Abstract: A suction system for urban wastes and for recyclable materials comprising a motorized transport means (10) suitable to receive urban wastes and/or recyclable materials placed in a container (36) or left on the ground, wherein said transport means (10) is provided with a sucking tube (15, 17, 18, 23) which can be moved in order to suck and/or which can be inserted by means of actuators (20, 25) inside an opening (30) formed in an underground container (36), closing means (27) are provided for the opening (30), said means being provided with an opening (35) of predetermined size. Preferably, said closing means comprise a sliding turret (27) which can be moved when the sucking tube is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular material such as gravel. The apparatus includes a vehicle base mounting plate, a prime mover such as a diesel engine, a hydraulically driven air blower, a hopper for receiving gravel to be conveyed, and a hydraulically driven auger assembly for moving gravel from the hopper to a pneumatic pick-up point. After pneumatic pickup, the gravel is transported through an extended network of suitable pneumatic tubing such as low friction, thick wall, PVC pipe sections, to a desired discharge location, where the material is discharged into a catch can for downward placement at a desired point. In a preferred embodiment, the auger assembly comprises a three piece unit, with a shaft, an inner auger section, and an outer auger section. The outer auger section is a replaceable wear part which can be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced as necessary due to frictional wear on the auger due to contact with the solid being conveyed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a foreign substance in a pneumatically advancing fiber tuft stream and for separating the foreign substance therefrom includes a conduit; an optical sensor arrangement situated at a first location of the conduit for detecting a foreign substance in flight and for emitting signals representing the foreign substance; a separating arrangement situated at a second location of the conduit downstream of the first location as viewed in the conveying direction; an evaluating device for processing the signals; and a control device connected to the optical sensor arrangement, the separating arrangement and the evaluating device for operating the separating arrangement.

Abstract: A hosiery item spreading unit with pneumatic feed, usable with pneumatic hosiery item conveyance systems equipped with a centralized suction, comprising: a structure which forms an elongated spreading chamber arranged with its longitudinal axis substantially horizontal and provided, at its longitudinal ends, respectively with a first opening, connected to a duct for feeding the hosiery item to be spread, and with a second opening, connected to a suction duct which can be connected to suction means; the spreading chamber being closed, in a downward region, by a door which can be opened on command to remove the spread hosiery item and containing also elements for gripping a longitudinal end of the hosiery item which are spaced from the first opening towards the second opening.

Abstract: An improved system (10) conveys comminuted material from a source (12) to a vessel (14), especially for continuously conveying chopped poly(ethyleneterephthalate), or PET, into a methanolysis recovery reactor without entrainment of air into the reactor and without frequent jamming of the apparatus. A single rotary vane valve (36) is provided in the conveyance path at an inlet (38) to the vessel. The valve has clearances between the vanes (44) and the housing (48) larger than the smallest dimension of the comminuted material to prevent jamming of the rotor by PET flakes. The internal spaces (52, 47) in the valve are continuously purged with nitrogen at sufficient volume and pressure such that gases and fumes in the vessel are substantially prevented from passing upward through the valve. Nitrogen also flows from the valve countercurrently through the supply ducts (26, 30) to strip entrained air from the incoming material.

Abstract: A truck is parked adjacent a coal boiler ash recovery unit and includes a first inlet pipe provided to receive ash from the recovery unit and an outlet pipe provided to convey dust from within the storage chamber of the truck to a bag house where the dust is loaded onto another truck. Water spray may be provided within the storage compartment of the first-mentioned truck to moisten the captured material to reduce dusting.

Abstract: A closed looped pneumatic transport unloading system in a cotton gin transports seed cotton from a trailer or module into the cotton gin. The closed looped pneumatic transport unloading system includes a fan, a cotton receiving unit, a separator, and a cyclone connected by conveying conduits to form the closed loop. The fan is positioned after the cyclone in the closed loop thereby reducing the wear on the fan. Cotton is input into the suction stream of the closed loop at the cotton receiving unit, and output from the suction stream at the separator. An air stream output from the fan is conveyed into the blow box. By providing a closed loop pneumatic transport unloading system, exhaust from this portion of the ginning process is eliminated.

