Abstract: A system for repeatedly supplying a predetermined quantity of solid particulate material, e.g. solid, spherical silicon particles, to a location remote from the area where the particulate material is stored. The system includes a container for storing solid particulate material, a receiving chamber coupled with the container and sized and configured to admit only a predetermined quantity of particulate material from the container, and means for applying at least one stream of a pressurized fluid so as to entrain and transport said predetermined quantity of particulate material from the receiving chamber to the remote location.

Abstract: A self acting pressure air pulse control valve for use with fluidizing and pneumatic conveying systems for dry particulate material comprises a housing having a chamber in which a plate type closure member and an actuating piston are disposed and interconnected by an elongated actuating rod. A spring engages the actuating rod through a pivotally supported lever and biases the closure member toward a closed position. Pressure air acts across the face of the closure member to allow the valve to crack open whereupon pressure air acting on the larger actuating piston face snaps the valve to the fully open and unrestricted flow position. A reduction in pressure of the air flowing through the valve allows the biasing spring to reclose the valve to repeat its operating cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously feeding particulate solid material into a pressurized system without pressure loss. The invention includes a rotary feeder for transferring particulate material to a high pressure system. In the feeder, chambers are filled with particulate material, and a rotor turns to empty the particulate material into the high pressure system. A compression cylinder is provided which has an inlet in communication with a high pressure chamber substantially empty of particulate material. The gas emptied from this chamber is forced by a piston in the compression cylinder into another chamber which is intially filled with particulate material at substantially atmospheric pressure. As the chamber which has been emptied of gas is brought into communication with the inlet of the feeder, any gas loss is substantially negligible because the gas is at approximately the same pressure as the inlet.

Abstract: A pressurized fluid is injected into a mass of material through at least one length of hose or other tubing of inherently resilient, elastomer material having one end closed and provided with at least one series of potential openings cut into the elastomer material along the length of the tubing so as to be normally tightly closed by reason of the resilency of the elastomer material but stretched open under the influneces of the pressurized fluid, which is introduced through the opposite end of the length of tubing. Gravity discharge of particulate material from a vessel having a hopper portion at its bottom can be effectively activated in this manner by the fluid-injection device of the invention.

Abstract: An improved method and related system for pneumatically transporting powdered or granular materials stored in an airtight storage container to a collector through a transport pipe in the form of a lengthy column in high density and at a slow speed by the use of pressurized gas. The method of the invention comprises the steps of stopping feeding of the pressurized gas when the whole of the powdered or granular materials corresponding to a final batch contained in the storage container are sent into the material transport pipe, simultaneously discharging the internal pressure of the storage container through a gas decompressing means, inserting a transport plug from the base end of the material transport pipe, and carrying forward the transport plug at a slow speed by feeding pressurized gas from the base end of the transport pipe.

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).

Abstract: An apparatus for handling communited materials including a material hopper defining a zone into which the material may be deposited, a filter device having an inlet communicating with the material depositing zone, a pump defining a chamber for receiving material from the hopper, a valve for controlling the supply of material from the hopper to the pump chamber, a device for injecting fluid under pressure into the pump chamber to flush material disposed therein through a pump outlet, a valve for controlling the supply of fluid into the pump chamber, a venting conduit intercommunicating the pump chamber and the inlet of the filter device, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the venting conduit.

Abstract: An improved method and the related system for pneumatically transporting a powder or granular material placed in an airtight storage container through a transport pipe in high density. In the invention, pressurized gas is being intermittently supplied to the airtight storage container containing the material therein so as to take out of the container and a transport plug is being synchronously fed into the base of the transport pipe, whereby the powder or granular material is successively formed into a long column inside the transport pipe and is pneumatically transported at very slow speed.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for the production of gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide from a solid fuel in a fluidized bed, the solid particles contained in the product gas are separated off in a cyclone separator and recycled to the fluidized bed by way of a recycling conduit. The recycling conduit is provided with injection nozzles for introducing gas flows into the recycling conduit in a pulse-like manner in order to loosen up the particles therein. The gas flows may be introduced into the recycling conduit in displaced relationship in respect of time in such a way that, of two adjacent injection locations, gas is injected through the injection location which is arranged at a greater spacing from the reactor at a later time than at the injection location which is closer to the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for minimizing mass flow rate fluctuations of a particulate solid fuel and gas mixture having a coal mass flow rate ranging from about 50-800 kg/m.sup.3 and a corresponding frequency range of about 0.1 to 100 Hertz transported to a reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for minimizing mass flow rate fluctuations of a particulate solid fuel and gas mixture having a coal mass flow rate ranging from about 50-800 kg/m.sup.3 and a corresponding frequency range of about 0.1 to 100 Hertz transported to a reactor.

