Abstract: A transport device includes a transport pipe for transporting a material to be transported having at least one of a sheet piece, a fiber, and a powder, and a blower for generating an air flow in the transport pipe, the transport device transports the material to be transported by the air flow, in which the transport pipe has an introduction port into which the material to be transported is introduced, the air flow has a velocity difference in a direction orthogonal to a direction of the air flow in the transport pipe, and the introduction port is provided on a side where a velocity of the air flow is lower.

Abstract: The fluidized bed process for preparing polysilicon by chemical vapor deposition is improved by positioning at least one Laval nozzle upstream from a gas inlet into the reactor.

Abstract: An extruder hood configured to operate in a steady-state configuration and a non-steady-state configuration. The extruder hood comprises an air inlet, an extruder hood outlet, and an extruder discharge zone within an interior space of the extruder hood, with the extruder discharge zone configured to receive extruded material. In the steady-state configuration, the extruder hood is configured to direct air received from the air inlet across the extruder discharge zone to cause extruded material to be ejected from the extruder hood via the extruder hood outlet. In the non-steady-state configuration, the extruder hood is configured to direct air received from the air inlet out of the extruder hood via the extruder outlet without being directed across the extruder discharge zone.

Abstract: This invention is about a coal feeding system (1) which feeds pulverized coal and oxygen separately and vertically through concentric pipes directly to the upper level of the reactor (R) at entrained flow gasification systems. The system (1) consists a top intake (2), a side intake (3), an air supply chamber (4), an oxygen port (5), an ultrasonic sensor port (6), an inner concentric pipe (7), and an outer concentric pipe (8). The system (1) also operates with a coal bunker (K), a screw feeder (B) for adjusting the coal mass flow rate from the coal bunker (K) through the coal feeding system (1) to the reactor (R), and a reactor (R) where the coal are sprayed from the coal feeding system (1) and gasified at high temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for dosing and dry nebulization of nebulizable material, comprising a nebulization channel (3), which has a first attachment piece and a second attachment piece, and a source of compressed carrier gas connected to the first attachment piece via a valve for the purpose of sending a carrier gas pressure pulse into the nebulization channel. The device is characterized in that between the first attachment piece and second attachment piece, and above the nebulization channel, a reservoir open only towards the nebulization channel, and used for receiving the nebulizable material, is connected to the nebulization channel such that it is gas-tight with respect to the environment, and that, when the valve is closed, a pressure compensation takes place in the nebulization channel and in the reservoir.

Abstract: A powder conveyance device and a char recovery apparatus are each provided with: an inclination part serving as a powder discharge line which can convey char at a predetermined tilt angle by allowing the char to fall by gravity; a first porous plate having a predetermined opening ratio and being disposed along the inclination part; a second porous plate having a higher opening ratio than the first porous plate and being disposed along the inclination part at a position above the first porous plate; and an assist gas feed device for feeding assist gas to the inclination part through both the first porous plate and the second porous plate.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for mass flow are provided. The apparatus can include a housing, an inlet disposed at a first end of the housing, and an outlet disposed at a second end of the housing. The housing can include a first section and a second section. The second section can have at least one tapered sidewall that slopes away from an inner surface of the first section toward the outlet. The apparatus can also include a divider disposed at least partially within the first and second sections of the housing. The divider can have at least one tapered surface disposed proximate the at least one tapered sidewall of the second section. An edge of the divider can be located between the outlet and a point within the second section where the cross-sectional area of the second section is about three times or less a cross-sectional area of the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus by which powder is evenly dispersed and is coated on a substrate uniformly and continuously so that a uniform layer may be formed. More specifically the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming a coating layer that powder is coated on an entire surface of a substrate uniformly and continuously, regardless of the material or the size of the substrate, as a uniform amount of powder entrained on the carrier air which is generated by carrier air and powder transported to a carrier pipe at a certain rate is consistently fed in to a nozzle, regardless of the size, morphology, and specific weight of the powder particles.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit is connected to a vacuum source, whereby a slight vacuum is created at the discharge opening. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle. The dust particles are collected in a separate vessel, which is mounted in a flow of air from the dust collection conduit and an exhaust fan. Mesh sleeves suspended in the vessel, capturing the dust particles on exterior surface thereof. Periodically, the dust particles are dislodged from the sleeves by blowing air through the sleeves.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: A micro particle flow facilitator, includes: (a) a bourdon tube having a flexible duct capable of expanding and contracting in response to pulsations of a pressurized fluid, the duct being hollow, closed-ended and having an inlet port; and (b) a fluid pulsator for providing the pulsations of a pressurized fluid to the inlet port of the bourdon tube, the pulsator being in fluid-tight communication with the inlet port of the bourdon tube and having a fluid inlet port for connection to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for creating and conveying a gas-powder mixture having a powder receiving space (3) that is connected to a vacuum creation device via a vacuum line (19) that discharges to the upper region of said powder receiving space. A reduced pressure in comparison to a mixing chamber (7) can be created within the powder receiving space (3), and thus a gas flow directed against the powder flow direction within a powder supply channel (6).

