With Agitators Or Conveyors Patents (Class 209/245)
  • Patent number: 11671508
    Abstract: An online software platform (OSP) produces, by applying resource digital rules to previous relationship instance data of a primary entity data associated with one or more secondary entities of the domain, a domain resource regarding the domain. The OSP may then determine, by applying an alignment digital rule of the domain to the relationship instance data and the domain resource, whether or not an alignment condition of the domain is met, which indicates whether resources for relationship instances of the primary entity should have been remitted to the domain. If the alignment condition is not met, then the OSP may assemble proposal components, and communicate some of them to the domain on behalf of the primary entity to remit the resources, without initially communicating those proposal components that would reveal the identity of the primary entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: AVALARA, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Kavounas, Herve Marzio, Tyler Flora, Winona Dotson, William Rau
  • Patent number: 10404649
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for determining network characteristics are provided. The network characteristics may be used to facilitate changes to how content is delivered over a network, such as to avoid network congestion, to provide improved throughput, or to provide a good (or better) user experience, such as when streaming media. For example, the network characteristics may be determined, in part, by tracking domain name resolution requests by using specially formulated domain names that require resolution at an authoritative name server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Christopher Boyd Tirpak
  • Patent number: 10118830
    Abstract: Segregation of silicon granules in the fluidized bed production of polycrystalline silicon is achieved by successively transferring granular polycrystalline silicon through a plurality of vessels designed for funnel flow of granular material. The transfers may occur prior to introduction of feed particles into the reactor, or the enlarged granules from the reactor may be thus transferred to improve product size uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Rainer Hauswirth, Robert Enggruber
  • Patent number: 10112215
    Abstract: A tie plate separator is provided and methods thereof which allow for supplying of a batch of scrap material which needs at least some separation. The separation may occur by a rotating receiver structure having a plurality of holes to allow materials of preselected size to be retained within the receiver but allow other materials to fall through the holes so as to effectively separate at least one of the constituents of the batch of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: B&B Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Coots
  • Patent number: 9731325
    Abstract: Disclosed is mobile mechanical xeriscape gravel cleaner which is delivered to the site of the xeriscaping to be cleaned by a wheel/axle assembly, leveled with adjustable jack stands mounted on the metal frame. Xeriscape material to be cleaned is collected and deposited in a hopper with slide plate to control flow of material into the receiving chamber. Using an external power system, the auger/screener device rotation begins and picks up and carries forward the material, passing through the transition plate to the auger/cleaner chamber where foreign material passes through the screen. The cleaned material proceeds to the discharge chamber where it is collected and returned to the original xeriscaped site. The mobile mechanical xeriscape gravel cleaner can clean xeriscape gravel at a lower cost, with improved quality and a higher rate of speed than was previously possible, with significantly reduced burden to the ecosystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hill
  • Patent number: 9333538
    Abstract: A technology for material separation is provided. The technology enables an output of a first material from a rotary lifter. The technology enables a direction of a fluid stream onto the first material in flight based on the output of the first material such that the first material is separated into at least a second material and a third material. The technology enables a conveyance of the second material away from the rotary lifter. The technology enables a removal of the third material via a vacuum port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: American Biocarbon, LLC
    Inventors: Erwin Bogner, Richard J. Gobel
  • Patent number: 9027759
    Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. A product separation surface is mounted near the distal end of the conveyor, and the produce stream passes over the product separation surface, and is slowed to a speed such that the produce stream falls substantially immediately vertically downwardly. An inspection zone is located downstream relative to the product separation surface. An imaging device is provided, and which images the produce stream passing through the inspection zone; an illumination device is provided for illuminating the produce stream passing through the inspection zone, and an ejector assembly is located downstream of the inspection zone and which removes unwanted solid material in the produce stream having undesirable characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Jones, Brandon T. Hall, David W. Hufford, Timothy L. Justice, Tracy L. McGowen, Gerald R. Richert, Roydan T. Tomlinson, Jean-Francois Pellet
  • Patent number: 8720695
