Abstract: A grain tower, including a silo; a false bottom including alternating upward slanted portions and downward slanted portions; a plurality of ventilation openings adapted to allow air to pass through, but not grain to pass through; and a plurality of extraction openings adapted to extract grain from the silo.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a plurality of uniform cigarettes that uses air current and a vacuum to move and pack plant matter into pre-rolled cigarette papers is provided. Such an apparatus includes an air current generator with an air outlet portion and an air intake portion, a channel configured to channel air current from the air outlet portion of the air current generator, means for holding at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel so that air current generated by the air current generator passes through all pre-rolled papers, and an opening configured to receive organic leafy material and introduce the organic leafy material received into the channel. Airflow from the air current generator provides organic leafy material to the opening, the channel, and the at least one pre-rolled paper in the channel.

Abstract: Provided is a powder supply device that can stably supply powder from a main hopper to a powder supply means including a sub-hopper without requiring component replacement and the like. The powder supply device is provided with: a first piping that guides powder accumulated in a main hopper downward; a second piping that is connected to the first piping at a lower end portion thereof while intersecting with the first piping, and that guides the powder guided by the first piping to a sub-hopper; and a switching valve that pressure-feeds the powder temporarily deposited while forming an angle of repose at an intersecting portion of the first piping and the second piping, to the sub-hopper.

Abstract: A powder delivery apparatus for transporting powder from one or more hoppers to one or more powder applicators. A cross feed network of multi-directional valves and fluid connections is interposed between transfer pumps coupled to the outlets of the hoppers to provide alternately selectable flow paths for the powder from each hopper to selected one of the powder applicators.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying process transports plastic pellets from a manufacturing source to a bulk silo for storage before being delivered to the ultimate production utilization of the plastic pellets. Multiple types or multiple sources of plastic pellets can be fed through a common pneumatic conveying conduit to respective bulk silos for temporary storage with diverter valves being utilized to direct product into and out of the common conveying conduit. Expanded elbow fittings are deployed at each directional change in the conveying lines to eliminate the creation of streamers at conduit bends. The plastic pellets are conveyed at a medium velocity between dense and dilute phases to provide a gentle conveying operation. A closed loop air supply system is used for dedusting devices providing a final removal of dust and debris from the stored product before being delivered to the ultimate utilization facility.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dispensers of bedding materials for laboratory animal cages. According to one embodiment of a dispensing unit, materials are drawn into a storage chute by a vacuum and dispensing is accomplished in a dispenser comprising a plurality of dispensing chutes having dispensing openings through which material is dispensed into cages. While in a first position, a material directing gate allows the materials to be dispensed through one of the dispensing chutes into a first number of cages, and through another one of the dispensing chutes into a second number of cages while in a second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum from the vacuum blower is utilized to remove dust from the dispensing area where material is dispensed into cages. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for aligning, indexing and drying laboratory animal cages which have already been cleaned in a cleaning station.

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 solids distributor for injection plants includes a collecting chamber having a plurality of lance lines leading away from the chamber. The chamber has a supply connection for a solid to be distributed and is surrounded by a common wall in which a plurality of ports is formed. The lance lines are connected to the ports, and an annular gap is formed in front of the ports and along the common wall. A pressure vessel is arranged geodetically above the collecting chamber, the lower part of the pressure vessel being designed as a bunker, having an outlet providing a direct and continuous junction to the supply connection and an upper part designed as a gas space. The collecting chamber may include a central displacement body which forms the annular gap with the common wall and which may be an upwardly tapering cone which projects out of the collecting chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transfer of solid particulate matter from a low pressure system to a high pressure system is presented. The apparatus simplifies the particle transfer process, and is useful for systems where solid catalyst particles are cycled through a reactor and a regenerator.

