Abstract: An anti-choke blender fitting used in a pneumatic conveyor system utilizing a negative pressure to transport milling stock material, the fitting including a body with a top surface joined by downwardly extending side walls terminating in an open bottom with a channel-shaped relief gate with upwardly extending side walls hingedly mounted to the body with a closed position of the relief gate closing the open bottom of the body in a non air-tight relationship with the side walls of the gate extending above the spout of the inlet conduit, thereby minimizing the leakage of milling stock around the periphery of the relief gate in its closed position.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying system for particulate material. An upper vessel includes an inlet for the material. An intermediate housing is open to and located under the inlet. A primary check valve is located in the intermediate housing and will receive the material from the inlet. A lower housing is located beneath the intermediate housing. The lower housing includes a secondary check valve therein which receives the material from the primary check valve. A material exit is located below the secondary check valve. Each of the check valves includes an opening through which the material may flow. This opening is oblique to vertical, and a movable closure member is connected to alternatively open or seal the opening. Pressurized air is supplied to the check valves in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying apparatus for container bodies having neck rings. The apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced neck tracks, each pair defining an elongated slot therebetween for slidably supporting container bodies by their neck rings and a plurality of inverted, U-shaped, interior channel members, each extending upwardly from one of the pairs of neck tracks spanning the slot and extending longitudinally substantially the length of the slot and having a cross sectional area sufficient to receive the portions of the container bodies above their neck rings, each interior channel member having a top wall and side walls with air directing louvers formed therein to provide a driving force for the container bodies.

Abstract: In a method of passing a wire, cable, optical fiber or the like through a passage, a coanda spiral flow unit is connected to the passage, a pressure release port is provided along the length from the coanda spiral flow unit to the end of the passage, compressed gas is supplied from a portable-type compressed gas supply through a coanda slit of said coanda spiral flow unit, a conductor or a guide is inserted through an end introducing port of said coanda spiral flow unit and passed through the passage. Smooth passing operations can be conducted at high speeds, even through a long and thin passage with many bends.

Abstract: A vacuum type sewage collecting system, for collecting sewage from a plurality of houses or the like, stores sewage in a sewage reservoir and then delivers the sewage to a sewage treatment station through a vacuum valve and a vacuum sewage pipe. A controller is provided for properly controlling opening/closing operations of the vacuum valve. The controller includes a first vacuum chamber connected to the vacuum sewage pipe via a fluid flow resisting device, a second vacuum chamber likewise connected to the vacuum sewage pipe, an atmospheric pressure introducing unit for introducing an atmospheric pressure into the first vacuum chamber when a detected quantity of sewage stored in the sewage reservoir exceeds a predetermined value, and a shifting unit for selectively introducing negative pressure to the vacuum valve to open or close the latter depending on the present differential pressure between the first vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An improved baffle system for use in combination with a pressurized pneumatic system for distribution of particulate solids upon the soil. The system includes a primary or aspirating baffle disposed generally proximal in the delivery tube, along with secondary baffles disposed along the length of the delivery tubes for increasing the dispersal of the solids within the moving air stream. The baffle arrangements of the present invention enhance uniformity of distribution, particularly at high application rates.

Abstract: A device for shutting off pipelines for the transport of bulk product is disclosed. The device comprises a housing with a circular passage orifice, a closing element mounted pivotably in the housing, and an annular gasket surrounding the said orifice and capable of interacting with the peripheral part of the closing element. The gasket is mounted on a fixed support, and the closing element is displaceable along an axis perpendicular relative to its pivot axis. The device is particularly adapted for pipelines for transport of coal dust.

Abstract: A system for delivering a particulate material has a closed storage hopper for the material, the hopper having a bottom hopper outlet and a check valve connected to a top portion of the chamber for venting positive pressure from the chamber; a venturi eductor having a material inlet for feeding the material, an eductor outlet, and a gas inlet; a gas feed valve, the gas feed valve being openable in response to a feed signal for activating the eductor; a hopper passage connecting the hopper outlet to the eductor material inlet; a hopper outlet valve for closing the hopper outlet in response to a hopper signal; a stir valve for pressurizing the hopper passage in response to a stir signal for agitating the material in the hopper; and a pressure sensor for momentarily activating the stir signal in response to an absence of the material at the material inlet, the system being operative in a transporting mode wherein the hopper valve is open, the feed valve is open, and the stir valve is closed; a stirring mode wher

