Abstract: An exemplary diverter valve generally includes a shell, a pipe, and a handle. The shell includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction, a shell inlet port, a shell outlet port, and a positioning slot formed in the body. The pipe is seated in the body for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, and includes a first passage and a second passage. The handle is connected to the pipe through the positioning slot, and is operable to move the pipe relative to the shell between a first position in which the shell inlet port is connected with the shell outlet port via the first passage, and a second position in which the second passage is connected with the shell inlet port and the shell outlet port is disconnected from the second passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing gases and, optionally, liquids into a control valve includes a collar and a plurality of gas distribution devices. The collar includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner bore formed through a central portion of the first side and the second side, an outer edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which defines an outer perimeter of the collar, an inner edge positioned between the first side and the second side and which extends around the inner bore to define an inside perimeter of the collar, and a plurality of passages that extend through the outer edge and inner edge without penetrating the first and second sides. The plurality of gas distribution devices are mounted into the passages of the collar.

Abstract: A feeding station for farm animals (45), as in particular for pigs, provided with a first reservoir (3) for a first animal food component, a first conveyor pipe (15) connected to the first reservoir (3), with a first conveyor screw (17) extending internally of the first conveyor pipe (15), and a mouthpiece (7) for reception in the mouth of an animal (45). A first end of the first conveyor screw (17) is coupled adjacent to the first reservoir (3) to a rotatable first drive (21) and a second end of the first conveyor screw (17) ends shortly before the mouthpiece (7). The feeding station (1) is further provided with at least a second reservoir (5) for a second animal food component, a second conveyor pipe (16) connected to the second reservoir with a second conveyor screw (19) extending internally of the second conveyor pipe (16). A first end of the second conveyor screw (19) is coupled adjacent to the second reservoir (5) to a second drive (23) which is rotatable independently of the first drive (21).

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluidizing unit (1) for use in a vessel desanding system, comprising a discharge pipe (2) and a supply duct (3), the discharge pipe comprises a discharge inlet (4) and a discharge outlet (5), and the supply duct is formed by a housing (6) arranged around the discharge pipe defining an annular space (7) between an outer surface of said pipe and an inner surface of the housing, the supply duct comprises a pressurized liquid inlet (8) and a pressurized liquid outlet (9), wherein the pressurized liquid outlet, during use, is able to provide a pressurized liquid flow having a substantially elliptic cross-section.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of a catalyst to a polymerization reactor is disclosed, comprising: contacting a catalyst with a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon in gaseous form, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.; and flowing the carrier fluid to the polymerization reactor such that the carrier fluid transports the catalyst to the polymerization reactor. A catalyst delivery system is disclosed, comprising: a catalyst vessel for containing a catalyst; a catalyst injection line for delivering the catalyst to a polymerization reactor, the catalyst injection line being in fluid communication with the catalyst vessel and the polymerization reactor; and a carrier fluid line in fluid communication with the catalyst injection line for delivering a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon to the catalyst injection line, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for creating and conveying a gas-powder mixture having a powder receiving space (3) that is connected to a vacuum creation device via a vacuum line (19) that discharges to the upper region of said powder receiving space. A reduced pressure in comparison to a mixing chamber (7) can be created within the powder receiving space (3), and thus a gas flow directed against the powder flow direction within a powder supply channel (6).

Abstract: A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member.

Abstract: A method for the delivery of a catalyst to a polymerization reactor is disclosed, comprising: contacting a catalyst with a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon in gaseous form, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.; and flowing the carrier fluid to the polymerization reactor such that the carrier fluid transports the catalyst to the polymerization reactor. A catalyst delivery system is disclosed, comprising: a catalyst vessel for containing a catalyst; a catalyst injection line for delivering the catalyst to a polymerization reactor, the catalyst injection line being in fluid communication with the catalyst vessel and the polymerization reactor; and a carrier fluid line in fluid communication with the catalyst injection line for delivering a carrier fluid comprising an inert hydrocarbon to the catalyst injection line, the inert hydrocarbon having a normal boiling point of about ?1° C. to about 81° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a dilute water slurry for water felting a basemat for an acoustical ceiling tile comprising delivering a bale of compressed mineral wool with a density of at least 8 lbs. per cubic foot at an unbaling station, releasing a binding holding the bale in compression, mechanically separating the fibers of a mineral wool bale with mechanical instrumentalities arranged to disperse the fibers to a generally uniform density of less than 2 lbs. per cubic foot prior to passage of the fibers through the tank inlet, and causing the separated mineral fibers to pass into the mixing tank for contact with water suspended binder.

