Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniform and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a tablet into a climate control system is described. The tablet can include a leak detection dye which is placed into appropriate locations within the system with a tablet inserter. The system can be an air conditioning system. The method can be partially or completely automated, allowing the tablet to be manipulated and inserted into a component of the climate control system during assembly remotely, avoiding direct contact with an individual participating in the system assembly and preventing or reducing contamination.

Abstract: Process for conveyance of a powder material in a hyperdense bed to bypass an obstacle, in which an obstacle bypass device including at least upstream, intermediate and downstream caissons is inserted between two horizontal conveyors, an upstream conveyor, and the downstream conveyor. At a device entry, at the upstream caisson lower duct is supplied with gas at pressure P1, the upstream caisson further including an upper duct which is a column. The intermediate caisson is between the upstream caisson and the downstream caisson at a level that bypasses the obstacle, a lower duct of which is fed with gas at pressure P3 and an upper duct of which is connected to the upper duct of the upstream caisson and to an upper duct of the downstream caisson. At a device outlet, at the downstream caisson, a lower duct is supplied with gas at pressure P2. The three caissons remain full of powder material kept in a potential fluidization state at all times, with a pressure difference P1−P2 being kept strictly positive.

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.

Abstract: A cross block for use in a pneumatic conveying system. The pneumatic conveying system includes a substantially enclosed plenum and at least two bottle neck support means to support the neck of bottles or containers suspended from the plenum. The cross block comprises a frame member having means to maintain the bottle neck support means in a generally parallel and co-planer relationship to thereby help maintain the vertical alignment of bottles or containers when suspended by the bottle neck support means and transported along the conveying system.

Abstract: A spacing tool is adapted for use with a conveyor that conveys plastic bottle containers of the type having a neck ring, a neck below the neck ring, and a body below the neck. The conveyor has a pair of support flanges that are spaced laterally from one another by a distance smaller than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck ring, but larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck. Thus, each container can be supported between the flanges with its neck ring in engagement with upper surfaces of the flanges. The conveyor has a pair of container guide rails that are spaced from one another by a distance larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container body so that each container can move along the conveyor between the guide rails. The spacing tool comprises a spacing member having a head portion, a neck portion below the head portion, and a spacing block below the neck portion. The head portion has a first outer diameter dimension larger than the spacing between the flanges.

Abstract: Process for conveyance of a powder material (12) in a potential fluidization hyperdense bed using a device comprising at least one air pipe (3) comprising a lower duct (5) for circulation of a fluidization gas (G), an upper duct (7) for circulation of the powder material (12), the two ducts being separated by a porous wall (6), at least one pipe (8) supplying gas (G) and a balancing column (4, 4.2) in which the filling height (h) balances the potential fluidization pressure (pf), characterized in that a bubble (B1, B2) of pressurized gas is created in the upper duct (7) in the air pipe (3). This bubble is reliably located in the upper part (14) of the upper duct (7) of the said air pipe (3). Device to implement this process and to regulate the pressure of the gas bubble.

Abstract: A spacing tool is adapted for use with a conveyor that conveys plastic bottle containers of the type having a neck ring, a neck below the neck ring, and a body below the neck. The conveyor has a pair of support flanges that are spaced laterally from one another by a distance smaller than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck ring, but larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck. Thus, each container can be supported between the flanges with its neck ring in engagement with upper surfaces of the flanges. The conveyor has a pair of container guide rails that are spaced from one another by a distance larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container body so that each container can move along the conveyor between the guide rails. The spacing tool comprises a spacing member having a head portion, a neck portion below the head portion, and a spacing block below the neck portion. The head portion has a first outer diameter dimension larger than the spacing between the flanges.

