Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning used bulk or cargo bags enables a worker to vacuum clean the entire outside of the bag without climbing up and down. An air supply/fill clamp assembly attaches to the fill opening. It inflates and supports the bag. An air exhaust discharge clamp attaches to the discharge opening to carry away interior residue. A power elevation mechanism raises and lowers the air supply/fill clamp assembly under operator control to thereby position the bag at whatever level is most useful to the operator as the outside is being vacuum cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining sensitive articles such as IC wafers or the like contaminant-free including a base member having a removable cover defining a sealed unit having an interior in which a plurality of sensitive articles are supported and through which a particle-free ionizing gas from a source on a wheeled table is continuously passed, the sealed unit being movable from a storage position on the table to an access position on associated processing without interruption of the ionized gas flow and at which the cover is removed and the supported articles continuously bathed with a particle-free, ionized gas to permit the articles to be sequentially moved to a fabricating position in the processing equipment and back to the access position while being continuously bathed with a particle-free ionized gas for subsequent assembly of the cover and base member and return of the sealed unit to the storage position.

Abstract: A gravity dispensing unit for filling containers with powdered material, wherein a vessel for powdered material presents, underneath, at least one dispenser with a central supply conduit in turn presenting a shutter and made of porous material; the supply conduit extending in fluidtight manner through an annular chamber for receiving pressurized fluid, and through an annular intake manifold surrounding the annular chamber and presenting an annular, downward-facing inlet.

Abstract: A loadlock chamber for transferring one or more semiconductor wafers from a storage and transfer pod into high-vacuum process chambers in a contaminant free environment. The loadlock chamber includes mechanisms for separating a wafer-carrying cassette from the storage and transfer pod, mechanisms for transferring the cassette into a chamber which may be sealed and evacuated, and mechanisms for allowing transfer of wafers between the cassette and the various process chambers, wherein each of the mechanisms operates in an environment that is sealed against the external environment.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for use with open top hoppers when being field by gravity loading. The sealing mechanism has been specifically designed for the plastic industry which dumps the pellets of plastics and pigment from a mixer into an open top hopper. One embodiment is a sleeve that fits over the spout of the mixer and over the open top of the hopper. The sleeve is cut so it will fit over the spout and is sealed by a piece of tape. The bottom end of the sleeve is cut so that it will fit over the hopper and by its tensile property will fit snugly so no pigment will be lost when the mixer dumps the pigment in plastic into the hopper through the sleeve. Another embodiment is a liner that is designed to fit within a hopper with an open bottom. The liner is specifically designed so it will fit over the spout of the mixer and is sealed tightly so no pigment will be lost in the dumping process by a piece of tape.

Abstract: An automatic bag filling machine employs a reduced pressure or a vacuum within a bag enclosing shroud to draw powdered material at a high velocity into either valved bags or vapor barrier bags to fill the bags with a relatively compacted powder. The shroud has powered movable liner assembly for adjustably enclosing bags of various size. A filling spout and a vapor barrier spout carrier by the shroud each have an expandable boot member to seal the mouth of the bag on the spout to preclude seepage of powdered material from the bag interior during filling. A system is provided for automatic detection of powder escaping from a broken bag. The shroud is supported on a weighing scale which measures the bags and stops flow when filled to a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the weighing scale may support the bag being filled inside the shroud. A filter tank connected to the machine reduces the discharge of powdered material into the surrounding atmosphere, and allows waste material to be reclaimed.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally venting a product tank in a packaging machine is set forth. The apparatus includes a filling tube having a first end extending from a first opening of the product tank. The apparatus further includes an air collection mechanism having a filling tube opening adapted to receive a second end of the filling tube. The air collection mechanism extends below the second end of the filling tube. A vent pipe is connected to a second opening of the product tank and to a vent pipe opening in the air collection mechanism. The filling tube and the vent pipe are separately connected to both the product tank and the air collection mechanism. Air pressure, arising from operating the packaging machine, directs air from the air collection mechanism through the vent pipe and into the product tank. Such air proceeds through the vent pipe and replaces product in the product tank as the product is dispersed into the carton during filling.

