Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods useful, for example, for introducing a desired spacing between or classifying and sorting objects, e.g. plant embryos. Objects carried serially in a fluid stream enter the apparatus via an upstream conduit. A sensor associated with the conduit provides information regarding an object at a particular location in the upstream conduit and produces a signal. A switch coupled to the upstream conduit directs the fluid stream to an appropriate downstream conduit by applying a force to a conduit, e.g., by aligning the upstream conduit with a downstream conduit to create a fluid-tight path. Apparatus according to the present invention are particularly useful for manipulating fragile multicellular biological objects such as plant embryos.

Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for the automatic orientation of tubular articles, such as stockings and the like, in which one end is thicker than the other, comprising a tubular chamber (1) with an inlet section (I) and an outlet section (U) for, respectively, the admission and exit of the articles (2), characterized in that said chamber (1) is provided with two cascade filter-valves (3, 30) each of which, when in operating condition, prevents the passage of the thicker end (21) and allows the passage of the thinner end (20) of the articles to be treated, said chamber (1) exhibiting a branch (10) whose mouth is in correspondence of the space between said filter-valves (3, 30) and being associated, in conjunction with its branch (10), to an aspirator (9) by means of which an air flow is generated able to convey the in-process articles as desired.

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

Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertilizer products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.

Abstract: An improved conveyor tube and distribution header for air conveyors such as air seeders serves to distribute seed and/or fertiliser products from the aircart to individual delivery tools via pneumatic conveyor tubes. The apparatus is adapted to achieve substantially even distribution of the materials being conveyed to each of the delivery tools. The apparatus includes a conveyor tube for conveying air-entrained material from a first location to a distribution head, which conveyor tube has an interior surface with a plurality of inwardly directed spaced apart projections which are disposed in spaced annular rows extending around the lengthwise axis of the tube for creating controlled turbulence in the flow of material. These projections are arranged in a particular manner to achieve the desired degree of turbulence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.

Abstract: A device for channeling a pneumatically conveyed fiber tuft stream includes a housing defining a chamber; a main conduit merging into the chamber for guiding the fiber tuft stream into the chamber; first and second branch conduits extending from the chamber for guiding the fiber tuft stream out of the chamber; first and second air intake openings provided in the housing for allowing air, situated externally of the main conduit, to be drawn into the first and second branch conduits; and a routing gate assembly disposed in the chamber and including first and second routing gates each having a surface cooperating with respective first and second air intake openings.

Abstract: The invention concerns powder spray coating equipment comprising an air divider (16) to adjustably divide a total-air flow (6, 14) into a conveying-air flow (54, 57, 70) and a supplemental-air flow (56, 84, 86) in such manner that, when adjusting for a larger flow of conveying air, the flow of supplemental air shall be reduced in a predetermined ratio, and vice versa; further comprising an injector (76) to aspirate and to pneumatically convey coating powder by means of the flow of conveying air; and a supplemental-air intake (89) into the air/powder path (76, 82). The conveying-air path (54, 57, 70) and the supplemental-air path (56, 84, 86) each are fitted with at least one throttling duct each constituted by at least one channel (40, 42) in a rotatable shaft (34, 36) and by a bearing surface (39) covering the channel.

Abstract: A seed planter distribution system for transporting seeds from a source into a plurality of seed metering bins, the system including a manifold duct and a plurality of seed flow diverting structures that extend from the manifold into each metering bin, whereby each metering bin is filled in accordance with the flow of air available thereto.

Abstract: An air seeder is provided with a pneumatic distribution system for delivering product through a plurality of primary tubes arranged in first and second rows. The pneumatic distribution system has a plenum housing having a plurality of outlet ports also arranged in first and second rows, each of said plurality of outlet ports associated with one of the primary tubes. A fan is in fluid communication with the upstream end of the plenum housing. A damper is mounted in the plenum housing upstream from the outlet ports for directing the air flow toward at least one of the first and second rows of primary tubes, and a perforated baffle plate is mounted in the housing between the damper and the outlet ports. The baffle plate has a plurality of openings adapted for governing the airflow into the outlet ports.

