Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for isolating circulating tumor cells from a peripheral blood supply in order to diagnose early stage cancer and/or evaluate tumor status. In one example, a system for capturing circulating tumor cells includes a substrate having a cell-capturing region, the cell-capturing region having a curved, switchback-like shape and including an array of micropillar structures within the curved, switchback-like shape.

Abstract: A tubular or cylindrical unit that creates a vortex effect with externally supplied pressurized fluid injected angularly within a transport structure is provided. Such a unit is utilized to either accelerate the vacuum and/or air conveyance of liquids, solid aggregates, and gases, reduce the energy required for such materials transport processes, or both. Such a result is achieved through the introduction of pressurized fluid via a plurality of injectors situated evenly around the circumference of the subject tube, pipe, and/or cylinder, and angled uniformly for an even pressure injection of fluid within the conveyance component thereof. In effect, through such injection of pressurized fluid, the overall transport system may be operated at significantly reduced cost while increasing the efficiency of overall vacuum and air conveyance systems simultaneously. The method of utilization of such a device is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for sorting a cell. The system may comprise a flow channel configured to transport a cell through the channel. The system may comprise an imaging device configured to capture an image of the cell from a plurality of different angles as the cell is transported through the flow channel. The system may comprise a processor configured to analyze the image using a deep learning algorithm to enable sorting of the cell.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for isolating circulating tumor cells from a peripheral blood supply in order to diagnose early stage cancer and/or evaluate tumor status. In one example, a system for capturing circulating tumor cells includes a substrate having a cell-capturing region, the cell-capturing region having a curved, switchback-like shape and including an array of micropillar structures within the curved, switchback-like shape.

Abstract: Provided herein is a collection device for collecting nano particles conveyed in a fluid including: a fluid duct having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a fluid propelling element propelling said fluid through the fluid duct, and a collection element which is arranged in said fluid duct for the collection of nano particles conveyed in said fluid. The collection element includes a collection surface and an enhancement structure arranged in connection with the collection surface. The nano particles are deposited in the region of said collection surface and said enhancement structure and the collection surface with the enhancement structure enhances the spectral properties of said nano particles for a facile analysis of the amount of collected nano particles.

Abstract: The invent on relates to a device for producing starting materials, combustible substances and fuels from organic substances. Said device comprises a reactor (10) that comprises a feeding device (11) for the organic substances, a discharge device (12) for the reaction products, and a device (13) for supplying reaction energy for the transformation of organic substances into the reaction products. The invention is characterized in that the reactor (10) comprises a device (14) for forming a circulating flow inside the reactor.

Abstract: A transfer pump for moving pellets of adhesive includes a pump housing with an adhesive inlet coupled to a supply hopper, an adhesive outlet coupled to an outlet hose, and an adhesive passage extending between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet. A first air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage adjacent the adhesive inlet and expels a first air jet that pushes pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage. A second air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet and expels a plurality of second air jets that draw pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage by a vacuum force. The first and second air nozzles prevent clogging of pellets in the adhesive passage and enable movement of larger pellets than either air nozzle individually.

Abstract: A nozzle and process are set forth for contacting a cryogenic liquid and a gas, and discharging the resulting fluid through the nozzle. In one embodiment, the ratio of the discharged fluid's liquid component to its gaseous component is controlled as a function of the gas pressure.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: The present application provides a solids feeder in communication with a flow of solids and a flow of a conveying fluid. The solids feeder may include an outlet channel with the flow of the solids therein and a discharge port in communication with the outlet channel. The discharge port further may include an inlet in communication with the flow of the conveying fluid and a flow channel. The flow channel may include a reduced cross-sectional area about the outlet channel as compared to the inlet.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: A rock dusting or aggregate distributing apparatus is provided having a cylindrical tank body connected to an air supply unit. A circular member is disposed within the cylindrical tank body between the top member and the bottom member to divide the cylindrical tank body into a top portion and bottom portion, the circular member is configured to inject air from the bottom portion into the top portion in a substantially circumferential direction with respect to an axis of the cylindrical tank body to disperse rock dust or aggregate.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: There is described a method for the removal of a contact lens (30) from a container (10), with a contact lens (30) being immersed in a liquid (20) which is held in a container (10), and the contact lens (30) being removed from the container (10) together with at least a portion of the liquid (20) through a removal tube (3) which is dipped into the liquid (20) within the container (10). First the container (10) containing the liquid (20) and the immersed contact lens (30) is closed pressure-tight with a lid (2), which comprises the removal tube (3) and a pressure tube (5). Both, the removal tube (3) and the pressure tube (5), are guided through the lid (2). After the closing of the container (10) with the lid (2) an overpressure is applied to the interior of the closed container (10) through the pressure tube (5). The overpressure is applied such that the contact lens (30) and the liquid (20) are pressed into the removal tube (3) and removed together therethrough.

