Abstract: A barrel is capable of vacuum loading and unloading, gravity unloading and loading, and pneumatic unloading. A roll-off skid is coupled to the barrel.

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

Abstract: A Powder feeding system for feeding powder in a feed tank via a valve for powder downstream of the feed tank and through a powder delivery pipe, the Powder feeding system including: a powder fluidizing portion provided in the feed tank and configured to introduce fluidizing gas for fluidizing the powder; and a powder refluidizing portion provided between the powder fluidizing portion and the valve for powder and configured to introduce refluidizing gas for refluidizing the powder.

Abstract: A device for taking powder material into liquid including an inlet to which fluidized powder is supplied with a first pressure, an outlet into a liquid tank having a second pressure less than the first pressure, a powder material intake from the inlet to the outlet, a valve for the powder material intake, and a gaseous medium intake with an outlet into the powder intake with a pressure higher than the second pressure, wherein the outlet of the gaseous medium intake is in the powder material intake downstream from the valve. A method including: applying a vacuum or low pressure to the liquid, passing powder material into the liquid through a powder material intake, providing a valve in the powder material intake, and supplying a pressurized gaseous medium into the powder material intake downstream the valve at least partially during closing and/or opening the valve.

Abstract: A system includes a catamaran configured for use in a body of water and having twin hulls, the catamaran comprising an opening between the twin hulls, the opening having a size and shape substantially the same as a payload module. The system also includes the payload module removably coupled to the catamaran in the opening between the twin hulls. The system further includes a common interface coupled to the payload module and the catamaran, the common interface configured to exchange utilities between the payload module and the catamaran.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for operating hot particle rotary valves during start-up.

Abstract: A portable air abrasion device has a dispensing chamber and a flow valve for controlling the flow rate from the dispensing chamber. The flow valve includes a fluid flow chamber for receiving granular materials exiting the dispensing chamber. The fluid flow chamber has a granular materials inlet port, a fluid flow inlet port for receiving the flow of a fluid to the fluid flow chamber and a fluidized granular material exit port for dispensing a fluidized mixture of the granular material away from the fluid flow chamber. The fluid flow chamber also has a flow regulator employing a lead screw to control the flow of fluidized granular material through the fluidized granular material exit port.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container emptying apparatus including a frame, a first and second tube, a suction tube, a motor, and a sweeper. The frame is adapted to be positioned over an opening of the container. The first tube is mounted on the frame and is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The second tube is rotatably connected to the first tube and is also in fluid communication with the first tube. The sweeper assembly is connected to the second tube. The suction tube extends from the second tube such that, when the frame of this invention is placed over a container, the second tube, the suction flexible tube, and the associated sweeper assembly are lowered into the container and rotated by the motor such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the suction tube suctions the contents from the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for insulating a cavity of a structure. A system may include an insulation machine having an insulation blower that blows insulation into the cavity and a hose having a lumen throughwhich the loose fill insulation is blown. The system may also include a cover positionable atop the cavity of the structure. The cover may include an aperture throughwhich the distal end of the hose is inserted to blow the loose fill insulation into the cavity and an electrically conductive material or layer. The electrically conductive material or layer may electrically contact the hose when the hose is inserted through the aperture. The system may further include a ground wire electrically coupled with the cover to dissipate a charge from the hose by providing an electric path for the charge.

Abstract: A feed system and related process are configured to continuously feed measured doses of source material to a vapor deposition apparatus wherein the source material is sublimated and deposited as a thin film on a substrate. The system includes a bulk material hopper, and an upper dose cup disposed to receive source material from the hopper. A lower dose cup is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber to receive a measured dose of source material from the upper dose cup. A transfer mechanism is disposed below the vacuum lock chamber to receive the measured dose of source material from the lower dose cup and to transfer the source material to a downstream deposition head while isolating the deposition conditions and sublimated source material within the deposition head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum loader assembly wherein the assembly is comprised of a frame, a first and second tube, a flexible tube, a motor, and a sweeper assembly. The frame is adapted to be positioned over an opening of the container. The first tube is mounted to the frame and is in fluid communication with a vacuum source. The second tube is rotatably mounted to the first tube and is also in fluid communication with the first tube and the sweeper assembly is mounted to the second tube. The flexible tube extends from the second tube such that, when the frame of the present invention is placed over a container, the second tube, flexible tube, and sweeper assembly are lowered into the container and rotated by the motor such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the flexible tube suctions out the contents of the container.

