Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for controlling an aquaculture feeding system are described. In some implementations, a method includes determining, using a feeding system controller, that a feeding system has transitioned from a first state to a second state, and based on the transition from the first to the second state providing, using the feeding system controller, instructions to a dosing system to set a feed rate of the dosing system, and providing, using the feeding system controller, instructions to a blower operatively coupled to the dosing system to set a flow rate of the blower.

Abstract: A vacuum-type powder transfer system capable of quantitatively supplying a constant amount of powder in a wide range from a small amount to a large amount, and a vacuum-type powder transfer method using the vacuum-type powder transfer system are disclosed. In an aspect, the vacuum-type powder transfer system includes a storage part configured to store powder, one or more chamber parts configured to accommodate the powder transferred from the storage part, a hopper part disposed to control fluid communication with the one or more chamber parts, and configured to accommodate the powder transferred from the storage part, and a vacuum pressure forming part configured to provide vacuum pressure to the one or more chamber parts, wherein the powder is split and supplied to the one or more chamber parts or the hopper part.

Abstract: A seed distributor evenly delivers seed from a bulk seed tank via hoses to seed bins on row planter units. The distributor has a circular chamber for receiving seeds from the seed tank. An internal cone in the distributor deposits the seeds 360° around the chamber. Seed tubes extend through the sidewall of the chamber. Pressurized air is introduced into the chamber and picks up seeds on the floor of the chamber and pass through the seed tubes for delivery by the hoses to the bins. The distributor may also include air tubes aligned with the seed tubes to further assure even distribution of seeds to the bins.

Abstract: Agricultural implements are used to transport material, such as inputs in the form of fertilizer, seed, treatment, or some combination thereof, to row units that apply the material to an area of a field. Metering systems can aid in metering and providing a desired amount of material, such as on-demand, to the row units. The metering systems move the metered material to the row units, such as with pneumatics or other fluids. The metering system can be improved by having primary and secondary nozzles of different sizes, which aid in increasing the speed of the fluid moving the material towards the row units. For example, a smaller diameter for the secondary nozzle will provide improved suction and air speed.

Abstract: A flavor station assembly can be employed to dispense snow cone flavors or other types of flavoring syrups or liquids. The flavor station assembly can include one or more saucer assemblies where each saucer assembly is configured to dispense a number of flavors. Each saucer assembly can be coupled to a support assembly that is configured to pivot thereby enabling the saucer assemblies to be positioned in a desired location relative to the structure to which the support assembly is mounted.

Abstract: A material handling system. The system includes a plurality of material sources for providing material to be transferred and a plurality of destination locations for receiving material from the material sources, wherein each destination location has a destination valve. The system further includes a distribution mechanism, a plurality of source conveying tubes each connecting a source location to an opening on the distribution mechanism, and a plurality of destination conveying tubes each connecting an opening on the distribution mechanism to a destination location. The system further includes a vacuum source operatively connected to each of the destination valves, a vacuum sensor disposed on each of the source conveying tubes configured to sense a change in pressure in the source conveying tube, and a programmable controller connected to each of the vacuum sensors for determining if a correct connection has been made.

Abstract: The present application relates to a metering device and a dense phase conveying system for the steady, continuous, dosed supply of a bulk material in powder form made of light, polydisperse particles to a consumer arranged downstream. Furthermore, the present application relates to a method for the continuous, dosed supply of the bulk material in powder form using the dense phase conveying system, which comprises the metering device according to the invention.

Abstract: An injection system for solid particles comprises a conveying hopper (11) located at an upstream location (1), a fluidizing device (21) for fluidizing the solid particles at the outlet of the conveying hopper (11) and forming a solid-gas flow, a pneumatic conveying line (15) for conveying the solid-gas flow from the fluidizing device (21) to a downstream location (2) and a static distribution device (17) with a plurality of injection lines (19), connected thereto. An upstream flow control system controls the mass flow rate in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1) by controlling the opening of an upstream flow control valve (35) responsive to the solid material mass flow measured in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1).

Abstract: A drill cuttings storage and conveying system is disclosed herein. The system includes a pressure vessel for containing drill cuttings and comprising a plurality of drill cuttings outlets. The system also includes a drill cuttings conveyor in communication with the outlets for carrying drill cuttings from the vessel. In an inventive method for practicing the invention, drill cuttings are passed into the pressure vessel having the plurality of outlets. The vessel is pressurized. A selected outlet is opened such that a volume of drill cuttings passes from the vessel to the conveyor. The drill cuttings with the conveyor from the outlet.