Abstract: The vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of the present application creates a vortex from blown and/or pressurized air rotating along the inner wall of an outlet tube to convey particles through a vacuum created within the center of the outlet tube at a relatively high flow rate and pressure. Without the blown and/or pressurized air molecules taking up space and colliding with the particles in the center of the outlet tube and because of the strong suction created by the vortex of air rotating along the inner wall of the outlet tube, the efficiency of the vortex pneumatic conveyance apparatus of this application is improved relative to well-known pneumatic conveyors in which air merely pushes the particles within an outlet tube.

Abstract: A system includes a fluidization device including a flow passage configured to convey a flow of solid fuel particles in a downstream direction, and a body disposed within the flow passage. The body is configured to direct the flow of solid fuel particles between the body and an outer wall of the flow passage. The fluidization device also includes a carrier gas injection port positioned radially outward from the body. The carrier gas injection port is configured to provide a flow of carrier gas in the downstream direction to break up agglomerations within the flow of solid fuel particles.

Abstract: A fluid spray nozzle for spraying fluid, satisfying a formula (r?r0)?L tan 35°, wherein r0 is a radius of a section having a minimum area of the nozzle when cut perpendicular to a spray direction of the fluid; and r is a radius of cross-sections of an upstream side and a downstream side of the spray direction from the section having a minimum area with a distance of L.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: Palletized materials are delivered in controlled quantity into a pulse modulated air stream. A vortex of compressed air gates the pellets into flexible small diameter tubing for transit to a hot melt adhesive application apparatus. Pellets of different materials, sizes, and shapes can be combined in a defined ratio within several seconds of melting at the application point. Pellet delivery air can be utilized for spray application of the melted material.

Abstract: In a dredging apparatus, a suction head relocates matter by sucking particulate matter from a bed of a body of water. The suction head includes a first conduit (C1) having an inlet; a second conduit (C2) having an inlet and an outlet, connected in series with C1. The C2 outlet opens to the C1 inlet via a mixing region. A third conduit (C3) has an inlet and an outlet, the latter opening to C1 via a restriction and the mixing region. A fluid may be fed under pressure through the C3 inlet and conveyed to the mixing region via the restriction, reducing the pressure of the fluid passing into the mixing region, the reduction causing matter to be sucked through the C2 inlet and conveyed though C2 to the mixing region, the matter being entrained with the fluid and exiting the mixing region via C1.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: Palletized materials are delivered in controlled quantity into a pulse modulated air stream. A vortex of compressed air gates the pellets into flexible small diameter tubing for transit to a hot melt adhesive application apparatus. Pellets of different materials, sizes, and shapes can be combined in a defined ratio within several seconds of melting at the application point. Pellet delivery air can be utilized for spray application of the melted material.

Abstract: An arrangement for the contactless transport of flat substrates, particularly of square or rectangular plates having high breakability along a transport path, is provided. With the arrangement, the substrates can be reliably accelerated, transported and slowed down even in the overhead position, independently from the ambient atmosphere and ambient temperature. This is achieved by a plurality of Bernoulli grippers being arranged on both sides along a transport path at a distance behind each other such that the substrate to be transported covers the Bernoulli grippers on both sides of the transport path only partially. The Bernoulli grippers each create a gas flow rotating clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the substrate and directed in the transport direction, wherein the Bernoulli grippers of each pair create each a differently rotating gas flow. Mechanical lateral guide elements are provided on both sides of the transport path.

Abstract: A dynamic blower system for applying a shredded foil radiant barrier while minimizing damage to the shredded foil. The system uses a high-volume air blower. The foil spends minimum time in the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting fines carryover in the form of a settlement tank comprising: a filter which divides the tank into upper and lower portions; a fluid inlet in the lower portion for admitting into the tank a fluid with entrained solids; and a fluid outlet in the upper portion through which filtered fluid can leave the tank. The filter comprises filter media supported on a permeable wall, the wall including a filter media outlet which is normally closed, and opening means for opening the filter media outlet to allow the filter media to discharge into the lower portion of the tank. The invention also relates to a method of refilling the filter with filter media.

