Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing iron-based mixed powder with excellent flowability is provided. The apparatus includes a hopper which stores and discharges a main raw material of iron-based powder, a transport means which transports the main raw material of iron-based powder discharged from the hopper, a magnetizing means that applies magnetic force to the main raw material transported and falling from the transport means to process the main raw material of iron-based powder into a main raw material bundle in a crumbly type in which the main raw material of iron-based powder is agglomerated with each other, a first mixer in which the main raw material bundle in a magnetized state and an auxiliary raw material of iron-based powder are loaded and mixed while being rotated and transported, and a second mixer in which a first iron-based mixed powder is mixed while being rotated and transported.

Abstract: A dry material delivery system adapted for unloading dry bulk material from a container. The system includes a dust collector unit and a main vacuum line connected to the dust collector unit. The vacuum line is attached to a vacuum source to pull a vacuum on the dust collector unit. The system includes a discharge unit attached to the container such that the discharge unit is movable. There is a connection between the dust collector unit and the discharge unit such that the applied vacuum by the main vacuum line causes suction to pull dust from the discharge unit. The system includes a product hose connected to the discharge unit that is also attached to a product discharge of the container to allow flow of dry bulk material from the container to the discharge unit.

Abstract: A micro particle flow facilitator, includes: (a) a bourdon tube having a flexible duct capable of expanding and contracting in response to pulsations of a pressurized fluid, the duct being hollow, closed-ended and having an inlet port; and (b) a fluid pulsator for providing the pulsations of a pressurized fluid to the inlet port of the bourdon tube, the pulsator being in fluid-tight communication with the inlet port of the bourdon tube and having a fluid inlet port for connection to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A portable air abrasion device has a dispensing chamber and a flow valve for controlling the flow rate from the dispensing chamber. The flow valve includes a fluid flow chamber for receiving granular materials exiting the dispensing chamber. The fluid flow chamber has a granular materials inlet port, a fluid flow inlet port for receiving the flow of a fluid to the fluid flow chamber and a fluidized granular material exit port for dispensing a fluidized mixture of the granular material away from the fluid flow chamber. The fluid flow chamber also has a flow regulator employing a lead screw to control the flow of fluidized granular material through the fluidized granular material exit port.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conversion of biomass to oxygenated hydrocarbons. More particularly, an improved biomass feed system or process for conveying biomass to a reactor for conversion to oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The provided system or process utilizes a spool piece adapted to convey solid particulate biomass from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. The spool piece conveys the solid particulate biomass material either directly to a reactor operated at or below the higher pressure or first to a vibratory feeder and then to such reactor. The vibratory feeder can include a bowl and an outlet spout extending tangentially from the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: An appearance inspecting apparatus includes a parts feeder aligning rubber stoppers in tandem by torsionally vibrating a bowl having a spiral track formed therein, an air conveying portion conveying the rubber stoppers aligned in tandem by blowing compressed air thereto, first and second conveying tables conveying rubber stoppers by suction-holding a surface not to be inspected of the rubber stoppers, an inspecting portion inspecting a surface to be inspected of the rubber stoppers conveyed by the first and second conveying tables, and a selecting portion sorting out rubber stoppers that are determined to be defective, in accordance with the result of inspection by the inspecting portion. Objects to be inspected having a complicated shape are aligned preliminarily by using a vibration parts feeder, while highly accurate appearance inspection is conducted.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a curved deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the deck inner edge and an outer wall coupled to the deck outer edge, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber and the inner wall defines a central chamber. An inlet air plenum may be provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures may be formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, the apertures arranged in an air distribution pattern. The conveyor also includes an outlet opening communicating between conveyor and central chambers. The conveyor further includes a catch floor extending across the central chamber, the floor having a discharge opening formed therein.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a spiral deck enclosed in a housing having passageways for allowing air flow between adjacent deck tier segments. In addition, the conveyor may include two concentric spiral decks operably coupled to one another, wherein a vibratory force is capable of simultaneously advancing objects both up the first spiral deck and down the second spiral deck.

