Abstract: An intake conduit apparatus comprises an intake conduit adapted at a downstream output end thereof for connection to an intake of a vacuum conveyor, and adapted at an upstream input end thereof to facilitate entry of granular material. Ramps slope inward and downstream from the interior wall of the intake conduit, and there is a vent hole through the wall of the intake conduit adjacent to a downstream end of each ramp such that air enters the intake conduit adjacent to the downstream end of each ramp.

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 method and an apparatus for the pneumatic conveying of fine bulk material, in particular glass fibers.

Abstract: A material collecting apparatus includes a frame with an upper supporting panel, weighing device sets hung on the panel, barrels hung on a respective weighing device set, dust collectors above a respective barrel, drawing devices connected with a respective one of the dust collectors for providing sucking force, feeding conduits connected with a respective one of the barrels, a material tank having separate compartments for containing different materials therein, and control valves each having a conduit; the feeding conduits are connected with first ends of respective plural ones of the control valve conduits while the control valve conduits are connected with a respective compartment at second ends; thus, different dry materials can be conveyed from the compartments into the barrels, and collected according to respective intended weights of the materials when the apparatus is in operation; the dust collectors prevent the materials from passing out of the barrels.

Abstract: A transport system for a spherical object. The transport system has a supply of a first fluid and a passageway for communication of a spherical object in a path between an inlet and an outlet. At least part of the passageway is bounded by a first tube having a first annular wall with at least one opening through the first annular wall. The first tube guides flow of a spherical object in the first fluid from the inlet towards the outlet. The transport system further includes a source of vacuum in communication with the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The source of vacuum produces a low pressure region which causes the first fluid in the passageway to be drawn from the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The transport system further includes a supply of a second fluid which is in communication with a spherical object moving between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A granular semiconductor material transport system capable of continuous, non-contaminating transfer of granular semiconductor material from a large source vessel to a smaller and more manageable target vessel. Movement of the granular material is induced by flowing transfer fluid. The system includes a source vessel, a feed tube, a process vessel, a target vessel and a vacuum source, or mover. The source vessel contains a bulk supply of granular material to be transported. A feed tube received within the source vessel transfers the granular material entrained in a transfer fluid from the source vessel to the process vessel. The process vessel separates the granular material from any dust particles and deposits the granular material in the more manageable target vessel. The vacuum source sealably connects to the process vessel to evacuate the process vessel to set the granular polysilicon in motion within the system.

Abstract: In a collection container for bulk material with a conveying pump (204) or a suction tube arranged off center, with a container wall (202), and a substantially level container bottom, at least one removing arm (210) is adapted for movement in the vicinity of the container bottom. The removing arm (210) is arranged on a traction means and guided in the region of the container wall (202).

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

Abstract: A vacuum trailer assembly for collecting and disposing of debris. The vacuum trailer assembly includes a frame having a hitch portion and a trailer portion. The trailer portion has a plurality of wheels for supporting the frame. The hitch portion is designed for coupling to a vehicle. A vacuum assembly is coupled to the frame. The vacuum assembly includes a flexible intake tube for sucking debris into the vacuum assembly. The vacuum assembly has a discharge tube for expelling debris from the vacuum assembly. A collection bin is coupled to the frame. The collection bin is positioned whereby debris expelled from the discharge tube is collected in the collection bin. A stand assembly is coupled to the frame. The stand assembly includes a support panel designed for supporting a person thereon whereby the person can manipulate the intake tube to collect debris from an area surrounding the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises a receptacle having a receiving opening and an insertion opening for receiving rejects, a conduit having a first end and a second end and communicating with the insertion opening, and means for providing a fluid flow in the conduit for transporting the rejects. A method of collecting and transporting cigarette rejects in a cigarette manufacturing process comprises directing the rejects into a fluid stream whereby such rejects may be transported transporting the rejects in the fluid stream to a predetermined location in the cigarette manufacturing process, and separating the rejects from the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying powder substances in a pipe system, wherein a volume is sucked in with reduced pressure and discharged with increased pressure for being passed further along, characterized in that the apparatus has within the pipe system at least one metering chamber which can be alternately filled and emptied by way of control member for metering the powder substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing granular material to a loading hopper preparatory to processing includes a receptacle receiving material prior to processing thereof by machinery supplied by the hopper with a top including a first valve for selectably connecting the receptacle to vacuum or ambient air, a conduit for drawing vacuum in the receptacle, a conduit for connecting the receptacle to a supply of the granular material, a second valve for selectably permitting material flow from the receptacle into the hopper, and a sensor control for temporarily adjustably closing the first valve and opening the second valve responsively to detected presence of a suitable amount of material in the receptacle.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for loading and unloading pellets into a trailer. Conduits are positioned with at least one opening configured to direct flow toward a central longitudinal axis of the interior region. A blower is connected to an input port, and a suction device is connected to an output port to cause a flow of moving air so that pellets within the interior region are carried with the flow toward the central longitudinal axis, the collector and an output port. A pellet loading pipe has a plurality of spaced openings and deflection plates upstream of each opening. Pellets in the pipe are deflected from the openings until a clog develops downstream, at which time the pellets will exit an opening adjacent the clog until it clogs, and continuing successively until the longitudinal spaced opening proximate the loading port becomes clogged and the interior region is substantially full.

