Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for particulate material. An upper vessel includes an inlet for the material. An intermediate housing is open to and located under the inlet. A primary check valve is located in the intermediate housing and will receive the material from the inlet. A lower housing is located beneath the intermediate housing. The lower housing includes a secondary check valve therein which receives the material from the primary check valve. A material exit is located below the secondary check valve. Each of the check valves includes an opening through which the material may flow. This opening is oblique to vertical, and a movable closure member is connected to alternatively open or seal the opening. Pressurized air is supplied to the check valves in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for sowing granular material, particularly in combination with a harrow, including a storage hopper (1) which at its outlet is provided with at least one injector (4) operated by a blower (6) and connected with a transport conduit (5) leading to a number of seed shares (15) and provided with a cam or cellular wheel for metering the granular material, the transport conduit (5) being connected with a metering device (2) divided by a perforated plate (11) into a granulate compartment (12) communicating with the conduit (5) and an air compartment (13) from which hoses (14) extend to their respective seed share (15) and which over cam or cellular wheels (10) is in communication with the granulate compartment (12) and through a conduit (16) is connected with the blower (6) in front of the injector (4).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing an active ingredient, such as a fumigant, fertilizer or room freshener in which the active ingredient is placed in a sample cylinder and a pressurized solvent/propellent is subsequently introduced from a source. The solvent/propellent expands to adopt a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The liquid phase serves to absorb the active ingredient and the gaseous phase serves to propel the borne active ingredient out of the apparatus through a dispensing outlet where further expansion takes place and the active ingredient is dispersed in a fog or mist. Flow restrictors create a pressure differential between the sample cylinder outlet and a by-pass portion to enable total absorption of the active ingredient. The flow restrictors and conduits for the system are contained in a mixing head for the sample cylinder.

Abstract: A sand gathering system has a submerged sand pump capable of sucking slurry such as sand and gravel from the bottom of sea, lake, pond or the like, a sedimentation tank disposed at the discharge opening of the suction pump, and a discharge tank for discharging the muddy water separated from the sand slurry in the sedimentation tank. This system is operated such that the muddy water separated from the slurry is discharged to a region near the bottom of the sea, so that the muddy water is not diffused to the surface region of the sea water. To this end, the sand gathering system has an apparatus for preventing diffusion of the muddy water. The apparatus comprises a discharge pump connected to the discharge portion of the discharge tank and a discharge pipe connected to the discharge opening of the discharge pump and leading to a region near the bottom of the sea, lake, pond or the like.

Abstract: A device for transferring solid particles from an area of higher pressure to one of lower pressure. A stack-up section (3) between the areas is full of particles and large enough to reduce the current of gas flowing through the open stack-up section from the area of higher pressure as a result of the pressure loss that occurs in the stack-up section to a level that prevents pneumatic conveyance of the particles. A conveyor is in or at the end of the stack-up section.

Abstract: A wet pump for pumping fish from a first fish receptacle to a second receptacle displaced from the first receptacle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for picking up, transferring and depositing lightweight articles. The apparatus includes a driven rotary member having a pluality of tubular arms extending from circumferentially spaced portions of the member. The ends of these arms pass through a portion of a receptacle in which the articles are stored and suction is set up on these arms at their ends as moved through the receptacle to attract articles thereto. An extracting mechansim is positioned in close proximity to the arc created by the ends of the tubular arms and applies a vacuum, greater than the vacuum applied by said tubular arms, to extract the articles from the tubular arms and transfer the articles to a point of deposit.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pneumatically conveying dry particulate material from a source to a destination by cyclically loading and unloading a transfer vessel. The loading stage is accomplishing by creating a vacuum pressure within the transfer vessel to pull material into it, and after it is filled to its optimum capacity, switch a number of valves to convert the apparatus to the unloading stage wherein positive pressure is applied to the interior of the vessel to push the material down the output conveying line to its destination. The motive force in the operation of both stages is positive air pressure. The vacuum is generating by a high velocity venturi structure in combination with valving and piping which uses the positive air pressure. The unloading stage of operation utilizes the dense phase conveying, which is high pressure, low volume conveying.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method and apparatus for dispersing an active ingredient, such as a fumigant. The active ingredient is placed in a container and a pressurized solvent/propellent is subsequently introduced. The solvent/propellent expands to adopt a liquid phase and a gaseous phase. The liquid phase serves to absorb the active ingredient and the gaseous phase serves to propel the borne active ingredient out of the apparatus where further expansion takes place and the active ingredient is dispersed in a fog or mist.