Abstract: A vibratory conveyor for transporting an object includes a deck defining a conveying surface for supporting the object, the deck having an inner edge and an outer edge. A housing has an inner wall coupled to the inner edge of the deck and an outer wall coupled to the outer edge of the deck, wherein an interior of the housing defines a conveyor chamber. An inlet air plenum is provided in fluid communication with a plurality of air distribution chambers positioned inside the conveyor chamber. A plurality of apertures is formed in the plurality of air distribution chambers, wherein the apertures are arranged in an air distribution pattern. An exhaust outlet fluidly communicates between the conveyor chamber and an air vacuum source. The conveyor may a catch floor disposed in a central chamber for receiving debris from an air stream. The vibratory force advances the debris to a discharge opening formed in the catch floor.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

Abstract: A fluid transport system with vibrators. The transport system includes a drainpipe, a feed inlet, a water inlet, at least a vibrator, and a plurality of cushions. When a highly viscous fluid transport is performed, the vibrator provides an appropriate degree of vibration to prevent the drainpipe from coating and blocking the drainpipe. The cushions are used to contain the vibration energy and to prevent the vibration from being transmitted to other devices.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26), the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: An apparatus for sending bottle caps to a remote elevated location has a first hopper for temporarily storing bottle caps. The first hopper receives a supply of bottle caps. A feeder has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the feeder is coupled with the first hopper to receive bottle caps. A second hopper for receiving bottle caps from the feeder is situated beneath the lower end of the feeder. A tube is coupled to the second hopper to receive the bottle caps. A vacuum pump has an input coupled to the tube and an output for delivering the bottle caps at the remote elevated location.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises a receptacle having a receiving opening and an insertion opening for receiving rejects, a conduit having a first end and a second end and communicating with the insertion opening, and means for providing a fluid flow in the conduit for transporting the rejects. A method of collecting and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises directing the rejects into a fluid stream whereby such rejects may be transported transporting the rejects in the fluid stream to a predetermined location in the cigarette manufacturing process, and separating the rejects from the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying powder from a container, such as an original shipping box includes a support having a vibrating unit for loosening the powder within the container. A powder pick-up tube and an attached powder pump draw powder from the container and transfer the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube includes a positively pressurized fluidization unit for locally fluidizing the powder at the pick-up tube inlet. The pressurized fluidization unit primarily assists in providing a consistent draw of powder up the pick-up tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying granular plastic materials, for example silicone granulate, including a storage tank, a device for loosening granular plastic material positioned within the storage tank, as well as a discharge device for indirectly or directly transporting granular material to an extruder antechamber. Even granular plastic materials that are difficult to pour can be conveyed in a reliable and economical way due to the process of loosening the granular plastic materials by means of a suitable device.

Abstract: A parts supply apparatus for moving individual electric parts from a bulk supply of electric parts to an outlet where a part mounting apparatus picks each part up. A parts guide path is located below the bulk supply so that the parts are moved therethrough by force of their own weight. The center of gravity of the parts supply apparatus is preferably located relatively far away from the outlet, so that vibration of the bulk supply of parts to move them into the parts guide path does not cause significant vibration of the outlet and interference with a secure mounting of the parts onto a part mounting apparatus.

