Upstream Of Suction Source Patents (Class 406/151)
  • Patent number: 11970347
    Abstract: A clean pneumatic conveying shield includes a shield body used for picking up an expanded material from an expanded material discharge port and pneumatically conveying the expanded material to the next process and provided with a hollow closed inner cavity, an outlet pipeline positioned in the middle of the top of the shield body and communicated with the inner cavity of the shield, and at least 2 inlet pipelines positioned at the top of the shield body, arranged around the outlet pipeline and communicated with the inner cavity of the shield. The shield body is provided with a splitter plate corresponding to each inlet pipeline and capable of rotating, an upper partition plate positioned above each splitter plate and a lower partition plate positioned below each splitter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: FAMSUN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Russell Alan Heinen, Robert Strathman, Bo Chen
  • Patent number: 10112787
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a dense phase powder pump (1) for conveying coating powder from a first powder reservoir (101) to a second downstream powder reservoir or to a downstream powder spray-coating gun (102) or the like installation for spraying coating powder. In order to reduce the number of components of the dense phase powder pump (1) that require maintenance, the dense phase powder pump (1) is designed as a single-chamber dense phase powder pump and has only a single powder conveyor chamber (4) for conveying coating powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Felix Mauchle, Hanspeter Vieli, Hans-Peter Lüthi
  • Patent number: 9855470
    Abstract: A ball pit apparatus for use with a plurality of balls. The ball pit apparatus includes: a base portion configured to provide a ball pit for holding a plurality of balls, wherein the base portion includes one or more inflatable side walls configured to, when inflated, extend around a periphery of the base portion; a roof portion configured to provide a ball chamber for holding a plurality of balls above the base portion; one or more inflatable supports configured to, when inflated, hold the roof portion above the base portion; a suction inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the ball chamber so that, when suction is provided at the suction inlet, suction is also provided to the ball chamber; a ball inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the ball chamber so that, when suction is provided to the ball chamber, a ball received at the ball inlet is drawn into the ball chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Casdon Limited
    Inventor: Paul Cassidy
  • Patent number: 9708138
    Abstract: Invention refers to the pneumatic transport field, namely to vacuum-pneumatic transportation of bulk materials of high mass concentrations through the long-distance pipelines. The invention can be used in various fields of technology, particularly when it is necessary to carry out the technological processes and transportation processes simultaneously. The device comprises at the inlet the suction pipeline with bulk material input part having vertical and horizontal sections connected to bulk material discharger. Bulk material discharger is provided with the sluice gate and vacuum gauge and connected to vacuum pump. This connection is realized through two or more vacuum receivers, interconnected in parallel by air ducts with high-speed valves so that on the one side of the receivers the air ducts are connected to suction pipe of vacuum pump, and on the other side of the receivers the air ducts are connected to the discharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: TWIN TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Vladimir Mihailovich Veselov, Viktor Mihailovich Zalevsky, Veniamin Sergeevich Volodin, Vitaly Grigorievich Tamurka, Nikolay Aleksandrovich Gukasov, Fedor Maksimovich Sevostyanov
  • Patent number: 9668375
    Abstract: A building for a data center (or server farm) includes a stack structure that interfaces with an environment and one or more housings coupled to a floor and the stack structure. Each of the housings includes one or more racks with a plurality of servers and each of the servers includes a computer fan capable of varying speed or reversing direction. The building also includes one or more filters between the one or more housings and the environment and one or more walls operable to be between the one or more filters and the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Mozan Totani, Barry Bianculli
  • Patent number: 9205999
    Abstract: A particulate loader for transferring particulates. The particulate loader comprises an air-particulates separating chamber for separating the particulates from an air stream caused by suction provided thereto. A suction mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for providing the suction thereto by removing air from the air-particulates separating chamber and exhausting the air. A conveying mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for conveying the separated particulates from the air-particulates separating chamber to a remote location. The cyclone has an inlet connected to an exhaust outlet of the suction mechanism, an air outlet for discharging the air after separating the dust therefrom, and a dust outlet for discharging the collected dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: AG GROWTH INDUSTRIES PARNERSHIP
    Inventors: Kent Gregory Woods, Joseph Robert Parisien, Paul Kerr
  • Publication number: 20150147125
