Abstract: A compressed air discharge system for facilitating the unloading of material from the dump bed of such as a dump truck, and which is designed for interconnection with the compressed air system of the dump truck.

Abstract: A silo for storage and homogenization of powder-like commodities includes a housing with a peripheral wall defining an interior chamber in which a cone facilitating the flowing movement of the commodity is located. The cone has an apex formed with a ventilation opening which is surrounded by an aerating device to which air is supplied. A bottom wall arranged within the housing has an outlet for discharging the commodity from the silo and is provided with pneumatic chutes sloped towards the outlet. A number of sector-like ventilation elements are mounted on the bottom wall which are adapted to admit air to the silo which air rises through the interior of the cone, passes through the ventilation opening and enters the commodity located above the cone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage and mixing silo for bulk material comprising a mixing compartment in the form of an annular chamber. The radial width and the height of the chamber are proportioned to the diameter of the silo, the chamber has a material inlet opening and a material outlet opening circumferentially spaced from one another, and the chamber has a plurality of independently aeratable zones.

Abstract: A system for dispensing flowable foodstuffs such as chili and the like. The system comprises a food-containing reservoir which is at least partially surrounded by a container filled with warm water or the like in order that the foodstuffs be kept in a warm and servable condition. The food reservoir is fitted with a valve generally of the plug or portion control type so that individual servings may be drawn from the reservoir. The dispenser is also fitted with a vacuum source such that a vacuum may be drawn at the upper levels of the food reservoir. An air inlet is provided into the reservoir preferably through the valve itself so that as the vacuum is being drawn on the reservoir, the valve simultaneously will be cleaned by the air flowing through it even when the valve is in its closed position. This air flow, in turn, agitates the flowable or chunky material so that it remains relatively homogenous and so that the chunky or suspended particles in the foodstuff do not settle to the bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: A container for receiving a charge of pressurized air and storing the air in this container until released through a blast nozzle and having a quick dump valve apparatus within this container. The valve includes a removable pipe which contains a large slidable piston which opens and closes the flow of accumulated air to the discharge. This piston is moved in response to a solenoid actuated small piston which is moved in a small tube. This small tube extends through the large piston which slides therealong.

Abstract: A critically safe container for the storage and rapid discharge of enriched nuclear fuel material in powder form is disclosed. The container has a hollow, slab-shaped container body that has one critically safe dimension. A powder inlet is provided on one side wall of the body adjacent to a corner thereof and a powder discharge port is provided at another corner of the body approximately diagonal the powder inlet. Gas plenum for moving the powder during discharge are located along the side walls of the container adjacent the discharge port.

Abstract: A method for pneumatically handling material having a slurry-like consistency such as chicken hatchery waste material includes a hopper for accepting the waste material, a receiver for accumulating the waste material and duct work which is connected between the hopper and the receiver. The system also includes a blower for creating reduced pressure in the receiver with respect to the hopper whereby the waste material is drawn from the hopper to the receiver. The system also includes a valving arrangement whereby a volumn of reduced pressure is maintained within the receiver above the accumulated waste material, the pressure being reduced with respect to the outside ambient, thereby causing air from the outside ambient to enter into a discharge aperture in the bottom of the receiver, through the accumulated waste material to the volumn of reduced pressure, thereby agitating, loosening and effecting the rapid discharge of the accumulated waste material through the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A storage bin activator device that directs a precise pattern of multiple instantaneous energy bursts of impact, aeration and sonic stimulation directly into bulk material within the storage bin to free same for discharge. Also disclosed is a method for restoring free flow or removing disruptive material in a storage or other containment vessel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for unloading hopper cars. The method includes the steps of placing a tube in the vicinity of an open hopper of the hopper car, and discharging a blast aerator through the tube. The apparatus includes a housing rotatably mounting the tube. The tube includes a tip to assist in entering the material to be unloaded. A motor to rotate the tube is mounted in the housing; and, a blast aerator is receivable on the housing. A fitting seals between the stationary blast aerator and the rotatable tube, and the fitting can receive an adapter to vary the size of the blast aerator.