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: A powder coating apparatus and method feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powder coating material to the articles, wherein the powdered coating material is mixed with a pressurized airstream that delivers the powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied to the auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied by an auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: In a device for conveying parts delivered from a parts feeder by air ejection, a part detection sensor (22) is installed near an air nozzle (12) disposed in a send-out passage (5), and vibratory motion of the parts feeder is stopped while air is ejected from the air nozzle (12) in response to a part detection signal transmitted by the parts detection sensor (22), ensuring that an excessive number of parts are not accummulated for the conveying ability of the air ejection.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor for granular materials which includes an apparatus for introducing the material into the entraining air stream. The apparatus includes a pressure vessel having means at its upper end for receiving allotments of material from an unpressurized source. Located within the vessel below the inlet is a feeder of the type having a hopper leading to reciprocating tray. The tray includes a plurality of inclined blades and provides a constant metered flow of the material between the blades to an outlet located adjacent the lower end of the pressure vessel. The lower end of the pressure vessel is connected to a transition throat leading directly to the conveying line through which passes the entraining air stream. The outlet of the feeder is spaced from the opening of the transition throat such that air pressure may pass about the exit and pressurize a lower portion of the pressure chamber outside of the feeder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying material in form of granular solids or the like includes a feeder sending the material under pressure and addition of carrier gas in a transport pipe such that its cross sectional area is only partly filled with the material. The transport pipe is subdivided by vibration compensators into several pipe sections of a length of up to several meters which are subjected to vibrations so that the wall friction between the material and the transport pipe is reduced in such a manner that at a flow pattern similar to a strand/crown flow up to a plug flow the carrier gas is charged with material to a high degree and a material layer forming at the pipe bottom is also conveyed. The pipe sections may be made of a rigid vibrating material or may be made in form of a flexible hose which is mounted on a support and either directly or indirectly subjected to vibrations.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding powder particles into a pressurized gaseous stream comprising a feed chamber having a helical particle feed channel, a reserve powder supply chamber above the feed chamber and a feed tube extended from the reserve powder supply chamber and arranged to deliver powder from the reserve supply to the bottom of the feed chamber and form a powder deposit in the central region of the bottom wall and lying within the angle of repose of the powder, a delivery duct communicating with the helical particle feed channel, and means for controlling the feed rate comprising means for controlling the vibration of the feed chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder distributor for dosing and conveying a powder up to a use apparatus. The distributor comprises a pressurized storage tank, a dosing vibrating bowl and an Archimedean screw or a valve for transferring the powder from the tank to the bowl. The putting into operation of the screw is controlled as a function of the powder level in the bowl. The vibrating bowl is placed in a tight enclosure into which is injected a carrier gas used for conveying the powder in a pipe up to the use apparatus. An accelerometer carried by the vibrating bowl makes it possible to check the weight of the powder supplied by the latter. Application more particularly to hot spray guns, such as chemical flame torches and quenches arc plasma torch guns, in a free or controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying powdered material to a spraying device in an installation for thermal spraying comprises at least one powder storage container and an injection device by which the powder is introduced into a stream of carrier gas. A buffer chamber is disposed upstream of the injection device and comprises means for controlling the level of the powder, at least one controllable feeding means being connected, by means of a control device, to the level-controlled buffer chamber.The present arrangement allows to obtain a well-defined rate of flow of powder which is constant and adjustable, from one or more powder storage containers.

Abstract: A system for assuring a more even powder flow rate in a flame spray gun. A powder metering device entrains powder into a gas. The gas with entrained powder is coupled to the flame spray gun. Vibration means, coupled to the powder and gas conduit, is provided to prevent any powder from settling in the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying or cooling bulk material of the type which includes a vibratory conveyor through which the bulk material is transported includes the improvement wherein a plurality of partition members are provided in the conveyor so as to define between them a plurality of channels, the partition members preferably having fin-tube configurations whereby the same carry a thermal transfer fluid for facilitating the heat treatment of the bulk material. Apparatus for screening the fine portion of the bulk material is provided in the channels which preferably narrow in the direction in which the bulk material is transported so that the fine portion of the material receives less thermal treatment.

Abstract: A bottom assembly for a hopper vehicle is adapted to permit safe pneumatic unloading as well as gravity unloading of a hopper. The bottom assembly includes a membrane mounted to be moved over and away from a hopper bottom opening, and sealing devices for insuring a secure seal for the hopper which can be easily set. A discharge manifold is connected to the hopper at a location spaced from the hopper bottom opening, and the hopper bottom opening is contained in a plane which is tilted with respect to the horizontal.