Abstract: A 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 system for pneumatically conveying flexible fabric items such as uniforms and table linens has a pair of side outlets at each discharge location to enhance the discharge capacity. Each side outlet is provided with a gate to open and close the outlet. A hopper having a chute receives the items discharged through the corresponding outlet. A sling cart or other bin underlies each chute. When a cart is full, hopper doors can be closed to allow the hopper to serve as a temporary holding bin while the conveying system continues to operate without interruption as the full cart is moved and replaced by an empty cart.

Abstract: A powdery particle conveying system is provided in which electric power consumption can be saved when powdery particles are conveyed by use of a roots blower. In the case where the powdery particles are conveyed to a reservoir tank near the roots blower, the frequency of a power source of a roots blower driving motor is reduced, thereby reducing an output of the roots blower. In contrast, in the case where the powdery particles are conveyed to a remote reservoir tank, a voltage of a commercial frequency is applied to the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting solid waste drill cuttings material produced in the drilling of an oil or gas well, the apparatus including: a waste supply apparatus; a feeder to transport the material; a pneumatic conveying apparatus to which the material is transferred from the feeder; at least one blockage sensing device in the conveyor; and a control apparatus for controlling feed rate of the feeder.

Abstract: There is provided a system that automatically delivers, monitors and replenishes a string of packaging cushions to hoppers located at multiple packing stations through an elongated cushion delivery duct having a series of intermediate outlets to permit the string of cushions to drop into the hopper located below the delivery duct and above the packing station. A blower is positioned near the inlet of the elongated duct to provide air flow in the duct to carry the string of cushions through the duct to one of the outlets. When the hopper is full of cushions sensors signal the controller to close the diverter and the string of cushions is delivered to another packaging station. The system may include a knife assembly to cut the string of cushions holding pins and the tension-relief diverter it is located at the inlet of the duct to hold tension on the string of cushions while the string is being separated.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

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 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: The present invention is directed to an Installation for feeding a plurality of loads, e.g. cells of aluminum melting furnaces, with a bulk material such as pulverized aluminum oxide. The installation includes a silo for the bulk material. The silo includes a pressure vessel or pump delivering machinery which is connected with a conveying line. A plurality of receiving vessels are connected with the conveying line via valves in the vicinity of the furnace loads. The receiving vessels are connected to the plurality of loads of the furnaces by at least one pneumatic conveying chute or pneumatic pipe channel. Each conveying chute or pipe channel includes at least one discharge per load.

Abstract: An ice supply system includes a dispenser system, an ice bagger system, and an ice transport system for providing a supply of ice. The ice transport system is operatively linked with the dispenser system for transporting ice to the dispenser system and with the ice bagger system for transporting ice to the ice bagger system.

Abstract: A system for transporting ice pieces or the like from a primary bin to one or more satellite bins is disclosed. A dispenser forms a charge of ice pieces in a precharge chamber, which is then transferred by air assist to a delivery tube. A driver member is provided to engage and move the substantially defined charge of ice pieces to the selected satellite bin. The driver member is propelled by a differential pressure within the tube. This permits the defined charge to be exposed only to the low pressure side and insulated from the high pressure propelling medium to minimize breakage and melting during delivery. Before reaching the satellite bin, the piston is reversed to shuttle back to the home position. The satellite bins are connected in series and delivery of a charge to an intermediate bin is provided by moving a tube section out of alignment with the delivery tube. Lubrication and continuous cleaning is performed by the driver member sweeping minimal residual water from melting ice.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for moving golf balls from a ball washer to a ball dispenser is disclosed. A system of conduits is employed, connecting a ball washer to a dispenser. Balls are forced out of the washer and into an entry conduit where a drain rids the system of fluids. Balls are slowed down by a restricted region in the entry conduit prior to entry into a main conduit. Upon entering the main conduit, balls are forced upward by high velocity air being expelled by a blower. Obstructions are minimized and relieved by an opening in the side of the main conduit. Balls are prevented from backing up into the blower, even in case of obstruction, by an angled pipe or nozzle with a diameter smaller than that of a golf ball. Balls travel through the main conduit and into an exit conduit where they strike a shock absorbing pad prior to dropping into the dispenser. In a second embodiment, an alternative exit conduit is provided whereby balls may be diverted to a receptacle other than the dispenser.