Abstract: A mobile bulk container for particulate solid matter having at least one gas permeable internal floor element for the transmission of air therethrough within a container to fluidize particulate matter resting on the floor, the latter element sloping downwardly toward one side of the container, a bottom discharge pipe for discharging particulate matter from the container, conduits for supplying air upwardly through the floor element, an air conduit leading from adjacent the top of the space within the container to the discharge pipe for transmission of the air from the container to the pipe, and a screw conveyor mounted within and along the bottom of the container at the side thereof below the lower end of the floor element ending at the discharge pipe for conveying the particulate matter out of the container while effectively providing therewith an air seal between the container and the discharge pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation for the treatment and handling of metallurgical slag which includes means for the disintegration of a flow of pyroplastic slag by mechanical impacts and cooling means for the cooling of the particles of slag formed by the disintegration. The installation comprises at least one perforated endless band positioned in the path of fall of the particles of slag projected by the disintegration means and cooled by the said cooling means. The installation also comprises an insulating enclosure positioned immediately above the perforated band and which contains the disintegration and cooling means, and means for trapping the ascending gaseous and/or solid by-products.

Abstract: A blending chamber silo for pulverized bulk material has a main silo chamber with an inlet in its uppermost region, and a centrally located blending chamber on the floor of the silo has a roof and side walls with bottom apertures therein for the influx of the material from the main silo chamber into it. Aeration apparatus and air inlets are provided for the silo floor, and separate homogenization aeration apparatus is provided for the floor of the blending chamber, which operates under a pressure higher than that of the silo aeration apparatus. The roof of the blending chamber is spaced well below the top of the silo, and the blending chamber has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the silo, whereby the lower portion of the silo wall and the wall of the blending chamber define a semi-annular narrow space having a height to width ratio greater than 1:1 and which breaks up material compacted or formed into bridges in its downward path toward the bottom apertures of the chamber.

Abstract: A bridge of particulate and ground food, feed and inorganic substances, such as soybean meal, corn meal, flour, cement and the like in a storage vessel is broken by reducing the internal pressure of the vessel and introducing inert gas under pressure of from atmosphere to up to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 to impart impact for breaking the bridge of the particulate and ground substances. After discharge of the particulate and ground substances from the storage vessel, the matter sticking to the internal walls of the vessel can be removed by again reducing pressure and giving impact of introduced atmosphere or pressurized gas. Further, the internal pressure of the closed storage vessel is reduced prior to injecting fumigant gas and thereafter by introducing inert gas the internal pressure is brought to normal pressure to improve fumigation of the substances.

Abstract: A container bottom for the pneumatic discharge of fine material from a container comprises a plurality of conveying channels extending radially to a central material discharge zone of the bottom, the bottom of the central material discharge zone being disposed lower than the bottom of the conveying channels to obtain a uniform passage of the material from the conveying channels to the central material discharge zone.

Abstract: A gas distributor for distributing high temperature reaction gases to a fluidized bed of coal particles in a coal gasification process. The distributor includes a pipe with a refractory reinforced lining and a plurality of openings in the lining through which gas is fed into the bed. These feed openings have an expanding tapered shape in the downstream or exhaust direction which aids in reducing the velocity of the gas jets as they enter the bed.

Abstract: A metering method and apparatus is provided for the controlled discharge of powder from a fluidized-bed blender to a material container, which gives accurate material weights while separating powder from fluidizing gas. In this method the material container is filled with a series of short duration discharges at a reduced powder flow rate. This method enables the apparatus to more precisely measure the weight of the container and maintain homogeneity of the blended material in both the bed and the container. The apparatus for carrying out this method includes a flexible pressure-tight sleeve connecting the fluidized bed to the container. When a ball valve located at the bottom of the fluidized bed opens to discharge powder, the sleeve retains the high pressure fluidizing gas inside the sleeve and the container. This causes the pressure to build at the outlet of the valve thus preventing the gas from rapidly exhausting and forcing powder through the outlet.