Abstract: A material collection unit for a material handling system is disclosed. The material collection unit includes an elongated housing section, a separator, and an accumulation bin. The separator is disposed within the housing section and partially bisects the elongated housing section into first and second sections. The first section is in communication with an inlet for materials to pass through. The second section is in communication with an exhaust. The accumulation bin is disposed below the elongated housing and has an open top section that is in communication with the elongated housing section and a second opening that is configured to mate with an opening of a baler unit.

Abstract: Pneumatic transportation system (1) for objects, particularly for fragile objects, comprising: a first transportation duct (2), having a first end portion (3) and a second opposite end portion (4), adapted to be passed through by a vector gas for transporting objects inside the duct (2); a venturi effect nozzle (5) comprising a nozzle body (25) having an inlet section (6) with an inlet duct (26) and an outlet section (7) with an outlet duct (27), the outlet duct (27) being connected to the first end portion (3) of the first transportation duct (2), the venturi effect nozzle (5) comprising a control gate (8) for supplying the venturi effect nozzle with a flow of supply gas having a supply pressure such as to influence the pressure of the flow of the vector gas to influence the characteristics of the motion of the objects to be transported inside the first transportation duct (2); a control system (10, 11, 12) operatively connected to the control gate (8) of the venturi effect nozzle (5) to control the suppl

Abstract: A conveyor (10) for transporting powder from an inlet point (14) to at least one discharge point (20) comprises a fluidized bed transport space (12) and a fluidization gas supply space (16), the fluidized bed transport space (12) being separated from the fluidization gas supply space (16) by a gas permeable wall (18); a gas outlet (22) for removing fluidization gas from the transport duct (12); means (24) for separating dust from the removed fluidization gas; and means (26) for returning the separated dust to the powder proximate the discharge point (20). In a preferred embodiment, the separated fines dust is returned to, and homogenized into, the powder in a lower portion of a cyclone, which is located at the discharge point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distributing powder by means of a main conveyor (3) between a feed zone (1) and a plurality of receiver units (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) arranged along said main conveyor, said method including: (a) filling the conveyor as far as a downstream receiver unit, (b) isolating the feed zone, and (c) conveying the powder from at least one portion of the main conveyor to at least one receiver unit. The invention also concerns a device for implementing the distribution method and an installation for the production of aluminum by igneous electrolysis including said means for feeding a series of cell feed hoppers in said installation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A lock hopper (11) provided with air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) arranged side by side with entrance valves (A1, B1) arranged above the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) and exit valves (A4, B4) arranged below the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3). The lock hopper (11) performs control which alternately repeats the following states: a state in which granular substances in an upper system are placed in one of the hoppers and gas is supplied into the other hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of the other hopper to a lower system and a state in which the granular substances in the upper system are placed in the other hopper and gas is supplied to said hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of said hopper to the lower system.

Abstract: A new valve is designed for the transport of solids using a motive fluid. The valve includes an inlet conduit for carrying solids, where the solids are fed through gravity. The solids are carried by fluid transport out an outlet where the outlet conduit has a smaller diameter than the inlet conduit carrying the solids. The conduit should be sufficiently smaller to prevent instability in the flow. A second inlet provides the source of motive fluid to drive the transport of solids.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for drying a material or, more generally, flash evaporating a target substance having a vapor pressure threshold. The methods and systems include a conveyor conduit that receives material. The material moves through the conveyor and is expelled into a pressure drop zone created by one or more venturi nozzles. As the material encounters the pressure drop zone, the targeted substance in the material experiences a rapid and extreme pressure drop and simultaneously a rapid temperature increase. This causes the target substance in the material to flash evaporate virtually immediately. The resulting vapor is separated from the remaining material and the now dry material is collected for further processing or use. The vapor can be collected, condensed, exhausted, or otherwise treated depending upon the goals of a particular installation or process.