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

Abstract: An Improved Apparatus and Method for Moving and Placing Granulate is disclosed. The disclosed device is a portable, self-contained apparatus capable of discharging granulate into hard-to-reach areas, as well as providing assistance in covering vast open areas with granulate in a short time. Furthermore, the device and method described herein permit the application of granulate into areas that are normally inaccessible and would require many hours of human labor, and thereby potentially avoiding damage to the site that might be incurred if employing a prior method and device.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for transporting irregular objects such as bags filled with recycled cans through a duct in which the object is first accelerated by pneumatic pressure and subsequently decelerated after a sensor triggers the closure of the air outlets as the object approaches the output point of the system.

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 powder metering apparatus for making available a powder, in particular for powder coating, and which comprises a metering pump with a rotatably driven metering disk arranged between two lateral plates. The metering pump includes an inlet, through which it receives a powder-air mixture, and an outlet that connects via a suction tube to an injector pump. From the outlet, the powder-air mixture conveyed by means of the metering disk to the outlet is sucked out by a vacuum flow that is generated in the injector pump and enters the metering pump via a suction inlet opening, and the powder-air mixture is then supplied to a consumer.

Abstract: In an apparatus for pneumatically conveying powder substances in a pipe system, wherein a volume is sucked in with reduced pressure and discharged with increased pressure for being passed further along, provided within the pipe system is at least one metering chamber, which can be alternately filled and emptied by way of a control member, for metering the powder substance. Connected to the metering chamber are on the one hand—with the interposition of a filter—a gas pressure conduit and a suction conduit and on the other hand a feed conduit and a discharge conduit.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable portable vacuum assisted device for collecting dense matter, such as nuts, while separating and ingesting less dense matter in the same original environment as the nuts, such as leaves or other lawn refuse. The source of vacuum may be the inlet side of a lawn blower. In the invention, ambient forces, such as gravity and turbulence disengage dense solids in a gaseous stream from less dense matter in the gaseous stream induced by the vacuum means without operational malfunction caused by clogging or jamming of the device. Disengaged dense matter is collected within a collection chamber while less dense matter is ingested through and discharged by the vacuum means.

Abstract: A parts supply apparatus for moving individual electric parts from a bulk supply of electric parts to an outlet where a part mounting apparatus picks each part up. A parts guide path is located below the bulk supply so that the parts are moved therethrough by force of their own weight. The center of gravity of the parts supply apparatus is preferably located relatively far away from the outlet, so that vibration of the bulk supply of parts to move them into the parts guide path does not cause significant vibration of the outlet and interference with a secure mounting of the parts onto a part mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A particulate material accelerator conveyor includes a housing having a wall with openings therein for an air inlet, a particular material inlet, and a mixture outlet; a feed auger rotatably mounted in the housing and in fluid communication with the particulate material inlet so as to convey particulate material from the inlet into an acceleration chamber within the housing; and a fan rotatably mounted in the housing in fluid communication with the air inlet and the acceleration chamber. The fan includes a plurality of fan blades for accelerating air from the air inlet toward the housing wall and thereby providing a flow of accelerated air along the inside of the wall and toward the particulate material and move therewith toward the mixture outlet. The positioning of the fan in the housing and the resulting air flow therefrom prevents particulate material from contacting the fan blades and thereby damaging the particulate material.