Abstract: A cleaner for cleaning the nozzle portion of a powder filling apparatus for filling a container with powder by equally evacuating the inside and the outside of the container, and dropping powder through the nozzle portion into the container simultaneously with raising the pressure outside the container is provided. The cleaner includes a cleaning head having a cleaning chamber therein for enclosing the nozzle portion airtightly when the cleaning head is fitted to the nozzle portion; a gas passage disposed in the cleaner head for allowing compressed air to flow therethrough so as to spurt the compressed air to the nozzle portion; and an exhaust passage for allowing powder flowing down in the cleaning chamber together with the compressed air spurted to the nozzle portion to be discharged together with the compressed air.

Abstract: Device for filling a receptacle (R) by lowering it onto a needle (5) which pierces it. The portions of the installation adjacent to the bottom of the receptacle (R), which could be polluted by ill-timed projections of liquid from the needle, are washed and dried by nozzles (27, 28, 29) for washing the zones potentially reached by the projections, as well as the needle (5) itself, this washing and drying being followed by drying by suction orifices (38).

Abstract: A method for filling an FIBC includes causing particulate material to flow from a container under gravity through a filling duct into a liner of the FIBC. The particulate material is caused to adopt a free fall generally laminar flow stream which over substantially all of its length does not contact the wall of the filling duct. Accordingly formed adjacent such stream is an air passage through which passage at least part of air displaced from the interior of the liner by the particulate material can escape without significantly disrupting the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system (50) and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism (B) and a second blade mechanism (C). The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions (80a, 80b), and distribute tobacco into a charger (30a). The charger includes a vertical chute (32a)and an internal container (34a) which inserts into a tobacco container (22a) which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head (12a). First blade mechanism (B) includes a primary distributor blade (82) which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism (C) may include secondary distributor blades (94) and (96) which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade (82), provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container (22a).

Abstract: A drive-through adjustable hood assembly for enclosing a transit mix cement truck during the filling of dry material so as to contain and capture dust and particulate matter. The adjustable hood assembly is mounted on an expanding and retracting frame system. Entrance and exhaust ports are provided in the hood so that a truck can be filled and the resulting dust removed to prevent contamination of the atmosphere. A clam shell type enclosure is thus provided which in the extended open position allows unobstructed access into the adjustable hood assembly and in the retracted closed position provides intimate wrap-around enclosure of the cement truck during filling and dust removal operations. The width of the assembly in the extended open position can be varied by making minor mechanical adjustments to the frame system.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering flowable bulk material such as grain, substantially free of dust into a receptacle, such as a vehicle, wherein the grain is delivered through a filter assembly to a chute which can be elongated and contracted and which has a lower end for connection to the vehicle. The filter assembly is also capable of assuming elongated and contracted states in order to confer a greater free height below the lower end of the chute. The filter assembly is formed with an outside filter housing capable of being elongated and contracted and within the filter housing is a suction chamber downstream of which, one or more filter bags are provided to separate dust from suctioned air. The filter bags can be constructed to prevent radial and longitudinal collapse thereof, as well as to undergo contraction when the chute and filter housing are contracted. An inlet pipe can be provided within the bag to convey the grain to the chute and in the contracted state the chute surrounds the inlet tube.

Abstract: An overhead vacuum assembly for recovering, storing and dispensing flowable packaging material including a flexible storage bag having an open upper end for receiving flowable packaging material, a dispensing valve mounted at the lower end of the bag, a liner or frame for maintaining the perimeter shape of the flexible bag, a cover mounted at the open upper end of the flexible bag, a fan motor assembly, including a filter, mounted to the cover for creating a vacuum in the bag and a hose mounted to the cover. The filter acts as a deflector to evenly distribute the loose fill throughout the bag during the recovery process. The cover may have a pyramidal shape and tear-away panels for ease of maintenance.

Abstract: A filling device for bulk materials includes a filling hopper, a housing surrounding an open end of the filling hopper and two hopper outlet doors which are pivoted in the the housing. In order to achieve the object of further developing the filling hopper so as to enable loss-free operation to take place, the filling hopper or, respectively, a casing surrounding the same has an external encircling section. Furthermore rubber sealing strips are provided on the hopper outlet doors, which come into sealing engagement with the encircling section when the hopper outlet doors are moved by a control system into the open position thereof.

