Abstract: A current-generator circuit is for generation of an output current of a value that is configurable as a function of a configuration signal. The circuit may have a first reference resistor element traversed by an intermediate current, the value of which is a function of a reference current, for supplying a first reference voltage. The circuit may also include a resistive divider stage receiving the configuration signal and supplying a second reference voltage as a function of the first reference voltage and of the configuration signal. A second reference resistor element supplies, as a function of the second reference voltage (Vref2), the output current on the output terminal. The value of resistance of the second reference resistor element may be matched to a respective value of resistance of the first reference resistor element.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A waste conveying system in which waste is collected/conveyed, e.g. by a suction system, in a waste container (10) of a regional waste space (16) or a transport container in which/from which the waste is then conveyed to further treatment. The waste space (16) and/or the waste container (10) or the transport container is arranged in a tunnel (20), such as a traffic tunnel, advantageously an underground tunnel, or in its vicinity, or there is a conveying connection from them to the tunnel (20) through which the waste is conveyed away.

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 preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: An improved system for the moving material into and out of a trailer attached to a truck that is equipped with first and second high pressure hydraulic circuits, an airlock circuit, and a low pressure return line. The improvement to the system generally includes a selector valve that is operable between load and unload positions, and a blower and motor that are mounted to the trailer's chassis and are fluidly driven by the high pressure circuits via the selector valve being in its load position. When in the unload position, the blower and motor are bypassed and the hydraulic circuits operate in their traditional manner.

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 bulk material cargo container liner system comprises an inflatable bulk material cargo container liner which has at least one vacuum discharge tube member disposed internally within the bulk material cargo container liner and extending along the longitudinal extent thereof for discharging bulk cargo material outwardly from the bulk material cargo container liner, and at least one inflatable air bag component for conducting the bulk material, disposed within the bulk material cargo container, toward the vacuum discharge tube member.

Abstract: An operating system for a power feed pump and a power feed pump having a transfer chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the transfer chamber is closed, the inlet of the transfer chamber is opened, and a negative pressure is generated in the transfer chamber to suck a powder in through the inlet to the transfer chamber. The inlet of the transfer chamber is closed, the outlet of the transfer chamber is opened, and the powder in the transfer chamber is delivered through the outlet. The negative pressure in the transfer chamber is built up at least partially before the inlet of the transfer chamber is opened.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous mat or web forming or treating system is disclosed comprising a movable, permeable wire or belt for carrying the fibrous mat or web over at least one suction tube assembly comprising a primary suction tube having a suction slot at the top of the primary suction tube and an exit tube communicating with the primary suction tube mounted beneath the permeable belt to have the suction slot on or close to the bottom surface of the movable belt. The suction slot is at least 3.6 meters long and up to more than 5.3 meters long, and the exit tube of the suction tube assembly communicates with the primary suction tube through an opening in the primary suction tube, the opening being generally centered around a centerline of the suction slot. This primary suction tube assembly provides a more uniform suction distribution along the suction slot and reduces fouling of the suction slot compared with previous suction tube assemblies.

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 augar 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: 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 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: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances.

Abstract: A device for transferring pulverulent material, for example, powdery material, including an enclosure (3) wherein the pulverulent material to be transferred is stirred and pressurized; a first pipe (8) and a second pipe (9) which transport the material towards its destination; and a gas intake (14, 15) for introducing gas to the second pipe (9). In one aspect of the invention, pipe (8) forms a nozzle (12), oriented in the direction of the material flow and directed toward second pipe (9). The gas intake (14, 15) may emerge at the lower end of the first pipe (8), outside the nozzle (12), wherein the gas is introduced into the second pipe (9) through a plurality of through orifices (20) oriented substantially parallel to the flow direction of the pulverulent material.

