Abstract: A method for clearing natural gas service lines includes providing an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared. The vacuum clearing unit is then operated, thereby drawing any debris present in the gas line through the unit and into one of the plurality of waste barrels.

Abstract: A truck mounted vacuum system for clearing natural gas service lines includes an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared.

Abstract: A demand responsive central vacuum system having a vacuum producer driven by a variable speed motor and connected to a piping system having inlet ports located in areas to be cleaned. Wet and dry separators are connected in tandem in the piping system between the inlet ports and the vacuum producer. A flow switch detects when a flow condition is present in the piping system indicating that the vacuum system is in use and provides a signal to a controller which increases the operational speed of the drive motor and opens a bleed valve connected to the piping system to bleed air into the piping system.

Abstract: A regenerative blower having an impeller casing and an integral silencer casing separated from the impeller casing by a dividing wall. The impeller casing cooperates with a rotary impeller to define a generally annular fluid chamber having opposite end portions terminating at fluid inlet and outlet openings in the dividing wall opening into the silencer casing. Resilient compressible acoustic material contained within the silencer casing defines inlets and outlets fluid passageways respectively communicating with the inlet and outlet openings. A reversible flange plate forms a closure for the silencer casing. A first set of conduit fittings project from one side of the plate and a second of conduit fittings project from the opposite side of the plate and communicating with the first set through the plate. The first set of fittings is adapted for connection to threaded pipe. The fittings of the second set provide tubing or hose connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering liquid from liquid contaminated small articles of manufacture has a housing which defines upper and lower chambers separated by an inclined perforated plate. A vacuum producer withdraws air from the housing causing liquid contaminated articles discharged from a production machine to be drawn into the housing through a flexible suction hose. Liquid contaminated articles entrained within the incoming airstream enter the housing, strike a target plate, and drop onto the perforated plate. Liquid drains from the articles, passes through the perforated plate, accumulates in a sump in the lower portion of the housing and is pumped to a recovery station. An access opening in the housing facilitates removal of the articles from the housing.

Abstract: A separator assembly includes a tubular bag separator having a cylindrical casing and supported in an axially vertical position by an upright stanchion mounted on an associated support base. The separator is used in combination with a disposable drum positioned under the separator. A manually operable jack elevates the separator and maintain it in a raised position above the height of an associated drum to facilitate drum removal and replacement. The stanchion is releasably retained in vertical position and foldable to a horizontally disposed position to facilitate transporting and storing the separator assembly.

Abstract: A bag separator having a bag housing containing a moveable bag head supporting a plurality of depending filter bags includes a bag shaker which may be readily provided for either manual or power operation. Parts of the shaker mechanism are common to both the manually operated bag shaker and the power driven bag shaker so that a manually operated bag shaker may be easily retrofitted for power operation.

Abstract: A cyclone separator having a manually operable bag shaker mechanism including a vertically oriented shaker rod supported on the top wall of the separator housing for vertical reciprocal and rotational movement relative to the separator housing. A filter bag disposed within the housing is suspended from a shaker bar mounted in fixed position on the lower end of the shaker rod. A compression spring received on the shaker rod acts between the top wall and a knob secured in fixed position to the upper end of the shaker rod. When the spring is compressed and released in its compressed position in response to a downwardly directed force on the knob a plurality of shaking cycles are produced which dislodges dust and other caked particulate material from the filter bag. The knob may be turned in either direction about its axis to twist the filter bag and thereby dislodge material from it.

Abstract: A vacuum producing apparatus includes a bag separator having a cylindrical housing containing a plurality of filter bags supported by and extending between upper and lower bag heads. A radially disposed inlet conduit projects through the wall of the separator below the lower gab head to direct incoming air toward an expendable target plate releasably retained in depending relation to the lower bag head. A multi-stage blower connected to the separator evacuates air from it and has a mounting base which comprises a silencer and defines an exhaust passageway communicating with the interior of the blower casing for discharging air from and below the casing.

Abstract: A tool for pressing a bearing onto a shaft includes a threaded rod for connection to the shaft and an elongated tubular presser member coaxially received on the rod. A nut threaded on the free end of the rod is rotated to move the presser member in pressing engagement with a bearing to be seated on the shaft. A presser bearing assembly received on the free end of the shaft between the nut and the presser member enables the nut to turn freely on the rod and relative to other parts of the installation tool and the shaft. A plurality of presser plates adapt the tool for use in installing bearings in a wide range of sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering dust particles from air has a bag head and a bag assembly which includes a filter bag and a skeletal bag frame received within the bag. A cylindrical bag frame collar secured to the upper end of the bag frame threadably engages a cylindrical bag head collar which depends from the bag head. Threads on the head collar are formed by rods tack welded to the outer surface of the collar. The bag frame collar receives the head collar therein and has two rivets and an adjustable bolt equiangularly spaced and projecting radially inwardly to engage the threads on the head collar. The bolt serves to lock the two collars in assembly and prevent relative rotation and loosening due to vibration.