Abstract: A transfer system for flowable solids or particulates is described. The transfer system includes an air seal assembly having an upstream side and a downstream side. The air seal assembly is constructed such that an air pressure differential can be maintained between the opposite sides thereof, but particulate material can be transferred through the air seal assembly. The transferring system includes an arrangement for transporting flowable solid material to the upstream side of the air seal assembly, the transfer taking place within a moving airstream at a pressure of less than ambient. Also, the system includes an arrangement for transporting the flowable solid material from the downstream side of the air seal assembly, preferably under gravity influence and ambient pressure. The transfer system includes an articulated arm arrangement on which the air seal assembly is mounted, for convenience.

Abstract: A filling plant for filling bags with hazardous bulk or fluid media is designed to ensure that the medium to be filled is proportioned and packaged under clean room conditions in a bag filling plant at the outlet of a production plant for the hazardous medium. The outlet opening of the production plant communicates with a hermetically sealable container into which the hazardous medium can pass and in which the filling plant and a bag to be filled are disposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring powder from a bulk supply to a container comprising a first conduit 4 extending from a bulk supply 2 to the container 25, a second conduit 8 enabling the introduction of a purge gas into the container, a third conduit 28 enabling displaced gas to discharge from the container, a source of suction 17 communicating with the third conduit, a filter 13 through which passes the displaced gas, and an inflatable annulus 23 made of flexible material disposed round the conduits and adapted to enter into enter into engagement with the wall of the container.

Abstract: A device for preventing condensation of water vapor on a filling nozzle in the form of a vertical tube, included in a filling apparatus and positioned above a path of transport of containers comprises a downwardly open dry air chamber having the filling nozzle accommodated therein and permitting the container to be moved into and out of the chamber when the container is lifted by a lifter, an injection nozzle disposed as oriented downward above the path upstream from the dry air chamber for injecting dry air into the container to replace air therein, and a cover extending from a position downstream from the injection nozzle at least to the dry air chamber and covering the path from thereabove for preventing the dry air in the container from flowing out.

Abstract: An environmental chamber comprising a transparent dome shaped housing having an annular conduit, including an exhaust port, affixed to the base of the housing. The housing securely fits over an end of a chemical container, to create a controlled environment within the encapsulated space between the housing and the container. Two cylindrical openings at the top of the housing allow chemical transfer hoses to be connected to the chemical container openings. A pair of gloved access ports allow an operator to access the encapsulated space to manipulate connections between the transfer hoses and the chemical container openings. The top of the housing also includes an intake port for delivering clean purging material into the encapsulated space in order to purge the encapsulated environment of any chemical that escaped from the chemical openings during hook up of the transfer tubing.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a divided solid product by a dispersion head comprises plates which rotate about an axis dispersing into the receptacle at various distances from the axis particles of the solid product which flow over the plates.

Abstract: A powdered developer filling device for filling a developer container with a powdered developer comprises a hopper for containing the powdered developer, feeding means for feeding the developer contained in the hopper into the developer container from a feed port through a mouth portion of the developer container, conveying means for conveying the developer container to a feed position where the developer is fed into the developer container from the feeding means, and recovering means for recovering the developer spilled from the above feed port by blowing air against the vicinity of the feed position where the developer is fed into the developer container from the feeding means.

Abstract: The cabin is integral with a shield which separates it from the working environment and which can replace a perimetral part of the wall or the like which separates said environment from the outside. In correspondence with said shield the cabin comprises a sealed (by suitable seal gaskets), flameproof and explosion-proof door providing access from said environment and comprising an armoured viewing window. On the side opposite that comprising the door the cabin has a movable wall which is hinged and ejectable. In the walls perpendicular to the preceding there are apertures or passageways for the entry and exit of the can conveyor. Analogous apertures or passageways are provided in the shield, these being at least partly closable by guillotine plates when required. In the region in which the conveyor extends in the open between the shield and cabin, means are provided to direct air streams onto the cans.

Abstract: A sealing unit effects a connection between a loading boom and a manhole on a tank car. Liquids are delivered through the boom into the tank car. Vapors displaced from the tank are transmitted, through the sealing unit, to conduit means, which enable disposal of the vapors without contaminating the atmosphere. The unit comprises an upper plate which rests on the manhole. A sleeve is connected at its upper end to the upper plate and, at its lower end, to a lower plate. A pneumatic motor is actuated to draw the lower plate upwardly. When this occurs, the sleeve is bulged outwardly into sealing engagement with the manhole. Column springs are provided to assure that the central portion of the sleeve will bulge outwardly and provide sealing engagement with manholes of different diameters.