    Abstract: A particulate loader for transferring particulates. The particulate loader comprises an air-particulates separating chamber for separating the particulates from an air stream caused by suction provided thereto. A suction mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for providing the suction thereto. The particulate loader comprises a conveying mechanism for conveying the separated particulates from the air-particulates separating chamber to a remote location. A vacuum pickup hose is in fluid communication with the air-particulates separating chamber for transmitting the airstream with the particulates therethrough. An inlet conduit is in fluid communication with the vacuum pickup hose at a first end and with the air-particulates separating chamber at a second end for transmitting the airstream with the particulates from the vacuum pickup hose to the air-particulates separating chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: REM ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventors: Kent Gregory Woods, Joseph Robert Parisien, Paul Kerr
  • Publication number: 20150147124
    Abstract: A particulate loader for transferring particulates. The particulate loader comprises an air-particulates separating chamber for separating the particulates from an air stream caused by suction provided thereto. A suction mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for providing the suction thereto by removing air from the air-particulates separating chamber and exhausting the air. A conveying mechanism is connected to the air-particulates separating chamber for conveying the separated particulates from the air-particulates separating chamber to a remote location. The cyclone has an inlet connected to an exhaust outlet of the suction mechanism, an air outlet for discharging the air after separating the dust therefrom, and a dust outlet for discharging the collected dust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: REM ENTERPRISES INC.
    Inventors: Kent Gregory Woods, Joseph Robert Parisien, Paul Kerr
  • Patent number: 8967919
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: George Yaluris, Lenny Albin, Alfred Jordan
  • Publication number: 20140205386
    Abstract: A vacuum loader for providing granular resin material to resin material processing equipment has a loader housing, a vacuum motor, a dust filter, an air blast generator, a dump flap, and a pivoting manually releasable latch for retaining the lateral web and the loader from tilting rotation of the loader about the shaft and supporting the loader when placed in a tilted orientation; the latch being weighted to pivotally return to a web-retaining position when released by an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 8727671
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Maricap Oy
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20130294848
    Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Terrence M. Fulkerson, Stephen G. Nemethy, Terry John Thompson, Jeffrey A. Perkins, Joseph G. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20130236276
    Abstract: A system for handling sample vials includes a vault for receiving a series of storage cartridges. Inside the cartridges are one or more discs providing vial recesses. In multidisc cartridges, through passages are provided to place and retrieve vials into and from the subjacent discs. A pick up device is moved until it aligns with a selected vial and the vial is pneumatically removed. A device is provided to reverse orientation of a vial moving through the system. A venturi operated system is provided including symmetrical bleed off ports to propel vials through the system without inducing excessive spinning of the vials. A piping system from a central bank to a multiplicity of analytical instruments includes a minimum number of through conduits and a diverter at each instrument location for sending the vial either to the instrument or downstream toward another diverter and instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel T. Richter
  • Patent number: 8529160
    Abstract: A hopper system for both delivery and reclamation of bulk abrasives includes a closed, vacuum rated container with an inlet port with a hatch which is moveable between an open position for gaining access to the interior of the container and a closed position for closing the container. At its lower end there is an outlet port for releasing the contents of the container. The outlet port includes a valve which is moveable between open and closed positions for controlling the flow of contents from the container. The hopper system includes a connector for attaching a vacuum source to the container and in communication with the interior of the container and a reclamation inlet in the container and communicating with a reclamation line for drawing abrasives into the interior of the container when the vacuum source is attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Richard Ambriz
  • Publication number: 20130202370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for the transport of granular material comprising at least one container for granular material to be transported, at least one receiver-meter group, at least one conveyance duct, depressurization-pressurization means arranged to suction/inject a gaseous medium from/into said at least one container, and at least one vacuum duct between a receiver-meter group and said depressurization-pressurization means , thereby creating a flow of said granular material and said gaseous medium in said at least one conveyance duct and a flow of gaseous medium between said at least one receiver-meter group and said depressurization-pressurization means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MORETTO S.P.A.
