Abstract: An energy management module (EMM) configured to electrically interconnect at least one first energy storage unit, at least one second energy storage unit, and a power bus; and configured to select a mode of operation. Each first energy storage unit has a first permissible charge rate; each second energy storage unit has a second permissible charge rate less than the first permissible charge rate. Under an energy storage mode of operation, the EMM is configured to allocate electrical current from the power bus among the first and second energy storage units. Under an energy balance mode of operation, the EMM is configured to transfer electrical charge among the first energy storage unit(s) and the second energy storage unit(s). Under an energy discharge mode of operation, the EMM is configured to deliver electrical current from the first and second energy storage units to the power bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending a mass of heterogeneous material including a first storage vessel having a material receiving port, a multiplicity of particulate solids withdrawal downcomers having inlet ports at the upper ends communicating at preselected vertically and circumferentially spaced apart locations with the first storage vessel and having outlet ports at the lower ends thereof communication with a second storage vessel having a material exiting port at a lower end thereof, and a multiplicity of particulate solids withdrawal downcomers having inlet ports at the upper ends communicating at preselected vertically and circumferentially spaced apart locations with the second storage vessel and having outlet ports at the lower ends thereof communicating with the material exiting port.

Abstract: A vacuum operated industrial loading apparatus employing an exhaust fan and an elongated flexible inlet hose for breaking up material to be loaded, and including a self-sealing separation chamber and apparatus for continuously removing material picked up by the suction of the blower. The material removed from the flow of air through the vacuum system may be deposited into an open bin, conveyed from the apparatus, or otherwise disposed of.