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: A pneumatic conveying process transports plastic pellets from a manufacturing source to a bulk silo for storage before being delivered to the ultimate production utilization of the plastic pellets. Multiple types or multiple sources of plastic pellets can be fed through a common pneumatic conveying conduit to respective bulk silos for temporary storage with diverter valves being utilized to direct product into and out of the common conveying conduit. Expanded elbow fittings are deployed at each directional change in the conveying lines to eliminate the creation of streamers at conduit bends. The plastic pellets are conveyed at a medium velocity between dense and dilute phases to provide a gentle conveying operation. A closed loop air supply system is used for dedusting devices providing a final removal of dust and debris from the stored product before being delivered to the ultimate utilization facility.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system is disclosed for conveying a granular product, such as grain, from a grain inlet device to a selected one of a plurality of grain bins or other storage vessels. The system includes a blower for forcing air under pressure into a conveyor piping system. A grain inlet device is located downstream from the blower. The piping system has a portion leading from the grain inlet to an inlet in a first one of the vessels. A discharge/bypass valve is connected to a portion of the piping system leading from the grain inlet so as to receive the granular product being conveyed therethrough with the valve having a discharge outlet for discharging the granular product into the vessel. The valve is installed on the vessel such that the discharge outlet is in communication with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A new valve is designed for the transport of solids using a motive fluid. The valve includes an inlet conduit for carrying solids, where the solids are fed through gravity. The solids are carried by fluid transport out an outlet where the outlet conduit has a smaller diameter than the inlet conduit carrying the solids. The conduit should be sufficiently smaller to prevent instability in the flow. A second inlet provides the source of motive fluid to drive the transport of solids.

Abstract: An air control system for a low pressure continuous dense phase convey system employs a non-critical air flow control system that allows for a supply pressure to be only incrementally larger than a convey pressure. The convey system has an inlet for introduction of pressurized air into the system and an airlock associated with a feedpoint for introduction of particulate into the system. A first pressure sensor is positioned immediately downstream of an air source to measure the supply pressure, and a second pressure transducer is positioned proximate an airlock to measure the convey pressure. The non-critical air flow control system is dependent on the supply and convey pressures and a position of a control valve, such as a sonic nozzle. The difference between the convey pressure and the supply pressure is less than 10% of the supply pressure.

Abstract: A singulating and counting device includes a bulk housing for storing a plurality of substantially identical articles, an exit channel, and in the exit channel, forwardly- and rearwardly-directed jet apertures, each of which is fluidly connected to a positive pressure source. A forwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the forward jet aperture can accelerate singulated articles in the exit channel, thereby increasing the interval between individual articles and rendering them more easily and accurately counted. A rearwardly-directed jet generated by the positive pressure source through the rearwardly-directed jet aperture can cause articles in the exit channel to return to the housing.

