Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation and application device useful for mixing and dispensing a plurality of fluids, wherein the fluids must be mixed immediately prior to use. In one embodiment, the device includes two fluid delivery systems connected to a manifold having two separate fluid channels. Each fluid channel conducts fluid to a mixing chamber, from which, following mixing, the mixture of fluids is dispensed. The manifold additionally includes a gas channel having an outlet connected to one of the fluid channels, which can be used to supply a pressurized gas to the mixing chamber to expel the mixture from the chamber, reducing the likelihood that the mixture can clog the device. The invention also provides a method for preparing and dispensing a mixture of two fluids.

Abstract: A wet chemical process tank for processing semiconductor wafers equipped with a specially designed fluid dispenser positioned at the bottom of the tank where the dispenser has a fluid dispensing member having an elongated body connected on at least one end to at least one support member for stabilizing the member and a fluid passage therein in fluid communication with a plurality of openings provided on at least one of the vertical sides of the member such that a fluid may only exit the member in a horizontal direction so that bubbles generated do not directly contact the semiconductor wafers suspended at the center of the tank.

Abstract: An aerator valve assembly adapted to provide selective fluid communication between a supply of pressurized gas and a pressure vessel and adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the pressure vessel and a bulk material handling structure. The valve assembly includes a valve housing including a valve body, an end cap adapted to be connected to the supply of pressurized gas, and a piston seat having an outlet port adapted to provide fluid communication with the bulk material handling structure. The valve body includes a port adapted to provide fluid communication with the pressure vessel. A piston is located within a chamber of the valve body between the end cap and the piston seat. The piston is selectively slidable between an extended position wherein the piston creates a metal-to-metal seal with the piston seat to seal the outlet port closed and a retracted position wherein the seal is broken.

Abstract: A simplified device for use with dilute soapy water in a container, with the device being adapted to mechanically convert the soapy water together with ambient air into a dense lather. The device comprises a manually operable bladder as a pressurized ambient air source and the only moving part. The device further comprises conduits for movement of air and soapy water, a mixing chamber, specifically sized orifice entries into the mixing chamber for predetermined metered entry of the air and soapy water into the mixing chamber, an elongated porous plug for the mixing chamber and various check valves. In operation, a portion of the pressurized air is directed through a first conduit, to provide air, through a specifically sized orifice, into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A foaming system 10 includes a dual aspirator 13. The dual aspirator 13 has first and second aspirators 80 and 81 to pick up a first and second chemical concentrate. The diluent first chemical mixture is drawn in through the first aspirator 80 and goes through a first diffuser 46 where the first chemical/diluent mixture is further mixed. Similarly, diluent/chemical mixture is drawn by the second aspirator 81 and flows through a second diffuser 47 where it also is mixed. The two diluent/chemical mixtures then combine after exiting the diffusers and the compatible chemicals are then mixed by the flow of the diluent/chemical mixtures. Flushing lines 68 and 71 provide for cleaning of the dual aspirator 13. Further, the diffusers have a ratio of their diameter to length to aid in the prevention of contamination along with the use of two check valves 48 and 49.

Abstract: A material loader includes a material hopper, an air filter, a hopper support and a control box. The filter is positioned on top of the hopper, and the hopper is positioned on top of the hopper support. The entire unit is mounted directly over the throat of a plastic injection molding machine and feeds a mixture of virgin and regrind plastic into the machine. The control box, mounted on the side of the plastic injection molding machine, contains timers and other electronic equipment which run the unit to control amount, ratio and timing of conveyance of feed material to the hopper, and ultimately to the press. Two inlet tubes feed plastic into the hopper, one feeding virgin plastic and the other feeding regrind plastic. The control box contains load timers, which may be adjusted manually to control the exact amount of each type of plastic which is fed into the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing fine particle material from a container such as a flexible intermediate bulk container. The invention includes a dispensing assembly that has a dispensing device that is secured to an outlet tube of the container. Securement is achieved by a strap member wrapped about the container's outlet tube and a clamping casing and/or by an inflatable member that expands outward from the clamping casing. The casing surrounds a transport tube which is axially shiftable following securement of the clamping casing to the outlet tube. A head piece with gas cavity and radial and oblique extending ports is provided at the end of the transport tube. The dispensing device is inserted into the outlet tube below a blocking member provided at the base of the outlet tube. Following attachment of the outlet tube to the clamping casing, the blocking member is released. The transport tube is then released from a first position, shifted and then fixed in a second position.