Abstract: A variable-split blowdown coal feed system supplies two streams of air entrained pulverized coal in a uniform, well-metered steady state manner. Splitter dampers control a split of a coal and air mixture into two streams which are fed to respective cyclones operated in the blowdown mode. The cyclone's exhausts are connected in common to a manifold through which a blowdown damper controls the air-to-coal ratio in the air entrained pulverized coal streams that are expressed from each cyclone's discharge.

Abstract: A pneumatic material handling system for conveying dry, solid particulate product from one of at least two separate upstanding dry, solid particulate product supply containers to at least one desired destination. At least two identically constructed valves are connected into the conduit system intermediate the supply containers and the desired destination. Each of the two valves includes a base plate having at least first and second separate through passageways extending therethrough and a movable plate slidably mounted on the base plate and movable between first and second positions relative to the base plate. The movable plate has a third through passageway extending therethrough and being axially aligned with the first through passageway in the first position of the movable plate and with the second through passageway in the second position of the movable plate. A drive mechanism is provided for moving the movable plate between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Ultrafine powder is stored in a pneumatic transportation tank (20), and is discharged to a transporting conduit (23) while being fluidized by the pressurized air fed through a fluidizing air port (24). The ultrafine powder is fed to a weigher (30) provided at the other end of the transporting conduit (23), at which the weight of the transported ultrafine powder is weighed by a load cell (31). After the weighed value reaches 90% of a predetermined value, the fed amount of the pneumatic transportation air is reduced, and a bypass regulating valve (38) is adjusted to thus decelerate the transportation. When the weighed value reaches 100% of the predetermined value, the discharge of the ultrafine powder to the transporting conduit (23) is stopped. This method and the apparatus enable the storage, quantitative batch transportation, and automatic weighing of the ultrafine powder such as silica fume.

Abstract: A device and method for pneumatically feeding fiber flocks into a plurality of feeding chutes of fiber processing machines connected with at least one distributing line, the feeding being effected through a fiber and transport air flow, characterized in that the distributing line is a formed by a closed circular line (4) into which a first transport line section (6) opens for feeding in fiber flocks, and that, at the end of the first transport line section (6), the fiber and transport air flow may be switched selectively into the one or the other direction of the circular line (4) through a switching means (8).

Abstract: A receiver arrangement includes a bin vent for collecting ingredient dust and a multiple tee arrangement which permits the connection of a minor/micro pressure blow transfer system for dry ingredients into the major pressure blow system which transfers major ingredients into the receiver. A bottom diverter valve at the top of the receiver permits these ingredients to be directly transferred into the receiver, or to be transferred into the bin vent for addition at a later stage of the mixing process. The receiver and bin vent are supported by load cells to continuously monitor the weight of ingredients contained in the receiver/bin vent so that proper amounts of each ingredient are reliably included in each batch. Three different embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A suction conveyor or delivery arrangement for the gravimetric allocation of pourable material components to several demand stations has a storage container containing in each case one component connected by, in each case, one delivery line to a distributor and a separator at each demand station, which is connected via a delivery line to the distributor, a suction line with stop valve to a suction fan and can be emptied via a closable discharge opening at the demand station. A control for the demand-dependent dosing of the components has a demand indicator, which releases a control signal for setting the distributor to the desired component and for opening the stop valve, as well as a setting device which, on reaching a predetermined quantity, releases a control signal for opening a ventilating valve in the delivery line and for closing the stop valve.