Abstract: A closed system for filling a container with a load of powdered, granular, or other dry fluent material and for unloading the load substantially without the emission of dust to the atmosphere. The container has an opening in its top which may be sealingly secured to a filling head during during filling and closed by a removable cover. The filling head is connected to a dust receiver for removing dust laden air displaced from within the container as the load is delivered to the container. The container used with this system may be adapted for fluidized unloading of the powder substantially without the release of dust.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention comprises a vehicle having a cement carrying container and two water carrying containers. The cement container is V-shaped in cross section with outwardly, flared walls adjacent the apex of the V, and includes an auger screw conveyor inside the container extending along the V-shaped bottom thereof. The auger is adapted to convey the cement within the container along the length of the auger to an outlet opening adjacent the bottom of the container. A vertical conveyor carries the cement upwardly from the outlet opening to a third conveyor which carries the cement to the concrete mixer being serviced. Within the container below the auger conveyor are a plurality of fluffing means which introduce air under pressure to the cement to cause it to be fluffed and to prevent it from packing around the auger screw.

Abstract: An aerating or fluidizing device is located adjacent the gravity discharge opening of a hopper. The device is in the form of a flexible, resilient member fixed so that a marginal edge normally contacts and defines an interface with an associated surface. Air under pressure is fed to the interface in such fashion as to cause the marginal edge of the resilient member to flutter and allow the air to escape in randomly directed "puffs." The fluttering movement combined with the intermittent puffs of air causes pulverulent material to be agitated, aerated and/or fluidized as it passes to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A control arrangement is provided to control discharges of compressed gas into vessels containing difficult to unload material comprising one or more control valves connected in operative relation to discharge valves operative to discharge compressed gas from an accumulator into the vessel. The control valves are provided with a timer for controlling the time of discharge of compressed gas from the accumulator. This timer may comprise a pneumatic, electro-mechanism and/or electronic timer. The control arrangement may also include means for applying pressure gas to discharge valves which are in operative relation with accumulator discharge devices which are not being utilized for unloading. Various arrangements for mounting the accumulators, discharge valves, conduits, and discharge devices are illustrated in connection with a railway hopper car. Certain discharge device mounting arrangements are preferred in unloading certain types of lading.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid distributor which, in a preferred embodiment, comprises an array of parallel rollers rotatably mounted at their ends. All, or alternate, rollers have a number of peripheral grooves or slots which define, with adjacent rollers, apertures for the passage of fluid through the distributor. Suitable deposit-removing means (e.g. in the form of chisel-blades) are mounted either on rollers or separate support members so as to be opposite respective grooves or slots in the rollers and to be receivable in the grooves or slots, so that on relative movement of the grooved or slotted rollers and the deposit-removing means, the latter remove deposited material from the grooves or slots. The invention is useful in passing deposit-forming fluids (e.g. tarry or dusty gases) into fluidized beds supported on the distributor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrostatic coating device and method employing highly charged particles that are charged remote from the articles to be coated and then delivered to an area where they are to be applied by conveying them in a moving air stream. The movement is stopped by closing off the air stream, suspending the particles in space. Thereafter the particles are applied to an article by electrostatics. Special components are a powder entraining device which uses air fed at the bottom to erode the powder, feeds additional air from above and removes entrained powder from below; a charging device using the reaction of two converging opposed vortexes to oscillate the powder turbulently through an isolated high voltage electrical zone; and a multiple valve that feeds the charged powder to a can and vents the can, then isolates the can, bypassing the powder.