    Abstract: A roller-type grader having adjustable, widening gauging passages between consecutive rotating grader rollers and an associated method for adjusting the gauging passages. A drive rotates all the rollers in the same direction on their axes. The ends of the rollers at each end are rotatably and pivotally suspended from adjustment yokes that are movable laterally in unison along tracks by an adjustment shaft. Positioning the yokes positions the ends of the rollers relative to each other. Minimum and maximum widths of the gauging passages at opposite ends of the rollers are adjusted by rotating the adjustment shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Greve, Robert S. Lapeyre
  • Patent number: 8714363
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying filtered slush molding powder or other granular material using a material feeder and angled sieve. The feeder includes a feeding member for moving the granular material, a feeder loading region, and a feeder unloading region. The sieve is positioned relative to the feeder unloading region so that it receives the granular material exiting the feeder. The sieve is positioned at an angle of inclination greater than zero degrees. An agitator that causes vibration of the sieve can be included to help sift the granular material through the angled sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Bezuidenhout, Denis Perinet
  • Patent number: 8714362
    Abstract: A sorting apparatus is described, and which includes a conveyor which transports a produce stream for inspection. The conveyor has various regions formed in part of ridges, troughs and apertures which reduce the weight of the produce stream, as well as reduces the vertical and horizontal components of motion of the produce stream, as the produce stream progresses from one end to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Key Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter T. Jones, Brandon T. Hall, David W. Hufford, Timothy L. Justice, Tracy L. McGowen, Gerald R. Richert, Roydan T. Tomlinson, Jean-Francois Pellet, Quentin F. Kemph
  • Patent number: 8436058
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for separating a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic to separate the product into components thereof, the method comprising adding water to the product, and pressing the product in order to separate the product into components comprising a plastics component and a super absorbent polymer and fiber component. Other methods of the present disclosure include a method for producing a reusable plastic, reusable paper fiber stream and a reusable super absorbent polymer from the treatment of a product comprising a super absorbent polymer, a fiber and a plastic. Still other embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for the treatment of wet super absorbent polymer, comprising salt assisted dehydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Knowaste International, LLC
    Inventor: David Grimes
  • Publication number: 20130037451
    Abstract: A compact mobile variable angle vibrating screen with an overhead feed conveyor drive system configured to accommodate nesting into the feedbox of the vibrating screen by use of a 90-degree input shaft speed reducer; a V-belt drive and a drive shaft coupling the two and a motor mounted in front of and perpendicular to the head pulley of the feed conveyor, all arranged in a configuration to nest within a feed box of the vibrating screen and to minimize the need for offset feeding with the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: TEREX USA, LLC
    Inventor: REX CARTER
  • Publication number: 20120193272
    Abstract: A roller-type grader having adjustable, widening gauging passages between consecutive rotating grader rollers and an associated method for adjusting the gauging passages. A drive rotates all the rollers in the same direction on their axes. The ends of the rollers at each end are rotatably and pivotally suspended from adjustment yokes that are movable laterally in unison along tracks by an adjustment shaft. Positioning the yokes positions the ends of the rollers relative to each other. Minimum and maximum widths of the gauging passages at opposite ends of the rollers are adjusted by rotating the adjustment shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Greve, Robert S. Lapeyre
  • Publication number: 20120145608
    Abstract: A mobile collapsible screen and cone crusher combination where the screen is pivoted forward and downward for transport and a rubber hopper is coupled to the fines conveyor so as to permit a hinged connection and a sliding connection between the flexible hopper and the fines conveyor. A plurality of flexible matter edge plates are used at the rear of the flexible hopper to facilitate proper compression and expansion of the flexible hopper. A selectable maintenance catch is used to allow the screen to be elevated to an intermediate height for maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: TEREX USA, LLC
    Inventor: DAN L. GARLAND
  • Patent number: 7999012
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system to mechanically destroy printer toner cartridges and reclaim their constituent materials under a water shielded environment while providing a safer and more environmentally friendly recycling system. The present invention is an economical system that provides greater protection from possible fire or explosion and releases less irritating or possibly harmful airborne contamination than the currently available systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Lacee Lamphere, Brian Ibarra, Donald Laffler, James Hardin