Abstract: A sifter-screening machine for loose material, especially flour, including an inlet for the material, downstream thereof a screen through which the material can be conveyed via an air stream, and downstream thereof an outlet for screened material. Disposed in the conveying route of the material, downstream of the screen, is a zone of reduced static pressure followed in the conveying direction by a conveying zone having an increasing cross-sectional configuration. The weight of the material just upstream of the outlet is at least nearly equal to the oppositely directed pressure of compressed air below an air-permeable element for supplying the material to the outlet.

Abstract: A device for hydraulic conveyance of loose materials comprises a toroidal chamber having an equatorial plane thereof set with respect to a horizontal plane at an angle (.alpha.) falling within a range of.phi.<.alpha.<90.degree.,where .phi. is the angle of internal friction of the loose material, when saturated with the liquid used for hydraulic conveyance. The chamber is provided with pipes for charging the loose material and for discharging the liquid, both of the pipes being arranged on one side with respect to the meridianal plane, and a slurry discharge unit arranged on its other side.

Abstract: A transport system particularly for flat articles, e.g. cards, includes guides which allow alternate articles to be conveyed in different orientations through the same duct (122) so that the risk of jamming or shingling during conveyance is eliminated. In a preferred arrangement the system includes a crossed-axes pneumatic duct (122) and driven rollers (144) for introducing cards (12) into the duct in different orientations. The system also includes intermediate air supply stations (138), a card inspection unit (134), and a receiving station (139) including a device (145) for turning cards so that they are all received in the same orientation.

Abstract: A silencer (70) which is particularly adapted for use with a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a housing (72) with an arrangement of internal baffles (78, 80 and 82) defining a serpentine flow path of increasing cross-sectional area between an inlet (74) and an outlet (76) which is self-cleaning and effects noise reduction without absorptive material that would otherwise quickly clog the silencer.

Abstract: A lock apparatus for introducing granular dry material into a pneumatic conveying conduit (32), for example of a concrete gun, consisting of a material feeding hopper (4) having a shut-off valve (6) actuable by a pneumatic working cylinder (8). Beneath the shut-off valve (6) two hose portions (16 and 22) are arranged in series and on each of said portions a hose squeezing means (34 and 38) engages between which the hose portions (16 and 22) form a lock chamber (44) which is additionally provided with a blowing air connection (62). By the shut-off valve (6) and the upper hose squeezing means (34) an antechamber (42) is formed. When the upper hose squeezing means (34) is closed and the shut-off valve (6) opened the antechamber (42) is filled from the feeding hopper (4) by free fall. At the same time the lock chamber (44) can be discharged into the blow conduit (32) by opening the hose squeezing means (38).

Abstract: An apparatus for handling communited materials including a material hopper defining a zone into which the material may be deposited, a filter device having an inlet communicating with the material depositing zone, a pump defining a chamber for receiving material from the hopper, a valve for controlling the supply of material from the hopper to the pump chamber, a device for injecting fluid under pressure into the pump chamber to flush material disposed therein through a pump outlet, a valve for controlling the supply of fluid into the pump chamber, a venting conduit intercommunicating the pump chamber and the inlet of the filter device, and a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the venting conduit.