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 system and corresponding method are disclosed for blowing or spraying loose-fill insulation (e.g. fiberglass) into wall cavities and the like the system including a fiber recovery or recycling subsystem that vacuums up overspray or waste fibers and forwards them back toward the hopper. A fiber collector device having a fiber inlet and outlet is mounted above the hopper, and receives the recovered waste fibers and redistributes them back into the hopper so that they mix with virgin fibers therein. The mix of recovered and virgin fibers is then blown through the blow hose toward a wall cavity or the like to be insulated.

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

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

Abstract: In order to decrease or eliminate environmental contaminants from fluent particulate matter that is removed from bulk material carriers by conventional vacuum conveyor systems, the bulk material carrier is moved into an enclosure which can be closed off from the environment after the carrier is within the enclosure. Clean air containing a prescribed maximum number of particles above a given size floods the entire enclosure and air of even greater cleanliness is fed to a selected discharge valve of the material carrier to entrain the particulate matter in the clean air streams which pass through the bulk material under the influence of the vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feed system for conveying loose pieces of a coarse particulate or pelletized hot melt material such as adhesives from a storage container to a melt tank. The system includes a transition hopper having insulation between the hopper and the melt tank to prevent premature melting of the loose adhesive pellets or pieces before they pass into a melt tank. An air supply for providing air pressure to the interior of the hopper can be attached to the hopper to prevent vapors from rising from the hot melt tank into the transition hopper and a vent opening for exhausting vapors from the hot melt tank can be located in the top of the melt tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transplanting seedlings from a starting tray into soil. The plant starting tray is positioned on a table surface and moved so that a first column of seedling cells is aligned over a slot formed through the table. A plant pusher unit pushes a seedling from its seedling cell into a transfer tube. A pressure differential is used to move the seedling from the transfer tube through a flexible seedling valve into a prepared hole in soil.

Abstract: A golf ball elevator includes a tube connected to a suction manifold and elevates golf balls to any desired height. The tube has at least one suction opening in the wall of the tube. The suction manifold covers the suction opening in the tube and draws a partial vacuum in the tube allowing golf balls to travel upwards inside the tube from a lower level to any desired height. At the desired height, the golf balls are released into a container or into another independent location. The golf ball elevator can swivel about its axis to allow the golf balls to be dispensed to surrounding locations. The golf ball elevator can also be connected to a conventional golf ball washer and dryer.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting both bagged and loose waste. The apparatus includes a hopper which is in flow communication with a waste receptacle for collecting bagged or bundled waste. The apparatus also includes a suction mechanism which draws loose waste into the waste receptacle. The hopper and the suction mechanism are arranged on the apparatus so that the hopper and/or suction mechanism can be used to collect waste without having to modify the suction mechanism and/or hopper.

Abstract: A weld wire recovery system recovers the spent weld wire pieces from steel can bodymakers. The weld wire recovery system comprises a modular collection station installed at each bodymaker. The modular collection stations are connected via headers to a single central collection station. Each modular collection station comprises an entry fitting into which the spent pieces of weld wire drop. A primary air intake is connected to each entry fitting. An exhauster at the central collection station draws transport air into the upstream end of the primary air intake and into the entry fitting at a volume and velocity sufficient to sweep the pieces downstream through the header to a separator. A dielectric flexible connector directs the pieces from the bodymaker to the entry fitting. The flexible connector can be removed from the entry fitting for sampling the condition of the pieces.