Abstract: A method and a system. The system includes a substantially horizontal space adapted to receive objects but prevent objects from being piled one over the other; multiple tunnels and multiple gas openings configured to convey a gas pressure that induces objects to enter the tunnels.

Abstract: The aggregate processing system is a substantially closed onshore system that provides significant improvement in economy by substantially eliminating the spread of dust and dirt and/or the partial filling of the berth with sediment during the offloading of aggregate materials from a bulk cargo ship. The system includes one or more extractors that draw the bulk aggregate material from the hold(s) of the ship by entraining the aggregate in a stream of water and air. The aggregate is automatically cleaned during this step, and passes to a separating hopper where the sand and water settle out and the clean gravel is transferred to surface transport. The sand and water pass to a settling tank, where the sand is recovered for use and the water is recycled for continued use.

Abstract: [Problem] To control a lift force acting on an object being conveyed by non-contact conveyance equipment in a non-contact manner. [Solution] A non-contact conveyance equipment that conveys an object in a non-contact manner, comprises a cup-shaped member including a concave portion, an air inlet, and an opening rim that faces the object, a fan provided inside the concave portion of the cup-shaped member, that rotates to suck air into the concave portion through the air inlet, the air forming a swirl flow in the concave portion, and an adjusting member provided at the cup-shaped member, that adjusts an amount of air sucked through the air inlet.

Abstract: A system and process for mixing and distributing building materials. This system and process can also include a way or a means for calibrating the mixing of these materials.

Abstract: With a device for feeding a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid, into a solid-conveying line, wherein the fluid is first passed into a ring space that surrounds the solid-conveying line, and from there into the solid-conveying line, conveying of coal in the form of dust or flue ash, for example, is to be undertaken in gasification systems, at elevated temperatures, at great output and great operational reliability. This is achieved in that the solid-conveying line is shorter, in the ring space for forming a ring gap, than the length of the ring space, wherein installations for producing a vortex flow of the fluid that is introduced are provided in the ring space.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for a powdered or granular material provided at a lower end of a storage part in which a powdered or granular material is stored. The discharge apparatus comprises a material discharge passage connected to the lower end of the storage part and provided with a material discharge port at the terminal end, a valve body opening or closing the discharge port of the material discharge passage, and a valve driving part moving the valve body along a substantially orthogonal direction to a surface of a valve seat around the discharge port. The valve body is so constructed as to form a gap at closed position between the valve body and the surface of the valve seat along the circumferential direction of the discharge port, in which the gap is formed such that a powdered or granular material is not allowed to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A pneumatic compressed-air tube transport system and a method for transporting small assembly parts to assembly and processing lines for assembly of products. The transport system includes at least one drop-off branch configured to drop off the small assembly parts into the compressed-air tube transport system. The at least one drop branch includes at least one air flow generator, a butterfly valve located downstream of the air flow generator, and a drop-off station for the small assembly parts located downstream of the butterfly valve. The small assembly parts move through a tube into at least one joining switch and a plurality of delivery stations are configured to receive the small assembly parts.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system is disclosed for conveying a granular product, such as grain, from a grain inlet device to a selected one of a plurality of grain bins or other storage vessels. The system includes a blower for forcing air under pressure into a conveyor piping system. A grain inlet device is located downstream from the blower. The piping system has a portion leading from the grain inlet to an inlet in a first one of the vessels. A discharge/bypass valve is connected to a portion of the piping system leading from the grain inlet so as to receive the granular product being conveyed therethrough with the valve having a discharge outlet for discharging the granular product into the vessel. The valve is installed on the vessel such that the discharge outlet is in communication with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for acquiring multiple images of objects, the system includes: four longitudinal transferor that comprise multiple tunnels through which the objects propagate to four imaging areas; wherein the four longitudinal transferor utilize gas pressure differentials to convey the electrical circuits through the tunnels; wherein at least one longitudinal transferor has a movable portion that when placed in a certain position exposes at least a substantial portion of at least one tunnel; three rotation modules configured to rotate objects about a longitudinal axis of the objects; wherein each rotating is located between two longitudinal transferor; and imager, configured to obtain, in each of the four imaging areas, an image of the objects.

