Conduit Patents (Class 406/191)
  • Patent number: 6375841
    Abstract: A system for transporting wet chips to a centrifugal separator where the wet chips are separated into dry chips and fluid with the dry chips being transported to a dry chips site and the fluid recirculated or collected. Preferably, the centrifugal separator, when actuated, serves to generate a pneumatic flow of air through a wet chip conduit whereby the wet chips are pneumatically conveyed to the separator from a source of origin such as a tooling machine station where wet chips are generated. A parts separator may be located at either end of the wet chip conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Inter-Source Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Nemedi, Robert J. Nemedi
  • Patent number: 6371125
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting rod-shaped tobacco smoke filters which contain and/or carry particles of charcoal and/or other solid particulate tobacco smoke filtering and/or flavoring material. A sender directs a series of successive filters lengthwise into a pneumatic conduit wherein the filters advance toward a receiving station. A section of the conduit has an arcuate shape and advances successive filters from a lower level to a higher level. The underside of the section has an elongated arcuate opening which is overlapped by a cover in such a way that any solid particles which became separated from the filters can be expelled into a neighboring chamber due to fluid pressure in the section as well as under the action of gravity and/or centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Hans-Herbert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6371711
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding containers of feed material into a process chamber is disclosed. The apparatus is designed to maintain the atmosphere within the process chamber as separate from the atmosphere surrounding the process chamber. The apparatus has a feeder housing having at least two internal seals, which form an airtight seal about the feeding canisters as the canisters are passed through the seals. The seals are separated by a distance less than the length of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Integrated Environmental Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas N. Berger
  • Patent number: 6315501
    Abstract: An air stream transfer apparatus capable of preventing particles in a transfer passage from adhering to an object to be processed and removing the particles. The apparatus includes that of a transfer face and a transfer passage partition both constituting a transfer passage, which are made of an electroconductive material and each have a thin insulating layer on the surface. A planer dust collecting electrode is opposed to an object to be processed and mechanism is provided for bringing the dust collecting electrode and the face to be cleared of dust close to each other while jetting air. A mechanism is provided for applying voltages between the transfer face and the dust collecting electrode and between the transfer passage partition and the dust collecting electrode and between the transfer passage partition and the dust collecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Watanabe Shoko
    Inventors: Michio Yagai, Masayuki Toda, Masaru Umeda
  • Patent number: 6290266
    Abstract: A suction elbow is divided in a plurality of sub-channels similar to each other by one or more guide vanes made of a curved plate and flat plates connected to the curved plate based on the following formulas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Michihiko Kawano
  • Publication number: 20010016151
    Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Poncelet, Russell James Memory, Hughie Douglas Kydd, Montgomerie Blair Summach
  • Patent number: 6227768
    Abstract: A device for use in transporting particulate materials including: a conduit adapted for transporting particulate material from the first end to the second end of the conduit via an interior hollow chamber; a gas impermeable outer wall; a gas permeable inner wall; a compressed gas inlet nozzle which traverses the outer wall; a gas distribution chamber situated between the outer wall and the inner wall; and a gas pressure source attached to the gas inlet nozzle which conveys gas to the gas distribution chamber and through the gas permeable inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Fumii Higuchi, Joseph C. Barbisan, Paul M. Wegman, John L. Haack
  • Patent number: 6120216
    Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola Malaysia SDN BHD
    Inventors: Ping Chow Teoh, Ka Teik Lim, Kon Hing Chooi
  • Patent number: 6034342
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for subjecting a mixture of two types of electrically charged particles to intense physical contact through a pneumatic transfer modified by turbulent flow and path interruptions to produce surface electrical charges on the particles, and separating the charged particles to recover particles having the same charge. Seeding with a recoverable catalyst may be used as well as forming the path of the mixture from one of the two types of electrically neutral particles. The path interruptions may be sudden directional changes, circuitous paths, baffles, induced vortices and other mechanical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Carpco, Inc.