Abstract: A loading system for light particulate materials. A storage hopper for granular material includes an airlock by which the material is fed into an air stream. The air and accompanying material are fed to a distribution pipe with multiple flexible downward projecting fill spouts which are spaced at regular intervals. Each spout has an associated control valve and air pressure sensor within the spout, so that as a container being loaded by the spout is filled, and the pressure in the spout increases beyond a preselected level, the spout is closed off and material automatically is transported to the next open spout. Air operated spreader heads may also be furnished at the lower ends of the spouts to assure that the container volumes are completely filled.

Abstract: The fiber processing plant has a pneumatic flock feed system which is operated in dependence on an operating parameter which, in turn, is dependent upon the number of fiber processing machines which are operating at a given time. In one embodiment, a meter is disposed in a feed duct of the flock feed system between a fan and a first of the fiber processing machines in order to sense the static pressure therein. The meter is used to sense a difference in pressure caused by one or more fiber processing machines becoming inoperative so as to cause a switching on or off of the fiber supply to the feed duct.

Abstract: An assembly for the receiving of a plurality of plastic parts initially interconnected to one another by runner structures in an array and formed from a multi-cavity plastic mold such that the subject assembly separates the plastic parts from the runner structure, ejects and delivers the runner structure into a recycling assembly and concurrently but independently delivers each of the plastic parts into separate containers through the provision of a delivery structure associated with the subject assembly.

Abstract: An integrated control system, specifically transportable on water between offshore wells, includes mixing and blending subsystems, a pumping subsystem, a proppant subsystem and a control subsystem for controlling the other subsystems in a unified manner from a common control location.

Abstract: A solids transfer apparatus has at least one closed tank provided with a suction opening and a discharge opening, a suction valve communicated with the suction opening, a discharge valve communicated with the discharge opening, a pressure reducer for introducing solids into the closed tank and a supply device for discharging solids in fluid out of the closed tank whereby solids can be transferred. A removing device constituted by a water supply and a solids removing valve may be provided so that solids in the suction valve are removed before the suction valve is closed.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises stations or silos for accumulating the material, which are connected to stations for the drawing thereof through a pneumatic line including a recycling section which conveys the "trailings" or residues of material towards the silos thus performing the recovery thereof. Devices mounted on the pneumatic line at the stations perform the drawing of the material during its conveyance in the pneumatic line and discharge it therefrom, while for performing the recycling they allow the free transfer of the residues towards the silos.

Abstract: A device for loading containers that are open or can be vented, containers for fine particulate materials, said device being part of a pneumatic conveyance system, in particular such a system using dense layer transportation, where the said device comprises essentially a tube-shaped casing, a lifting element, a closing element and a lifting rod which connects the lifting and closing elements and enables the distance between these elements to be varied. The combined weight of the part of the lifting element, that can be moved in the axial direction (A), the closing element and the lifting rod is greater than the elastic force of the lifting element but is smaller than the product of the difference between areas (F.sub.H) and (F.sub.M) and the positive pressure in the supply line acting on the lifting element. The distance (h) of the closing element from the lower edge of the casing is smaller than the stroke of the lifting element.

Abstract: A conveying device (1) for granular material (2) to be transported has a conveying line (3) which is connected to a suction appliance (7). Along the conveying line (3) is an induction coil (8), which is connected to a control device (10) for a discharge flap (13). By means of the latter, metal particles (2') are separated from the material (2) via a discharge opening (23). The discharge flap (13) and the discharge opening (23) lie inside a separator container (9') of a metal separator (9) through which runs the conveying line (3). The conveying line (3) also has inside the separator container (9') an inflow opening (31) through which the air passing into the container (9') during separation of the metal particles (2') can flow back into the conveying line (3). Since the separator container (9') is directly connected to the conveying line (3), a bypass line can be dispensed with so that a simple and inexpensive line guidance is achieved.

