Abstract: An air flow system for an air seeding machine includes a tank configured to store an agricultural commodity, a plenum, conduits, and a blower configured to push air flow through the plenum and the conduits to the tank. The plenum includes a uniformly-sloped side wall and geometric first and second ends bounding the side wall. The plenum further includes bleed ports coupled to bleed conduits and configured to conduct air flow to an interior volume of the tanks. The plenum further includes primary ports coupled to primary conduits and configured to conduct air flow to the tanks. The primary conduits receive commodity from the tanks to be deposited in the soil. The geometry of the plenum facilitates an adequate balance of air flow between the primary and bleed conduits so that the commodity most-effectively enters the air stream conducted by the primary conduits.

Abstract: A plenum of distributing a flow of air from an air source includes ports extending from a face element of a body. The ports are configured to direct the flow of air out of the plenum, and the ports are arranged on the face element in a first row having first length, a second row having a second length, and a third row having a third length. The first row is positioned proximate to the top element, the third row is positioned proximate to the bottom element, and the second row is positioned between the first row and the third row. In addition, the second length is greater than the first length and the third length, and a shape of the face element is configured to accommodate the first length of the first row, the second length of the second row, and the third length of the third row.

Abstract: A plenum of distributing a flow of air from an air source includes ports extending from a face element of a body. The ports are configured to direct the flow of air out of the plenum, and the ports are arranged on the face element in a first row having first length, a second row having a second length, and a third row having a third length. The first row is positioned proximate to the top element, the third row is positioned proximate to the bottom element, and the second row is positioned between the first row and the third row. In addition, the second length is greater than the first length and the third length, and a shape of the face element is configured to accommodate the first length of the first row, the second length of the second row, and the third length of the third row.

Abstract: A seed dispersion unit for distributing a plurality of seeds includes a single inlet for the plurality of seeds, a chamber in communication with the single inlet, and a plurality of outlet conduits in communication with the chamber. Each of the plurality of outlet conduits is configured to transfer a portion of the plurality of seeds from the chamber. An annular base defines a portion of the chamber. Each of the outlet conduits extends radially from the base.

Abstract: A solid particle flow distribution controller includes an extension skirt configured to be mounted to a discharge skirt at a division between an upstream solid particle conveyance pipe and a plurality of downstream pipes. The extension skirt includes a plurality of circumferential segments. Each segment is movably mounted to the discharge skirt for movement in an upstream and downstream direction with respect to the discharge skirt. The segments of the extension skirt are configured and adapted for motion in the upstream and downstream direction independent of one another to extend upstream of the discharge skirt as needed to improve solid particle distribution among the downstream pipes.

Abstract: An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.

Abstract: A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.

Abstract: A method and system enables sectional control for an air seeding system of a farm implement by exposing a main header, or selected ports of the main header, to a purging air flow when product flow through the selected ports is stopped. A plenum of air is fluidly coupled to the main header and provides a purging air flow to any exit port of the main header that has been shut off from product flow. Valves are used to selectively flow couple the exit ports of the main header to the product flow and to the purging air flow.

Abstract: A brine generating system is disclosed for use with an underground storage tank, the system including a main salt delivery channel that branches into two horizontal feed lines through a reducer to deliver salt under pressure to the bottom of the storage tank in a generally equal distribution along the tank floor. The salt distribution system can be combined with a water distribution system to ensure delivery of water at the location of the salt deposits along the tank floor.

Abstract: An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.

Abstract: An air seeder venting system comprising a filter screen mounted in a distribution head of an air seeder for separating seeds from air fed from a supply conduit, the distribution head having an inlet in communication with the supply conduit, a plurality of seed outlets in communication with seeding lines, and an air exhaust, wherein the filter screen is located so as to have at an upstream side the inlet and the plurality of seed outlets, and at a downstream side the air exhaust.

Abstract: A manifold and distribution manifold assembly is described for use in dividing the flow of an air-entrained material from a primary distribution line into a plurality of secondary distribution lines. The manifold is formed of a single molded piece thereby reducing the overall tooling cost. One application of such a distribution manifold assembly is in an air seeder.