Abstract: A dispenser product supply unit includes a pressurizable container for containing a product liquid and having an opening leading into one end of a conduit. Formed integrally in the conduit is a mixing chamber at which a gas may be added to the liquid followed by an elongated turbulence tube for causing turbulent flow of the mixed fluids. The opposite end of the conduit may be coupled to a distribution manifold that can distribute the aerated liquid issuing from the turbulence tube onto a surface as a relatively thin layer. Side branches from the conduit may also be present for introducing one or more additives into the fluid flowing through the conduit. The container conduit and side branches constitute an integral disposable structure. The unit is especially suitable for producing and distributing flavored ice cream and yogurt from associated dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: An inner container is disposed within an outer container containing an amount of foamable liquid sufficient to provide a substantial foam production capacity. The dual-container foam dispenser is provided with a porous diffusing element having material surface characteristics optimally suited for diffusing pressurized air into stationary foamable liquid located within the inner container, thereby producing high-quality foam. The inner container is provided with an upper valve and a lower valve, each biased open by a return-action biasing force. The valves open to permit flow in either direction between the containers, depending upon system pressure changes during different stages in the foam production cycle, to prevent leakage of foam out of the device and to permit refilling the inner container.

Abstract: A powder delivery apparatus for use in a paint supply system. The apparatus has a flexible inner hose having an innermost and outermost surface with pores extending therebetween. The innermost surface defines a channel along which powder particles may flow. Surrounding and extending coaxially with the inner hose is a flexible outer hose. The innermost surface of the flexible outer hose and the outermost surface of the inner hose define an annular path that is charged with air. The air is forced under pressure radially inwardly through the pores to the inner hose so that during powder flow, powder particles are atomized and prevented from fusing to the innermost surface of the inner hose. Thus, powder build-up and impact fusion are avoided in the inner hose. Accordingly, consistent powder flow rates and supply pressures are promoted.

Abstract: A droplet floating apparatus is provided to float a sample without any contact so as to carry out various types of experiments and develop new materials. The droplet floating apparatus includes a liquid sample supply pipe whose distal end is opened to a floating space, to receive supply of a liquid sample to form a droplet at the distal end, a separating device for separating the droplet from the liquid sample supply pipe, and a device for confining the separated droplet in the floating space without ambient contact. The separating device uses a gas to spray a pressurized gas on the droplet, and the confining device uses voltage. The liquid sample supply pipe is periodically vibrated, and the distal end of the liquid sample supply pipe may be diagonally cut away or may be heated. A plurality of liquid sample supply pipes may be mounted to supply a plurality of types of liquid samples. Further, the droplet may be recovered by suction of a droplet recovery pipe, an adsorber, or the like.

Abstract: A method for dosing and particularly for mixing substances, particularly for mixing at least one granular or powdery solid matter with a liquid. A first substance, particularly the granular or powdery solid matter is liquidized by means of a gas fed continuously or pulsatingly, and after that this homogenized gas/matter mixture is brought together in a time stable, dosed manner and mixed with a second substance, particularly a liquid. For dosing the homogenized gas/matter mixture, there is additionally supplied to it gas prior to the mixing with the second substance, with this gas being supplied to the gas/matter stream in a sheathing way and parallel to its direction of flow.

Abstract: An improved airlock valve is shown which is used to pass a particulate solid from a first pressure environment to a second, different pressure environment. The valve includes an inlet chamber for receiving particulate solids entering at a first pressure and has an outlet chamber for receiving particulate solids passing from the inlet chamber. The outlet chamber has a discharge opening which communicates with a second pressure environment which is different from the first pressure environment. At least one baffle divides the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. Compressed air is supplied to the lower regions of the inlet and outlet chambers by means of a supply tube having downwardly facing apertures in order to fluidize the particulate solids.

Abstract: A chaff disseminator for uniformly distributing short fibers into the air r disrupt enemy radar tracking in an air combat situation. Such fibers are typically 3 to 25 microns in diameter and cut to 1/8 to 1/2 inch in length. Fiber concentration and output are regulated by changing the air flow direction in a hopper while keeping the total air flow volume constant. A load of fibers in the hopper is raised by an upward airflow causing the load to tumble and reducing the packing density of the fibers at the edge of the load. The reduced packing density permits lower speed horizontal airflows to pull off fibers for dissemination. A fluid bed is created depending by a series of small holes drilled in the bottom of the hopper, by regulation of the airflow along the lid of the hopper and by air jets mounted along the bottom front edge of the hopper. A baffle which the load compressed and directs the cross load airflow.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing volumes and/or weights of a free-flowing product contains a shaft formed by four fixed walls. At the lower end of the shaft is provided a rotary flap or valve, which can be closed and opened by a motor drive. Rotation takes place about an axis located in the vicinity of the rear wall of the shaft. The rotary valve can be opened to randomly selectable opening positions and fixed there.

