Abstract: A work vehicle includes a commodity delivery system that distributes commodity from a commodity source between a plurality of delivery runs, a commodity container pressure delivery system that may deliver selected pressure to the commodity container, and an electric control system coordinating operation of the commodity container pressure delivery system with a commodity manifold valve member delivering the commodity into a selected delivery run helping to match or otherwise balance pressure within the container storing the commodity with the selected commodity delivery path for control of siphoning and/or floating of the commodity as it is dispersed from the commodity container and into selected ones of the plurality of delivery runs of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A tablet discharge gate for a tablet press comprises a tablet channel having an inlet and an outlet and comprising one of a tube shape and a trough shape, a first outlet channel, and a second outlet channel. A gate chamber is positioned between the outlet of the tablet channel and the first and second outlet channels. A drive apparatus is configured to move the tablet discharge gate between a first position in which tablets are supplied from the tablet channel to the gate chamber and into the first outlet channel of the gate, and a second position in which tablets are supplied to the tablet discharge gate chamber and into the second outlet channel.

Abstract: An exemplary diverter valve generally includes a shell, a pipe, and a handle. The shell includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction, a shell inlet port, a shell outlet port, and a positioning slot formed in the body. The pipe is seated in the body for sliding movement in the longitudinal direction, and includes a first passage and a second passage. The handle is connected to the pipe through the positioning slot, and is operable to move the pipe relative to the shell between a first position in which the shell inlet port is connected with the shell outlet port via the first passage, and a second position in which the second passage is connected with the shell inlet port and the shell outlet port is disconnected from the second passage.

Abstract: A material diverter for separating bulk goods includes a housing containing an inlet and at least two outlets, as well a guide element located between the inlet and the outlets that is pivotable about a pivot bearing in order to guide the material flow to one of the outlets. The material diverter further includes a pivot drive for pivoting the guide element, in order to align it between the inlet and one of the outlets. The housing includes a door that can be moved on the housing or removed therefrom. A first bearing element in the pivot bearing is located on the housing, and a second bearing element in the pivot bearing is located on the door. The guide element is received in the first and/or second bearing element such that it can be removed therefrom to facilitate servicing and cleaning of the material diverter and the guide element.

Abstract: A building shuttle box delivery system includes a plurality of delivery ducts connected in a delivery network. The system further includes a plurality of delivery vehicles configured to travel along the delivery ducts and are accessible via a plurality of access ports distributed along the delivery network. The system may further include hold devices, movement rails, positional pads, directional pads, crawler wheel assemblies and fall brakes disposed on the delivery ducts and delivery vehicles to facilitate travel throughout the delivery network.

Abstract: The module (19) for a conveyor system for bulk goods has at least one first tubular section (20). A second tubular section (23), which is provided with at least one coupling piece (21), branches away from said first tubular section. The second tubular section (23) adjoins a valve (13) which has three connections (25, 26). The first connection forms a flow-connection with the second tubular section (23). The second connection (26) of the valve (13) can be selectively connected to the first connection (25) by means of a first line and to the third connection (25) by means of a second line (48).

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a delivery system that distributes commodity from the source between a plurality of delivery runs. The delivery system includes at least one commodity manifold. The commodity manifold includes a first run structure with a first run passage, a second run with a second run passage, and a manifold regulator with a body that is rotatable about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The body at least partly defines a channel configured to receive and distribute the commodity. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is in communication with the first run passage and disconnected from the second run passage in the first position. The outlet is in communication with the second run passage and disconnected from the first run passage in the second position.