Abstract: Material treatment apparatus includes a vibrating conveyor and a gas flow system for fluidizing particles on the conveyor as they move through the treatment zone. Containment structure extends along the length of each side of the treatment zone and includes a side wall surface portion affixed to and movable with the conveyor and a cooperating fixed structure with an edge closely adjacent but spaced from the surface portion that defines an elongated orifice extending along each side of the treatment zone. Gas flows through each orifice and downwardly along each side wall surface towards the treatment zone and provides effective containment action that prevents particles on the conveyor from passing laterally from the treatment zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for processing a powdered or particulate product forming a vibrating fluidized bed supported by a thin, perforated bed plate which is vibrated while gas is blown upwardly through the perforations of the plate.The bed plate which is made from thin sheet metal is provided with parallel corrugations extending transversely to the direction in which the fluidized product is moved along the plate. The corrugations impart a desired stiffness to the plate and in order to promote removal of residual product from the plate when supply of product to the plate has been terminated, the openings in the plate may be formed so as to direct gas flows supplied therethrough in the same general direction transverse to said corrugations towards an outlet of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injection of powder in a metal melt, a charging container being filled by means of an ejector via a sieve for separation of coarser grains. The charging container is combined with a lance for immersion into the melt.

Abstract: Improved material treatment apparatus includes an array of nozzles extending downwardly towards pan structure arranged for the substantially horizontal conveyance of solid particulate material. Gas is flowed through the nozzles at high velocity in an array of directed downwardly gas jets. The pan structure is gas impervious and impinging gas is deflected outwardly and upwardly through the bed of particles in fluidizing action and then exhausted at low velocity such that there is no significant particle entrainment in the exhaust gas stream. The angle of gas jets to the pan structure is at a small offset from the normal to the pan structure (less than ten degrees) and the small but effective resultant horizontal component of gas velocity is effective to modify the rate of movement of the particulate material through the treatment zone while maintaining the gas jet particle fluidization and treatment action in the treatment zone.

Abstract: Coal particles are discharged from a hopper into a common, vibrating feed pan which, in turn, distributes the particles evenly across the surface thereof and delivers the particles along the length thereof to a metering trough positioned below and along a longitudinal axis which extends across the discharge end of the pan. The metering trough divides the volume of coal particles into a plurality of equal batches, each of which, in turn, drops into a mixing device where the particles become airborne and are delivered into a feed conduit from whence they are fed to a furnace burner. By controlling the rate of vibration of the feed pan, variables such as moisture content of the coal and/or air, particle size and BTU content of the coal can be compensated for to maintain a desired temperature within the furnace.

Abstract: A feeding and discharging apparatus for continuously feeding particulate material to and continuously discharging material from a chamber formed of a machine at subatmospheric pressure, e.g. a vacuum jet mill. The apparatus employs a feeding device for feeding particulate material, a discharging device for discharging particulate material, at least two feeding chambers, each having an inlet connected to the feeding device and an outlet for connection to said chamber. A valve structure is provided for closing the feeding chambers. At least two discharging chambers are provided each having an inlet for connection to the chamber formed of the machine and an outlet connected to said discharging device, a valve assembly is provided for closing the discharging chambers, each of the feeding and discharging chambers comprising a compartment for storing the material, and a pressurizing structure for producing a subatmospheric pressure in each compartment.

Abstract: A cement mixture is mixed or agitated in a hopper by rotary blades and is fed through a feed duct or chute normally imparted with vibrations from a vibrator to cement mixture receiving pockets in a rotary disk. The cement mixture in the pocket brought to an unloading position is forced to be discharged through a discharge pipe under the force of the air under pressure admitted into the pocket through a blow pipe. Since the feed duct or chute is normally vibrated, even a highly viscous cement mixture containing water can be fed through the feed duct or chute into the pockets of the rotary disk in a stable manner so that the cement mixture may be prevented from bridging across the pockets of the rotary disk, thereby not dropping into them.

Abstract: In a device for conveying parts delivered from a parts feeder by air ejection, a part detection sensor (22) is installed near an air nozzle (12) disposed in a send-out passage (5), and vibratory motion of the parts feeder is stopped while air is ejected from the air nozzle (12) in response to a part detection signal transmitted by the parts detection sensor (22), ensuring that an excessive number of parts are not accumulated for the conveying ability of the air ejection.