Abstract: In order to convey granular material from an upstream processing location, a vibratory feeder includes a conveyor having an inlet end and an outlet end disposed in spaced apart relation. The conveyor has the inlet end disposed in a position to receive the material from an outlet of a source of the material by way of gravity. The vibratory feeder utilizes an unbalanced motor for vibrating the conveyor to apply a vibratory force causing the material to be conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The transfer of the material from the source to the conveyor is controlled by using a receptacle have a valve for dispensing the material in the receptacle at the inlet end of the conveyor. Specifically, the receptacle receives the material from the source by gravity and the valve opens and closes dependent upon accumulation of the material in the receptacle.

Abstract: A bulk-material silo has a silo draw-off opening which is located centrally in the ventilated silo base and is connected directly to an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber comprises two parts, the first of which leads outwardly in the manner of a duct from the silo draw-off opening towards and merging with the second part of the expansion chamber which is arranged outside the actual silo. Only said second part is configured with a sufficient height to permit the bulk material to fully expand during fluidization and with dust-extraction and draw-off devices. The air-extraction line from the upper silo space is fed, outside the silo, directly to the dust-extraction device.

Abstract: A droplet floating apparatus is provided to float a sample without any contact so as to carry out various types of experiments and develop new materials. The droplet floating apparatus includes a liquid sample supply pipe whose distal end is opened to a floating space, to receive supply of a liquid sample to form a droplet at the distal end, a separating device for separating the droplet from the liquid sample supply pipe, and a device for confining the separated droplet in the floating space without ambient contact. The separating device uses a gas to spray a pressurized gas on the droplet, and the confining device uses voltage. The liquid sample supply pipe is periodically vibrated, and the distal end of the liquid sample supply pipe may be diagonally cut away or may be heated. A plurality of liquid sample supply pipes may be mounted to supply a plurality of types of liquid samples. Further, the droplet may be recovered by suction of a droplet recovery pipe, an adsorber, or the like.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus provides for dosing a particulate phase within a free flowing two phase flow of a gas phase and the particulate phase, wherein the two phase flow leaves a fluidized bed. The apparatus includes, at its bottom, a gas inlet mechanism to supply the gas via an orifice, and an outlet orifice with a discharge pipe. Control of the gas flow to maintain a predetermined level of the bed is attained by weighing the contents of the bed or by use of sensors within a treatment space of the apparatus. Widening mechanism may be located subsequent to the outlet orifice for widening the stream of particulate phase for exposing an enlarged surface area of particles for treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus with a horizontally stretched flexible membrane is used to sealingly support a lower, openable end portion of an air-permeable sack containing powder material. A conical funnel-like sealable portion of the apparatus immediately beneath the membrane may be connected to a mechanism for applying a suction. This suction uses inward air flow from the ambient atmosphere through the air-permeable wall of the sack and the powder material contained therein, to generate a fluidized air/powder material outflow from the lower opening of the sack. The funnel-like element guides this flow and enables transfer of the air-fluidized powder material flow. To form a slurry, a conventional disperser/mixer mechanism dipped into a quantity of liquid in a tank may be connected to a suction duct to apply the desired suction. Fluidized air/powder material flow then is intensely and rapidly stirred with the liquid to form a slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus meters solid present in the gas/solid stream from a fluidized-bed apparatus, in which gas and solid are present as a prehomogenized, free-flowing mixture in a fluidized bed and in which at least one outlet orifice for removal of the gas/solid stream is provided in an outflow pipe. The metering apparatus has a discharge pipe with a gas injection nozzle for establishing a time-constant, emerging mass flow and for establishing the homogeneity of the emerging gas/solid stream. The pipe and nozzle are coordinated with an outlet orifice of the bed apparatus, and/or at least one device for influencing the prehomogenization.

Abstract: A gas conditioning vessel for bulk solids undergoing mass flow. The gas is introduced into the solids through an open bottom distributor forming a plenum. The plenum opens into the vessel at its bottom, the injection sites being bounded by vertical walls of the distributor. The vertical configuration optimizes solids pressure at these sites to suppress localized fluidization and flow instability due to stress conditions.

