Abstract: A compensating flow control assembly for a solid material separator such as a magnetic separator or air wash separator. The compensating flow control assembly automatically controls or adjusts the amount of contaminated shot blast media flowing from a hopper to a rotary magnetic drum, in the case where the solid material separator is a magnetic separator, or to an air chamber in the case where the solid material separator is an air wash separator, based upon the amount of contaminated shot blast media being fed to and held by the hopper.

Abstract: A compensating flow control assembly for a solid material separator such as a magnetic separator or air wash separator. The compensating flow control assembly automatically controls or adjusts the amount of contaminated shot blast media flowing from a hopper to a rotary magnetic drum, in the case where the solid material separator is a magnetic separator, or to an air chamber in the case where the solid material separator is an air wash separator, based upon the amount of contaminated shot blast media being fed to and held by the hopper.

Abstract: An impeller for a centrifugal blasting wheel includes a base plate, a support collar, and a plurality of spaced rotor blades interconnecting the base plate and support collar. A step is formed at the inner end of the collar and the outer ends of the rotor blades which causes blasting shot to be discharged to the throwing blades of the blasting wheel in a relatively more radial direction to reduce wear of the throwing blades. The base plate also has a frustum-shaped central boss formed to minimize wear of the base plate by the blasting shot. The frustum-shaped central boss has a recess formed therein so that the head of the bolt that connects the impeller to the throwing wheel is located entirely within the recess to also reduce wear of the bolt head.

Abstract: A twist-lock assembly for locking and unlocking a feed spout and control cage in their respective operative positions on a centrifugal blasting wheel. The twist-lock assembly includes a stationary control cage adapter and a rotatable clamping plate. The control cage adapter is mounted on a side wall of the centrifugal blasting wheel housing and located at an access opening in the housing. The clamping plate is rotatable with respect to the control cage adapter for locking and unlocking the control cage and the feed spout in their respective operative positions in response to rotation thereof between a clockwise locking position and a counterclockwise unlocking position. The result is an improved assembly for quickly dis-connecting and re-connecting the feed spout and control cage to provide ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a blade to a single sided wheel plate or a pair of interconnected wheel plates. The assembly provides a repeatable, positive and even positioning location for each blade. It utilizes an ellipse that tapers outwardly from the center of the wheel along the blade connecting member that corresponds with the connecting channel on the wheel. The ellipse provides for equal and uniform contact on the entire blade connection to firmly hold the blade in place without parallel surfaces. The ellipse design provides a measured and increasing improved release in that all surfaces of the ellipse are tapered with non-parallel surfaces such that blade retention and blade removal is dramatically simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting blades into a centrifugal blasting wheel to install blades without injury to fingers or hands. The apparatus uses a rotatable blade retainer with a blade guide slot that allows each blade to be installed through the blade guide slot while other installed blades are supported by the outer surface of the rotatable blade retainer. Once all blades are safely installed, the center section of the centering plate is inserted to cover the rotatable blade retainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting blades into a centrifugal blasting wheel to install blades without injury to fingers or hands. The apparatus uses a rotatable blade retainer with a blade guide slot that allows each blade to be installed through the blade guide slot while other installed blades are supported by the outer surface of the rotatable blade retainer. Once all blades are safely installed, the center section of the centering plate is inserted to cover the rotatable blade retainer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a blade to a single sided wheel plate or a pair of interconnected wheel plates. The assembly provides a repeatable, positive and even positioning location for each blade. It utilizes an ellipse that tapers outwardly from the center of the wheel along the blade connecting member that corresponds with the connecting channel on the wheel. The ellipse provides for equal and uniform contact on the entire blade connection to firmly hold the blade in place without parallel surfaces. The ellipse design provides a measured and increasing improved release in that all surfaces of the ellipse are tapered with non-parallel surfaces such that blade retention and blade removal is dramatically simplified.