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: Apparatus, systems and methods for conveying loose material are shown and described. In one embodiment, a plurality of spaced apart, interconnected conveyor elements entrap and move loose material through a hollow conduit having a fixed size and shape, and past a delivery location where high-pressure air enters one hole through the wall of the conduit and a fluidized mixture of high-pressure air and the loose material exits a separate, second hole in the conduit, carrying the loose material at a high rate of speed and a high velocity to a remote location. In a second embodiment, the system is moveably attached to a trailer to rotate between a traveling configuration and an operative configuration to facilitate mobility and operability of the above system.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing granular material, in particular sand, the apparatus comprising: a) a portable distribution head; b) a flexible hose for transferring the material to the portable head; c) a main feed duct for feeding material from a storage vessel; d) a main suction duct associated with the flexible hose for sucking dust from the portable head; e) a plurality of n transfer vessels suitable for being fed with material from the main feed duct and for delivering the material to the portable distribution head; f) sets of multiple connections enabling the distribution head to receive material from a selected vessel and at least one other vessel to be fed simultaneously with the material; and g) control means for obtaining substantially continuous operation of the distribution head by controlling changeovers between the vessels which are caused to operate in alternation.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum transferring food product having a hopper for retaining food product, the hopper including a discharge port; a vacuum chamber having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is coupled to the hopper at the hopper's discharge port; a vacuum source for inducing a vacuum pressure between the hopper and the vacuum chamber so as to cause food product retained by the hopper to be drawn into the vacuum chamber though the inlet; a first timing circuit for controlling the length of time that the vacuum pressure is to be applied between the hopper and the vacuum chamber; and a second timing circuit for controlling the rate at which the food product is dispensed from the outlet. The first timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the length of time that the vacuum pressure is drawn though the apparatus, and the second timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the frequency of the opening of the outlet.

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: An assembly for selectively closing a pneumatic discharge outlet is disclosed. Such assembly includes a closure cap which, in a closed position, fits about and partially along to cover a free end of the discharge outlet and which is movable to an open position relative to the free end of the discharge outlet. Structure connects the closure cap to one side of the free end of the discharge outlet in a manner permitting pivotal and sliding movements of the closure cap relative to the free end of the discharge outlet, and wherein the sliding movements of said closure cap are limited to a fixed path of travel relative to the discharge outlet. A manually operated lock assembly attached at an opposite side of the free end of the discharge outlet cooperates with the structure in releasably maintaining the closure cap in the closed position while allowing for one-handed operation to move the closure cap to an open position.

Abstract: A system for applying particulate materials comprising a supply source of pressurized gas, a chamber with first and second opposed side walls, at least one pressurized gas entrance conduit for transporting pressurized gas to the chamber, at least one material hopper for depositing particulate material into the chamber, and at least one pressurized gas exit conduit for transporting particulate material away from the chamber. The wand is flexible and is manually controlled so that the user can control the exact direction in which the particulate material is to be focused. The wand includes a switch which sends a signal to a signal-actuated valve which is coupled to the entrance conduit. Upon receiving the appropriate signal, the signal-actuated valve adjusts so as to alter the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: A pressure discharge railway hopper car includes a car body having a plurality of hoppers arranged in adjacent relation longitudinally, each opening at the bottom end to an aerator tub assembly. Each aerator tub assembly has two aerator units, one on each side laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the car body, defined by downwardly convergent inclined walls. An outlet from each aerator unit is connected to a product discharge conduit that leads substantially horizontally and laterally toward the centerline of the car body to a generally L-shaped discharge pipe. Each discharge pipe may include a longitudinal leg that runs between the two sections along the car centerline and a lateral leg extending transversely to the centerline to an outlet end laterally outwardly of the aerator tub assembly, where it is connected to a main discharge pipe.

Abstract: An aeration discharge outlet assembly for use with bulk material containers wherein we provide an external cone and an internal cone. With internal cone being completely surrounded by pressurized air within an annular space and includes multiple air inlet passages which draw in the pressurized air and aerate the flowable substance therein before discharge thereof.

Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring comminuted product from an unpressurized storage unit to a tank, especially a trailer-mounted tank. According to this method, an inert gas source is provided, preferably mounted on the trailer, and a conduit is provided to carry the product, which conduit is connected between the storage unit and the tank. The tank and conduit are evacuated so as to create a pressure differential between the storage unit and the tank, and the inert gas is allowed to flow into the evacuated tank in response to the partial vacuum therein. The product is then allowed to flow through the conduit to the tank in response to the partial vacuum therein. An improved trailer for receiving comminuted product according to a practice of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible container for a particulate material includes a main body having a sealable input opening in an upper portion thereof, and a sleeve extending from a lower portion of the main body. A connector is connected to a distal end which is folded along a side of the sleeve for storage. In carrying out a method of removing and transmitting the particulate material to another destination, the connector is connected to a carrier gas control device which supplies a carrier gas to the container that is mixed with the particulate material then the device has a transmitting pipe which transmits the particulate material to a container in a distant place. A suction is provided by the container in order to draw the particulate material to the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for delivering dry bulk material (21) to a drilling mud system (50) of an oil and gas well comprises a plurality of collapsible bags (30) for holding a quantity of dry bulk material (21), each bag (30) being supported on a bag storage rack (20) having a discharge outlet (22) connected to the bags (30), the discharge outlets (22) having bag discharge valves (24); a hopper (40) for receiving and collecting material from the bags (30) and for discharging material into the drilling mud system (50) by means of a hopper discharge valve (48); a length of material discharge hose (70) connected to the discharge outlets (22) and to the hopper (40); and a vacuum pump (60) having a vacuum hose (47) to the hopper (40) for producing a vacuum in the hopper (40) and the hose (70) and thereby drawing material (21) from the bags (30) into the hopper (40) for discharge into the mud system (50).

Abstract: A dual blower railcar discharge and conveyor system and method includes a first, relatively high pressure, low volume blower for pressurizing a railcar and a short section of discharge convey line attached to the railcar. A second, relatively high volume, low pressure blower is attached to pressurize a transport convey line. The discharge convey line is connected into the transport convey line, which is of somewhat larger diameter than the discharge convey line. With a pair of smaller blowers used in place of a single large, high horsepower blower, efficiency is enhanced and system complexity is markedly reduced.

Abstract: A low profile parallel railcar discharge adaptor is designed for connection between a discharge gate of a center discharge railroad hopper car and a pneumatic conveyor for unloading pulverulent and granular material, such as sugar and the like, from the car. The adaptor includes low profile, parallel double airlocks in a single housing mounted on a frame with an attached pair of main wheels, each of which is attached to a hydraulic jack. The frame includes members which perform the dual function of support and air passage, thus helping to minimize the profile height of the adaptor. A handle is connected to the adaptor frame, extending therefrom upward at an angle and terminating in a comfortable operating position. A pair of drive motors and a corresponding pair of gear housings are attached to the handle, with each drive motor and gear driving a respective one of the rotary airlocks via an angled universal joint. A control for the hydraulic jacks is located on the handle proximate a handle grip.

Abstract: An aqua culture facility and method using a pneumatic pump for displacement of water or other liquid located in a confined space having rigid bottom and side walls which form an interior surface of the space, with a flexible liner having the same contour as the space in which the liquid is confined. The confined space is a culture chamber and open at the top side, such as a fish pond. The flexible liner is comprised of two or more flexible membranes which are in sealing engagement at their edge portions to form a sealed compartment. There is an air inlet-outlet means through which gas or liquid can be introduced to inflate and then to exhaust the air from the sealed compartment. The flexible liner has a flexible membrane in contact with the rigid bottom and side walls of the confined space and is larger then the interior surface of the confined space. The placed flexible membrane liner is covered with water and seeded with organisms to create the culture chamber.

Abstract: A pneumatic discharge system is provided for a pressurized hopper car to allow the hopper car to carry an enlarged material discharge line. A discharge assembly is used to connect the outlet from each hopper section of the railway car with the discharge line. The discharge assembly is manufactured from pipe having the same dimensions as the discharge line. The discharge assembly allows installing a relatively large diameter discharge line onto an existing pressurized hopper car to optimize unloading of flowable materials without requiring modification to the existing pressurized hopper car. The discharge assembly may include components manufactured from pipe having an outside diameter larger than the clearance between the lower portions of the hopper car and the vertical clearance line of the railway track.