    Inventor: RENATO MORETTO
  • Patent number: 8491228
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Patent number: 8430605
    Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a pneumatic conveyance system including waste airflow electrical power generation. The system is to move material from a first location to a second location and includes routing conduit to provide a pathway through which the material is moved, an airflow source to provide an airflow to facilitate the transportation of the material through the routing conduit, a separator to filter the material from the airflow, and an electrical power generating system to generate power from the airflow prior to discharge. The electrical power generating system includes one or more turbines that rotate based on the airflow passing thereby and one or more associated generators that generate electricity based on rotation of the turbines. The power generating system is located within the routing conduit at any point where the airflow is free of particles that would interfere with the turbines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dietterich
  • Patent number: 8414227
    Abstract: A device for collecting items from a container comprises a collection unit, a conduit, a vacuum producing unit and a controller. The conduit is in fluid communication with the collection unit and is mountable to the container so as to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The vacuum producing unit produces a vacuum within the conduit. The controller is linked to the vacuum producing unit and is configured to acquire data regarding the contents of the container. When the controller receives data regarding the contents of the container it controls the vacuum producing unit to modulate the vacuum produced within the conduit thereby suctioning the items within the container when mounted thereto into the collection unit. The container can be a transit fare box for receiving items tendered for fare. The data regarding the contents of the container can be the volume of items within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gilles Tardif
  • Patent number: 8360692
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for transferring slurry, which is used to transfer minerals from the bottom of the sea to the ground; and, more particularly, to an apparatus for transferring slurry, which can efficiently transfer the slurry in the state of a solid-liquid mixture containing the minerals without clogging of a transfer pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Minderal Resources (KIGAM)
    Inventors: Chi-Ho Yoon, Young-Ju Kim, Yong-Chan Park, Young-Kyu Hwang
  • Patent number: 8322951
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew M. Kvalheim
  • Publication number: 20120177451
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew M. Kvalheim
  • Patent number: 8147169
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew M. Kvalheim
  • Patent number: 8113745
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sintokogio, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukinori Aoki
  • Patent number: 8051877
    Abstract: A diverter valve assembly is used in a material handling system and may include a diverter valve, an actuator, a chute, and a material handling line. The diverter valve has a body that defines an inlet bore and a pair of outlet bores. A rotor is located within the body and rotates, depending on factors, between the pair of outlet bores. The actuator is connected to the rotor in a way that it can rotate the rotor. The chute communicates with the inlet bore. And a material handling line communicates with each of the pair of outlet bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Lichney
  • Patent number: 7972087
    Abstract: A vacuum transfer apparatus and process with weighing controls. An exemplary vacuum transfer apparatus includes a hopper that retains food product and includes a discharge port. A vacuum chamber has an inlet coupled to the discharge port of the hopper, and a member that is time-controlled to dispense product from the vacuum chamber. A portioning hopper receives product from the vacuum chamber and dispenses a predetermined weight of product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Food Processing Equipment Company
    Inventor: Alan L. Davison
  • Publication number: 20110052335
    Abstract: A tubing system composed of tube parts and connecting elements forming a flow-through channel. The tube parts are of low elasticity material and the connecting elements are of high elasticity material. At least one connecting element is shaped for changing the speed and/or the direction of movement of a product flowing through the connecting element, wherein at least two of the tube parts of low elasticity material are connected together with a connecting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Johann Haberl
  • Publication number: 20110013993
    Abstract: A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, said conveying system comprising at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly waste material; a material conveyor pipe (100) that is connectable to the feed point (61); and a separator device (20), where the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveyor air; as well as means (3) for creating a pressure difference in the conveyor pipe (100), at least for the duration of the process of conveying the material. In the method, material is conveyed further from the separator device (20) to the transport container (51), particularly a waste container, by employing in the conveying of material from the separator device to the transport container means (3) of the material conveying system for creating a pressure difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Patent number: 7862260
    Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: REM Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Rempel
  • Patent number: 7815401
    Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vincent E. Bryan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7740423
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: MAC Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Newbolt, Jonathan Thorn
  • Patent number: 7708504
    Abstract: A pneumatic nozzle capable of removing dry solid debris, liquids, and mixtures of solid and liquid waste is provided. The pneumatic nozzle uses a pressurized gas stream to push materials through the nozzle. The force of a pressurized gas stream provides a partial vacuum to allow material to be introduced into an opening of a nozzle via a slight suction force. Thereafter, individual particles and materials introduced into the pneumatic nozzle are pushed by a stream of pressurized gas through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Frank M. Heckendorn, Athneal D. Matzolf, Kevin R. Hera
  • Patent number: 7597525
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Stanley Piotrowski, Douglas Miller, Oswaldo Mino, Shelley Stopper
  • Publication number: 20090202311
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an apparatus for delivering lost circulation material, particularly cottonseed hulls, into oil and gas drilling pits. According to one exemplary embodiment, a lost circulation material delivery apparatus for delivering lost circulation material from a bulk source of the material into a drilling well mud pit for controlling lost circulation within an oil or gas drilling well bore can include a bulk source of lost circulation material positioned in the vicinity of but removed from the drilling well mud pit. The apparatus can also include a sorting mechanism in receiving communication with the bulk source where the sorting mechanism includes a lost circulation material metering portion. A lost circulation material conveying portion can be in material receiving communication with the material metering portion at a first end portion and in material expelling communication with the drilling well mud pit at a second end portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Benny J. Deal, Justin Dodd
  • Patent number: 7547162
    Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: REM Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Rempel
  • Patent number: 7541549
    Abstract: A vacuum transfer system having a weighing hopper mounted via at least one load cell to a frame. The weighing hopper is provided with an inlet connected via a product line to a product inlet hopper and a sliding outlet gate. An actuator valve is operatively connected to the weighing hopper and to a vacuum source. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator valve and also controls the opening and closing of the sliding gate. The product line comprises a flexible pipe section and a rigid pipe section pivotally mounted to the frame at a pivot disposed substantially vertically below the center of the flexible pipe section. In operation, the operator keys into the controller a target rate of product transfer and a target weight of product in the weighing hopper. The actuator valve applies vacuum to the weighing hopper in order to transfer the product from the inlet hopper to the weighing hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Cooling & Applied Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Estes, Kyle A. Stobaugh, Mark A. Moody, Jeremy B. Estes, Ray W. Balaster, Kurt R. Danzy
  • Patent number: 7530768
    Abstract: A powder transfer pump to convey a powder, in particular in a powder coating station. The powder transfer pump comprises a transfer chamber with a transfer chamber wall, an inlet opening into the transfer chamber to supply the powder to the transfer chamber, an outlet opening out of the transfer chamber to convey the powder from the transfer chamber, a negative pressure connection opening into the transfer chamber to generate negative pressure in the transfer chamber in order to suck the powder into the transfer chamber, and a positive pressure connection opening into the transfer chamber to discharge the powder that is present in the transfer chamber through the outlet. The transfer chamber wall is essentially gas-tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dürr, Hans-Georg Fritz, Frank Herre
  • Patent number: 7431537
    Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: REM Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lane Francis, Bob Sonntag, Frank Rempel, Max Noble, Jody Duclos
  • Patent number: 7278804
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method and system for delivering lost circulation material, particularly cottonseed hulls, into oil and gas drilling pits. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of delivering lost circulation material from a bulk source to a drilling well mud system for controlling lost circulation within a drilling well bore includes positioning a bulk container of lost circulation material at a location in the vicinity of but removed from drilling well mud system. Lost circulation material is introduced from the bulk container into a sorting mechanism. The method further includes conveying the lost circulation material with a moving device from the sorting mechanism to the drilling well mud system along a path separated from the moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Plains Trading Company
    Inventors: Benny J. Deal, Justin Dodd