Abstract: A liquid transporting apparatus includes: a microchannel; a transporting liquid supply port through which transporting liquid is supplied to the microchannel; a partition wall as defined herein, and that has an opening; a first split channel that is provided on an upper side of the partition wall; a second split channel that is provided on a lower side of the partition wall; a particle dispersion supply port through which a particle dispersion is supplied to a middle portion of a width direction of the first split channel; and at least one drain port through which the fluid is discharged from downstreams of the first and second split channels, and a pattern that generates an upward-directed flow with respect to a vertical direction in a middle portion of a section of the microchannel is formed in an inner wall of the microchannel or in the partition wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for conveying bags containing a product, for example bags of crisps or other snack food. The apparatus comprises an elongate flexible tube, for example of a fabric-based material, along which air is caused to flow. The bags are introduced into the flexible tube at a first location so that they are carried along by the air flow from the first location to a second location, where they are removed from the air flow.

Abstract: A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100) which is connectable to the feed point (61), a separator device (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of the material. At least a part of the conveying piping (100) is connectable as a section of the circuit in which conveying air is circulated and, in the method, at least a part of the conveying piping (100) is flushed and/or dried with air and/or material is conveyed in the circuit by circulating conveying air in the circuit, particularly by blowing in the circuit with a pump device (3).

Abstract: A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100) which is connectable to the feed point (61), a separator device (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3, 4) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of the material. At least a part of the conveying piping (100) is connectable as a section of a circuit in which conveying air is circulated at least during the conveyance of the material with at least one first pump device, such as a vacuum unit (3), and with at least one second pump device, such as a blower unit (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting device (1) for solids material which is moved by means of a fluid from a first location on a seabed, on an offshore installation or on land to a second location, the fluid carrying the solids material in through an inlet portion (7) of the collecting device (1), the collecting device (1) being provided with one or more permeable portions arranged to retain the solids material exceeding a predetermined size. The invention also relates to a method of using the collecting device (1), the method including the abandoning of a filled collecting device (1).

Abstract: A device for transporting powders through pipes comprises at least one pumping unit (11, 111) in turn comprising a pumping chamber (12) with a powders inlet (13) and outlet (14) end, such ends being closable in a controlled manner by respective inlet and outlet controlled valves (15, 16). The pumping chamber (12) is laterally delimited by a wall (17) permeable to air but not to powder, such wall in turn being enclosed in a sealed shell (18). Present between the permeable wall and the internal wall of the sealed shell is an interspace (23) connected in a controlled manner to a source of pressure (21) in a first zone (19) in proximity to the inlet zones of the pumping chamber and to a source of vacuum (22) in a second zone (20) in proximity to the outlet ends of the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A microfabricated sheath flow structure for producing a sheath flow includes a primary sheath flow channel for conveying a sheath fluid, a sample inlet for injecting a sample into the sheath fluid in the primary sheath flow channel, a primary focusing region for focusing the sample within the sheath fluid and a secondary focusing region for providing additional focusing of the sample within the sheath fluid. The secondary focusing region may be formed by a flow channel intersecting the primary sheath flow channel to inject additional sheath fluid into the primary sheath flow channel from a selected direction. A sheath flow system may comprise a plurality of sheath flow structures operating in parallel on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic particulate conveyance system including a particulate diffuser plate is disclosed. The assembly includes a pipeline with one or more particulate inlets for introducing solid particulates to a prime mover, wherein the pipeline has at least one particulate diffuser plate located within the pipeline. The particulate diffuser plate has a length which runs parallel to the prime mover and occludes at least a portion of a particulate inlet so as to increase the surface area exposed to the conveying air, thus resulting in a more efficient momentum transfer to the particulate. The plate used in the assembly further includes an arcuate trailing edge so as to encourage more particulate falling into the middle (i.e., the higher velocity portion of the profile) of the prime mover.

