Abstract: A laser 3D printer presents a tubular compartment; a lifting platform engaged in a sliding manner in the tubular compartment; a dispenser for feeding a given amount of powdered material onto the lifting platform; a distributor for distributing the powdered material over the lifting platform; and a laser printing head for sintering the powdered material laid on the lifting platform; the dispenser being defined by two pipes, which are coaxial, are mobile with respect to one another about a rotation axis, and have respective openings configured for facing each other radially so as to define an outlet for the powdered material from the dispenser itself.

Abstract: Method for feeding material into a shaping device in a pneumatic materials conveying system, in which method material, such as waste material is fed into a shaping device, and/or through it, in a feeder channel by the aid of at least partly gravity and at least partly suction and/or a pressure difference, which shaping device is a rotary shaper, with which the material is processed so as to be denser and is conveyed onwards. In the material infeed direction before the rotary shaper is a movable arresting device, which arresting device has a first position, in which it extends into the feeder channel and in which first position the arresting device receives at least some of the force effect produced by the material in the feeder channel and in which the transfer of the material in the feeder channel is limited, if necessary, with the arresting device, and which arresting device has a second position, in which the arresting device does not extend into the feeder channel.

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

Abstract: A material collection unit for a material handling system is disclosed. The material collection unit includes an elongated housing section, a separator, and an accumulation bin. The separator is disposed within the housing section and partially bisects the elongated housing section into first and second sections. The first section is in communication with an inlet for materials to pass through. The second section is in communication with an exhaust. The accumulation bin is disposed below the elongated housing and has an open top section that is in communication with the elongated housing section and a second opening that is configured to mate with an opening of a baler unit.

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

Abstract: A rock dusting apparatus comprising: a housing; a tank mounted within the housing which comprises a removable top wall member, a sidewall member and a bottom wall member configured to form an internal tank compartment for holding and mixing a rock dust composition; a mixer positioned on the bottom wall member for mixing the rock dust composition; a tank discharge port positioned on the bottom wall member or a lower portion of the sidewall member through which the rock dust composition can be discharged from the tank; a conduit extending from the tank discharge port to a housing discharge port; the conduit comprising a pump for transporting the rock dust composition through the conduit and through a discharge line operatively connected to the housing discharge port; and one or more motors mounted within the housing for powering the mixer and the pump.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pneumatic tube system station that reduces the impact applied to carriers received by the station. More specifically, the station utilizes a compliant ramp that reduces impact shock applied to carriers as they fall into receiving stations under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A loading apparatus of a silo includes a pneumatic filling circuit connecting the silo to a tanker for transporting a granular or powdery material and a filtering device suitable to filter the compressed transport gas coming out of the silo. A recovery device of at least part of the energy contained in the compressed transport gas of the granular or powdery material is arranged between the tanker and the silo.

Abstract: A decelerator comprising a deceleration tank and an extraction conveyor is disclosed. The decelerator is adapted for use with apples or similar objects. These objects are delivered to the tank from a pneumatic tube transport system. The tank contains a quantity of liquid such as water. In one embodiment, the objects splash into the water and are extracted from the water by an extraction conveyor. In a second embodiment, a baffle gate divides the tank between a forward section and a rear section. The delivered objects splash into the water in the forward section, travel under the baffle gate, and are extracted from the water by an extraction conveyor in communication with the rear tank section. In another embodiment, the tank is divided into first, second and third sections by selectively appeasable gate which provides an air lock arrangement. The extraction conveyor can comprise a plurality of side belts and a plurality of foraminous, flexible cradles hung between the belts.

Abstract: A method for draining the tank space (20) of a supply tank (1) in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, from material (10), such as waste material, said conveying system comprising at least one feed point of material, particularly waste material, such as a supply tank (1); said tank comprising a tank space (20); in which method the tank space is drained to a conveyor pipe (2, 100) by opening a drain valve (3), so that the underpressure prevailing in the conveyor pipe, together with the ambient pressure prevailing in the supply tank, conveys material from the supply tank to the conveyor pipe (2, 100). In the method, makeup air is brought to the vicinity of the outlet aperture (8) of the supply tank (1), and the material (10) is guided by a partition wall element (9) towards the outlet aperture, so that the makeup air affects the material to be discharged (10) in the vicinity of the outlet aperture (8), at least during the draining step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.