Abstract: An automated filling apparatus which propels various deer feed into an elevated deer feeder comprises a cart having a mounted container which is towed by a vehicle to a feeder location. A base of the cart receives an air duct connected to an air blower which supplies an air flow. The apparatus introduces a flow of deer feed into the air flow which is in turn conveyed upwardly into the elevated deer feeder via a second opposing air duct being connected to an elongated flexible hose having an elbow portion at its upper end and retained upon an upper lip of the deer feeder. After activating the blower, a quantity of deer feed is poured into the container and is propelled upward through the tubing and dispensed into the container portion of the deer feeder.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one of a level of solids and an inventory of solids in a solids tank includes withdrawing a stream of solids from the solids tank via a downer. The stream of solids withdrawn from the solids tank is fluidized at a bottom of the downer by supplying a conveying gas so as to convey the withdrawn stream of solids upward via a riser branching off from the downer, a size of the conveyed stream of solids being adjusted by the supplying of the conveying gas. At least one of the level and the inventory of the solids in the solids tank is used as an adjustment variable of a control circuit and a volume flow of the conveying gas is used as an actuating variable of the control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a feed chamber for feeding of material from storage bunkers and a lifting device for lifting the material to a high level. The lifting device includes a delivery end to which a transport line for conveying the material away to a remote delivery point can be connected, a pressure vessel having a vertical conveyor that begins in the feed chamber and ends in a top region of the pressure vessel, and a discharge pipe beginning in a bottom region of the pressure vessel and leading out of the pressure vessel. The apparatus also includes a pressurizing device which pressurizes the pressure vessel via a first valve and activates a conveying air nozzle of the discharge pipe via a second valve, and a controller for filling the pressure vessel via the vertical conveyor, fluidizing the material via the pressurizing device, and conveying the material away via the transport line.

Abstract: A material blower for blowing materials that includes a base; a material container to hold the materials mounted to the base that is sealed to be pressurized; at least one loading opening in the top of the material container the includes a door to cover and seal the at least one loading opening; a material output chute as part of the bottom of the material container to receive material for distribution; a material exit at one end of the material output chute, the material exit including a distribution hose opening and an air blower connection; at least one anti-clumping bars that rotate inside the material container; an auger within and along the material output chute an air blower connected to the material container, the air blower connected to the material exit; a distribution hose; a power unit connected to the auger, the anti-clumping bars and the air blower.

Abstract: A plant for transport of granular material comprising container for granular material to be transported, receiver-meter group designed to receive granular material from container, conveyance duct of granular material from container to receiver-meter group, depressurization-pressurization means arranged to suction/inject a gaseous medium from/into container, and vacuum duct between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, thereby creating a flow of granular material and gaseous medium in at least one conveyance duct or line directed to receiver-meter group and a flow of gaseous medium between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, the plant comprising detection means of parameters of flow located in vacuum duct or line, adjusting means of the power of depressurization/pressurization means and electronic control means designed to receive in input control signals from speed detection means and to emit control signals in output for driving adjusting means.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.

Abstract: A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.

Abstract: A bead applicator for embedding particulates in wet paint, includes a blower directing air into an attached series of connected pipes; a particulate hopper, and a tubular particulate supply line connecting an outlet opening from the hopper to a venturi inlet opening at a low pressure point of a venturi tube. The series of connected pipes includes, in order, the venturi tube, a rigid tubular wand, and a dispensing nozzle. The wand, an inlet of the nozzle, and an outlet of the nozzle all have approximately the same, or greater, inside cross-sectional area relative to that of an outlet of the venturi tube; and the nozzle fans out to a long and narrow shaped outlet. Preferably a flexible hose is included in the series of connected pipes; the hose having approximately the same, or greater, inside cross-sectional area relative to that of the venturi tube outlet, and the nozzle outlet is bent over.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A mounting assembly uses one hinge and one cam bolt mutually offset upon a two piece collar. A hopper tee has a member usually a vertical pipe and occasionally a horizontal pipe that connects to a hopper flange to receive bulk material. This assembly has two collars that mutually engage and surround a hopper flange. Pins pass through the collar pieces and the hopper flange then secure to tapped holes in the collar pieces to prevent rotation. A collar piece mounts a hook bolt and the other collar piece mounts a hinge in a spaced apart and offset manner. The other collar piece has a pivotal connection to a hinge arm and opposite the hinge arm, the hook bolt engages a cam. Opening the cam unfolds the tee downwardly while the hook bolt remains engaged. This partially open position allows for removal and installation of a valve. In opening and closing the assembly, the hinge arm spaces the flange below a hopper to admit a valve.

