Abstract: A transverse conveyor for a multi-station processing system for pin-shaped workpieces, includes a plurality of pivoted swivel arms, a pair of gripper arms being pivoted to each swivel arm. The pairs of gripper arms have mutually engaging teeth for coupling motion therebetween, and springs are provided to bias the arms closed. The swivel arms are intercoupled for mutual pivoting about their respective axes. The gripper arms are mounted for movement between pairs of adjacent processing stations. One of the gripper arms of each pair is coupled to a roller positioned to engage a circular guide, and the guide is on a pivoted lever whose displacement is controlled by a rotary cam. The rotary cam is shaped to hold the circular guide away from the roller except when the gripper arms are to be opened.

Abstract: A continuously operating gasifying vessel is supplied with a combustible particulate material from a source of such material through two cyclically operating conveying tubes each of which has a diaphragm member in its interior. The diaphragm member subdivides the interior of each of the conveying tubes into a first compartment which communicates with the supply and with the vessel, and a second compartment which surrounds the first compartment. A first valve is interposed between the source and the first compartment, and a second valve is interposed between the first compartment and the vessel. When the first valve is opened and the second closed, material is introduced into the first compartment, and when the first valve is closed and the second valve is opened, the material is discharged into the vessel at an elevated pressure. To elevate the pressure in the first compartment, a pressurized fluid is introduced thereinto.