Abstract: A system and method for a loading station of a pneumatic transfer system is provided. The system and methods comprise structure and functionality to allow for loading of contents and materials to be provided into a loading station or entry point of a system. The system and methods further comprise structure and functionality to limit the risk of overloading a particular input point and ergonomic features to enhance a user experience.

Abstract: A waste containment system for use with a waste management system, having a chute and a container, includes a sensor configured to determine a position of a chute top lid. The waste containment system also includes at least one pivoting mechanism operatively coupled to at least one flap of a container top lid. The pivoting mechanism is configured to move the at least one flap between an open position and a closed position. The waste containment system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the sensor and to the at least one pivoting mechanism. The controller is configured to control the pivoting mechanism based on the determined position of the chute top lid.

Abstract: An agricultural product delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box with an agricultural product inlet configured to receive an agricultural product, an air inlet configured to receive an airflow, a plurality of mixing chambers, and a plurality of air bypass channels. Each mixing chamber is configured to mix the agricultural product and a respective first portion of the airflow. The plurality of air bypass channels is configured to guide a respective second portion of the airflow from the air inlet to a respective mixing chamber of the plurality of mixing chambers. The plurality of bypass channels includes inside air bypass channels that contact adjacent inside air bypass channels, and outside air bypass channels that are arranged adjacent to an exterior inductor box wall.

Abstract: A method for applying a washcoat suspension to a support structure. To provide coatings with largely uniform thickness starting from washcoat suspensions, the method uses a device (10) set up to produce, by means of a process gas (40), a fluid bed of support structures in which the support structures circulate elliptically or toroidally, the method comprising the steps of: a) charging the device (10) with support structures and producing a support-structure fluid bed by means of a process gas (40), wherein the support structures circulate in the fluid bed elliptically or toroidally, preferably toroidally; b) impregnating the support structures with a washcoat suspension by spraying the support structures circulating elliptically or toroidally in the fluid bed with the washcoat suspension; c) drying the support structures sprayed with the washcoat suspension; and d) optionally calcining the support structures loaded with the solids contents of the washcoat suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that reduce release of dust generated during rotary dumping of rail cars in a dumping facility. The method includes removing dust laden air from a space bounded by a backside airflow diverter, a rotational frame, a first baffle and a second baffle while the rotational frame is rotating with a rail car by drawing the dust laden air through a secondary air intake that passes through the backside airflow diverter into a backside hood. A dust control apparatus includes a diverter, overlying a backside hood having a concave curved upper surface; and at least one secondary air intake positioned to pass through the diverter being located approximately where pressure in the backside hood remains neutral or negative relative to a pressure even there is a transient increase in air pressure in a lower portion of the backside hood.

Abstract: Vacuum waste collection system is provided (1a) by successively selecting a number of branches in a sequence for emptying and transport of waste, wherein the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of each next branch in the sequence is at the same o shorter transport distance to a central waste collection point (6) compared to the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of the previous branch in the sequence, and collectively transporting accumulated waste from the selected branches towards the central waste collection point (6) by successively operating the air inlet valves (av1, av2, av3, av4, av5) of the corresponding branches.

Abstract: Vacuum waste collection system is provided (1a) by successively selecting a number of branches in a sequence for emptying and transport of waste, wherein the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of each next branch in the sequence is at the same o shorter transport distance to a central waste collection point (6) compared to the intersection (1, 2, 3, 4) of the previous branch in the sequence, and collectively transporting accumulated waste from the selected branches towards the central waste collection point (6) by successively operating the air inlet valves (av1, av2, av3, av4, av5) of the corresponding branches.

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 system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop.” The outgoing and return legs of each loop optionally are located adjacent each other.

Abstract: A method for feeding and conveying material 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. Underpressure is provided in the conveying pipe (100) at least at the point of the feed point (61) intended to be emptied, the feed points are emptied to the conveying pipe (100) using an emptying sequence in which first is emptied a feed point located closer to the separator device (20) in the material conveying direction and next a feed point (61) located substantially farther from the separator device (20) in the material conveying direction.

Abstract: A method of transporting pulverulent filling material through at least one line. The method comprises opening a chamber-like line region located in the at least one line, introducing the pulverulent filling material into the chamber-like line region, closing the chamber-like line region, and pressing the pulverulent filling material out of the chamber-like line region and at least partially into the at least one line using at least one compressed air pulse.

Abstract: A disk drive handling apparatus includes a manifold, one or more vacuum suction elements in fluid communication with the manifold, and one or more tips. Each tip is coupled to an end of a corresponding one of the vacuum suction elements. Each tip is compliant in one or more axes of motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.