Abstract: A solids distributor for injection plants includes a collecting chamber having a plurality of lance lines leading away from the chamber. The chamber has a supply connection for a solid to be distributed and is surrounded by a common wall in which a plurality of ports is formed. The lance lines are connected to the ports, and an annular gap is formed in front of the ports and along the common wall. A pressure vessel is arranged geodetically above the collecting chamber, the lower part of the pressure vessel being designed as a bunker, having an outlet providing a direct and continuous junction to the supply connection and an upper part designed as a gas space. The collecting chamber may include a central displacement body which forms the annular gap with the common wall and which may be an upwardly tapering cone which projects out of the collecting chamber.

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: A device for conveying powders through pipelines including at least one pumping device which in turn includes a suction inlet and a delivery outlet and a tubular chamber with opposite ends connected respectively to the suction inlet through an input valve and to the delivery outlet through an output valve. A vacuum source and a pressure source are connected upon command to the chamber in axially distanced positions to create a vacuum respectively and alternatively in the chamber in relation to the environment upstream of the device and a pressure in relation to the environment downstream of the device.

Abstract: Devices for the pneumatic conveying of particulate and powdery bulk goods to obtain high conveying speeds with low energy expenditure. The devices have a fluidized conveying pipe with fluidizing elements, in which pipe the fabric layers of the fluidizing elements are formed from two or a plurality of sintered and rolled metal wire fabric layers whose wires, at least those of the top outer layer, are tilted or bent downwards to form aligned flow channels inclined in the direction of conveying.

Abstract: Method for conveying a pulverulent material making it possible to divide said pulverulent material, from a single storage capacity (10), between several conveyors (50) with a controlled flow rate in each of said conveyors, characterized in that said storage capacity is linked to said conveyors by at least one aero-pipe (30) and in that a hyperdense fluidized meter (40), is connected to said aero-pipe, said hyperdense fluidized meter being intended to feed each of the conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying multi-color powder paint material to an applicator in which at least one canister is used. This invention can be utilized with multiple or with a single color of powder paint material. The preferred system includes two canisters that alternate in supplying powder to the applicator. While one canister supplies powder to the applicator, the other canister is purged of the previous material and filled with the next material to be sprayed. The canister has an interior sized to store a predetermined quantity of powder material. During operation, a powder transfer pump and a color changer transfer powder material from a storage container/hopper to the canister interior. A venturi pump then supplies the applicator with powder. After the object is painted, purge air is opened and the canister is purged of the previous material. The canister is then ready to start another cycle.

Abstract: A single machine (20) for blowing insulation into cavities of buildings and methods of using the machine to deliver insulation are provided. The single machine includes at least one engine (100), a hopper assembly (74), two feeding assemblies (36, 40) each operably connected to an output hose (76, 80), two air blowing assemblies (84, 88) each connected to feeder assemblies. The single machine can independently and simultaneously deliver insulation through multiple output hoses to same cavity of different cavities.

Abstract: A material collecting apparatus includes a frame with an upper supporting panel, weighing device sets hung on the panel, barrels hung on a respective weighing device set, dust collectors above a respective barrel, drawing devices connected with a respective one of the dust collectors for providing sucking force, feeding conduits connected with a respective one of the barrels, a material tank having separate compartments for containing different materials therein, and control valves each having a conduit; the feeding conduits are connected with first ends of respective plural ones of the control valve conduits while the control valve conduits are connected with a respective compartment at second ends; thus, different dry materials can be conveyed from the compartments into the barrels, and collected according to respective intended weights of the materials when the apparatus is in operation; the dust collectors prevent the materials from passing out of the barrels.

Abstract: A silo for pulverulent and other loose materials of the type that has a base formed in part by a centrally located, inner conical dome. The silo has a vertically oriented material withdrawal conduit through which the loose materials are withdrawn from the silo. The conduit has an upper end located approximately at the apex of the inner conical dome, and the silo is constructed so that approximately two thirds of its stored contents can be withdrawn by gravity from the lower end of the material withdrawal conduit. The silo may also utilize a plurality of angularly spaced material transport conduits passing radially inward, with a first end of said conduits being located at material outlet points located within the silo body near the inner silo wall and a second end of each of said conduits located at a centrally located collection point within the silo body. The conduits will preferably utilize a dense phase conveying system that utilizes gravity to provide the pressure head to transport material.