Abstract: A liquid level valve control system includes pressure responsive means compring a first chamber containing a first diaphragm having a port for applying pressure; bleed means enabling air to pass this diaphragm; and passageway means enabling air then to pass into a further chamber also containing a diaphragm operatively linked to the valve operating apparatus; so that, when a predetermined and substantially constant pressure is applied at the port, air bleeds past the first diaphragm into the further chamber to move the diaphragm therein to activate the valve control system, but when a surge of pressure is applied at the port the first diaphragm moves to block the passageway into the further chamber, thus preventing pressure being applied to the latter's diaphragm to activate the valve control system.

Abstract: A gas feed apparatus is described for the transport of articles between assembly line stations. A turbulent gas flow is generated which provides a balanced driving force for, in particular, lightweight, irregularly shaped articles, and thus reduces the incidence of inconsistent feeding and jamming. Incorporated into the apparatus are features for controlling both the number and the speed and stability of articles fed at any one time from the line to a station. In this way rapid and efficient transfer of articles between stations is ensured.

Abstract: An improved diverter apparatus (18) is provided for use in pneumatic conveying systems (16), in order to permit selective diversion of product to waste or recycle. The apparatus (18) includes an elongate tubular body (42) having at least one opening (48) therein; a gate (52) is situated adjacent the opening (48) for normally closing the same. A piston and cylinder assembly (62) is operatively coupled with the gate (52) for selective, remote operation of the gate (52). When the gate (52) is opened, product is diverted and does not pass the gate (52).

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a boom delivery closure device to block flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms through flow-blocking plates disposed at the discharge ports of said delivery tubes. The flow-blocking plates substantially completely block the flow from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, and diverts said flow to a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube output port is in blocked or shut-off disposition.

Abstract: A stepping apparatus uses two gate elements driven by solenoid actuators to block a detector string as it is advanced to a gamma counter so that the string can be advanced at a controlled rate, one ball at a time. The gate elements each have two interconnected passages, one of which permits passage of the entire detector string, while the other permits passage of the cable but not the balls.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding articles with a head and a shank one at a time head end first through a conduit to a staking press, driver or other power tool. One article at a time is fed sidewise into an axial passageway and is received on a slide rod with its shank extending into a pilot passage in the rod. The slide rod is moved to an extended position in the passageway which closes the inlet and compressed gas is admitted to the pilot passage to propel the article head first through the conduit. The slide rod is then retracted to open the inlet for receiving another article. The articles are admitted one at a time to the passage by a metering arm driven by a fluid motor.

Abstract: The new invention concerns the regulation of air volume in a conveying system comprising an air collecting line (37) in which the air volume and the corresponding air velocity, respectively, is regulated in the individual conveying pipelines (30-36) by a lifting body (4) resembling an airfoil. The latter works like a throttle flap and moves from an incidence angle (.alpha., .beta.) of at least 10 degrees in the completely open position to 90 degrees in the closed position as a result of the lifting moments acting on it. The lifting body (4) itself regulates the air volume by means of blocking the air line cross section to a greater or lesser extent, wherein a balance is adjusted in every case between the air forces and lifting moments, respectively, which act at the lifting body (4) so as to be directed in a closing position and a counterweight (5) or countertorque, respectively, acting at the lifting body (4) in the opening direction.

Abstract: An improved system for pneumatic spreader systems for selective distribution of particulate material onto agricultural fields from selected ones of a plurality of elongated delivery tubes or booms. The improved feature of the present invention comprises a means to interrupt flow of particulate material from certain preselected booms without clogging the system. The system includes a means for substantially completely blocking the flow cross-sectional area from a preselected one or plurality of delivery tubes, along with a line which normally functions as a feed line when the system is in normal operation, but as a recycling line when the delivery tube is in blocked or shut-off disposition. The arrangement provides a means for converting a twin-boom arrangement to a single-boom arrangement for accommodating unusual operation such as less-than-a-full boom width when undertaking the final run of a field application.