Abstract: A large capacity silo for flour-like bulk materials provided with a discharger having a body provided with an inside slanting wall and an annular bottom, a conical hood located above the bottom, broadening downwardly and provided with discharge openings each of which is provided with a shut-off device, a loosening device associated with each of the discharge openings, and a line supplying to the loosening up devices a quantity of pressure air corresponding to the maximum quantity of bulk material for the loosening up process which can be drawn off via the discharge openings, the opening of each shut-off device being designed for maximum discharge.

Abstract: Foam producing equipment in which a container interior is sub-divided by a concentric array of cylindrical shells into radially spaced concentric chambers. A relatively small amount of a foamable liquid solution is held in the lower part of the container, and, above the liquid level, the shells are selectively perforated. A compressed gas is admitted to an outermost concentric chamber and agitates the liquid solution therein to form a foam which rises and then in a generally radial motion moves progressively through the perforate wall portions of the concentric shells to a foam outlet associated with a central, innermost concentric chamber. A staged extraction of liquid, with foam compaction, occurs as the foam is forced through successive perforate shell portions, with separated liquid utilizing imperforate wall portions of the shells to drain back into the supply of the liquid solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the controlled feeding of finely divided powdered material from a bin or the like by gravity assist through a mechanical feeding device are characterized by fluidizing or at least aerating the powder above the feed device in a manner to promote flow and prevent packing of the bed of material above the feed device while maintaining a stable unfluidized mass of powder at the feed device.The system is particularly useful in the controlled feeding of finely divided powdered material from a closed bin or the like into a pneumatic conveying conduit by gravity assist through a mechanical feeding device and characterized by constantly equalizing the pressure in the bin to pneumatic conveying line pressure for the purpose of equalizing the pressure in the pore and void space in the bed of material while maintaining a stable unfluidized mass of powder at the feed device.

Abstract: During evacuation of the contents of a silo through a pneumatic product conveyor line, the internal pressure is controlled continuously. The internal pressure rises in the event of clogging. As soon as the internal pressure exceeds a critical value, an additional volume of air is admitted into the clogged area to break up the accumulation.

Abstract: An enclosed container for transporting a powdered material is aerated by a pressurized gas which is forced between a long sheet of flexible, gas-impervious material and a sloping surface of the container. The sheet material is held in place by a pair of clamps which accurately control the size of the space through which the gas flows so as to cause the sheet material to vibrate or flutter over a relatively long distance.

Abstract: A unit for transferring a charge of air under pressure from a reservoir or accumulator to a container of dispensable or flowable material of granular or like nature. The unit is in the form of a hollow body having at one end a flange for connection to the reservoir, at its other end an inlet for receiving air under pressure, at one side a flange for connection to the container and an interior piston-valve operative first to enable charging of the reservoir with a large volume of air under pressure and second to release the reservoir air rapidly into the container.

Abstract: A railroad tank car for use in handling dry bulk commodities. The car body structure includes a pair of V shaped hopper sections sloping downwardly from each end of the car. The hopper sections having side walls which increase in length as they extend towards the center of the car. A pair of asymmetric truncated cone sections are secured adjacent to the corresponding upper edges of the hopper sections. End sections are secured adjacent the outer edges of the hopper section and the cone section. First stiffener members are secured to the outer surfaces of the hopper section. Longitudinally extending second stiffener members are secured to the first stiffener members adjacent the intersection between the hopper sections and the cone sections. Tie members extend transversely across the hopper sections. A plurality of longitudinally extending aeration conveyor trays are supported from the hopper sections defining a plenum area therebelow.

Abstract: A hopper for lading having a lower discharge outlet and a gas discharge nozzle extending into the hopper above the discharge outlet through which blasts of gas may be directed into the hopper to break up the lading and facilitate discharge of the lading through the discharge outlet. A conduit is mounted within the hopper extending between the end of the gas discharge nozzle and the discharge outlet to direct blasts of gas from the gas discharge nozzle to the discharge opening of the outlet to break up lading bridged across the outlet opening. The gas discharge nozzle is of elbow shape and rotatably mounted whereby it may be rotated to either direct blasts of gas through the conduit to the opening of the outlet or to direct blasts of gas to other areas of the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for foaming liquid cosmetic substances, comprising a vessel for receiving a supply of a cosmetic substance for application and an electrically driven pump merging into the vessel and having an exit side connected to the air supply duct. A foam generator in the form of a porous, open-cell member is immersed in the substance and disposed at an end of the air supply duct and is adapted to introduce the air stream supplied thereto by the pump into the substance in the form of a plurality of small bubbles. A delivery nozzle is connected to the vessel from which the foam developed in the vessel emerges.

