Abstract: A blast aerator (20) having a discharge end (23) connected internally to a rigid output tube (24) includes a removable aerator control module (15) that internally, sealingly interacts with the output tube (24). A tank discharge pipe (28) directs air blasts into an external application. The aerator control module (15) comprises an external actuator (30) with a trigger valve (85) that controls a reciprocating plunger assembly (50) that interacts with an internal plunger seat (77) to block or unblock air discharge. A plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) fitted to the aerator output tube (24) comprises a resilient plunger seat (77), that is blocked or unblocked by a plunger element (52) reciprocating within a cage (73), being controlled by a slidable piston (38) that is pneumatically displaceable between tank-filling and tank discharge positions within the actuator (30). The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) mechanically compensates for output tube misalignment to insure proper sealing.

Abstract: A blast aerator (20) having a discharge end (23) connected internally to a rigid output tube (24) includes a removable aerator control module (15) that internally, sealingly interacts with the output tube (24). A tank discharge pipe (28) directs air blasts into an external application. The aerator control module (15) comprises an external actuator (30) with a trigger valve (85) that controls a reciprocating plunger assembly (50) that interacts with an internal plunger seat (77) to block or unblock air discharge. A plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) fitted to the aerator output tube (24) comprises a resilient plunger seat (77), that is blocked or unblocked by a plunger element (52) reciprocating within a cage (73), being controlled by a slidable piston (38) that is pneumatically displaceable between tank-filling and tank discharge positions within the actuator (30). The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) mechanically compensates for output tube misalignment to insure proper sealing.

Abstract: A blast aerator (20) having a discharge end (23) connected internally to a rigid output tube (24) includes a retrofittable aerator control module (15) that internally, sealingly interacts with the output tube (24). A tank discharge pipe (28) directs air blasts into an external application. The aerator control module (15) comprises an external actuator (30) that controls a reciprocating plunger assembly (50) that interacts with an internal plunger seat (77) to block or unblock air discharge. The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) fitted to the aerator output tube (24) comprises a resilient plunger seat (77), that is blocked or unblocked by a plunger element (52) controlled by a slidable piston (38) that is pneumatically displaceable between tank-filling and tank discharge positions within the actuator (30). The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) mechanically compensates for output tube misalignment to insure proper sealing. Operational air pathways pneumatically control piston movements without springs.

Abstract: A blast aerator (20) having a discharge end (23) connected internally to a rigid output tube (24) includes a retrofittable aerator control module (15) that internally, sealingly interacts with the output tube (24). A tank discharge pipe (28) directs air blasts into an external application. The aerator control module (15) comprises an external actuator (30) that controls a reciprocating plunger assembly (50) that interacts with an internal plunger seat (77) to block or unblock air discharge. The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) fitted to the aerator output tube (24) comprises a resilient plunger seat (77), that is blocked or unblocked by a plunger element (52) controlled by a slidable piston (38) that is pneumatically displaceable between tank-filling and tank discharge positions within the actuator (30). The plunger seat adaptor assembly (70) mechanically compensates for output tube misalignment to insure proper sealing. Operational air pathways pneumatically control piston movements without springs.

Abstract: A vibrator comprises an upper, lightweight, honeycomb rocker plate suspended above a rigid, lower base by a pair of triangular truss rocker arms. A pair of rigid, parallel, spaced-apart stringers within the vibrator rise upwardly from the lower base. A rocker shaft extending between the stringers pivots the rocker arms near their midpoint. A motor secured to the base within the vibrator drives a spaced-apart flywheel assembly that is mounted with a crankshaft journaled between the stringers. The motor is coupled to the flywheel assembly with a drive belt extending between suitable pulleys. The flywheel assembly crankshaft terminates in spaced apart, offset portions that reciprocate connecting rods linked to one end of the triangular truss rocker arms that vigorously vibrate the rocker plate.

Abstract: An externally-mounted, quick-acting trigger assembly for firing blast aerators, air cannons, or the like. The trigger assembly is ideal for high temperature applications involving environmental factors such as excessive heat, humidity, and mechanical shock. The trigger comprises a symmetrical, ventilated housing that internally mounts a hollow piston. A plurality of vent orifices are radially disposed about the housing periphery, and normally covered by a resilient band forming a check valve. The trigger piston comprises a generally cylindrical base and an integral, generally conical bottom that is displaced into and out of contact with a mechanical valve seat. An air passageway through the piston is controlled by a deflectable spherical valve element that is captivated within the piston, for selectively blocking air passage through the piston by contacting an internal valve seat. This construction with internal air passageways facilitates trigger function.