Abstract: An accumulating and transfer unit for handling electronic devices such as integrated circuits (ICs), especially surface mounted devices (SMDs). The unit includes guideways mounted circumferentially around a central shaft between two end plates and is inclined from the horizontal to utilize gravity, in cooperation with the levitation provided by a continuous or pulsed stream of air, to move the parts longitudinally in a column from the raised end of the unit to the lower end. In one embodiment, the guideways consist of a generally U-shaped track mounted on a track support and secured with a locking plate. A pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart walls on the bottom of each track act in cooperation with the track support and the locking plate to form a channel that directs the pulsed air from a supply tube at one end of the channel to a series of spaced apart apertures formed in the bottom wall of the track disposed so that the air acts through the apertures on the ICs held in the track.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic conveyor system for powder. The conveyor system includes a powder feeder, a bent pipe, a transport pipe, a first air supply nozzle connected to an upper pipe member of the bent pipe, and a second air supply nozzle connected to a curved pipe member of the bent pipe oppositely to the lower end opening of a converging pipe portion of the curved pipe member. Alternate supply of air from the first and second air supply nozzles to the bent pipe is effected intermittently at a predetermined interval of time, so that the power is compacted and formed into a lump of clean powder plug.

Abstract: A feeder assembly comprising a feeder tube having metal rails mounted therein along which IC's can slide on the parts of their leads next to their body and at one end an adapter for guiding the IC's from a transport tube onto the rails. An opening in the feeder tube is provided for permitting pulses of gas to flow through the tube toward the end of the tube remote from the adapter so as to move the IC's to a pick-up pad at said remote end one at a time.

Abstract: In a ram press for manufacturing shells for can ends, a relatively flat shell is transferred from a tooling station to a destination. The shell is supported at the first station from the upper tooling work surface, from which it is propelled in edgewise fashion into a transfer path. The transfer path is at least partially enclosed and extends from an entrance adjacent the first station tooling toward the shell destination. An air assist mechanism is provided for acting upon the shell moving into and along the path, and includes an outlet conduit connected to a supply of air under pressure. The conduit includes an open outlet end. A valve is disposed the outlet conduit for controlling flow of air along said conduit. The outlet conduit is disposed with its outlet end at one side of the entrance to the transfer path, with the end positioned in a direction into the path, whereby air is directed along said path in the direction of movement of the object. The air facilitates movement of the shell along the path.

Abstract: An abrasive slurry supply system for use in conjunction with a polisher or grinder or the like for preparing the surface of a metallurgical specimen, the system comprising an abrasive slurry reservoir, a first source of air under pressure connected with the reservoir to force the slurry to a spray nozzle, and a second source of air under pressure connected to the nozzle to transform the slurry from a liquid to an atomized mist which is directed to a rotatable platen or lapping wheel of the polisher/grinder machine for use in the preparation of metallurgical specimens.

Abstract: A method for transporting particulates wherein the particulates are entrained in a transport air stream. An energizing air stream is introduced into the pipeline to form an air encasement stream between the inner wall of the pipeline and the transport air stream. The air encasement stream is introduced into the pipeline opposite directions to form a forward leaning movement of encasement air at a higher velocity than the transport air.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transportation apparatus utilizes a continuous supply of particulate material which is fed to an open hopper, and flows by gravity through a pneumatic sealing feed valve into a pulse drive chamber containing a series of internal gravity flow chambers. Near simultaneous timed pulses of compressed air applied to the upper and lower portions of the drive chamber forces the feed valve to a closed position. The air fluidizes the particulate material, and drives the material from the upper end of the internal gravity flow chambers through a lower drive passage and outlet check valve into a pneumatic transport line. Cessation of the air pulse reduces the pressure within the chamber to ambient. The outlet check valve is forced closed and the inlet feed valve opens, thereby admitting more particulate material and resuming the cycle.