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 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 non-contact valve (24, 26) for controlling the flow of particulate material (M) includes a body (102) and a gas-porous element (106) associated with the body (102). A first orifice (122) is defined by the gas-porous element (106). The gas-porous element (106) directs a flow of pressurized gas into the first orifice (122). A plug member (104) receivable within the first orifice (122) is movable into and out of the first orifice (122). A channel (C) is conjunctively defined at least in part by the first orifice (122) and the plug (104). The channel (C) defines a flow path (124) for the particulate material (M). The length of the channel (C) is adjusted to thereby adjust the velocity of gas flowing through the channel (C) and, thereby, adjust the flow of material (M) therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic conveyance of bulk material, including a conveying pipe which defines a conveying path for the bulk material and in portions has a fluidizing pipe segment and a propellant gas source which is connected to the conveying pipe and is designed for the supply of propellant gas in the direction of the conveying path. The conveying pipe is provided with a fluidizing pipe segment at least in the region of a bulk material feed means and, if appropriate, also at further critical portions of the conveying pipe, in particular upstream of deflection points. As a result, the bulk material, which is often encountered there in a high concentration, can be fluidized, with the result that it can be conveyed, with low friction, at relatively low gas velocities. The invention relates, furthermore, to a corresponding conveying method.

Abstract: A bulk material handling system generally consisting of means for holding the material; means for conveying the material including a first conduit formed of a permeable material having an inlet communicating with an outlet of the material holding means and an outlet, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, providing a chamber therebetween, and an auger disposed in the first conduit for transporting material received through the inlet to the outlet thereof; means for rotatably driving the auger; and means for supplying a fluidizing gas under pressure to the chamber between the first and second conduits.

Abstract: A device for introducing poorly flowing bulk material into a feed line includes a swirl chamber connectable to a feed line so as to form an inlet aperture in a side wall of the swirl chamber. The device further includes a diffuser plate through which a loosening fluid may be introduced into the swirl chamber. The diffuser plate is arranged in the vicinity of the inlet aperture in the side wall of the swirl chamber. A device for producing a gas flow is also provided inside the swirl chamber, the gas flow being directed in the direction of the inlet aperture.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and discharges through a central outlet located immediately below the inlet. Located over the outlet discharge and within the valve body is a feed-rate control cone. Material transfer is controlled by rotary speed and feed-rate cone position. Several embodiments of the valve are disclosed including a “live-bottom” embodiment designed to reduce or eliminate bridging in silos. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing blown installation where insulation is entrained in a stream of air and is blown through an electrostatic dissipating hose. The hose contains an electrically conductive and grounded element to dissipate the static charges built up in the entrained insulation passing through the hose and exiting the hose for application into a selected space.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a material such as concrete utilizes a flexible duct connected to a hopper and includes a device that can pinch the duct. The pinching device has first and second pinch members that are movable transversely relative to the duct, and a drive member situated between the pinch members and likewise movable transversely to the duct. The apparatus also has an air injector, and a controller for timing the injection of air and the movements of the pinch and drive members so as to drive the material in the flexible duct.

Abstract: A device for the contamination-free conveying of powders which has a movable cone arranged within a discharge hopper, which, when in an open position, forms an annular gap between itself and the wall of the hopper. The amount of powder which is discharged through the annular gap is controlled by the amount of time the cone remains in the open position. The powder which is discharged from the hopper is supplied to a liquid jet pump, and is conveyed by the liquid jet formed by the liquid jet pump to a dispersing or dissolving tank.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for the transportation and metering of precise amounts of particulate matter. The device provides an environmentally and operator safe means of transporting and dispensing precise amounts of particulate matter from the point of manufacture directly to the ultimate consumer of the product. Because of the unique design, the device is readily transportable via standard means of transportation and may be operated by a single individual with no environmental or operator risk. The device further contains, as an integral part thereof, means for the precision metering of the particulate matter being transported. The device may be utilized to store the particulate matter for extended periods of time and, upon being emptied, may be refilled and reused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping a constant volume of powder to a powder spray gun includes a powder pump which meters the powder into a stream of air so that a constant volume of the air entrained powder is distributed to the spray gun. The invention also discloses a pressure equalizing system that prevents powder leakage across a powder metering system that meters powder from a reservoir into an outlet tube carrying the constant velocity stream of air. A control system is disclosed which adjusts the rate at which powder is metered into the outlet tube so that the mass flow of powder exiting the outlet tube remains constant.

