Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metering a granular or grainy material in a distributor machine, comprising a housing; an inlet opening which is formed on the housing and through which a granular or grainy material can be introduced in the housing for metering; an outlet opening which is formed on the housing and through which the granular or grainy material can be discharged out of the housing after metering; a metering space which is formed in the housing in such a way that granular or grainy material in the housing can be moved from the inlet opening via the metering space to the outlet opening; a metering wheel which is arranged in the metering space on a drive shaft, and which is configured to meter the granular or grainy material supplied via the inlet opening; a mounting opening which is formed on the housing and via which the metering wheel can be exchangeably mounted in the metering space; and a mounting component which is detachably arranged in the mounting opening in a mounted position, and t

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation from a package of compressed loosefill insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end receives the loosefill insulation material. A shredding chamber is configured to receive the loosefill insulation material from the outlet end. The shredding chamber includes a plurality of shredders configured to shred, pick apart and condition the loosefill insulation material. A discharge mechanism is mounted to receive the conditioned material. The discharge mechanism is configured to distribute the conditioned material into an airstream. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism. The blower has a rotational speed that defines the volume and the velocity of the airstream. A remote control assembly is configured to communicate with the machine such that the volume and velocity of the airstream can be adjusted in a remote location.

Abstract: A powder feeder includes a plurality of driving rollers with their axial centers horizontal, a cylindrical hopper placed on the driving rollers and rotationally driven, a connection opening formed in the rotating hopper for loading powder therein, a chuck inserted into the connection opening and supported by a support frame, a powder discharge passage interconnecting the inside and outside of the rotating hopper through the chuck, a scooping part continuously formed on an inner surface of the rotating hopper which faces an inner end of the powder discharge passage, and a pressurization passage open to the inside of the rotating hopper for pressurizing the inside of the rotating hopper, the inner end of the powder discharge passage interconnecting the inside and outside of the rotating hopper being open to a location where the powder that has been scooped up by the scooping part falls down.

Abstract: A buffer unit is configured to store and transfer adhesive particulate to at least one adhesive melter. The buffer unit includes a buffer bin defining an interior space configured to hold a bulk supply of adhesive particulate with an agitator plate positioned within the housing at a non-horizontal orientation. A vibration generating mechanism is coupled to the agitator plate so that vibration is transmitted into the adhesive particulate to form a flow of fluidized adhesive particulate which flows toward at least one pump inlet. The buffer unit breaks up clumps of coalesced adhesive particulate to avoid clogging the pump inlet, while also ensuring that all adhesive particulate in the buffer bin can be removed at the pump inlet. Additionally, makeup air used by pumps to generate vacuum at the pump inlet does not need to be drawn through the entire bulk supply of adhesive particulate.

Abstract: A method of forming a dilute water slurry for water felting a basemat for an acoustical ceiling tile comprising delivering a bale of compressed mineral wool with a density of at least 8 lbs. per cubic foot at an unbaling station, releasing a binding holding the bale in compression, mechanically separating the fibers of a mineral wool bale with mechanical instrumentalities arranged to disperse the fibers to a generally uniform density of less than 2 lbs. per cubic foot prior to passage of the fibers through the tank inlet, and causing the separated mineral fibers to pass into the mixing tank for contact with water suspended binder.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.

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: A material blower for blowing materials that includes a base; a material container to hold the materials mounted to the base that is sealed to be pressurized; at least one loading opening in the top of the material container the includes a door to cover and seal the at least one loading opening; a material output chute as part of the bottom of the material container to receive material for distribution; a material exit at one end of the material output chute, the material exit including a distribution hose opening and an air blower connection; at least one anti-clumping bars that rotate inside the material container; an auger within and along the material output chute an air blower connected to the material container, the air blower connected to the material exit; a distribution hose; a power unit connected to the auger, the anti-clumping bars and the air blower.