Abstract: A dense phase flow product delivery system for an agricultural implement is provided. The system comprises a primary container configured to accommodate dispensed product and that includes a product exit. The system also comprises a pressure supply assembly configured to provide a pressurized fluid to the primary container and a delivery conduit connected to the product exit and configured to permit the dispensed product to pass there through. The system further comprises a purge supply configured to provide a purge fluid to the delivery conduit. The system is configured for a dispensing operation in which the pressurized fluid forces the dispensed product in the primary container to flow through the delivery conduit in a delivery direction. The system is also configured for a purging operation in which the purge fluid forces residual product in the delivery conduit to flow in a direction opposite the delivery direction.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: A device for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow in a duct comprises 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 means of a flow-constricting orifice. The effect of the device is to increase the pressure of a vessel into which particulate material is discharged from the duct, thereby reducing the velocity of the material flow.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the application of a sprayed insulation mixture, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for applying the sprayed mixture in high reach areas of extended elevation and removing any excess mixture therefrom. In one embodiment of a system for spraying an insulation mixture into a cavity and removing any excess mixture therefrom, the system preferably comprises a lift defining upper end lower ends, with the upper end of the lift being adjustably movable between lowered and raised positions. An insulation applicator is located on the lift proximal to the upper end for spraying the insulation mixture into the cavity. The applicator may be rotatably connected to the lift and driven to move in a reciprocating, sweeping motion. A scrubber is also located on the lift, preferably above the applicator, for removing or scrubbing any excess insulation from the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for discharging a fire retardant material. A container element may be connected to a pressurized gas source controllable to pressurize the container element and to flow a gas and fire retardant material mixture through a discharge conduit. A discharge device may be connected at an inlet to the discharge conduit. The discharge device may have an inlet duct attached to an inlet end of an expansion section. The expansion section may be connected to an inlet end of an outlet duct having an outlet nozzle. A diffuser may be disposed in the inlet duct and an upstream portion and may be attached in the upstream portion. The diffuser may have a nose element attached by a diffuser shaft to a base element with a rotor element having multiple vanes rotatably attached to the diffuser shaft intermediate the nose and base elements.

Abstract: An access chamber assembly for use in a pneumatic transport system with a sealing arrangement that provides an intended bearing clearance relative to an access door device which is rotated between an open, access state and a closed state. The bearing clearance allows for radial adjustment of the door while being rotated between states of being fully closed and fully open to avoid binding and seal friction noise.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a plate-shaped work piece transporting apparatus that has a fan, a dust-removal filter disposed above this fan, and a plate-shape porous member disposed above the dust-removal filter. By forming a chamber in which air can accumulate between the porous member and the dust-removal filter, it is possible to suppress air pulsations. Further, by providing support members on the porous member, the plate-shaped work piece can be supported and damage thereto can be avoided when the plate-shaped work piece, which is supported by air from the fan, drops to below a set height.

Abstract: Adjustable discharge apparatus include a first conduit apparatus with a first conduit section extending along an arcuate path about a pivot axis. A second conduit apparatus is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis in a telescoping relationship with the first conduit apparatus. Adjustable discharge apparatus kits are also provided with a first conduit apparatus, a second conduit apparatus and a third conduit apparatus. The second and third conduit apparatus of the kit are for selective mounting to the first conduit apparatus.

Abstract: An air track includes a concave top surface with a plurality of air outlets or a flat surface with a notch and a plurality of air outlets. The body of the air track includes at least one air filter that runs along the length of at least a portion of the body. The air filter divides the body into a first plenum and a second plenum. The air track also includes a hood covering at least a portion of the top surface. The air track further includes a stopper assembly that arrests the motion of a disk. The stopper assembly includes a disk detector that senses the presence of the disk on the air track.

Abstract: Particulate material entrained in pressurized gas such as compressed air is conveyed from a pressure vessel to a discharge vessel through a conveyor duct. The discharge end of the duct is fitted with a flow restrictor producing a discrete constriction of the flow discharging from the duct into the vessel with the result that the pressure drop along the main part of the duct is reduced so that lower velocities can be maintained within the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying solids from a process vessel in which the vessel has a plurality of eductors sequentially oriented end-to-end from a vessel inlet to the vessel outlet. Conveying fluid enters the inlet drawing bulk particulates via the eductor series through the outlet.