    Inventors: Willem S. Schmoutziguer, James J. McGovern
  • Patent number: 6012876
    Abstract: A swirl or pitch changing chamber (16) is interposed at the convergence of a plurality of divergent pneumatic forwarding tubes (11, 12) and communicates with the tubes (11, 12). In the chamber (16), a transporter capsule (15) is caused to perform a complex motion, the motion being predominantly a pitch changing translation, by use of mechanical, electromagnetic, magnetic and/or pneumatic forces caused to act on the capsule (15), thereby accomplishing a desired change in the direction of longitudinal travel of the capsule (15). The chamber (16) is defined by an enlargement in the transverse dimension of the tubes (11, 12), the dimensions of the chamber (16) being sufficient to accommodate the complex motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Ajaya Kumar
  • Patent number: 5951006
    Abstract: A decoupling mechanism is provided for passively or actively decoupling an exhaust from a modular air transport system by diverting an amount of air exiting a channel in a first module in a direction other than the process direction through use of the Coanda effect. This decouples the amount of air from a downstream module. This is achieved by providing edge surfaces of the channel outlet, formed on top and bottom plates of the first air module, so that one of the two edge surfaces has a larger radius of curvature than the other. An air vent formed by a gap between the other of the edges and the second module is also provided to assist in the Coanda effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Kalman Biegelsen, Warren Bruce Jackson, Lars Erik Swartz
  • Patent number: 5947647
    Abstract: An air conveyor apparatus is adapted for conveying bottle containers having a neck ring with an outer diameter dimension. The conveyor apparatus includes a first air conveyor section and a second air conveyor section. The first air conveyor section has a first conveying slot extending longitudinally therethrough in a downstream direction. The first conveying slot is defined by a first pair of mutually opposed, laterally spaced, substantially horizontal flanges. The first pair of flanges are laterally spaced by a distance smaller than the outer diameter dimension of the container neck rings so that the containers can be conveyed with the neck rings sliding in a friction engagement along the first pair of flanges as the containers are conveyed through the first air conveyor section. The second air conveyor section has a second conveying slot extending longitudinally therethrough in the downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Ouellette Machinery Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 5795388
    Abstract: A device for distributing pulverulent solids in suspension in a gas, for the purpose of depositing a coating, notably by pyrolysis, on a moving substrate (1), includes a distribution nozzle (24), the walls of which define a cavity (11) which terminates in a longitudinal distribution slit (13) and a principal powder feed duct (6) equipped with a distribution portion (7). A plurality of secondary powder feed ducts (8), connected to this principal duct by the distribution portion, enables the cavity (11) of the nozzle (24) to be supplied with powder over its entire length. At least a portion of the secondary ducts (8) is equipped with at least one pneumatic device adapted for modulating the flow rate of the powder-gas suspension which each of the secondary ducts concerned is intended for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Oudard
  • Patent number: 5727908
    Abstract: An air lift pump for wet particulates has a plurality of transport tubes and air injectors disposed in a central column for transporting particulate matter from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The central column has a closed top and an open bottom. Each tube has a lower, intake end, a lower first air injector and an upper second air injector. Each air injector is comprised of a housing disposed around an air injection section of the transport tube in which is mounted a first or second air jet, respectively. Compressed air is supplied to the first air injector via an air supply line and to the second air injector via an air supply line and the central column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Andritz Sprout-Bauer, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Daniel Ward
  • Patent number: 5660506
    Abstract: Pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying small pieces of frozen food (e.g., chopped vegetables, diced meat, or preferably ice cubes or crushed ice) on an as-required basis to one or more locations remote from a food source. The system is configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken "off line" from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central food providing apparatus. The apparatus includes a food source, a feed auger (preferably reversible) for moving the food from the source into the conveying conduit, use of pressurized air to convey the food through the conduit, and a receiver bin in the terminal container to collect the conveyed food for subsequent dispensing or use. Appropriate sensors and controllers, which may be microprocessor-based, may be used to automate the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: D&B Supply Corp.