Abstract: An airlift railcar discharge adaptor is designed for connection to a railroad car discharge opening for unloading pulverulent and granular material from the car. The adaptor includes a discharge chute and a discharge inlet mounted with a pair of wheels providing support and mobility. The wheels can be swiveled to allow precise maneuvering of the adaptor. A horizontally oriented rectangular discharge inlet connects with the chute and is adapted to be connected to the discharge outlet of the railroad car. A handle is connected to the adaptor. Each wheel is connected to a respective bell crank, which is, in turn, connected to a respective pneumatically operated cylinder. Each pneumatic cylinder is connected to an independent lever control conveniently positioned proximate the adaptor handle. The adaptor can be raised and lowered by manipulating the levers, each of which is connected to a three-way valve for charging the associated pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: An unloading valve for hopper cars used for transporting dry fluent material such as carbon black. An unloading pipe extends outwardly from the bottom of the hopper, and a closure removably attaches at the end of the pipe. The closure includes a plug extending within the pipe and presenting a surface that confronts the dry fluent material adjacent the inner end of the pipe. This surface has an angle selected to cause fluent material loaded into the hopper to become packed at the inner end of the pipe during loading and subsequent shipment of the hopper car. When the closure is removed for attaching an unloading conduit to the pipe, the packed material at the inner end of the pipe prevents any of that material from leaking out the pipe before the unloading conduit can be connected.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an unloading pan for bulk dry particulate matter, such as soda ash. The pan comprises a pan inlet and a pan outlet. The pan is preferably designed wherein the source of particulate matter is a railroad car having a car outlet at the bottom to gravity unload therethrough. There is a means to position, and preferably attach, the pan container at the outlet to the source of particulate matter, i.e., the outlet of the railroad car.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic outlet (10) is for use on a railcar (C) for discharging a lading from a hopper (H) of the railcar. The outlet comprises an integrally formed bottom cover (12) extending the length of the outlet. A pair of outlet valves (50A, 50B) are installed in the cover. The valves are mounted on respective valve shafts (54A, 54B) and are installed in the cover in a diagonal arrangement. Accordingly, each valve allows discharge of lading from one side of the hopper. A bulkhead (40) is also installable in the cover and supports an inner end of the respective valve shafts. The cover is severable into two sections (36A, 36B). One of the sections is reversible with respect to the other section. Thereafter, the two sections are joined together to form a unified cover through which lading flows during discharge. The bulkhead fits within the reunified cover such that no gaps or other deformities are present which would collect material that may contaminate a lading.

Abstract: A pneumatic outlet (10) is for use on a railcar (C) for discharging a lading from a hopper (H) of the railcar. An improvement to the outlet comprises a bottom cover (16) extending the length of the outlet. This cover is severable into two sections (44A, 44B) one of which is reversible with respect to the other. The two sections are joined together to form an integral cover through which lading flows during discharge. A bulkhead divider (48) is installed in the cover at the juncture between the two cover sections. A pair of outlet valves (12A, 12B) are installed in the cover. The valves are mounted on respective valve shafts (54A, 54B) which are installed in the cover with the inner end of each valve shaft being removably mounted on the divider. An end closure (64A, 64B) is installed at each end of the outlet, and the outer end of each valve shaft is located adjacent a respective closure. Each end closure is pivotally mounted to an end wall (90A, 90B) of the outlet.

Abstract: An adapter (10) is useful to prevent formation of a static electrical change on an outlet valve (V) during discharge of lading from a railcar on which the valve is installed. A unitary member (12) has an inlet end (14) formed for attachment to the outlet valve, and an outlet end (16) formed for connection with a hose (H) into which discharged lading flows. A passage (28) is formed in the member and extends from the inlet end to the outlet end. The passageway is of an irregular shape at the inlet end of the adaptor. It is of a generally circular shape at its outlet end. The member is formed of an electrically non-conductive, resilient material so that it prevents the build-up of any static electrical charge as lading flows through the member.

