Abstract: The invention provides a system for equalizing airflow in lines delivering product-conveying air to boom sections of an agricultural machine by controlling valves, such as electronically, in each air distribution line to induce additional pressure drops in lines which would cause imbalance in the system. Such valves can include, but are not limited to: ball valves, butterfly valves, gate valves, globe valves, diaphragm valves, pinch valves and/or plug valves. With the proposed system, the lines of least pressure drop can be induced with additional pressure drop by particular valves in order to bring the lines back to a balanced state.

Abstract: An agricultural product delivery applicator for delivering particulate product to a field. The applicator includes a supply compartment to hold the product and a pneumatic conveying system. The system includes an airflow source to provide an airflow, and a delivery line operably connected to the airflow source and to the supply compartment. The delivery line includes a supply line and a plurality of distribution lines. The system further includes a distributor coupling the supply line with the plurality of distribution lines, a plurality of distributor outlets providing outlet channels for the distributor, and a motor mount disposed away from the aperture along an axis and supported by one or more of the plurality of distributor outlets. A motor is disposed on a delivery lines side of the distributor and fastened to the motor mount.

Abstract: The present invention is an Electric servo system which controls and automates gate openings based on GPS speed and position data that results in precise and reliable modern variable and constant rate application. The Electric servo system also allows for Mechanical gate linkages to remain intact, resulting in few changes to the aircraft and redundancy of emergency components. A Mechanical input connect/disconnect is used to effortlessly transfer between the automated Electric servo system and the Mechanical gate system.

Abstract: The invention provides a pneumatic conveying system for an agricultural product applicator, which system comprises multiple fans configured to serve separate boom sections of the applicator to more efficiently conduct airflow with respect to each section. In aspects of the invention, multiple centrifugal fans of the same or similar size can be used, or multiple centrifugal fans of various sizes can be used, such as one or more larger fans and one or more smaller fans. Exemplar aspects could include three small or medium sized centrifugal fans, four small or medium sized centrifugal fans, and five small or medium sized centrifugal fans, thereby allowing the system to raise outlet air pressure at an elevated flow. Another aspect of the invention could include configuring one fan to supercharge another fan, in series, also allowing the system to raise outlet air pressure at an elevated flow.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a commodity container and an actuator system with a plurality of actuators. The work vehicle includes a delivery system with a plurality of tubes. Furthermore, the work vehicle includes a metering system with a plurality of metering rollers that are configured to be individually actuated by respective ones of the plurality of actuators to meter out a commodity from the commodity container to respective ones of the plurality of tubes. The plurality of metering rollers are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The plurality of metering rollers are disposed in a staggered arrangement.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for an agricultural machine includes an air source having an outlet, an assembly configured to receive agricultural material from a material source, and a plurality of conduits. Each conduit is configured to receive an air stream from the outlet for conveying a portion of the agricultural material to at least one device associated with the agricultural machine. A first one of conduits corresponds to a first distribution line and is positioned such that the first conduit receives a first air stream from a first area of the outlet, a second one of the conduits corresponds to a second distribution line and is positioned such that the second conduit receives a second air stream from a second area of the outlet having a lower air pressure than the first area, and the first distribution line has a higher pressure drop than the second distribution line.

Abstract: A gravity-feed spreader for particulate matter may include a rotor. The spreader may be operable for gravity-feed operation with the longitudinal axis of the rotor in a horizontal position. A generally cylindrical rotor housing with a pair of closed, axial ends may be coaxial with the rotor. Entrance and exit apertures for the particulate matter may be formed in the surface of the rotor housing between the closed, axial ends. A rotor driver may be coupled to the rotor shaft for rotating the rotor. An intake housing may include a passageway therethrough for the particulate matter. A gate may be provided for selectively opening and closing the particulate matter passageway in the intake housing. An agitator may be coupled to the rotor shaft for facilitating movement of particulate matter through the passageway in the intake housing.

Abstract: A row crop planter has a pneumatic system for conveying seeds to individual row units employing three-way splitters above certain master row units for supplying seed to each master row unit and a pair of associated slave row units. Each three-row splitter has an upper inlet chamber of annular shape with an offset inlet coupled to a conveying hose for receiving an air entrained seed flow, and an annular passageway extending downwardly from the inlet chamber to an outlet for delivering seeds to the master unit below. A pair of laterally extending slave outlet conduits extend obliquely upward and each has a jumper hose connecting with an adjacent slave unit. The flow circulating within the annular region allows seeds to fall downwardly and air to spiral upwardly into a supplemental air conduit. An air bypass passageway conveys air flow from the supplemental air conduit toward the slave outlet conduits.