Abstract: A conveying system includes a first belt conveyor; a second belt conveyor; a workpiece guide that includes guide paths that receive workpieces that have fallen from a downstream end portion of the first belt conveyor one by one and then guide the workpieces to an upstream end portion of the second belt conveyor; a rotary mechanism that displaces the downstream end portion along a substantially arc-shaped trajectory to distribute the workpieces that have fallen from the downstream end portion into the guide paths; a first sensor that detects first information that represents that one of the workpieces has fallen from the downstream end portion; and a controlling device that controls an operation of the rotary mechanism. The controlling device controls the rotary mechanism by transmitting an operation command to the displacement mechanism to intermittently displace the downstream end portion by a predetermined distance in response to first information.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system is disclosed for conveying a granular product, such as grain, from a grain inlet device to a selected one of a plurality of grain bins or other storage vessels. The system includes a blower for forcing air under pressure into a conveyor piping system. A grain inlet device is located downstream from the blower. The piping system has a portion leading from the grain inlet to an inlet in a first one of the vessels. A discharge/bypass valve is connected to a portion of the piping system leading from the grain inlet so as to receive the granular product being conveyed therethrough with the valve having a discharge outlet for discharging the granular product into the vessel. The valve is installed on the vessel such that the discharge outlet is in communication with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum valve apparatus and method to provide a vacuum to equipment. The vacuum valve can include an air port tube, a vacuum port tube, a motor, and a control arm coupled to the vacuum port tube and the motor. The motor can cause the control arm to move in an arc in order to flex the vacuum port tube and selectively create the vacuum and vent the vacuum provided to the equipment.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for providing inter-zone connections between first and second portions of a pneumatic tube system. The systems and methods (i.e., utilities) permit creating a direct pneumatic path between the first zone and the second zone. In this regard, air pressure or vacuum from a first zone may be utilized to effectuate transfer of a carrier through a portion or all of the second zone and/or to provide operating pressure or vacuum to the second zone.

Abstract: A package sorting system. The package sorting conveyor system includes a conveying track, at least one unloading station and an air-film lubricated entrance chute upstream of the unloading station to receive the package. In one embodiment, the entrance chute includes a plenum including a plurality of spaced apart apertures and an opening for communicating with an air supply; and a segmented conveying surface in communication with the apertures, wherein the segmented conveying surface includes at least one air-film lubricated bottom surface and at least one air-film lubricated side wall substantially perpendicular to the at least one bottom surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a positioner assembly for selectively positioning the outlet of the entrance chute.

Abstract: A diverter valve for a material transportation system includes a front cover defining an inlet passage, a rear cover defining first and second outlet passages, a casing connected to the front and rear covers and an inner tube arranged in the casing. The inner tube rotates to selectively align an outlet thereof with the first or second outlet passage. An inlet of the inner tube aligns with the inlet passage and the first outlet passage to thereby provide a straight passage through the diverter valve which aligns with a straight passage through the transportation system. When the inlet of the inner tube aligns with the second outlet passage, it provides a straight, branched passage through the diverter valve to, e.g., a receiving container. The inner tube is rotated between its alignment with the first or second outlet passage by an actuator.

Abstract: Device for conveying objects (1), with supporting and/or guiding means comprising two facing rails (7) situated transversely apart and parallel; at least one of said rails (7) comprises a movable rail section (12) that is adjacent to a fixed portion (13), situated upstream and/or downstream of such rail and means (17) of driving said rail section (12) are capable of moving the latter between two operating positions: a conveying position in which said rail section (12) is aligned with said fixed rail portion (13) and ensures the continuity of the rail (7) and a retracted position in which said rail section (12) is out of alignment with said fixed rail portion (13) in order to interrupt the continuity of the rail (7).

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor having upstream (1) and downstream (2) tubular transport channels which are interconnected by a switch device (3) and a support infrastructure (4). The switch device (3) takes the form of a transport and guiding device which is flexible in relation to the longitudinal axis thereof and which is a flexible blade. The flexible blade supports a device (10) for propelling products (6) to be transported, which includes individual rigid parallelepiped elements (18). One end (3?) of the flexible transport and guiding structure is fixed to the support infrastructure (4) or to an upstream (1) or downstream (2) transport case, such that the guide part thereof corresponds to that of a downstream (2) or upstream (1) transport case, while the other end (3) of the flexible transport and guiding structure is guided with possible angular displacement on the support infrastructure (4) or on an upstream (1) or downstream (2) transport case and is connected to a reciprocating displacement means (5).