Abstract: A method for extracting bulk material from a container which is open at the top by means of a suction apparatus which comprises at least one suction pipe (10) and one or more scrapers (12), with the suction apparatus being laid from above onto the surface of the bulk material in the container and bulk material being sucked away through the at least one suction pipe (10), wherein, during a repeated relative rotational movement between the scraper (12) and the surface of the bulk material in the container, bulk material is conveyed along the one or more scrapers (12) in the direction of the at least one suction pipe (10).

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: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. The improvements further include a wall mounting bracket that reduces tampering with the extinguisher, an automatic fluffing motor and manual fluffing wheel with a chuck for use with a drill. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading system generally consisting of a support means; a hopper mounted on the support means; filtering means mounted on the support means at a level above the hopper; means intercommunicating the interior of the hopper and an inlet of the filtering means; a means for suspending the bulk bag on the support means wherein a spout of the bulk bag communicates with an inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A fluidizing mat has an upper, micro-perforated sheet and a lower gas impermeable sheet. The upper and lower sheets are maintained in spaced apart superimposed relationship by a plurality of spaced-apart load bearing means, e.g. encapsulated air bubbles, which define a plurality of passageways that extend in different directions over substantially the full area of the fluidizing mat and intersect with each other to form a single continuous chamber between the upper and lower sheets.

Abstract: A method of transporting pulverulent filling material through at least one line. The method comprises opening a chamber-like line region located in the at least one line, introducing the pulverulent filling material into the chamber-like line region, closing the chamber-like line region, and pressing the pulverulent filling material out of the chamber-like line region and at least partially into the at least one line using at least one compressed air pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a material having discrete elements. The apparatus includes a supply material having discrete elements and a transporter system downstream of the supply material having discrete elements. In the preferred embodiment, the transporter system includes: (i) a high speed, inline blower (ii) a material agitator upstream of the inline blower and (iii) a planetary transmission connected to the shaft of the blower for providing a lower speed mechanical output to the material agitator. The material agitator may include a plurality of concentric rings with serrations on the upper surface of each ring. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an applicator assembly connected downstream to the transporter system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material which does not flow readily, in which: bulk material is metered by means of one or more input device(s) (8) into a lateral conveyor (1); and the bulk material in the lateral conveyor is subsequently emptied via a transport line (19) wherein the metering of the bulk material into the lateral conveyor (1) is achieved by means of the input device(s) (8) and the emptying of the lateral conveyor (1) is effected with simultaneous action of a mechanical conveyor (9) in the lateral conveyor and inflowing compressed gas (17), with the mechanical conveyor (9) having a narrow clearance with respect to the lateral conveyor (1), so that the lateral conveyor is substantially emptied during the emptying process.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus supplies a powder feedstock to a high or low pressure processing operation. The apparatus includes a metering plate defining an annular channel having a channel width. A measuring mechanism dispenses a measured volume of the feedstock into the annular channel. The measuring mechanism includes a pay-out device defining an outlet significantly smaller than the channel width. The measuring mechanism further includes a maximum fill level defining a maximum pressure head in the feedstock less than a retaining pressure defined by the internal friction of the feedstock. The restraining pressure prevents the feedstock from spreading outwardly in the annular channel and contacting sidewalls of the annular channel under the pressure head of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a pick-up device for removing the feedstock from the annular channel. The pick-up device includes an inlet having a rectangular shape extending across the annular channel.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. An external pressurized canister allows easier servicing or replacement of the pressurized canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allowing non-HASMAT shipping. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: A system for discharging dried product, particularly for drying filters, drying units and the like, comprising, on a container for treating and containing a dried product, a discharge hole that is controlled by a discharge valve, interposed on a pneumatic circuit suitable to produce a circulation of fluid in output from the discharge hole. An agitator is also provided which acts on the dried product to facilitate its outward conveyance.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and discharges through a central outlet located immediately below the inlet. Located over the outlet discharge and within the valve body is a feed-rate control cone. Material transfer is controlled by rotary speed and feed-rate cone position. Several embodiments of the valve are disclosed including a “live-bottom” embodiment designed to reduce or eliminate bridging in silos. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

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: An apparatus, which is intended for metering bulk materials, has a rotatable cell wheel (9) and a stirrer (2), arranged above the latter, and operates reliably even in the case of very sluggishly flowing bulk materials, in particular with small metering capacities, i.e., with the cell wheel (9) rotating slowly. For this purpose, the invention provides two different, isolated drives for the stirrer (2) and the cell wheel (9).