Abstract: An air cannon for removing cakes of flowable material and clearing clogged areas of flowable material in silos, heat exchanger and lines has a pressure container for storing compressed air and a pressure source connected to the pressure container. An outlet valve is connected to the pressure container. An outlet jet is connected to the outlet valve. The outlet valve has a valve housing and a piston, wherein the valve housing has a guide in which guide the piston is axially slidable. An annular channel is formed between the valve housing and the guide. The annular channel is connected to the pressure container and, in the open position of the outlet valve, forms a cylindrical opening that opens into the outlet jet. The piston has a forward end face facing the outlet jet and having an annular valve sealing surface. The rearward end face of the piston is subjected to a suddenly releasable closure pressure.

Abstract: A portable garden powder duster for applying dusting agent to garden plants is provided. The powder duster comprises an air blower, an air-flow receiving tube removably attached to the air-blower and a dusting agent container removably attached to the bottom of the air-flow receiving tube. The air-flow receiving tube contains a special V-shaped air baffle attached to the bottom of the tube for efficient direction of air flow, a positive air duct located at the bottom of the baffle on the positive or air entering side of the baffle, a circumferential hole located under the air baffle and a rectangular shaped hole located at the bottom of the baffle on the negative side thereof. The air-flow receiving tube has a greater diameter on the positive side of the baffle than on the negative side thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus has a cylindrical container with an intermediate floor containing a multiplicity of air holes through which air is pumped upward to keep glitter within the container above the intermediate floor in movement. A vertical housing within the container contains a venturi jet to suck glitter out of the container, through the vertical housing, and through a hose to a spray gun. Static reducing tinsel is emersed in the glitter in the container and connected to a ground outside the container. The spray gun can separately or simultaneously spray resin and glitter.

Abstract: A sparger container comprises a pair of opposed end walls, a pair of opposed side walls, and a closed floor. The closed floor has an open-topped, longitudinally-extending channel and two generally planar sides slanting upwardly from the top edges of the channel to the side walls. A sparger system is provided immediately above the floor and includes a generally rectangular network of pipes disposed along the inner perimeter of the side and end walls, and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between a source of pressurized fluid and the pipes. The sparger system can also include a pipe positioned above the channel. Each of the pipes is provided with a plurality of holes therethrough, which are evenly-spaced circumferentially and are positioned at spaced intervals along the lengths of the pipes. An outlet for the container is positioned at one end of the channel and extends through one of the end walls.

Abstract: A fluidized type paint powder tank has a fluidizing chamber for fluidizing paint powder and a storage chamber into which the paint powder in the fluidizing chamber is fed to keep it still. There is also provided a paint supply device for an electrostatic painting apparatus that includes a paint tank for containing paint powder and a painting gun coupled to the paint tank through an injector and a hose. The device includes a discharge member for discharging the paint powder from the paint tank and a hopper for receiving the paint powder discharged by the discharge member. A screw feeder is provided under the hopper. With this arrangement, the paint powder supplied at a uniform rate by the screw feeder is fed into the injector.

Abstract: A limp, porous membrane (18) is formed from a flexible sheet material (20). The membrane is used with a fluidized hopper outlet (10) containing a pulverant, particulate lading which is fluidized and unloaded via the outlet. A valve installed in the outlet, when open, extends substantially through the outlet and allows fluidized lading to be unloaded through the outlet. The outlet has a frame (12) for securing the outlet to the hopper, an outlet opening (14) in which the valve is positioned, and intersecting outlet walls (16) extending between the frame and the opening. An outer margin (54) of the membrane is secured to the frame. An inner margin (18) of the membrane, which defines an opening for the lading, is attached to a boot (36). The boot is secured to the top of an outlet pan (P), adjacent the outlet opening, by a retainer ring (50). The ring locks the boot in place so the opening in membrane is secured adjacent to the outlet opening for the lading to flow into the outlet through the valve.

Abstract: An improved solid particulate matter blender which is essentially a cylindrical vessel with a hopper bottom and a central lift pipe through which pressurized gas is pumped in order to lift material from the bottom to the top for remixing. An internal cone structure mounted inside the conical bottom hopper improves the mixing action within the blender. A cylindrical extension is attached to the bottom of the internal cone structure and extends toward the bottom of the vessel. Material originating at various heights thus reaches the bottom and is lifted to the top together to accomplish the mixing action.

Abstract: The product to be poured, which is typically constituted by an aerated product such as meringue mixture or the like, is admitted to a tank which is kept closed and only partially filled with the product to be poured. A continuous, static, relative aeriform pressure, typically of the order of 0.2-0.3 atmospheres, is maintained in the portion of the tank which is not occupied by the product. Precise small quantities of the product are poured through openings in the lower portion of the tank which are associated with delivery nozzles controlled by obturators, preferably of the cylindrical, male type.