  • Patent number: 7882958
    Abstract: A trommel screen machine including at least one revolving screening drum, at least one drive for the screening drum, a feeding hopper as well as at least one collecting device, such as a transport device, for collecting and transporting the screened good. In front of and/or on the trommel screen machine at least one disc screen is arranged which screens a defined grain, in particular oversized particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: Johann L. Doppstadt, Horst L. Berger
  • Patent number: 7690512
    Abstract: In a system to separate shredded vegetable pieces, a slicer cuts a vegetable having leaves and a core into pieces to form a mixture of leaf and core pieces. The mixture then passes through a sorting mechanism that separates the core pieces from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Narayan Dnyanadeo Patil, Andrew Dave Fernandez, Seth Marcus Goldsmith, Edward James Wynn
  • Patent number: 7337910
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described that provides one or more types of services and/or information in response to an information request or other message that specifies a unique identifier of a defined type. The information requests can include requests for resources corresponding to specified URLs with domain names that include a unique identifier, and if so the service or information provided can be based on the defined type of the identifier and/or on an item corresponding to the unique identifier. Additional information included in header fields of HTTP messages used for such URL requests can also be used to determine services or information to be provided, either instead of or in addition to the specified domain name identifier. In addition, services and information can be provided for a requested URL that includes a domain name that has not been explicitly registered with the DNS name server computers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Verisign, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Cartmell, Jothan Frakes
  • Patent number: 6941987
    Abstract: Apparatus for processing logs to manufacture wood chips. The apparatus includes a circular disc for passing a series of blades through a chipping station and a chute and spout assembly for feeding logs from a conveyor into the chipping station. A lifting mechanism is mounted for rotation upon a shaft which is situated adjacent to but outside of the chute and spout assembly. A drive unit is arranged to turn the shaft so that the lifting mechanism is rotated between a retracted position outside of the flow described by the chute and spout assembly and an extended position inside the chute and spout assembly whereby the lifting mechanism can contact logs within the assembly and move the logs contra to the direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6760585
    Abstract: In a network comprising call handling services for mobile users, services being requested by the mobile user for an active call and wherein each user registers for services with a personal identification number (PIN), a method for updating said personal identification number during an active call, the steps of said method comprising: registering user initially with the network for services with user's personal identification number during an active call; signalling a user preference to update the personal identification number; and updating user's personal identification number during said active call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Information and Communication Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peggy M. Stumer, Dennis L. Kucmerowski
  • Patent number: 6164350
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing or releasing a blockage occurring in a flow of tree trunks supplied to a wood chipper via a feed hopper and for securing an uninterrupted flow of timber to the chipper. At least one lifting arm is insertable to project through an opening defined in a hopper. The lifting arm is inserted to raise tree trunks wedged in the hopper and release blockages. The duration of the lifting arm insertion is controlled momentarily for limiting the amount of tree trunks supplied to the chipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-GmbH
    Inventors: Anders Olofsson, Ulf Perhson
  • Patent number: 6129216
    Abstract: An article including; a support member with a plurality of apertures therethrough; and a plurality of gate members attached by at least one end to at least one side of the support member, wherein each gate member is situated in close proximity to at least one of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Judith M. Vandewinckel, Gerardo Leute
  • Patent number: 6119624
    Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus for sprinkling powder material onto food products. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding the powder material that is mounted above a conveyor. A drum is rotatably mounted within the hopper and stirs the powder material. The drum has a rotation surface provided with recesses thereon for receiving the powder material. A narrow passageway is provided between the rotation surface of the drum and an inner wall of the hopper. The narrow passageway presses the powder material against the rotation surface of the drum. A wiper is attached to an exit opening of the hopper and wipes the compressed powder material from the rotation surface of the drum. The wiped powder material leaves the exit opening of the hopper and is sprinkled on the food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co.