Abstract: A method of fluidifying powderous substances which are in contact with a wall, wherein the surface of the wall in contact with said substances is provided with at least one substantially semi-lenticular chamber delimited by said surface and by a flattened dome made of a resiliently flexible material. The invention also relates to an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: A fluidizing assembly is provided having a readily removable and replaceable filter assembly. The filter assembly comprises a supporting grid member, a filter member and an open frame member upon which may be mounted a seal member. The fluidizing outlet assembly comprises an outlet body having a lower body flange and a bottom pan having an upper pan flange spaced below the lower body flange. A pair of filter assemblies are inserted between the lower body flange and the upper pan flange, and engages a filter support assembly located above a fluidizing header in the midportion of the outlet. Preferably the filter support assembly is provided with raised surfaces for forcing the filter assembly into operative position. The bottom pan includes passages in fluid communication with the fluidizing header which define a plenum for directing the fluidizing air below the filter member, and supports for the filter member.

Abstract: An artificial snow machine for display purposes includes a cylindrical container having an inverted conically shaped bottom. High pressure air is admitted to the interior of the container through a port at the apex of the cone to pressurize the container. A motor driven fan is mounted on the top of the container, the fan blades being inside the container. A plurality of rotatable elbows provide communication from the interior to the exterior of the container through the sides and near the top thereof. The container is adapted to be filled with artificial snow material, such as small plastic pellets, to a level approximately two-thirds the height of the container. Circulating air from the fan blades churn and suspend some of the pellets, some of which are carried from the pressurized container by the escaping air. A shroud around the fan blades prevents pellets from striking the blades. Pellets leaving the elbows, or hoses connected thereto, form a screen as they fall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for accurately feeding discrete quantities of pulverulent material in a repetitive manner. The invention is advantageously employed in feeding particulate matter to a gas-solids contacting apparatus which is under positive pressure and particularly such apparatus which treat the fluoride containing off-gases from an aluminum reduction cell with particulate alumina to remove fluorides from such off-gases.

Abstract: A proportioning device is provided for use with a sealable chamber for unloading pulverulent material from a bulk transport system which includes a fluid inlet conduit having one terminal end in communication with the chamber for transmitting fluid into the chamber for fluidizing the pulverulent material therein, a fluid outlet conduit having one terminal end in communication with the chamber for transmitting fluidized solids therefrom. The proportioning device is in communication with the other terminal end of the fluid inlet conduit and with the fluid outlet conduit and is adapted to be connected to a source of fluid for supplying the fluid to the fluid inlet conduit and the fluid outlet conduit, the fluid proportioning device being responsive to the fluid pressures in the fluid conduits for proportioning the fluid into the fluid inlet conduit and the fluid outlet conduit to maintain a predetermined ratio between the fluid pressures in the fluid inlet conduit and the fluid outlet conduit.

Abstract: A powder dispenser for gently issuing puffs of relatively low velocity air-entrained powdered material through a discharge port. The dispenser has means for substantially fluidizing a bed of powdered material contained therein with an upward pulse of relatively low velocity, substantially columnar air flow so that some of the powder in the bed of powdered material becomes entrained in and issued from the dispenser by relatively low velocity air. The dispenser may include a foraminous bulkhead which defines the bottom of a powder accommodating chamber, a plenum chamber subjacent the foraminous bulkhead, and means for pumping a volume of air into the plenum chamber so that a pulse of relatively low velocity air flows upward through the foramina of the bulkhead and the bed of powdered material disposed thereon.