Abstract: The fabric transport system comprises a series of fluidly communicating tubes and includes: an intake line configured to receive a fabric piece from the predetermined departure location; a main line fluidly connected at one end with the intake line; a branch line being fluidly connected at its upstream end to an intermediate portion of the main line at a junction; a vacuum source connected with the downstream end of the branch line for drawing air of sufficient quantity and velocity through the intake line, the main line, and the branch line to draw a fabric piece into the intake line and the main line; and a counterflow valve positioned on an intermediate portion of the main line downstream of the junction between the main line and the branch line. The branch line includes a deposit nozzle leading to the predetermined destination.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for automatically collecting powder material displaced from between a belt conveyor and a chute which is disposed above the belt conveyor for feeding the powder material onto the belt conveyor, and for placing the collected powder material onto the belt conveyor. The device includes a) a duct device (10) disposed adjacent the chute and the belt conveyor for collecting powder material, b) a horizontally extending hollow cylinder (31) disposed above the belt conveyor, the cylinder having an air-flow inlet (33) which communicates with the duct device (10) and having a slit (34) at its bottom, the cylinder allowing an air flow from the duct device to pass along the inner surface of the cylinder, c) a blower (40) to suck air in the cylinder, and d) a chamber (35) disposed under the cylinder and having a weighted damper (36) at its bottom. When the blower is driven, an air flow is generated in the duct device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering elongate flexible objects, such as hosiery blanks or pantyhose, in proper orientation for further processing including removing one or more flexible objects from a bundle and presenting a selected end thereof, to ensure proper orientation, to an entry end of a suction tube, transporting the flexible object through the suction tube to an exit and thereof, preparing the leading end thereof for transfer and transferring the leading end of the flexible object onto an object receiving member of a further processing machine.

Abstract: In order to decrease or eliminate environmental contaminants which are added to fluent particulate matter removed from bulk material carriers by vacuum conveyor systems, the bulk material carrier is moved into an enclosure which can be closed off from the environment after the carrier is within the enclosure. Clean air containing a prescribed maximum number of particles above a given size floods the entire enclosure and air of even greater cleanliness is fed to each hatch of the material carrier to entrain the particulate matter in the clean air streams which pass though the bulk material under the influence of the vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A material is transported by suction through a transporting line (1,2) connected with a suction source (4) and communicating with atmosphere through a passage (8), and the area and shape of the passage is periodically changed by a power-drive operated element (10,11) during the transporting.

Abstract: A method of transferring material from the bottom of a body of water provides a first tank submerged at a predetermined depth above the bottom. A material source is provided at the bottom subject to ambient water pressure, and is fluidly connected with the first tank. Material is transferred from the material source to the first tank by reducing the pressure in the first tank below the ambient water pressure at the predetermined depth. The ambient water pressure at the bottom thus forces the material into the first tank. Material is transferred from the first tank to a second tank under the force of compressed air until the first tank is substantially empty of material and full of compressed air. The first tank is connected to a third tank and an air compressor, the material transfer from the first tank to the second tank taking place by the compressor transferring compressed air to the first tank from the third tank.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: Apparatus with a horizontally stretched flexible membrane is used to sealingly support a lower, openable end portion of an air-permeable sack containing powder material. A conical funnel-like sealable portion of the apparatus immediately beneath the membrane may be connected to a mechanism for applying a suction. This suction uses inward air flow from the ambient atmosphere through the air-permeable wall of the sack and the powder material contained therein, to generate a fluidized air/powder material outflow from the lower opening of the sack. The funnel-like element guides this flow and enables transfer of the air-fluidized powder material flow. To form a slurry, a conventional disperser/mixer mechanism dipped into a quantity of liquid in a tank may be connected to a suction duct to apply the desired suction. Fluidized air/powder material flow then is intensely and rapidly stirred with the liquid to form a slurry.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, and a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A fully integrated insulation spraying system with an insulation spraying subsystem for spraying wet or dry insulation and a fiber recovery subsystem for recycling waste insulation fibers and reintegrating them into the spraying process for more efficient and ecologically sound use of the insulation material. The insulation spraying subsystem includes a hopper with a rotary conveyor that conditions the fiber insulation and carries it into a standby chamber which is connected an airlock that introduces the fibers into a moving airstream. The airstream carries the fibers to the spraying head where moisture is added to promote adhesion of the insulation. A pneumatically powered insulation shaver is provided for smoothing the insulation after it is applied.