Abstract: A quick-release mounting apparatus for securing a unit controller assembly to the upper housing of an inlet vacuum valve for a vacuum sewerage system, for facilitating quick removal of the unit controller assembly, is disclosed. A base member, having slot-like shoulder portions on each respective side, is heat-staked to the top surface of the upper housing of the inlet vacuum valve. A quick-release mounting key member is then inserted into each of the respective shoulder slot openings on top of the mounting feet. The mounting key has respective keyed apertures to enable it to fit around certain portions of the unit controller. The mounting key has a centrally disposed spacer portion and a pair of elongated tine members, which are tapered and rounded at their respective ends. The mounting key is then pushed into the slot-like openings to secure a tight press fit of the mounting key, the mounting feet of the unit controlled assembly, within the slot-like openings of mounting base member.

Abstract: An injector valve for passing air into a pneumatic conveying system for particulate solids includes a housing having an inlet chamber and a discharge chamber. A hollow seating element is mounted in the discharge chamber. The seating element has a hollow cylindrical section in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and a conical forward section. At least one fluid outlet opening extends from the hollow within the seating element to the outer surface of the seating element cylindrical section. A flexible elastomeric annular boot is mounted on the outside surface of the seating element.

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: The invention relates to an actuating device for pipe-chamber feeders of hydraulic transport equipment, the latter having main closing appliances, auxiliary closing appliances and a high-pressure pump. The novel feature is that a dashpot or other pressure storing unit is installed in a pressure equalizer pipe interconnecting the high-pressure pure-water pipe of the pump with the auxiliary closing appliances and in the dashpot the carrier liquid is in direct or indirect contact with a gas or air cushion.

Abstract: An improved method and the related system for pneumatically transporting a powder or granular material placed in an airtight storage container through a transport pipe in high density. In the invention, pressurized gas is being intermittently supplied to the airtight storage container containing the material therein so as to take out of the container and a transport plug is being synchronously fed into the base of the transport pipe, whereby the powder or granular material is successively formed into a long column inside the transport pipe and is pneumatically transported at very slow speed.

Abstract: A powder feed control system employs an arrangement of conduits and valves for selectively directing a gas flow either through a powder feeder or through a bypass so as to quickly and precisely control the introduction of powder into and the removal of powder from the gas flow in a plasma spraying system. The arrangement of conduits and valves includes a two-way solenoid operated valve for directing the gas flow either into a powder feeder through a main conduit or into a bypass conduit which rejoins the main conduit on the other side of the powder feeder at a powder shutoff valve and a bypass and check valve. The bypass and check valve insures that the gas flow in the bypass conduit flows to the output rather than upstream to the powder shutoff valve.

Abstract: A transport duct for fiber flocks and similar fibrous material communicates via a plurality of openings with a corresponding plurality of feeding chutes leading to flock-processing equipment, such as carding machines. The duct includes at least one, but preferably more than one, duct section at which the duct undergoes an abrupt change of direction by between 70.degree. and 110.degree., so that the fibrous material which is carried through the interior of the duct by a transport medium is slowed down by contact with the duct and then descends more abundantly than otherwise into the chute that immediately follows such section as considered in the direction of flow of the transport medium. The presence of the section or sections with abrupt direction change also makes it possible for the duct to circumvent any obstructions which may be present between the individual chutes at the location of use of the duct, thus permitting optimum utilization of available floor space.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawal and replacement of solid particles slurried in a fluid employing L-valves is disclosed. The flow through the L-valves is controlled by the control of the flow of separated fluid and the replacement and withdrawal functions are configured so as to permit removal of the solids from the system and addition of fresh material. Control of the fluid flow by means of exerting or controlling pressure on the gas phase in association with it.

Abstract: An improved valve well-suited for controlling the flow of particulate solids comprises a valve body having a flow passageway comprising inlet and outlet passages extending transversely to a slide chamber. A plug member having a flow orifice, which is preferably of extended length extending transversely through it is mounted for sliding movement within the slide chamber to seal the flow passageway when the flow orifice is out of register therewith and to connect the inlet and outlet passages in flow communication when registered therewith. The flow orifice is preferably of ovoid cross-section and provides, at all operating positions of the valve, a cross-sectional flow area from the flow orifice to the outlet passage which is at least as great as the smallest cross-sectional flow area of the flow orifice. The flow orifice in its wide open position does not restrict the cross-sectional area available for flow between the inlet and outlet passages of the valve body.