Abstract: A seed delivery device including a frame defining at least one seed chamber. The frame includes a sidewall and an air permeable floor. Seed can be received and deposited on the air permeable floor through an input port. An air input channel is utilized to introduce an air stream into the seed chamber and direct it through the air permeable floor such that seed is lifted from the air permeable floor to an outlet port. An air bypass channel is configured to separate the air stream into a first stream that is directed through the air permeable floor and a second stream that is directed through the bypass channel and recombined with the first stream, at a point prior to the output port.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper having a receptacle for holding salt, or the like, and at least one chamber formed between the receptacle and an outer surface of the hopper. The chamber may hold a liquid used to pre-wet the salt before it contacts a ground surface. The hopper may be an insert hopper formed as a one piece plastic component in a rotational molding operation.

Abstract: An insulation blowing machine is provided, comprising an upper section, comprising a hopper, an agitator, and an agitator motor coupled to drive the agitator; a base, comprising a blower, an airlock, and an airlock motor coupled to drive airlock paddles within the airlock; and a pivoting mechanism connecting the upper section with the base, whereby the upper section is tiltable on the pivoting mechanism away from the base to an open position without disassembly or disengagement of components in the upper section from components in the base to expose the airlock paddles within the airlock; whereby, in operation insulation fed into the hopper passes through an opening in the bottom of the hopper and into the airlock to be discharged through an outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and dispensing material includes a container enclosing a quantity of the material and a discharge unit operably associated with the container. The discharge unit comprises an entry port, a rotational assembly, an impeller, and an exit port. The rotational assembly includes a rotatable plate that retracts away from the entry port when the plate and the impeller are rotating. The plate remains in an abutting relationship with the entry port when not rotating.

Abstract: A handheld spreader having a fillable container for dispensing particulate from an electrically powered blower assembly in a detachable base. The spreader includes a feed slide leading from the container to the air stream channel of the base that has a vibrating eccentric plate for guiding and improving the flow of particulate from container into the air stream. The container and base are frictionally engaged together, thereby allowing for easy assembly of spreader, including assembly after container has been filled with particulate, as well as easy reassembly if container is removed and refilled. The spreader includes a rotating slide that may be operated by a user to open and partially close the feed slide of the container to control the feed rate.

Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper having a receptacle for holding salt, or the like, and at least one chamber formed between the receptacle and an outer surface of the hopper. The chamber may hold a liquid used to pre-wet the salt before it contacts a ground surface. The hopper may be an insert hopper formed as a one piece plastic component in a rotational molding operation.

Abstract: A dry particulate spreader includes an attachment assembly for use with a portable hand-held air blower for entraining granular fertilizer, grass seed or similar materials into the discharge air stream of the blower, whereby the particulate is broadcast by the air stream.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of constructing a stationary wear-resistant stationary nozzle 200 and/or nozzle liner 230 for solid fueled furnaces. A transition section 210 is constructed from several flat pieces 211-218 several that may have identical starting shapes. This reduces manufacturing complexity and costs. All pieces 211-218 have a high-wear weld overlay on their inner surface 316, 416. Corner pieces 215-218 are folded into a corner shape at an outlet edge 412 and rolled into a curved shape at an inlet edge 411. Horizontal 211, 212 and vertical pieces 213, 214 are only rolled at an inlet edge 311. The pieces have seam tab 240 along longitudinal edges that are welded together to construct a transition section 210. The transition section 210 may be used as a liner to reduce wear in an existing stationary nozzle or may be constructed to be connected to an inlet piece 220 to form a strong, wear-resistant coal nozzle 200.

Abstract: The spreader has a movable container and at least one elongated tube, and can thus be moved along a path in the forest, and the tube successively deployed to blow the soil conditioner between the trees, away from the path. Satisfactory efficiency can be achieved using an eductor device to transfer the powdery soil conditioner into the air flow in the tube.