Abstract: An air grain conveyor comprising a means for generating high velocity air, a grain ejection section, a connection between said means and said ejector section whereby the high velocity air is ejected into the ejection section, and a grain hopper attached to the ejector section whereby grain is drawn into the ejector section and conveyed to a discharge section wherein the velocity of air borne grain is slowed prior to deposit of the grain into a receiver.

Abstract: A trailer especially useful for transporting and unloading bulk powdered material that tends to clump or clod under slight compacting is disclosed, which trailer includes a generally enclosed compartment for holding the bulk material, an air vent at an upward part of the compartment, and has a bottom floor to the compartment equipped with means for injecting air under pressure, which air travels through the material and exits at the vent and serves to mobilize and fluidize the powdered material in the compartment and allows it to flow by gravity down the floor toward an exit wherein it is removed. The particular trailer disclosed is converted from a conventional rectilinear combination or box trailer by the addition of a double set of pipes in the floor, which pipes are supplied during unloading with air from outside the trailer while the trailer is tilted upward on its rear wheels to slant its floor toward the rear wherein an exit manifold is provided for pumping out the fluidized bulk material.

Abstract: Rail hopper cars have loading gates which is a way of controlling the flow of material that is in hopper cars out through a connection tube. There are control rods for opening and closing the loading gate. There is an end cap that fits over the open end of the connection tube. The cap, in the present invention, has outwardly extending radially spaced locking lugs each having a locking convex surface. A separate locking lug concave surface is positioned on each handle of the control rods for mating with the convex surfaces on the cap. When the end cap is placed over the tube and is rotated to a position where the locking convex surfaces are adjacent the locking lugs on the operating handles of the control rods, the control rod handles cannot turn. Also when in this position the locking lugs on the handles prevent the cap from being removed. A spring loaded locking lever on the end cap engages a locking slot on the end tube and prevents rotation of the end cap when it is positioned thereon.

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 method of unloading a cargo from a lined, modular cargo container having a flexible, expandable liner located inside the container and expanded against the interior surfaces thereof. The method comprises the steps of conducting gas into the interior of the liner to increase the pressure on the bulk cargo therein and to urge the liner outward against the interior surfaces of the cargo container; and drawing gas and substantially the complete supply of the bulk cargo outward from the interior of the liner, without tilting the container and without tilting the liner.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic conveyor for various bulk materials includes a hopper which supplies the bulk material to a feed tube. The feed tube is provided with a feed auger which advances the bulk material along the feed tube and into a chamber through which a current of air is passed by way of air inlet and air outlet lines connected to that chamber. The bulk material which is deposited within the chamber is fluidized by the air current and carried by the air current through the air line outlet and along the outlet conveying line to a storage site, such as a silo. In order to prevent air blow-back through the feed tube and alongside the auger, the outlet end of the feed tube is provided with a gate which is intended to at least partly close when the flow of bulk material into the chamber slows down or stops.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in filtering dust and the like from a pressurized air stream flowing through a manhole of a hopper trailer in a particulate transfer system includes a filter sheet having a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the manhole and a plurality of filters mounted thereon. A retainer flange is installed in the manhole for supporting the filter sheet and a filter hold down is provided for holding the filter assembly in the manhole and for pressing the filter sheet into contact with the retainer flange. The filter hold down clamp contacts the filter sheet along the central longitudinal axis of the passage in order to provide one-point hold down of the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading bulk materials from hopper-type rail cars and, more particularly, a pneumatic unloading apparatus or device incorporating a dual outlet for the pneumatically-actuated discharging of flowable bulk materials from the bottom of a hopper structure, and in which the bulk material is aspirated from the hopper structure into a pair of parallel conduits through spaced discharge orifices designed to minimize or eliminate any possible damage to the bulk material during the procedure of being conveyed therethrough.