    Inventors: Jon Eric Berge, Glenn Scott Seamark
  • Patent number: 5562366
    Abstract: A fast cycle system for transport of particulate material in dense phase has a feeder assembly dispensing material into a pulse pod assembly. The latter is connected to a pressurized pipeline and the pod of material is sent into the pipeline upon receipt of a pressure drop signal. Boosters spaced along the pipeline selectively vent and pressurize the pipeline driving the pod through to a receiver. The system including a receiving hopper and discharge valve in the receiving hopper for imparting, when actuated, peristaltic motion to the particulate material moving in the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Jerome I. Paulson
  • Patent number: 5556236
    Abstract: A pneumatic filter transport system has a gate (18) in a section of conveying duct (2), which gate and is openable in response to signals indicating a filter rod jam in a receiver unit (15) connected to the duct. Once opened, the gate allows remaining filters in the duct to be directed to a dump (30): this reduces the risk of a receiver jam developing into a line jam (which is more difficult to clear). The gate may be provided in a curved section of duct just upstream of the receiver. The duct may incorporate a longitudinally-extending partition (60), which allows removal from the duct of loose material (e.g., carbon granules) which has become separated from the conveyed filters. The duct may have longitudinal slots (68) which allow conveying air to exhaust from the duct upstream of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Seim, II, Herman J. Steinbuchel, Charles R. Willing
  • Patent number: 5531484
    Abstract: An elbow is provided with guide vanes disposed as to make the shapes of the sub-channels defined thereby similar to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Michihiko Kawano
  • Patent number: 5515795
    Abstract: A system for delivering particulate material from a common hopper to row units mounted on each of first and second pivotally interconnected frame sections of an agricultural implement. The delivery system includes a first series of conduits for directing particulate material from the hopper to the row units mounted on the first frame section of the implement and a second series of conduits. Each conduit in the second series of conduits includes a first tube leading from the hopper, a second tube leading from a particular row unit on the second frame section of the implement, and a split manifold coupling for connecting free ends of the tubes in the second series of conduits thereby defining enclosed passages leading from the hopper to each row unit on the second frame section of the implement which is adapted to receive material from the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Ledermann, John F. Stufflebeam, David D. Flamme
  • Patent number: 5473114
    Abstract: A quadrilateral transparent tube section that is used with a heavy payload captive carrier in a pneumatic transport system. The tube section is constructed of four transparent panels connected at their longitudinal edges with four corner structures which contain longitudinal cavities that may be used as wiring conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Mosler, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5417524
    Abstract: A conveyor system for feeding containers along a path includes a pair of plenums located on opposite sides of the path. Each plenum has an inner wall which has apertures along the center thereof, with flanges extending from each wall to define chambers or guide channels that receive opposite ends of the container. The system further consists of rigid pneumatic conduits for delivering pressurized fluid from a centrifugal blower to the plenums. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the plenums and flows through the apertures to substantially suspend the containers in the chamber. The pneumatic conduits and the centrifugal blower are integrally associated with the dual plenums, thereby structurally enhancing the entire conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Newton and Harrington, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley L. Newton
  • Patent number: 5392722
    Abstract: The present invention is an air separation tube for an agricultural planter. The air separation tube comprises a hollow tube having an inlet and outlet that is mounted to the side wall of a mini-hopper. The tube is provided with a downwardly curving bend having a screen through which air is allowed to pass. The screen prevents the seed carried by the air stream from leaving the tube. The outlet of the tube is located above the seed puddle of the seed meter which is coupled to the mini-hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Snipes, Jeffrey C. Schick, Everett T. Miller, Lawrence D. Green
  • Patent number: 5386900