Abstract: A gas channeling device for selectively channeling blasts of gas from an air cannon to various locations comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion comprises a fluid inlet passageway and at least first and second fluid outlet passageways. The movable portion comprises a fluid channeling passageway, and is pivotally movable about a pivot axis relative to the stationary portion in a manner such that the movable portion can be selectively positioned in alternative first and second positions relative to the stationary portion. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the first fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the first position. The fluid channeling passageway operatively connects the fluid inlet passageway to the second fluid outlet passageway when the movable portion is in the second position.

Abstract: Device for conveying objects (1), with supporting and/or guiding means comprising two facing rails (7) situated transversely apart and parallel; at least one of said rails (7) comprises a movable rail section (12) that is adjacent to a fixed portion (13), situated upstream and/or downstream of such rail and means (17) of driving said rail section (12) are capable of moving the latter between two operating positions: a conveying position in which said rail section (12) is aligned with said fixed rail portion (13) and ensures the continuity of the rail (7) and a retracted position in which said rail section (12) is out of alignment with said fixed rail portion (13) in order to interrupt the continuity of the rail (7).

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system has a plurality of interconnected stations for transporting a carrier containing a material. Pneumatic travel tubes interconnect the stations. Each station has a rotatable cartridge assembly with a first tube for pass-through of the carrier, a second tube for loading the carrier, and a third tube for receiving the carrier. Each tube is configurable to be aligned with the travel tubes. A wear plate assembly is in slidable communication with the rotatable cartridge assembly. The wear plate assembly has a center plate with a solid portion, an opening for passing the carrier, and an air-pass opening. A computer system controls the configuration of the interconnected stations to provide transport of the carrier between stations while passing through intermediate stations without stopping movement of the carrier. A user interface provides for entering commands to the pneumatic transport system.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system has a plurality of interconnected stations for transporting a carrier containing a material. Pneumatic travel tubes interconnect the stations. Each station has a rotatable cartridge assembly with a first tube for pass-through of the carrier, a second tube for loading the carrier, and a third tube for receiving the carrier. Each tube is configurable to be aligned with the travel tubes. A wear plate assembly is in slidable communication with the rotatable cartridge assembly. The wear plate assembly has a center plate with a solid portion, an opening for passing the carrier, and an air-pass opening. A computer system controls the configuration of the interconnected stations to provide transport of the carrier between stations while passing through intermediate stations without stopping movement of the carrier. A user interface provides for entering commands to the pneumatic transport system.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device for air conveyors for bottles, preforms or similar parts, which can be transported, suspended by their neck in the pneumatic conveyor, where the pneumatic conveyor presents fixed conveyor track sections. The switching device is characterized by the fact that at least one shifting device, which is shiftable with respect to the fixed conveyor track sections, is provided with at least one conveyor track section.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: A material feed apparatus 34 for influencing the travel properties of a feed stream of material 42 moving between a pulverizer 14 and a furnace 12 includes a feed path 36 passing through an upstream passage periphery UPZ. The feed path 36 includes one duct 44A having a branch entry 66A and another branch duct 44C having a branch entry 66C both downstream of the upstream passage periphery UPZ through which the feed stream of the material 42 travels in two segregated portions. A Y-axis drive assembly 58 and the X-axis drive assembly 62 move the nozzle 52 relative to the reference axis RA, whereupon the upstream passage periphery UPZ moves relative to the reference axis RA such that the travel properties of the one portion of material in the one branch duct 44A are different than its travel properties before the movement of the upstream passage periphery UPZ.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: An adjustable base unit includes a pair of upper and lower frameworks, a connection sleeve attached to the lower framework and having opposite end portions for extending into and providing flow communication through the unit and between an upper fill tube and a lower blower pipe of a silo filling apparatus, and elements for adjustably interconnecting and spacing apart the upper and lower frameworks with respect to one another. When the unit is interposed between the fill tube and blower pipe and the upper and lower frameworks are respectively detachably attached to the fill tube, connection sleeve and blower pipe, the upper framework can be angularly tilted by adjusting selected ones of the interconnecting elements in any one of several different orientations relative to the lower framework so as to correspondingly angularly adjust the mounting disposition of the fill tube on the blower pipe and thereby the position of the fill tube within the silo.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: An apparatus for directing objects carried serially by a fluid to a desired designation is provided. The apparatus includes an upstream fluid conduit and first and second downstream conduits. The apparatus also includes a sensor associated with the upstream fluid conduit operable to provide information regarding an object at a location in the upstream conduit. A switch is coupled to the upstream fluid conduit and selectively operable to deliver the object from the upstream fluid conduit to either the first or second downstream fluid conduit according to the information by applying a force to at least one of the upstream or downstream fluid conduits.

