positional relationship of an edge or a notch of the wafer with respect to the wafer stage; and a mark detection system (4), configured to capture images of the first and second alignment marks (W1, W2) and perform a second positional compensation for the wafer by determining a relative positional relationship of the center of the wafer with respect to a center of the wafer stage based on the positions of the first and second alignment marks (W1, W2) in a coordinate system of the mark detection system, wherein the coordinate system of the mark detection system (4) has a horizontal axis (X) defined by a li

Abstract: A paper sheet conveyance device for generating an airstream in a conveyance duct and for conveying a paper sheet inserted into the conveyance duct by being pushed from behind by a conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance duct by receiving the airstream. The paper sheet conveyance device includes an air volume adjustment unit that adjusts a strength of the airstream according to a position of the conveyance subsidiary body moving in the conveyance path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for explosion decoupling of two system parts. Dust that is capable of exploding can be fed in the process from a first system part in an air flow via a pipeline (3) into a container of the second system part. A non-return flap (8) is provided in a pipe element (9) integrated into the pipeline (3). The non-return flap (8) is opened by the air flow and closed when there is an explosion in the container because of the explosion pressure that arises. The non-return flap (8) makes contact with a limit stop (11) in the pipe element (9) when it is closed. A locking device (12) is provided on the outside of the pipe element (9) by means of which the non-return flap (8) is secured in the closed position.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a bearing assembly for transporting an article. The bearing assembly includes a support structure for receiving the article, and a plenum housing for receiving the support structure. The plenum housing and the support structure define a plenum cavity, the plenum cavity being configured to receive and direct a flowing gas for floatingly supporting the article above the support structure. The bearing assembly further includes at least one sensor assembly, which includes a sensor for transmitting and receiving energy emissions for determining a location of the article relative to the support structure. The sensor assembly may determine the location of the article relative to the support structure substantially through at least one aperture located on the bearing assembly. The article location determined by the sensor assembly may be communicated to a display panel or a control unit for adjusting the location if necessary.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system.

Abstract: In a method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive transporting of medium flow, a modulated flow-forming action is applied to the medium from an action element for providing a modulated process of flow transporting in a given direction, and a frequency, a drop-shaped form of a law with a range and a comparative phase of a negative modulating of the action are predetermined so that a minimal value of the energy ratio of a controlled acting value of a modulated flow-forming energy of the action to a controlled acting value of a kinetic energy formed in the modulated medium flow during the flow transporting is provided.

Abstract: An integrated control system for use with an engine connected to a generator providing electrical power to a switchgear is disclosed. The engine receives gas produced by a gasifier. The control system includes an electronic controller associated with the gasifier, engine, generator, and switchgear. A gas flow sensor monitors a gas flow from the gasifier to the engine through an engine gas control valve and provides a gas flow signal to the electronic controller. A gas oversupply sensor monitors a gas oversupply from the gasifier and provides an oversupply signal indicative of gas not provided to the engine. A power output sensor monitors a power output of the switchgear and provide a power output signal. The electronic controller changes gas production of the gasifier and the power output rating of the switchgear based on the gas flow signal, the oversupply signal, and the power output signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for passing matter in a flow passage of an oil and/or gas drilling or production installation, in particular for passing trash or drill cuttings in a drilling fluid return line. The system includes at least two valves arranged in series in said passage; and a control device configured to selectively or sequentially actuate said at least two valves, such that the material is allowed to pass said at least two valves in the passage. A method is also provided for passing trash or drill cuttings in a drilling fluid return line.

Abstract: An improved feeder system and method for a vapor transport deposition system that includes a carrier gas bypass flow line to allow for continuous carrier gas flow to a vaporizer unit when a vibratory unit which supplies powdered material and carrier gas to the vaporizer unit is out of service. A process gas flow line to the vibratory unit may be included when the powdered material contains a powdered dopant in the material mix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of flow of a particulate feed to a reactor, and in particular provides a process for providing a slurry of particulate matter to a reactor, comprising providing a slurry comprising said particulate matter and diluent, and passing said slurry to the inlet of a reactor feed pump from where it is then pumped to the reactor, characterized in that a stream of additional diluent is also passed to the inlet of the reactor feed pump, the reactor feed pump is operated at an essentially constant volumetric flow rate, and the amount of particulate matter in slurry passed into the reactor is adjusted by adjusting the flow.

