Abstract: Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular resin material and controlling such conveyance includes a sensor associated with granular plastic resin material receiver with the sensing vacuum level thereat and a microprocessor adjusting vacuum pump speed based on vacuum level sensed at the receiver.

Abstract: A controlled, variable speed vacuum pump with a flow limiter connected to the suction head of the vacuum pump conveys granular plastic resin material from a supply to receivers retaining and dispensing resin when needed by a process machine.

Abstract: A method for temporary storage of granular material in a receiver having a horizontally elongated chamber within a housing, the chamber having a convex triangular cross-section and a dump flap defining a bottom vertex of the triangular cross-section, with a horizontal air/vacuum resin material inlet connecting to the chamber, and a horizontal air/vacuum outlet leading from and connected to the chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for removing blockages present within a delivery conduit of a seeder may include a plurality of delivery conduits, a plurality of flow blocking devices, and a plurality of blockage sensors. A controller may be configured to determine when a blockage is present within a first delivery conduit of the plurality of delivery conduits based on measurement signals received from the plurality of blockage sensors. The controller may be further configured to control the flow blocking devices to occlude the flow of air through the other delivery conduits of the plurality of delivery conduits such that an air pressure in the first delivery conduit is increased.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station having a rotating carriage with multiple carrier ports. The multiple carrier ports allow for receiving multiple carriers and/or staging multiple carries for dispatch. In one arrangement, one or more carriers may be securely maintained within the station while permitting users to continue utilizing the station.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station having a rotating carriage with multiple carrier ports. The multiple carrier ports allow for receiving multiple carriers and/or staging multiple carries for dispatch. In one arrangement, one or more carriers may be securely maintained within the station while permitting users to continue utilizing the station.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: Provided is a diverter valve including a housing assembly having a plurality of ports and a drum assembly disposed in the housing. The drum assembly including a plurality of passages for selectively coupling the ports, wherein an axial position of the drum assembly with respect to the ports determines which ports are active and which parts are dormant.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive supply system includes a container configured to receive a supply of unmelted hot melt adhesive pieces, and an agitation device configured to agitate the supply of hot melt adhesive pieces situated in the container. The hot melt adhesive supply system further includes a transfer conduit configured to communicate hot melt adhesive pieces from the container to a hot melt adhesive melter.

Abstract: An apparatus for segregating and positioning work-pieces and other objects at different desired positions includes a main body, a segregating system, and a plurality of dispensing channels defined in the main body. The segregating system has a receiving chamber and a plurality of gas inlets both defined in the main body. The receiving chamber is configured to house the work-pieces. The gas inlets are configured to allow a high-pressure gas fed therethrough into the receiving chamber. Each dispensing channel has a connecting end communicating with the receiving chamber and a positioning end opposite to the connecting end. The work-pieces are able to be driven by the high-pressure gas to move to the positioning ends through the connecting end.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying process transports plastic pellets from a manufacturing source to a bulk silo for storage before being delivered to the ultimate production utilization of the plastic pellets. Multiple types or multiple sources of plastic pellets can be fed through a common pneumatic conveying conduit to respective bulk silos for temporary storage with diverter valves being utilized to direct product into and out of the common conveying conduit. Expanded elbow fittings are deployed at each directional change in the conveying lines to eliminate the creation of streamers at conduit bends. The plastic pellets are conveyed at a medium velocity between dense and dilute phases to provide a gentle conveying operation. A closed loop air supply system is used for dedusting devices providing a final removal of dust and debris from the stored product before being delivered to the ultimate utilization facility.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, a router that is configured to pass a pneumatic carrier therethrough and comprises a solid continuous curved tube, a tube rotational support, and a drive. The tube includes a first open end and a second open end opposed of the first open end. The tube rotational support is in operative supporting connection with the tube and enables the tube to rotate about an axis. The first open end is generally aligned with the first opening. In a first rotational position of the tube, the second open end is generally aligned with a first of the plurality of second openings. In a second rotational position of the tube, the second open end is generally aligned with a second of the plurality of second openings. The drive is operative to cause the tube to move between the first and second rotational positions.

Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting textile items into sorting bins with reduced energy consumption and improved load measuring accuracy and which provides textile item counting and sorting for a commercial laundry using vacuum air systems to move textiles into sorting bins and using a variable frequency drive to increase on/off response time of vacuum in the system.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for providing inter-zone connections between first and second portions of a pneumatic tube system. The systems and methods (i.e., utilities) permit creating a direct pneumatic path between the first zone and the second zone. In this regard, air pressure or vacuum from a first zone may be utilized to effectuate transfer of a carrier through a portion or all of the second zone and/or to provide operating pressure or vacuum to the second zone.

