Conduit Patents (Class 406/191)
  • Publication number: 20150098767
    Abstract: A manifold apparatus for an air seeder has output ports spaced around a lower portion of the sidewall A vertically oriented input conduit extends upward through an input port defined in the bottom of the manifold into an upper portion of the manifold interior. A plurality of substantially vertical channels each extend downward from an inner top wall surface to one of the outlet ports and has an entrance opening at a top end thereof. The upper portion of the manifold interior is configured such that an air stream carrying entrained agricultural products passing out an open top end of the input conduit contacts the top wall and is directed outward into the entrance openings, and such that a substantially equal portion of the air stream and agricultural products flows into each entrance opening. Blunt edged pulsating rings can distribute agricultural products evenly across the input conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Norbert Beaujot, Greg Vennard
  • Patent number: 8973338
    Abstract: A pneumatic container transport system conveys specialized, cylindrical containers between stations within an automated container filling system. Low-pressure, high-velocity air moving through plastic tubing propels the containers through switching gates, air impellers and deceleration devices from one station to another. Annular ridges around the circumference of the containers minimize contact with the inside tube walls and deter scuffing of paper labels which carry machine readable indicia upon which the container filling system relies for directing the containers. The air impellers include at least one aperture for adjusting the air pressure and velocity. Actuator-operated gates in the tubing system respond to control signals from management software to direct each container to its next station. At selected stations, decelerators slow the containers upon arrival to cushion their impact upon arrival and to protect the contents from damage due to jarring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tension International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Patent number: 8801340
    Abstract: A pipe part (100) for conveying a solid particulate material, comprising an outer tubular element (1) stretching along a longitudinal axis (A) and having first (9) and second (12) sections axially displaced from each other. An inner tubular element (20) is disposable inside the outer tubular element (1) and adapted for longitudinally conveying the solid particulate material from one end to another end. The inner tubular element (20) comprises an aeration-fluid-permeable wall part (23), and is sealingly connected with—and flexibly supported by—the first and second sections (9,12) to form an aeration fluid distribution chamber (40) between the first and second sections (9,12) and the inner (20) and outer (1) tubular elements. The aeration fluid distribution chamber (40) is provided with an aeration fluid inlet (15) to define an aeration fluid flow path (19) between the aeration fluid inlet (15) through the aeration-fluid-permeable wall part (23) via the aeration fluid distribution chamber (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Wouter Detlof Berggren
  • Publication number: 20140119841
    Abstract: A method of transporting solid particulates in an aqueous suspension of the solid particulates, comprising dispersing solid particulates in an aqueous liquid in the presence of at least one mineral suspending agent, wherein solid particulates are transported a distance greater than or equal to 200 m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ACTIVE MINERALS INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Robert J. PURCELL, Jr., Dennis C. PARKER, Matthew J. LYMAN, James M. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20130287504
    Abstract: The present invention took the inventor 15 years to develop, it was inspired by the possibility he saw of accelerating gases peripherally along the inside of cylindrical hollow tubes, ducts and pipe He took the rocket nozzle type of venturi and formed it in annular and rectangular shapes. The inventor applied his knowledge of supersonic and hypersonic fluid mechanics to industrial process conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Harry John Gatley
  • Publication number: 20130266382
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of plastics material containers with a conveying device which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path and with a guide device which guides the containers at least locally during the movement thereof along the conveying path. The guide device is arranged such that the containers contact a guide face of the guide device at least for a time and move—in particular in a sliding manner—with respect to the guide face. The guide device has a plastics material at least on the guide face towards the containers, treated by radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Johann Huettner, Martin Seger, Franz-Xaver Karl
  • Publication number: 20130207315
    Abstract: A fluidic channel system is provided. The fluidic channel system includes a light projection apparatus, a fluidic channel, and a rail. The light projection apparatus provides light. A photocurable fluid, which is selectively cured by the light, flows inside the fluidic channel. A fine structure which is to be formed by curing the photocurable fluid moves along the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventor: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
  • Publication number: 20130183106