Abstract: A closed apparatus of potential fluidization type, for conveying powder materials in a dense bed from a storage region (31) to at least one region to be fed therewith, comprising a storage tank (48) for storing the powder material, referred to as a reserve container, which comprises between the two regions at least one horizontal conveyor (33) formed by a lower duct (35) for a flow of gas, an upper duct (36) for a flow of the powder material and the gas, between which ducts is disposed a porous wall (34), and at least one conduit (38) for feeding gas to the lower duct, which makes it possible to establish a pressure Pf that creates a dense potential-fluidization bed of the powder material that fills the conveyor, by virtue of the presence of at least one balancing column (39), the filling height (56) of which balances the pressure Pf of the potential-fluidization gas, the improvement wherein the closed storage tank or reserve container (48) of the region to be supplied with material, being provided with an in

Abstract: An installation for pneumatically supplying fiber material to a plurality of carding machines arranged for simultaneous operation includes a plurality of card feeders, each being operatively connected to a separate carding machine. Each card feeder has a feed chute delivering fiber material to the carding machine associated therewith and a reserve chute delivering fiber material to the feed chute associated therewith. The installation further has a common transport conduit connected to the reserve chute of each card feeder and a fan contained in the common transport conduit for advancing fiber material by an air stream to the card feeders and a control arrangement for varying the flow rate of the fiber material in the common transport conduit as a function of at least one operational parameter of the installation.

Abstract: A transport duct for fiber flocks and similar fibrous material communicates via a plurality of openings with a corresponding plurality of feeding chutes leading to flock-processing equipment, such as carding machines. The duct includes at least one, but preferably more than one, duct section at which the duct undergoes an abrupt change of direction by between 70.degree. and 110.degree., so that the fibrous material which is carried through the interior of the duct by a transport medium is slowed down by contact with the duct and then descends more abundantly than otherwise into the chute that immediately follows such section as considered in the direction of flow of the transport medium. The presence of the section or sections with abrupt direction change also makes it possible for the duct to circumvent any obstructions which may be present between the individual chutes at the location of use of the duct, thus permitting optimum utilization of available floor space.

Abstract: An improved closed apparatus for conveying powder materials from a storage region to at least one region to be supplied. The apparatus includes at least one horizontal conveyor formed by a lower gas flow duct, an upper duct for flow of the powder and gas, and a porous wall separating the ducts. At least one conduit supplies gas to the lower duct, permitting the establishment of a pressure Pf. The conveyor is provided with at least one balancing column the height of filling of which balances the pressure Pf of the potential fluidization gas for the purpose of potentially fluidizing the material filling the conveyor.

Abstract: An arrangement for pneumatically transporting fiber material flocks through respective chutes to individual carding machines includes a duct which bounds an internal passage that communicates with the chutes, the chutes extending downwardly from the duct. A plurality of control elements is arranged in the passage, respective two of such control elements being situated between each adjacent two of the chutes. Each of the control elements has a substantially plate-shaped control member which is pivotally mounted at the bottom region of the duct, and a block member that extends substantially at a right angle to the control member remotely from the pivot axis and extends toward and into the respective chute. The control element can be pivoted into and arrested in any selected pivoted position, including a closed position in which the block member thereof substantially completely prevents the flow of the transporting medium past the same.

Abstract: A plurality of receiving stations is automatically and pneumatically charged by a pulverized or granular material fed at a relatively low rate through a main conveying pipe into a plurality of series connected intermediate containers. Each intermediate container is connected with a substantially horizontally directed branch conduit which is provided with downwardly directed discharge or sink pipes opening into a preliminary storage hopper of a corresponding receiving station. Each branch conduit is connected via unidirectional valves or via throttles with an auxiliary pneumatic line which when the end of the sink pipe is open, fluidizes the material in the branch conduit and simultaneously discharges it into the preliminary hopper. As soon as the level of charge in the hopper reaches the open end of the sink pipe, the fluidization is interrupted and the loose material from the intermediate container plugs the branch conduit.