Abstract: A hand-held compressed air duster apparatus comprises a pressurizable vessel for containing a fine particulate dusting material. The vessel has an upper shoulder provided with a sealable top opening, in which a hand pump is mounted and sealably connected to the top opening. The pump comprises an external handle connected to a piston extending into the vessel. A dust discharge outlet is disposed on the shoulder of the vessel. Located within the vessel are two concentric tubes. A rotatable outer tube having a closed lower end that is provided with a pivot foot in contact with the bottom of the vessel extends upwards to an open upper end that is in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel. The rotatable outer tube comprises a dust feed agitator pin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the tube.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism associated with the housing and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism. The control mechanism further activates a solenoid valve which in turn activates a water nozzle spray assembly for wetting of fibrous material prior to discharge into a receptacle.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material and shapes supporting the housing. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism including load cells mounted to the straps and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning and dispensing loose fill insulation material, such as cellulosic insulation, fiber glass insulation and rock wool insulation. The machine includes a hopper, a conditioning chamber, an air lock and a blower for pneumatically dispensing the material. The conditioning chamber is equipped with three rotating shafts with helically arranged spikes which serve as conveyors as well as dispersers. A lower conveyor shaft moves the material toward the opening into the air lock, while the two uppermost conveyor shafts move the material in the opposite direction. Thus, the same assembly which conveys the material to the air lock also conditions the material. Moreover, the counter current flow pattern churns or agitates the insulation material while the individual spikes disperse it. A single motor drives the rotation of the conveyor shafts and the rotation of the vanes in the air lock.

Abstract: A bark mulch handling and spreading apparatus includes a platform adapted to be mounted on a mobile chassis, a receiving and conveying unit mounted on the platform having a hopper for receiving bark mulch and an auger along the bottom of the hopper for conveying the bark mulch to an outlet port of the unit, a blower mechanism mounted on the platform adjacent to the receiving and conveying unit for generating a flow of air past the outlet port of the receiving and conveying unit so as to entrain the discharging bark mulch in the flow of air, a spreading mechanism mounted on the platform adjacent to the receiving and conveying unit and adapted to receive the flow of air with entrained bark mulch from the outlet port of the receiving and conveying unit and to distribute the air flow entrained bark mulch to a selected discharge location, and a drive arrangement mounted on the platform for driving the auger of the receiving and conveying unit, the blower mechanism and a plurality of agitating members in the hopper

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A rotary feed structure for a gunite-conveying machine includes a polymeric body to resist sticking of gunite even if the latter includes silica fume, and even if it has set. The body has chambers in a circle. Preferably the body is urethane, self-bonded to a Ni-hard wear plate to eliminate radial leakage, and the mounting, (typically holes for studs), at least in part, is integral with the plate. A metal axial spacer is preferably next to the plate, but only within the innermost radius of chambers and with a sizable wall thickness. The body is preferably a feed-bowl type, with chambers formed as generally U-shaped pockets. A gunite machine using the polymeric feed structure also has a hopper, delivery tube, support and rotation of the feed structure, compressed-air for expelling the particulate material from the chambers into the tube, and provision for transporting the hopper, tube, body, and other apparatus. Chambers are selectively sealed to the expelling device and delivery tube.