Abstract: A continuous gravimetric metering apparatus for pourable material including a predetermined measuring path supplied with pourable material, the predetermined measuring path being provided with a porous wall for continuously supplying a finely distributed air stream thereto. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use in a continuously operating conveying system for pourable material having lower flowability in large quantities.

Abstract: A foam producing device for the alternative dispensing of foams or liquids comprising a porous element comprising a partially gas permeable wall, a gas distribution plenum, a gas entry port in fluid connection with said plenum; a second wall opposite the outer surface of said gas permeable wall; a mixing chamber comprising at one end, the proximal end, a small annular opening between said gas permeable and second wall, comprising an orifice for the uniform distribution of foamable liquid therethrough into said chamber and at the distal end an exit port for the discharge of foams or liquids from said chamber said chamber being tapered, or not, as required; a liquid distribution plenum for the uniform distribution of said foamable liquids to said orifice and a liquid entry port in fluid connection, through a conduit, with said plenum wherein said plenum and a source of foamable liquid are in fluid connection through a conduit therebetween; with the proviso that only the portion of said gas permeable wall betwee

Abstract: A portable garden power duster for applying dusting agent to garden plants is provided.

Abstract: A foam dispensing system and apparatus for mixing a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam and dispensing the mixed foam components, the apparatus having a body portion and a cartridge assembly mounted on said body portion. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber having a longitudinal bore and an aftermix chamber in communication with the mix chamber. The apparatus further includes inlets and passageways for supplying the plurality of foam components to the longitudinal bore of the mix chamber and a slidable valve rod for controlling the flow of the plurality of foam components into the mix chamber. A pressurized gas is injected into the aftermix chamber to aid in the mixing of the plurality of foam components and to provide an improved spray pattern of foam.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for maintaining the purity of solid/granular product and dispensing high purity granular product from a vessel. A noncontaminating surface is provided by a cup, cylinder, or other structure having a surface of silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, sialon, or similar materials and preferably operates as an angle of repose valve in a pressurized system to prevent contamination by undue contact of the high purity product with conventional gastight valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, pinch valves, etc.

Abstract: A container for bulk material includes a hollow glide body provided with inner walls forming an orifice opening into a bottom of the container, outer walls formed shorter than inner walls and a distribution cone formed with respective walls.

Abstract: A foam dispensing system and apparatus for mixing a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam and dispensing the mixed foam components, the apparatus having a body portion and a cartridge assembly mounted on said body portion. The cartridge assembly includes a mix chamber having a longitudinal bore and an aftermix chamber in communication with the mix chamber. The apparatus further includes inlets and passageway for supplying the plurality of foam components to the longitudinal bore of the mix chamber and a slidable valve rod for controlling the flow of the plurality of foam components into the mix chamber. A pressurized gas is injected into the aftermix chamber to aid in the mixing of the plurality of foam components and to provide an improved spray pattern of foam.

Abstract: A seed distribution system includes an upright main hopper for containing a mass of seeds. The input end of a seed tube projects into the lower portion of the hopper near the bottom of the seed mass. The input end of the seed tube is located within the output end of an air supply tube and terminates inwardly of the supply tube. The seeds in the main hopper are pneumatically captured by creating a generally dome-shaped area in the seeds adjacent the input end and sweeping seeds from the area into the input end. The captured seeds are propelled through the seed tube to a secondary hopper adjacent a seed metering device. To provide automatic level control, the delivery end of the seed tube is supported within the secondary hopper so that, as the seed level rises in the hopper, air flow and thus seed delivery rate will decrease.

Abstract: A gas accumulator and blaster apparatus including a pressure tank (12) and a quick release valve (14). The quick release valve includes an elongated outer sleeve (22), an end cap (28), a check valve (32), a shouldered guide member (38), a cup shaped piston (56), and an annular seat member (68). The tank is filled with a gas by means of a conduit (36). The gas accumulated in the tank is quickly exhausted through a second end (26) of the quick release valve and into a storage bin as and when gas is exhausted from interior of the piston, guide member, and conduit. The piston quickly returns to a closed position as and when the flow of air from said tank stops.