Abstract: A one-way pneumatic delivery system includes a plurality of sending units in fluid communication with a receiving unit via a duct system. Each of the sending units and the receiving unit include a door that selectively prevents fluid communication into the duct system. When the carrier is inserted in one of the sending units, a power unit applies a vacuum to the duct system and the doors of the other sending units and of the receiving unit are sealed. The power unit both decelerates the carrier prior to its reception in the receiving unit and is configured to prevent the insertion of foreign objects into the vacuum source. A second embodiment is presented wherein the power unit is disposed in an upside-down configuration above a ceiling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.

Abstract: A method of disposing of hazardous materials wherein a dedicated pneumatic tube system is used. The pneumatic tube system has a plurality of loading stations all connected to a single destination station. The hazardous materials are placed in a disposable carrier which is transported to the destination station. Each disposable carrier has a marker which identifies the disposable carrier. A control unit cooperates with the markers and activates the pneumatic tube system. The disposable carrier is a cylinder with a sealable cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for efficient conveyance of documents and small payloads between multiple departments of a business facility. Although not limited to application to financial institutions, the teachings of the present invention are particularly applicable to banking facilities. The system of the present invention centralizes the operations of transaction agents in a single location. Within the central location, one or more of the transaction agents has direct access to two or more remote locations via the use of two or more conveyors. Direct access to multiple locations allows the transaction agents to operate with much higher efficiency than that available through prior systems.

Abstract: A mixer for new and used materials includes a closed housing having a bottom formed with an outlet in which is fitted an outlet pipe, a top formed with a first inlet in which is fitted a first inlet pipe, and a side formed with a second inlet in which is fitted a second inlet pipe, the first inlet pipe having an inclined lower end, a cylinder mounted on one side of the closed housing and located opposite to the second inlet pipe, the cylinder having a piston rod extending into the closed housing and connected with a block, the block having an inclined top configured to close the inclined lower end of the first inlet pipe, and a valve mounted on a top of the closed housing and operatively connected with the cylinder.

Abstract: An interchange apparatus for a pneumatic conveying system including a plurality of branch tubes joined together at an acute angle in an interchange chamber to form a main tube and a flap positioned between at least two branch tubes of the plurality of branch tubes at the end of the interchange chamber, the flap faces the branch tubes and is swivelable between a first position and a second position. The flap is held in each position by a holding device such that when the flap is positioned in the first position there is a connection between a first branch tube and the main tube, and when the flap is positioned in a second position there is a connection between a second branch tube and the main tube. In one embodiment the flap is switched from a first position to a second position by the passage of the cylindrical objects through the interchanges.

Abstract: An eductor wand for vacuuming free flowing, bulk particulate materials consisting generally of a first conduit having first and second inlets; a venturi disposed within such first conduit and spaced therefrom to provide a passageway therebetween intercommunicating the first and second inlets of the first conduit and having an inlet disposed adjacent the first inlet of the first conduit and an outlet communicable with a particulate material conveying means; and a second conduit having an inlet connectable to a source of air under pressure and an outlet configured to inject pressurized air into the venturi inlet whereby upon applying air under pressure to the second conduit and positioning the first conduit inlet adjacent a mass of particular material, a low pressure zone will be created in the first conduit inlet causing particulate material to be drawn through the first inlet of the first conduit and ambient air to be drawn through the second inlet of the first conduit, and such particulate and ambient air to