Abstract: A lid for a distribution manifold is described where the manifold has an inlet opening defining an axis, access opening opposite the inlet and a plurality of radially extending outlet ports. The lid for the access opening includes a mounting member adapted to couple the lid to the manifold to close the access opening, a cone coupled to the mounting member and extending axially toward the inlet opening of the manifold when the lid is coupled to the manifold, and a single piece retainer adapted to secure the cone to the mounting member without additional fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is a transfer apparatus for a substrate, including a substrate housing container housing a substrate therein and having a transfer-in/out port for the substrate formed in a side surface thereof; a gas jet unit jetting a predetermined gas toward a rear surface of the substrate in the substrate housing container; and a control unit regulating a supply amount of the predetermined gas supplied from the gas jet unit to control the substrate in the substrate housing container to a predetermined height.

Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.

Abstract: A system and a method for feeding a solid into a solid deposition system is described. Solid contained in a hopper is directed into a vibratory bowl. The frequency of the vibrations of the vibratory bowl can be modulated by a feedback system. The solid can then be entrained in a carrier gas which can flow to a distributor for deposition on a substrate.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance system for thin film material deposition includes a first fluid distribution manifold and a second distribution manifold. The first fluid distribution manifold includes an output face that includes a plurality of elongated slots. The plurality of elongated slots includes a source slot and an exhaust slot. The second fluid distribution manifold includes an output face that includes a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings include a source opening and an exhaust opening. The second fluid distribution manifold is positioned spaced apart from and opposite the first fluid distribution manifold such that the source opening of the output face of the second fluid distribution manifold mirrors the source slot of the output face of the first fluid distribution manifold and the exhaust opening of the output face of the second fluid distribution manifold mirrors the exhaust slot of the output face of the first fluid distribution manifold.

Abstract: A discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material comprising a conveying pipe, a conveying gas source, and a plurality of removal points. The conveying pipe forms a conveying path for the bulk material. The conveying gas source is connected to the conveying pipe and is configured to supply conveying gas in the direction of the conveying path. The removal points allow gas to be removed from the conveying pipe. The removal points are arranged on the conveying pipe at a distance from one another along the conveying path, and are adjustable in terms of quantity of gas flow to be removed from the conveying pipe. Controlled removal of excess gas from the conveying pipe can therefore be achieved to reduce the gas velocity, such that the conveying remains steady and stable without a stepwise increase in the cross section of the conveying pipe along the conveying path.

Abstract: A method and a system distribute fluidizable materials from a reservoir of materials to one or more material receiving units. The distribution system has at least two hydraulic levels between the reservoir and the material receiving units. The system further includes a fluidizing element with good dynamic response properties. The system can be used for distribution of alumina and/or fluoride to feeding equipment in electrolysis cells with a reduced consumption of fluidizing gas.

Abstract: A dual cylinder positive displacement pump is used to move drill cuttings. The pump may include one or more of a self-sealing wear ring member/wear plate member interface, stainless steel pumping cylinders, and a hopper with an inclined surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of, and an arrangement for, filling a large-capacity silo with a fluidizable material while preventing air-flow or gas-flow separation, in the case of which the material-charging operation takes place in a controlled manner via a delivery line, feed channel and air- or gas-delivery channels into the top part of the large-capacity silo, towards the silo wall, and downwards to the surface of the material above the base of the large-capacity silo. The material-charging operation is combined with a uniform and controlled suction-extraction operation for air or gas, which is carried out by means of one or more essentially annular suction-extraction lines, arranged directly beneath the silo top, or via annular suction gaps on the material-outflow heads.