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

Abstract: A closure device for the discharge outlet of a bulk material conveying unit which operates under vacuum. The outlet has a circular cross-section, and the outlet opening of the conveying unit is closed by means of a freely movable closure element, particularly a ball. The closing effect is achieved by means of a vacuum in the conveying unit. In the open position, i.e. after the vacuum is switched off, the ball moves downward and rests on a supporting device and thereby forms an annular discharge outlet cross-section which is interrupted only by the struts of the supporting device.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic pellet transportation apparatus loads a predetermined quantity of dry ice pellets into an empty container while simultaneously evacuating the containers of dead air. The apparatus includes an aerator for fluidizing the dry ice pellets into a moving stream of compressed air. A container interface unit directs the fluidized dry ice pellets into an opening provided in the container. A method of using the pneumatic pellet transportation apparatus includes deactivating an auger well before the aerator is deactivated in order to clear the vacuum insulated transport conduit for efficient utilization of dry ice pellet resources.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.

Abstract: An exhaust fan draws air and entrained tobacco through delivery pipes from a tobacco feeder to the respective dischargers of a group of cigarette making machines, where the tobacco is screened out and the air passes on through exhaust pipes. When a discharger is to release tobacco to its making machine the feeder stops delivery of tobacco to that discharger and, after a delay to clear the delivery pipe, a valve bypasses the air around the discharger so that a constant air flow is maintained. The feeder supplies tobacco in a separate and independently controlled stream to each discharger, and has oscillating vanes to separate and keep the tobacco moving.

Abstract: An economical apparatus and method for reprocessing scrap film. The apparatus includes a film-air separation chamber for separating air from incoming strips of scrap film, a cutter for cutting the strips into fine pieces, and a storage tank or further reprocessing means to which the cut pieces of scrap film are conveyed. A air bypass line having a computer-controlled valve conveys air directly from the film-air separation chamber to the cutter outlet when the valve is in an open position, and causes all of the air to flow into the cutter inlet when the valve is in a closed position. The open or closed position of the air bypass valve depends upon the cutter motor power, which varies as the volume of scrap film in the cutter varies. Due to the inclusion of the accurately controlled air bypass valve, only a single fan is needed to convey the film into and out of both the film-air separation chamber and the cutter.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating foreign bodies from a stream of fiber material includes a vertical chute having an upper inlet and a lower outlet; a mechanism for introducing the fiber material into the chute inlet; and a detector positioned in the chute for emitting a sensor signal upon passage of a foreign body. The fiber material is propelled from the detector towards the chute outlet substantially solely by gravity. The apparatus further has a waste discharge opening provided in the chute between the detector and the chute outlet; a deflecting mechanism arranged in the chute and having first and second positions. In the first position the deflecting mechanism causes the stream of fiber material to proceed in the chute to and through the chute outlet and in the second position the deflecting mechanism causes the stream of fiber material to proceed through the waste discharge opening.

Abstract: The bulk material feeder of the present invention, because of the need for cleaning the inside of the feeder, jets out pressurized clean air into the equipment. The air is supplied through the piping used to supply resin pellets and nozzle to carry out the cleaning action, utilizing turbulent flow generated when the air current jetted out collides with baffles installed in the equipment. The air and pellets are easily aspirated and cleans fines adhered to internal walls of the hopper since, naturally, resin pellets remaining in the equipment are destroyed by the turbulent flow. Also resin pellets are destroyed a little by the impact when colliding with internal walls of the hopper, and due to other causes. Residual pellets aspired to the outside and fines adhered to the inside are collected, and internal cleaning can be accomplished in an extremely short time. A bulk material feeder is thus provided with an internal cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: A device for hydraulic conveyance of loose materials comprises a toroidal chamber having an equatorial plane thereof set with respect to a horizontal plane at an angle (.alpha.) falling within a range of.phi.<.alpha.<90.degree.,where .phi. is the angle of internal friction of the loose material, when saturated with the liquid used for hydraulic conveyance. The chamber is provided with pipes for charging the loose material and for discharging the liquid, both of the pipes being arranged on one side with respect to the meridianal plane, and a slurry discharge unit arranged on its other side.

Abstract: A device for hydraulic conveyance of loose materials comprises a vertical chamber having a cylindrical side surface and hemispherical a bottom and a cover and is provided with four respective pipes for liquid discharge, loose material charging, feeding the pressure liquid flow and slurry discharge in an upward flow. The pipes are held to the hemispherical cover and are arranged coaxially in such a manner that the loose material charging pipe is accommodated inside the liquid discharge pipe, the pressure liquid flow feeding pipe is accommodated inside the loose material charging pipe, and the slurry upward flow discharging pipe is accommodated inside the pressure liquid flow feeding pipe, all of the pipes being arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the chamber and having some of their portions located inside the chamber. The length of the portions mentioned above increases consecutively from the liquid discharge pipe towards the slurry upward flow discharging pipe.

