Abstract: An apparatus and system include an upper stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; a lower stepped chute having a substantially downward sloped configuration; and an intermediate conveyor section separating the upper stepped chute from the lower stepped chute. The intermediate conveyor section has a slope that is different from the slope of the upper stepped chute and the lower stepped chute.

Abstract: Food or feed processors (16, 16a) include an elongated processor barrel (38) presenting an inner surface (44) with a central body or tube (60) within the barrel (38) and presenting an outer surface (62). The surfaces (38, 62) define an elongated annular processing region (70). The barrel (38) and tube (60) are steam heated by means of apparatus (52, 66). A rotatable processing element (72) is also located within the region (70). The element (72) has a plurality of vanes (88, 104), which scrape the surfaces (44, 62) to prevent buildup of material on these surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving proppant from a container has a frame with a surface for suitable for receiving a container thereon, a hopper affixed to the frame, and a conveyor having a surface positioned below the hopper. The hopper has an opening at or adjacent to a lower end thereof. The hopper is suitable for receiving proppant from the container. The surface of the conveyor is suitable for receiving the proppant a discharged through the opening of the hopper. A receptacle is translatably positioned at the surface of the frame. A metering gate is translatably positioned adjacent to the opening of the hopper.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention relates to a method for transporting a particulate material from a container, down a chute (2) to a subsequent process step, in order to overcome a vertical distance. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of, providing a head (11) in the chute (2), which head is movable in the axial direction of the chute, moving the head (11) to the upper part of the chute (2), charging said particulate material onto the top of the head (2), lowering the head (11) to the lower part of the chute (2), and opening a passage (26) through the head (11) to the subsequent process step in order to let the particulate material there through. The invention also relates to a transportation device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating articles (28) includes inputting a plurality of individual articles to deliver the articles from an article supply source (26) onto an inclined slide (42) having a guide surface. In particular aspects, the articles are regulated with a guide member (44), and directed to a first conveyor (50).

Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: A metering feeder for delivering solid fuels, such as municipal or industrial refuse, for combustion includes a pair of generally vertically arranged hoppers. An upper hopper containing relatively compacted or intertangled fuel discharges metered amounts of fuel into a lower hopper through the action of a ram-type pusher. Fuel discharged from the upper hopper is dropped into the lower hopper to develop sufficient kinetic energy to decompact the fuel. An upwardly inclined conveyor removes fuel from the lower hopper at an independently metered rate under optional control of a combustion control system. The action of the inclined conveyor further decompacts the fuel by underraking and mixing, thereby providing a well controlled, uniform, loose density fuel for combustion. The conveyor has a closed course of cleats which cyclically moves to remove fuel. The cleats extend in acute angular relation to the direction of movement for improved performance.

Abstract: A feeder of bulk materials (fuel) comprises according to the invention, a conveyor and a batcher, the case whereof is separated into at least three sections, wherein the case of the batcher incorporates drives having output shafts, each section uses a band for transferring bulk material, with bands in one section moving in opposite direction to bands in other sections, and the sections using the bands of one direction of movement are arranged alternately with the sections using the bands of opposite direction, with the drive of the sections using the bands of the same direction made common to them and furnished with output shafts coupled with shafts of the sections through clutches serving for coupling and uncoupling the drives and shafts, with the batcher case incorporating a receiver tube in the top part thereof for receiving free-flowing material, and an outlet tube in the bottom part thereof serving for delivery of bulk material from the batcher to the conveyor.

Abstract: A closed conveyor for transporting finely divided solids, such as grain and the like, comprising feed and discharge sections interconnected by a transport conduit and a return conduit. Sprockets are provided in the feed and discharge sections and a cable is trained about the sprockets and through the two conduits. The cable is equipped with material-engaging flights of area less than the cross-section of the conduit. Each sprocket is provided with material-engaging blades which serve to stir, fluidize and impart movement to the material being transported to render it as a fast-flowing dilute suspension. Lugs are provided on the cable between the flights and are positioned to be engaged by complemental lug-engaging elements on the sprockets. Each pair of lug-engaging elements on the sprockets fits between but in contact with a pair of lugs on the cable. The sprocket elements are notched to accept the cable lugs.