Abstract: A pneumatic card transport system is disclosed. The system is configured to use pressurized air to transport a card inserted to a conveying duct inside a card passageway assembly from a first end to a second end. Air nozzles are configured to release the pressurized airstreams at an angle relative to the conveying duct so that the card is essentially floating when traveling along the conveying duct. Hence, the card makes zero or minimum contact with the inner surface of the conveying duct. This will not only reduce the wear and tear of the card, but also reduces the traveling time inside the conveying duct.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying flexible fabric items such as uniforms and table linens has a pair of side outlets at each discharge location to enhance the discharge capacity. Each side outlet is provided with a gate to open and close the outlet. A hopper having a chute receives the items discharged through the corresponding outlet. A sling cart or other bin underlies each chute. When a cart is full, hopper doors can be closed to allow the hopper to serve as a temporary holding bin while the conveying system continues to operate without interruption as the full cart is moved and replaced by an empty cart.

Abstract: A powdery particle conveying system is provided in which electric power consumption can be saved when powdery particles are conveyed by use of a roots blower. In the case where the powdery particles are conveyed to a reservoir tank near the roots blower, the frequency of a power source of a roots blower driving motor is reduced, thereby reducing an output of the roots blower. In contrast, in the case where the powdery particles are conveyed to a remote reservoir tank, a voltage of a commercial frequency is applied to the motor.

Abstract: A material feed apparatus 34 for influencing the travel properties of a feed stream of material 42 moving between a pulverizer 14 and a furnace 12 includes a feed path 36 passing through an upstream passage periphery UPZ. The feed path 36 includes one duct 44A having a branch entry 66A and another branch duct 44C having a branch entry 66C both downstream of the upstream passage periphery UPZ through which the feed stream of the material 42 travels in two segregated portions. A Y-axis drive assembly 58 and the X-axis drive assembly 62 move the nozzle 52 relative to the reference axis RA, whereupon the upstream passage periphery UPZ moves relative to the reference axis RA such that the travel properties of the one portion of material in the one branch duct 44A are different than its travel properties before the movement of the upstream passage periphery UPZ.

Abstract: A paper web is drawn into a printing and can be guided along a selected one of several paths. The paper web is weakened along a line of separation and is then held by a retaining system that can move the web in a conveying direction along a first path. The web is fed to a different conveying path and is separated ot torn along the line of separation. This line of separation or weakening is formed at an angle to the production direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pneumatic tube systems generally. More specifically, it relates to an automated system for the storage and distribution of empty carriers for a pneumatic tube system. The system comprises an easy to use one-touch process and includes the following apparatus: storage cabinets and pneumatic tube system comprising a blower, controller, retrieval cabinets, and main station.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and separating material from a fluid stream. The material is forced in an air stream into a single chamber having a plurality of outlets each with a seperate poppit gate. The interior boundry of the chamber is formed by a plurality of straight sides arranged to direct the incoming fluid stream and material in a swirling fashion resulting in the conveyed material being forced outwardly toward the open outlet.

Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving golf balls from a ball washer to a ball dispenser is disclosed. A system of conduits is employed, connecting a ball washer to a dispenser. Balls are forced out of the washer and into an entry conduit where a drain rids the system of fluids. Balls are slowed down by a restricted region in the entry conduit prior to entry into a main conduit. Upon entering the main conduit, balls are forced upward by high velocity air being expelled by a blower. Obstructions are minimized and relieved by an opening in the side of the main conduit. Balls are prevented from backing up into the blower, even in case of obstruction, by an angled pipe or nozzle with a diameter smaller than that of a golf ball. Balls travel through the main conduit and into an exit conduit where they strike a shock absorbing pad prior to dropping into the dispenser. In a second embodiment, an alternative exit conduit is provided whereby balls may be diverted to a receptacle other than the dispenser.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting stockings, socks or other sensitively responsive goods by means of air having a principal conduit member and a plurality of selectively closable auxiliary conduit members. The auxiliary conduit members are connected to the output of one or more productions means such as knitting machines. A slidable tubular insert is carried within the principal conduit member and moves from an opened and closed position to open or close an opening in the principal conduit member and permit a formed article to move within. Both the article collecting device and secondary conduit member communicate with the principal conduit member to collect a quantity of articles therein. A work station directing device is formed within the elongated conduit member to collect articles individually and discharge them in groups thereafter. An additional tubular insert member is held within the principal conduit member to open and close the secondary conduit connected directly to a work station.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: A pneumatic material handling system for conveying dry, solid particulate product from one of at least two separate upstanding dry, solid particulate product supply containers to at least one desired destination. At least two identically constructed valves are connected into the conduit system intermediate the supply containers and the desired destination. Each of the two valves includes a base plate having at least first and second separate through passageways extending therethrough and a movable plate slidably mounted on the base plate and movable between first and second positions relative to the base plate. The movable plate has a third through passageway extending therethrough and being axially aligned with the first through passageway in the first position of the movable plate and with the second through passageway in the second position of the movable plate. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the movable plate between the first and second positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the controlled release of metered quantities of finely divided solids with one or more regulated venturi nozzles for the purpose of applying lubricant or separating compound to the stressed surfaces of pressing tools in tablet making machines or for applying finely divided solids to solid carrier materials particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs or catalysts.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor system comprises a dispatching station (13) for spatching conveying cases, a receiving/dispatching station (22) for receiving conveying cases, and an intermediate store (42). A tube system comprising a bidirectional line connects the dispatching station the receiving/dispatching stations and the intermediate store. The tube system is associated with a plurality of gates (21, 33, 40, 51, 54, 55, 57, 58). Control means serve for connecting the dispatching station to the receiving/dispatching station, the receiving station to the intermediate store, and the intermediate store to the dispatching station.

