Abstract: A multiple slot jet cleaner for removing the small particles of foreign matter that remains with cotton lint after separating the cotton from the seeds and larger foreign matter. The multiple slot jet cleaner uses a series of slots in the wall of a curved conduit used for transporting air having a mixture of cotton and trash. Additional air enters the conduit through the first slot at one of the curves and a portion of the trash exits out the slot due to the turbulence created by the entering air and the effect of the curved conduit. After the slot, some or all of the additional air is removed from the conduit through a discharge opening and then conveyed to a fan where it is delivered to other slots for injection into the conduit to repeat the process for the first slot. In this manner, the operator of the jet cleaner can obtain the benefits of the increased injection of air without the problems associated with handling that air in equipment downstream of the jet cleaner.

Abstract: A tube density separator and method for use in a cotton gin to separate cotton from a pneumatically conveyed mixture of cotton and foreign materials has a generally vertical tube for receiving the mixture and separating out the foreign material from the cotton. The bottom of the tube is larger than the outlet of the pipe transporting the mixture so the velocity of the flow will be reduced and turbulence created. This action causes the heavier foreign matter to separate from and drop out of the cotton/foreign matter mixture. One or more dispersal rods are placed inside the tube to interact with the flow of material up the tube. The dispersal rods further break apart the clumps and wads of cotton and foreign matter to facilitate the separation action. The separated out foreign matter is collected at the inlet area of the tube. A supply of air, which can be skimmed from the air flow up the tube, conveys away the foreign matter from the tube.

Abstract: A column of fast moving air with entrained seed cotton is jetted upward from a nozzle in the bottom of a fountain dryer. The column will remain intact until it hits the top of the fountain dryer. At the top, the column will disburse and the mixture of air with entrained cotton will return to the bottom of the dryer in an annulus between the column and the wall of the dryer. There will be an interface of the upward column with the downward annulus. The opposing flows will be roiled and cause turbulence at the interface between the upward column and the downward annulus. The rolling and turbulence will be increased along the walls of the vessel by structure which will reverse the direction of the downward flow of the cotton. The downward flow of the cotton is collected in an annular plenum surrounding the bottom of the column and is directed to an outlet duct. The outlet duct and the annular plenum with the inlet at the center thereof, form a banjo separator.