Abstract: A loose material recovery apparatus such as for recovering foam plastic packaging elements has an overhead bin for containing the material. The bin has a storage chamber for storing the material and an outlet from which the material in the bin is dispensed. A vacuum assembly above the storage chamber includes a container having a bottom door, an actuating member, and a motor. A storage compartment is defined within the container between the motor and the bottom door. The bottom door is mounted for movement between a closed position for retaining the material in the storage compartment and an open position allowing the material to fall from the compartment into the bin storage chamber. When the motor is energized movement is imparted to the actuating member to close the bottom door and create a vacuum in the storage compartment for drawing material to be recovered into the compartment through a suction hose.

Abstract: A transport device for pneumatically transporting particulate material from a container which is under pressure to a container which is under a lower pressure, in which successive pressure reduction is achieved by repeated deceleration and acceleration of the particulate material in the gas-particle flow and by diversion of the gas-particle flow. The transport device includes a number of rectilinearly arranged nozzles and cup-shaped containers placed downstream of the nozzles and alternating with the nozzles. The cup-shaped containers receive material flowing out of the nozzles. The containers are arranged such that a channel is formed around the outside walls of the containers through which the particulate material flows to a downstream nozzle.

Abstract: A double bank cleaner for granular material includes two spaced banks of cleaning decks mounted in a frame with a drive motor and rotatable eccentric positioned between the two banks so that the banks of decks can be gyrated in a flat, horizontal plane. An aspirator for the double bank cleaner is also disclosed, and which comprises a plurality of feeders each of which creates a curtain of granular material through which air is passed to remove dust and the like.

Abstract: A pressure-reducing device in a pneumatic transport system for particulate material having a first and a second transport channel which are arranged so that, at the transition between the two channels, the gas/particulate flow is bent through 180.degree.. After the bend, a throttling means is arranged. The throttling means consists of an annular nozzle, the inlet side thereof being rounded with an arcuate profile in radial section. The pressure-reducing device may be included in a transportation system for feeding particulate material out from a pressurized container to a container under a lower pressure, for example for removing dust from a dust separator in a PFBC plant to a collecting container.

Abstract: A sorting method is disclosed in which particles suspended in a fluid are conducted in a closed duct and pass a measurement location in which particles to be selected trigger a signal by a sensing device. At a downstream fork, a pressure wave generated in response to the signal diverts the stream containing the particles from one branch to the other. An apparatus for carrying out this method is disclosed and includes a supply duct for the particle stream, a measurement duct, a measurement position in the measurement duct, a fork downstream of the measurement duct leading to a sorting branch duct and waste branch duct, and a pressure wave generator which is disposed in one of the ducts leading away from the fork.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the flow of solids in systems containing solid/fluid slurries is disclosed. An L-valve, having subsequent thereto a separator for separating the solid and fluid phases of the slurry, and a way to regulate the flow of the separated fluid permits the opening and closing of the L-valve without the necessity of mechanical valving systems in contact with the solid phase. A novel L-valve design comprising a radial barrier above a vertical outlet which barrier is of sufficient dimension to permit the solids to attain their angle of repose before reaching the outlet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pneumatic feeding of additives along pipes from an additive silo to converters. The additive is allowed to flow into a dispatching device, a scale or a similar device in it stopping the entrance of the additive when the desired quantity of additive has arrived in the dispatching device. The dispatching device is pressurized thereafter by means of compressed air, by means of which the quantity of additive is fed via a pipe into the converters.

Abstract: A high volume long distance pumping system for heavy sludges and contaminated flowables utilizes a blower powered air conveyance arrangement to draw solids and air from an available source and deliver the mixture through a hose to a separator from which extracted liquids and solids enter a closed tank hopper while air from the separator is filtered and exhausted through the blower to atmosphere. The liquid/solids mixture in the closed tank hopper is delivered by a piston pump in communication with the tank hopper through a discharge line to a point of consumption or storage.

Abstract: A vacuum receiver having a first elongate tube oriented along a vertical axis with a second tube of sufficiently greater girth encircling the first tube and forming an annular passage therebetween. A first conduit extends through the side wall of the first and second tubes and opens outwardly inside the first tube. The first tube has a top wall closing off the upper end and an open lower end. A second conduit extends coaxial with the first tube and is smaller in diameter than the first tube and terminates above the top wall. The second conduit communicates with the second tube leading a fluid stream from the passage at a location directly above the top wall. Adjustment structure is provided for varying the effective vertical spacing between the terminal end of the second conduit and the top wall of the first tube to thereby enable a varying of the velocity of the fluid stream in the passage to accommodate a specified material without causing the material to exit the second tube via the second conduit.