Abstract: In a pneumatic conveyor for coins comprising a plurality of conduits leading from a plurality of payment points, a common conduit into which said plurality of conduits feed, a separator receiving coins from said common conduit and separating said coins from air, suction means for creating a suction in said common conduit and said plurality of conduits to convey coins to said separator, and a storage receptacle for receiving coins from said separator; the improvement comprising a sealing means for opening and closing concealing means disposed in each of said plurality of conduits for opening each of said plurality of conduits only when a coin enters one of said plurality of conduits and for closing the associated said one of said plurality of conduits after said coin has passed said sealing means, thereby to preserve said vacuum both in said plurality of conduits downstream of said sealing means and in said common conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing consecutive capsules of solid material traveling as a capsule train in a pipeline in which the capsules are carried by a fluid flowing through the pipeline includes a separation system interposed between upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline for receiving the train of capsules. The separation system passes consecutively separated capsules within the capsule train to the downstream portion. The separation system is constructed for increasing the spacing between consecutive capsules within the capsule train in the downstream portion of the pipeline after passing through the separation system. The volume of fluid flowing from an outlet location of the separation system is substantially the same as the volume of fluid flowing into an inlet location of the separation system.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied by an auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A weld wire recovery system recovers the spent weld wire pieces from steel can bodymakers. The weld wire recovery system comprises a modular collection station installed at each bodymaker. The modular collection stations are connected via headers to a single central collection station. Each modular collection station comprises an entry fitting into which the spent pieces of weld wire drop. A primary air intake is connected to each entry fitting. An exhauster at the central collection station draws transport air into the upstream end of the primary air intake and into the entry fitting at a volume and velocity sufficient to sweep the pieces downstream through the header to a separator. A dielectric flexible connector directs the pieces from the bodymaker to the entry fitting. The flexible connector can be removed from the entry fitting for sampling the condition of the pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material conveyed in a product stream and across a substantially level single layer on a conveyor, wherein the conveyor passes beneath an examination device which determines the presence and transverse location of any undesired material; a number of movable conduits are positioned transversely across the conveyor downstream from the examination device, and are arranged in staggered rows to transversely encompass the entire product stream on the conveyor; the suction device and movable conduits are respectively controlled by the examination device, to cause each conduit to selectively move toward the conveyor and remove undesired material from the conveyor as it passes beneath the suction device, and to move away from the conveyor when no undesired material is positioned beneath the suction device; a valve in the common suction line connected to all conduits stabilizes suction pressure during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The cleaning or blow room line comprises at least one bale opening machine connected by ducts and at least one cleaning machine and a blender with a plurality of cards. The transport of the fiber flocks extracted by the at least one bale opening machine through the cleaning line is achieved by suction ventilators provided for such cleaning line. After at least one cleaning location a pressure sensor is arranged in an associated duct and delivers a signal to a control or regulator which controls or regulates, as the case may be, the size of a false air opening which co-dictates the air flow through the ducts. The false air opening can be constructed as an adjustable element in the form of a hinged flap or a slide element positioned relative to an opening in a duct, whereby the regulator controls the extent to which the flap or slide member is pivoted or slid, thereby adjusting the amount of air that is drawn into the duct.

Abstract: A sanitary waste collection system and a method therefor which enable the free disposal of waste at various places in a building, and saves labor required for carrying and collecting the waste. The waste collection system includes charge ports provided at every floor of the building into which are thrown waste stored in waste containers of a certain configuration, vertical transport tubes connected to each floor of the building as well as charge ports, horizontal transport tubes connected to the lower ends of the vertical transport tubes and extending to a waste accumulation area, and an air blowing mechanism for force-feeding air in the horizontal transport tubes, with the diameters of the vertical and horizontal transport tubes and being a little larger than the outer diameter of the waste container in section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a waste collecting method which is sanitary and in which throwing-away of waste at each location within a building can be carried out freely and without waiting time, and labors required for transporting or collecting the waste can be reduced. The waste collecting method essentially consists of operating one of a plurality of throwing devices (3) arranged respectively at a plurality of floors of a building, the one throwing device (3) having accommodated therein waste containers (2), and throwing the waste containers (2) into a vertical transport pipe (4) mounted to the building in such a fashion so as to prevent clogging of the vertical transport pipe (4), and the further step of decelerating the falling waste containers (2) at a lower portion of the vertical transport pipe (4) so as to prevent the thrown-in waste containers (2) from being broken when they reach a shut-off valve provided at a lower end of the vertical transport pipe (4).

Abstract: A pushbutton for use with a spray device for mixing a primary substance with a predetermined quantity of a secondary substance stored in such a manner as to be sheltered from the air. The pushbutton is constituted by a first piece (2) which is moveable relative to a second piece (1) containing the emission channel (11) of the pushbutton. The first piece (2) includes containers (22) advantageously disposed like rounds in the cylinder of a revolver. Each container (22) contains the desired quantity of the secondary substance and is hermetically closed by a membrane (23). When the user actuates the pushbutton, a suitable resilient piece (3) and suitable connection pieces (15, 25) ensure that the user automatically displaces the first piece (2) in such a manner that the membrane (23) of one of the containers (22) is pierced and the corresponding dose of secondary substance is delivered into the emission channel (11) so as to be sprayed out together with the main substance.

Abstract: Undesired glass particles emitted into the atmosphere from breakage of glass jars in the manufacturing process are removed utilizing an exhaust system, comprising a hood, exhaust piping, blower and cyclone. The hood and exhaust system protects the area adjacent to where glass jars are produced from emission of dangerous glass particles which result from breakage of glass jars during the assembly process.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying and dispensing non-fluid fluent material such as free-flowing packaging material includes a recycling system for automatically retrieving spilled material and a reservoir which automatically controls the input of material from a main supply based upon the height of material in the reservoir. Various air transport systems are incorporated.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying and dispensing non-fluid fluent material such as free-flowing packaging material includes a recycling system for automatically retrieving spilled material and a reservoir which automatically controls the input of material from a main supply based upon the height of material in the reservoir. Various air transport systems are incorporated.