Abstract: An improved sealing arrangement is provided for a gravity transfer installation of the type in which product is transferred from a container having a sealable opening in its base, downwardly through a chute, and into a receptacle. The arrangement comprises a first plate mounted on guides attached to the chute and for sliding between a position where it covers an upper opening of the chute and a position where it uncovers this opening, and further includes a second plate mounted on guides attached to the container for sliding relative to the latter between a position where it covers a lower opening of the container and a position where it uncovers that opening. The arrangement is constructed such that, in the course of displacement of the container, the movements of the two sliding plates relative to their respective guides are synchronous but in opposite directions.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing nozzle assembly is disclosed for adapting a conventional gasoline pump dispensing nozzle to perform as a Stage II vapor recovery system by effectively collecting the vapors forced out the vehicle fuel tank during a refueling operation. The assembly permits the pump dispensing gun to form a seal with the rim of a vehicle's fill pipe, with operator assistance, to prevent the vapors from escaping into the environment by collecting the vapors within the nozzle assembly, and routing the vapors to a collection tank.

Abstract: A system for removing particulate material from a drum wherein the drum lid is replaced by a lid which is specially designed for this service. This new lid has at least a portion which is transparent so the operator can see into the drum and determine when and if it is empty. It also has a resilient portion which includes radial slits emanating from a predetermined point to produce an iris through which a wand can be inserted. The wand is operatively connected to a vacuum system so that the operator can insert the wand into the drum through the iris, and have the iris conform to the wand sufficiently that the vacuum being pulled through the wand sucks the particles out of the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The apparatus also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: In a toner transfer system of a printer or copier, a suction nozzle inside a toner-tight protective sheath is arranged in verticallly displaceable fashion in a guide in the printer or copier, this suction nozzle being in communication via a pipe line with a developer station of the printer or copier. At it slower end, the guide has an adaptor for connection to a toner container. When the toner container is to be changed, the toner container is swivelled via a holding mechanism and a new container is connected to the adaptor. A cutter on the adaptor then punctures a sealing foil over the filling and emptying opening of the toner container. For emptying, the suction nozzle moves vertically into the toner container whose floor is fashioned funnel-shaped to form a toner collecting region.

Abstract: A container fill system for filling flexible bulk container shaving lift straps with a product having a support frame with first and second ends, a scale connected to the first end of the support frame for determining the weight of the flexible bulk containers, a fill control device connected to the second end of the support frame for controlling the flow rate of the product into the flexible bulk container, a rotatable holder connected to the support frame and to a fill spout rotatable along a vertical axis and having fingers for securing the lift straps to the rotatable holder for supporting the flexible bulk containers and an electronic operator panel with an associated microprocessor for controlling the operation of the container fill system. The container fill system of the present invention allows for one man operation and filling of the flexible bulk containers.

Abstract: A filling car for filling coal into oven chambers of a coke oven battery comprises an immovable filling connecting piece mountable on a coal container, a filling pipe closely surrounding the connecting piece and having a lower end lowerable to a filling opening frame of filling openings of a coke oven battery, the filling pipe also having an upper end, and a housing arranged on the upper end of the filling pipe and accommodating an elastic sealing ring, the sealing ring surrounding the connecting piece and being displaceable with the filling pipe and also pressed against the filling pipe during a filling process so as to provide a sealing between the filling pipe and the connecting piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A package assembly for providing ultra-clean storage and gravity discharge of contaminable powder or granular materials which comprises an outer container, a sterile vapor impermeable bag within said container, said bag having a bag body an inlet and an outlet, said inlet and outlet being closed when said bag accommodates said material to prevent contamination of said material, said outlet defining an opening, a flexible vapor impermeable tubular inner sheet extending from said opening and having a discharge end, a vapor impermeable tubular outer sheet enveloping said inner sheet terminating in a closed end, said inner sheet being secured by releasable securing means proximate said opening to prevent discharge of materials from said opening whereby when said inner sheet is positioned in a receiving means and said terminal end of said outer sheet is open and positioned around said receiving means and secured thereto, release of said securing means permits discharge of said material into said receiving means wi

