Abstract: A system for continuously analyzing cotton moving through a chute in a processing plant comprising cyclically displacing a small mass of cotton from its pathway through the chute toward one of the side walls, and pressing the mass against such side wall so that the mass presents a face of uniform cotton density on that part of the mass which is pressed against the side wall, so that the mass may be accurately analyzed for properties such as color, trash content, and/or moisture content; and removing pressure from the mass after analysis, to permit it to resume its movement through the chute.

Abstract: A closed loop system is provided for by-passing, from a duct, a small fluid-entrained stream of particulates or solids; separating the stream into a particulate fraction and a fluid stream that essentially is free of the particulates; returning such fluid stream to the duct downstream from the by-pass; analyzing the particulate fraction; and dispersing particulates, after analysis, into the fluid stream being returned to the duct. To analyze particulates such as cotton lint, the separated lint is formed into a batt, the batt is passed in contact with a wall having an analyzer operatively associated therewith; a segment of the batt is compressed against the wall adjacent the analyzer by placing a weighted object against the segment; analysis is carried out on the compressed segment after which the object is lifted off the segment to permit the segment to be displaced with another segment of the batt; and the compression, analyzing, and lifting steps are repeated on the second segment.

Abstract: A closed loop system is provided for by-passing, from a duct, a small fluid-entrained stream of particulates or solids; separating the stream into a particulate fraction and a fluid stream that essentially is free of the particulates; returning such fluid stream to the duct downstream from the by-pass; analyzing the particulate fraction; and dispersing particulates, after analysis, into the fluid stream being returned to the duct. To analyze particulates such as cotton lint, the separated lint is formed into a batt, the batt is passed in contact with a wall having an analyzer operatively associated therewith; a segment of the batt is compressed against the wall adjacent the analyzer by placing a weighted object against the segment; analysis is carried out on the compressed segment after which the object is lifted off the segment to permit the segment to be displaced with another segment of the batt; and the compression, analyzing, and lifting steps are repeated on the second segment.

Abstract: A new apparatus and method for feeding cotton continuously, uniformally, and at a constant rate to individual gin stands in a battery of gin stands is disclosed. The full flow feeder comprises a rectangular chamber with an upper and a lower section. Valves which form part of the chamber sides in the open position close to form two sections when in the closed position, causing the device to operate as a single chamber in the open position and a dual chamber in the closed position. On-off control switches located in the upper and lower sections operate to balance the flow of seedcotton by signaling a system of hydraulic cylinders to open and close the valves.