Abstract: A vacuum modulating air control valve includes a valve body with air intake ports, an output port, and a valve throat. A valve member is slidably mounted within the valve body between open positions relative to the valve throat and a closed position, to which the valve member is urged by a valve spring. A pneumatic cylinder has a piston forming a vacuum chamber and has a piston rod connected to the valve member. The output port is connected to a feedpoint of a vacuum conveying system, and the vacuum chamber is connected to a vacuum line communicating with the vacuum conveying system. A vacuum level within the vacuum chamber retracts the valve member from the throat, thereby admitting ambient air into the vacuum conveying system to control a material-to-air ratio within the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating a homogeneous powder-air mixture comprising a pressure section and a suction section, wherein the two sections merge in an outlet, wherein the pressure section terminates in an orthogonal direction in the suction section in an ejector-like manner, the suction section being open towards the surroundings. The invention also relates to a method for generating a homogeneous powder-air mixture.

Abstract: A powder injection method and a powder injection microchip, the powder injection microchip comprising: a gas supply inlet (6) for supplying gas; an outlet (8); a channel (4) in fluid connection with the gas supply inlet and the outlet; a powder inlet (12) in fluid connection with the channel, for receiving a first, open end of a powder reservoir (14), the powder reservoir having an opening (22) at or near to a second end of the powder reservoir to allow egress of gas from the powder reservoir at a point distal to the first end of the powder reservoir.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a spiked axisymmetric nozzle for use in particle reduction processes where the spiked axisymmetric nozzle contains a nozzle plug thereby forming a fluid compression orifice for accelerating a grinding fluid used in reducing the particle size of particulate matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for transporting particulate material produced in an industrial process from a particulate collection means, through an underlying hopper, and into an air activated gravity conveyor system that is sized to convey particulate material at a rate that is at least about three times the rate that such particulate material is produced in the industrial process.

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: The present invention relates to a powder injection microchip, and a method of injecting powder using said powder injection microchip, wherein the microchip comprises a vibratable member associated with a powder inlet to a powder flow channel, wherein the vibration of the vibratable member allows the interparticle forces within cohesive powders to be overcome, resulting in the fluidisation of the powder. A powder inlet orifice with a dimension restricted relative to a powder flow channel dimension, and at least one gas flow channel in fluid connection with a powder flow channel downstream of a powder inlet orifice, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material which does not flow readily, in which: bulk material is metered by means of one or more input device(s) (8) into a lateral conveyor (1); and the bulk material in the lateral conveyor is subsequently emptied via a transport line (19) wherein the metering of the bulk material into the lateral conveyor (1) is achieved by means of the input device(s) (8) and the emptying of the lateral conveyor (1) is effected with simultaneous action of a mechanical conveyor (9) in the lateral conveyor and inflowing compressed gas (17), with the mechanical conveyor (9) having a narrow clearance with respect to the lateral conveyor (1), so that the lateral conveyor is substantially emptied during the emptying process.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for automatically changing out a filter cartridge in a continuous air monitor. The apparatus includes: a first container sized to hold filter cartridge replacements; a second container sized to hold used filter cartridges; a transport insert connectively attached to the first and second containers; a shuttle block, sized to hold the filter cartridges that is located within the transport insert; a transport driver mechanism means used to supply a motive force to move the shuttle block within the transport insert; and, a control means for operating the transport driver mechanism.

Abstract: Devices for the pneumatic conveying of particulate and powdery bulk goods to obtain high conveying speeds with low energy expenditure. The devices have a fluidized conveying pipe with fluidizing elements, in which pipe the fabric layers of the fluidizing elements are formed from two or a plurality of sintered and rolled metal wire fabric layers whose wires, at least those of the top outer layer, are tilted or bent downwards to form aligned flow channels inclined in the direction of conveying.