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

Abstract: 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: Apparatus for pneumatically conveying filter rod sections from a sender to a remote cigarette filter tipping machine has a first switching device which receives filter rod sections from a single outlet of the sender, a second switching device which delivers filter rod sections to a single inlet of the tipping machine, and at least two conduits connecting the switching devices. The first switching device can direct filter rod sections into the receiving end of either one of the conduits while establishing a path for the evacuation of piled-up filter rod sections from the other conduit. The second switching device can connect the inlet of the tipping machine with the discharge end of either of the two conduits while connecting the discharge end of the other conduit with a source of compressed air in the event of clogging of the other conduit.

Abstract: The device for separating metal parts from a stream of material to be conveyed comprises a multiple-way junction (11) in the form of a rotary tubular multiple-way junction. The rotary tubular multiple-way junction contains a rotary element (36) configured as a stopcock having two inlet ducts (37,38) which can be selectively brought in congruence with an inlet opening (32), and an outlet duct (39). The outlet duct (39) normally leads to a material outlet (34) but is moved to the separation outlet (15) when the rotary element (36) is repositioned. A metal detector (28) responding to the presence of metal parts in the conveying duct (30) controls the rotary element (36) which is rotated by less than 90°0 for the purpose of separating the metal part.

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 device for increasing the uniformity of solids within a solids fabrication system, such as a direct light fabrication (DLF) system in which gas entrained powders are passed through the focal point of a moving high-power light which fuses the particles in the powder to a surface being built up in layers. The invention provides a feed through interface wherein gas entrained powders input from stationary input lines are coupled to a rotating head of the fabrication system. The invention eliminates the need to provide additional slack in the feed lines to accommodate head rotation, and therefore reduces feed line bending movements which induce non-uniform feeding of gas entrained powder to a rotating head.

Abstract: A route switching apparatus for conveying articles, including a plurality of lines suitable for conveying the articles along respective separate paths and a body having a polygonal cross-section and pivotable about a longitudinal axis. The body is positioned along the plurality of lines between an entry and an exit of the lines. The body has a plurality of lateral faces with transfer lines formed on respective lateral faces. The transfer lines communicate with respective lines of the plurality of lines between the entry and the exit. The body is pivotable such that the transfer lines can communicate with different respective lines so that the articles moving along one of the separate paths can transfer to another of the separate paths.

Abstract: A pipe switch includes a plug with a spherically arched circumferential surface and having ports for at least one channel. The plug is rotatably supported in a housing about a pivot axis which is formed with an inlet port and two outlet ports. In order to simplify the shape of the housing and reduce the complexity of manufacture, the plug is a spherical segment within a spherical volume bounded by the great circle, with the ports of the channel being bounded at least approximately by substantially coincidental ellipses in the spherical segment of the plug in a projection along an imaginary line connecting the centers of the ports, whereby this imaginary line extends offset with respect to the pivot axis of the plug.