Abstract: To ensure that the support force which is dependent on the pressure of a support fluid is essentially the same also in the edge area of an article (9), especially sheets of (flat) glass, which is to be held or transported, as the support force in the middle area of the surface of the article (9), the device (1) as claimed in the invention on at least one support wall (3 or 5) provides for feed openings (21) to which drain openings (23) are directly assigned.

Abstract: The catching nozzle according to the invention for a powder conveying device has a tubular powder flow duct and a shoulder, with which the position of the catching nozzle is predetermined in the powder conveying device and that is arranged between a upstream catching nozzle section and a downstream catching nozzle section. The shoulder has a duct for dosage air, wherein the duct connects the upstream catching nozzle section to the downstream catching nozzle section. The downstream catching nozzle section is developed such that it forms, with a hose socket that can be pushed over the downstream catching nozzle section, another duct for dosage air in order to lead the dosage air up to the downstream end of the catching nozzle.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying flexible fabric items such as uniforms and table linens has a pair of side outlets at each discharge location to enhance the discharge capacity. Each side outlet is provided with a gate to open and close the outlet. A hopper having a chute receives the items discharged through the corresponding outlet. A sling cart or other bin underlies each chute. When a cart is full, hopper doors can be closed to allow the hopper to serve as a temporary holding bin while the conveying system continues to operate without interruption as the full cart is moved and replaced by an empty cart.

Abstract: A pellet loader according to the present invention is provided with an ejector portion 1. A gas supply pipe 2 is connected to an injection nozzle 11 of the ejector portion 1 for supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas source 8. An insert pipe 4 is connected to a suction inlet 12 of the ejector portion 1. Pellets are sucked from the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 into the ejector portion 1. A gas pipe 5 is arranged along the insert pipe 4 and one end of the gas pipe 5 has an opening 50 positioned at the vicinity of the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 and faced to the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 for injecting the compressed gas into the insert pipe 4. A transport pipe 3 is connected to an outlet portion 14 of the ejector portion 1.

Abstract: Apparatus for pneumatically metering flowable solids products to a conveying air stream without using mechanical metering devices. The apparatus includes an eductor receiving product from a hopper and connected to an air supply that is automatically adjustable in response to the weight of the product to produce a selected product flow rate.

Abstract: An ejector is configured to generate a high negative pressure capable of sucking and conveying fine metal pieces or chips, such as machinings or cuttings, for example, when using the ejector as a driving source for a fluid conveyor. The ejector includes a convergent-divergent nozzle having a throat formed between a suction port and a discharge port. Jet blowing holes are formed in the convergent-divergent nozzle to direct a jet stream from upstream of the throat to downstream of the throat, thereby forming a negative pressure. Pressure control holes open to the downstream of the jet blowing holes and are configured to communicate with a pressure space at a pressure level higher than a negative pressure formed by the jet stream and lower than a static pressure of the jet stream and the inside of the convergent-divergent nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying a solid (2) in a conveying medium (15), said solid (2) being delivered to a container (5) with outlet (7). The solid (2) is in this case dispersed in the transport liquid (15) without the aid of any mechanically driven parts and is introduced into the conduit (4).

Abstract: An injector for a powder coating installation having an injector casing made of electrically non-conductive material, such as plastics. The interior surface and the exterior surface of the injector casing are coated with coatings of electrically conductive material, the coating of the exterior surface and the coating of the interior surface being electrically insulated from each other by interruptions. A means for tapping the friction charges is passed from the interior surface and out of the injector casing to a measuring instrument for measuring the charge current. The exterior surface of the injector casing is provided with a ground connection for establishing contact between the exterior surface and ground potential. In this manner the very small friction charge currents can be detected during operation of the injector without being affected by electromagnetic disturbances from outside.

Abstract: A sleeve (50) for forced immersion of an article including a tubular body (52) defining an article travel passage, and at least one fluid inlet (58) for establishing an article drive stream. The passage defined by the body is generally tubular. The sleeve has means (58, 60) for establishing a helical stream of liquid inside the passage flowing at the periphery of the passage. The apparatus is applicable to filling a container with fruit.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for conveying particulate material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of materials and air surrounded by a boundary layer flow of air, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other preferred embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.

