Abstract: A device for attenuating energy along a conduit, comprising a first member having an essentially semi-cylindrical outer surface and a first cavity extending substantially longitudinally from end to end. A second member having an essentially semi-cylindrical outer surface is provided, with the outer radii of the first and second members being the same. The second member also has a longitudinally extending cavity. When the two members are secured to one another to form the device, the two cavities face one another to form a bore that extends from end to end and has respective opposed tapered portions having a circular cross-sectional configuration that decreases in diameter inwardly. The bore also has a central, cylindrical portion disposed between the tapered portions and having an axial length that is no greater than one third of the overall axial length of the device.

Abstract: A device for attenuating energy along a conduit, comprising a first member having an essentially semi-cylindrical outer surface and a first cavity extending substantially longitudinally from end to end. A second member having an essentially semi-cylindrical outer surface is provided, with the outer radii of the first and second members being the same. The second member also has a longitudinally extending cavity. When the two members are secured to one another to form the device, the two cavities face one another to form a bore that extends from end to end and has respective opposed tapered portions having a circular cross-sectional configuration that decreases in diameter inwardly. The bore also has a central, cylindrical portion disposed between the tapered portions and having an axial length that is no greater than one third of the overall axial length of the device.

Abstract: A feed shoe having at least one feed chamber with an open bottom portion and an open front portion whereat a gate is provided. The gate can be vertically adjustable and can have a lower edge defining a leading edge of the feed chamber, wherein the leading edge can have a flat, serrated, or rounded profile depending upon the type of feed material used. The gate, or a separate main gate adjacent the gate, can have a flat, curved, or V-shaped inner surface facing the feed chamber, wherein a lower portion of the inner surface can have a stepped profile which shears the material in the feed chamber in separate planes. The feed shoe can further include an attachment portion adapted for adjustably retaining an end of at least one material feed delivery member in communication with said at least one feed chamber.