Abstract: Method for conveying a pulverulent material making it possible to divide said pulverulent material, from a single storage capacity (10), between several conveyors (50) with a controlled flow rate in each of said conveyors, characterized in that said storage capacity is linked to said conveyors by at least one aero-pipe (30) and in that a hyperdense fluidized meter (40), is connected to said aero-pipe, said hyperdense fluidized meter being intended to feed each of the conveyors.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for transporting a carrier includes a first transport tube coupled to a first transport station and a second transport tube coupled to a second transport station. A distributor coupled to the first transport tube and the second transport tube includes a carousel having at least one storage chamber. The carousel is rotatable about an axis to align the storage chamber with the first transport tube and the second transport tube. A source of airflow coupled to the distributor facilitates movement of the carrier through the first transport tube and into the storage chamber of the carousel, and facilitates movement of the carrier from the storage chamber of the carousel into the second transport tube. An associated method for transporting the carrier includes the step of moving the carrier from the first transport tube in a first direction into the storage chamber of the distributor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the transportation of sulfur pellets with the recovery of sulfur fines is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps and apparatus which include pumping water from a water supply into solid sulfur pellets with a jet-venturi/eductor pumping system to produce a sulfur water slurry containing sulfur pellets and sulfur fines, pumping the sulfur water slurry with one or more rotating disk/boundary layer pumps to a series of static screens to remove large lumps and impurities, a sulfur fines slurry, and a washed sulfur pellet slurry, contacting the sulfur pellet slurry with a dewatering disk to remove substantially all the remaining water, transporting the dewatered sulfur pellets to storage, pumping the sulfur fines slurry to a hydrocyclone to separate all the water from the sulfur fines, recycling the recovered water to said water supply following the addition of an alkaline neutralizing agent when needed, and recovering the sulfur fines.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling a silo (1) with a fluidizable material. The arrangement includes conveying devices (5, 9) for supplying material to an upper area of the silo and a central material distributor (10). The material distributor includes a tank (29) which has an inlet (28) and one or more distributor pipes (26, 26′) for distributing material to one or more feed units (11, 11′)which convey the material down towards the surface of the material in the silo.

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: A system and method for conveying and dispensing packing material, such as a chain of linked air bags which includes a pressurized pathway and an elongated hopper that conveys and dispenses the air bags. The hopper includes a plurality of air jets that transfer the bags between each jet to a remote end of the hopper, and a series of dispensing ports so the bags may be accessed by several users. The hopper further includes a venting and display surfaces throughout its length.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for effecting the transportation of sulfur pellets with the recovery of sulfur fines is disclosed. This is accomplished by a combination of steps and apparatus which include pumping water from a water supply into solid sulfur pellets with a jet-venturi/eductor pumping system to produce a sulfur water slurry containing sulfur pellets and sulfur fines, pumping the sulfur water slurry with one or more rotating disk boundary layer pumps to a series of static screens to remove large lumps and impurities, a sulfur fines slurry, and a washed sulfur pellet slurry, contacting the sulfur pellet slurry with a dewatering disk to remove substantially all the remaining water, transporting the dewatered sulfur pellets to storage, pumping the sulfur fines slurry to a hydrocyclone to separate all the water from the sulfur fines, recycling the recovered water to said water supply following the addition of an alkaline neutralizing agent when needed, and recovering the sulfur fines.

Abstract: A process for continuous conveying of a fine-grained and/or pulverized solid to two or more target points by a conveying medium, e.g. gas. The solid is charged into a distribution vessel and from there to several target points by respective supply lines each at a desired target flow rate intended for target point. The target flow rate for each target point is divided into at least two partial target flow rates from the distribution vessel via separate partial supply lines. The partial target flow rates are reunited at the respective target points at the latest. To adjust the target flow rate at a target point at a specific level, individual partial supply lines leading to this target point are alternatively kept shut-off or open.

Abstract: Process for radial distribution of fluid into a fluid mass wherein fluid is radially conveyed within and isolated from the fluid mass and discharged via a plurality of distribution points located radially in the fluid mass.

Abstract: An arrangement for sorting a first category of fibers having a first set of properties into at least a second category of fibers having a second set of properties and a third category of fibers having a third set of properties. The arrangement comprises a sorting channel including at least one travelling teeth laden carrier surface driven in a first direction within the sorting channel. The sorting channel further includes at least a first inlet and at least first and second outlets. A first energy field flows through the sorting channel in a second direction. The first category of fibers are plied to the travelling teeth carried on the driven carrier surface and the first energy field causes at least the longer fibers from the first category to be held latched onto the travelling teeth as it washes and strips away shorter fibers and impurities producing the second category of fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and process feed at a controlled rate a free-flowing particulate material entrained in a carrier gas. The apparatus includes a gastight closed supply vessel for holding a supply of the particulate material and a riser tube inside the supply vessel, the bottom end of which is open near the bottom of the supply vessel and faces a venturi nozzle connected or adapted to be connected to a propellant gas supply. A bend at the top end of the riser tube leads by way of a duct outside the supply vessel. The riser tube includes an upwardly directed aperture at the beginning of the bend inside the supply vessel in axial alignment with the riser tube.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for bulk material includes a loading tube having a longitudinal axis, an outer tube surface, an inner tube surface and a material discharge end; a deflection body having an outer body surface and being arranged generally coaxially with the loading tube at the material discharge end thereof. The deflection body is situated partially inside and partially outside of the loading tube. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface together define an annular channel surrounding the longitudinal axis. The outer body surface and the inner tube surface each has a terminal peripheral portion together defining a circumferential, deflecting and accelerating duct forming part of the annular channel and terminating in an annular outlet slot surrounding the longitudinal axis. The terminal peripheral portion of the outer body surface is oriented away from the longitudinal axis such as to effect a radially outward flow of the bulk material from the loading tube.