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

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

Abstract: A conveying system is disclosed for conveying unstable articles having a neck ring. Unstable articles, such as plastic bottles having a neck ring, or flange, are conveyed in single file along plural paths each of which is established by dual guides vertically spaced from one another a distance just sufficient to receive the neck rings of the articles therebetween, with the articles being urged in the downstream direction along each path by air acting solely on the top portion of the articles above the neck rings.

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 dispensing unit for separating balls from a supply stream, particularly for use on golf driving ranges, comprises a supply tube (10) and a delivery tube which has a header tube (12) with a mouth portion (16) leading from the supply tube (10), and the supply tube (10) is provided with deflector ramp (14) inclined towards the mouth (16) of the header tube (12) but stopping short thereof so as not to prevent the onward passage of balls through the supply tube, whereby balls passing along the supply tube (10) are deflected into the mouth (16) to fill the header tube (12) and when the header tube (12) is full continue to pass through the supply tube (10). A typical installation includes a trunk supply tube leading to several of the dispensing units in series. When the header at the first unit in the series is full further balls pass on to the next unit until its header is full and so on until all headers in the system are full.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the controlled release of metered quantities of finely divided solids with one or more regulated venturi nozzles for the purpose of applying lubricant or separating compound to the stressed surfaces of pressing tools in tablet making machines or for applying finely divided solids to solid carrier materials particularly in the fields of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs or catalysts.

Abstract: A pipe switch for pneumatically conveying a material such as bulk material includes a housing provided with a first port, a second port extending coaxially with the first port and a third port having an axis extending at an angle of less than 90.degree. relative to the axis of the second port, with the housing accommodating a cock which extends between opposing side covers and by which the first port is selectively connectable with the second port and with the third port. In order to reduce a danger of accident and to allow easy access to the interior of the pipe switch, the entire drive unit for actuating the cock is connected to the pipe switch at one of the side covers, with all movable parts being housed within an external compartment defined by an outer wall mounted to the one side cover.

Abstract: An integrated process blending apparatus which blends particulate material and also automatically controls the flow of material into the blender and out to the associated processing equipment. Load cells attached to the blender vessel are used to control the entry of material into the blender, while the pressure drop in the blender output pipe is used to control an output deflector to either remove or recycle material within the blender. The blender is also made more effective by dividing it into vertical compartments with separators which have angled portions preferably in their lower regions to cause different downward flow velocities in each compartment, and by creating a multistage blender by stacking sets of offset compartments one on top of another.

Abstract: Apparatus for changing the direction of movement of cylindrical bodies which are moving over a support surface in a first path by forming an opening in the support surface and mounting a diversion gate for reciprocal movement between first and second locations so that, when the diversion gate is at the first location, the cylindrical bodies will continue to move in the first path, but when the diversion gate is at the second location, the cylindrical bodies will be diverted from movement in a second path.