    Abstract: A conveying pipe for transporting solids includes a pipe body and a pipe collar connected to at least one end of the pipe body. The pipe collar and the pipe end are coupled to each other by an interference fit at least in some sections in a coupling region in a longitudinal direction of the pipe body. In the coupling region, an anaerobically hardening adhesive is optionally arranged in craters or depressions. The conveying pipe is produced by roughening the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end outer surface in a coupling region, cleaning the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end outer surface, applying an anaerobic hardenable adhesive the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end inner surface, and pressing the pipe collar onto the pipe end and/or pressing the pipe end into the pipe collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Putzmeister Engineering GMBH
    Inventors: Raimund Mäckle, Karl Westermann
  • Publication number: 20130149050
    Abstract: A device disposable between upstream and downstream openings of components conveying a fine bulk material, including a housing displaceable between such component openings, having an opening therethrough for conducting such material, and at least one conduit supported on such housing, spanning the opening in such housing, in the path of the flow of such material therethrough, formed of a porous material, connectable to a source of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Richard W. Ambs
  • Patent number: 8371773
    Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to create at least a partial momentary seal to encourage article movement through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential. The tube and the baffle apertures can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vincent E. Bryan, Jr., John Ohrt, Randy Allard, Polly Allard, Gene Barrow, Pete Kunzler, Vincent Bryan, III, Alex Kunzler
  • Publication number: 20130019519
    Abstract: Mixed alcohol formulas can be used as a fuel additive in petroleum-based hydrocarbon liquid fuels, synthetic or bio-derived gasoline, diesel fuels, jet fuel, aviation gasoline, heating oil, bunker oil, coal, petroleum coke, heavy crude oil, bitumen, or as a neat fuel in and of itself. The mixed alcohol formulations can be blended with ground petroleum coke, coal, heavy crude oil, or bitumen to form a thixotropic slurry for ease of transportation. The mixed alcohol formulations can also be used to shurry transport ground biomass. The mixed alcohol formulations can contain a blend of C1-C5 alcohols, or C1-C8 alcohols or higher C1-C10 alcohols in order to further boost energy content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Standard Alcohol Company of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Standard Alcohol Company of America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8317432
    Abstract: A valve device and method are provided that are operative to selectively divert the flow of air within a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. Generally, the device includes a pneumatic tube that is sized to permit the passage of pneumatic carriers. The pneumatic tube includes at least aperture in a sidewall of the pneumatic tube, an outer sleeve, and an actuator. The actuator acts on the outer sleeve to block and open the aperture to fluid flow in order to divert air in the pneumatic system. In one embodiment, the valve is disposed in a pneumatic system in conjunction with a pneumatic carrier handling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Translogic Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Castro, Chad David Cornelius, Kenneth Michael Hoganson, James Joseph Podracky, Robert Paul Trenconsky
  • Patent number: 8317431
    Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor which includes a tubular channel (1) defining in its lower part a guidance and propulsion track (2) to transport products. The tubular channel (1) is equipped at regular intervals with a member, which provides guidance and support (6). The pressurized air conduits (4), the electrical wiring (5), and a plurality of covers can be click-locked onto the guidance and support member, which covers the corresponding edges of the tubular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel Preparations
    Inventors: Zmaj Petrovic, Nicolas Cantisani
  • Patent number: 8251406
    Abstract: A discharge elbow provided with guide vanes includes an elbow of rectangular cross section and magnification f of 1<f?5, one or more guide vanes disposed in the elbow, wherein the guide vane or the guide vanes are made of a curved plate and a pair of flat plates connected to the curved plate. One of the flat plates is located in front of the curved plate and the other is located to the rear of the curved plate. M-number of sub-channels similar to one another are formed in the elbow based on particular formulas, wherein the inner sidewall of the elbow is deformed into a curved plate coaxial with the curved plate of the adjacent guide vane to deform n=1 sub-channel into a coaxial bend channel provided with a uniform breadth equal to the inlet breadth b1 of the sub-channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kawano Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michihiko Kawano
  • Patent number: 8226332
    Abstract: A method for transporting dispersion, includes: introducing dispersion containing particles into a liquid transporting channel from a dispersion introducing port; transporting the dispersion in a laminar flow through the liquid transporting channel; and discharging the dispersion from a downstream of the liquid transporting channel, and the liquid transporting channel has a bent portion in a vertical direction, and a Dean vortex which cancels an exchange flow that is produced by movement of the particles caused by gravitational force is generated in the bent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kojima, Seiichi Takagi, Kazuya Hongo
  • Patent number: 8177120
    Abstract: A device which collects donations of paper currency by allowing a person to insert paper currency and subsequently cause it to be floated through one or more tubes to a collection box by means of air flowing through the tubes is disclosed. A user of the device may use a diverter box to select one of several collection boxes to receive the donation. An audible or visual signal announces that a donation has been made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: DuPage Children's Museum, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Wickart
