Abstract: A dual blower railcar discharge and conveyor system and method includes a first, relatively high pressure, low volume blower for pressurizing a railcar and a short section of discharge convey line attached to the railcar. A second, relatively high volume, low pressure blower is attached to pressurize a transport convey line. The discharge convey line is connected into the transport convey line, which is of somewhat larger diameter than the discharge convey line. With a pair of smaller blowers used in place of a single large, high horsepower blower, efficiency is enhanced and system complexity is markedly reduced.

Abstract: A low profile parallel railcar discharge adaptor is designed for connection between a discharge gate of a center discharge railroad hopper car and a pneumatic conveyor for unloading pulverulent and granular material, such as sugar and the like, from the car. The adaptor includes low profile, parallel double airlocks in a single housing mounted on a frame with an attached pair of main wheels, each of which is attached to a hydraulic jack. The frame includes members which perform the dual function of support and air passage, thus helping to minimize the profile height of the adaptor. A handle is connected to the adaptor frame, extending therefrom upward at an angle and terminating in a comfortable operating position. A pair of drive motors and a corresponding pair of gear housings are attached to the handle, with each drive motor and gear driving a respective one of the rotary airlocks via an angled universal joint. A control for the hydraulic jacks is located on the handle proximate a handle grip.

Abstract: A rotary airlock feeder is connected to transfer particulate material between a storage bin and a pneumatic convey line. The pneumatic convey line includes a pressure reducing orifice plate which produces a pressure differential in the convey line between the upstream and downstream sides of the orifice plate. Air from the upstream side flows into respective specially designed end plates of the feeder and the pressure differential between opposite sides of the orifice assures a steady purge air flow circumferentially around a pair of rotary shrouds and into the feeder. This steady air flow prevents particulate material or debris from entering cavities between the shrouds and the end plates and between the rotary shrouds and the housing walls and thus prevents such material from reaching the seals, shaft area, and bearings of the feeder and protects the rotary shrouds from premature abrasive wear.

Abstract: An airlift railcar discharge adaptor is designed for connection to a railroad car discharge opening for unloading pulverulent and granular material from the car. The adaptor includes a discharge chute and a discharge inlet mounted with a pair of wheels providing support and mobility. The wheels can be swiveled to allow precise maneuvering of the adaptor. A horizontally oriented rectangular discharge inlet connects with the chute and is adapted to be connected to the discharge outlet of the railroad car. A handle is connected to the adaptor. Each wheel is connected to a respective bell crank, which is, in turn, connected to a respective pneumatically operated cylinder. Each pneumatic cylinder is connected to an independent lever control conveniently positioned proximate the adaptor handle. The adaptor can be raised and lowered by manipulating the levers, each of which is connected to a three-way valve for charging the associated pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A diverter valve for pneumatic conveying systems comprises a pair of plates which are interconnected for relative translation. Each of the plates has at least one port therein for conveying materials through the valve. A seal ring is slidably mounted in a mating groove in a first one of the plates, and has an inner face which selectively abuts and seals against the second plate about the port therein during a material conveying position. A source of pneumatic pressure is connected with the first plate and communicates with the groove, thereby exerting pressure on an outer face of the seal ring and resiliently urging the same toward the second plate, whereby an airtight seal is formed between the ports.