Abstract: A continuous supply of scrap material from a papermaking or converting process is transferred by a venturi inducer system including a housing surrounding a tubular intake duct which defines with the housing an annular air chamber connected to receive pressurized air from a motor driven blower. The housing has a tapered or frusto-conical portion connected to a tapered material outlet duct and which cooperates with the inner end of the intake duct to define an annular nozzle opening. Long adjustable bolts connect the intake duct to the housing outboard of the housing and provide for externally adjusting the intake duct axially for precisely selecting the area of the nozzle opening to optimize the air flow through the nozzle opening for pulling and transferring the material while minimizing the electrical power required to operate the blower motor.

Abstract: A pressure control means comprising a jet pump (1) whose pressure state in a branch flow duct (4) may be changed by means of a choke (6), which influences the spent air flow from the jet pump (1). This renders possible a rapid and stepless variation of the pressure state in the branch flow duct (4).

Abstract: A loading apparatus includes a loading tube with an input end and an output end, the input end positioned between three and six feet above a surface, the output end positioned between six and twenty feet above the surface. The surface is sufficiently strong to support a concrete mixer. The loading tube further comprises at least one nozzle positioned at the loading tube between the input end and the output end, the nozzle disposed so that air passing through the nozzle into the loading tube flows toward the output end. A valve is connected with the at least one nozzle, disposed to permit and deny air flow through the valve to the at least one nozzle. To use the apparatus, the loading tube and a concrete mixer are positioned so that the fill opening of the mixer is below the output end. Air is caused to flow through the at least one nozzle. A predetermined number of water-soluble bags of material are counted, and the bags are placed, one by one, into the input end of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying solids from a process vessel in which the vessel has a plurality of eductors sequentially oriented end-to-end from a vessel inlet to the vessel outlet. Conveying fluid enters the inlet drawing bulk particulates via the eductor series through the outlet.

Abstract: A method for mixing a pulverulent material in a main gas flow with a view to achieving uniform distribution of the pulverulent material. The turbulence in the main gas flow is increased in a vortex-generating zone. The pulverulent material is introduced into the main gas flow, in a mixing zone, with a carrier gas flow whose net motion during introduction is essentially opposite to the main gas flow. The mixing zone is positioned downstream of the vortex-generating zone and in the vicinity thereof. The carrier gas flow with the pulverulent material is in a rotational zone given a helical motion, whose axis of symmetry is essentially parallel with the direction of flow of the main gas flow, and is introduced into the mixing zone in the form of a divergent hollow cone. A device for carrying out the method comprises a gas duct (1) for the main gas flow with vortex-generating means (4) and an introducing means (11) for introduction of pulverulent material in dispersed state into a carrier gas flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for directing particulate material (22) into a moving gas stream includes a delivering of the particulate material (22) from a particulate reservoir (24) along a delivery direction (118) into a housing (30) having a housing axis (32). A housing gas flow is introduced into the housing (30) through at least one entry gas port (40) that has been provided in the housing (30). The housing gas flow is arranged to combine with the particulate material (22) that is delivered from the particulate reservoir (24). A swirling motion is imparted to the housing gas flow, and the swirling motion has at least a rotational component (110) of movement which is directed substantially circumferentially about the housing axis (32).

Abstract: The invention is a pneumatic delivery line of a type used for distributing seeds or fertilizer. The pneumatic delivery line is guided to the distributor in an essentially vertical manner. The delivery line includes a flat tube bend at some point along its length. The delivery line may have an unevenly constructed inner wall.

Abstract: Powder-coating equipment comprises two throttles (6, 16) each mounted in one of a conveyance-air line (8) and a supplemental-air line (18). The throttles' flow impedance’ are adjustable in a motorized manner by providing throttle with its own adjustment motor (4, 14). The adjustment motors, such as electric stepping motors and/or servo-motors are driven by an electronic control unit (2).

Abstract: A method and device for pneumatically transporting bulk material including a plurality of supply elements spaced along a conveyor line. These elements provide an additional gaseous medium as a booster fluid. The supply elements are automatically and individually controlled via velocity measurements taken near the elements.