Abstract: In a method and a system for installing loose insulation, loose wool is transported, in compacted state and packed in e.g. filled bags (12), to the site where the insulation operation is to be performed and where loose wool (11) received from the bags is mechanically fluffed, and where the fluffed loose wool is transported by blowing it through a hose (15) to the location where it is to be placed; and the loose wool supplied through the hose (15) is spread on said location in the desired configuration. The novelty of the invention resides in that the bags (12) containing loose wool first are so arranged as to be able, successively and in a controlled manner, to discharge the compacted loose wool contained therein for automatic fluffing and onward blowing through the hose, whereupon from the location where the spreading of loose wool takes place, the discharge of compacted loose wool from the bags is remote-controlled in connection with the spreading, whereby the method can be carried out by a single operator.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, and a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A fully integrated insulation spraying system with an insulation spraying subsystem for spraying wet or dry insulation and a fiber recovery subsystem for recycling waste insulation fibers and reintegrating them into the spraying process for more efficient and ecologically sound use of the insulation material. The insulation spraying subsystem includes a hopper with a rotary conveyor that conditions the fiber insulation and carries it into a standby chamber which is connected an airlock that introduces the fibers into a moving airstream. The airstream carries the fibers to the spraying head where moisture is added to promote adhesion of the insulation. A pneumatically powered insulation shaver is provided for smoothing the insulation after it is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously filling separate compartments of a duvet by pneumatically fluidizing material from a drum with pulsed jets of air using a venturi effect.

Abstract: A machine for blowing loose thermal insulation into cavities in the walls, ceilings, and floors of buildings is contained within a smooth box-like housing that is easily moved about within a house on its own wheels and is easily transported to and from a job site. The housing encloses an equipment cavity and has a hopper located above the equipment cavity, but the hopper, into which the loose insulation is placed, is octagonal so that corner channels exist within the housing between the sides of the hopper and the corners of the housing. The equipment cavity at the bottom of the housing contains a motor which rotates an agitating wheel in the hopper, and that wheel has flexible tips that sweep the loose insulation over the floor of the hopper and into a feed hole in that floor. A grate extends through the hopper above the wheel to prevent access to the wheel in the bottom of the hopper.

Abstract: The invention is in a pneumatic powder ejector comprising a suction stage and an injection stage. The suction stage includes a suction chamber (16), a venturi (14) communicating a primary gas to the suction chamber and a lateral suction input (18) offset in relation to the downstream and of the venturi. The injection stage includes a nozzle (22), an injection chamber (36) and a diffuser (38). The stages are located within and coaxially of the body of a tubular ejector. The nozzle includes a path for powder and primary gas between the suction chamber and diffuser, and is formed to provide a flow path of reduced dimension to communicate a secondary or entrainment gas between the diffuser and injection station.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus is provided for delivery of insulation material or the like using pressurized air, particularly where such material is relatively light and fluffy and/or delivered at a low rate. The feeder apparatus includes a hopper and a chute. The hopper receives the material, which is to be carried using the pressurized air. A chute housing a pair of tine assemblies receives the material from the hopper and is used in carrying the material to an inlet. The inlet is formed by first and second adjusting assemblies, which are located on opposite sides of the chute. The user is able to provide a desired size inlet by rotating crank handles of the two adjusting assemblies to cause linear movement of adjustable plates. Material passing from the inlet is received by a rotary pocket feeder having a number of vanes. Pressurized air is also delivered to the rotary pocket feeder. The pressurized air carries the material through an outlet formed in the pocket feeder for delivery to a predetermined site.

Abstract: A valved seed outlet is disclosed for use in a seed apparatus for dispensing fluffy or hairy coated seed that is prone to bridging. The valve seed outlet is mounted in an opening of a storage container and comprises mounting structure for mounting the outlet beneath the storage container. A valve seat defines an orifice beneath the storage container through which seed may flow. The valve seat has a valve member mounted therein. The valve member is restrained from rotary motion by at least one support post. The valve seed outlet further has a seed sweep member mounted to disturb the seed at the orifice. The seed sweep member is continuously or intermittently activated. Even further, the valve seed outlet comprises a pair of perpendicular passages using the venturi effect to draw seed through valve aspiration.

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 method of and apparatus for continuously dredging sludge deposited on an underwater bed, at a high density of the sludge, according to which digging and scooping devices are placed in an airtight hood opened at its bottom, which is applied on the intended underwater bed and into which air is then introduced to obtain a condition in which water is removed out of the hood, and the digging and scooping devices are then put into operation, whereby dredging is effected at a high efficiency in that the content of water in sludge being dredged is suppressed to a minimum, the sludge being transferred under pressure in a state of containing substantially no additional water than it naturally contains.

