Abstract: A gas operated tube emptying apparatus for firing missiles into a tube. The apparatus includes a gas source, a gas control and delivery unit connected to the source for delivering the pressure and amount of gas needed. The apparatus further includes a missile delivery unit having a bin for holding a plurality of missiles and a missile loading tube extending between the delivery unit and a firing chamber. The firing chamber has a barrel extending upwardly therefrom and is connected to the gas source so that as the gas control unit supplies a burst of gas a missile is drawn into the barrel from the chamber and fired through the barrel into a tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying fluid materials utilizing a venturi having a side opening in the venturi throat section which is opened and closed by pulsing motive fluid into the venturi past a flutter valve, comprising a flexible piece of material attached upstream of the side opening so as to be capable of opening and closing the side opening, thereby admitting slugs of fluid material and forcing the string of slugs through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of emptying tubes containing particles includes the steps of propelling missiles up the tube, striking and dislodging the particles, causing the particles and missiles to fall out of the bottom of the tube into a receptacle from which they are removed by vacuum. A gas controlled, gas activated missile loading and firing apparatus for firing burst of missiles into one or more tubes is used to dislodge and empty the particles contained therein.

Abstract: An exhaust valve with a valve member inside a housing capable of seating with a valve seat so that the contact is between the edge of the valve member and the seat, the valve member being capable of limited play within the housing, with an adjustable maximum fail open position and adjustable valve opening pressure.

Abstract: An improved container dumping apparatus is a press adapted to hold at least one container with or without a pallet and a frame for supporting and surrounding the press where the press comprises a top hopper closure with a valve means on top, pulleys on each side, means for supporting the hopper closure on the frame, and means for pivoting the press, and a bottom support closure with a pulley on each side, and a means for attaching a cable, the frame comprises a rectangular prism with the front lateral portion missing so as to allow the press to pass through the front, having means for supporting the hopper closure and means for interacting with the press to cause the press to invert upon lifting off the frame and to right itself upon lowering onto the frame.