Abstract: A cyclone separator (20) for a pneumatic grain conveyor (10) includes a filter assembly (60) mounted in the upper end thereof. The filter assembly (60) includes a cylindrical casing (62) extending into the separator (20) with a screen (70) therein and an adjustable accelerator plate (84) which cleans an adjacent portion of the screen and distributes the collected dust and foreign particles on the remainder of the screen for reduced clogging and fewer operational interruptions to clear the screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of a dry chemical is formed having a sealed solvation hopper positioned between a liquid driven eductor and a fitting for connection to a storage container, e.g. a railcar. At the inlet end of the solvation hopper is a chemical inlet pipe which connects the interior to the exterior of the hopper. Surrounding the chemical inlet pipe are a plurality of nozzles for the introduction of solvation liquid into the hopper. The nozzles are disposed such that the solvation liquid washes the interior surface of the hopper to prevent plugging by hydrates (solvates) which may be formed. At the outlet end of the hopper, the hopper is connected to the suction opening of a liquid eductor. In use, the exterior end of the chemical inlet pipe is connected to the dry chemical storage container. Liquid flowing through the liquid eductor creates a suction and draws dry chemical out of the storage container and into the hopper.

Abstract: A rotary screen assembly for a pneumatic grain handling device is described which is comprised of a perforated cylindrical screen member rotatably driven by a propeller means which is placed in the airstream of the device. The screen assembly includes a cut-off plate positioned at the bottom inside surface of the screen member for interupting airflow through a portion of the screen member thereby creating a continuous cleaning action of the screen assembly. The screen assembly is particularly useful for preventing abrasive airborne particles from entering into and damaging the blower components.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for pipe-chamber feeders of hydraulic transport equipment, the latter having main closing appliances, auxiliary closing appliances and a high-pressure pump. The novel feature is that a dashpot or other pressure storing unit is installed in a pressure equalizer pipe interconnecting the high-pressure pure-water pipe of the pump with the auxiliary closing appliances and in the dashpot the carrier liquid is in direct or indirect contact with a gas or air cushion.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting particulate material through a pipeline. The particles have a size distribution which provides a solids density of at least 85%. The particular have a maximum size of 20% of the bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for transferring pulverent material from a supply container to a delivery point comprises an elongate exhaust pipe having a first end and a second end with a filter near the second end, an intake pipe extending from the supply container to the first end of the exhaust pipe and a transfer pipe extending from the first end of the exhaust pipe to the delivery point. With the first end of the exhaust pipe connected with the intake pipe, suction is applied to the second end of the exhaust pipe to draw pulverent material from the supply container to and through the intake pipe into the exhaust pipe where it is blocked by the filter. The first end of the exhaust pipe is then connected with the transfer pipe and air under pressure is supplied to the second end of the exhaust pipe to propel the pulverent material from the exhaust pipe to and through the transfer pipe to the delivery point and to clear the filter.

Abstract: A solids transfer apparatus has at least one closed tank provided with a suction opening and a discharge opening, a suction valve communicated with the suction opening, a discharge valve communicated with the discharge opening, a pressure reducer for introducing solids into the closed tank and a supply device for discharging solids in fluid out of the closed tank whereby solids can be transferred. A removing device constituted by a water supply and a solids removing valve may be provided so that solids in the suction valve are removed before the suction valve is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pumping a steady flow of powder from a powder spray gun of a powder spray system by pumping the powder from a fluidized bed feed hopper to the spray gun via a small auxiliary fluidized bed hopper located in close proximity to the powder spray gun. The apparatus comprises a primary fluidized bed hopper into which reclaimed powder is supplied from a powder spray booth via a powder filter module and a sieve. Powder from the primary feed hopper is pumped to the gun via an auxiliary and much smaller capacity auxiliary fluidized bed hopper located in relative close proximity to the spray gun.