Abstract: A cleaner for a filler which includes a plurality of cylinders arranged in a circle and rotated with a nozzle associated with each cylinder wherein an upper seal encircles and rotates with the cylinders, a vacuum manifold having a cavity is fixed against rotation, a seal plate attached to the top of the manifold forms with the upper seal, a flow chamber with the nozzles positioned therein and a seal plate provides communication between the flow chamber and the cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for filtering a moving gaseous atmosphere in an installation for unloading pulverulent products in bulk, the installation being of the type constituted by a supply sleeve connecting the base of a silo or hopper to the circular filling orifice of a mobile container, wherein it is constituted by a discharge bushing extending the base of the sleeve, this bushing being engaged in the filling orifice of the container, and this bushing is associated with an outer cone concentric to said bushing and adapted to rest with self-centering on the edges of the orifice thus obturated, the cone being closed at its summit by a horizontal wall comprising an evacuation opening, and the annular space defined between the central tubular bushing and the outer cone constitutes a volume for decantation of the gaseous phase, particularly the air laden with solid particles in suspension and driven from the inner atmosphere of the container, this decantation volume communicating with the volume of th

Abstract: A subsurface filler comprising a pneumatically controlled scale, timer, lance descent and ascent mechanism, liquid fill mechanism, movable drip tray and exhaust mechanism. The filler may be used with different sizes of containers and with hazardous and noxious liquids.

Abstract: A vertically movable hood, for temporarily closing and sealing the open upper end of a bulk container as the container is being filled with particulate material through the hood from a dispensing spout, and a pneumatically actuated mechanism for moving the hood vertically a slight distance over the container between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: Gas is vented from a non-cryogenic liquid storage tank 12 while discharging pressurized liquid from a tube 18 into the tank through a plurality of inclined jets 54, 56 circumferentially spaced about an end of a vent tube 20 positioned within the tube 18. Each jet is directed toward a central axis 72 of the vent tube, such that the end of vent tube receives gas from the vessel passing between individual jetstreams, which in combination form a conical-shaped barrier to liquid droplets which would otherwise also pass to the vent tube and out the tank 12. Gas is thus vented through the central tube while pressurized liquid flows in an axially opposite direction in the annulus between inner vent tube 20 and the outer liquid tube 18. The system of the present invention is particularly well suited for venting gas from a tank being replenished with liquid at a zero or near zero gravity environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring powder from a bulk supply to a container comprising a first conduit extending from the bulk supply to the container, an inflatable annulus made preferably from natural rubber, secured towards the end of the conduit and adapted to enter into air-tight engagement with the wall of a container which can be a bag or sack having flexible walls or a drum or carton having rigid walls. The appartus is also provided with a second conduit having an opening in the container to allow air displaced by powder entering to escape. The second conduit communicates with an exhaust fan to assist the removal of displaced air. A third conduit is also provided having an opening within the container. This opening is placed in close proximity to the outlet situated within the container of the second conduit.

Abstract: A dust-preventing, vertical chute system for loading bulk materials from a conveyor, slide or other dispensing mechanism. The system including a series of interconnected, partially nestled open buckets having a venturi insert of size and configuration compatible with the material to be loaded for generating a low pressure, internal air stream resulting in external air being drawn into the bucket system during dispensing of the bulk material into a ship or the like for inhibiting escape of dust.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing carbon or other dust particles created during machining with rotating cutters such as drills or end mills includes a box fastened to the table of the machine tool, a pivoting lid with a hole to admit a spindle or other tool component into the box when the lid is closed and a vacuum system connected to the box to maintain a negative pressure within the box during cutting.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous manufacture of powder-filled steel tube from steel strip, wherein the strip is moved along a path in which successively the moving strip is formed into an open channel, powder is introduced into the open channel, and the channel is shaped into a tube by further deformation and closure of the strip edges together. To avoid the disturbance of the powder by air currents caused by the strip movement and by the closure of the strip, such air currents arising in the vicinity of the moving strip are removed by suction extraction at the location where the powder is introduced into the open channel.