Abstract: An air conveyor system is provided for transporting a stream of articles en masse along a channel from a generally upstream position in a generally downstream direction towards a generally downstream position. A conveyor surface has opposing edges with the channel therebetween and a plurality of air propulsion slots extending through the surface, these slots being directionally oriented to propel articles pneumatically on the surface in the downstream direction. A plenum is provided for connecting to a source of air under pressure and in communication with the slots. At least one guide member defines at least one boundary for the channel, by being mounted adjacent at least one of the opposing edges of the surface in alignment with the downstream direction to generally direct flow of articles in the downstream direction by impeding article movement across the member.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a powder flow control valve comprising a nozzle formed from a material such as high density polythene having an upper frusto-conical section which converges towards the lower end of the nozzle and terminates in a cylindrical section. The nozzle is encircled by a plenum chamber to which sources of vacuum and air pressure are selectively connectable through a pneumatic control system. When vacuum is connected to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure drop across the wall of the porous nozzle causes powder flowing through the nozzle to consolidate in the nozzle and terminate the flow. When air pressure is applied to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure rise across the boundary surface accelerates powder flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: An improved system for directing a flow of container bodies to a plurality of base cupping machines from a plurality of blow molding machines comprising: (1) a plurality of primary conveyors, each primary conveyor adapted to feed container bodies from a blow molding machine toward a base cupping machine; (2) a plurality of cross-over conveyors for feeding container bodies from one of the primary conveyors to another of the primary conveyor; (3) diverter blades and converger blades positioned at the junction of primary and cross-over conveyors to direct container bodies between various primary conveyors; (4) a sensor upstream and two sensors downstream of each diverter blade and a sensor downstream and two sensors upstream of each converger blade to detect the flow of container bodies therepast; and (5) programmable control means responsive to the sensors to switch the blades as required for proper feeding of container bodies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for splitting a mass of fluidizable powder into a plurality of powder streams and conveying the powder streams through a plurality of ducts. The apparatus comprises a powder splitter defining a chamber, a plurality of hollow ducts each having an entrance communicating with the chamber, and a gas source including a plurality of gas nozzles within the ducts and directed outwardly of the chamber. The gas nozzles propel gas jets into the ducts so that portions of the fluidizable powder are conveyed through the ducts. A particularly preferred apparatus is utilized for conveying a plurality of alumina powder streams to an aluminum electrolysis cell.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic transport and distribution system for passing gas-entrained particles to a distributor which then distributes the particles through a plurality of distributor outlets. At least a portion of inlet conduit extending vertically to the distributor is of square or other non-circular inner cross-section for prevention of "spiralling" of the particles as they emanate from the distributor inlet into the distributor to thereby improve the flow distribution of the particles from the distributor outlets.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting disintegrated solid particles, in which the particles are transported by a quantity of air placed under an over pressure. The weight ratio of the particle/aix mixture lies within a range at which particle transportation gives rise to migrating particle agglomerations. Transportation of the particles is terminated in a particle agglomeration equalizing arrangement, from where the particles are transported further in the form of a particle/air mixture which has been equalized in time. Particle transportation is effected by at least two stages. A first stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture is greater than 15, and a second stage in which the weight ratio of the particle/air concentration is greater than 5 and lower than the weight ratio of the particle/air mixture in the first stage. The arrangement is used for transporting powdered coal to a powdered-coal burner connected to a combustion furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of providing a multiplicity of streams of air-entrained fibers. The apparatus is of the type which includes a splitting member having multiple ports disposed in and along the surface of the splitting member; a first conduit duct in communication with a first port for directing a column of air past a first port to cause a portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the first conduit duct; and a second conduit duct in communication with a second port for directing a column of air past a second port to cause a second portion of the column of fibers to split off and be drawn into the second conduit duct.

Abstract: A jet stower for use in handling material in mining comprises a casing having a material inlet and at least two outlets, the casing having an inlet for compressed air to be fed to one or more distribution chambers. The stower casing has an air accelerating unit fitted therein, the unit having at least one air chamber fitted with a nozzle upstream of a material inlet to the unit, across which the nozzle outlet is directed. In use, the unit can be positioned in the casing in any one of at least two alternative positions to direct material entrained in an accelerated air flow downstream of the nozzle outlet to a selected outlet so as to discharge it in a selected direction in the mine. The selected positioning of the unit can be carried out merely by removing the unit and reversing its position in the casing or by linearly or angularly moving it without removing it from the casing.

Abstract: The farm implement for distributing particles such as seeds or granular fertilizers has an apparatus for splitting a single particle-entraining air stream into a plurality of individual streams containing uniform and randomly divided quantities of particles. The apparatus has a horizontally disposed corrugated pipe in downstream communication with the conduit for providing a uniform flow of particles to a horizontally disposed, tubular, stream splitting distribution body. The distribution body has a transition section that progressively and symmetrically changes in a downstream direction from a circular configuration toward a generally flat, rectangular configuration, a generally flat transfer section that leads from the transition section and spreads symmetrically laterally outwardly in a downstream direction, and a single layer of generally horizontally disposed outlet tubes at the downstream end of the transfer section.

Abstract: A section of tube with a series of inwardly directed projections is placed in the main conduit of a pneumatic applicator, upstream of the primary distribution head. The inner projections in the tube serve to center the direction of the blown granular material into the primary distributor head. The projections are arranged in annular rows with the projections of each row being offset from those of an adjacent row.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing and dispersing dry, powdered lubricants and/or coloring, such that it completely coats granules of plastic to be lubricated and/or colored, by dispensing amounts of the coating material from a container to a region from where a timed blast of air transports said coating material through a tube communicating with the throat of a hopper containing said plastic granules, all being operated in a coordinated fashion which may be varied to increase or decrease rate and/or amount of delivery of the coating material.