Abstract: A continuous dense phase conveying method and apparatus, for conveying large quantities of dry bulk material through a material conveying pipe, feed particulate material into the conveying pipe and supply a quantity of low pressure gas into the pipe to force particulate material to move therealong. A gas pressure within the conveying pipe is monitored. When this monitored pressure reaches a predetermined gas pressure level, a quantity of high pressure gas is supplied to the conveying pipe to force the particulate material to move continuously therealong.

Abstract: A flame spray coating system includes a thermoplastic resin powder supply hopper, an eductor adapted to entrain powder in a stream of conveying air, a valve disposed between the powder hopper and eductor for controlling the flow of powder from the hopper into the eductor, a flame spray gun and conduits interconnected between the flame spray gun and pressurized air and combustion gas sources for delivering flows of propelling air, conveying air, powder entrained in conveying air, and a combustible gas to the flame spray gun, and an eductor control disposed on the flame spray gun for controlling operation of the valve disposed between the powder hopper and eductor. A solid circular coating pattern is created with a nozzle constructed for twirling the entrained powder and conveying air. Interchangeable combustion nozzles of different sizes allow the same spray gun to be used for different substrate conditions.

Abstract: An appliance for dispensing of bulk material includes a circular-cylindrical stationary cellular housing with individual chambers of a cross-section in the form of a segment of a circle, which are closed in an upper and lower region by respective upper and lower rotating cover plates each having an orifice in the form of a segment of an annulus, the dispensing appliance having in its upper and lower region respective receiving flanges for supporting and guiding the rotating cover plates external of the housing. The upper receiving flange and the lower receiving flange for the respective cover plates are formed by respective flanged plates facing away from the cellular housing and respective flanged plates confronting the cellular housing, between which the respective cover plates are supported and mounted rotatably on bearings provided in each of the respective flanged plates axially opposite one another.

Abstract: A railroad hopper car discharge gate has slope sheets which terminate in a longitudinally extending lip, with the lips being spaced and there being a trough secured to the slope sheets beneath the spaced lips. Discharge from the gate is controlled by a rotatable longitudinal discharge valve shaft which extends between the lips of the slope sheets and is positioned to control flow from the gate interior above the slope sheets to the discharge trough. There is an operating handle for each end of the shaft, with the handles each being movable between a position in which the handle is locked on the shaft for rotation therewith, and a position in which the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle. There are stops positioned adjacent each handle for limiting rotation thereof. The valve shaft has a pair of axially spaced and axially extending recessed areas which are circumferentially non-aligned, but in part circumferentially overlapping.

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: A system for delivering a particulate material has a closed storage hopper for the material, the hopper having a bottom hopper outlet and a check valve connected to a top portion of the chamber for venting positive pressure from the chamber; a venturi eductor having a material inlet for feeding the material, an eductor outlet, and a gas inlet; a gas feed valve, the gas feed valve being openable in response to a feed signal for activating the eductor; a hopper passage connecting the hopper outlet to the eductor material inlet; a hopper outlet valve for closing the hopper outlet in response to a hopper signal; a stir valve for pressurizing the hopper passage in response to a stir signal for agitating the material in the hopper; and a pressure sensor for momentarily activating the stir signal in response to an absence of the material at the material inlet, the system being operative in a transporting mode wherein the hopper valve is open, the feed valve is open, and the stir valve is closed; a stirring mode wher

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously feeding particulate solid material into a pressurized system without pressure loss. The invention includes a rotary feeder for transferring particulate material to a high pressure system. In the feeder, chambers are filled with particulate material, and a rotor turns to empty the particulate material into the high pressure system. A compression cylinder is provided which has an inlet in communication with a high pressure chamber substantially empty of particulate material. The gas emptied from this chamber is forced by a piston in the compression cylinder into another chamber which is intially filled with particulate material at substantially atmospheric pressure. As the chamber which has been emptied of gas is brought into communication with the inlet of the feeder, any gas loss is substantially negligible because the gas is at approximately the same pressure as the inlet.

Abstract: A system for handling particulate material includes a rotary valve for feeding material from a holding device to a receiving device. The rotary valve includes a slide valve that is electrically controlled in response to sensed conditions in the handling system.

Abstract: An end tube assembly for the outlet gate of a railroad hopper car includes an end tube and an end tube cap for closing the end tube. The cap is pivotally connected to the end tube and there is a diametrically opposed latch between the cap and end tube. The cap has a guide which extends toward and over the end tube and there is a ramp on the end tube in alignment with the guide to coaxially direct the guide and cap on the end tube during closure. There is a lock on the end tube adjacent the ramp to prevent relative circumferential movement between the cap and end tube. The end tube mounts a gasket which faces the end tube cap. The cap has a rim extending outwardly therefrom for contact with the gasket. The extension of the rim gradually varies from at least one area of greatest extent to at least one area of lesser extent to compensate for distortion of the cap when it is latched onto the end tube.

