Abstract: An improved energy-efficient vacuum system for machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates, including large-diameter blast gates, control the flow of vacuum generated by a dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a chassis with a DC motor effectively using a slip clutch, an increased current feedback system, a biasing-spring assembly or otherwise to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. In one embodiment, the blast gate blade bears teeth about its perimeter. The DC motor engages the perimeter blade teeth with a gear. Greater mechanical advantage is achieved over the blast gate blade and less torque arises in contrast to a driving system located at the blade's central pivot point. Additionally, sensing apparatus or system calculation allow the dust collecting vacuum system to operate in an energy-efficient manner.

Abstract: An improved energy-efficient vacuum system for machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates, including large-diameter blast gates, control the flow of vacuum generated by a dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a chassis with a DC motor effectively using a slip clutch, an increased current feedback system, a biasing-spring assembly or otherwise to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. In one embodiment, the blast gate blade bears teeth about its perimeter. The DC motor engages the perimeter blade teeth with a gear. Greater mechanical advantage is achieved over the blast gate blade and less torque arises in contrast to a driving system located at the blade's central pivot point. Additionally, sensing apparatus or system calculation allow the dust collecting vacuum system to operate in an energy-efficient manner.