Abstract: Method for unplugging a pipeline filled with fluid and solid material by blocking the pipeline below the plugged portion, injecting pressure pulses into the pipeline on both sides of the plugged portion until the plugged portion becomes fluidized and then forcing water into and through the plugged portion to remove the plug. The method further contemplates controlling the frequency and the phase of the injected pressure pulses to best match the length of the pipeline between the injected pulses so that the pulse applied to each side of the plug is out of phase.

Abstract: A combined storage silo and homogenizing device for powdery materials such as cement raw meal. A silo is divided into an upper storage vessel and a lower homogenizing chamber. The storage silo has a slab floor having a plurality of spaced apart openings therein which serve as outlets for the vessel and communicate with inlets for the homogenizing chamber. The homogenizing chamber includes a small pneumatic blending device having a lateral outlet in its bottom feeding blended material to a column having a top outlet for the device.

Abstract: A multiple blast aerator hopper system for handling bulk material. A plurality of blast aerators are fitted at radially spaced-apart intervals about the periphery of the hopper; the first blast aerator is positioned near the bin outlet, and each succeeding aerator is usually vertically elevated thereabove. The blast aerators are periodically fired in a timed, rotary sequence starting with the first, lowermost aerator and continuing serially with higher, radially spaced-apart aerators. Preferably each aerator includes an internal valve seat assembly which houses a resilient, dual diameter piston for axial movement between the sealing position and a rearward, aerator fill position. An external solenoid valve controls each aerator. Preferably the blast discharges of each aerator are directed downwardly, tangentially with respect to the walls of the bin or hopper on which the system is mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous mixing silo and a method of operating it for the mixing of fine-grained material. The silo has a base provided with a plurality of zones which are supplied with aerating air in chronological sequence. Individual zones of the base are supplied with additional air in a pulse-like manner at specific intervals of time to achieve intensive aeration and mixing of the material. The additional air is supplied from a storage unit for a shorter period than the aerating air. Air taken from the storage unit is replenished during the time interval between pulses.

Abstract: A cyclic or periodic event timing system for use in conjunction with a pressure fluid control circuit includes a cylinder and piston type actuator comprising a differential area piston which is exposed to fluid pressure from a flow conduit on opposite sides of a flow restricting orifice in the conduit or a branch portion thereof. The actuator piston includes a rod portion which is extended in one direction in response to an unbalanced pressure force on the piston. On the extension stroke, the actuator opens a valve to effect flow in the conduit resulting in a reduction in pressure which is sensed in the cylinder chamber exposed to the larger piston fluid area. The actuator piston then returns to an initial retracted position in response to an unbalanced pressure force.

Abstract: A storage bin activator device that directs a precise pattern of multiple instantaneous energy bursts of impact, aeration and sonic stimulation directly into bulk material within the storage bin to free same for discharge. Also disclosed is a method for restoring free flow or removing disruptive material in a storage or other containment vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles, e.g. thermoformed plastic cups along a conveyor and then removing them from the conveyor. To overcome problems of interference between closely positioned cups on the conveyor when removing them, a device is provided to accelerate cups in succession as they approach their position for removal from the device. This acceleration increases the distance between cups and permits sufficient time for their individual removal. In a practical apparatus, the accelerating device is an air nozzle to apply pressurized air along the conveyor and push along the cups.

Abstract: Each line of a multi-line machine tool installation is provided with a sluiceway for receiving coolant/lubricant liquid drained from the machine tools of the line as well as for receiving swarf from those machine tools. Flushing jets are mounted at intervals along the line for flushing swarf along the sluiceway. Liquid supply to each flushing jet is controlled by a respective shut-off valve which is normally closed. A pump drains liquid from a stream of such liquid that is being fed under pressure to the machine tools for use as coolant/lubricant during machining, and feeds that liquid to the shut-off valves under an increased pressure. The shut-off valves are opened automatically one at a time in a predetermined sequence.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the flow of a powder from a source, such as a large hopper, to the intake of a conventional machine wherein such powder is compressed into tablets. Devices are arranged along the route of powder flow so as to restrict, decelerate and depressurize such powder flow and thereby prevent its surging, compaction and/or bridging. These devices are also arranged to maintain the powder in a loose condition of uniform density.In the preferred embodiments, said devices include most or all of a return duct to the powder source, an upper filter to atmosphere, an upper baffle against which the powder is directed, a restriction, an elongated powder tube through which the powder flows, a lower baffle and a final pressure relief filter to atmosphere. Mechanism in the tableting machine receives the thusly prepared powder and forms it into tablets much faster than previously possible.