    Inventors: Michio Morikawa, Koichi Hirabayashi, Hiroyuki Usui
  • Patent number: 5791493
    Abstract: Apparatus for classifying high purity polysilicon particles includes a receptacle for holding the particles and a rotary member for feeding the particles from the receptacle. The rotary member defines at least a portion of a front wall of the receptacle and is supported for rotation about its generally horizontally oriented longitudinal axis. A motor drives rotation of the rotary member such that a longitudinal groove passes through the receptacle to pick up particles smaller than a predetermined size and dump the captured particles onto an inclined surface disposed generally forward of the receptacle. The particles slide downwardly acquiring a velocity according to their shape. A gap between a lower edge of the inclined surface and a first receiver is sized such that only particles having more than a predetermined velocity are capable of traversing the gap to the first receiver. The remaining particles fall through the gap and into a second receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5564823
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to simplify the measurement of lightweight concrete components and to recycle waste materials that result from lightweight concrete block manufacture. The method involves separating coarse and fine components of the waste. The apparatus uses several devices, separately or in combination, to separate the components, such as a sieve, auger, and blower. The coarse components are conveyed by auger, gravity or other means to be measured by weight in a first hopper. The fine components are conveyed by gravity, blower, auger or other means to be measured by volume in a second hopper. Fresh materials may be added to both hoppers. The materials from both hoppers are then mixed together in a primary mixing chamber and finally conveyed into molds for curing before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Rastra Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Holik
  • Patent number: 5560494
    Abstract: A loop-like material sorting device includes a comb-like member arranged with an inclination in a supply path supplied with materials to be sorted and formed in a row at a pitch corresponding to the shape or size of loop-like materials, and a vibrating device connected to the comb-like member and for applying the mechanical vibration to the comb-like member, wherein the loop-like materials contained in the materials to be sorted are caught by the comb-like member and then guided to the free end by the inclination of the comb-like member and the vibration applied to the comb-like member by the vibrating device to enable the sorting of the loop-like materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignees: Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Metal Co., Ltd., Senko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakatsu Kumagai, Yoshihisa Fujita
  • Patent number: 5477900
    Abstract: An improved chute and spout assembly for use with a wood chipper that clears logjams by the use of hydraulic rams attached to the chute near the chipper. The rams move between an extended position, for moving the logs, and a retracted position, when the logs are sliding by gravity on the interior surface of the chute. The rams are oriented and spaced apart in order to move the logs when jammed without interfering with each other when more than one ram is extended into the interior of the chute to move the logs. When retracted, the ends of the rams are approximately flush with the interior surface of the chute. Each ram is independently controlled for flexibility in clearing logjams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: David A. Gray
  • Patent number: 5469972
    Abstract: A screening apparatus and a method are provided for separating mixed material into coarse materials and finer materials. After dumping mixed materials with a loader into a bucket located in an upper section of a screening apparatus, a movable wall moving at a predetermined speed along the bottom of the bucket pushes the mixed materials into a bottom opening of the bucket over a first material separating screen defining a slope with reference to the ground and subjected to vibrations of a shaking device. The apparatus may further comprise parallel spaced bars for primary removing of large debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: les Equipements Vibrotech Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Guy St-Pierre, Andre Godbout
  • Patent number: 5294001
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning the oil off of oil covered parts by the employment of oil absorbing particulate such as ground corncob. The oil covered parts and oil absorbing particulate are mixed together in a tumbler for a period sufficient to bring each of the parts into contact with the oil absorbing particulate. Much of the particulate adheres to the oil covered parts. Thus, following mixing, the particulate adhered parts are subjected to a series of vibrating, impinging, tumbling, and air blowing actions which remove the adhering particulate from the parts and direct the oil absorbed particulate and cleaned parts into two separate, respective vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Dulin Metals Co.