Abstract: An ejector mountable on a planar wall of a housing for gathering and conveying particulate material to within such housing generally consisting of a flat base plate segment mountable on such planar wall member, a first set of flat plates joined together and with the base plate segment defining a converging fluid passageway, a second set of flat plate segments joined together and with the first set of plate segments and the base plate segment defining a restricted fluid passageway communicating with the converging fluid passageway and a third set of flat plate segments joined together and with the second set of plate segments and the base plate segment defining a diverging fluid passageway communicating with the restricted fluid passageway, one of the plate segments having a first inlet opening through which a stream of pressurized fluid may be injected into the converging and restricted fluid passageways, one of the plate segments having a second inlet opening through which fluid may be suctioned by a negativ

Abstract: A nurse inductor mechanism for an agricultural seeding implement converts an air seeder meter box into a nurse inductor box to convey seed particles to the singulator of a planting mechanism. The nurse inductor mechanism is detachably mounted on the meter box of the air seeder to receive a supply of seed particles therefrom. The nurse induction mechanism intercepts the normal air flow for the metering mechanism to divert the stream of air into engagement with a pile of seed particles and induce the entrainment of the seed particles for conveyance thereof to the remote planting mechanism. A partition wall divides the nurse induction mechanism into a seed side and an air side. The seed side receives the supply of seed particles from the hopper and allows the seed to pass through a passageway into the air side for engagement by the stream of air.

Abstract: The slurry distributor comprises two or more square pipe sections in end-to-end relation having an inlet at one end for connection to a slurry supply and provided with discharge openings equally spaced longitudinally thereof; on each side of the square pipe for discharge of the slurry, the openings being successively obstructed manually or by deposited solids from the slurry itself piling up on the original ground level. The distributor is used to control the slurry composition for dyke building and general tailings disposal consisting of mine tailings.

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: A conventional dry van trailer is modified to include a recessed bulkhead at the back of the trailer having a material inlet that communicates on its exterior side with a flexible fill tube and on its interior side with a rigid distribution conduit. The distribution conduit extends along the top wall of the trailer to an open free end near the front of the trailer. A bottom-opening distribution slot extends from the open free end of the conduit rearwardly along a substantial length of the trailer. The fill tube is connected to a grinder/blower unit which delivers a high velocity flow of ground plastic scrap into the tube and conduit is discharged therefrom through the open end and distribution slot of the conduit in a manner to fill the trailer from front to back. A two-stage coarse/fine filter permits air to escape from the trailer while retaining the solid material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling agricultural or horticultural products, for instance tomatoes or apples, wherein the products are transported in at least one reservoir filled with water substantially at a transporting level determined by the water surface in accordance with at least one transport path in the direction from a supply to a discharge.In order to reduce the required transporting space the method according to the invention has the feature that in order to buffer products the upper level of at least one product mass is carried by a level adjusting buffering device to a level other than the transporting level.The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A fast cycle system for transport of particulate material in dense phase has a feeder assembly dispensing material into a pulse pod assembly. The latter is connected to a pressurized pipeline and the pod of material is sent into the pipeline upon receipt of a pressure drop signal. Boosters spaced along the pipeline selectively vent and pressurize the pipeline driving the pod through to a receiver. The system including a receiving hopper and discharge valve in the receiving hopper for imparting, when actuated, peristaltic motion to the particulate material moving in the pipeline.

Abstract: Apparatus 10 for discharging particulate material such as sand has a container 11 for the material, a supply conduit 20 for pressure gas, e.g. air, connected to an inlet 16 and via pipe 17 to an outlet 12 and a flexible discharge conduit 14 leading to nozzle 15. Flow in conduit 20 is controlled by a manually operable valve 21 biassed closed and when open gas and particulate material flow forcefully through nozzle 15. All the gas goes through valve 21. The apparatus can thus be controlled by an operative remote from the container 11 without consumption of pressure gas when valve 21 is closed. The valve 21 is mounted for convenient operation by a user. In a modification the valve 21 is nearer the container and operated from near the nozzle through a mechanical connection.

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 achieving uniform distribution of airborne fibres, for instance cellulose-fibres, in the outlet of a conduit intended for the air-transport of fibres, the device being placed in the outlet (10) of the conduit. In accordance with the invention, the device includes a plurality of mutually similar, concentrically arranged circular rotors (1) and a plurality of semi-circular stators (6) which are disposed between the rotors on the outlet side of the device.

Abstract: A pillow filling arrangement characterized by a hopper into which filler material is introduced and caused to fluff by a pusher fan(s), resulting in optimum buoyancy and loft. Consistent filler material weight is achieved due to preestablished timer action, such being without the necessity of physical weighing and largely irrespective of the type of filler material involved. Additionally, the arrangement is operated from a single main control, usable in both manual and automatic modes, and representing a convenience in satisfying all operational needs at the same location.

