Abstract: A conveying device for use in the field of plastics has a frame and a weighing cell connected to the frame. A separating unit is suspended from the weighing cell. A first coupling is connected to the frame and connects a vacuum source to the separating unit. A second coupling is connected to the frame and connects a conveying line for goods to be conveyed to the separating unit. At least one of the first coupling and the second coupling has a first coupling part connected to the separating unit and a second coupling part connected to the frame, wherein the first and the second coupling parts do not contact each other in a region of no contact. At least one sealing element is provided to seal the region of no contact between the first and the second coupling parts.

Abstract: A gravimetric blender includes a vertical conduit, a vacuum pump having a suction inlet communicating with the interior of the conduit, a plurality of receivers connected to the conduit and vertically supported thereby with each receiver having a single tube therewithin extending from the resin material/vacuum drawn stream inlet to the connection of the receiver with the conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum laundry chute system is disclosed. The system includes a receptacle, at least one chute, and at least one closure. The receptacle includes a vacuum device, a cavity for receiving an article of clothing, a container to surround the vacuum device and the cavity, and a door coupled to a side of the container. Activating the vacuum device seals the door. A first end of the chute is coupled to the receptacle and protrudes away from the receptacle. The at least one closure is detachably coupleable to a second end of each chute. The closure includes a sealing component detachably coupleable to the second end of the chute, and an activator mounted to the sealing component to activate the vacuum device in response to a pre-defined condition.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for a powdered or granular material provided at a lower end of a storage part in which a powdered or granular material is stored. The discharge apparatus comprises a material discharge passage connected to the lower end of the storage part and provided with a material discharge port at the terminal end, a valve body opening or closing the discharge port of the material discharge passage, and a valve driving part moving the valve body along a substantially orthogonal direction to a surface of a valve seat around the discharge port. The valve body is so constructed as to form a gap at closed position between the valve body and the surface of the valve seat along the circumferential direction of the discharge port, in which the gap is formed such that a powdered or granular material is not allowed to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A particulate handling apparatus (1) and method which is suitable for the transfer of kinetic energy from particles of transported particulate material and which lessens the damage suffered by said particulate material by the removal of that kinetic energy. The apparatus includes baffles (9) to reduce the kinetic energy and which are within a shaped vessel into which particulate material is fed through entry port (3) and from which the particulates are removed by exit port (4).

Abstract: A method for depositing a fluidized material (24) fills a vertical storage silo (8) from a vertically centered pneumatic tube (14). A system for flowing, separating, and depositing has a plurality of separators. A support (15) suspends and centers the system within a silo (8).

Abstract: A waste conveying system in which waste is collected/conveyed, e.g. by a suction system, in a waste container (10) of a regional waste space (16) or a transport container in which/from which the waste is then conveyed to further treatment. The waste space (16) and/or the waste container (10) or the transport container is arranged in a tunnel (20), such as a traffic tunnel, advantageously an underground tunnel, or in its vicinity, or there is a conveying connection from them to the tunnel (20) through which the waste is conveyed away.

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: A self-emptying vacuum apparatus for use by gold prospectors includes a collection chamber, a vacuum source, a suction hose connected to the collection chamber for vacuum-collecting material from a work surface, and a flapper assembly for discharging accumulated material. During operation, the vacuum source creates a vacuum within the collection chamber sufficient to close a flapper of the flapper assembly, thereby creating a vacuum seal that causes the flow of air through the suction hose, into the collection chamber, and out of the vacuum source, allowing vacuum-collected material to drop into the collection chamber. When the weight of material accumulated within the collection chamber is sufficient to overcome the vacuum force maintaining the flapper closed, the flapper opens to discharge the accumulated material. As soon as each accumulated load of vacuum-collected material is discharged, the flapper is again drawn closed, and the collection and discharge cycle is repeated.

Abstract: Method for handling outlet air in a pneumatic waste-conveying system, in which the outlet air is at least partly the conveying air to be used in waste conveying. The outlet air is blown from the outward blowing pipe (1) into a chamber (24) comprising at least one output aperture (22) and one second aperture (16, 17), in which second aperture a suction effect is achieved with the blowing of the outlet air such that additional air is brought into the body of outlet air in the chamber via the at least one second aperture (16, 17) as a consequence of the suction effect achieved with the outlet air, and that the outlet air and the additional air mix with each other at least partly in the chamber (24) before the output aperture (22) from which the mixture of outlet air and additional air is conducted away. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.