Abstract: A primary air distribution manifold for an air seeder's pneumatic distribution system, wherein the primary air distribution manifold is provided with a top rank of venturis and a bottom rank of venturis for receiving an air stream from a blower which is divided into a top rank air stream and a bottom rank air stream. A selector valve is located above the top rank of venturis immediately below a product meter. The selector valve selectively directs metered product to either the top rank of venturis or the bottom rank of venturis. In a first position the selector valve directs metered product to the top rank of venturis in its second position the selector valve directs metered product to the bottom rank of venturis. Each selector valve is also provided with first and second air valves. In the selector valve's first position, the first air valve is open and directs air tapped from the top rank air stream to the product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis.

Abstract: A first stage chamber has upwardly diverging walls so that an upward airstream has different air velocities at different heights in the chamber. When particles such as seeds are fed homogeneously along the chamber top length, they reach equilibrium at different heights depending on their weights and volatilities. The particles suspended and classified at different heights are conveyed by a horizontal airstream in parallel horizontal channels toward a chamber side wall, where they are removed by suction. Ribbed sections adjacent to the channels divide the chamber into deviating cascaded pathways, where the upward air velocity is homogenized and an opposite horizontal airstream conveys falling particles toward the side wall opposite to that on which the particles are removed, to thereby homogenize the spread of particles in the chamber. Light trash is removed through a convergent top section toward a cyclone. Heavy particles not suspended in the chamber are collected and removed at the chamber bottom.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for the dispensing of ultra-fine particles on a dry basis in a reproducible manner. The apparatus includes a first gas-solids suspension chamber having particle fluidization means adapted thereto, and a conduit adapted between the first gas-solids chamber and a second gas-solids chamber for communicating via at least one particle orifice particles between the chambers. A high velocity gas stream provides a pressure difference between the chambers whereby a low pressure zone is created within the conduit thereby drawing in particles from the first gas-solids suspension chamber into the second gas-solids suspension chamber via the conduit. The apparatus further includes a combination of a withdrawal feed and a solenoid valve to direct particles from the second gas-solids suspension chamber into a collection area.

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solid material without pushing or compressing the solid material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solid material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solid material in a gas stream and moving the solid material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solid material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solid material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solid material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport, or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: A tank pressurization system is provided for delivering pressurized air from a pneumatic distribution system to a product tank in an air seeder. The tank pressurization system has a meter housing which has an air inlet in fluid communication with the pneumatic distribution system and an air outlet in fluid communication with the product tank. The meter housing has an air passage connecting the air inlet to the air outlet, providing fluid communication between the pneumatic distribution system and the product tank. A meter is rotatably mounted in the meter housing. Also, a tank pressurization system has a venturi port in a primary distribution manifold of the pneumatic distribution system, the venturi port having a standard airstream and a venturi for encouraging product from the product tank to enter the pneumatic distribution system at the venturi.

Abstract: A product disconnect is provided for cutting off product flow between a product tank and an associated metering system. The product is instead directed to a product cleanout where an operator can empty the product tank without sending product through the metering system. The product disconnect may consist of one or more rotary cutoff valves which are selectively movable between an open position allowing product to flow into metering system and a closed position where product is instead directed to a product cleanout.

Abstract: A method of placing granular materials, such as sand, on a golf course or the like includes loading granular materials into a hopper for feeding a sand gun, directing the granular materials from the hopper into the sand gun, and directing compressed air into the sand gun and into an elongated flexible hose to thereby direct the granular materials into the sand gun through the flexible hose. The sand gun also includes the step of spinning the granular materials therein. The granular materials passing through the flexible hose are directed through an exit nozzle and water may be injected from a water source through the exit nozzle and into the granular materials whereby granular materials and water from remote locations are distributed through a flexible hose onto a predetermined site by aiming the nozzle.

Abstract: A coating powder feed device supplies a plurality of flows of coating powder from a container to, for example, a plurality of powder coating devices or a plurality of containers. A plurality of individual powder feed devices are mounted in a housing which is sealed against entry of coating powder. Only the exterior housing surfaces, intake heads at lower ends of the individual powder feed devices which include powder suction inlets, and the internal fluidized powder flow channels are exposed to the coating powder, thus facilitating cleaning when changing powders. The individual powder feed devices are simultaneously lowered into a powder supply container during use.