  • Patent number: 8157485
    Abstract: A shuttle (11) for feeding tubular rivets (12), which are of relatively short axial length compared with their head diameter, along a flexible hose (26) to a movable rivet-installation tool has an aperture (18) running parallel to its axis along its whole length. Through this aperture a rivet can be both inserted into, and removed from, the shuttle. It also enables the sideways removal from the shuttle of an elongated mandrel, over the end of which a rivet has been axially fed. The exterior of the shuttle (11) and the interior of the hose (26) have similar cross-sections, which are a sliding fit and which co-operate with each other to maintain the shuttle (11) in a pre-determined rotational relationship with the hose (26), to facilitate insertion and removal of the rivet as aforesaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Avdel UK Limited
    Inventor: Aiden Robert Dear
  • Patent number: 7815401
    Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vincent E. Bryan, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100172702
    Abstract: An air guide includes a slide member and a guide track. The guide track defines a guide hole slidably receiving the slide member. The guide track defines an air intake in an outer surface, a plurality of air outlets in an inner surface opposite to the sliding member, and a plurality of guide holes therein. The guide holes communicates the air intake with the air outlets. The guide track further defines a plurality of guide grooves in the inner surface, communicating with the air outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: FA-PING XIA
  • Publication number: 20100150668
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Naunheimer, Paul A. Sechrist
  • Publication number: 20100135734
    Abstract: A pneumatic tube transport system for grossly irregular shaped objects is disclosed. The system comprises a pneumatic tube and a series of one or more flexible, sealable bags adapted to contain the objects to be transported. The bags may be fenestrated, but, if desired, the bags can be designed and manufactured so that when they are filled and sealed, they can assume a generally inflated shape. The bags can be made out of a thin material such as that found in a grocery store produce section or check out area. A bag providing apparatus can be supplied either to the individual picker in the field or to the region near the entry to the pneumatic tube. If desired, an inflating device and a bag sealing device can be provided. After placement of the object(s) into the bag these devices can inflate and the seal the bag and then allow for its quick release and deposition at the entry end of the pneumatic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vincent E. Bryan, JR.
  • Patent number: 7695220
    Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vincent E. Bryan, Jr., Alex E. Kunzler, Joseph A. Penaranda, Jeffrey A. Cleveringa, Randy Allard, Daniel Baker, Vincent E. Bryan, III
  • Publication number: 20100061811
    Abstract: A bulk component feeder includes a conveying channel 42 through which the electronic components P are conveyed, a ventilation channel 43 that is formed along the conveying channel 42, and a partition 44 by which postures of the electronic components P conveyed through the conveying channel 42 are maintained and by which the conveying channel 42 is separated from the ventilation channel 43. The conveying channel 42 communicates with the ventilation channel 43 through an upper part 45 of the partition 44. It is possible to increase a size of an air channel A which acts as a flow channel for airflow and through which the electronic components P are conveyed with no respect to sizes of the electronic components P, thus, a desirable conveying speed is assured even though the conveyed electronic components P are micro-components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akifumi Wada, Takeshi Nishiguchi
  • Publication number: 20090285642
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: DE GREEF'S WAGEN-, CARROSSERIE-EN MACHINEBOUW B.V.
    Inventor: Jacob Hendrik De Greef
  • Publication number: 20090148244
    Abstract: A device for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow in a duct comprises means for separating the flow into first and second streams. The first stream has a relatively high particulate material content and the second stream has a relatively low particulate material content. The flow of the second stream is restricted for example by means of a flow-constricting orifice. The effect of the device is to increase the pressure of a vessel into which particulate material is discharged from the duct, thereby reducing the velocity of the material flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Clean Cat Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Brian Snowdon
  • Publication number: 20090016828
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production by extrusion of piping made of a cementitious material having a circular section and fine thickness, suitable for the channeling of liquids and gases at atmospheric operating pressure or slightly higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ital-cementi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gian Luca Guerrini, Roberta Alfani
  • Publication number: 20080298908
    Abstract: A pipeline (1) comprises straight pipe pieces (2) and curved pipe bends (3) having each an inner pipe (5; 22), an outer pipe (6; 23) and terminal, double-layer coupling flanges (7; 16, 17) composed of inner wear rings (8; 18, 19) and outer ring collars (9; 20, 21) with coupling grooves (10). Pipe pieces (2) and/or pipe bends (3) which follow one another in sections are detachably coupled by split couplings (4) that act as rotating joints and pipe connectors. The wear rings (19) in the coupling flanges (17) of the pipe bends (3) on the outlet side have different wall thicknesses about the circumference, while the wear rings (18) in the coupling flanges (16) at the inlet side and in the coupling flanges (7) of the pipe pieces (2) have a uniform wall thickness about their circumference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Alexander Esser