Abstract: A method of recovering powder, for example in a powder-coating installation, uses processing plant adapted to operate at a pressure different to atmospheric pressure. Powder accumulating in a receptacle communicating with the processing plant is fluidized and a pressure head of fluidized powder is created to compensate the pressure difference imposed by the processing plant. A corresponding powder recovery device comprises processing plant adapted to operate at a pressure different to atmospheric pressure, a receptacle for the powder, a substantially vertical column through which this receptacle communicates with the processing plant, and structure for fluidizing at least the powder in this column. The processing plant may comprise a cyclone type separator, in which case the column is a pipe extending the cyclone downwardly. Alternatively, the processing plant may comprise a box having an air inlet and an air outlet and filters between the air inlet and the air outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting disintegrated solid particles, in which the particles are transported by a quantity of air placed under an over pressure. The weight ratio of the particle/aix mixture lies within a range at which particle transportation gives rise to migrating particle agglomerations. Transportation of the particles is terminated in a particle agglomeration equalizing arrangement, from where the particles are transported further in the form of a particle/air mixture which has been equalized in time. Particle transportation is effected by at least two stages. A first stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture is greater than 15, and a second stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air concentration is greater than 5 and lower than the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture in the first stage. The arrangement is used for transporting powdered coal to a powdered-coal burner connected to a combustion furnace.

Abstract: A device for loading containers that are open or can be vented, containers for fine particulate materials, said device being part of a pneumatic conveyance system, in particular such a system using dense layer transportation, where the said device comprises essentially a tube-shaped casing, a lifting element, a closing element and a lifting rod which connects the lifting and closing elements and enables the distance between these elements to be varied. The combined weight of the part of the lifting element, that can be moved in the axial direction (A), the closing element and the lifting rod is greater than the elastic force of the lifting element but is smaller than the product of the difference between areas (F.sub.H) and (F.sub.M) and the positive pressure in the supply line acting on the lifting element. The distance (h) of the closing element from the lower edge of the casing is smaller than the stroke of the lifting element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decomposing a sodium aluminate liquor supersaturated with alumina, obtained from alkaline action on bauxite by the Bayer process, is initiated by introduction of alumina trihydrate seed, thereby forming a suspension. The suspension is fed in at the top of a non-agitated reactor described as a "decomposer", and removed from the bottom of the decomposer; the speed at which the suspension moves downwardly is regulated at 1.5 to 10 meters per hour. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical-conical reactor which is fitted with an arrangement for feeding in the suspension at the top, and with an arrangement for taking out the suspension at the bottom. In one embodiment of the apparatus the suspension is taken from the base of the decomposer through an internal tube, with air injected into the bottom of it, is raised to the level of the top of the decomposer and is then sent downstream.

Abstract: A seed hopper construction for use in connection with rotary drum seed planter requiring positive pressure for its seed metering operation. The hopper comprises a tapering bottom wall with an opening therein and an internal duct associated with said wall and opening. A deformable tubular diaphragm valve is positioned in the duct and projects from the opening in the bottom wall. A vertical air pressure tube is mounted in the hopper and carries a two-position valve for directing air into the hopper or to the diaphragm valve. The pressure tube also has a bottom air inlet depending from the bottom wall. A centrifugal blower having a positive pressure side outlet communicates with the pressure tube air inlet and the seed drum. The blower has a negative pressure central opening in spaced registry with the diaphragm valve.

Abstract: The novel system discloses both a batch operation and a continuous operation for supplying pressured liquid and a pressured slurry to an abrasive-jet cutting nozzle. In the batch operation, a single vessel for receiving and pressuring slurry is provided and this vessel goes off line, to be recharged with slurry, when it has disgorged its contents to the nozzle. In the continuous operation, a pair of such vessels are provided, and one supplies the nozzle with slurry while the other, having been emptied, is recharged with slurry; valves switch therebetween, to put a re-charged vessel on line, and an emptied one re-charging, to maintain a continuous slurry input for the nozzle.