Abstract: A lock for the end tube assembly and gate valve for the outlet gate of a railroad hopper car includes an elongated flexible cable and a locking element. The end tube assembly includes an end tube and an end tube cap for closing the end tube. There is a pivotal connection and a latch between the cap the end tube. The latch includes a latch member having an opening therein. The gate valve includes a valve member and an operating handle. The operating handle has an opening therein and is located adjacent to the latch member. The elongated cable, which forms a portion of the lock, passes through the handle opening and the latch member opening and has opposite ends thereof secured together by the locking element.

Abstract: The pneumatic conveying system according to the present invention includes a pneumatic transport pressure vessel having funnel-shaped sides and a closed domed top. The pneumatic transport presure vessel has a single inlet/outlet opening at the bottom of the funnel-shaped sides. The pneumatic transport pressure vessel is connected to a switch valve having a pipe section movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the switch valve connects the pneumatic transport pressure vessel to a positive displacement mechanical feeder to bottom load material from a storage hopper through the switch valve into the pneumatic transport pressure vessel. In the second position, the pipe section of the switch valve connects the pneumatic transport pressure vessel to discharge piping for conveying the material pneumatically to a desired discharge location.

Abstract: A gate for attachment to the hopper of a railway car or other vehicle which carries particulate material. The gate has a pair of sloping walls with facing surfaces, and the lower ends of the walls are spaced apart to permit the particulate material to be discharged into a trough below the spaced ends from which the particulate material is removed by a vacuum hose. A pair of separately operable, rotatable valves of arcuate cross-section are disposed at the space between the ends of the walls to block or permit particulate material flow into the trough. Pneumatically operable agitators are mounted on the walls to prevent bridging of the space between the wall ends of the material during removal thereof.

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: The invention relates to a vehicle for transport of material. To allow for the pellet-like material, such as cattle feed, to be unloaded without disturbance, the height adjustable closing member of the discharge funnel is provided with a cutting edge for destruction of pellet-like material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a discharge trough for use in combination with a discharge gate of a railroad hopper car. The discharge gate has slanted side walls terminating in spaced, longitudinally extending lips which define a longitudinal discharge opening. The longitudinal trough has a somewhat rounded or circular cross section and merges with the lips of the slanted side walls to define the discharge opening. The slanted side walls are generally flat in the area adjacent the lips, with the lips having a rounded contour merging into the somewhat rounded inner wall of the trough. There is a rod-like discharge valve positioned within the trough adjacent and slightly below the lips to control the flow of material through the discharge opening.

Abstract: A method of mixing pulverulent materials and a device for practicing the method. In this method, the pulverulent material constituting a main material is continuously fed to a conveyor duct connected to a molding machine in fixed quantities while air is being fed to under pressure or drawn from the duct and simultaneously the pulverulent material constituting compounding ingredient material is fed to the duct at a specified value so that a mixing ration is maintained at a specified value. And in the method, a mixing ratio is changeable by variably controlling the amount of supply of compounding ingredient to the main material while feeding air into the duct or drawing air from the duct. In addition, the device is constructed of a pneumatic closed loop duct type and comprises a closed looplike duct, a pulverized reclaimed material feed unit, a virgin material feed unit, and a control means for regulate a mixed ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for the transport of fly ash and other particulate matter. The system comprises (a) a fly ash hopper; (b) a metering container for measuring the amount of fly ash to be transported; (c) a first valve for regulating the movement of fly ash between the hopper and the metering container; (d) a transport line for transporting fly ash out of the metering container; (e) a second valve for regulating the movement of fly ash between the metering container and the transport line; (f) a third valve for regulating venting and pressurization of the metering container; and (g) means for moving the plug between first and second positions, the movement means being in physical communication with the third valve. The third valve comprises (i) a valve body having a bore and five ports in communication with the bore; (ii) a valve plug movably mounted in the bore between the first and second positions; and (iii) sealing means for preventing fluid passage out of the bore other than through the ports.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing a spacer frame for a perimeter-bonded insulating glass pane, a metal tubular bar is filled with a granular desiccant and is subsequently bent in each corner-forming portion about an axis which is at right angles to two parallel cheeks of the bar. The two cheeks are drilled through in each of said corner-forming portions to form two bores and a small quantity of the granular desiccant is removed from each of said corner-forming portions through at least one of said bores therein before said corner-forming portion is bent.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying and material blending system which includes a bin having an open vertical column mounted therein with a bottom of a column being spaced from the bottom of the bin. The material inlet is located in the bottom of the bin and a pneumatic conveying system supplies material to be blended from a source to the material inlet and conveys the material upwardly through the column so that the material is discharged from the top of the column in the manner of a geyser whereby it is spread over the top surface of material already in the bin. Material already in the bin flows down through the bin by gravity and is entrained by the upwardly flowing gas stream and conveyed up the column so that material already in the bin is blended with material being supplied to the bin.