Abstract: A connector delivery system delivers an electrical connector component from a storage container to a processing station regardless of the relative orientation of the storage container to the processing station. The storage container contains a plurality of the connector components. A delivery conduit communicates between the storage container and the processing station. An air jet is located within the delivery conduit for effecting a pressure differential therewithin to create a vacuum to cause movement of the connector components in the delivery conduit in a downstream direction from the storage container to the processing station without the use of gravitational forces. A selector pawl upstream of the air jet feeds the connector components through the delivery conduit one component at a time in an incremental fashion. An orientation track between the selector pawl and the air jet is effective to deliver the connector components in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: Mat forming apparatus comprising, in combination, a hollow material transporting member, drive structure for producing a pressure differential across spaced portions of the transporting member so that material is propelled from one of the spaced portions to the other within the hollow transporting member, material directing structure communicating with the drive structure for receiving material from the hollow transporting structure and, responsive to the drive structure, operative to direct the received material in a predetermined path, the hollow transporting member having a non-linear inner surface so that flow in the hollow transporting member is turbulent causing the material being transported therein to experience turbulent flow in being propelled from one of the spaced portions to the other, and structure associated with the material directing structure for receiving the material and confining the received material in a defined space.

Abstract: An arrangement for transferring bulk goods from ships into silos by means of suction and pressure conveyance. The arrangement includes a suction conveying line with suction nozzle to be placed in the ship and leading to a lock-type receiving container. A pressure-conveying line leads from the container to the silo. A screw-type pump is provided at the bottom of the container for continuously feeding the material to the pressure conveying line. The material travels through the container by gravity. The receiving container includes container segments which are arranged so as to be telescopically extendable. All components of the arrangement are mounted on a road-travelling vehicle. During operation, the segments of the container are extended. During travel, the container segments are slid into each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of ore from the hold of a bulk carrier vessel. The prior art employes a boom mounted vacuum probe which is lowered into the ore material to effect unloading. This invention adds material handling hoses between the boom mounted vacuum probe and wheeled vehicles with attached aspirated suction nozzles. Further, the wheeled vehicles are powered from a stationary hydraulic pumping unit connected to the existing electric power of the boom mounted vacuum probe. Ore unloading efficiency is improved when the ore level in the hold reaches a depth of approximately two feet or less by providing wheeled vehicles carrying aspirated suction nozzles over the decking of the hold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic transfer terminal adapted to receive and dispatch a non-captive, tubular article carrier of predetermined length from and to a single pneumatic transfer tube. The terminal includes a carrier receiver having the internal chamber dimensioned to receive an article carrier therein and to position the carrier in operable alignment with the transfer tube. The carrier receiver includes a first opening for communicating the chamber with the transfer tube and a second opening for insertion and removal of the carrier into and from the chamber. A blower assembly is attached to the transfer tube and is operable to create a vacuum therein. A gate mechanism is operable to open and close the second opening. The gate means includes a generally planar gate movable between a first position where the gate mechanism covers the second opening and a second position wherein the gate is removed from the second opening. An actuator connects the motor to the planar gate.

Abstract: A setting machine for transplanting plugged seedlings of vegetables along predetermined transplantation ridges in a field used in combination with seedling culture trays made of synthetic resin and formed with cells as through-holes. The setting machine includes a taking-out device for supporting the seedling culture trays and for selectively taking the seedlings out of open bottoms of the cells successively. The taking-out device includes a selecting member adapted to be two-dimensionally positioned in a plane in parallel with the bottom surface of the seedling culture tray, and formed with selecting holes to be aligned with the cells of the seedling culture tray. The setting machine further includes a transfer device for forcibly transferring the seedlings taken out of the cells to a predetermined position by the action of negative pressure, and a transplanting device for transplanting the seedlings into the ground along predetermined transplantation ridges.