    Abstract: An adjustable can conveyor comprises a fixed trackwork assembly and a moveable trackwork assembly. The fixed trackwork assembly includes at least two outer collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. The moveable trackwork assembly includes at least two inner collars, a can guide track and two guide rails. An interlocking mechanism is used to secure the two trackwork assemblies together such that a track able to convey can bodies is created. The locking mechanism is adjustable such that the conveyor may be set up to move cans of varying length. Because of the interlocking mechanism used, the moveable trackwork assembly is completely supported by the fixed trackwork assembly during adjustments. Further, the four guide rails associated with both trackwork assemblies may be rotated in such a manner that allows for adjusting the conveyor for cans of varying diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Roland D. Horth, Ronald G. Knaub
  • Patent number: 5381779
    Abstract: A balloon distribution system that utilizes balloons retained within an elongated, tubular storage area. Upon receipt of a signal from a remotely located controller, the previously-placed inflated balloons are propelled from the storage container, and float down upon the people gathered below. The tubular body is mounted above the crowd in a manner such that the open end of the tube is slightly elevated in comparison with the adjacent section of the tubular body, preventing the stored balloons from spilling from the tube. A thruster housing is attached to the closed end of the tubular body, and the housing terminates in discharge face having a plurality of outlet nozzles extending into the cavity within the tubular body. A motor and fan supply the airflow, which flows through the thruster housing and into the tubular body through the plurality of nozzles. The motor is actuated via a signal received from a remotely mounted controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Allen E. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5328301
    Abstract: An air return is useable in a venturi system having an upstream air induction member feeding a product flow line downstream of the air induction member. The air return itself comprises a housing having a product flow region to be fitted in line with the product flow line, an air draw region separated from the product flow region by a perforate divider with a baffle internally of the divider and an air flow line from the housing to be fitted back to the air induction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Frank V. Oirschot
  • Patent number: 5299889
    Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor apparatus for conveying articles, such as empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles, includes first and second air ducts for supplying pneumatic pressure to move the articles along a predetermined path. The first and second air ducts are positionable on respective opposite sides of the path. The first air duct has a first plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof and the second air duct has a second plurality of vents in a laterally facing surface thereof. The first and second plurality of vents cooperate to direct a flow of air on the articles to move the articles along the predetermined path and to exert a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved downstream. In one embodiment, selected ones of the first and second plurality of vents are inclined at respective predetermined angles of inclination for exerting a lifting force on the articles as the articles are moved along the predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Langenbeck Grandchildren's Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Keith A. Langenbeck
  • Patent number: 5288024
    Abstract: A universal pneumatic device for rough-casting, pointing and filleting is made up of a receptacle which includes an accessible compression chamber formed by two hollow half-shells assembled and screwed to the receptacle with a handle with connection to a compressed-air hose-pipe and valve. This structure is intended to make all the joinings of the device easily and rapidly accessible at the time of casting of paste for rough-casting, pointing or filleting in the construction industry and for public works.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Nicolas Vitale
  • Patent number: 5252007
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating solids transport in a pneumatic conveying l. The apparatus reduces the velocity of a gas within the pneumatic conveying line. The following describes a preferred embodiment. An inner cylinder is spliced into the line. An upper portion of the inner cylinder is made of a porous material. An outer cylinder having a diameter larger than the inner cylinder encircles the inner cylinder and defines a cavity therebetween. Two solenoid valves are associated with the outer cylinder; one for purging the gas and the other for introducing a reverse jet of gas to dislodge particles from the porous material. A pressure transducer measures fluctuations across the top of the inner cylinder and is connected to a control unit which, in turn, controls the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: George E. Klinzing, Shrikant Dhodapkar
  • Patent number: 5205677