Abstract: A pneumatic spreader for the distribution of materials and a flow distributor for same are disclosed. The spreader includes a distribution chamber having multiple compartments with a gas inlet and material outlet defining a venturi in each of the compartments. The materials are discharged from the distribution chamber and its compartments through first conduits coupled to the respective material outlets and a plurality of second conduits communicating with each of the first conduits for receiving the materials and discharging them to the ground. A flow distributor adjacent the juncture of the first and second conduits equally divides the materials in the first conduit between the second conduits. The flow distributor includes a substantially circular plate having a plurality of openings which communicate to the second conduits and a substantially conical deflector which is adjustable both linearly and is eccentrically rotatable for adjusting the flow between the plate openings.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying fiber-like material includes a main duct and at least two branch ducts communicating with the main duct in a branching zone. The material is entrained by a gas stream from the main duct into the branch ducts. The apparatus further has an arrangement for generating a countercurrent; an arrangement for introducing the countercurrent into the branching zone; and an arrangement for directing the countercurrent into the main duct parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pipe divider for use in pipes intended for conveying solids of small particle size, constructed in such a way that a feed pipe leads into a cylindrical distributor chamber and two distributor pipes, each having a shut-off means, lead away from this chamber. In preferred embodiments, the cylindrical distributor chamber has continuous, inwardly-curved weirs around the outlet points to the distributor pipes, and a distributor pipe leads away from each of the two end faces of the cylindrical distributor. This special arrangement results in a low mechanical and/or corrosive stress on the functional components.

Abstract: This invention features a manifold that divides a stream of coal particles and liquid into several smaller streams maintaining equal or nearly equal mass compositions. The manifold consists of a horizontal, variable area header having sharp-edged, right-angled take-offs which are oriented on the bottom of the header.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating, spreading and distributing a solid or liquid particulate material. The particulate material is pneumatically conveyed into a centrifugal chamber within a rotor (20) operatable by the flow of material for centrifugal separation of the particulate material. The terminal edge of the circumference of the centrifugal chamber serves as an overflow for establishing a buffer store and has a flow-retarding inwardly directed flange. A baffle may be provided around the terminal edge to intercept the material flung out and to conduct the material, via hopper-like flow-retarding recesses, to different outlets provided around the terminal edge.

Abstract: An apparatus combines streams from different pipelines having different flow rates, concentrations, and pressure. The junction comprises a directed vortex formed by a conically-shaped enclosure having a closed base with one pipeline inlet through the base at the axis of the cone. Another higher pressure inlet is positioned on the periphery of the cone near the base and at a tangent to the covered cross-section at the point of entry. The high pressure inlet is also at an angle to the cross-section and directed toward the outlet at the apex of the cone. A fluid dewatering apparatus may be attached to the outlet to maintain a predetermined concentration in the case where one or more inlets contain a slurry.

Abstract: A device for converting a stream of a slurry or liquid flowing down a tube into a flat stream having a uniform flow across its width and, if a slurry, a uniform particle size distribution across that width. The device comprises a vertical tube from which the slurry or liquid may flow onto a horizontal first plate in an even laminar flow and a second plate adapted to receive medium flowing over the edge of the first plate disposed below the first plate and inclined relative thereto. Metering of the amount of medium flowing onto any one increment of the width of the second plate so that it will be substantially equal to the amount of medium flowing down any other increment of equal width is achieved by the use of a first plate having a closely defined peripheral shape or by the use of vertical dividing members spaced around the periphery at uniform angular spacings which direct the medium onto equal width increments of the second plate.