Abstract: Two systems of transporting grain or other bulk crop employ a grain handling trailer incorporating a pair of weighing hoppers with a grain loading system for the hoppers and a grain discharge system. In one system the mobile grain handling truck visits storage containers in the production area and acts to weigh and grade the crop on site before discharging it into haulage trucks for delivery to a rail hub. At the rail hug a grade unloading apparatus is provided comprising a two-story enclosed building with the road trucks positioned vertically above and parallel to a section of rail on which rail cars can be positioned for receiving by gravity the discharged crop. In the second system the mobile grain handling trailer moves to a rail siding particularly convenient to the production area for on site weighing and grading the grain for direct delivery into rail cars positioned on the siding.

Abstract: A system for transferring dry flowable material includes a substantially closed transfer vessel adapted to have particulate material drawn therein by a suction line during a fill cycle and discharge the material upon selective pressurizing of the vessel. A filter containment housing is integral with the pressure vessel and houses a filter element arrangement internally of the vessel to filter particulate material from air drawn to the suction line while optimizing the material capacity of the transfer vessel. Pneumatic pressure is introduced to the upper and lower ends of the transfer vessel to establish a predetermined pressure differential across a lower fluid pressure inlet, and provision is made to effect a dual action cleaning of the filter elements so as to maintain optimum efficiency. A bypass system is operative to maintain a predetermined design pressure within the vessel.

Abstract: A slurry conveying system including a pressurizable tank into which particulate material is charged. A discharge opening enters the tank bottom and fluidizing water is directed upwardly through the discharge opening into the tank. The discharge opening is centered in a landing which has a diameter greater than 1.5 times and no greater than five times the diameter of the discharge opening. Arching of particles at the opening is prevented due to the landing and fluidizing water. The tank is emptied by the combination of air under pressure and a water rinse immediately after the fluidizing is accomplished.

Abstract: A closed loop method and apparatus for unloading particulate materials from a transport container into a supply bin is disclosed. Material is conveyed from the discharge manifold of the transport container via vacuum into a transfer unit. The transfer unit has a vacuum zone and a pressure zone. The material is transferred from the vacuum to the pressure zone within the transfer unit and is conveyed via pressure to a cyclone separator mounted upon the supply bin. The particulate materials are separated in the cyclone separator and dropped into the supply bin. The overhead stream from the cyclone separator on top of the supply bin is returned to the discharge manifold on the transport container. Excess pressure developed in the supply bin is relieved into the transport container. Excess pressure in the transport container is filtered before being vented to the atmosphere.

Abstract: The domestic appliance using a hydrophilic powder comprises a chamber (4) for dispensing the powder and means for transferring the powder to a container (20).Said means comprise a turbine (7) to form a current of air sufficient to propel all the powder from the dispensing chamber (4) to the container (20).Use more particularly for constructing a domestic appliance adapted to prepare a drink from a soluble powder such as coffee and a liquid.

Abstract: A method of transporting large diameter solids, such as coal having a diameter of greater than 1 inch, preferably eight to twelve inches, predicated on pipe diameter, in the form of a slurry through a pipeline is disclosed. The method comprises the step of placing large diameter solids in a vehicle and pumping it through a pipeline. The specific gravity of the vehicle is substantially equal to the specific gravity of the solids so that the coal remains in suspension over a wide range of pipeline velocities. A lubricant is added to the vehicle to reduce friction and enhance energy efficiency of the process. The coal is pumped from a pumping tank into which the solids and vehicle are introduced, the pumping tank, after filling, is pressurized with a fluid such as air or inert gas to propel the mixture through the pipeline. This pump and its valving allows large diameter solids to be pumped through the pipeline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawal and replacement of solid particles slurried in a fluid employing L-valves is disclosed. The flow through the L-valves is controlled by the control of the flow of separated fluid and the replacement and withdrawal functions are configured so as to permit removal of the solids from the system and addition of fresh material. Control of the fluid flow by means of exerting or controlling pressure on the gas phase in association with it.