Abstract: Hopper barge comprising one or more cargo spaces and a series of discharge openings in the bottom of the hold. Each opening comprises a bottom flap which in the downwards displaced position realizes a connection between the hold through the respective discharge opening to the water outside the barge. The barge further comprises a suction channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the barge whereby the bottom flaps each have at least one wall assuring the continuity of the channel in case the flaps are completely closed and connecting the channel to the hold when a flap is in the intermediate position, in which the discharge opening is still closed. Each flap comprises a pivotally attached hollow body with a wall opposite the pivot shaft, which wall extends concentrically in relation to said shaft.

Abstract: An adaptor is disclosed for conveying fluidizable material to a pressurizer tank provided with a removable lid which selectively seals the tank. The adaptor comprises a lid for replacing the removable lid, a venturi mounted on the adaptor, a pipe for introducing fluid into an open end of the venturi to create at least a partial vacuum inside the tank, and a delivery conduit in fluid communicating relationship with the interior of the tank through which fluidized material such as sand is delivered to the tank as a result of the vacuum created in the tank by the venturi. The delivery conduit is provided with an opening through one of its side walls through which fluidizable material enters the delivery conduit, while a flow of pressurized air is introduced into the delivery conduit through an open end to at least partially fluidize the fluidizable material as it enters the delivery conduit.

Abstract: A pneumatic hopper discharge outlet is fastened to the bottom of railway hopper cars for controlling the discharge of lading. The outlet includes a pair of side walls, a pair of sloping side walls, and a valve shaft which is rotatably mounted in the end walls and extends longitudinally between the side walls. An eccentric valveshaft mounting is disposed on each end wall for rotation about a valve shaft mounting axis and includes a valve shaft receiving bore disposed eccentric to the valve shaft mounting axis. By rotating the eccentric valve shaft mounting, the lateral position of the valve shaft relative to the side walls is adjusted. Lading which has passed the valve shaft is received in a trough and is conveyed through a transition tube to conventional pneumatic off-loading equipment. In transit, the transition tube is closed by a closure cap assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic outlet is provided including a rotatable control valve having a body portion and a moment portion extending therefrom. The moment portion and the body portion each include edge portions which in closed position engage adjacent valve seats. The moment portion is provided with a pattern of openings for metering flow of lading into the discharge tube and is arranged to reduce or eliminate pellets from becoming trapped in the valve opening. Preferably the pattern includes alternate tapered projections and recesses. The tapered projections are arranged to guide pellets away from the valve opening. In addition, the projections preferably include sharp edges which will shear any pellets which are trapped in the recess, thus avoiding jamming the control valve. Preferably also the body portion edge includes a similar pattern.

Abstract: A system for spraying fluidized powder comprising at least one powder dispenser, a powder fluidization chamber containing a quantity of powder therein, a fluidization hose for introducing a stream of air into the chamber to fluidize the powder therein, at least one powder blower having an outlet from which a stream of air is allowed to pass, at least one powder control valve connected to the chamber and in communication with the fluidized powder therein, a rod for actuating each powder control valve wherein a quantity of fluidized powder is exhausted into an orifice in each powder control valve, a powder hose for introducing the fluidized powder from each powder control valve into the sides of each powder blower outlet, a conduit connecting each powder blower outlet with a portion of each powder dispenser for supplying a stream of fluidized powder, and a fluidization blower from which a stream of fluidizing air is allowed to pass into the fluidization hose.

Abstract: A hopper discharge valve for railway hopper cars used in transporting granular lading with the valve including a fully rotatable valve shaft having a plurality of discharging channels formed in its periphery throughout its length, with the channels being arranged so as to provide simultaneous discharge from both ends of the hopper car or from selected ends thereof.