Abstract: In apparatus for conveying batches of ice lumps from a storage hopper to remotely located ice dispensers, ice lumps from the storage hopper are delivered into the main conduits through corresponding main valves and connecting conduits extending between each main valve and the storage hopper. Metering valves meter batches of ice lumps of predetermined size into the main conduits. Conveying air from an air blower is supplied to the main conduits through the main valves for conveying the batches of ice lumps. In use, batches of ice lumps are intermittently delivered into the main conduit, and the batches of ice lumps and conveying air are alternately supplied to the main conduit.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for densifying and distributing recycled commodities, such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, and PET bottles. A sensor senses a feature of the commodity, including material of composition and color. Based on the sensed material of composition, the commodity is either shredded (aluminum and PET) or crushed (glass) into densified material. A distribution device receives the densified material and, according to its sensed material of composition and color, distributes it to the proper storage path for storage in one of a plurality of segregated storage bins.

Abstract: One or more hot melt tanks are each periodically supplied by an air conduit which automatically transfers pellets from a storage container. A transducer assembly, positionable in the container, includes a vacuum transducer for the pick up of glue pellets for transfer via the air conduit. A vibrator imparts motion to the pellets to prevent bridging of same. Each hot melt tank includes a level switch with a probe which provides a signal to a control panel having relays which in turn actuate solenoid valves for the delivery of a pressurized air flow to one or more vacuum transducers. A portion of the pressurized air flow is bled off for supplying the vibrator in place on a base of the transducer assembly.

Abstract: A scrap collection system for collecting scraps produced when materials such as metals and plastics are processed by a processing machine such as a pressing machine and a lathe. A scrap receiver receives scraps from the processing machine and has at least one hopper positioned beneath the processing machine. A scrap collector box vertically below the hopper has at least one opening into which a conduit is directed for delivering scraps into the scrap collector box, and at least one opening having a filter for discharging air from the scrap collector box.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splitting a mass of fluidizable powder into a plurality of powder streams and conveying the powder streams through a plurality of ducts. The apparatus comprises a powder splitter defining a chamber, a plurality of hollow ducts each having an entrance communicating with the chamber, and a gas source including a plurality of gas nozzles within the ducts and directed outwardly of the chamber. The gas nozzles propel gas jets into the ducts so that portions of the fluidizable powder are conveyed through the ducts. A particularly preferred apparatus is utilized for conveying a plurality of alumina powder streams to an aluminum electrolysis cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for fluidizing solid particles by causing rotary motion of the solid particles in a fluidizing chamber by a plurality of rotating projections extending from a rotatable cylinder end wall interacting with a plurality of fixed projections extending from an opposite fixed end wall and passing the solid particles through a radial feed orifice open to the solids fluidizing chamber on one side and a solid particle utilization device on the other side. The apparatus and process are particularly suited for obtaining intermittent feeding with continual solids supply to the fluidizing chamber. The apparatus and process are suitable for injecting solid particles, such as coal, to an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system for feeding powder into high backpressure includes a carrier gas conduit with an orifice for entraining powder from a hopper, and a line for discharging feed gas at regulated pressure into the hopper to effect entrainment. A gas bleeder line has an outlet connection to the output carrier conduit, with a line pressure representative of carrier pressure. A differential pressure regulator equal to carrier pressure plus an increment. A regulated relief valve in the input carrier gas conduit provides a bleed gas supply to the bleeder line at a pressure equal to carrier pressure plus an increment. Pinch valves in the carrier conduit allow or prevent powder entrainment; alternatively, a rotatable sleeve is on the carrier conduit with a side opening alignable with the entrainment orifice. A carrier bypass conduit may be connected between the input conduit and the output conduit and hopper pressurization line may be connected between the output conduit and the hopper.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for introducing granular dry material into a pneumatic conveying conduit (32), for example of a concrete gun, consisting of a material feeding hopper (4) having a shut-off valve (6) actuable by a pneumatic working cylinder (8). Beneath the shut-off valve (6) two hose portions (16 and 22) are arranged in series and on each of said portions a hose squeezing means (34 and 38) engages between which the hose portions (16 and 22) form a lock chamber (44) which is additionally provided with a blowing air connection (62). By the shut-off valve (6) and the upper hose squeezing means (34) an antechamber (42) is formed. When the upper hose squeezing means (34) is closed and the shut-off valve (6) opened the antechamber (42) is filled from the feeding hopper (4) by free fall. At the same time the lock chamber (44) can be discharged into the blow conduit (32) by opening the hose squeezing means (38).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping a steady flow of powder from a powder spray gun of a powder spray system by pumping the powder from a fluidized bed feed hopper to the spray gun via a small auxiliary fluidized bed hopper located in close proximity to the powder spray gun. The apparatus comprises a primary fluidized bed hopper into which reclaimed powder is supplied from a powder spray booth via a powder filter module and a sieve. Powder from the primary feed hopper is pumped to the gun via an auxiliary and much smaller capacity auxiliary fluidized bed hopper located in relative close proximity to the spray gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying powder material from a plurality of nozzles. A powder material feed control section and a manifold section provide a uniform flow rate and uniform density pattern for a powder material feed stream sprayed from a plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: The air seeder normally passes the contents of its hopper through metering devices that regulate the volume of materials moving into the transporting air streams of the machine, but the hopper is also provided with a series of normally closed drainage apertures which may be selectively opened when it is desired to rapidly dump the hopper contents instead of relatively slowly metering them to the air streams. When the apertures are opened, the hopper contents bypass the metering devices and gravitate directly into the air streams which can be quickly and easily diverted to a cyclone separator that exhausts the air from the streams and concentrates the particles for collection or storage.

