Abstract: An apparatus for de-icing a pathway, the apparatus comprising a frame including a set of wheels, a salt dispenser, a servo attached to the salt dispenser, one or more motors, the motors attached to at least one of the set of wheels, and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the servo and the one or more motors, wherein the microcontroller instructs the servo to operate the salt dispenser and activates the one or more motors to drive the at least one of the set of wheels.

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: An improved draft tube spout fluid bed (DTSFB) mixing, handling, conveying, and treating apparatus and systems, and methods for operating are provided. The apparatus and systems can accept particulate material and pneumatically or hydraulically conveying the material to mix and/or treat the material. In addition to conveying apparatus, a collection and separation apparatus adapted to receive the conveyed particulate material is also provided. The collection apparatus may include an impaction plate against which the conveyed material is directed to improve mixing and/or treatment. The improved apparatus are characterized by means of controlling the operation of the pneumatic or hydraulic transfer to enhance the mixing and/or reacting by controlling the flow of fluids, for example, air, into and out of the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus may be used to mix particulate material, for example, mortar; react fluids with particulate material; coat particulate material, or simply convey particulate material.

Abstract: The coating-powder-supply apparatus according to the invention comprises a powder-storage container, a powder conveyor, in order to convey powder out of the powder-storage container, and a set of scales, in order to weigh the powder located in the powder-storage container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.

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 flexible bag (10) has an open top configured and arranged for receiving one or more feed tubes (32). The bag (10) preferably includes at least one attachment member (20) adapted and configured to be secured to a support member (47). A fixture (50), (60), (70), (80) is utilized to receive the bag (10).

Abstract: The hydraulic elevation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting powder from a powder container is adapted to engage a wall of the powder container. The apparatus is adapted to support a pickup tube with a region of the pickup tube through which powder is picked up from the powder container adjacent the lowermost interior region of the powder container.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a vacuum wand assembly for extracting a product from a container, especially a non-self supporting container that collapses as the product is extracted. The assembly includes a wand for extending into the container and for withdrawing the product therefrom. A vacuum source is connected to the wand for applying a vacuum to extract the product through the wand. A supporting structure supports the wand and is moveable relative to the container for carrying the wand as the product is extracted from the container. The wand is limited in a vertical direction by the supporting structure. This keeps the wand at the pre-determined level relative to the product within the container.

Abstract: A rotating conveyor for the evacuation of metal shavings resulting from mechanical work processes, comprising a collecting container (2) in which a motorised basket (4) is rotating, above whose bottom wall (5) the lower end (12) of an evacuation conduit (11) connected to an aspiration unit is positioned. A blade stationary conveyor member (13), angularly adjustable, extends between the vertical axis of rotation (A) of the basket (4) and the lower end (12) of the evacuation conduit (11) to convey the shavings below it.

Abstract: As-mined oil sand is crushed to −5 inch by a sequentially arranged pair of double roll crushers. The crushed oil sand is fed into a hopper feeding a jet pump. Water or recycled slurry is fed under pressure as motive fluid to the jet pump. The motive fluid jet(s) produced internally by the jet pump are operative to fluidize the oil sand and the components of the slurry mix turbulently in the jet pump's tubular mixer. It is found that the slurry issuing from the jet pump is aerated and largely free of lumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying bulk material in which a variable amount of a conveying gas may be introduced to the bulk material to be conveyed by a negative pressure of a vacuum conveying system. In a conveying line (4) for the bulk material being transported by the vacuum conveying system while adding the conveying gas, the negative pressure is measured by a pressure sensor (7), and a corresponding control signal is output. In a conveying gas inlet (3) of the vacuum conveying system, a valve (9) is installed whose opening for the flowing conveying gas is controlled by a controller (8) as a function of the magnitude of the negative pressure within the conveying line (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing and feeding dry powders without using pressurized air are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample holder, a suction probe, a vacuum means and a positional means. The suction probe is positioned above dry powders in the sample holder, a space between the suction probe and the sample holder is substantially small that allows non-pressurized ambient air to form an high velocity downward air flow when a vacuum is applied to the suction probe. A change of air flow direction at an orifice of the suction probe generates a high shear force above the dry powders, which disperses the dry powders into an airstream. The apparatus feeds the dry powder airstream to a particle analyzer with a controlled rate. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in sizing particles using laser diffraction or image analysis techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying powder from a container, such as an original shipping box includes a support having a vibrating unit for loosening the powder within the container. A powder pick-up tube and an attached powder pump draw powder from the container and transfer the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube includes a positively pressurized fluidization unit for locally fluidizing the powder at the pick-up tube inlet. The pressurized fluidization unit primarily assists in providing a consistent draw of powder up the pick-up tube.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for treating the surface of particles by plasma-activated gas species to modify the particle surfaces.