Abstract: A primary air distribution manifold for an air seeder's pneumatic distribution system, wherein the primary air distribution manifold is provided with a top rank of venturis and a bottom rank of venturis for receiving an air stream from a blower which is divided into a top rank air stream and a bottom rank air stream. A selector valve is located above the top rank of venturis immediately below a product meter. The selector valve selectively directs metered product to either the top rank of venturis or the bottom rank of venturis. In a first position the selector valve directs metered product to the top rank of venturis in its second position the selector valve directs metered product to the bottom rank of venturis. Each selector valve is also provided with first and second air valves. In the selector valve's first position, the first air valve is open and directs air tapped from the top rank air stream to the product tank feeding product to the top rank of venturis.

Abstract: An air distribution valve comprises a gimbal mounted flow directing nozzle connected to a feed conduit and selectively and pivotally advanceable about at least two intersecting and perpendicular axes into alignment with one of four outlet openings in a base plate each opening to an outlet conduit. The gimbal includes an outer gimbal ring supported in horizontal alignment above the base plate and an inner gimbal ring pivotally mounted to and inside the outer gimbal ring and rotatable about a first axis. The flow directing nozzle is pivotally mounted on mounting arms pivotally connected to the inner gimbal ring and pivotal about a second axis which intersects and extends perpendicular to the first axis. When used in a wave generating system, each outlet conduit communicates with one of four caissons at one end of the wave pool for selectively delivering pressurized air to the caisson from a centrifugal fan to force water out of the caissons in a selected order to create a desired wave pattern.

Abstract: In a pneumatic conveyor for coins comprising a plurality of conduits leading from a plurality of payment points, a common conduit into which said plurality of conduits feed, a separator receiving coins from said common conduit and separating said coins from air, suction means for creating a suction in said common conduit and said plurality of conduits to convey coins to said separator, and a storage receptacle for receiving coins from said separator; the improvement comprising a sealing means for opening and closing concealing means disposed in each of said plurality of conduits for opening each of said plurality of conduits only when a coin enters one of said plurality of conduits and for closing the associated said one of said plurality of conduits after said coin has passed said sealing means, thereby to preserve said vacuum both in said plurality of conduits downstream of said sealing means and in said common conduits.

Abstract: A multi-port pneumatic switch having a drive system including a motor and a gear reduction box that rotates a rotatable plate which carries a rotateable conduit having an offset end and a non-offset end with the offset end postionable into precise flow alignment with any of a plurality of outlet conduits through the coaction of a photoelectric alignment system that detects a light beam reflection from a reflector on the rotatable plate to immediately shut the power to the drive system and thereby stop further forward rotation of the rotatable plate. With the cessation of power to the drive system a pivotal arm swings into engagement with a radial stop on the rotatable plate to lock the rotatable plate from further forward rotation while the drive system which is powered through a gear reduction drive functions as brake to prevent back rotation of the rotatable plate once the power is shut off to the motor.

Abstract: A pneumatic switch having a wiper seal to inhibit material from escaping from a pneumatic conveying line during a switching process and to maintain the pneumatic conveying line in a closed condition to prevent contamination of the contents of the pneumatic conveying line and an inflatable seal to seal around a pneumatic conveying line with the pneumatic switch including a movable housing that is moveable with respect to a second pneumatic conveying line. The movable housing bearing is carried by a movable plate that allows one to position or reposition the pneumatic conveying line with respect to another conveying line to thereby divert material from one conveying line to another conveying line while an inflatable seal allows one to seal and reseal around the pneumatic conveying line.

Abstract: A ball cleaning system incorporates an object converger and diverter. The converger accepts objects from a plurality of inputs at a housing and uses a flexible tube to selectively connect each input to a single output. A motor, elongated member, and actuator move the flexible tube between inputs. The diverter includes a Y-shaped assembly, a solenoid, and a gate wherein the solenoid selectively moves the gate across the Y-shaped assembly so that objects passing through the Y-shaped assembly are directed down different branches of the Y. The actuator is a linear actuator.