    Abstract: A machine for harvesting fruit from trees is provided. The machine includes a supporting vehicle; a hopper mounted on the vehicle; a blower assembly for maintaining a sub-atmospheric pressure in the hopper; an extendable/retractable boom rotatably mounted on the vehicle; a worker-supporting bucket attached to the outer end of the boom; and a conduit system extending from the bucket, through the boom, and into the hopper whereby the fruit may be transferred from the bucket to the hopper. The boom includes inner, middle and outer telescopically slidable boom sections; while the conduit system includes inner, middle and outer telescopically slidable conduit sections. The machine further includes a first deflection-preventing member which is mounted on the inner end of the middle boom section and a second deflection-preventing member mounted on the inner end of the outer boom section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Kathleen McKenna
    Inventor: Frank J. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5176475
    Abstract: A pneumatic transport system for transferring particulate material from a first pressurized container to a second container which is under a lower pressure, while successively reducing the pressure, comprising a number of parallel tubes (36), arranged in series, said tubes being joined together at their ends by means of transfer chambers (38) for transferring a gas/material stream from an upstream tube (36) to a downstream tube (36). The transfer chamber (38) are formed with tubular inlets and outlets (52, 56) opening out into a space (54) where a gas/material stream is transferred from the inlet (52) to the outlet (56). Between the inlet (52) and the outlet (56) there is a double-bent unsymmetrical surface, bulging towards the space (54), which conforms to the wall surfaces of the inlet (52) and the outlet (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: ABB Stal AB
    Inventor: Roine Brannstrom
  • Patent number: 5154545
    Abstract: An improvement of a high density pneumatic transport system for pneumatically transporting powdered or granular materials placed in an airtight storage container to a collector through a transport pipe having a vertical riser pipe intermediately thereof by the use of pressurized gas. The transport pipe comprises a lower horizontal pipe being connected to the airtight storage container and having a convergent cylindrical accelerating reducer, an upper horizontal pipe being connected to the collector and having a divergent cylindrical decelerating reducer at its initial end, and a vertical riser pipe which connects the lower horizontal pipe to the upper horizontal pipe. The vertical riser pipe is provided at intermediate thereof up and down with an acceleration regulating reducer having a convergent accelerating portion above its bottom having a constricted portion and a divergent cylindrical decelerating reducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignees: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Matsui Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Morimoto, Akikazu Iwamoto, Masuo Moriyama, Junji Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 5147155
    Abstract: A device for achieving uniform distribution of airborne fibres, for instance cellulose-fibres, in the outlet of a conduit intended for the air-transport of fibres, the device being placed in the outlet (10) of the conduit. In accordance with the invention, the device includes a plurality of mutually similar, concentrically arranged circular rotors (1) and a plurality of semi-circular stators (6) which are disposed between the rotors on the outlet side of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventor: Kjell Hansen
  • Patent number: 5100266
    Abstract: A vacuum-type sewage collecting apparatus collect sewage discharged from a plurality of houses or facilities in an accumulating tank through a vacuum sewage pipe network, the inner pressure of which is negative. The vacuum sewage pipe network includes a plurality of upper stream pipes and lower stream pipes fastened to each other in a branch-like fashion. Each lower stream pipe has a sawtooth-like shape formed by alternately disposed downwardly-sloping portions extending gently downwards toward said accumulating tank, and lift portions fastened to the lowermost portion of a respective downwardly-sloping portion and extending upwardly with a steep slope. The upper stream pipe is connected to the lower stream pipe in a range in which a horizontal plane, which extends through an upper end portion of the lower stream pipe at the position in which the downwardly-sloping portion adjoins the lift portion, is higher than the center of the lower stream pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ushitora, Kazuo Yamaguchi, Tsuneo Asanagi
  • Patent number: 5080534
    Abstract: A solid material, such as sand, mineral tailings, aggregate, or sludge is selected and treated to wet the surface of the material. A low moisture content foam is generated by passing a gas through a mixture of water and a surfactant, wherein the foam has a foam weight in the range from 15-50 gm/l. The solid material then is mixed with a quantity of the foam from 2-80% by resulting volume, sufficient to create of a foam-based slurry product having plug flow characteristics when pumped through a pipeline. The mixing can be accomplished by batch process or continuous flow processes. The slurry product is pumped through a pipeline and is regenerated as required within the pipeline by injecting additional foam into the slurry product while, substantially at the same time, mixing the slurry product with the additional foam by passing it over a mixing foil, which is especially effective in a bend of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Goodson & Associates