Abstract: Method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one input point (61) of material, more particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100), which can be connected to an input point (61), and a separating device, in which the material to be transferred is separated from the conveying air, and also means for achieving a pressure difference and/or a conveying air flow in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the transfer of material. In the method material is conveyed from an input point (61) to the separating means (106) or an accumulator tank of a subsystem (1), where the material is separated from the conveying air, and in a second phase the separating means (106) or the accumulator tank of the subsystem (1) is emptied.

Abstract: Method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one input point (61) of material, more particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100), which can be connected to an input point (61), and a separating device, in which the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveying air, and also means for achieving a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100) at least during the conveyance of material. In the method material is conveyed from an input point (61) to an accumulator tank (105) of a subsystem (1), where the material is separated from the conveying air and in a second phase the accumulator tank (105) of the subsystem is emptied.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: Method in a pneumatic materials moving system, having at least one input point with a material transfer pipe connected to an input point. At least one separating device, in which the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveying air. A pressure difference and/or a conveying air current in the transfer pipe. At least during conveyance of the material with at least one pump unit at least one transfer pipe section in which conveying air is circulated and at least one transfer pipe section in which conveying air is not circulated. The conveying route of the material in the transfer piping is formed partly from the transfer pipe section in which conveying air is not circulated and partly from the transfer pipe section in which conveying air is circulated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for rendering vacuum conveyors inert, the vacuum conveyors including at least one intake device (30), a discharge device (40), a separating vessel (100), a vacuum pump device (20), and a system for feeding inert fluid into the separating vessel (100). An inert fluid is fed into the at least one separating vessel (100) below the free surface of a separated material (102) during inertization. A corresponding vacuum conveyor (10) which can be rendered inert includes a system for feeding inert fluid below the free surface (103) of a separated material on and/or in the at least one separating vessel (100).

Abstract: An apparatus for pumping free-flowing materials, having a receptacle coupled to a vacuum pipe and a pumping gas pipe, at least one filter, at least one supply pipe, and at least one drainage pipe for a material being associated with the receptacle. The apparatus includes a vertically extending cylindrical pump chamber configured to pneumatically pump liquids, powder, suspensions and pastes. Further, a device is mounted in an upper region of the pump chamber configured to separate liquid and powder. The device further includes a filter element and a float member. The float member is configured as a sealing element above, and a lower region of the pump chamber is coupled to the at least one supply pipe and the at least one drainage pipe for at least one of a liquid, a powder, a suspension, and a paste.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air.

Abstract: A bulk loader including an air inlet, an air-particulates separating chamber in communication with the air inlet, an air outlet in communication with the air-particulates separating chamber, means for moving air and particulates into the air-particulates separating chamber, means for separating air from particulates positioned within the air-particulates separating chamber, means for removing air from the air-particulates separating chamber, an auger, the auger being in communication with the air-particulates separating chamber by way of an auger opening in the air-particulates separating chamber, and a screen positioned across a portion of the auger opening adapted to permit air to flow therethrough and adapted to prevent particulates from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit (4), in which method the material is fed into the conveying conduit (4) and in the conveying conduit further into a separating device (5), where the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, in which method a negative pressure is created in the conveying conduit (4) by means of an ejector apparatus (6), whose suction side is connected to the separating device (5), said ejector apparatus being operated using an operating medium consisting of a liquid mist, especially an aqueous liquid mist, said medium being sprayed through at least one spraying nozzle (122) into an ejector tube (128) directed into a separating element (38). In the method, the generation of the negative pressure to be produced is intensified according to need by limiting the flow of gases, such as air, into the ejector tube (128) from the direction opposite to the spraying direction of its operating medium, i.e.

Abstract: A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit (4), in which method the material is fed into the conveying conduit (4) and in the conveying conduit further into a separating device (5), where the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, in which method a negative pressure is created in the conveying conduit (4) by means of an ejector apparatus (6), whose suction side is connected to the separating device (5), said ejector apparatus being operated using an operating medium consisting of a liquid mist, especially an aqueous liquid mist, said medium being sprayed through at least one spraying nozzle (122) into an ejector tube (128) directed into a separating element (38). In the method, the generation of the negative pressure to be produced is intensified according to need by limiting the flow of gases, such as air, into the ejector tube (128) from the direction opposite to the spraying direction of its operating medium, i.e.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A conveyor for conveying hot ash may include a frame, a trough supported on the frame to receive a quantity of hot ash, the trough including a trough wall with a plurality of semi-circular steel plates that define a surface of the trough wall and a plenum disposed beneath the semi-circular steel plates, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The conveyor may also include a first plurality of apertures in the trough wall in fluid communication with the plenum, and a plurality of baffles spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass in a direction along the surface of the trough wall.