Abstract: The leveling device comprises a rectangular duct connected at its inlet end to a pneumatic fiber supply and at its outlet end to the upper end of a feed chute for a carding machine. A pair of opposed accelerator plates are adjustably mounted adjacent the duct's inlet end to accelerate the incoming stream of fibers, which then passes between two deflector nozzles that are mounted with their discharge ends opening on opposite sides of the duct, and with their outer or inlet ends connected to opposite ends of a flexible, generally U-shaped tube. Downstream from the nozzles the opposed sidewalls of the duct curve outwardly and away from each other to form a diffusion section, the enlarged end of which is connected to the upper end of the feed chute. In use the air pressure at the outlet end of each nozzle alternately rises and falls causing the stream of fibers to be deflected alternately toward one and then the other of the opposed, curved sidewalls of the duffusion chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding granular material into a gas stream, for example seed or fertilizer into multiple airstreams of an agricultural vehicle, includes a receptacle for granular material, a duct for a gas stream, and a pair of resiliently compressible surfaces which contact or almost contact to define a nip between them. The surfaces may be provided by contrarotatable rollers and are disposed so that granular material may pass from one side of the nip through a port into the duct, and are moveable into the nip from the other side. The apparatus further includes metering means defining a controllable outlet from the receptacle and positioned with respect to the nip for feeding granular material into the nip from said other side at an adjustable controlled rate. Also disclosed is a distributor for gas-entrained granular material which includes a conical, part-conical or inverted conical surface in a diverging housing.

Abstract: A primary conduit for a dilute phase particulate laden pneumatic stream is aligned with a dead pocket at the intersection of the primary conduit with secondary and tertiary conduits perpendicular to the primary conduit. The primary conduit is adjustable with respect to the dead pocket to vary the position at which the stream is directed into the dead pocket to thereby control division of the amount of particulate separated into the secondary and tertiary conduits. Thus, the ratio of particulates entering the secondary and tertiary conduits may be varied in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A flow splitter for dividing a single stream of pulverulent material entrained in air into a multiplicity of substantially equal substreams for delivery to a multiplicity of receiving stations.

Abstract: A fluidized-bed system for feeding coal or a coal-limestone mixture into a fluidized bed combustor, a perforated horizontal distributor plate dividing the chamber into upper and lower chamber sections, means for feeding solid fuel particles into the upper chamber section, a source of high velocity gas connected to the lower chamber section and passing through the plate into the upper chamber section for entraining the particles, means for heating the high velocity gas before it is introduced into the upper chamber, an entrainment section defined by converging upper sides of said fuel feeding chamber, and a stream splitting section disposed above said entrainment section and connected to a plurality of pneumatic transport lines each penetrating the distributor plate of a fluidized bed combustor and terminating in an outlet feedport.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for distributing solid particles of the type having a stationary sub-assembly for feeding particles, and positioned at its lower portion, a rotary sub-assembly for distributing the particles, wherein the rotary distribution sub-assembly includes an axial gas feed conduit (10) configured and dimensioned to exit a fluidization gas under a fluidization grate (20) positioned in the lower portion of a centrally located vat (16). The upper peripheral portions of the vat have connected thereto a plurality of radially extending particle distribution conduits (34). All but one of the distribution conduits (34) are generally straight and are of different lengths. These conduits (34) are connected to the vat at approximately the same vertical level and are slanted approximately equally downwardly about 30.degree.. One of the distribution conduits (34.sup.a) is configured to contain a bend so as to direct solid particles toward the rotational axis of the rotary distribution sub-assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing pulverulent or particulate materials to a plurality of dispensing points, e.g., for sowing seeds or spreading fertilizer. A supply conduit carrying a main stream of material, for example, entrained in air, arrives at the center of a distributor head with a circular periphery. A deflector or distributor cone or a revolving nozzle distributes the material to a plurality of inlet ends of discharge hoses. Pairs of discharge hoses with their inlet ends located diametrically opposite each other are combined for supplying each dispensing point with a constant uniform flow rate irrespective of the inclination of the distributor head when operating on rough terrain.

Abstract: A liquid-pickup apparatus for carpetry, e.g. for the removal of liquid from the shampooing of a carpet, comprises a slot-shaped compressed air outlet adjacent a discharge duct with an entry slot. The flattened cross-section duct rises at an angle to the horizontal and is subdivided internally into a plurality of channels of substantially the same cross section as the slot and having rounded bases.

Abstract: A pneumatic powder flow diverting device for use in conjunction with an apparatus for the electrostatic coating of can bodies which are sequentially positioned for receiving the powder coating. A pneumatic switching device is provided so that powder is directed to the position of a can body to be coated only when a can body is located in that position. A return line returns the powder flow to a powder source during the time between can bodies. The pneumatic switching device utilizes small air jets for diverting the powder flow between the coating apparatus and the return line with a minimal amount of air being required to effect the switching operation.