Abstract: A powder feeder for dispensing controlled amounts of powder into a gas stream in a supersonic plasma spraying environment utilizes a stir spindle and a feed impeller mounted on a rotatable first drive shaft at the bottom of a powder cannister to agitate and mix the powder and then dispense the powder in controlled amounts from an aperture in the bottom of the cannister as the first drive shaft is driven by a motor. The controlled amounts of powder dispensed through the aperture in the bottom of the cannister are directed by a conduit through an aperture in the upper end of a housing and into a plurality of slots circumferentially formed about the outer periphery of a feedwheel mounted within the housing to be rotatably driven by a second drive shaft which is also coupled to be driven by the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dosed incorporated of a dustlike substance into a carrier gas stream is described; said apparatus operates on the basis of a perforated disc which rotates in the dust, the passage holes of said disc are filled with the dust and are blown out in a blowing zone. Since a predetermined blowing pressure is maintained and owing to a suitable dimensioning and arrangement of the passage holes, a remarkable increase in the throughput of dust is achieved, compared with the prior known matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing manure from a manure pit or lagoon comprises an elongate screw-type auger having an inlet end which is inserted into the manure, and a suction hose from a vacuum wagon connected to the auger outlet. The combined action of the mechanical auger screw with the applied suction is effective in removing manure of widely varying liquid content from the pit or lagoon.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for introducing a mixture of dry catalyst and a hydrocarbon liquid into a polymerization reactor vessel. The apparatus comprises a enclosed mixing tank with rotating mixing blades and a rotatable shot valve spaced below the mixing tank. The shot valve can be rotated from a first position in communication with an opening in the lower portion of the mixing tank to a second position in communication with a hydrocarbon feed conduit that provides hydrocarbon liquid to the polymerization reactor vessel. A bypass conduit is provided for introducing hydrocarbon liquid from the hydrocarbon feed conduit into the mixing tank wherein the interior of the mixing tank is maintained at the same pressure as the hydrocarbon feed conduit.

Abstract: A hopper cylindrical about a vertical axis has an agitator with blades rotating near the bottom of the hopper, not only to agitate insulation but also to move it through a hopper outlet opening into an airlock having a horizontal shaft and radially spaced blades. The vertical shaft for the hopper agitator and the horizontal airlock shaft are aligned so that one may be driven from the other, as by miter gears. A motor and reduction gearing may drive the airlock shaft, through a chain and sprocket connection, or the motor and reduction gearing may drive the hopper agitator shaft through a coupling. The blades of the airlock rotor may be individually removable through the airlock inlet, as in order to replace flexible wipers. Each airlock blade may have a flange at an obtuse angle such as 150.degree. which is bolted to one side of the multisided shaft by a series of cap bolts.

Abstract: The specification discloses an applicator (10) for precisely dispensing granular materials, such as herbicides, pesticides and the like, with improved control while compensating for the speed and travel direction of the implement carrying the applicator. The applicator (10) comprises a hopper (14) with an arcuate hopper bottom extension (40) and an internal feed rotor (42). The arcuate hopper bottom extension (40) is preferably inclined, and the openings (44) in the end preferably include straight lowermost sides oriented parallel to the rotational axis of the feed rotor (42) to obtain better flow control in conjunction with a revolving transfer means (54) located beneath and closely adjacent to the bottom end of the hopper. The revolving transfer assembly (54) preferably includes a plurality of rollers (56) for individually receiving material from the openings (44) in the hopper and distributing it for application.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly, downwardly moving in a vessel a compact bed of solid particles in contact with a liquid. Within the vessel there is provided a rotatable lower disc which has a radially extending opening for the passage of solids therethrough. The lower disc carries a member adjacent the opening for directing solids through the opening during rotation of the lower disc. This member preferably extends above the lower disc. A system is provided to maintain the liquid within the vessel while the solid particles pass out of the bottom portion of the vessel. A rotatable upper disc having a radially extending opening may be present to distribute solids charged to the vessel onto the upper surface of the bed of solid particles.