Abstract: A chemical fire extinguishing apparatus which includes a chemical storage chamber, chemical discharge conduct connected to the chamber for conveying and distributing the chemical, and a source of relatively high pressure gas connected to the chamber and communicating with the interior thereof to agitate and fluidize the extinguishing chemical by impingement of high pressure gas. Upon agitation and fluidization, gas is delivered then to the chamber at a lower pressure to entrain the chemical in a constant, relatively low pressure gas stream flowing from the chamber to the chemical discharge conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for assisting in the unloading of a difficult to unload lading from a vessel. An accumulator is mounted adjacent the vessel. A first conduit connects the accumulator with a valve for periodic discharge of the accumulator. A self-indexing elbow is rotatably mounted on the vessel and extends within the vessel. A second conduit connects the valve with the elbow. The elbow includes an elbow conduit portion in fluid communication with the second conduit. The elbow conduit portion has a center line defining an axis about which the elbow is rotatable. The elbow also includes an elbow portion having an elbow center line passing therethrough. The elbow portion has a discharge end having a discharge opening through which the elbow center line passes. At the discharge end the elbow center line is offset with respect to the axis so as to define a moment arm between the elbow portion and the axis.

Abstract: Fluid jetting techniques are applied to the prevention of arches and plugs in archable materials which are flowed through containers and conduits. The fluid jetting technique involves the separation of particles in a manner which will minimize the development of forces between particles, so as to avoid the keying action necessary to arch formation which impedes flow of such materials. The applied fluid forms at least part of the medium within which the particles are maintained; however, the ultimate direction of flow of the material need not be limited to the direction of flow of the applied fluid. Outside forces may also be applied to the particles, such as gravity, which may affect the direction of flow resulting. The direction of application of the fluid jetting system is best when it is aimed at the location of arching to insure the breakdown of the arch as it may form; however, it is also beneficial to direct the fluid jet substantially in the direction of the desired flow of material from the system.

Abstract: Food preparation, or processing and dispensing apparatus having an outer housing provided with an opening in a one wall, and an inner housing arranged in the first housing with a projecting portion arranged extending through the outer housing opening and in sealed relationship with the opening. Each housing has an access opening sealable simultaneously by connected-together covers. A food package is arrangeable in the inner housing. This food package has a neck threadable through the projecting portion, and a flexible bag attached to the neck. A collar mounted on the end of the neck engages an end surface of a valve assembly connected to the projecting portion of the inner housing to lock the package in the device. The valve assembly may pinch the neck and close it off, or release the neck and permit it to open. Either a pipe associated with the collar or a venting tube, or both, may be used to increase the pressure inside the bag and force the contents of the package out through the neck when same is open.

Abstract: A system for transferring a charge of air under high pressure from an accumulator or reservoir to a container of dispensable or flowable material of granular or like nature to facilitate flow or discharge of the material, as in cases where the material tends to "bridge" or "hang up" and create blockages as at the outlet of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for loosening compacted fibrous material in a container whereby the fibrous material will flow freely out through an outlet located in the bottom of the container. Agitation means are provided on the sidewalls of the container adjacent to the outlet to create and maintain an open space adjacent the outlet. A flexible, tubular member is placed in said container so that a free portion having an open end extends into the open space a sufficient distance that when a pressurized fluid is passed through the flexible member and out of its open end it causes whip-like movements of the free portion within the open space causing the pressurized fluid to be directed upwardly towards the fibrous material compacted overhead to loosen and dislodge the fibrous material.

Abstract: Apparatus for aerating and assisting the discharge of pulverulent or finely divided dry cargo such as bulk Portland cement comprises a discharge hopper with a sloping bottom having a port in its sloping wall and a cylindrical aerating assembly insertable and removable through the port and consisting of an apertured tube into which air is fed under pressure and which is covered by a fabric sleeve.