Abstract: A dust suppressor apparatus for use in discharging particulate or granular material, such as grain, which includes a housing defining an internal chamber and having an inlet opening in the upper region of the chamber and a discharge opening in the lower region of the chamber. A suppressor control gate is hingedly mounted on the housing and is biased to a position preventing discharge of material through the discharge opening until a predetermined quantity of particulate material acts on the control gate to overcome the biasing and open the control gate. The control gate and is operative to exert pressure on the particulate material discharging through the discharge opening so as to enable bulk discharge while preventing egress of dust ladened air through the discharge opening. Baffle plates are provided in the chamber to reduce grain velocity within the device. The baffle plates may be independently adjustable or may be automatically adjusted upon tilting of the apparatus.

Abstract: An adaptor is disclosed for conveying fluidizable material to a pressurizer tank provided with a removable lid which selectively seals the tank. The adaptor comprises a lid for replacing the removable lid, a venturi mounted on the adaptor, a pipe for introducing fluid into an open end of the venturi to create at least a partial vacuum inside the tank, and a delivery conduit in fluid communicating relationship with the interior of the tank through which fluidized material such as sand is delivered to the tank as a result of the vacuum created in the tank by the venturi. The delivery conduit is provided with an opening through one of its side walls through which fluidizable material enters the delivery conduit, while a flow of pressurized air is introduced into the delivery conduit through an open end to at least partially fluidize the fluidizable material as it enters the delivery conduit.

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: A vacuum material transporting system and more particularly, a vacuum material transporting system having an improved dust collecting means for collecting lightweight fines which are carried over from the main material stream.

Abstract: A vacuum grain moving apparatus connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor and operated with the power take-off drive of the tractor. The apparatus has a grain holding tank connected to a grain collection hose used to carry grain and air to the tank. An air moving unit mounted on the tank has a rotatable power driven impeller that draws air from the center of the chamber of the tank to provide a vacuum pressure within the tank. The impeller has first and second generally radial blades that pump the air from the tank chamber. An auger conveyor operatively associated with the lower end of the tank moves the grain from the tank into a transport vehicle. The auger conveyor has a driven helical auger located within a tube. The tube extends beyond the outer end of the auger and retains a plug of grain in the tube to inhibit back flow of air into tank chamber during the running of the air moving unit. A swinging gate pivotally mounted on an outer end cap normally closes the exit opening of the tube.

Abstract: A method for pneumatically handling material having a slurry-like consistency such as chicken hatchery waste material includes a hopper for accepting the waste material, a receiver for accumulating the waste material and duct work which is connected between the hopper and the receiver. The system also includes a blower for creating reduced pressure in the receiver with respect to the hopper whereby the waste material is drawn from the hopper to the receiver. The system also includes a valving arrangement whereby a volumn of reduced pressure is maintained within the receiver above the accumulated waste material, the pressure being reduced with respect to the outside ambient, thereby causing air from the outside ambient to enter into a discharge aperture in the bottom of the receiver, through the accumulated waste material to the volumn of reduced pressure, thereby agitating, loosening and effecting the rapid discharge of the accumulated waste material through the discharge aperture.

Abstract: A filter material charging apparatus for adding a gas treating material into gas treating cells contained in a filter housing includes an open bottomed gas treating material conveying channel and air evacuation conduits located in the filter housing over the gas treating cells. Air-borne filter material is delivered to the conveying channel from a source outside the filter housing. Baffles are located in the channel to distribute gas treating material over the length and breadth of the filter housing, and into the gas treating cells as the gas treating material exits the channel through its open bottom. The air which carried the filter material into the housing is evacuated from the interior of the filter housing by the air evacuating conduit.

Abstract: Outflow of liquid from an elevated chamber maintained under a condition of vacuum which outflow is delivered through a dropleg conduit to a point of use at a lower level is effected by establishing a plurality of outflow courses in an upper length portion of the dropleg conduit with entry to such outflow courses being arranged at different elevations within the chamber so that flow through an outflow course cannot occur before first there occurs the filling of outflow courses having entry elevations below the said particular outflow course.

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.