Abstract: A quick acting blast aerator comprising a spring-less actuator triggered by an exhaust valve. The actuator valve comprises a tubular body, an exhaust vent defined in the body, a dampening passageway, and a piston slidably disposed therewithin for movement between a tank filling position and a displaced, air discharge position. Preferably the piston has a projecting dampener which engages the dampening passageway. The trigger valve comprises a rigid, cylindrical housing with a hollow interior having a plurality of vent orifices radially disposed about its periphery. A pair of resilient bands surrounding the housing cover the vent orifices to form a one-way check valve. A resilient, hollow piston coaxially, slidably disposed within the trigger housing has a hollow internal chamber containing a ball valve. Mutual cooperation of the trigger piston and its internal valve govern pneumatically control the actuator.

Abstract: An externally-mounted, quick-acting trigger assembly for firing blast aerators, air cannons, or the like. The trigger assembly is ideal for high temperature applications involving environmental factors such as excessive heat, humidity, and mechanical shock. The trigger comprises a symmetrical, ventilated housing that internally mounts a hollow piston. A plurality of vent orifices are radially disposed about the housing periphery, and normally covered by a resilient band forming a check valve. The trigger piston comprises a generally cylindrical base and an integral, generally conical bottom that is displaced into and out of contact with a mechanical valve seat. An air passageway through the piston is controlled by a deflectable spherical valve element that is captivated within the piston, for selectively blocking air passage through the piston by contacting an internal valve seat. This construction with internal air passageways facilitates trigger function.

Abstract: A quick acting blast aerator comprising a spring-less actuator triggered by an exhaust valve. The actuator valve comprises a tubular body, an exhaust vent defined in the body, a dampening passageway, and a piston slidably disposed therewithin for movement between a tank filling position and a displaced, air discharge position. Preferably the piston has a projecting dampener which engages the dampening passageway. The trigger valve comprises a rigid, cylindrical housing with a hollow interior having a plurality of vent orifices radially disposed about its periphery. A pair of resilient bands surrounding the housing cover the vent orifices to form a one-way check valve. A resilient, hollow piston coaxially, slidably disposed within the trigger housing has a hollow internal chamber containing a ball valve. Mutual cooperation of the trigger piston and its internal valve govern pneumatically control the actuator.

Abstract: A rigid, one piece nozzle for blast aerators is configured to be mounted in a variety of operating orientations within and upon applications of widely varying shapes and geometry. The generally triangular nozzle comprises a flat base and a spaced-apart, arcuate top, secured to the base by a pair of opposed side walls. An inlet orifice in the flat body portion is internally configured like a truncated cone, and communicates with the nozzle discharge orifice thorough the hollow interior of the nozzle. The inlet is conical to permit the feed pipe to be mated and welded to it once the parts are properly oriented by the installer. An airtight seal results during welding, as the void between the pipe periphery and the circumference the inlet seat the weldment. Because the feed pipe may be fitted to the nozzle at so many angles and orientations, it is suitable for a wide variety of job applications.

Abstract: Quick acting blast aerators having rigid accumulation tanks with internal valve assemblies comprising a tubular body, an end cap teat receives air through an inlet controlled by solenoids, and an internal piston that contacts a valve seat during filling, and retracts to expose exhaust vents upon firing. The valve calp comprises a ring groove and an O-ring check valve. An internal dampening passageway vertically extends through the cap. Internal air passageways extend form the passageway to the air-control groove, admitting air into the tank by dislodging the O-ring. The high temperature piston slides between a tank-fill position bearing against the valve seat and a retracted position exposing the exhaust vents. An internal return spring extends between a deep, annular recess in the piston, and a groove formed in the bottom of the end cap. A dampener projecting from the piston is received within the passageway traversing the end cap.

Abstract: A pneumatically-driven, turbine device comprises a Terry turbine rotor coaxially disposed within a rigid housing equipped with a reentry port bordering an exhaust port. The rotor comprises a plurality of radially spaced-apart air buckets. An air pathway is established between an inlet and an exhaust outlet, extending through the reentry port, the exhaust port, and portions of the rotor buckets. The reentry port comprises a narrow arc defined in the race. At least a portion of the exhaust groove borders, but is separated from, the reentry port. Entering air initially impacts a first rotor bucket disposed adjacent the reentry port. Halves of the first two buckets are disposed radially adjacent the reentry port. Opposite halves of the first and second buckets adjoin the unmachined race area spaced apart from the reentry port.