Abstract: An improved apparatus for conveying friable lightweight particulate matter without destruction or excessive powdering is disclosed. A jet suction nozzle permits a gradual transition of pressure in the critical zone in which the material is acted upon by the jets. This is accomplished by a low jet duct angle and by the use of greater than usual quantities of air at lower than the usual pressures.

Abstract: A constant feed apparatus in which a straight tubular housing into which a material is fed has provided therein at least one rotary arm which rotates in the proximity of the bottom surface of the tubular housing, and at least one discharging port is provided in the internal surface of the tubular housing which the rotary arm comes to oppose while the rotary arm is rotating, whereby the material in the tubular housing is conveyed to the discharging port by the rotary arm and discharged out through the discharging port.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring ice cubes and the like from a first location to a remote second location, the apparatus including a conduit system communicating the two locations and a source of air for causing ice to be moved through the conduit system between the two locations; the apparatus further including diverter means whereby ice cubes being transmitted from the first location to the second location may be diverted via the conduit system to a third location. The invention further includes means for preventing damage to the ice cubes being transmitting through the conduit system due to the high velocity of air being utilized therein and also means for disposing of any melt water which may exist within the conduit system as the ice cubes are being communicated between the various remote locations.

Abstract: Powder is fed from a container into a continuous annular groove on a rotating metering plate. A doctor member ensures that the powder is correctly filled into the groove. The powder is then sucked out of the groove after the plate has rotated through a certain angle by a suction device which has a projection extending into the groove.

Abstract: In a nozzle assembly for vacuum unloading of dry, bulk, particulate material, one or more mechanical aerators are mounted on horizontal axes with a scraper positioned intermediate the aerators. Dry bulk particulate material is mechanically aerated, by the rotation of the aerators, and fed to the suction end of the nozzle. Each mechanical aerator includes a plurality of paddles mounted on an elongated horizontal shaft and the paddles and the scraper together enable the nozzle to clean down to the bottom of a barge or ship in which the particulate material is stored. The suction end of the nozzle includes a shroud, to control dust emission, and has a flared end which, in combination with the aerators and the scraper assists in breaking up any lumps in the dry bulk particulate material and in reducing the amount of particulate material which becomes airborne.

Abstract: A storage, shipping and dispensing system for loose fill packaging material comprises a collapsible pliant, vented cylindrical bag having an upper and a lower end including a dispensing apertured neck. Rings are circumferentially spaced apart about the bag adjacent both the upper and lower ends. The rings adjacent the upper end are coupled to suspend the bag in a dispensing mode and the rings adjacent the lower end encircle at stiff resilient hoop encompassing and maintaining the lower end of the bag in a radially extended nominal shape. A vertically adjustable support arrangement includes a circular rim having a plurality of spaced-apart hooks to support the rings of the bag. The bag may be readily filled in an inverted position with a large volume, such as in excess of 100 cubic feet, of expanded plastic loose fill material. Despite its size, the filled container may be easily handled during shipping and storage.