Abstract: A pressure control system for accurately controlling the pressure of the air in a discharge line during a pneumatic offload includes a blower, a supply of pressurized air and a pressure relief valve. The blower directs a stream of air into the discharge line to produce a positive air pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a valve body defining a hollow valve chamber, a valve positioned within the valve chamber and a valve seat opposite the valve. The valve chamber of the pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with the discharge line through a first inlet port and in fluid communication with the supply of pressurized air through a second inlet port that receives air from the supply of pressurized air. The valve chamber of the pressure relief valve is also in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through at least one outlet port.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing fibrous insulation includes a porous conveyor mounted for transporting fibrous material in a machine direction in the form of pack. A pack lift blower is positioned beneath the porous conveyor, in a direction transverse to the machine direction, to direct gases upwardly through the porous conveyor to fluff the fibers within the pack. The pack lift blower has a nozzle that is readily removable and replaceable for cleaning without requiring interruption in the motion of the conveyor. The nozzle may also include slots which allow the passage of air and a reciprocal member which cleans the slots.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treatment of blowable thermal insulation, whereby thermal insulation, such as woodfiber wool, cellulose wool, mineral wool, glass wool and/or like is being led by means of one or several filling means (3a) to a transport space (1), such as a container or like, the internal volume of which may be changed, in order to transport thermal insulation in the transport space (1) to its destination of use and to unload same from the transport space (1) to a reception point essentially by blowing carried out by a blow arrangement. Thermal insulation is being led to a filling space (1x), that is limited from the transport space (1) by means of a filling device (3b), which filling space is being expanded along filling of same by moving the filling device (3b) in the transport space (1) in the longitudinal direction of same (s1) towards unloading end (Pp) of same. The invention relates also to an apparatus operating according to the method.

Abstract: A conveyor comprises perforation bands arranged in the floor of a storage space. Some of the bands emit an air stream that in quantity or pressure differs from the air stream in the remaining bands and have apertures with a larger flow area than the apertures in the remaining bands. The larger apertures are provided: along with a first perforation band placed in the middle of a sector of the floor and extending across the entire sector; along one further band arranged on one side of the first band with a shorter extension than in the first band; and in portions of bands which portions are closest to the walls of the storage space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for pneumatically transporting solid and abrasive particulate materials at high temperature, by means of a carrier gas through a plurality of co-axial straight pipes. The pipes are maintained under constant tension by applying a force across at least one expansion joint coupling said pipes in order to maintain said pipes straight against the forces acting on said pipes which tend to cause bending and deformation thereof, as for example: thermal elongation, the weight of the solids conveyed through said pipes, the friction forces between said pipes and its supporting frame, and the pressure of the carrier gas inside said pipes. The constant tensioning force may be applied for example, by means of hydraulic cylinders in combination with a telescopic water-cooled sleeve.

Abstract: A spacing tool is adapted for use with a conveyor that conveys plastic bottle containers of the type having a neck ring, a neck below the neck ring, and a body below the neck. The conveyor has a pair of support flanges that are spaced laterally from one another by a distance smaller than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck ring, but larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container neck. Thus, each container can be supported between the flanges with its neck ring in engagement with upper surfaces of the flanges. The conveyor has a pair of container guide rails that are spaced from one another by a distance larger than an outer diameter dimension of each container body so that each container can move along the conveyor between the guide rails. The spacing tool comprises a spacing member having a head portion, a neck portion below the head portion, and a spacing block below the neck portion. The head portion has a first outer diameter dimension larger than the spacing between the flanges.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a material such as concrete utilizes a flexible duct connected to a hopper and includes a device that can pinch the duct. The pinching device has first and second pinch members that are movable transversely relative to the duct, and a drive member situated between the pinch members and likewise movable transversely to the duct. The apparatus also has an air injector, and a controller for timing the injection of air and the movements of the pinch and drive members so as to drive the material in the flexible duct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dusting moving printed sheets, having a reservoir body for powder, an inlet for a carrier air flow terminating in the reservoir body and an outlet from the reservoir body for the carrier air flow loaded with powder, wherein the reservoir body is at least in sections divided into a delivery chamber and a storage chamber by means of a separating wall, and the inlet and the outlet communicate with the delivery chamber, and the storage chamber is used for filling the delivery chamber.

Abstract: The slurry distributor comprises two or more square pipe sections in end-to-end relation having an inlet at one end for connection to a slurry supply and provided with discharge openings equally spaced longitudinally thereof; on each side of the square pipe for discharge of the slurry, the openings being successively obstructed manually or by deposited solids from the slurry itself piling up on the original ground level. The distributor is used to control the slurry composition for dyke building and general tailings disposal consisting of mine tailings.