  • Publication number: 20080279640
    Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to move through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Picker Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vincent E. Bryan, JR., Alex E. Kunzler, Joseph A. Penaranda, Jeffrey A. Cleveringa, Randy Allard, Daniel Baker, Vincent E. Bryan, III
  • Publication number: 20080267721
    Abstract: A method for transporting a substrate is provided. In this method, a non-Newtonian fluid is provided and the substrate is suspended in the non-Newtonian fluid. The non-Newtonian fluid is capable of supporting the substrate. Thereafter, a supply force is applied on the non-Newtonian fluid to cause the non-Newtonian fluid to flow, whereby the flow is capable of moving the substrate along a direction of the flow. Apparatuses and systems for transporting the substrate using the non-Newtonian fluid also are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: John M. de Larios, Mike Ravkin, John Parks, Mikhail Korolik, Fred C. Redeker
  • Publication number: 20080193230
    Abstract: Abstract: A shuttle (11) for feeding tubular rivets (12), which are of relatively short axial length compared with their head diameter, along a flexible hose (26) to a movable rivet-installation tool has an aperture (18) running parallel to its axis along its whole length. Through this aperture a rivet can be both inserted into, and removed from, the shuttle. It also enables the sideways removal from the shuttle of an elongated mandrel, over the end of which a rivet has been axially fed. The exterior of the shuttle (11) and the interior of the hose (26) have similar cross-sections, which are a sliding fit and which co-operate with each other to maintain the shuttle (11) in a pre-determined rotational relationship with the hose (26), to facilitate insertion and removal of the rivet as aforesaid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: AVDEL UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Aiden Robert Dear
  • Patent number: 7182552
    Abstract: Provided are a method for delivering a fine particle dispersion which makes it possible to flow the fine particle dispersion, as a stable flow, in a microflow-channel without sedimentation, being deposited on the bottom face of the inner surface of the channel or blocking up or clogging the channel, so as to give a high efficiency for recovering the fine particles; and a device for delivering a fine particle dispersion which can be used for a long period of time and which makes it possible to flow the fine particle dispersion as a stable flow in a microflow-channel without sedimentation, being deposited on the bottom face of the inner surfaces of the channel or blocking up or clogging the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Tetsuo Ohta
  • Patent number: 7182553
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of delivering a fine particle dispersion in the state of laminar flow from an inlet port to an outlet port of a microflow channel having the inlet port and the outlet port, the fine particle dispersion containing fine particles having a volume average particle size of from about 1.5 ?m to about 1000 ?m dispersed in its liquid medium, the specific gravity of the fine particles being from approximately 0.10 to 0.99 times that of the liquid medium, wherein the microflow channel is disposed such that the outlet port is disposed above the inlet port in the buoyant force direction, and the angle of the flow channel from the inlet port to the outlet port is set to from approximately 0 to 45° relative to the buoyant force direction, and wherein the fine particle dispersion is introduced into the inlet port and the introduced fine particle dispersion is delivered to the outlet port. Also disclosed is a device for delivering the fine particle dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiichi Takagi, Kazuki Inami, Tetsuo Ohta
  • Patent number: 6817812
    Abstract: A pneumatic transfer system (10) includes a service provider station (12) and a customer station (14). A carrier is movable through a transfer conduit (26) between the stations responsive to differential pressure. The transfer conduit (26) comprises tubing (40, 42) fastened together by a clamp apparatus (70). The clamp apparatus includes a band portion (72), a retainer portion (74), and an adjusting device (76). The band portion is able to be tightened by use of the adjusting device. The retainer portion includes tapered walls (92). The clamp apparatus is able to be initially positioned so that portions of tube flanges (44, 46) are disposed within the retainer portion. A resilient seal (100) may also be used. Tightening of the clamp results in the tube flanges being guided toward both longitudinally abutting contact and circumferential alignment. The clamp permits the guiding, aligning, sealing, and retaining of pneumatic tube flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: Todd Christian
  • Publication number: 20040184891
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fluidizer including at least one wall forming a conduit for a gas. The at least one wall may include a material having microscopic holes therein with a sufficient porosity to permit the escape of the gas through the microscopic holes to gas a substance. The present invention may also relate to a fluidizer including a non-cylindrical shape for fluidizing a particulate substance. The fluidizer can include a body at least partially positioned within a flow of the particulate substance wherein at least some of the particulate substance flows around the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Roderick Rowland, Tony F. Zahrah
  • Patent number: 6749374
    Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for conveying particulate material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of materials and air surrounded by a boundary layer flow of air, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other preferred embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Ecotechnology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darin L. Lane, Walter D. Prince
  • Patent number: 6729808
    Abstract: A mail delivery system includes a housing having a bottom wall, an upper wall, and a peripheral wall. An elongate tubular member has a first end attached to an opening in the peripheral wall. The second end extends into a dwelling. The elongate tubular member has a central section, which includes tubular components that are removably coupled together. Each of a plurality of handles is attached to one of the components. A suction assembly is fluidly coupled to the elongate tubular member. A control device is for selectively turning the suction assembly on in a forward direction or reverse direction. A container for holding articles is positioned in the elongate tubular member. The container is movable through the elongate tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Holly R. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040052591
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic removal of tubular textiles, particularly for the production of stockings, socks and pantyhose articles; the apparatus comprises a plurality of containers (3), each of which contains a predetermined number of articles (2) all being equally oriented, and is supported by a motor-driven platform (30) to allow moving each container betwee a position of automatic removal of the articles and a different, standby or filling position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gino Bassi
  • Publication number: 20040022589
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a fluidizer including at least one wall forming a conduit for a gas. The at least one wall may include a material having microscopic holes therein with a sufficient porosity to permit the escape of the gas through the microscopic holes to gas a substance. The present invention may also relate to a fluidizer including a non-cylindrical shape for fluidizing a particulate substance. The fluidizer can include a body at least partially positioned within a flow of the particulate substance wherein at least some of the particulate substance flows around the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: MATSYS
    Inventors: Roderick Rowland, Tony F. Zahrah
  • Publication number: 20030190200
    Abstract: In a powder quantitative supply apparatus according to the present invention, fluidizing air is blown from a controller 28 into an air chamber 13 of a pressurized powder hopper 11 to maintain a powder coating material F in a fluidized state and pressurize the inside of the pressurized powder hopper 11. In a state where the outlet portion of a screw feeder 14 and the inside of the pressurized powder hopper 11 are mutually kept at equal pressures through an equalizing line 20, a drive current is supplied from the controller 28 to a motor 18 and transport air is supplied to a pressure-feeding nozzle 19. Thus, the screw of the screw feeder 14 rotates so as to discharge the fluidized state powder coating material F from the inside of the pressurized powder hopper 11 to be guided to the pressure-feeding nozzle 19. The powder paint is thus sprayed from the pressure-feeding nozzle 19 to an object to be coated by the transport air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Masayuki Hajima, Masamitsu Sugimoto, Hiroshi Kusunoki
  • Publication number: 20030180102
    Abstract: The sleeve (50) for forced immersion of an article comprises a tubular body (52) defining an article travel passage, and at least one inlet (58) for a fluid for establishing an article drive stream. The passage defined by the body is generally tubular. The sleeve has means (58, 60) for establishing a helical stream of liquid inside said passage flowing at the periphery of said passage. The invention is applicable to filling a container with fruit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Antonio Crovara Pescia
  • Patent number: 6609857
    Abstract: A method for mixing a pulverulent material in a main gas flow with a view to achieving uniform distribution of the pulverulent material. The turbulence in the main gas flow is increased in a vortex-generating zone. The pulverulent material is introduced into the main gas flow, in a mixing zone, with a carrier gas flow whose net motion during introduction is essentially opposite to the main gas flow. The mixing zone is positioned downstream of the vortex-generating zone and in the vicinity thereof. The carrier gas flow with the pulverulent material is in a rotational zone given a helical motion, whose axis of symmetry is essentially parallel with the direction of flow of the main gas flow, and is introduced into the mixing zone in the form of a divergent hollow cone. A device for carrying out the method comprises a gas duct (1) for the main gas flow with vortex-generating means (4) and an introducing means (11) for introduction of pulverulent material in dispersed state into a carrier gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Fläkt Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Magnus Hjortstam, Lars-Erik Johansson
  • Patent number: 6609873
    Abstract: A bulk material handling facility includes an unloading tube positionable for connection to several discharge openings of a transport vehicle without requiring repositioning of the vehicle. The unloading tube is pivotally supported so that it can be swung out of the way when not in use. The unloading tube may include an elevated portion permitting passage of personnel and equipment when the unloading tube is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Carbis Incorporated
    Inventors: William Wayne Just, Robert E. Singleton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030113172