Abstract: In, as part of, or for apparatus to discharge, or to receive a discharge of, a particulate material, (A) a tube, conduit, duct or the like and (B) a flexible tube end received and snap fit inter-engaged within said tube, conduit, duct or the like. The snap fit is of a pair of outward circumferential forms each into a complementary receiving groove of a ferrule.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for pneumatic or hydraulic conveying of dusty, powdery or granular bulk material. The device includes a conveyor line, an inner pipe in the conveyor line that is parallel to the axis and preferably eccentric. The inner pipe has openings at intervals and flow resistors within itself, which have an upstream side plane and a downstream side plane in the region of the openings. As a result, outlet openings into the conveyor line and entrance openings into the inner pipe are formed for the conveying medium, characterized in that the upstream side plane forms an angle (&agr;)<90° with the axis (14) of the inner pipe (2) and deflects the striking conveying stream towards the outlet opening (20, 20a, 20b).

Abstract: A load conveyance device composed of:

Abstract: An air pulser is provided which can intermittently form pulse air by continuously supplying compressed air. The interior of the body is partitioned into an air supply chamber and an air exhaust chamber by a diaphragm. An air blast cylinder opened and closed by the diaphragm is provided in the air supply chamber. In the air exhaust chamber, a valve plate having a valve hole and comprising a magnetic member is provided to partition it into a first chamber and a second chamber. A valve body with a permanent magnet is movably mounted in the second chamber. By continuously feeding compressed air into the air supply chamber to open the valve body due to an increase in pressure in the first chamber, thereby exhausting compressed air in the air exhaust chamber through an air exhaust port, and to deform the diaphragm toward the air exhaust chamber due to a drop in pressure in the air exhaust chamber, thereby discharging compressed air in the air supply chamber through the air blast cylinder.

Abstract: A process for introducing a solid catalyst particle feed into a fluidised or agitated vessel utilising a feed delivery device, a vertical feed dilution pipe and a feed injection pipe connected to the vessel, the process including the steps of: (a) introducing the solid catalyst particles feed from the feed delivery device into the vertical feed dilution pipe, (b) diluting the solid catalyst particles feed by letting the solid particle reaching by gravity their terminal velocity in the feed dilution pipe, (c) introducing the diluted solid catalyst particles feed into the injection pipe and mixing it with conveying gas, and introducing the gas conveyed diluted solid catalyst particles feed into the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic conveying system, comprising an apparatus for gravimetric solids metering, wherein a readily fluidizable material to be conveyed is fed to a conveying line, culminating with a mixer into which the fluidizable material is conveyed from the conveying line. A degassing screw located between the gravimetric solids metering system and the mixer allow for transfer of conveyed solids into the mixer without pressure buildup and without altering the weight ratio of the filler to product.

Abstract: A system for hydrodynamically loading objects into a manufacturing system is disclosed. The system comprises a receptacle for retaining fluid, the receptacle having an aperture for egress to a manufacturing system. At least one cassette is supported within the receptacle for retaining a plurality of objects and positioning one of the objects in a loading location in alignment with the aperture. At least one nozzle is also disposed within the receptacle for ejecting fluid and urging objects in the loading location into the aperture.