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.

Abstract: A flume system for use with a floor mounted filtration apparatus and a floor mounted in-line machine section is provided. The machine section receives a flow of clean coolant from the filtration apparatus and has a series of machine outlets for outputting dirty coolant carrying particulate generated by the machine section. The system includes an elongated floor mounted flume disposed adjacent the series of machine outlets to receive the machine outputted dirty coolant. The flume has a slope of less than 2% and is coupled at an outlet end to the filtration apparatus. A discharge pipe is mounted adjacent a distal end of the flume for introducing a stream of coolant into the flume in a direction generally toward the outlet end. The stream of coolant introduced into the flume causes the flume to have an efficient hydraulic radius such that a minimal amount of coolant flows within the flume at a sufficient velocity to wash away the particulate from the flume into the filtration apparatus.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is electrically driven by a battery located on the tractor, and that is automatically controlled by a pressure sensor switch positioned for sensing the pressure of the pressurized air stream.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is pneumatically driven by an air brake system located on the tractor.

Abstract: Tree crops such as citrus fruit is harvested by a mechanical picker by advancing a series of rotating disks into the tree where the disks engage the fruit and pull it from the tree. The picker includes a housing having wheels for movement between rows of trees with a drive gearing assembly in the housing powered from a tractor. Two disk assemblies, each comprising a pair of longitudinally spaced elongated support arms having inside ends supported on the housing, have outside ends supporting a shaft extending longitudinally between the support arms. The disks are arranged in pairs at longitudinally spaced intervals along the shaft with adjacent disks of each pair having oppositely facing surfaces. The arms can be raised and lowered to force the disks into the tree canopies from top to bottom of the trees.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating particles (1) which are dispersed in a dispersion medium, whereby an ultrasonic standing wave (3) is generated by means of a composite resonator in a vessel (8) containing dispersion (2), the frequency of said wave preferably being in the neighborhood of the characteristic frequency (f.sub.o). In order to achieve, a better separation of the particles it is provided that the amplitudes (V) of the sound particle velocity which appear in the sound field are chosen slightly smaller than the upper threshold amplitude (V.sub.max), and that pressure forces on the dispersed particles (1), which result from the acoustic stream of the dispersion medium caused by applied sound, are equivalent to the longitudinal holding forces of the dispersed particles (1) in the areas of the antinodes (11) and nodes (12), and furthermore that the frequency by means of which the composite resonator is driven is as precisely as possible tuned to one of the resonant frequencies (f.sub.n).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is propagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is progpagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity.

Abstract: A sump for the deposit and removal of particulate material mixed with a fluid, comprises a first and second reservoir formed in the surface of the earth. The first and second reservoirs each have a top at the surface of the earth and extend from the surface to a predetermined depth in the earth to form a bottom. The reservoirs have a common wall portion between them from the surface of the earth to a location intermediate the surface and the predetermined depth where the common wall terminates forming an opening between the first and second reservoirs. Particulate material is deposited in one of the reservoirs so that said material is free to fill the reservoir and move through the opening to the second reservoir. Pumping apparatus is mounted in the remaining reservoir at a depth between the terminus of the common wall and the bottom.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of solids comprises a vessel having an overflow point, an inlet line for discharging solids into the vessel positioned within the vessel such that the inlet line's discharge point is lower than the vessel's overflow point, and apparatus for introducing a fluidizing fluid into the vessel. The fluidizing fluid fluidizes the solids within the vessel so that they overflow at the vessel's overflow point. For the removal of nuclear waste product the vessel may be placed within a sealed container having a bottom connected transport line for transporting the solids to storage or other sites. The rate of solids flow is controlled by the flow rate of the fluidizing fluid and by V-notch weirs of different sizes spaced about the top of the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process and system for wasting fly ash, and is specifically directed to a fly ash wasting system which provides an economical and environmentally acceptable mode of wasting fly ash which has been generated in large quantities per unit of time, as in the case of coal-burning power generating stations, which includes forming a pumpable slurry composed of fly ash and water, or fly ash, water and a supplemental additive, and forming a self-sustaining, nonleachable solid body.