Abstract: A metering apparatus for introducing free-flowing, powdered substances in a controlled manner into spaces under pressure consists of a storing unit,a proportioning unit consisting of a shaft which is sealed in a housing with the aid of sealing rings and glands, can be rotated alternately through 180.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling spacer frames for insulating glass with hygroscopic granulated material wherein the conduit connecting a storage tank with the discharge opening for the granulated material exhibits a section having a relatively large cross section and a section having a relatively small cross section, which latter section is turned in the upward direction and the axis of which is offset in the upward direction with respect to the axis of the section having a relatively large cross section. This apparatus is utilized, for example, in a machine for filling spacer frames for insulating glass including two processing arrangements with which holes can be produced in legs of the spacer frame, granulated material can be introduced, and the holes can be resealed.

Abstract: An acceleration nozzle for particles entrained in a carrier gas comprises a first central nozzle having a first diverging cross-section, and an extension nozzle section extending from the first nozzle. The extension nozzle section has a flare or diverging angle which is greater than that of the first acceleration nozzle. The nozzle extension is surrounded about its mouth or opening by a second nozzle forming a casing or housing therearound; the second nozzle being connected to a source of gas. In a preferred embodiment, instead of utilizing two distinct gas sources to supply the first acceleration nozzle and the second "housing" nozzle, a portion of the gas passing through the acceleration nozzle may be diverted by means of slits built into the latter. The slits act as a separator of the gaseous phases and solid particles, and prevent the solid particles from penetrating the second nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerating solid particles entrained in a carrier gas so as to maximize the velocity of the particles at the output end of a duct is presented. This maximized or optimal acceleration is achieved by varying the cross section of the duct over at least the last 5 meters upstream from the opening thereof. Preferrably, the cross section of the duct should continuously increase i.e. diverge, towards the opening. This diverging cross section is preferrably in accordance with a nonlinear function of the length.

Abstract: A process as disclosed forming a non-agueous, free-flowing composition. The process involves treating a finely divided inorganic or organic material with liquid carbon dioxide to form a slurry. The treated material is separated from the slurry and shows suprising free-flowing, nonagglomerated behavior.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring solid particles to a receptacle comprises a primary loading tube (2) containing at its lower end an annular gas supply chamber (3) coaxially aligned within it. The innermost surface of the annular chamber (3) forms a secondary loading tube (6) which has a Coanda surface (12) at its lower end. A slot (11) is provided between the innermost surface of the gas supply chamber (3) and the Coanda surface (12) to form a Coanda nozzle.The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in loading catalyst to a reactor and achieving a high packing density with a low voidage.In use, particles falling near the center of the primary loading tube are entrained and separated by gas emerging from the Coanda nozzle and have a high velocity imparted to them.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing trim from a conveying fluid medium including a conduit defining a generally rectangular shaped exit opening. A fluid flow attachment plate leads from the opening for redirecting movement of the fluid medium. A screen for interrupting movement of the trim and separating it from the fluid medium is attached to the fluid flow attachment plate.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a wall (7) from which tennis balls (13) fall into a chute (8) fitted with lateral ramp sections (15, 16). The balls are carried along the chute by an endless conveyor (14) fitted with ball-entrainment (14). The balls are guided down a sloping section (18) at an end of the chute (14) by guides (19) and are then sucked along a flexible tube (11) to a rigid conduit (26). The conduit (26) has an end (21) of enlarged section fitted with a hinged closure flap (22) and an underpressure generating device (23).

Abstract: A dredging vessel, specifically intended for the dredging of rivers or similar water courses, equipped with propulsion means allowing the vessel to move independently through the water; an adjustable suction line, with suction head, connected to the suction side of a pump installed in the vessel; and a discharge pipe, connected to the delivery side of the pump, rotatable about an approximately vertical axis and terminating in a nozzle with adjustable passage opening.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transporting coal in finely divided form in a coal/liquid slurry. Liquid carbon dioxide, which can be formed by burning coal at the coal source point and liquefying the resulting gaseous carbon dioxide, serves as the slurry liquid. The slurry is pumped through a slurry pipeline to the coal use point under conditions of temperature and pressure to maintain the carbon dioxide in liquefied form. Subsequent to deslurrying, the coal-free carbon dioxide can be liquefied and returned through a liquid pipeline to the coal source point for reuse. The use of liquid carbon dioxide as a slurry medium is also applicable to transporting other finely divided solids such as ores and the like.

Abstract: Coal mixed with steam is carried through a pipeline to a coke oven where the mixture is introduced through an opening in the oven top directly downwardly into the oven at a location remote from the exhaust outlet in the top of the coke oven.