Abstract: A method for loading a predetermined amount of particulate material into a container comprising providing a hopper containing a supply of the particulate material and a movable plate at least partly below the hopper, with the plate having a series of openings extending therethrough. The particulate material in the hopper is allowed to flow into and fill at least some of the openings in the plate, and the density of the particulate material in the openings is controlled. The plate is moved to move the filled openings to a filling station, and the particulate material from the openings is transferred to a container at the filling station. A plurality of the filled openings is used to deliver particulate material to each container so that any differences in the quantity of particulate material in the filled openings tends to be averaged.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dust suppressing device for use in the discharge of granular bulk materials, such as crushed rock, ore, and the like, for example, during the loading of such material onto a transport vehicle such as a ship. The device comprises(a) a central hopper;(b) a first outer tubular member, coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper; and(c) a second tubular member coaxially disposed and concentrically spaced outward with respect to the hopper and the first tubular member. The spacing between the central hopper and the first tubular member and the spacing between the first and second tubular members are such as to provide alternate path for the discharge of granular material when the flow rate of the granular material into the hopper exceeds the capacity of the hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the containment of dust within a bulk cargo container such as a ship or barge hold. A horizontal stream of ambient air is directed across the hatch opening by a plurality of interconnected air curtain modules which captures fugitive dust along its path. A plurality of interconnected dust collector modules withdraw the entrained dust particles at an opposite side of the hatch opening and exhaust the filtered air stream therefrom and deposit the filter cake back into the hold. The clean exhaust air from the dust collector modules may be used to form a vertical air curtain to deflect crosswinds.

Abstract: The invention provides a fume extractor device for attachment adjacent a filling orifice of a container, which device comprises a hollow collar having inner and outer walls connected to one another, an outlet in the outer wall which is connectable to a fume removal system, and at least one opening in the inner wall, and connecting structure for releasably connecting the hollow collar to a container with the inner wall disposed around the filling orifice thereof. The connecting structure together with the hollow, collar comprise a clamping structure to releasably engage the cylindrical side wall of the container. In the operation of the device, the container may be filled or emptied by means of a dip tube inserted into the container through the hollow collar and the filling orifice and vapors escaping from the container through the orifice are extracted through the at least one opening in the inner wall and out of the hollow collar through the outlet by the fume removal system.

Abstract: A bulk material receiving hopper is provided with a dust containment system which includes sloped shield plates positioned adjacent a top portion of the hopper to effectively close-off substantially all of the open space thereacross. Restricted material openings are defined by the shield plates and an isolated, dust containment region is established therebeneath to trap the displaced air and entrained fugitive dust generated during a dumping operation. One or more dust collector units communicate with the isolated dust containment region to draw in the displaced air and entrained dust particles.

Abstract: An automatic bag filling machine employs a reduced pressure or a vacuum within a bag enclosing shroud to draw powdered material into either valved bags or vapor barrier bags in a series of increments to fill the bags with a relatively compacted powder. The shroud has movable liner assembly for adjustably enclosing bags of various size. A novel filling spout and a vapor barrier spout carrier by the shroud each have an expandable boot member to seal the mouth of the bag on the spout to preclude seepage of powdered material from the bag interior during filling. A filter tank connected to the machine reduces the discharge of powdered material into the surrounding atmosphere, and allows waste material to be reclaimed. Valves for controlling vacuum imparted to the shroud chamber, venting the bag interior, powdered material flow, and relief to atmospheric pressure of the shroud interior, are operated in proper sequence to fill the bag.

Abstract: The loading apparatus of our invention comprises a filling shoe for input of small products, particularly pharmaceutical products, into a plurality of receptacles of a package component moving by and below the filling shoe. The filling shoe is provided with at least one feed chamber for receiving and dispensing the product which has a mouth opening below to the package component. A product duct for feeding the products one after the other is connected to and ends in the feed chamber. Each feed chamber is connected to at least one vacuum passage which is connected to and communicates with a vacuum source. The front side of the feed chamber in the motion direction of the package component may be formed as a guide slope running slantedly downward toward the package component opening in or to a vacuum passage with the feed chamber and to the package component. Vacuum slots may be provided running in a wall of the product duct and ending in the feed chamber to augment the vacuum effect in the product duct.