Abstract: A particulate vacuum collector device comprises a generally closed housing 74 including a bottom portion 140 particulate material and air inlet 90 and an air outlet 84, the inlet and outlet being above the bottom portion and the air outlet being adapted to be connected with an air suction generator 40. A perforated drum 160 within the housing screens air flow between the inlet and the air outlet while particulate material gravity falls to the bottom portion. A particulate material outlet 220 is separate from the inlet and is associated with the bottom portion of the collector.

Abstract: An arrangement for pneumatically transporting fiber material flocks through respective chutes to individual carding machines includes a duct which bounds an internal passage that communicates with the chutes, the chutes extending downwardly from the duct. A plurality of control elements is arranged in the passage, respective two of such control elements being situated between each adjacent two of the chutes. Each of the control elements has a substantially plate-shaped control member which is pivotally mounted at the bottom region of the duct, and a block member that extends substantially at a right angle to the control member remotely from the pivot axis and extends toward and into the respective chute. The control element can be pivoted into and arrested in any selected pivoted position, including a closed position in which the block member thereof substantially completely prevents the flow of the transporting medium past the same.

Abstract: An improved material flow rail construction of the type employed to transmit containers or articles from one location to another gravity force. The improved material fow rail comprises a substantially U-shaped channel within which a multiplicity of mounting bolts are attached. Individual bearing assemblies are placed on the mounting bolts. By placing the individual bearing assemblies closely adjacent one another in a longitudinal direction with respect to the support channel, the flow rail has the ability to transmit parts having very small "footprint" areas since a large space between rollers is not presented for parts or components thereof to become caught. By providing a loose fit between the bearing inner races and the supporting mounting bolts, the inner race is permitted to rotate slightly with respect to the mounting bolts thereby presenting new wear surfaces as the flow rail is put into use.

Abstract: A device that brings a vertically falling integrated circuit to a rapid, bounce-free stop at a test site includes a set of relatively lightweight blades arrayed next to the fall path with their faces in a mutually spaced relationship. At its upper end, each blade is pivotally and loosely mounted on an energy absorbing elastomeric sleeve. At its lower end, each blade carries a stop member that projects into the fall path when the blade is in a first ("test") position. The stop members are generally aligned with one another horizontally across the fall path to define a stop surface that precisely locates an integrated circuit at the test site. The device includes an arrangement for repeatedly drawing the lower ends of the blades in unison to a second ("release") position where the stop members are clear of the fall path.

Abstract: Articles having a defined geometric shape are transported from a starting to an end location by fluid flowing through a pipe system. The articles also flow through at least one jet pump which is creating the flow. Guides for the articles are provided in the pipe and within the jet pump. The articles may be subjected to heat or pressure treatment during transport. To create a predetermined pressure in a particular pipe section, a second jet pump can be positioned at the end of the section and operates in the direction opposing the action of the pump at the starting end.

Abstract: Rapid discharge extinguisher comprising a container containing an inhibition agent, especially a liquid that is vaporized when it is expanded and a pressurized gas such as nitrogen, a through cover sealing the container, and an explosive charge in order to shear the through cover, the explosive charge acting by shock wave and being disposed inside the container, adjacent to the through cover and the discharge time being about 35 milliseconds.

Abstract: The latch holding a sprinkler head valve in a closed position is released by a temperature responsive controller. The temperature responsive controller controls actuation of an explosive detonator which in turn fractures a frangible member forming a part of said latch whereby a rapid response is provided.

Abstract: The invention is a device for coupling an outlet port of a fire extinguisher containing a source of pressurized fire suppression chemical to the interior of a closed-off compartment 12 having a pierceable wall 14. The device comprises a cylinder 22 having a moveable ram portion 66 adapted to pierce the wall 14 upon the cylinder receiving the pressurized fire suppression chemical. The cylinder 22 includes first and second ends 26, 32, the first end closed off by a first wall 28, the cylinder 22 further having an inlet port 30 in proximity to the first end 26. A piston 50 is moveably mounted within the cylinder 22, forming a closed-off chamber 56 within the cylinder. The piston 50 includes a piston rod 64 coupled to the ram portion. The piston 50 further includes passages 68, 70 coupling the chamber 56 to the exterior surface of the ram portion 66.

Abstract: A fluidized bed discharge process for transferring solid particulate material from a high pressure vessel to lower pressure through successive zones of settling and transferring is disclosed, wherein said solid is maintained in a fluidized condition by the passage of a gas stream through said high pressure vessel from the base of said bed to the top of said vessel, involving conveying fluidized solid particulate material, by positive gas transfer, from a point in said vessel below the top of said bed, through the actuation of suitable valving means, to a settling zone or zones wherein said solid materials is separated from said gas which is vented back directly or indirectly into said vessel at a point above the point of conveying; upon the completion of conveying of said solid particulate material to said settling zone, actuating associated valving means to arrest all solid and gas flow to and from said settling zone; and actuating valve means associated with said settling zone to successively convey said so

Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a fire extinguisher container includes a housing defining a passageway providing communication between the container outlet and a nozzle. An elongated tubular valve stem is axially movable in the passageway between open and closed conditions with respect to a valve seat in the passageway, the stem projecting from the passageway for engagement by an actuating lever. An elongated indicating rod, shorter than the valve stem, is coaxially movable therein between extended and retracted conditions. A bias spring and the pressure in the container holds the valve stem closed, and the pressure in the container holds the indicating rod extended. A bias spring urges the indicating rod toward a retracted position. To check the pressure the indicating rod is manually depressed, the extent to which it returns to its extended condition being indicative of the magnitude of the pressure in the container.