Abstract: Separation of a high temperature (e.g., 300.degree.-1200.degree. C.) and high pressure (e.g., 2-20 bar) solids-gas stream from a pressurized fluidized bed reactor into solids and gas while reducing the pressure of both the gas and solids takes place in a vertical de-entrainment vessel having a packed bed of solids within it. The possibility of fluidization of the solids is minimized by causing the velocity of the gas component of the solids-gas stream to be reduced during, or just prior to, introduction of the gas into the packed bed of solids, e.g., by providing an expanding conical end to the inlet for the solids-gas stream into the vessel. A gas permeable solids impermeable element may also or alternatively be connected to the inlet and extend toward (optionally all the way to) the side wall of the vessel, to substantially prevent fluidization.

Abstract: Separation of a high temperature (e.g., 300.degree.-1200.degree. C.) and high pressure (e.g., 2-20 bar) solids-gas stream from a pressurized fluidized bed reactor into solids and gas while reducing the pressure of both the gas and solids takes place in a vertical de-entrainment vessel having a packed bed of solids within it. The possibility of fluidization of the solids is minimized by causing the velocity of the gas component of the solids-gas stream to be reduced during, or just prior to, introduction of the gas into the packed bed of solids, e.g., by providing an expanding conical end to the inlet for the solids-gas stream into the vessel. A gas permeable solids impermeable element may also or alternatively be connected to the inlet and extend toward (optionally all the way to) the side wall of the vessel, to substantially prevent fluidization.

Abstract: A pneumatic filter transport system has a gate (18) in a section of conveying duct (2), which gate and is openable in response to signals indicating a filter rod jam in a receiver unit (15) connected to the duct. Once opened, the gate allows remaining filters in the duct to be directed to a dump (30): this reduces the risk of a receiver jam developing into a line jam (which is more difficult to clear). The gate may be provided in a curved section of duct just upstream of the receiver. The duct may incorporate a longitudinally-extending partition (60), which allows removal from the duct of loose material (e.g., carbon granules) which has become separated from the conveyed filters. The duct may have longitudinal slots (68) which allow conveying air to exhaust from the duct upstream of the receiver.

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: The invention disclosed is an apparatus for automatically testing condoms comprising a retrieving mechanism to present condoms from a large batch receptacle to an orienting mechanism, the orienting mechanism to orient each condom into the same configuration and orientation, a suction mechanism to move the condoms through the apparatus, a receiving mechanism to receive the oriented condom and position each condom onto a loading mechanism, the loading mechanism for loading the condom onto the testing mandrel, a mandrel shuttling mechanism to move the mandrels to the test position and a condom testing mechanism.

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: An apparatus having a closed channel or container for transporting and/or distributing fluidizable material includes an air- or gas-permeable wall arranged in the channel and forming a partition between an upper pathway for the fluidizable material and a lower flue to which is fed fluidizing gas from a gas source via a tube. An inlet is provided for feeding fluidizable material to the channel. The apparatus also includes one or more outlets for continual or intermittent run off of material from the channel, and a tube for ventilating the channel. The channel is equipped at its inlet with pipe stub extending into the upper pathway. An area defined under the pipe stub is inactive or is equipped with a separately arranged fluidizing wall with a separate gas feed.