Abstract: A rock dusting or aggregate distributing apparatus is provided having a cylindrical tank body connected to an air supply unit. A circular member is disposed within the cylindrical tank body between the top member and the bottom member to divide the cylindrical tank body into a top portion and bottom portion, the circular member is configured to inject air from the bottom portion into the top portion in a substantially circumferential direction with respect to an axis of the cylindrical tank body to disperse rock dust or aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention is a powder aerosol device that includes a cylindrical vessel, a nozzle that disperses by aerosol a plurality of dry powders and nano-materials contained in the cylindrical vessel and a propellant chamber that contains a propellant. The device also includes a cylinder that contains the plurality of dry powders and nano-materials dispersed by the aerosol to ambient, a piston held within the cylinder that moves the piston to push the plurality of dry powders and nano-materials toward the nozzle and a plurality of apertures disposed on the piston where propellant stream is passed through the plurality of apertures which fluidizes the plurality of dry powders and nano-materials. The present invention also includes a method for aerosol dispensing of a plurality of dry powders and nano-materials with a powder aerosol device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for mixing various base colors of powder paint to create an application color of powder paint that is applied to an object, such as a vehicle body.

Abstract: A rock dust blower and method draws rock dust from a portable supply of rock dust, in response to a flow of pressurized air, and entrains the drawn rock dust in a stream of the air for direction to selected surfaces of a coal mine. The supply is contained in a substantially vertical column and rock dust is drawn from the column along a peripheral edge of the column located adjacent the lower end of the column to thereby militate against cavitation of the rock dust adjacent the center of the column as rock dust is drawn from the supply. A vibrator mechanism can be employed to transmit vibration to the supply and thereby facilitate an even distribution of rock dust in the supply and a smooth and continuous flow of rock dust as rock dust is drawn from the supply.

Abstract: Sodium Bi-carbonate, more commonly known as Baking Soda, is a chemical with varied uses in our homes. A few among these, are its use in killing odor or foul smell emanating from food kept in refrigerators and/or closed compartments and also as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food items. The invention titled Fridge Freshener and Food Saver (3FS) is about a gadget to sprinkle/disperse the baking soda in the environment where-in it is intended to be applied viz. refrigerators, freezers and cooling cabinets etc; there by facilitating its chemical reaction with the inside air and the resultant change in pH in turn helping in killing the odor and extending the shelf life of contents/food items stored there-in.

Abstract: A rock dusting apparatus comprising: a housing; a tank mounted within the housing which comprises a removable top wall member, a sidewall member and a bottom wall member configured to form an internal tank compartment for holding and mixing a rock dust composition; a mixer positioned on the bottom wall member for mixing the rock dust composition; a tank discharge port positioned on the bottom wall member or a lower portion of the sidewall member through which the rock dust composition can be discharged from the tank; a conduit extending from the tank discharge port to a housing discharge port; the conduit comprising a pump for transporting the rock dust composition through the conduit and through a discharge line operatively connected to the housing discharge port; and one or more motors mounted within the housing for powering the mixer and the pump.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.

Abstract: A material spreader may include an electric interlock mechanism that is adjustable between: (1) a first condition where an electric supply line can supply electricity to operate a material transfer member and a door cannot be moved into an open position; and, (2) a second condition where the electric supply line cannot supply electricity to operate the material transfer member and the door can be moved into an open position.

Abstract: A rock dust blower and method draws rock dust from a portable supply of rock dust, in response to a flow of pressurized air, and entrains the drawn rock dust in a stream of the air for direction to selected surfaces of a coal mine. The supply is contained in a substantially vertical column and rock dust is drawn from the column along a peripheral edge of the column located adjacent the lower end of the column to thereby militate against cavitation of the rock dust adjacent the center of the column as rock dust is drawn from the supply. A vibrator mechanism can be employed to transmit vibration to the supply and thereby facilitate an even distribution of rock dust in the supply and a smooth and continuous flow of rock dust as rock dust is drawn from the supply.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system for a spreader used to distribute a road surface treatment material, such as sand or salt, across a road surface. The hydraulic drive system enables the use of pressure-compensated proportional control valves in series relationship with the auger and spinner motors, by the provision of small restricted flow passages across the outlets of the valves.

Abstract: A rock dusting apparatus comprising: a housing; a tank mounted within the housing which comprises a removable top wall member, a sidewall member and a bottom wall member configured to form an internal tank compartment for holding and mixing a rock dust composition; a mixer positioned on the bottom wall member for mixing the rock dust composition; a tank discharge port positioned on the bottom wall member or a lower portion of the sidewall member through which the rock dust composition can be discharged from the tank; a conduit extending from the tank discharge port to a housing discharge port; the conduit comprising a pump for transporting the rock dust composition through the conduit and through a discharge line operatively connected to the housing discharge port; and one or more motors mounted within the housing for powering the mixer and the pump.