Abstract: A pneumatic material conveying system, particularly a waste conveying system, which conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61, 66) of material, particularly of waste material, a material conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) which is connectable to the feed point (61, 66), a separator device (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3, 4) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) at least during the conveyance of the material.

Abstract: A method for sortingly conveying materials in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as a waste conveying system, in which method, material being conveyed is fed from at least one feed point and conveyed in a conveying pipe (100) by means of a pressure difference to a reception point in which the material is separated from conveying air in a separator device (20). In the method, different material sorts are fed from one or more feed points (61A, 61B, 61C) at a time and conveyed to a reception site for at least a part of the conveying travel in the same conveying pipe and, in the method, at least a part of the conveying pipe (100) is cleaned between the conveying processes of different materials or at least when required.

Abstract: A particle separator capable of enhancing the collection efficiency while minimizing an augmentation of auxiliary machinery power and an increase of the device size is provided. A particle separator that separates powder being transported on an air flow in a state of a solid-gas two-phase flow from the air flow and collects the powder is provided with a drift generating portion provided in the vicinity of a main body connecting portion of a solid and gas supply tube for letting the solid-gas two-phase flow stream inside a separator main body from the circumferential direction and configured to concentrate a high powder particle concentration of the solid-gas two-phase flow on the outer peripheral side of the separator main body.

Abstract: A particulate handling apparatus (1) and method which is suitable for the transfer of kinetic energy from particles of transported particulate material and which lessens the damage suffered by said particulate material by the removal of that kinetic energy. The apparatus includes baffles (9) to reduce the kinetic energy and which are within a shaped vessel into which particulate material is fed through entry port (3) and from which the particulates are removed by exit port (4).

Abstract: A method for conveying material by applying a pressure difference in a conveying conduit (4), in which method the material is fed into the conveying conduit (4) and in the conveying conduit further into a separating device (5), where the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, in which method a negative pressure is created in the conveying conduit (4) by means of an ejector apparatus (6), whose suction side is connected to the separating device (5), said ejector apparatus being operated using an operating medium consisting of a liquid mist, especially an aqueous liquid mist, said medium being sprayed through at least one spraying nozzle (122) into an ejector tube (128) directed into a separating element (38). In the method, the generation of the negative pressure to be produced is intensified according to need by limiting the flow of gases, such as air, into the ejector tube (128) from the direction opposite to the spraying direction of its operating medium, i.e.

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 conveyor (10) for transporting powder from an inlet point (14) to at least one discharge point (20) comprises a fluidized bed transport space (12) and a fluidization gas supply space (16), the fluidized bed transport space (12) being separated from the fluidization gas supply space (16) by a gas permeable wall (18); a gas outlet (22) for removing fluidization gas from the transport duct (12); means (24) for separating dust from the removed fluidization gas; and means (26) for returning the separated dust to the powder proximate the discharge point (20). In a preferred embodiment, the separated fines dust is returned to, and homogenized into, the powder in a lower portion of a cyclone, which is located at the discharge point.

Abstract: A conveyor may include a conveyor includes a frame, a trough supported on the frame, and a vibratory generator operatively coupled to the trough. The trough has a trough wall with a first plurality of apertures, and a plurality of baffles are spaced above the first plurality of apertures in the trough wall, the baffles defining a second plurality of apertures through which air exiting the first plurality of apertures may pass.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a bulk material (24) to a location where said bulk material (24) is to be processed, the apparatus comprising means (2) for feeding said bulk material (24) substantially tangentially into a cylindrical vessel (1) via at least two circumferentially spaced apart tangential inlets (14), the vessel (1) being provided at one end with an outlet (10) whereby the bulk material (24) may pass from the vessel (1) to said location while maintaining its configuration.

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

Abstract: A device for the sacking of bulk material having a product container for receiving bulk material, a filling funnel, and a dust filter. A separator, which is connected to the filling funnel via a connection line, is arranged upstream to the dust filter. Furthermore, the separator for the extracted bulk material is connected to the product container for returning extracted bulk material thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conveying a solid (2) in a conveying medium (15), said solid (2) being delivered to a container (5) with outlet (7). The solid (2) is in this case dispersed in the transport liquid (15) without the aid of any mechanically driven parts and is introduced into the conduit (4).

