Abstract: Devices are provided for protecting pipe ends at a construction site on which concrete will be poured from being moved out of position or damaged during construction or from injuring workers. The devices have an upper frame and an enclosure adapted to fit together to form a rigid, generally rectangular-shaped body having a recess into which the pipe ends to be protected extend when the body is positioned in place. The body, dimensionally configured to fit between frame studs that will installed later in construction, has fastening tabs for securement to a base on which concrete will be poured. After the concrete has set, the body—partially embedded in the concrete—provides tradesmen access to the pipe ends within via an open top. Methods are also disclosed for protecting exposed pipe ends utilizing the inventive devices.

Abstract: A particle separator for use in a material flow system having an airflow generator to generate a flow of air to provide supply material having coarse and fine particulate material to the particle separator. The particle separator includes a housing having a top portion and a bottom portion and a longitudinal axis extending from a center of the top portion to a center of the bottom portion and a chamber defined within the housing. An inlet disposed towards the top portion of the housing is in communication with the flow of air and the supply material and is in further communication with the chamber. It is adapted to direct the flow of air and the supply material into the chamber. The chamber is adapted to facilitate swirling of the airflow and the supply material within the chamber. A cone-shaped air rotation circulator is in communication with the chamber and is configured to facilitate the flow of air directed into the chamber in a circular motion within the chamber.