Abstract: A powder sprayer includes a sprayer body having a nozzle head mounted on the top side of the bottle cap thereof, the nozzle head having a transverse mounting hole disposed in communication with a vertical through hole of the bottle cap and a guide notch located on the periphery at one end of the transverse mounting hole, and a spraying mechanism having a nozzle tube positioned in the transverse mounting hole, the nozzle tube having a guide block protruded from the periphery thereof and fitting the guide notch of the nozzle head, an axial air passage and a transverse suction hole disposed in communication between the air passage and the through hole of the bottle cap for sucking powder from the powder bottle through a dip tube into the air passage upon passing of a flow of forced air through the air passage.

Abstract: A device for guiding powdery fluidic media, in particular powder paint, including a receptacle which is provided with an inner chamber for the media which is to be guided, and from where the medium is suctioned via a connection channel which can be closed by a valve body. The connection channel and the valve body comprise, respectively, an upper end area formed in such a manner that an annular Venturi nozzle is formed therebetween which is used as a pump. The valve body is inserted in a sealed manner in the end region of the connecting channel by a sealing section when in the closed position thereof and comprises a conveyor gas channel which can impinged upon by conveyor gas, through which the conveyor gas can be guided to the connection channel in the vicinity of the sealing section, essentially, in the direction of flow of the medium.

Abstract: A spray coating process and apparatus suitable for depositing coatings on surfaces of components, and particularly surfaces that are difficult to access with conventional cold spraying equipment. The process and apparatus employ a spray gun having a tubular body with a longitudinal axis and an exit at one end thereof. The body has a first portion defining a converging passage, a second portion defining a diverging passage that defines the exit of the body, and a throat portion therebetween that defines a throat between and connecting the converging and diverging passages. The gun is further equipped with at least one gas inlet for introducing a gas upstream of the converging passage, and at least one feedstock inlet for introducing a feedstock at or immediately upstream of the throat.

Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.

Abstract: A rock dusting or aggregate distributing apparatus is provided having a cylindrical tank body connected to an air supply unit. A circular member is disposed within the cylindrical tank body between the top member and the bottom member to divide the cylindrical tank body into a top portion and bottom portion, the circular member is configured to inject air from the bottom portion into the top portion in a substantially circumferential direction with respect to an axis of the cylindrical tank body to disperse rock dust or aggregate.

Abstract: An aerial application dispersal system that comprises an aerial vehicle and an aerial dispersal unit. The aerial dispersal unit provides an insect control substance, a flake auger, and a motor to drive the flake auger for transporting the insect control substance to a dispensing chamber. The aerial dispersal unit also provides a glue substance, a pump, and a motor to drive the pump for transporting the glue substance from a storage container to the dispensing chamber for mixing with the insect control substance. The dispensing chamber is provided with a motor for forcing the insect control substance mixed with the glue substance out an exit portal for disbursement over the designated area.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for discharging a fire retardant material. A container element may be connected to a pressurized gas source controllable to pressurize the container element and to flow a gas and fire retardant material mixture through a discharge conduit. A discharge device may be connected at an inlet to the discharge conduit. The discharge device may have an inlet duct attached to an inlet end of an expansion section. The expansion section may be connected to an inlet end of an outlet duct having an outlet nozzle. A diffuser may be disposed in the inlet duct and an upstream portion and may be attached in the upstream portion. The diffuser may have a nose element attached by a diffuser shaft to a base element with a rotor element having multiple vanes rotatably attached to the diffuser shaft intermediate the nose and base elements.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material such as a hazardous material or a fire from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A system for transporting insulation particles suitable for use in a process for forming an insulation product is provided, comprising: a blowing machine for forming an insulation particle/air suspension, wherein the blowing machine comprises at least one opening, and a hose in communication with the at least one opening, for transporting the suspension to or from the blowing machine, wherein the internal diameter variation of at least a portion of the hose is less than about 0.20 inch.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating apparatus includes a body having a powder-accommodating chamber which accommodates a powder of the material particles, and an introducing port via which the carrier gas is introduced into the powder-accommodating chamber; a powder flow passage which has an inlet opening and an outlet opening both of which are open in the powder-accommodating chamber, the inlet opening being positioned at a position lower than that of the outlet opening in a vertical direction; and a transport mechanism which transports the powder in a direction directed from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the powder flow passage. Accordingly, the aerosol-generating apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to stably produce the aerosol over a long period of time by appropriately reducing the aggregation of the material particles accommodated in the powder-accommodating chamber.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped powder delivery device consolidates propellant pulse creation, powder storage, powder aerosolization and aerolsolized powdered delivery in a single device while providing dose, pattern and coverage control of the output spray. The single-hand-held, single-hand-operated device includes a housing having a handle portion that is selectively collapsed to generate a propellant pulse that is conveyed into and through powder stored in a reservoir mounted at an upward angle to the horizontal in a receptacle provided in the housing. Powder in the reservoir is caused to be aerosolized by the propellant pulse whereupon aerosolized powder exits the reservoir through an open end of, and elongate slots provided in the sidewall of, an elongate hollow member extending from an outlet in the receptacle through the stored powdered material into a head space in the reservoir. The outlet is connected a barrel portion for output of the aerosolized powder spray.