Abstract: A pump for transferring particulate material from a source to a remote location, including a particulate chamber having open ends, check valves at the open ends, a vacuum source connected to the chamber adjacent one end, a gas source at the opposed end of the chamber and a control which alternatively connects the vacuum to the chamber to draw particulate material from the source to the chamber and connecting the gas under pressure to drive the particulate material to the remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a cylindrical inner diameter and the source of vacuum is a venturi pump connected to a pinch valve permitting overflow of particulate material through the pinch valve and venturi pump, which is returned to the source. In one embodiment, the pinch valve surrounds an open end of the chamber permitting overflow while avoiding agglomeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the continuous gravimetric metering and pneumatic conveying of pourable material which is conveyed across a given distance by a metering rotor (1) which is arranged in a pressure-proof manner in a housing (2) and is provided with conveying pockets (1a). Said housing (2) comprises a charging station and a discharging station for the pourable material, which are connected to the inlet/outlet (4, 5) of a pneumatic conveyor system. The housing (2) is connected to a force metering device which detects the momentary load generated on the metering rotor (1) by the conveyed material. The inlet and outlet of the pneumatic conveyor system are connected to the bottom of the housing (2). In order to build the inventive device in a compact manner while reducing the assembly requirements and improving flow guidance, the flow from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5) is deflected within the upper area of the housing (2).

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: An assembly for distributing particulate material comprising a blower assembly which is preferably removably mounted on a mobile platform and structured to generate a forced flow of air along a flow path and through a manifold assembly connected to a supply of material being distributed. The manifold assembly includes a receiving segment incorporating a Venturi section facilitating the entrainment of the material into the forced air flow passing through a discharge conduit preferably having an extended length to facilitate distribution of the material to a plurality of locations in a variety of different environments. A vent assembly is provided to relieve back pressure from within the discharge conduit, which may be created due to its extended length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying a solid (2) in a conveying medium (15), said solid (2) being delivered to a container (5) with outlet (7). The solid (2) is in this case dispersed in the transport liquid (15) without the aid of any mechanically driven parts and is introduced into the conduit (4).

Abstract: A conveying a chain of air-filled packing pillows to a selected position includes a generally upstanding duct, a support for supporting the device on a surface, and a pump positioned adjacent to the surface for supplying air to the device. The duct has an air inlet end connected in fluid communication with the pump, an outlet end, and an entrance aperture positioned downstream from the pump and the air inlet end for receiving the chain of air-filled packing pillows. When the pump is activated and the chain of air-filled packing pillows is inserted through the entrance aperture, the chain of air-filled packing pillows is conveyed upwardly through the duct in a longitudinal direction relative to the chain, and directed to arrive at the selected position.

Abstract: A pneumatic particulate dispensing system having a hopper for storing particulate material, such as animal feed, fertilizers, pesticides and the like. The hopper is connected to a T-fitting which encloses a velocity tube. An air blowing unit is connected to the T-fitting and the velocity tube through an interchangeable adaptor allowing for a variety of air blowing units to be installed. An adjustable rotary valve extends into the interior of the hopper from the T-fitting allowing for a user to adjust the amount of particulate material to be dispensed adjacent the velocity tube. A discharge tube is connected to the T-fitting downstream of the velocity tube, wherein the discharge tube has a rotating elbow for allowing the user to adjust the dispensing direction. A variety of nozzles can be attached to the end of the discharge tube. A support frame having a hitch insert and cradles is used to support and transport the particulate dispensing system to remote locations.

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: A pneumatic conveying system for conveying particulate material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of materials and air surrounded by a boundary layer flow of air, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other preferred embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing system that includes an apparatus comprised of a container with a support surface, an opening in the upper portion for receiving items, a passageway in the lower portion for dispensing items, a guide surface to direct items into the passageway, a means for generating pulses of vacuum that draw pulses of air (or other fluid) into the container through the open passageway, and sufficient volume of available air (or other fluid) outside the passageway and outside the container to fill the vacuum generated inside the container. A preferred method of generating the vacuum pulses is injecting pulses of high-pressure fluid in thin sheets into the container through the open passageway with laminar flow against the support or guide surfaces. Items are lifted and separated by the influx of fluid.