    Inventors: Russell Goodson, Gary J. Colaizzi, Brian Masloff
  • Patent number: 5074718
    Abstract: A vacuum-type sewage collecting apparatus is arranged in such a manner that sewage discharged from the houses or facilities is once accumulated in a cesspool, and the sewage accumulated in the cesspool is then collected through a vacuum valve and a vacuum sewage pipe, the interior of which is under a negative pressure. The vacuum valve is operated by negative pressure taken from a vacuum source and supplied to the vacuum valve via a connecting pipe. The negative pressure for operating the vacuum valve is taken from a portion of a vacuum sewage pipe which is elevated at a level higher than that of the vacuum valve and is disposed downstream of the vacuum valve. Alternatively, the negative pressure may be directly taken from an accumulating tank, the inner pressure of which has been evacuated by a vacuum pump, from a pipe which establishes a connection between the accumulating tank and the vacuum pump, or from a tank connected to the pipe connecting the accumulating tank and the vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ushitora, Kazuo Yamaguchi, Tsuneo Asanagi
  • Patent number: 5054966
    Abstract: A pipe for the pneuamtic transport of solid polymer particles has an internal diameter d and constrictions along its length, the distance between consecutive constrictions being between d and 10xd. The pipe can be used to transport polymer particles with the aid of a carrier gas at a gauge pressure of between 10 and 100 kPa, a temperature which is at least 5.degree. C. below the melting point of the polymer and a sufficient velocity to ensure tubulent flow of the mixture of carrier gas and the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: Michel C. H. Filippelli
  • Patent number: 5020943
    Abstract: A cylindrical pipe of internal diameter d, intended for pneumatic transport of solid polymer particles. The pipe has contrictions located over its length in such a way that the distance l between two consecutive constrictions is between d and 10.times.d. Each constriction consists of a non-uniform restriction of the cross-sectional area S of the pipe. That restriction defines a new internal cross-sectional area S' of between 0.900.times.S and 0.995.times.S and has at least one unrestricted free passage defined by a circular sector of the area S with a vertex situated on the axis of the pipe and an angle at the vertex ranging from 5.degree. to 60.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: Michel C. H. Filipelli
  • Patent number: 5017054
    Abstract: A delivery line for conveying viscous or pasty material to be filled into a food can or the like from a conveyor pump to a filling machine, having a delivery path developed in the form of a trombone tube with two sections extending parallel to each other and a U-shaped arch, the legs of which cooperate telescopically with the two sections. A pneumatic or hydraulic piston unit is provided to act on the U-shaped arch against the pressure of the filling material in the direction toward a shortening of the delivery path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Effem GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Gideon, Dieter Krieger, Erich Mengel
  • Patent number: 5011339
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for dispensing indentical pieces having a symmetry of revolution about an axis, such as rivets; this process comprises arranging the pieces one after another in a tube (2) which has a hollow center (2a) adapted to assure the guiding thereof, admitting a compressed fluid into the tube behind the last piece (1D), and distributing said fluid along the length of the tube toward the hollow center (2a) thereof, to the interior of one or several longitudinal passageways (2b), such that the fluid pressure is exerted along the hollow cetner in the spaces (E) separating the pieces, up to the first piece (1P) on which the pressure acts for assuring its transfer. The process of the invention permits dispensing a very great number of pieces without risk of jamming in the tube and with a precise guiding permitting maintaining the alignment of the axes of the pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Ste. Ateliers de la Haute-Garonne-ets Auriol et Cie
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Aurtoi, Philippe Bornes
  • Patent number: 4997681
    Abstract: A nodulizing machine for use in an apparatus for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers comprises an input portal, a conduit containing a plurality of blades and an output portal. Apparatus for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers comprises a duct extending from a source of the mineral fibers to the nodulizing machine of the present invention. The apparatus includes flow rate control means to control the flow rate of air and mineral fibers in the apparatus. A process for making loose fill insulation from mineral fibers in association with the apparatus of the invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Fiberglas Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Dockrill, John Buckham, Anthony P. Shen
  • Patent number: 4993887