Abstract: A suction system for urban wastes and for recyclable materials comprising a motorized transport means (10) suitable to receive urban wastes and/or recyclable materials placed in a container (36) or left on the ground, wherein said transport means (10) is provided with a sucking tube (15, 17, 18, 23) which can be moved in order to suck and/or which can be inserted by means of actuators (20, 25) inside an opening (30) formed in an underground container (36), closing means (27) are provided for the opening (30), said means being provided with an opening (35) of predetermined size. Preferably, said closing means comprise a sliding turret (27) which can be moved when the sucking tube is activated.

Abstract: The invention concerns powder spray coating equipment comprising an air divider (16) to adjustably divide a total-air flow (6, 14) into a conveying-air flow (54, 57, 70) and a supplemental-air flow (56, 84, 86) in such manner that, when adjusting for a larger flow of conveying air, the flow of supplemental air shall be reduced in a predetermined ratio, and vice versa; further comprising an injector (76) to aspirate and to pneumatically convey coating powder by means of the flow of conveying air; and a supplemental-air intake (89) into the air/powder path (76, 82). The conveying-air path (54, 57, 70) and the supplemental-air path (56, 84, 86) each are fitted with at least one throttling duct each constituted by at least one channel (40, 42) in a rotatable shaft (34, 36) and by a bearing surface (39) covering the channel.

Abstract: In a powder coating material feeding apparatus, a lid section is mounted onto an opening of a metal drum containing powder coating material, and a support unit holds the metal drum in its upside-down or tilted position. An air distribution panel supplies carrier air into a conveying hose via a carrier air supply port, opens a pinch valve, activates a vibrator, and supplies fluidizing air into an air chamber in the lid section to fluidize the powder coating material in the metal drum. With this arrangement, the powder coating material is drained into the conveying hose through a drain port in the lower end of the metal drum in its upside-down position, and is then transferred to a powder tank by the carrier air.

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solid material without pushing or compressing the solid material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solid material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solid material in a gas stream and moving the solid material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solid material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solid material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solid material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport, or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: An improved extraction apparatus for bulk material containers, in particular for bins (1) filled with a pourable bulk material (3), comprises a suction head which can be lowered onto the bulk material (3). According to the improvement, provision is made for the suction head (10) to be provided with a float (11), floating in or on the bulk material (3), and to be held above it, and for the oscillation control device (35) to be arranged in such a way that the suction head (10) and/or the float (11) can be caused at least indirectly to oscillate.

Abstract: A new particulate applicator attachment for a leaf blower for applying particulates such as powdered pesticides to a lawn or garden. The inventive device includes an elongate main tube having opposite intake and discharge ends. Each of the ends of the main tube has an opening into the lumen of the main tube. The intake end of the main tube is adapted for attachment to a blower tube of a leaf blower such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the blower tube. A container for holding particulates is coupled to the main tube. Provided in the lumen of the main tube are intake and outlet conduits. One end of each of the conduits is connected to the container such that the lumen of the main tube is in fluid communication with the interior of the container through the conduits.

Abstract: In the case of a device for the discharge of flowable material from flexible and more particularly sack or bag like containers through the use of a discharge aspiration device adapted to be introduced from above into the container, lifting tackle is provided able to be brought into holding engagement with a top edge part of the container. The lifting tackle comprises an annular or polygonal holding frame which is able to be moved in a vertical direction by attachment to a reciprocating device and on which the holding elements are secured. The holding frame has a smaller diameter than the container so that the top edge part of the container is drawn radially inward as the container is drawn upward.

Abstract: An injector arrangement for use where particulates are to be entrained in a gas transport medium. The apparatus has a nozzle discharging conveying gas and a secondary, dosing, gas flow provided from an annular passage. This secondary flow envelopes the conveying gas. Particulates are drawn into the combined gas streams by a venturi effect.

Abstract: An apparatus and process feed at a controlled rate a free-flowing particulate material entrained in a carrier gas. The apparatus includes a gastight closed supply vessel for holding a supply of the particulate material and a riser tube inside the supply vessel, the bottom end of which is open near the bottom of the supply vessel and faces a venturi nozzle connected or adapted to be connected to a propellant gas supply. A bend at the top end of the riser tube leads by way of a duct outside the supply vessel. The riser tube includes an upwardly directed aperture at the beginning of the bend inside the supply vessel in axial alignment with the riser tube.

Abstract: A bulk unloader for emptying powder from an original box-shaped shipping container has a support platform with a cradle angularly mounted thereto for holding the container in a tilted position so that one of its corners is lower than the others. A vibrator, attached to the cradle, loosens the powder to facilitate movement of the powder towards the container's lowest corner. A pump connected to the outlet end of a hollow pick-up tube, having an inlet end positioned adjacent the container's lowest corner, draws powder from the container, into the inlet end of the pick-up tube, and then transfers the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube is designed to prevent the plastic bag lining the shipping container from blocking the inlet end of the pick-up tube. A vibration dampening is provided between the cradle and the support platform to prevent vibrations from being transferred from the cradle to the support platform.