    Abstract: Apparatus for the alignment of a plurality of bottles whose body is in the shape of a parallelepiped, and which are furthermore oriented in such a manner that said bottles are provided with respective axes centred on to the respective mouth, and the respective walls are inclined at either acute or obtuse angles with respect to the plane passing through said axes, in which there is provided a structure comprising two comb-like members (10, 11) and plurality of cylindrical cups (26) inserted in appropriate housings provided between said comb-like members (10. 11), wherein said cups (26) hold respective bottles (3) and are made in such a manner as to ensure that the comers of the bottles (3) are capable of being arranged in contact with the inner surface of said cups; said surface is in the shape of a plurality of plane surfaces spaced from each other by configurations in the shape of an arc of a circle having a radius (R) that is equal to the inner radius of the cups (r).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Luigi Girotto, Matteo Zoppas
  • Patent number: 6575668
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transporting objects by an airflow in a channel, which is produced by joining two interlocking bodies, the first body having a convex surface and the second body having a concave surface. The first body has a recess which forms the channel. The formation of this recess in a convex surface ensures that a high degree of dimensional accuracy and a good surface quality are easy to achieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Albert Lintner
  • Publication number: 20030082017
    Abstract: A bulk material handling facility includes an unloading tube positionable for connection to several discharge openings of a transport vehicle without requiring repositioning of the vehicle. The unloading tube is pivotally supported so that it can be swung out of the way when not in use. The unloading tube may include an elevated portion permitting passage of personnel and equipment when the unloading tube is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: William Wayne Just, Robert E. Singleton
  • Publication number: 20030039516
    Abstract: A pneumatic mail delivery system includes a carrier having first and second open ends and corresponding hinged covers for selectably covering the open ends. The system includes first and second carrier terminals each having front openings selectively covered by hinged doors. The terminals may be positioned at a mail deposit location and a residential location. A pneumatic conduit connects the terminals through which the carrier may be guided therebetween. The conduit is connected to a blower for conveying the carrier. Spring-biased buttons attached to respective terminals are electrically connected to the blower for actuating the blower upon detecting a closure of a respective door. A photoelectric light sensor is attached to each terminal and is electrically connected to a light source mounted on the front of each terminal. Respective lights are energized when a respective light sensor detects mail in the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph L. Meeks
  • Publication number: 20030002926
    Abstract: An animal feeder hopper loading system for loading animal feeders in remote, elevated locations. The system contains a hopper for loading feed at ground or truck bed level, and an air movement device coupled with a simple but unique control mechanism for regulating the flow of feed from the loading system hopper to a flexible hose which discharges feed into the receiving animal feeder hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Ernest Andrew Webb
  • Patent number: 6474912
    Abstract: A pneumatic mail delivery system includes a carrier having first and second open ends and corresponding hinged covers for selectably covering the open ends. The system includes first and second carrier terminals each having front openings selectively covered by hinged doors. The terminals may be positioned at a mail deposit location and a residential location. A pneumatic conduit connects the terminals through which the carrier may be guided therebetween. The conduit is connected to a blower for conveying the carrier. Spring-biased buttons attached to respective terminals are electrically connected to the blower for actuating the blower upon detecting a closure of a respective door. A photoelectric light sensor is attached to each terminal and is electrically connected to a light source mounted on the front of each terminal. Respective lights are energized when a respective light sensor detects mail in the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph L. Meeks
  • Publication number: 20020141832
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus, for resistor tube feeding is disclosed. A tube magazine comprising a length of tubing and adapted for receiving precision resistor cores and compressed air is disclosed. The tube magazine may be connected to a laser spiraller and a terminal welder. The process of filling the tube magazine may be electronically controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bertsch, Daryl J. Klataske
  • Patent number: 6398464
    Abstract: An air stream transfer apparatus capable of preventing particles in a transfer passage from adhering to an object to be processed and removing the particles. The apparatus includes that of a transfer face and a transfer passage partition both constituting a transfer passage, which are made of an electroconductive material and each have a thin insulating layer on the surface. A planer dust collecting electrode is opposed to an object to be processed and mechanism is provided for bringing the dust collecting electrode and the face to be cleared of dust close to each other while jetting air. A mechanism is provided for applying voltages between the transfer face and the dust collecting electrode and between the transfer passage partition and the dust collecting electrode and between the transfer passage partition and the dust collecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Watanabe Shoko
    Inventors: Michio Yagai, Masayuki Toda, Masaru Umeda