  • Patent number: 7241080
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Durr Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Klobucar, James L. Pakkala, Mazen Haddad, David J. Cole
  • Patent number: 7228990
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7192222
    Abstract: The invention describes a method of use of a conveying apparatus for the pneumatic conveyance of sized glass fibers, the sized glass fibers having a size extractability of at most 85%, preferably at most 50% and with particular preference at most 40%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Lanxess Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Hubertus Van Mullekom, Detlev Joachimi, Matthias Bienmüller, Herbert Grasshoff, Maarten De Bock
  • Patent number: 7163359
    Abstract: Transport system with several devices (1) for transporting powder, where each device (1) has a transfer chamber (3) into which a supply line (6) and a discharge line (8) for the powder open, and means to generate a negative pressure in the transfer chamber (3), where the means to generate a negative pressure in the device (1) has a piston (11) which is moveable in the transfer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ramseier Technologies AG
    Inventor: Jürg Moser
  • Patent number: 7153065
    Abstract: A multi-stage pressure/vacuum apparatus is disclosed for a bi-directional pneumatic delivery system or the like. The apparatus includes separated turbines or separated sets of turbines that are operated independently of each other to alternatively create pressure and vacuum conditions for an external system such as a pneumatic delivery network relying upon the inventive apparatus for pressure and/or vacuum generation. A common housing contains both turbine sets and defines a system of internal chambers and valve mechanisms between them. The valve mechanisms respond to internal pressures created within the housing by the turbines, and preferably also to gravity in order to control air flow patterns through the housing and between the housing and an external system. According to the present invention, the turbines of the two turbine sets can be operated concurrently at maximum capacity or separately if air power requirements are lesser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Safe Company
    Inventor: Scott Lowell
  • Patent number: 7144203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Milton L. Gerber
  • Patent number: 7104385
    Abstract: A system unloads material, such as bulk quantities of dry product, from a container, such as a railroad hopper car, in a fast and efficient manner. The container defines an interior adapted to contain a product and includes a product discharge section adapted to allow the product to pass therethrough. The material unloading system includes a product outlet line adapted to communicate with the product discharge section. The product outlet line includes a product outlet adapted to allow the product to pass therethrough. A source of pressurized fluid communicates with the product outlet line and is adapted to move product from the product discharge section to the product outlet. A source of vacuum communicates with the product outlet and is adapted to unload the product from the product outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: William R. Pearson
  • Patent number: 7080960
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting solid waste drill cuttings material produced in the drilling of an oil or gas well, the apparatus including: a waste supply apparatus; a feeder to transport the material; a pneumatic conveying apparatus to which the material is transferred from the feeder; at least one blockage sensing device in the conveyor; and a control apparatus for controlling feed rate of the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventor: George Alexander Burnett
  • Patent number: 6979166
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, Randall L. Cary, Gary Gunia
  • Patent number: 6964543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and vacuuming fibrous insulation material. A blower provides an air flow stream through an insulation feeder and a conveying hose for application of the insulation. The air flow stream velocity is selectively controlled responsive to a velocity sensor and/or a pressure sensor between the blower and insulation feeder. Preferably, an air valve connected between the blower outlet and the atmosphere is controlled responsive to the velocity sensor for thereby adjusting and controlling the air flow stream velocity. The insulation feed rate is controlled in response to the air flow pressure between the blower and feeder. An air separator and vacuum hose are selectively connected to the blower inlet such that the blower provides both an air vacuum flow stream through the separator and vacuum hose and a conveying air flow stream through the insulation feeder and conveying hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Milton L. Gerber
  • Patent number: 6890129
    Abstract: A system for discharging dried product, particularly for drying filters, drying units and the like, comprising, on a container for treating and containing a dried product, a discharge hole that is controlled by a discharge valve, interposed on a pneumatic circuit suitable to produce a circulation of fluid in output from the discharge hole. An agitator is also provided which acts on the dried product to facilitate its outward conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3V Cogeim S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Fabbri
  • Patent number: 6846134
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: GI. PI. SRL
    Inventor: Alfonso Galletti