Abstract: A vapor mitigation system includes at least one vacuum pipe constructed and arranged to collect vapors beneath the floor of a building and to vent the vapors and a blower coupled to the at least one vacuum pipe. The blower is constructed and arranged to create a vacuum under the floor of the building. The vapor mitigation system further includes a controller configured to dynamically control a level of power supplied to the blower. The controller adjusts the level of power supplied to the blower in response to one or more environmental measurements.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a bearing assembly for transporting an article. The bearing assembly includes a support structure for receiving the article, and a plenum housing for receiving the support structure. The plenum housing and the support structure define a plenum cavity, the plenum cavity being configured to receive and direct a flowing gas for floatingly supporting the article above the support structure. The bearing assembly further includes at least one sensor assembly, which includes a sensor for transmitting and receiving energy emissions for determining a location of the article relative to the support structure. The sensor assembly may determine the location of the article relative to the support structure substantially through at least one aperture located on the bearing assembly. The article location determined by the sensor assembly may be communicated to a display panel or a control unit for adjusting the location if necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A system provides pneumatic conveyance of granular materials, for example, grain or other dry, loose commodities. They system conveys the commodity from a first piece of equipment, for example a grain dryer, to a second piece of equipment, for example, a grain bin. A variable speed blower motor is mounted to drive air through a transport pipe, and the blower motor speed is controlled by a processor and software to provide a desired pressure to efficiently move the commodity based on the rate of discharge into the transport pipe, while minimizing wasted energy or damage to the commodity that is often experienced when more than the required pressure is provided by a blower motor. Parameters used in determining the blower motor speed may include the gauge pressure measured in the transport pipe, the rate of discharge of commodity into the transport pipe, and the blower motor current or power.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drilling counter sink fastener holes in composite materials with conductive foil lightning strike protection systems. Initially a non-destructive depth detector is scanned over a prospective fastener hole location. Then the depth of a conductive foil below a surface is detected. When the detected depth is less than a predetermined depth, a signal that indicates that a countersink fastener hole may be drilled is output. When the detected depth is greater than a predetermined depth, a signal that indicates that a countersink fastener hole may not be drilled is output.

Abstract: A compressor airflow controller is operable to control airflow through a centrifugal compressor. The controller drives the centrifugal compressor and determines if a flow irregularity (e.g., an error in gas flow velocity) has occurred. If a flow irregularity is determined, the controller reduces the irregularity by adjusting compressor operation to thereby change the compressed gas flow.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system.

Abstract: Installation to be applied to self-propelled or tow-type agricultural seeders that comprises a general command central unit (5) fed from an electric power source and controls a corresponding individual control unit (10) that regulates the operation of the electro-pneumatic unit (6) associated to the seed dosing devices within the seeder to perform the pneumatic action. Electro-pneumatic unit may be a motor suction or a motor compressor unit. The invention envisages the association of these units to all the dosing devices in a seeding body of the seeder, to pairs of dosing units in the seeder, or else, on an individual basis, to each seed dosing device of the seeder.

Abstract: A powder transport method for transporting powder constantly and smoothly by a device comprising a transfer chamber into which a supply line and a discharge line open; a piston for generating negative pressure; a compressed gas passage through which compressed gas is injected into the transfer chamber; and a compressed gas control means, the method comprises: the discharge line is being closed when the piston reaches top dead center; then the supply line is closed; after a first predetermined time, compressed gas is injected into the transfer chamber in a manner that the total amounts of compressed gas injected are the same, then the discharge line is opened; after a second predetermined time, the piston starts its downward stroke; at the first predetermined time before the piston reaches bottom dead center, the injection of compressed gas is ceased; and the discharge line is closed and the supply line is opened.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: A method in a vacuum conveying system, which vacuum conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61, 66), a material conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) which is connected to the feed point (61, 66) and at the other end to a separator element (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) at least for the time of conveying the material. In the method, conveying air is monitored with at least one fire detector (500) and, based on the detection, the conveying system is affected by isolating the fire to a certain part of the system and/or by diminishing the conditions of burning. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the distribution of particles in dust or granule form in one or a plurality of carrier gas streams. The invention further relates to the use of an apparatus in a conveying pipe. An advantageous adaptation of the volumetric flow within the individual flow cross sections is achieved with the invention, so that in particular no channeling can occur, which has favorable effects for a specified material flow rate or material flow rate control particularly in coal-fired power plants. The apparatus according to the invention is furthermore very simple in construction and requires few components.