Abstract: A particulate matter conveyor includes an elongate outer tube having an inlet end and an outlet end, an inner tube disposed within the outer tube to extend substantially the length thereof and formed of a resilient helically wound wire spring, with the inner tube having a proximal end disposed generally adjacent to the inlet end of the outer tube for receiving gas supplied under pressure and a distal end disposed generally adjacent to the outlet end of the outer tube, and an opening formed near the inlet end of the outer tube through which particulate matter may be introduced into the interior of the outer tube. Gas supplied to the inner tube escapes from between the coils of the wire spring in a spiral-like fashion to carry particulate matter along the inside of the outer tube to the outlet end therof.

Abstract: The flow restrictor (10) comprises a resilient and flexible porous membrance (12) over an air inlet port (18). In one embodiment an impervious member (130) is attached to the lower surface of the membrane over the air inlet port. The membrane balloons due to air flow through the inlet which greatly increases its effective cross sectional area as air flows into the plenum chamber. When air flow stops gravity and/or air pressure from the container forces the membrane against the seat (118) and the effective cross section of the membrane is reduced to approximately that of the inlet port.

Abstract: Improvements to the various components of hydrostatic bearing levitation systems, systems wherein fluid pressure between a load and the rails of a track system supports and guides the load, are described. The rail has a plurality of lengthwise extending ports and nozzles communicating from the innermost ports through the curved upper wall to the interface area between the rail and the load. The nozzles are arranged in longitudinally aligned groups and in a pair of parallel rows with the groups of one row being longitudinally staggered with respect to the groups of the other row. The nozzles can be inexpensively produced by boring an oversize hole through the upper wall and fixing a cannula, such as a hypodermic needle, in the bore. The cannula's internal diameter is the desired nozzle diameter. The load support member has a compliant outer cover, a central core, and a filler material wound tightly on the core.

Abstract: A separating chute system providing two discharge passage routes includes an inner chute having an upper chute section in the shape of an inverted frustrum of a cone, and a lower chute section. A pair of outer chutes are shaped to cover the outer periphery of the inner chute and are disposed around the outer surface of said inner chute. A first discharge chute mounted below the lower chute section of the inner chute is inclined radially outwardly of the inner chute, and a second discharge chute mounted below the pair of outer chutes collects weighed articles passing through the outer chutes into one passage and discharges them to the outside.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for removing small quantities of fiber or like material from a plurality of bales of the same arranged in rows. The apparatus comprises angularly arranged conduits, one end of which is maintained in sealing relation to another and mechanism for moving up and down one of the conduits for removing the fiber from the bales. Improved sealing means for the mechanism comprises generally flat strips of material spanning and sealing slots in the upper surfaces of the conduits together with means to run under the strip of material without losing the seal. One of such mechanisms seals the two conduits together and the other such mechanism carries the actual pickup mechanism and seals it to the conduit up and down which it reciprocates. All of the mechanisms are under control of an operator who walks up and down the aisles between the rows of bales.

Abstract: A process for the transport of powdered or particulate material from a container, such as a tank of a ship, via its upper opening to a separately disposed delivery location. The transport occurs with a transport apparatus which is provided with a feed head (31) for the detachment and feeding of material to the transport apparatus at its material intake end. The feed head pushes the material laterally inwards into the lower end of an upwardly directed transport pipe (30) just above an upwardly directd air current for fluidizing of the material gradually as it is pushed into the transport pipe and for transport of the material in the height direction through the transport pipe in a fluidized condition. The feed head is preferably provided with two diameterially opposite material feed openings for pushing the material from opposite directions towards the central axis of the transport pipe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically transporting objects, including particulate material such as coal, along a conduit. A supporting material such as a quantity of flexible fibres are mixed into a liquid and their tendency to flocculate therein is utilized to create a network which will support the objects in the liquid. The objects can be supported in the mix while it is pumped along a conduit, for example a pipe, to thus transport the objects. At the outlet a separation means removes the objects from the mix of liquid and supporting material.

Abstract: An improved spraying device (10) is disclosed for dispersing a liquid over a preselected surface. The device (10) comprises a frame (13) provided with a pair of rotatably mounted wheel members (19) and a connector for releasably engaging a drawing vehicle. A supply tank (12) is mounted on the frame (13) for holding the liquid to be dispersed, and a pump (50) is provided for pumping the liquid from the supply tank (12) to liquid dispersing units. The liquid dispersing units comprises at least one sprayer bar (28) mounted on the frame (13) and, in one embodiment, a hand held sprayer (83). Further, in one preferred embodiment, the device (10) is provided with agitator an for mixing the contents of the supply tank (12).

Abstract: A fire retardant mixing and drop system for use with aircraft including a reservoir for holding fire retardant concentrate, a bucket, an injection and agitation or mixing system, and a dumping system for dumping fire retardant on a fire.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for moving granular matter is described which comprises a first cyclonic separator for receiving granular matter conveyed by an air stream from a first location and a secondary cyclonic air cleaner for removing dust and abrasive particles from the air stream prior to passage thereof into the intake of the blower. The granular matter received by the first cyclonic separator passes through a rotary valve to a duct where it is conveyed to a second location by a high pressure air stream from the outlet of the blower.