Abstract: A maintenance-free valve for impeding the flow of fibers in a high velocity air-fiber stream. The valve has a rake-like construction to impede fiber flow when in the closed position. The valve has a plurality of closely-spaced, parallel tines attached to a rotatable shaft that is perpendicular to the tines. When closed, fibers collect on the tines of the rake valve, blinding the valve to further fiber flow. When opened, the fibers are dislodged from the tines such that they re-enter the air-fiber stream.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor system comprises at least two dispatching stati (13) for dispatching conveying cases and at least two receiving stations (22) for receiving the conveying cases. Pneumatic tube lines connect the dispatching stations and the receiving stations. An intermediate store (25) is provided within the tube lines. The tube lines are associated with a plurality of gates (21, 26, 33). Control means serve for connecting any dispatching station selectively to any receiving station or to the intermediate store, and for connecting the intermediate store to tube lines leading to any receiving station.

Abstract: A suction conveyor or delivery arrangement for the gravimetric allocation of pourable material components to several demand stations has a storage container containing in each case one component connected by, in each case, one delivery line to a distributor and a separator at each demand station, which is connected via a delivery line to the distributor, a suction line with stop valve to a suction fan and can be emptied via a closable discharge opening at the demand station. A control for the demand-dependent dosing of the components has a demand indicator, which releases a control signal for setting the distributor to the desired component and for opening the stop valve, as well as a setting device which, on reaching a predetermined quantity, releases a control signal for opening a ventilating valve in the delivery line and for closing the stop valve.

Abstract: A system for transferring pneumatic carriers from one pneumatic carrier receiving/dispatching station to another includes a first pneumatic carrier diverter, or a plurality of such first diverters, each with an inlet/outlet linked through pneumatically-sealed tubes to at least one such station, a multiplicity of outlets, and a device for shiftably linking the inlet/outlet of the diverter to any one of its multiple outlets; a second pneumatic carrier diverter, or a plurality of such second diverters, each with a multiplicity of inlets and a single outlet, and a mechanism for shiftably linking the multiplicity of inlets to the outlets; the system including either a plurality of such first diverters, or a plurality of such second diverters, or both; pneumatically-sealed tubes joining, in parallel, all the diverters of the first kind of all the diverters of the second kind; and a pressure/vacuum supply device joined to the outlet of one or more of the second kind.

Abstract: A pipeline capsule transportation system and apparatus for transporting a continuous link of capsules, comprising a first elongated pipeline and a second elongated pipeline along which continuous links of capsules are to be transported, a loading station for loading capsules, and an unloading station for unloading capsules, the loading station comprising at least one handling zone, an inclined discharge conduit for displacing capsules from the handling zone to the first pipeline, a capsule coupler for coupling capsules entering the first pipeline to a trailing end of a continuous link of capsules moving along the first pipeline during use, decoupling apparatus for decoupling trains of capsules from a leading end of a continuous link of capsules moving in the second pipeline, a downhill station entrance ramp for diverting decoupled capsules to the handling zone, and a brake for bringing trains of capsules to rest in the handling zone.

Abstract: A pneumatic powder flow diverting device for use in conjunction with an apparatus for the electrostatic coating of can bodies which are sequentially positioned for receiving the powder coating. A pneumatic switching device is provided so that powder is directed to the position of a can body to be coated only when a can body is located in that position. A return line returns the powder flow to a powder source during the time between can bodies. The pneumatic switching device utilizes small air jets for diverting the powder flow between the coating apparatus and the return line with a minimal amount of air being required to effect the switching operation.