Abstract: A device and a process for transporting a sleeve, in particular for a cup or a can, in which the sleeve is transported during the production process from a first working station to a second working station. The sleeve is transported by a blast of air, whereby the blast of air is generated in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve. A first working station comprises a mandrel for taking up the sleeve. An air jet is provided for creating the blast of air, the mouthpiece of the air jet being directed towards the mandrel in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A levitation transportation device capable of adjustment when an object being transported is displaced from the center of a transportation path, A levitation transportation device having a transportation path forming a transportation router for an object to be transported, a plurality of jetting nozzles for transporting the object in a levitated manner along the transportation path, one or more detection sections for detecting the direction of the transportation of the object being transported in the transportation path and a control section for independently controlling the plurality of jetting nozzles based on a detection result by the detection sections.

Abstract: A levitation transportation device capable of adjustment when an object being transported is displaced from the center of a transportation path, A levitation transportation device having a transportation path forming a transportation router for an object to be transported, a plurality of jetting nozzles for transporting the object in a levitated manner along the transportation path, one or more detection sections for detecting the direction of the transportation of the object being transported in the transportation path and a control section for independently controlling the plurality of jetting nozzles based on a detection result by the detection sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying metered amounts of a bulk particulate material comprising a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having a material inlet and outlet, a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material encompassing and spaced from said first conduit, and means for intermittently supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the plenum between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method for optimizing a variety of aspects of pipeline operations by using a genetic algorithm. Generally, the genetic algorithm is used to evolve a population of feasible solutions over successive generations until a termination condition is satisfied. Each solution specifies a feasible operational state of the pipeline system. Over successive generations existing solutions are modified, and an identified solution in the population is removed at each successive generation. Over repeated generations, the solutions in the population improve. Once an optimized production solution is generated, an optimized pressure solution may be generated using a direct pressure optimization process.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for use in controlling a translocation process of a pneumatic tube system in order to reduce the amount of energy transferred from the tube system to a pneumatic carrier and, hence, its contents. Generally, these utilities entail identifying and/or reducing forces applied to a pneumatic carrier traveling through a travel path within a pneumatic tube system. The systems and method disposed herein allow for varying the velocity of a pneumatic carrier as it passes through a travel path of the pneumatic system. Such varying of the velocity allows for reducing the total forces applied to the pneumatic carrier during passage through the system. In one arrangement, the power output of a power source connected to a compressor device is altered to vary the velocity of pneumatic carries in the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: In a method of the energy-saving dynamic transporting of object with a flow of a carrying medium, action are applied to the carrying medium which are created in an action element during a process of conversion of an energy supplied to it, so that the flow of a carrying medium created thereby acts on the object for performing a process of its transporting in a given direction, and a modulation of a value of the action is performed in the action element sq. that the, flow of the carrying medium which is dynamically created moves with a given dynamic periodically changing sign-alternating acceleration during the process of transporting of the object.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for delivering lost circulation material, particularly cottonseed hulls, into oil and gas drilling pits. According to one exemplary embodiment, a lost circulation material delivery apparatus for delivering lost circulation material from a bulk source of the material into a drilling well mud pit for controlling lost circulation within an oil or gas drilling well bore can include a bulk source of lost circulation material positioned in the vicinity of but removed from the drilling well mud pit. The apparatus can also include a sorting mechanism in receiving communication with the bulk source where the sorting mechanism includes a lost circulation material metering portion. A lost circulation material conveying portion can be in material receiving communication with the material metering portion at a first end portion and in material expelling communication with the drilling well mud pit at a second end portion.