Abstract: A valve preferably used for selectively diverting the flow of air entrained particulate material, such as cereal grains from an inlet into a selected one of a plurality of outlets. The valve has a back plate which has a plurality of outlet openings and a gate plate which has a single inlet opening. The gate plate is pivotally mounted on the back plate so that it is selectively movable to a plurality of positions wherein in each position the inlet opening is aligned with one of the outlet openings. One end of a length of flexible inlet pipe is connected to the inlet opening to permit the gate plate to pivot to each of its respective positions on the back plate while the other end of the pipe remains stationary. The gate plate and back plate are so formed to seal around the inlet and outlet openings when aligned for material flow and the plates are urged against each other to prevent leakage of material at the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus of transporting pneumatically suspended particulates from a source to a plurality of receivers and, more particularly, an apparatus for such conveying offering an improved means to minimize material blockage of the primary and branch delivery conduits when switching primary feed of the suspended particulates from one receiver to another.

Abstract: Debris is separated from pneumatically conveyed textile fiber tufts moving through a conduit by diverting a flow of air and debris from the conduit and returning the flow of air to the conduit so as to restore the volume of air flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: Slowdown mechanism is provided in a fare collection system pneumatically conveying coin and paper money from a fare box to a storage vault. The air stream carrying the contents of the fare box is conveyed into the top of a downwardly inclined slowdown chamber having an outlet door at the lower end thereof. Paper is drawn off from the slowdown chamber upwardly through a paper-air conduit. A valve is disposed between the slowdown chamber and the outlet door thereof. Automatic control mechanism opens the valve and the door when paper is being conveyed from the fare box, closes the valve and door when coins are being conveyed and opens the valve and door to empty coins from the slowdown chamber into the associated storage vault.

Abstract: A continuous handling and dispensing system for pneumatically conveyable, particulate packaging materials, such as foamed plastic dunnage, involves continuous, air-entrained circulation of the material in an essentially closed loop header installation. The header is most advantageously connected to a plurality of dispensing hoppers. Baffles are employed to deflect gas and material into the hoppers and prevent plugging of the header.

Abstract: An upright storage silo for fluid materials, such as comminuted, powdered and granulated livestock feed, flour, grain, spices, sugar, cement, fertilizer and similar, has a mixing chamber centrally located within the silo; a discharge chamber within the silo in communication with the mixing chamber, and defining an area separate from the silo interior; a plurality of aeration orifices within the floor of the silo; a lifting tank in conduit connection with the mixing chamber and discharge chamber; a shut-off mechanism, and a dosage mechanism for conveying the material from the silo. Flow control apparatus of the pressure of aeration is employed for lifting, pulverizing and discharge of the material by utilizing the increased discharge pressure of the pulverized material for the lifting thereof. The material rises under the increased pressure in communication with the silo discharge aperture and thereafter the pressure is relaxed.

Abstract: Preheated coal charges are pneumatically transported from charging containers by means of a neutral carrier gas to a degassing separator, from which the coal charges, free of the carrier gas, are supplied by gravity to the coking chambers.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding a carding group with a pneumatic conveying system in which the feeding supplies a plurality of feed chutes. A flake flow is broken up, and is distributed with uniform circular motion, and is then converted into a flake accumulation of rectangular cross-section. The flake flow is distributed by centrifugal force effects, and the flake accumulation may be vertically compressed. A pneumatic conveying duct is followed by at least one feed chute with rectangular exit cross-section, in which an opening and distribution element with circular delivery is located between the conveying duct and the feed chute. The opening and the distribution elements, moreover, operate pneumatically, and may have a cone-shaped outer surface. The rotary speed of the opening and distribution elements may be made continuously variable, and the feed chute may have a circular entry cross-section.

Abstract: Each card is interconnected to a multiplicity of pneumatic feed ducts via a branch duct which can be selectively placed in communication with any one of the feed ducts. Each branch duct includes a plurality of openings near one end, each of which is opened or closed relative to a feed duct by means of a sliding baffle. In addition, the upstream end of each branch duct is open to the atmosphere so that the same constant air pressure prevails in all of the feed chutes to the various cards.