Abstract: A device for dispensing single components, in particular rivets of different shapes and sizes, wherein the rivets are conveyed to a riveting station one by one in a given direction along a path; the rivets are moved along and within an elastic sheath (11) by a pressure source (P); the device also includes a device for storing the components and includes a holder (24) for feeding the components one by one to the elastic sheath (11); the device provides for the uniform and steady feeding of rivets to riveting machines such as are used in the aircraft industry.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for conveying particulate material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of materials and air surrounded by a boundary layer flow of air, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other preferred embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and packaging a photographic film has a film supply unit for unreeling and cutting off a film roll of an elongate photographic film, and supplying a sized film, a film winding unit for winding the sized film around a spool thereby to produce a roll, a cartridge production unit for crimping a cap on an end of a rounded barrel plate thereby to produce a one-end-open cartridge, an assembling unit for inserting the roll into the one-end-open cartridge and thereafter crimping a cap on an opposite open end of the one-end-open cartridge thereby to produce a film-contained cartridge, and an encasing unit for placing the film-contained cartridge into a case and attaching a case cap to an open end of the case thereby to produce a packaged product. The film supply unit, the film winding unit, and the assembling unit are accommodated altogether in a dark chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of rolled-up prophylactic devices are passed through a plurality of pairs of unroller tubes with a randomizer vessel being coupled between each pair of unroller tubes, the randomizer vessels functioning to randomly reorient a portion of rolled-up ones of the prophylactic devices passing therethrough to move a rolled-up portion of each of the latter to the outside of the associated prophylactic device to facilitate unrolling of the same as it passes from the randomizer vessel into another one of the unroller tubes. A separator tank has an inlet port coupled to an output end of the last occurring unroller tube, for collecting the processed prophylactic devices, and for applying a vacuum to the system for sucking the prophylactic devices through the unroller tubes and randomizer vessels.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is electrically driven by a battery located on the tractor, and that is automatically controlled by a pressure sensor switch positioned for sensing the pressure of the pressurized air stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling agricultural or horticultural products, for instance tomatoes or apples, wherein the products are transported in at least one reservoir filled with water substantially at a transporting level determined by the water surface in accordance with at least one transport path in the direction from a supply to a discharge.In order to reduce the required transporting space the method according to the invention has the feature that in order to buffer products the upper level of at least one product mass is carried by a level adjusting buffering device to a level other than the transporting level.The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for automatically collecting powder material displaced from between a belt conveyor and a chute which is disposed above the belt conveyor for feeding the powder material onto the belt conveyor, and for placing the collected powder material onto the belt conveyor. The device includes a) a duct device (10) disposed adjacent the chute and the belt conveyor for collecting powder material, b) a horizontally extending hollow cylinder (31) disposed above the belt conveyor, the cylinder having an air-flow inlet (33) which communicates with the duct device (10) and having a slit (34) at its bottom, the cylinder allowing an air flow from the duct device to pass along the inner surface of the cylinder, c) a blower (40) to suck air in the cylinder, and d) a chamber (35) disposed under the cylinder and having a weighted damper (36) at its bottom. When the blower is driven, an air flow is generated in the duct device.

Abstract: An air lift pump for wet particulates has a plurality of transport tubes and air injectors disposed in a central column for transporting particulate matter from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The central column has a closed top and an open bottom. Each tube has a lower, intake end and first and second air injectors comprised of a housing disposed around an air injection section of the transport tube in which is mounted a first or second air jet, respectively. Each air jet may be composed of either a plurality of circular ring members or a coiled member. The ring members and the coiled member have a substantially triangular-shaped cross section wherein the base of the triangle defines the exterior surface of the air jet. The ring members and coiled member form a plurality of circular slots or a coiled slot, respectively, having substantially trapezoid-shaped cross sections.

Abstract: Method and system unloads dry bulk materials from a tank hopper supported on a trailer, the trailer being connected to a tractor. A material conveying conduit is adapted for receiving material from the hopper. A blower is provided for supplying pressurized air to the hopper and to the conduit so that a pressure differential is created between the hopper and the conduit to thereby induce the flow of the materials from the hopper to the conduit. The pressurized air is cooled via a radiator which transfers heat from the pressurized air to ambient air. Ambient air is caused to flow across the radiator by a fan that is pneumatically driven by an air brake system located on the tractor.