Abstract: A mobile, self-contained, pneumatic granular material conveying system is disclosed which comprises a trailer at least one granular material receiving and discharging kettle mounted thereon. An articulated vacuum arm is rotatably mounted on the rear portion of the trailer. The vacuum arm is capable of being extended forwardly along the length of the trailer during storage and has an intake nozzle located at its outer end and a conveying line attached thereto for conveying material from the nozzle to the kettle. The vacuum arm is rotatable and vertically and horizontally moveable to provide three dimensional positive control of the position of the nozzle. As a result an operator may move the nozzle in the material to break up clumps. A pendant control electrically connected to the trailer permits the operator to position himself adjacent the granular material to be unloaded, which facilitates precise manipulation of the vacuum arm.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for moving granular matter is described which comprises a first cyclonic separator for receiving granular matter conveyed by an air stream from a first location and a secondary cyclonic air cleaner for removing dust and abrasive particles from the air stream prior to passage thereof into the intake of the blower. The granular matter received by the first cyclonic separator passes through a rotary valve to a duct where it is conveyed to a second location by a high pressure air stream from the outlet of the blower.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor of particulate material includes an air pump with an inlet duct to the air pump communicating with a cyclone for extracting the particulate material from the air stream and then depositing the particulate material in an outlet duct from the air pump. The outlet duct includes a vertical section, an outwardly extending section with a hinge between the two to provide folding of the outwardly extending section relative to the vertical section for a storage position. In addition, a flange and collar connection is provided between two portions of the vertical section whereby the upper portion and the outwardly extending section can be rotated about the lower portion of the vertical section.

Abstract: Equipment for the removal of air out of pulverulent materials before the product is packaged or transferred. The equipment comprises a storage silo (1), out of which the pulverulent material to be packaged flows readily into the packaging vessel placed underneath. At a distance from the tight exterior wall (8) of the packaging vessel, there is a metallic porous face of lining material (9), through which it is possible to remove air out of the packaging vessel or to feed pressurized air into the packaging vessel through the space between the exterior wall of the packaging vessel and the said porous face of lining material. The space between the exterior wall of the packaging vessel and the face of lining material is divided air-tightly, in the direction of progress of the pulverulent material, by means of partition walls, into at least two, preferably three, four or five compartments (3 to 7) separate from each other.

Abstract: A cyclone separator for use in a pneumatic grain transporter of the type including an inlet duct, fan and outlet duct where the separator extracts the particulate material from the inlet air to allow the air to pass through the fan. The cyclone separator comprises an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder coaxial therewith with the inlet communicating with the annular space therebetween. The inner cylinder includes an open bottom and a rectangular opening in the peripheral wall in the upper half thereof and extending over 90 degrees.

Abstract: A mobile vehicular mounted pneumatic conveying apparatus is disclosed which comprises a self-propelled vehicle having an elongated boom capable of being elevated and rotated relative to the vehicle, with the boom having a nozzle structure mounted on the other end thereof for engaging dry particulate material to be conveyed. The apparatus also has a material transfer assembly which includes at least one closed vessel for receiving material from said nozzle under vacuum pressure and for subsequently expelling material into a conveying line under positive pressure. The transfer assembly can be easily removed from the vehicle and a rearward carriage that is attached to the transfer assembly can similarly be removed. The apparatus is particularly adapted for conveying large quantities of dry, particulate material such as Portland cement from a large horizontal storage building as opposed to a vertical silo or the like.

Abstract: A sump for the deposit and removal of particulate material mixed with a fluid, comprises a first and second reservoir formed in the surface of the earth. The first and second reservoirs each have a top at the surface of the earth and extend from the surface to a predetermined depth in the earth to form a bottom. The reservoirs have a common wall portion between them from the surface of the earth to a location intermediate the surface and the predetermined depth where the common wall terminates forming an opening between the first and second reservoirs. Particulate material is deposited in one of the reservoirs so that said material is free to fill the reservoir and move through the opening to the second reservoir. Pumping apparatus is mounted in the remaining reservoir at a depth between the terminus of the common wall and the bottom.