    Inventor: Harvey S. Dulin
  • Patent number: 5285905
    Abstract: The screening assembly includes a tilted upwardly movable belt conveyor over which is mounted a rotatable cylindrical drum axially oriented in the direction of the belt conveyor. A mixed soil receiving bucket mounted over the conveyor upstream of the cylindrical drum. The bucket is also transports a mixture of soil and debris towards the cylindrical drum. The cylindrical drum while rotating allows the soil to drop on the belt conveyor while the debris are rejected at the lower end of the drum. The assembly particularly makes use of a screening drum which includes a cylindrical meshed screen supported by two end rings at both ends of the meshed screen. The drum is rotated by a pair of driving wheels located under each of the rings. One of the rings includes an outer radial flange which is adapted to abut on a pair of wheels for preventing the tilted drum from sliding downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Real R. Laprade
  • Patent number: 5112474
    Abstract: There is disclosed a screening apparatus for screening particulate material and which comprises a base frame, an elevating conveyor adjustably mounted on the base frame and arranged to convey material from a loading station at or near a lower end of the conveyor to a discharge station at an upper end of the conveyor, a sub-frame adjustably mounted on the base frame and carrying a vibratory screen for receiving material falling from the conveyor, a drive mechanism for adjusting the position of the conveyor along a guided path of movement, and a coupling arrangement which couples the conveyor and the sub-frame together in such a way that adjustment of the position of the conveyor relative to the base frame is accompanied by corresponding adjustment of the position of the sub-frame relative to the base frame so that the vibratory screen can take up any required attitude to suit particular requirements and in which it is still able readily to receive material falling from the upper end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Patrick J. Douglas
  • Patent number: 5021150
    Abstract: A sieve drum (1) for sieving out waste or the like, in particular domestic refuse, having an intake associated with an open end of the drum is mounted pivotably at an angle or inclination (w) approximately at the middle of its length (n) and is to have perforations (14, 15) of different sizes. It has also been found advantageous for the perforations (14, 15) to be of cross-sections which decrease in a direction of the sieve drum (1) from one end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Werner Burklin
  • Patent number: 4875999
    Abstract: Gyratory and reciprocal motion classifiers for classifying particles in a fluidized particle bed according to size or density, and implementing a classification chamber for the fluidized particle bed and an activation chamber for enhancing the kinetic energy of particles prior to their introduction into the classification chamber. The activation chamber is movable with the classifier and preferably has a vertical thrusting surface and lateral surfaces convergent toward an exit opening which admits particles into the classification chamber in proximity to an upstanding surface for dispersing particles away from the point of entry and over and into the fluidized bed in a direction counter to the directional throw of the particle bed-supporting surface of the classification chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Mineral Recovery Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Haight
  • Patent number: 4609405
    Abstract: The invention relates to diffusers and in particular to sugar cane diffusers in which the diffuser includes means to feed the material to be extracted into the diffuser and also rake means which are constrained to move in a predetermined horizontal plane and to remove material above that plane in order to provide a uniform distribution of the material on the width of the diffuser sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Huletts Sugar Limited
    Inventor: Hilton F. Elliott
  • Patent number: 4447382
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a foam pad for carpets has features to improve the quality of the pad. The apparatus has a hopper section for receiving foam particles coated with heat activated bonding agent. An extruder section compresses the particles as they are moved continuously along a conveyor belt. A heat section heats the particles after being compressed. A raking device in the hopper section rakes the top of the body of particles prior to entering the extruder section. The raking device rakes in a direction opposite to the movement of the body of particles. The raking device can be raised and lowered to change the level of the particles, and thus the density. The raking device also forms the top of the body of particles with upwardly tapered corners. A plate located below the hopper and extruder sections supports the lower conveyor belt. The heat section uses steam chambers with a perforated top, which also serves to support the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: MPI, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Spurlock, Larry W. Foster
  • Patent number: 4336131
    Abstract: A continuous gasification furnace and method of operation. The charge is fed into the furnace chamber between two rolls at least one of which is driven. The furnace chamber can be sealed from the ambient atmosphere. The bed of the furnace contains three zones from top to bottom, these zones are; a volatilization zone, a char reaction zone and an ash zone. Additionally, there can be a drying zone above the volatilization zone. Fuel, air, and steam enter the lower portion of the furnace through strategically located inlet ports. Fuel is used to start up the burning bed while carefully controlled steam to air ratio is used during continuous operation of the furnace. Simultaneously controlled steam cooling effects and exothermic reactions occur in the char reaction zone whereby all or controlled amounts of the oxygen is consumed so that pyrolysis can occur in the volatilization zone without the danger of combustion in that zone or combustion of the fumes leaving the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Midland-Ross Corporation