Abstract: A field type granular fertilizer applicator includes a mixing unit for putting the fertilizer into the air carrier medium stream for conveying it to a plurality of applicator knives. The mixing unit includes a passageway between the inlet and the outlet which has a 180.degree. curve with an alternate path that returns to the inlet thereby providing a 360.degree. turn. The granular material is fed into the mixer unit at the approximate radius of curvature center for the curved passageway. The centrifugal movement of the air produces a vacuum at the radius of curvature center allowing for gentle acceleration of the granular material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting disintegrated solid particles, in which the particles are transported by a quantity of air placed under an over pressure. The weight ratio of the particle/aix mixture lies within a range at which particle transportation gives rise to migrating particle agglomerations. Transportation of the particles is terminated in a particle agglomeration equalizing arrangement, from where the particles are transported further in the form of a particle/air mixture which has been equalized in time. Particle transportation is effected by at least two stages. A first stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture is greater than 15, and a second stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air concentration is greater than 5 and lower than the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture in the first stage. The arrangement is used for transporting powdered coal to a powdered-coal burner connected to a combustion furnace.

Abstract: A dual air system for separately conveying fertilizer and seed in an implement such as an air drill or air seeder which includes an adjustable divider arrangement for providing a small amount of starter fertilizer to be placed with the seed. The total fertilizer metered by a fluted feed wheel is divided into two streams by an adjustable knife plate. A pivoting baffle plate resting against the knife plate deflects one of the two fertilizer portions to the fertilizer air system. The other fertilizer stream is delivered to the seed air system. The overall rate of fertilizer application may be adjusted without affecting the total amount of fertilizer provided to the seed air system.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of providing a multiplicity of streams of air-entrained fibers. The apparatus is of the type which includes a splitting member having multiple ports disposed in and along the surface of the splitting member; a first conduit duct in communication with a first port for directing a column of air past a first port to cause a portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the first conduit duct; and a second conduit duct in communication with a second port for directing a column of air past a second port to cause a second portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the second conduit duct.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the metered introduction of fine-grain materials, particularly pulverulent solid substances (i.e., coal dust) from a pressurized metering container which contains a supply of solid material, into an industrial furnace having a plurality of feed locations such as a blast furnace or cupola furnace is presented. The solid material is fed to the individual feed locations in a carrier gas stream through a conveying duct, the gas stream being highly charged with the solid material. The carrier gas is fed to the lower end section of the metering container in a flow which causes a local loosening in the lower section of the supply of solid material with the conveying ducts opening into the loosening region. The apparatus includes a metering container, which is designed as a pressure vessel and which is adapted to be filled at its upper end section with solid material to be fed to the furnace. The metering container includes at its lower end section a plurality of upwardly open chambers.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method for controlling the flow rate of a particulate material through a pneumatic transportation pipe at a preset value with a high accuracy and rapid response to an external disturbance added to the system by controlling the flow rate of the booster gas. Different from conventional methods in which the flow rate of the booster gas is controlled with the feedforward factor of the variation in the actual flow rate of the particulate material, the inventive method utilizes the variation in the pressure in the receiving unit as the feedback to control the flow rate of the booster gas so that the above mentioned advantages are obtained in the accuracy of control and rapidness of the response to an external disturbance.