Abstract: In order to reduce the sliding friction between an endless conveyor which was up to date constructed as a flexible conveyor belt and the stationary chamber floor of a textile-fiber mixing chamber provided with a pneumatic charging device and an endless conveyor which is moveable over a stationary chamber floor in order to transport the fiber material piled up in the mixing chamber to a blender emptier, the endless conveyor according to the invention is constructed as a conveyor provided with bars which are arranged at intervals and whose ends are fixed to circulating driven endless driving and carrier units.

Abstract: On the bottom surface of a store or silo for granular material is placed a system of air channels, which are at one end connected both with an outlet sluice for the grain material and with a blower housing, which is also connected with the free atmosphere. The blower housing is switchable between blowing drying air into the grain through the channels and through wall openings therein and sucking out air from the channels for outlet conveying the grain inwardly through the wall openings and further through the channels to the outlet sluice. By this suction emptying arrangement dust problems in the store are eliminated, and the necessary motor effect is surprisingly low.

Abstract: A barge, including a system for pneumatic unloading of cement or other dry, bulk, powdered material from the barge into a receptacle. The barge includes a barge hull; a plurality of side-by-side hoppers disposed in the hull to receive and store the material; a collector system for each hopper to unload the material from the hopper and convey the material to a vacuum-pressure pneumatic conveyor; and a discharge conduit connected to the discharge outlet of the pneumatic conveyor for conveying the material from the conveyor to the receptacle during the discharge cycle.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transference apparatus consisting of a closed hopper having a material inlet pipe at the top, a material outlet pipe at the bottom ending in a discharge chamber and a pneumatic operating system consisting of a valve chamber operatively connected to a control pipe, the upper end of which opens into the top of the hopper, the valve chamber having two valve seats, a valve disc associated with each valve seat, the valve discs being connected to each other by a valve stem such that when one disc is closed, the other one is open, a pressurized air supply chamber in cooperation with one of the valve discs and a vacuum chamber in cooperation with the other of the valve discs, an induction throat between the pressurized air supply and the discharge chamber, and a nozzle within the induction throat having an opening within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile material handler useful for transferring dry, powdered, bulk material from a flat surface to a truck load-out bin, a silo, or another receptacle. More particularly, the invention relates to a mobile material handler having fluidizing means to aerate and to fluidize the material which is received in an open end of the frame of the material handler. The fluidized material flows to the inlet means of a vacuum-pressure pneumatic conveyor which is also mounted to the frame. In a bulk material warehouse and transfer system, material is stored on the generally planar floor of a large warehouse. Within the warehouse, a mobile material handler is moved to transfer dry, bulk, powdered material from the warehouse to a remote truck load-out bin or other receptable.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a process and system for wasting fly ash, and is specifically directed to a fly ash wasting system which provides an economical and environmentally acceptable mode of wasting fly ash which has been generated in large quantities per unit of time, as in the case of coal-burning power generating stations, which includes forming a pumpable slurry composed of fly ash and water, or fly ash, water and a supplemental additive, and forming a self-sustaining, nonleachable solid body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a folding mechanism for the discharge spout system (12) of a pneumatic conveyor (10). The folding mechanism includes a hinge mechanism (55) having an axis (66) which is skewed with respect to a plane perpendicular to the alignment axis (26) of lower and upper tubes (20, 22). Such a hinge mechanism (55) allows the upper portion of upper tube (22) to pass the lower portion of lower tube (20) while upper tube (22) is pivoting from an operational configuration to a transit configuration. An hydraulic cylinder (68) powers the pivotal movement of upper tube (22). An over-center locking mechanism (84) latches lower and upper tubes (20, 22) in the operational configuration.