Abstract: An in-line valve assembly for a tubular drag conveyer system includes a first tube segment having a first end and defining a first passageway, a second tube segment having a second end and defining a second passageway, and a tubular valve body translatably disposed relative to the second tube segment and defining a valve passageway. The first end of the first tube segment is spaced apart from the second end of the second tube segment by a gap. The valve body is selectively adjustable between a closed position wherein the valve passageway spans the gap and connects the first passageway to the second passageway and an open position wherein the valve passageway is spaced apart from the first passageway by at least a portion of the gap.

Abstract: A magnetic particle separating valve that includes a valve body adapted for allowing particulate matter to flow vertically through the valve from an upstream to a downstream side. A discharge flow control apparatus is positioned in the valve body and includes a plurality of blades positioned in the valve body and movable between a fully open to a fully closed position to control the rate of discharge of material from the valve. Each of the plurality of blades includes a magnet positioned on the respective blade in a flow proximity position to attract and remove magnetically attractable particles from the particulate matter flowing past the blades.

Abstract: A magnetic particle separating valve that includes a valve body adapted for allowing particulate matter to flow vertically through the valve from an upstream to a downstream side. A discharge flow control apparatus is positioned in the valve body and includes a plurality of blades positioned in the valve body and movable between a fully open to a fully closed position to control the rate of discharge of material from the valve. Each of the plurality of blades includes a magnet positioned on the respective blade in a flow proximity position to attract and remove magnetically attractable particles from the particulate matter flowing past the blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for densifying particulate contents of a bulk bag, that includes a support element and a pressure-applying element for supporting between them a bulk bag containing particulate contents with a pressure to the bag supplied by the pressure-applying element, and a vibrator carried by one or the other of the support element and the pressure-applying element for transmitting vibratory energy through the contents of the bag back and forth between the support element and the pressure applying element for densifying the contents of the bag and leveling a top surface of contents of the bag at a top end of the bag. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag spout retainer apparatus for a bulk bag discharger is the disclosure of the type wherein a frame suspends a bulk bag with a side-secured discharge spout, and the spout is held in a closed position against the bag. A bag-engaging member is mounted on the frame in a position laterally-displaced from a lower end of the bag above the discharge spout. A reciprocating driver is attached to the bag-engaging member and is adapted for moving the bag-engaging member between a retracted position out of engagement with the lower end of the bag and an extended bag engaging position for engaging and holding the bag spout in a closed position against the side of the bag during release of the spout against the side of the bag.

Abstract: A bag spout retainer apparatus for a bulk bag discharger is the disclosure of the type wherein a frame suspends a bulk bag with a side-secured discharge spout, and the spout is held in a closed position against the bag. A bag-engaging member is mounted on the frame in a position laterally-displaced from a lower end of the bag above the discharge spout. A reciprocating driver is attached to the bag-engaging member and is adapted for moving the bag-engaging member between a retracted position out of engagement with the lower end of the bag and an extended bag engaging position for engaging and holding the bag spout in a closed position against the side of the bag during release of the spout against the side of the bag.