Abstract: An apparatus for transporting powder from a powder container is adapted to engage a wall of the powder container. The apparatus is adapted to support a pickup tube with a region of the pickup tube through which powder is picked up from the powder container adjacent the lowermost interior region of the powder container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and distributing loose particulate material includes a system for applying an agent to the loose particulate material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container for holding and transporting the loose particulate material to the site of application. A feeder regulates the flow of loose particulate material out of the container. Loose particulate material exiting the feeder is blown out of the apparatus through a hose by an air stream produced by a blower. An agent is introduced via a carrier fluid to the air stream carrying the loose particulate material, whereby the resulting mixture of the agent with the carrier fluid is then mixed with the loose particulate material carried by the air stream.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for the transportation and metering of precise amounts of particulate matter. The device provides an environmentally and operator safe means of transporting and dispensing precise amounts of particulate matter from the point of manufacture directly to the ultimate consumer of the product. Because of the unique design, the device is readily transportable via standard means of transportation and may be operated by a single individual with no environmental or operator risk. The device further contains, as an integral part thereof, means for the precision metering of the particulate matter being transported. The device may be utilized to store the particulate matter for extended periods of time and, upon being emptied, may be refilled and reused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for unloading powder from a drum shaped container permits the container to be loaded vertically onto an unlaoding assembly but then supported in a tilted unloading position while the container is being rolled about its axis. A cover assembly is secured to the top end of the container. The cover has channels on its interior surface disposed about a central opening. The cover rolls with the drum. The cover assembly has a central outlet tube from the central opening and a bearing assembly mounted to the outlet tube. The bearing assembly includes a tongue which is supported in a fixed position as the drum is rolled to receive powder deposited on the tongue from the channels. A bleed tube blows powder from the tongue into the inlet of a pump mounted to the bearing assembly to pump powder from the drum.

Abstract: A bulk unloader for emptying powder from an original box-shaped shipping container has a support platform with a cradle angularly mounted thereto for holding the containers in a tilted position so that one of its corners is lower than the others. A vibrator, attached to the cradle, loosens the powder to facilitate movement of the powder towards the container's lowest corner. A pump connected to the outlet end of a hollow pick-up tube, having an inlet end positioned adjacent the container's lowest corner, draws powder from the container, into the inlet end of the pick-up tube, and then transfers the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube is designed to prevent the plastic bag lining the shipping container from blocking the inlet end of the pick-up tube. A vibration dampening isolation mount is provided between the cradle and the support platform to prevent vibrations from being transferred from the cradle to the support platform.

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

Abstract: Dispensing of particulate matter such as powder via a gaseous stream is facilitated by placing the powder in an amorphous, manipulable pouch through which the gaseous stream flows. Squeezing and manipulating the pouch results in manipulation of the contained powder to control the amount of powder entrained in the gas stream. The pouch is supported with its outlet opening disposed generally downstream of its inlet opening in order to provide a direct, rather than a tortious, flow path through the pouch.

Abstract: In a system which includes a blower for pnuematically off-loading solid particulate matter from an over-the-road carrier, such as a dry bulk tractor/trailer combination, the blower is integrated into the undercarriage of the tractor. The blower is rigidly suspended below a main frame member of the tractor by a bracket which positions the center of gravity beneath the frame member while maintaining the blower in a vertical position with respect to the undercarriage such that the lowest portion of the blower does not extend below the lowest portion of the undercarriage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding material intermittently discharged from one machine, primarily an injection molding machine, to another machine, primarily a granulator mill. The feeding-in operation offers low energy consumption, great flexibility as regards material particle size and discharge rate for the grinding material, as well as minimal hazard risk. A predetermined amount of material is collected in a receiving compartment whereafter the collected material amount is moved along a supply path into the granulator mill by means of one or more currents of driving gas which flow through the receiving compartment and are led off from the supply path before reaching the granulator mill itself. The driving gas which is discharged intermittently only during the actual feeding cycle also opens a pivotal flap disposed in the supply path and preventing goods being subjected to grinding from being flung out of the granulator mill.