Abstract: A dual suction unit and method of operation uses a main tube with a Venturi assembly having a primary suction inlet positioned in the inlet of the main tube and a branch tube joined at its outlet to the mid-portion of the main tube and having a secondary suction inlet at its opposite end. Compressed air flowing through the Venturi assembly induces a primary suction at its suction inlet and a significantly stronger secondary suction at the inlet of the branch tube than known in the prior art. Waste or other matter may be conveyed from separate sources to the respective primary and secondary suction inlets.

Abstract: Small, pourable particles of comminuted coal for coking purposes are gravity-discharged into a stream of hot gas flowing upwardly in a flight stream tube, in a direction inclined and generally opposite to the gas flow direction. Just prior to entry into the gas stream the particles are fluidized so that, on being entrained by the gas stream, they will become uniformly distributed throughout the cross-section of the same. A method and an apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: In a dust extraction system for woodworking machinery, the dust is collected by a hood over each machine and is carried by an air flow produced by a blower through a branch conduit to a manifold which is common to a number of branch conduits. The manifold is made sufficiently large that the air flow velocity in the manifold is too low to carry the dust along the manifold, and therefore the dust collects at the bottom of the manifold, from which it is removed at intervals by a conveyor, which carries the dust to a central hopper. A control system keeps the subatmospheric pressure in the manifold substantially constant, so that the number of machines served by the system can be changed without affecting the system performance.

Abstract: An improved mining method for a surface mine has pairs of slurry and water pipes placed from a processing area on the surface to the floor of the mine beneath the mined out material, pairs of pipes (slurry and water) are spaced along the mining trench. A slurry haulage system is connected to the water and slurry pipes at the beginning of the mining operation. As the mining progresses and the haulage system reaches its maximum capabilities, it is disconnected and connected to the next set of pipes and the first set or pair of pipes is extended the width of the mined trench. The overburden is placed on top of the pipes as the mining progresses.

Abstract: According to the present invention a static mixer comprises a passage for the flow therethrough of a liquid or a suspension of particulate solid in a liquid, said passage having in the direction of flow a lengthwise divergent portion followed by a lengthwise convergent portion. An inlet for fluent material to be mixed with the suspension may converge with and project into the divergent portion. Cement and coal slurry may be mixed in this apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the activation and deactivation of a vacuum assembly which is connected to a conduit system such as a suction conveyance system or a central cleaning system for maintaining a partial vacuum in the conduit system which has suction sockets which may be opened for coupling in vacuum-driven appliances and which are preferably self-closing when the vacuum-driven assemblies are disconnected is provided with a first sensing device and a second sensing device. The first sensing device is operative to sense that state in which all of the suction sockets are closed, in order to emit a stop signal to the vacuum assembly. The second sensing device is operative to sense the opening of one or more suction sockets, in order to emit a start signal to the vacuum assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing articles, such as rivets from a supply to a riveting machine. A frame defines a passageway including an outlet opening, and a plurality of gates are mounted on the frame for movement with respect to the frame. The gates move independently of one another and are individually operated between normal and actuated positions in a selective manner. Each gate defines a first passageway aligned with the passageway of the frame when the gate is in its normal position, and a second passageway aligned with the passageway of the frame when the gate is in the actuated position. The second passageway of each gate is positioned, when the gate is in its normal position, to receive an individual article from a supply. When a gate is operated from its normal to its actuated position the article in its second passageway is introduced to and dispensed through the passageway defined by the frame and the other gates to the outlet opening for delivery to the riveting machine.

Abstract: A live storage system for packages is provided in which a rack has a plurality of storage rows, each row having a slot along its base. An input lane for the packages extends along one side of the storage rack and an output lane for the packages extends along another side of the storage rack. A traveler mounted beneath the storage rack moves to positions beneath each of the rows. The traveler has an air plenum with a plurality of air jets extending through the upper surface of the plenum. The traveler has a diverter at each end to divert packages from the input lane to a storage row, and to divert packages from a storage row to the output lane. An air supply pressurizes the plenum of the traveler and the pressurized air flows through the jets in the upper surface of the traveler and through the slot in the base of each of the storage rows to create an air film along which the packages are conveyed onto and off of each storage row. An accumulating conveyor gathers slugs of packages for the storage system.