Abstract: A device for promoting the flow rate of solid particulates from a fluidized bed of solids into a downcomer extending from a discharge outlet in a wall or the bed includes a hollow, funnel-like, horn element having a lower end connected upstream of the discharge outlet and an upper end portion spaced upwardly of the lower end and flared outwardly at progressively higher levels to form an enlarged flow entrance for the fluidized solid particulates to move from said bed toward said discharge outlet into the downcomer. The funnel-like, horn element has an enlarged open upper end formed with a rim around the flow entrance spaced above the lower wall of the bed and has a flow cross-section substantially greater than that of the discharge outlet. A bubble ring is provided adjacent the rim for injecting gaseous fluid into the solids to fluidize the solid particulates for movement in a generally horizontal direction towards a center axis of the flow entrance of the funnel-like, horn element.

Abstract: An air distributing device mounted into the sloping wall of a hopper containing finely divided material, such as flour or cement, aerating and causing the discharge of the material with a pressurized air flow and keeping the material in constant motion toward the discharge outlet of the hopper, the air distributing device being substantially hemi-spherical in form and providing a wide distribution of the pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes an aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: A flow cone aerator for assisting discharge of material from containers. The aerator includes an inverted cone shaped hollow support adapted to be affixed to a wall of the container with the small diameter end of the support adjacent the interior surface of the container and the large diameter end extending into the interior of the container. An air inlet is positioned adjacent the small diameter end and is adapted to be selectively connected to a pressurized source of air exteriorly of the container. At least one air outlet port radially extends through the wall of the support. A flexible cone shaped flap, corresponding in shape to the support, is mounted to the small diameter end of the support with the large diameter end of the flap free of attachment to the support.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of porous inserts in the walls of the container through which a gaseous fluid is forced thereby contacting particulate solids within said container and enhancing the flow of said solids.

Abstract: An improved fluidized bed discharge bin comprising a removable closure covering an opening in the bottom of the bin. The closure is of an inverted pyramidal shape having a square base and an offset nadir. A discharge opening is positioned adjacent to the nadir on the side wall toward which the nadir is offset. An air-permeable member overlies the interior of the closure and is retentively secured between the bin opening and the closure. Positioned at the approximate midsection of each wall is a spacer which prevents the air-permeable member from being compressed in complete surface-to-surface contact with the interior surfaces of the closure. Aeration is introduced into the enclosure through an air inlet correspondingly positioned adjacent to the spacer on one wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus for densifying particulate solids and for removing air from the solids includes a screw feeder that conveys the material through a recirculation chamber, then into a high pressure shroud that is closed at its downstream end by a preloaded cover in yieldable sealing engagement with the downstream end of the high pressure shroud. In a preferred embodiment, the high pressure shroud includes a perforated section that extends upstream into the recirculation chamber so that as the particulate material is compressed by the screw in the high pressure shroud, air and some of the particles are expressed through the perforations and are contained by the recirculation chamber which directs the expressed particles downward into the screw which once again pushes them into the high pressure shroud.

Abstract: A static whipping device and process for intermixing of a whippable liquid and a propellant gas under pressure to produce a whipped product. The device includes a pressure chamber with a top and a bottom and a valve for introducing a propellant gas and for dispensing a whipped product. The valve is adjacent the top of the container. A static mixer for intermixing the whippable liquid and the propellant gas is disposed in the chamber. It includes elongated a tubular member, preferably formed of plastic, having one end connected to the valve for dispensing the whipped product and the other end extending to near the bottom of the chamber. It further includes an internal mixer disposed within the tubular member and adjacent the top of the container. An aperture is disposed in the tublar member adjacent the internal mixer for permitting a limited amount of the propellant gas to enter the tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus (10) for dispensing powdered pesticide (13). A housing (11) is separated into an upper chamber (12) and lower chamber (51) by a porous media layer (19). The powdered pesticide (13) is contained within the upper chamber (13) and is fluidized when compressed air enters the dispenser from air inlet line (18). The fluidized pesticide is dispensed through adjustable dip tube (26), outlet line (34) and nozzle (36) when a control valve (50) is activated. Only particles having a size smaller than a predetermined size are dispensed; the remaining, relatively large pesticide particles remain in the upper chamber until physically removed.

Abstract: A silo which is impeded by a mass of cohering particles is cleaned by the disclosed apparatus by extending at least one flexible tube connected to a mace into the silo to near the coherent mass and flowing gas through the tube and mace at a rate and pressure causing swinging and writhing movements by the mace and tube.

Abstract: Particles of spray solution are given with an electrostatic charge by applying voltage of 300 to 800 V thereon as the solution passes through the tip of the spray nozzle of an electrostatic spray dispenser.