Abstract: The method of unloading bulk materials from vessels resides in a mechanical loosening of the bulk material in the intake zone by virtue of vibration with a simultaneous supply of the aerating air in the direction of the inlet opening of a taking device, the aerating air being supplied pulsewise so that the frequency of pulses is synchronized with the material vibration frequency, taking the loosened and aerated bulk material through suction, and conveying the material by the air. A device carrying this method into effect comprises a sucking nozzle connected to the material conveying device, a loosening device made fast on the sucking nozzle, and an aerator attached to the loosening device. The loosening device is made as the frustum of a cone with its smaller base facing downwards and embracing the sucking nozzle, the lateral surface of the cone being formed by a number of spaced-apart separate ribs, whereas the inlet opening or the sucking nozzle is located below the loosening device.

Abstract: A material transfer system for transferring particulate material from a first fluidized bed to a second fluidized bed includes a rectangular, vertically-aligned downcomer communicating at its lower end with a rectangular, horizontally-aligned exhaust duct. A sparger assembly having plural gas injection tubes communicates with the exhaust duct and is provided to direct horizontally spaced gas flows into the exhaust duct. A control valve coupled to the sparger assembly selectively starts and stops the flow of an activating gas to define gas flow pulses having a selected pulse duration. Particulate material from the first fluidized bed enters the downcomer through a catch pocket formed at the upper end of the downcomer and fills both the downcomer and the exhaust duct. The gas flow pulses entrain the particulate material in the exhaust duct and transport it through an outlet into the second fluidized bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding finely powdered material from a silo to a device illustratively a burner, in which the material in the silo is fluidized and extracted through a proportioning device, such as a screw or a distributor having alveoles. The material from the proportioning device, which is discharged intermittently, is supplied to a regulating tunnel where it is further fluidized and then discharged to the downstream side of a venturi whose upstream side is supplied with pressurized air. The fluidizing air in the silo and the regulating tunnel are preferably at the same pressure.

Abstract: Transmission of a slurry along a pipeline by ultrasonic sound waves introduced at an angle to the direction of flow of the slurry particles to intersect the moving particles with a forward and lifting component. Ultrasonic generators or transducers are placed along the bottom of a pipeline at preselected angles relative to the pipeline and flow of material therealong. The ultrasonic waves are in the nature of mechanical waves and may be of a given frequency for specific types of solids. The slurry for which this apparatus is particularly adapted is a slurry of coal particles in the range of approximately 30 to 70% solids by weight with a general spatial concentration of approximately 50%. The mechanical ultrasonic waves propagating in the slurry, which is an elastic body, lift the particles by the angular components of the waves and propel the particles along the pipeline by the horizontal components of the ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A control arrangement is provided to control discharges of compressed gas into vessels containing difficult to unload material comprising one or more control valves connected in operative relation to discharge valves operative to discharge compressed gas from an accumulator into the vessel. The control valves are provided with a timer for controlling the time of discharge of compressed gas from the accumulator. This timer may comprise a pneumatic, electro-mechanism and/or electronic timer. The control arrangement may also include means for applying pressure gas to discharge valves which are in operative relation with accumulator discharge devices which are not being utilized for unloading. Various arrangements for mounting the accumulators, discharge valves, conduits, and discharge devices are illustrated in connection with a railway hopper car. Certain discharge device mounting arrangements are preferred in unloading certain types of lading.

Abstract: The method of unloading bulk materials from vessels resides in a mechanical loosening of the bulk material in the intake zone by virtue of vibration with a simultaneous supply of the aerating air in the direction of the inlet opening of a taking device, the aerating air being supplied pulsewise so that the frequency of pulses is synchronized with the material vibration frequency, taking the loosened and aerated bulk material through suction, and conveying the material by the air. A device carrying this method into effect comprises a sucking nozzle connected to the material conveying device, a loosening device made fast on the sucking nozzle, and an aerator attached to the loosening device. The loosening device is made as the frustum of a cone with its smaller base facing downwards and embracing the sucking nozzle, the lateral surface of the cone being formed by a number of spaced-apart separate ribs, whereas the inlet opening of the sucking nozzle is located below the loosening device.