Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for transporting articles held within a liquid medium from one location to another. Apparatus according to the invention comprise a hopper having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall extending therebetween. The bottom end includes an opening therein, and the hopper is adapted to receive the articles and the liquid medium. A means is provided for injecting an amount of the liquid medium into the hopper to fluidize the articles while held within the liquid medium. The apparatus further includes a container which may be aligned with the opening at the bottom end of the hopper. The container is sized to receive a known quantity of at least one of the articles.

Abstract: In an exemplary aspect, the invention provides a fluid distribution system including a first fluid path, and a second fluid path that is laterally spaced-apart from the first fluid path. A third fluid path connects the first and the second fluid paths. A valve is provided that is axially translatable through a third fluid path between a first position and a second position. In a first position, the valve is removed from the third fluid path, and in the second position, the valve substantially fills the third fluid path.