Abstract: A mechanically-controlled vacuum throttle for a continuous dense phase pneumatic conveying system and related method is provided. The system includes a pneumatic conveyance line, a particulate material insertion assembly, a positive displacement blower, a transport fluid intake assembly, and a vacuum throttling assembly. The vacuum throttling assembly is configured to control the flow of air mass density into the blower and through the conveyance line. A portion of the vacuum throttling assembly is tied in to the conveyance line pressure downstream of the blower and adjusts the air mass density flow depending on the downstream pressure. Preferably, the vacuum throttling assembly includes an obstruction element and an opening collar, where the obstruction element is moveable relative to the opening collar and the air mass density flow is adjusted depending on the amount of movement of the obstruction element relative to the opening collar.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for unloading a bed (2) of particulate material from a vessel (1), which comprises inserting a removable and portable extraction pipe (4) into the lower part of said bed, injecting a fluidization gas upwardly into the extraction pipe (4) from the bottom part thereof, along the entire length of the extraction pipe (4), and applying a positive pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet of said extraction pipe. The present invention further concerns a device suitable for implementing such a process.

Abstract: A parts feeder has a vortex chamber with a wall disposed generally symmetrically about an axis and into which bulk parts are fed. A vortex generator disposed at a narrow end of the chamber generates a spiral vortex that rises up the wall. Parts entrained in the vortex are separated and oriented by the vortex. Properly oriented parts are successively able to pass through an outlet port to exit the vortex chamber; thus continuously feeding parts. An opening extends through the vortex generator. Defective parts, oversize parts, and parts which are tangled or held together may readily be removed from the vortex chamber through the opening.

Abstract: An electronic component feeding apparatus for conveying aligned electronic components includes a conveying tube, a cylinder for sucking air from an end of the tube, and a movable stopper plate for stopping the conveyed, aligned electronic components.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint includes a stud having a shank connected to a ball stud, which is received in a ball stud housing. A one piece bearing shell is provided having a generally spherically shaped hollow body with an inner surface to matingly engage the ball stud and an outer surface for contacting the stud housing. Moreover, the outer bearing shell surface includes a first spherical portion having a first radius and first center and a second spherical portion having a second radius and second center. The first and second centers are axially offset relative to each other to create a converging sphere design that permits a low profile design. The converging sphere design also permits more effective compression pre-loading on the bearing sleeve as compared to a single spherical outer surface.

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: A system for transporting ice pieces or the like from a primary bin to one or more satellite bins is disclosed. A dispenser forms a charge of ice pieces in a precharge chamber, which is then transferred by air assist to a delivery tube. A driver member is provided to engage and move the substantially defined charge of ice pieces to the selected satellite bin. The driver member is propelled by a differential pressure within the tube. This permits the defined charge to be exposed only to the low pressure side and insulated from the high pressure propelling medium to minimize breakage and melting during delivery. Before reaching the satellite bin, the piston is reversed to shuttle back to the home position. The satellite bins are connected in series and delivery of a charge to an intermediate bin is provided by moving a tube section out of alignment with the delivery tube. Lubrication and continuous cleaning is performed by the driver member sweeping minimal residual water from melting ice.

Abstract: A seed distribution system is provided for planters and drills wherein the distribution system includes a central hopper for supplying a plurality of seed metering units. A plurality of seed distribution units are mounted on a lower portion of the central hopper and each seed distribution unit includes a central tubular member defining an air column for entraining seeds to be distributed from the central hopper. A plurality of discharge outlets open into the air column for receiving seeds therefrom and for conveying the seeds through distribution tubes to metering unit bins associated with each of the seed metering units. In addition, each of the seed metering unit bins is provided with apparatus for adjusting the level of seed accumulated within the bin.

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: An apparatus for the application of coating material onto elongated food products wherein the applicator nozzle and nozzle opening portion of the apparatus correspond to the side surfaces of the elongated food product. The food product to be coated is passed before nozzles discharging impelled coating material from a coating material supply source that meters desired amounts of coating material to the blower device.

Abstract: A twin outlet feed distributor for collecting ores and slurries and distributing them for further handling and distribution consisting of a single upper chamber, at least two lower chambers immediately below the upper chamber, a valve between the upper chamber, and each of the lower chambers, a pump associated with each of the lower chambers for removing ore and slurry from the lower chambers, a vent pipe from each of the lower chambers, the upper end of each of the vent pipes being directed into the upper chamber, and a high pressure water inlet into each lower chamber for flushing slurry and ore selectively from the lower chambers through the vent pipe into the upper chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying pipe extending through fine-grained material in a psurized storage tank and having ports in its side wall through which fine-grained material is forced by pressure in the storage tank. After being forced through the ports, the fine-grained material is conveyed along the pipe by an airstream. An annular valve abuts the inner periphery of the conveying pipe and is movable along the axis of the pipe from a position where it covers the ports to a position where the ports are exposed.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting flowable particulate material including a container for receiving the material and having a material receiving chamber and a material inlet, and a gas inlet chamber with a gas inlet, the two chambers being separated by a porous wall, a material outlet, a pressure sensor in the material receiving chamber and a valve operated by the sensor when a predetermined pressure occurs in the material receiving chamber for opening said material outlet, the material outlet including a conduit between the material receiving chamber and a location external to the container, one end portion of the conduit being movable relative to another portion thereof to provide a predetermined spaced relationship between the end portion of the conduit and the porous wall, the gas inlet chamber being separated into two parts by a gas inlet compartment depending within the chamber from the porous wall and two manually adjustable control valves for controlling the supply of gas to the chamber and compartment respe