    Abstract: There is provided a compensator for solids conveyed in a stream, particularly for installation in a power plant, which consists of two sleeves which are telescopically arranged so as to be inserted into each other and having fins arranged on the inner walls of the sleeves so that the conveyed solids do not or rarely come in contact with the walls of the compensator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Erwin Schulze
  • Patent number: 4993884
    Abstract: Method of applying a layer of air-sprayed concrete onto a surface, wherein a pumpable and sprayable mixture of air-sprayable concrete is prepared from cement, aggregates, optional additives, and water. A given mass flow of the mixture of air-spray concrete is sprayed by means of a concrete feed pump through a concrete feed line to a spraying apparatus with a device for the introduction of propelling air under a feed pressure of several bars. The propelling air is charged with synthetic silica exhibiting a BET surface of at least 25 m.sup.2 /g. The synthetic silica is added with the propelling air into the mass flow of the mixture of air-spray concrete in such an amount that the applied air-spray concrete experiences a spontaneous temperature elevation of a few degrees Kelvin immediately after application. A spraying apparatus for the method is also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Degussa Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl-Hans Mueller, Walter Barthel
  • Patent number: 4976288
    Abstract: Tubing or pipe bend or elbow for use in carrying pneumatically conveyed granular material has an axial bore with an input opening at one end and gradually diminishes to a smaller opening at the output end, such that the incoming material sees a pressure relief, or drop, at the input to the bend. As a feature, a tubing bend may be segmented, i.e., made out of a series of separate or individual bends with the output of one coupled to the input of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Dynamic Air, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Steele, Leonard Williams
  • Patent number: 4927582
    Abstract: A distinctive apparatus for forming an absorbent body includes a forming chamber, and a fiber delivering mechanism for providing a flow of fibrous material within the forming chamber. A forming layer, which is located in the forming chamber and is movable therein, receives deposit of the fibrous material thereon. A conduit mechanism supplied a flow of dispersed bodies of high-absorbency material, which enter the forming chambers and intermix with the flow of fibrous material thereon. A regulating mechanism controls a velocity of the flow of high-absorbency material into the flow of fibrous material to thereby form a selected distribution of high-absorbency material within the fibrous material deposited onto the forming layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Bryson
  • Patent number: 4915547
    Abstract: A transport system particularly for flat articles, e.g. cards, includes guides which allow alternate articles to be conveyed in different orientations through the same duct (122) so that the risk of jamming or shingling during conveyance is eliminated. In a preferred arrangement the system includes a crossed-axes pneumatic duct (122) and driven rollers (144) for introducing cards (12) into the duct in different orientations. The system also includes intermediate air supply stations (138), a card inspection unit (134), and a receiving station (139) including a device (145) for turning cards so that they are all received in the same orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Cahill, Kenvin R. Fincham
  • Patent number: 4900200
    Abstract: An arrangement of pneumatic-transporting a powdered or granular maerials such that they do not lodge, using the transport pipe smaller diameter having the bore 2-6 times as long as maximum length of the particle of the powdered or granular materials to be transported, while the powdered or granular materials are caused to float at the inlet of the transport pipe or in the vicinity of the inlet thereof by the powdered or granular materials floating apparatus with help of the collector provided on the transporting destination at the outlet of the transport pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Matsui Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimura Harumoto, Tanigawa Toyoaki
  • Patent number: 4893966
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Franz Roehl
  • Patent number: 4843983
    Abstract: A quick pneumatic coupling particularly well adapted for use in a folding agricultural planter comprises a rigid plastic funnel mounted to the end of a first conduit and a flexible and resilient rubber flange member mounted to a second conduit. The inner surface of the funnel forms a sealing surface which is contacted by the flange when it is inserted into the funnel. The coupling can be automatically coupled and decoupled by pivotally inserting and withdrawing the flanged member into and out of the receiving funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jay H. Olson
  • Patent number: D348900
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Mosler Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Vogel
  • Patent number: D349724
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Mosler Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Vogel