Abstract: A powder barrier coupling for a pneumatic line of a powder spray system which is air passable but powder impassable. An exterior shell forms a passage. Disposed sealingly within the passage is a porous filter media having an average pore size and thickness which are predetermined to permit passage therethrough of air, but prevent the passage therethrough of powder of a selected average cross-sectional size.

Abstract: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the introduction of the particulate material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit preferably has an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. An applicator is selectively attached to the discharge conduit so as to facilitate distribution of the particulate material to a substantially confined space, such as a potted plant.

Abstract: An antislip material ejector comprises an antislip material container 12 which stores antislip material, an air inlet pipe 13 which is arranged in the antislip material container, a compressed air supply pipe 14 which supplies compressed air to the air inlet pipe, a nozzle portion 16 which is arranged in the air inlet pipe, a mixing pipe 17, which is connected with the air inlet pipe, in which the antislip materials are mixed with air and in which a suction hole 18 is formed through which the antislip material passes, a connecting pipe, one end of which communicates with the mixing pipe and the other end of which communicates with a cavity in the antislip material container, and an ejection pipe 20 which is connected with the mixing pipe and which ejects the antislip material together with the compressed air.

Abstract: A dry inoculant dispenser includes a hopper with dry inoculant therein, and a conveyor for carrying dry product to a vertical drop tube. The drop tube is connected to a dispenser tube that will direct the inoculant to the forage material. A flow of air is created in the dispenser tube to carry inoculant therethrough, and a vacuum is created in the drop tube such that dry inoculant within the drop tube is sucked into the dispenser tube and dispensed from the distal end thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a material having discrete elements. The apparatus includes a supply material having discrete elements and a transporter system downstream of the supply material having discrete elements. In embodiments, the transporter system includes: a high speed, inline blower; a material agitator upstream of the inline blower, the material agitator including a plurality of concentric rings with serrations on the upper surface of each arm, wherein at least one outer ring includes saw tooth serrations on the upper surface of the ring; a transmission connected to the shaft of the blower for providing a lower speed mechanical output to the material agitator; and an orifice substantially adjacent to the inlet of the blower for receiving the supply material having discrete elements. In embodiments, the apparatus further includes an applicator assembly connected downstream to the transporter system.

Abstract: A nozzle for distributor devices of granule's growth liquid substance in fluid bed granulators, is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a first duct (2), with substantially rectilinear axis (A) and with a predetermined diameter, which duct has an end portion (3) including a supply opening (4) and made of at least two subsequent segments, a first cone-shaped segment (5) converging on the axis (A) and a further cone-shaped segment (7) diverging from the axis (A) and ending in the supply opening (4), a second duct (8) extending co-axially inside the first duct (2), with which it forms an annular space (9), the second duct (8) having a supply end (10) extended inside the first cone-shaped segment (5) of the first duct (2).

Abstract: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the introduction of the particulate material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit. The discharge conduit preferably has an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. An applicator is selectively attached to the discharge conduit so as to facilitate distribution of the particulate material to a substantially confined space, such as a potted plant.

Abstract: Methods, processes, and apparatuses for the large scale synthesis of carbon nanostructures are provided. Metal catalysts having small diameter and narrow distribution of particle sizes are prepared and continuously injected as aerosols into a reactor. The metal catalysts are supported on supports that are substantially free of carbon. The metal catalyst, in the form of a powder, is placed in an injector that is shaken vertically. The powder is aerosolized, and the powder entrailed in the gas is passed through a conduit that is bifurcated where one portion delivers the powder to the reactor while the other portion connects back to the ejector that is located in between the gas source and the top part of the container.