Abstract: An overpressure absorption mechanism is provided for a fluid bed processor. The mechanism includes spring assemblies mounted in the legs of the processor. The arms of the lower housing section extend into the legs and are supported on the springs. If an overpressure condition arises within the processor, the springs compress to allow movement between the housing sections to allow engagement of clamping rings which contain the over pressure condition.

Abstract: An overpressure absorption mechanism is provided for a fluid bed processor. The mechanism includes spring assemblies mounted in the legs of the processor. The arms of the lower housing section extend into the legs and are supported on the springs. If an overpressure condition arises within the processor, the springs compress to allow movement between the housing sections to allow engagement of clamping rings which contain the over pressure condition.

Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.

Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.

Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.

Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus and method is provided for cartridge filters in a fluid bed processor. A cleaning solution duct is coupled to the air pulse tube so as to supply a mixture of pressurized air and cleaning liquid to the inside of the filter cartridge. The pressure forces the cleaning solution and air outwardly through the filter cloth to remove particles from the interstitial pores of the cloth. The cleaning liquid also flushes the interior and the exterior surface of the cloth. The lower end of the filter includes a cap which is normally closed, and which can be opened to allow drainage of cleaning liquid from the interior of the cartridge filter.

Abstract: A sampling device for a fluid bed processor includes a body inserted into the wall of the container. A sample receiver is removably attached to the sampling body. The body has a passageway extending between the process container and the receiver. A vacuum source is applied to the passageway to draw a material sample from the container through the passageway for deposit into the receiver.

Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.

Abstract: A fluid bed dryer granulator which can be unloaded by moving the support screen downwardly relative to the product chamber so that the product can be moved radially out of the device. Portions of the machine can be pivoted so as to allow rapid and thorough cleaning of the device.

Abstract: A novel filter system for fluid bed granulator/dryer machines which utilizes pleated filter elements that can be stacked end to end so as to remove material from the exhaust air and wherein a number of filter elements can be mounted parallel to each other and end to end to obtain the desired filter capacity. In a first embodiment, the filters extend horizontally across the machine and in the second embodiment they extend it in a slanted plane across the machine. The filters can be cleaned by alternately providing reverse air flow through them.