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

Abstract: A bulk unloader for emptying powder from an original box-shaped shipping container has a support platform with a cradle angularly mounted thereto for holding the containers in a tilted position so that one of its corners is lower than the others. A vibrator, attached to the cradle, loosens the powder to facilitate movement of the powder towards the container's lowest corner. A pump connected to the outlet end of a hollow pick-up tube, having an inlet end positioned adjacent the container's lowest corner, draws powder from the container, into the inlet end of the pick-up tube, and then transfers the powder to a powder spray gun. The lower end of the pick-up tube is designed to prevent the plastic bag lining the shipping container from blocking the inlet end of the pick-up tube. A vibration dampening isolation mount is provided between the cradle and the support platform to prevent vibrations from being transferred from the cradle to the support platform.

Abstract: A portable garden powder duster for applying dusting agent to garden plants is provided. The powder duster comprises an air blower, an air-flow receiving tube removably attached to the air-blower and a dusting agent container removably attached to the bottom of the air-flow receiving tube. The air-flow receiving tube contains a special V-shaped air baffle attached to the bottom of the tube for efficient direction of air flow, a positive air duct located at the bottom of the baffle on the positive or air entering side of the baffle, a circumferential hole located under the air baffle and a rectangular shaped hole located at the bottom of the baffle on the negative side thereof. The air-flow receiving tube has a greater diameter on the positive side of the baffle than on the negative side thereof.

Abstract: A duster attachment includes a closed bottom, upwardly opening cylindrical container. An upright vacuum tube has its lower end secured through the bottom of the container and includes an upper end provided with variable air inlet structure. A closed top and downwardly opening pilot tube is loosely telescoped downwardly over the vacuum tube and includes an annular plate secured about the pilot tube lower end. Dusting powder is disposed within the container below the annular plate and the lower end of the vacuum tube is communicated with the air inlet of a leaf blower.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for holding a bag containing powder so that powder can be removed through a suction line. The invention enables a bag-shaped powder container to be held in a position permitting the powder to be sucked out by the suction line. This is achieved by using a trough-shaped or bucket-shaped container. The bracket has a gripper element which hangs from a horizontal support arm, and a suction-line holder. The support arm and the suction-line holder are each located at a height above the container such that, when a bag is placed in the container, the bag is gripped at one of its top corners by the gripper element and held upright. The suction line is held so that it passes down through the suction-line holder and passes freely through an opening, in particular a slit-shaped opening, in the top of the bag and into the powder.

Abstract: A portable garden power duster for applying dusting agent to garden plants is provided.

Abstract: A pneumatic pickup probe or wand, for picking up a dry flowable material from a container and introducing that material into a vacuum conveyor system, constitutes an elongated unitary pickup tube having a plurality of axially displaced air control holes near the vacuum conduit connection end of the tube; the material entry end of the tube is cut off at an acute angle (preferably about 45.degree.), has a narrow, elongated flow modulation slot of about three inches (7.5 cm) axial length extending toward the hose connection end of the tube, and has an anti-closing spacer to preclude blockage of the material entry opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for conveying sand at offshore locations with the assistance of compressed air. The sand is transferred from sand storage tanks positioned on a vessel to a sand aeration vessel under pressure and when needed is transferred, by low pressure air, through a conveying conduit to its destination.

Abstract: A pressure-reducing device in a pneumatic transport system for particulate material having a first and a second transport channel which are arranged so that, at the transition between the two channels, the gas/particulate flow is bent through 180.degree.. After the bend, a throttling means is arranged. The throttling means consists of an annular nozzle, the inlet side thereof being rounded with an arcuate profile in radial section. The pressure-reducing device may be included in a transportation system for feeding particulate material out from a pressurized container to a container under a lower pressure, for example for removing dust from a dust separator in a PFBC plant to a collecting container.

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 granular product to be dosed is introduced at the same time as a transfer liquid into a dosing chamber below a retaining grid, provided in the upper part thereof. The measurement of the pressure upstream of the dosing chamber makes it possible to detect the arrival of the product level with the grid and to stop the introduction thereof. An inverted U-shaped pipe forming a syphon then ensures the transfer of the dosed product into a tank, when the compressed air is injected into the dosing chamber above the grid.