Abstract: In a transporting system comprising at least one a means of medium flow-forming energy action for providing a dynamic energy-saving superconductive medium flow process, a method of energy optimizing includes a negative modulating of the energy action with a frequency is changed to provide a plane form of a modulated energy action flow longitudinal waves, a law is selected a “drop-shaped” form, a comparative phase is changed to provide a phase shift to a comparative phase of an independent periodic process related with a modulated flow; and energy criterion optimized changing a modulation parameters in dependence on a changes of a flow process characteristics.

Abstract: A transfer system for a carrier that features a flow supply tube in fluid communication with a flow supply generator and in fluid communication with a carrier transport tube network dimensioned for transfer reception of the carrier. The carrier transport tube network has a first carrier reception chamber provided with a first carrier stop point and a second carrier reception chamber with second carrier stop point. The flow supply tube has a single point contact with the carrier transport tube network to provide a single tube based flow connection with the carrier transport. Also, with the single point connection there can be positioned a brake valve in line with a first section of the carrier transport tube network and in line with a first section of said flow supply tube just a few feet above the stop point of one or both of the reception chambers to provide for rapid travel to the brake valve and efficient braking within just a few feet of the stop point.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for rendering vacuum conveyors inert, said vacuum conveyors comprising at least one intake device (30), a discharge device (40), a separating vessel (100), a vacuum pump device (20), and means for feeding inert fluid into the separating vessel (100). According to the inventive method, an inert fluid is fed into the at least one separating vessel (100) below the free surface of a separated material (102) during inertization. Also disclosed is a corresponding vacuum conveyor (10) which can be rendered inert and in which the means for feeding inert fluid below the free surface (103) of a separated material are provided on and/or in the at least one separating vessel (100).

Abstract: In a method of the energy-saving dynamic transporting of object with a flow of a carrying medium, action are applied to the carrying medium which are created in an action element during a process of conversion of an energy supplied to it, so that the flow of a carrying medium created thereby acts on the object for performing a process of its transporting in a given direction, and a modulation of a value of the action is performed in the action element sq. that the, flow of the carrying medium which is dynamically created moves with a given dynamic periodically changing sign-alternating acceleration during the process of transporting of the object.

Abstract: A system and method providing automatic adjustment of flows used to empty dry material from a pressure pot or hopper. In some embodiments, based on pressure increases in the conveying line that receives the dry material, the flow of conveying-fluid to the conveying line automatically increases and/or the flow of pressurization fluid to the hopper that assists pushing dry material out of the hopper automatically decreases and/or rotary-valve speed controlling dry-material rates from the hopper automatically slows. In some embodiments, one or more discretely or continuously adjustable critical-flow venturies (CFVs) automatically adjust mass flow of fluid based on, e.g., pintle position set by a pneumatic cylinder controlled by conveying-line pressure. Each pintle moves in and out of its CFV throat, adjusting throat area, thus setting the rate of flow. In some embodiments, pintle cross-sectional area is linearly proportional to distance from the tip of the pintle.

Abstract: In a method of dynamic transporting of with a flow of object a carrying medium, action are applied to the carrying medium which are created in an action element during a process of conversion of an energy supplied to it, so that the flow of a carrying medium created thereby acts on the object for preforming a process of it transporting in a given direction, and a modulation of a value of the action is performed in the action element so that the flow of the carrying medium which is dynamically created moves with a given dynamic periodically changing sign-alternating acceleration during the process of transporting of the object.

Abstract: A pneumatic transfer system having a modular pneumatic shifting device. A teller conduit has a teller station and a customer conduit has a customer station. A housing having apertures connected to the teller conduit and the customer conduit has a teller gate and a customer gate intermittently obstructing the apertures. A differential pressure generating mechanism is connected to the housing. A plurality of sensors send signals to a programmable means when a carrier pass through the system actuating movement of the gates and operation of the differential pressure generating mechanism.