Abstract: A method for reducing pressure losses in a cyclone separator includes introducing a gas entraining a particulate material into a duct connected to the cyclone separator, separating at least a portion of the particulate material through an opening formed in a bottom surface of a horizontally extending section of the duct in proximity to a junction point of the duct to the cyclone separator, and introducing the gas entraining the particulate material into the cyclone separator. A ducting system for the cyclone separator includes the duct and the opening. The particulate material is prevented from being deposited and heaped in the vicinity of the junction point.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing pneumatically conveyed solid pulverulent material over an annular area of large diameter comprises an enclosure defining an annular chamber having a substantially vertical axis, a closed upper end and a lower end, an upper portion adjacent the closed upper end and a lower portion adjacent the lower end. A section defined by a plane extending perpendicularly to the axis has a constant area in the upper portion and an area decreasing progressively towards the lower end in the lower portion. An annular outlet opening or a series of annularly arranged outlet openings is defined by the lower end, and an inlet conduit for a flow of gaseous fluid for pneumatically conveying the solid pulverulent material into the chamber is connected to the upper chamber portion so that the gaseous fluid flow penetrates the chamber in an approximately radial direction.

Abstract: A method for reducing pressure losses in a cyclone separator includes introducing a gas entraining a particulate material into a duct connected to the cyclone separator, separating at least a portion of the particulate material through an opening formed in a bottom surface of a horizontally extending section of the duct in proximity to a junction point of the duct to the cyclone separator, and introducing the gas entraining the particulate material into the cyclone separator. A ducting system for the cyclone separator includes the duct and the opening. The particulate material is prevented from being deposited and heaped in the vicinity of the junction point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously filling separate compartments of a duvet by pneumatically fluidizing material from a drum with pulsed jets of air using a venturi effect.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for distribution of particulate material upon agricultural fields, and wherein the spreader system employs a number of elongated hollow delivery or discharge booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a Venturi which is mounted within each of the booms, with the Venturi being positioned immediately adjacent and upstream from the point at which particulate materials are being fed into the boom. The Venturi includes a throat portion which extends along and across a chordal line of the hollow delivery boom, and in addition includes a blade means which is in generally opposed relationship to the Venturi throat. The blade is angularly positioned within the boom, and in converging relationship with the distal tip of the boom and is arranged to define a substantially rectangular opening between the tip of the blade means and the top surface of the Venturi throat.

Abstract: A solids flow distribution apparatus is disclosed for use with two or more solid separation devices, such as shale shakers. The appartatus includes a plenum in communication with a source of flow of solids and liquid, such as from a drilling rig's mud system. The plenum includes lower outlets positioned adjacent inlet zones for each solid separation device. Valves are positioned across the lower outlets for regulating the quantity of solids and liquids that flow into the inlet zones of each solid separation device. A variable distribution apparatus is included within the plenum adjacent the flow inlet for regulating the proportion of solids directed towards each solid separation device.

Abstract: A shut-off means for an air-actuated planter is disclosed, which includes a butterfly valve located within the air manifold of the planter unit, which is connected to a rotational means further connected to a solenoid. A power source is connected to the solenoid which, with the activation of a switch, causes current to flow to the solenoid, rotating the rotational means, and causing the butterfly valve to move within the air manifold. In this manner, air within the air manifold may be blocked at any point where the air valve is located, shutting off the air source to one or more planter units.

Abstract: A transfer system for transferring a SMIF pod.TM. in a clean room, in which the pod is adapted to contain a wafer cassette. The transfer system includes: at least one pair of SMIF arms.TM., the arms disposed adjacent to a semiconductor processing apparatus for transferring wafers, carried in the wafer cassette, into and out of the semiconductor processing apparatus; a transfer tube disposed near the arms; a vehicle adapted to carry the pod and adapted to move within the transfer tube; evacuation mechanism for evacuating the transfer tube to produce a negative pressure within the transfer tube so that the vehicle is moved along an axis of the transfer tube due to the negative pressure; and at least one pair of conveying mechanisms for conveying the vehicle between the transfer tube and respective arms.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for subdividing a single stream of powder products entrained in a gas into a plurality of secondary streams. The apparatus comprises an array of identical ducts (33, 47) distributed over the lateral surface of a cone (34, 43) having a circular section, said ducts converging in the vicinity of the apex (35, 44) of the cone to constitute a single intake (36, 41) directed along the axis of the cone and connected to a primary intake pipe (11), said ducts being oriented along the generatrices of the cone and ending at its base in a multiplicity of orifices each connected to a secondary conduit (31) carrying one of the secondary streams.