Abstract: An apparatus for the dosed incorporated of a dustlike substance into a carrier gas stream is described; said apparatus operates on the basis of a perforated disc which rotates in the dust, the passage holes of said disc are filled with the dust and are blown out in a blowing zone. Since a predetermined blowing pressure is maintained and owing to a suitable dimensioning and arrangement of the passage holes, a remarkable increase in the throughput of dust is achieved, compared with the prior known matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding powder particles into a pressurized gaseous stream comprising a feed chamber having a helical particle feed channel, a reserve powder supply chamber above the feed chamber and a feed tube extended from the reserve powder supply chamber and arranged to deliver powder from the reserve supply to the bottom of the feed chamber and form a powder deposit in the central region of the bottom wall and lying within the angle of repose of the powder, a delivery duct communicating with the helical particle feed channel, and means for controlling the feed rate comprising means for controlling the vibration of the feed chamber.

Abstract: Process for depressurizing fly-ash being contained in a first vessel comprising a pressurized gas by expanding the gas through at least one long and narrow pipe. The inlet of the pipe(s) dips under the upper level of the fly-ash in the first vessel. The outlet of the pipe(s) is situated in a second vessel being kept at a relatively low pressure. The gas flow through the pipe(s) entrains the fly-ash.

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: Apparatus for emptying a drum of powdered material. The drum is mounted on a support at a 45.degree. angle to vertical. The drum has a cap having two holes and sleeves projecting into the drum from the holes. The sleeves are aligned with the bottom corner of the drum. A feed tube, loosely surrounded by a guide tube, is inserted through each of the sleeves into contact with the powder in the drum. Each feed tube has a vacuum pump which aspirates powder through the tube and out of the drum while atmospheric air passes between the feed and guide tubes to fluidize the powder. A vibrator is mounted on the support for the drum to continually vibrate the powder toward the lower ends of the feed tubes.

Abstract: A load supporting apparatus includes a base, and a platform adapted to support the load is pivotally supported on the base for movement between first and second positions, the platform becoming increasingly tilted as it moves from the first to the second position. A drive mechanism cooperable with the platform is provided for effecting pivotal movement thereof, and a control mechanism cooperable with the drive mechanism is provided for automatically actuating the drive mechanism to effect movement of the platform toward the second position in response to a shift in the distribution of the load thereon, thereby further tilting the platform and effecting a redistribution of the load. The control means is also responsive to the redistribution of the load caused by tilting of the platform for automatically deactuating the drive mechanism.

Abstract: Process for the pneumatic transfer of a pulverulent material contained in a cylindrical container, wherein it comprises the introduction, via a sealed passage located in the upper part and in the axis of the container, of a suction member which is movable in translation along said axis and having at its suction end located in the container an annular nozzle which is able to direct a gas jet towards the walls of the container so as to ensure the scavenging of said walls during suction, the level of said annular nozzle in the container being maintained constantly above the level of the pulverulent material contained therein until all the material has been sucked out, including that on the bottom of the container. The process is performed by an apparatus for the pneumatic transfer of a pulverulent material comprising a cylindrical container containing the pulverulent material and pneumatic extraction duct for emptying the container.

Abstract: A hopper comprises a suction conduit and a pressure conduit each connected to a pump for discharge of the hopper contents, the suction conduit being horizontal and communicating at its free end via a control valve with water outside the hopper, a plurality of vertically extending suction pipes extending downwardly from the suction conduit and spaced above the hopper bottom, each suction pipe having a valve, and cone-shaped bottom valves below the suction pipe open ends for conducting water from outside the hopper to the suction pipes.

Abstract: An upright storage silo for fluid materials, such as comminuted, powdered and granulated livestock feed, flour, grain, spices, sugar, cement, fertilizer and similar, has a mixing chamber centrally located within the silo; a discharge chamber within the silo in communication with the mixing chamber, and defining an area separate from the silo interior; a plurality of aeration orifices within the floor of the silo; a lifting tank in conduit connection with the mixing chamber and discharge chamber; a shut-off mechanism, and a dosage mechanism for conveying the material from the silo. Flow control apparatus of the pressure of aeration is employed for lifting, pulverizing and discharge of the material by utilizing the increased discharge pressure of the pulverized material for the lifting thereof. The material rises under the increased pressure in communication with the silo discharge aperture and thereafter the pressure is relaxed.

Abstract: Apparatus for emptying a drum of powdered material. The drum is mounted on a support at a 45.degree. angle to vertical. The drum has a cap having two holes and sleeves projecting into the drum from the holes. The sleeves are aligned with the bottom corner of the drum. A feed tube, loosely surrounded by a guide tube, is inserted through each of the sleeves into contact with the powder in the drum. Each feed tube has a vacuum pump which aspirates powder through the tube and out of the drum while atmospheric air passes between the feed and guide tubes to fluidize the powder. A vibrator is mounted on the support for the drum to continually vibrate the powder toward the lower ends of the feed tubes.