Abstract: A hydraulic capsule pipelining system including a pipeline adapted for flow therethrough of water or other carrier liquid to propel cargo-containing capsules through the pipeline, and means for pumping the liquid through the pipeline utilizing a segment of length of the pipeline as a pump cyclinder and utilizing capsules passing through said pump cylinder segment of the pipeline as pistons in said segment for pumping the liquid forward through the pipeline, capsules being propelled through said segment by an externally produced electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A stacked array of inclined flumes interconnected in consecutive zig-zag fashion for cooling canned comestibles upon discharge from a canning cooker. The hot cans are introduced seriatim in a prone or rolling aspect into the upper end of the uppermost flume. Gravity and cooling water combine to transport the parallel, submerged cans down the flumes in transverse register. The rolling action continuously exposes successive portions of the cans to the heat-absorptive water and similarly mixes the cans' contents to effect even cooling. Means is provided for selective removal of heated water from the flumes and reintroduction of cooled water into the flumes at predetermined points to ensure generally uniform water temperature throughout the flumes.

Abstract: The method of transferring the material between a first and second zone having different atmospheres of a first and second fluid utilizing spaced sealing members and a liner extending between sealing members, said sealing members and liner adapted to be manipulated in a sequence to permit the material to pass from the first zone to the second zone without an admixing of the atmosphere.

Abstract: An underground mining method and apparatus which utilizes at least first and second spaced-apart shafts extending essentially downwardly into the earth and at least one lateral opening connecting the two shafts at a location below the earth's surface. An empty ore carrier is dropped into a first of said shafts and allowed to gravitationally fall towards the bottom of said shaft, its rate of descent being controlled by regulating the flow of air out of the bottom of said shaft. When the empty ore carrier reaches its stopping point in the first shaft, the carrier is transferred into the lateral opening filled with ore, then into a watertight compartment which is sealed and filled with water, and then into the second water-filled shaft. The ore-bearing carrier then floats to the earth's surface, is emptied, and returned empty to the first shaft for a repeat of the above procedure. Several carriers are kept in service at the same time.

Abstract: A flume for transporting fruit and the like such as between a sorter and a packaging apparatus and for measuring the batches of fruit into the packaging apparatus comprises a trough for accumulating the fruit and a slowly moving paddle for directing the water flow against the fruit to transport the fruit toward an exit gate. The manner of transporting the fruit permits the use of a single production line for processing fruits of varying degrees of buoyancy, such as apples and pears, without the need for using a flotation agent in connection with the latter.

Abstract: A live storage system for packages is provided in which a rack has a plurality of storage rows, each row having a slot along its base. An input lane for the packages extends along one side of the storage rack and an output lane for the packages extends along another side of the storage rack. A traveler mounted beneath the storage rack moves to positions beneath each of the rows. The traveler has an air plenum with a plurality of air jets extending through the upper surface of the plenum. The traveler has a diverter at each end to divert packages from the input lane to a storage row, and to divert packages from a storage row to the output lane. An air supply pressurizes the plenum of the traveler and the pressurized air flows through the jets in the upper surface of the traveler and through the slot in the base of each of the storage rows to create an air film along which the packages are conveyed onto and off of each storage row. An accumulating conveyor gathers slugs of packages for the storage system.

Abstract: A pneumatic hopper outlet, where the discharge conduit end cap is held in place with at least one large headed bolt which is pivotably mounted on the discharge conduit and which engages at least a portion of the end cap. The large headed bolt is attached to a vertically extending locking member of generally inverted J shape which is rotatably mounted on a side of the discharge conduit. When an operating handle attached to an operating shaft of an outlet valve element is in the position which corresponds to the fully closed position of the valve element, the lower surface of the locking member prevents movement of the operating handle and the valve element from moving from the closed position. If the valve element and its operating shaft are not in the fully closed position, the operating handle obstructs the path of the pivoting locking member and the large headed bolt cannot be pivoted into position to hold the end cap in closed position.