Abstract: Two systems of transporting grain or other bulk crop employ a grain handling trailer incorporating a pair of weighing hoppers with a grain loading system for the hoppers and a grain discharge system. In one system the mobile grain handling truck visits storage containers in the production area and acts to weigh and grade the crop on site before discharging it into haulage trucks for delivery to a rail hub. At the rail hug a grade unloading apparatus is provided comprising a two-story enclosed building with the road trucks positioned vertically above and parallel to a section of rail on which rail cars can be positioned for receiving by gravity the discharged crop. In the second system the mobile grain handling trailer moves to a rail siding particularly convenient to the production area for on site weighing and grading the grain for direct delivery into rail cars positioned on the siding.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution at a regulated rate of a fluidizable powdery material has a storage container (1), a porous wall and air conduit for fluidizing the powdery material and an orifice for discharging the fluidized powdery material. A casing (2) has two parts, an upper part (2A) connected to the storage container and to the orifice, and a lower part (2B) which is separated from the upper part (2A) by the porous fluidization wall (4). The upper part (2A) of the casing is connected at one of its ends (7A), to the storage container (1) by a column (3), at an upper part of its opposite end, to a balancing and degassing column (6) and, in its lower part (7B), to the outlet orifice (8) for the fluidized powdery material, which is disposed immediately above the level of the porous fluidization wall (4). The lower part (2B) is connected to an intake (5) for fluidization gas at a regulated pressure.

Abstract: Plural powders are supplied to one or more torches from different fluidized-powder zones, and plural independent lines through each of these zones enable each torch to be supplied with one or more independent lines of powder flow to the nozzle-discharge region of each torch.

Abstract: A storage container for solid particulate materials includes a source of `lubrication` gas coupled to a fluidizer. The fluidizer particulate materials are carried from the container by a stream of transport gas. A deflector placed over the container outlet constrains the fluid flow in a substantially horizontal path to prevent the outlet becoming blocked by the solids when the gas flow is cut off. The proportions of particulate material can be varied by selectively varying the pressure in the container, where the container is a pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pneumatic conveyance of fine material using a conveyor vessel and a storage chamber in which the discharge capacity of the vessel is increased by delivering material from the storage chamber to the conveyor vessel and reduced by delivering material from the conveyor vessel to the storage chamber. Such method and apparatus are distinguished by the capability of altering the capacity without delay, keeping the set conveying capacity constant, and simple calibration.

Abstract: A divided rotary valve feeder includes an inlet conduit, an outlet divided into a plurality of passages by webs, and rotor mounted between the inlet conduit and the outlet. The rotor includes vanes defining troughs and partitions dividing the troughs into a plurality of compartments. The partitions engage the webs to assure discharge of material from each compartment to an aligned passage, and the passages are in communication with conveyors for moving the material to a point of use. Tiltable splitter plates may be provided in the inlet conduit in engagement with the partitions to evenly distribute the flow of material to the compartments in each trough. Compressed air or other gas may be fed to each of the compartments to assist the discharge of material either by direct contact or by flexing a flexible boot in each compartment.

Abstract: A method of distributing powdered or granular material to a plurality of feeding ends in a system having a pressurizing tank for pressurizing and fluidizing a powdered or granular material, a plurality of transportation pipes having one ends constituting discharge nozzles opening above a fluidized bed in the tank and the other ends connected to different feeding ends so as to introduce the material to the feeding ends, and a plurality of booster gas supply pipes for supplying respective transportation pipes with a booster gas. The internal pressure of the tank is controlled by a controller provided with a set valve in accordance with the mean value of the terminal pressures at the feeding ends, the mean value of predetermined set flow rates of the booster gas in the booster gas supplying pipes, and the mean value of predetermined set rates of transportation of material to the feeding ends.