Abstract: A process, a means of transferring mineable material from any number of sources to a number of devices capable of separating out values from that mineable material. See (FIG. 1) the mineable material enters the hose (1), the hose (1) being under vacuum, and is transferred in a flow of air to the upper portion of a hopper (2). The hopper (2) is also under vacuum. The flow of air leaves the upper portion of the hopper (2) through hose (4), which is connected, to a vacuum blower (5). The mineable material, being heavier than air is deposited in the hopper (2). The mineable material is removed from the bottom of the hopper (2) by means of a variable speed drive screw conveyor (3) and is transferred to a separation device (8). The level of heavy mineable material (6) contained in the hopper (2), along with the mineable material contained in the screw conveyor (3) causes a seal against the force of vacuum and allows the mineable material to enter and be removed from hopper (2) simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying apparatus, having a conveyor line path installed with a first valve and a second valve. An article is conveyed through the conveyor line path. The first and second valves are both open to a vacuum source to provide a sucking force to the article, so as to initiate conveying the article. After a flow of the article through the whole conveyor line path is established, the second valve is closed to form an air cushion at the terminal end of the conveyor line path. The terminal velocity of the article is thus reduced without causing any damage or breakage.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transporting particulate materials from a lower level to a higher level are disclosed, the method comprising: establishing a flow loop comprising a closeable chamber for receiving batches of the particulate materials, a first flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a delivery level, a second flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a header tank located at a higher level than said delivery level, and valve means at the chamber for selectively isolating the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; filling the flow loop with a pseudoplastic flotation fluid; operating the valve means to isolate the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; introducing a charge of the particulate materials into the chamber and then closing the chamber; operating the valve means to connect the first and second flow conduits to the chamber; and maintaining a supply of fluid in the header tank such that fluid and entrained particulate materials flow from the c

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: An apparatus for vacuum transferring food product having a hopper for retaining food product, the hopper including a discharge port; a vacuum chamber having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is coupled to the hopper at the hopper's discharge port; a vacuum source for inducing a vacuum pressure between the hopper and the vacuum chamber so as to cause food product retained by the hopper to be drawn into the vacuum chamber though the inlet; a first timing circuit for controlling the length of time that the vacuum pressure is to be applied between the hopper and the vacuum chamber; and a second timing circuit for controlling the rate at which the food product is dispensed from the outlet. The first timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the length of time that the vacuum pressure is drawn though the apparatus, and the second timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the frequency of the opening of the outlet.

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

Abstract: A device for the pneumatic conveyance of particulate substance having a specific gravity of 0.1 to 15.0 g/cm2 and a particle size of between 0.1 to 300 &mgr;m includes a flat plate like filter element between a pump chamber and sources of positive and negative pressure. The flat plate filter element provides a desired pressure drop and is cleaned of particulate material during operation of the device upon application of positive pressure.

Abstract: A vacuum receiver for separating particles entrained in a gas-particle stream and for allowing a gas stream to exit from the vacuum receiver to an exhaust blower while simultaneously allowing the particles to remain in a particle receiving vessel having an open top. A cover is provided which has a top wall with a perimeter thereof resting on a surface of the receiving vessel encircling the open top. The cover has two openings therethrough, the first opening being oriented directly above the particle receiving vessel and a second opening being oriented on an axis that is wholly outside a peripheral boundary of the particle receiving vessel. The cover further includes a structure defining a passageway extending from the particle receiving vessel to the aforesaid second opening. A reciprocal valve member is mounted in the passageway and a drive motor is provided therefor which is mounted on an exterior part of the passageway to facilitate easy access thereto.

Abstract: A separator is disposed between a grinder and a boiler so as to select, on the basis of size, particles produced by grinding a fuel in the grinder and conveyed by a flow of air from the grinder to the separator, and then to the boiler. The separator extends in an axial direction and includes output compartments, each of which underlies a respective conveyor duct connecting the separator to the boiler. An isolating valve member is mounted to move inside the separator, and is moved in translation in the axial direction either to allow the flow to pass through all of the output compartments into the conveyor ducts or else to prevent said flow from passing therethrough. This isolating valve member makes it possible to close all of the output compartments together. In this way, it is possible to reduce the number of isolating valve members to the number of separators in a grinding installation, regardless of the number of conveyor ducts from each separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding semiconductor chips has a structural body having grooves which serve respectively as parallel feed paths for semiconductor chips, the feed paths corresponding to respective quality levels of the semiconductor chips, the structural body being made of partially stabilized zirconia. A stopper mechanism for temporarily stopping semiconductor chips fed along the feed paths comprises piezoelectric bodies disposed in the feed paths in front of terminal walls of the feed paths. A counter mechanism for counting semiconductor chips fed along the feed paths have electrodes disposed in the feed paths near the terminal walls. The apparatus serves as a feed system for floating articles with ejected air and feeding the floated articles, and lends itself to being automatized.