    Inventors: H. Dean Schmidt, Peter M. Eckstrom
  • Patent number: 4229286
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing dust and trash from tufts of opened cotton fiber stock includes entrance and exit ducts for airborne transport of the tufts to and from a housing having passages for the tufts therethrough, a screen disposed therein, a pair of counterrotating rollers with projecting pins for regulating passage of the tufts to the screen, a suction trough for causing high velocity impingements of the tufts against the screen for shaking cotton dust from the tufts and through the screen thereby forming a mat of tufts on the screen and passing air at a high velocity through the screen for removing cotton dust from the mat, and a moving paddle wheel for removal of the tufts from the screen disruptively of the mat and propelling the tufts in a tumbling floccular state farther through the passages toward the exit duct. The housing contains a plenum with a porous impact and filtration panel for receiving tufts from the entrance duct against the panel and directing the tufts toward the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Inventor: Charles R. Bridges
  • Patent number: 4190526
    Abstract: A portable screening plant which can be readily transported and easily installed at an operating site for screening of gravel or other particulate materials. The plant comprises an endless loop conveyor belt mounted on a frame which also supports a hopper for supply of material to the belt. The shaker is adjustably attached to the frame by a linkage mechanism to permit raising of the shaker to an operating position and lower thereof to a closed travelling position. The hopper includes reciprocatory wiper blades to prevent accumulation of material on the hopper walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1980
    Assignee: Pioneer Cover-All, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest C. Bachand
  • Patent number: 4165280
    Abstract: The invention provides for the automatic and continuous cleaning of feed hoppers. A plurality of brushes extend transversely across the path of the upper flight of the horizontal conveyor in the bottom of a feed hopper. The brushes are spaced from each other and frictionally engage the teeth of the feed apron to convey good fibers to the feed apron at the end of the upper flight of the conveyor. A perforated plate is positioned beneath the lower flight of the conveyor and as the brushes traverse the plate on the lower flight they push accumulations of pepper trash through the perforations and into a removable pan beneath the perforated plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Inventor: Jasper B. Holley
  • Patent number: 4155840
    Abstract: An apparatus for sorting wood chips or other particulate material into groups according to size. The apparatus includes a housing having an opened top, a first screen attached to the housing substantially covering the opened top thereof, a second screen attached to the housing beneath the first screen, and a hopper fixedly attached to the housing for holding a quantity of wood chips and for depositing wood chips onto substantially the center of the first screen. The first and second screens slope downwardly from the centers thereof so that any wood chips of a size too large to pass therethrough will pass, aided by the force of gravity, to the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Gauld Equipment Sales Company
    Inventors: W. Thomas Gauld, Arthur V. Jepsen
  • Patent number: 4130223
    Abstract: A hopper device for delivering granular or powdery material to a conveyor system of a type having a circuitous tube and a continuous flexible member having disc members rigidly attached thereto has a material level monitor and control apparatus attached thereto. The continuous flexible member passes through the hopper and a material flow varying mechanism is disposed within the hopper for causing material to be delivered from the hopper into the conveyor system when such mechanism is in operation. A housing having a chamber therein is attached to the outlet side of the hopper and has a float assembly disposed in the chamber for sensing the amount of material being fed into the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1978
    Assignee: Intraco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Jones
  • Patent number: 4016978
    Abstract: A device enabling the separation and removal of cementitious material from a concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer is provided. The concrete mixer, usually of the mobile type mounted on a land vehicle, comprises essentially, a drum or mixing vessel, a discharge or dump outlet and means for introducing water into the drum. The instant device comprises restraining and diverting member adapted to be positioned in alignment with said outlet, pulley means, for example pivotally mounting the device on the cement mixer enabling movement of the device from a position aligned with said outlet to a position displaced from said outlet, latch means for securing the device in aligned position with said outlet, and means for moving said device to a position out of alignment with said outlet, as required for normal operation of the concrete mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Inventor: Frank Danna, Jr.