Abstract: A product disconnect is provided for cutting off product flow between a product tank and an associated metering system. The product is instead directed to a product cleanout where an operator can empty the product tank without sending product through the metering system. The product disconnect may consist of one or more rotary cutoff valves which are selectively movable between an open position allowing product to flow into metering system and a closed position where product is instead directed to a product cleanout.

Abstract: A single-to-multiple line conveying system for conveying unstable articles, such as plastic bottles, having a neck ring. The unstable articles are neck ring supported and are conveyed in single file along a first path established by a first guide unit to second paths established by a plurality of second guide units through a third path established by a third guide unit having a displaceable section to align the third path with successive ones of the second paths by an electric motor actuated in response to an article counter. The unstable articles are air conveyed along the first and second paths with continuous movement of the unstable articles along the third path being effected by a continuously rotating star wheel that spaces the unstable articles and urges the unstable articles toward the displaceable section that includes a mechanical unit, having a continuously moving chain with article engaging finger units thereon, and an air unit for urging the unstable articles from the third path.

Abstract: A conveyor system for conveying an article has an upper portion and a lower portion below the upper portion. The conveyor system comprises a guide mechanism configured for engaging the upper portion of the article in a manner so that the article is suspended from the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is further configured for guiding the article in its suspended orientation along a conveyor pathway defined by the guide mechanism, the conveyor pathway having a lateral curve. The conveyor system further includes at least one air nozzle for connection to a source of pressurized air. The air nozzle is oriented for directing a stream of air in a direction generally adjacent the lateral curve and in a manner such that the stream of air blows against the lower portion of the article when the article is moving along the lateral curve of the conveyor pathway to counter inertial forces which tend to cause the article to deviate from the conveyor pathway.

Abstract: A pipe shunt for pneumatically fed bulk goods, comprising a housing with three pipe connections associated with one another and one stopcock, rotatably supported in this housing by a pivot pin and connecting the three pipe connections with one another through two flow channels, each flow channel comprising one length of pipe and the two lengths of pipe being joined to one another in the region of the respective ends each via one adapter and in their middle via the pivot pin of the stopcock, characterized in that a pipe entrance disposed in the housing of the pipe shunt communicates with one at a time of the two pipe drains disposed in the housing through a flexibly embodied spiral hose that communicates with these pipe connections, is prestressed in curved fashion between them, and is disposed with a slide with supporting angle brackets.

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

Abstract: An air conveyor conveys a stream of bottle containers along an input path and then selectively diverts bottles from the input stream into one of a plurality of output paths. The invention includes a diverter plate positioned between the input path and the output paths which is moveable for selectively connecting the input path with one of the plurality of output paths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the feeding and accumulation of bottles in an air conveyance system, which has a swing-arm air conveyor with a flexible guide joint which allows the efficient conveyance of bottles from a single-lane source of bottles to a plurality of recipient air conveyors for accumulation and handling. The swing-arm air conveyor also includes a second flexible guide joint which provides for the delivery of the bottles to the recipient air conveyors in a direction parallel to the direction of the single-line source of bottles. The apparatus and method is also used for the conveyance of bottles from a plurality of feed air conveyors to a single-lane recipient air conveyor. The flexible guide joint allows the swing-arm air conveyor to be pivoted while still maintaining a continuous chamber through which bottles are conveyed.

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

Abstract: In apparatus for conveying batches of ice lumps from a storage hopper to remotely located ice dispensers, ice lumps from the storage hopper are delivered into the main conduits through corresponding main valves and connecting conduits extending between each main valve and the storage hopper. Metering valves meter batches of ice lumps of predetermined size into the main conduits. Conveying air from an air blower is supplied to the main conduits through the main valves for conveying the batches of ice lumps. In use, batches of ice lumps are intermittently delivered into the main conduit, and the batches of ice lumps and conveying air are alternately supplied to the main conduit.