Abstract: A gate comprising a body (1) hermetically connected to inlet and outlet branch pipes (2,3) that are arranged coaxially relative to each other and connected to the pipe-line of the pneumatic conveyer. The body (1) accommodates a branch pipe (4) having a cross-section corresponding to the cross-sections of the inlet (2) and outlet (3) branch pipe and kinematically connected to a drive (5) turning it. Rigidly secured to the outer wall of the branch pipe (4) disposed in the body (1) is a damper (6) used to overlap one of the branch pipes (2) connected to the body (1). The damper (6) mounts a ring-like member (7) made from a resilient material. The shape of the member (7) corresponds to the cross-section of the inlet branch pipe (2) to be overlapped. The branch pipe (4) is mounted in the body (1) so that it can swing to a certain extent in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the damper (6) and relative to an axis (8) passing below the longitudinal axis (9) of the inlet (2) and outlet (3) branch pipes.

Abstract: The gate comprises a damper /1/ overlapping the cross-section of a pipe-line /2/ and kinematically connected with a movable link /3/ of a drive /4/ turning it about an axle /5/ disposed on the pipe-line /2/, and a driven pin trip /12/ entering a hole made in the pipe-line and meant to hold the damper /1/ in the closed position. Secured on the damper /1/ is a bracket /8/, and in the kinematic chain connecting the damper /1/ with the drive /4/ there is an angular lever /9/ which is mounted so that it can turn through a limited angle and whose axle /10/ of turning is secured on the bracket /8/ parallelly to the axle /5/ of turning of the damper /1/. One arm of the angular lever /9/ is connected to the movable link /3/ of the drive /4/, and the damper /1/ has guides /13/ made thereon and accommodating a pin trip /12/ which is kinematically connected with the other arm of the angular lever /9/.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly for controlling flow of fine particulate solids, utilizing dual seating surfaces and a slidable gate which are either or both purged by an outflowing gas. The valve body is constructed in two split parts, and the body seat surface contains a conduit spaced outwardly from the seat and having a plurality of spaced openings oriented radially inwardly. The gate contains multiple passageways and is connected to a stem adapted for supplying a flow of pressurized purge gas to the passageways arranged to prevent deposits of the particulate solids passing therethrough on the valve seating surfaces. The valve is usually used for high temperature service, e.g. at 300.degree.-1000.degree. F., the valve body and gate are cooled by a vent gas, and the valve body is covered with thermal insulation material. The valve assembly is usually located within the lower end of an insulated container and controls the flow of particulate solids from the container.

Abstract: A valve housing has butt pipes for connection to a pipeline for defining therewith a passage for a flow of a fluid being conveyed, preferably of a slurry. A plurality of ribs are provided along the passage on the lower portion of the wall thereof, each rib extending transversely of the passage. Each rib is of a tear-shaped configuration in its section taken along the longitudinal centerline of the passage, the enlarged portion of the rib facing toward the incoming flow of a fluid being conveyed.

Abstract: A metering and/or feeding device for materials is disclosed. A plurality of vertically oriented, elastic-walled tubes are arranged at equal distances from the axis of a rotatable helical rod which, as it rotates, sequentially engages and constricts each of the elastic-walled tubes, beginning at their upper portions and progressively moving down the length of the tubes. The material being metered and/or fed is introduced into the elastic-walled tubes at their upper ends. A cover member is provided to cover the infeed ends of the tubes at selected intervals to prevent entry of the material being fed and/or metered into the tube at the time that the helical member engages the upper portion of the tube to constrict the tube so that it is substantially free of material. A plenum, through which a stream of pressurized gas is discharged, communicates with the discharge ends of each of the tubes, the gas conveying the material entering the plenum from the tubes to a work location.

Abstract: A single line, pressure-pressure, pneumatic tube system having a pair of terminals each being capable of dispatching or receiving carriers. Each terminal provided with a blower to provide air flow, tubing connecting the two terminals, a pair of inline valves in the tubing, one facing in one direction and the other in the opposite direction. The valves being so designed that the one near the dispatching terminal automatically closes to permit build up of pressure and the one near the receiving terminal opens to exhaust pressure and slow the travel of the carrier as it approaches the receiving terminal, the terminal having a bleed-off orifice to assure carrier arrival.

Abstract: A vacuum transport system for intermittently transporting sewage from a source to a collection station through a vacuum conduit under the differential influence of positive atmospheric pressure at the source and substantially lower or vacuum pressure in the vacuum conduit between a primary control valve and the collection station. The control valve of the system is operated by differential pressure to open and close the vacuum conduit at intervals for sewage transport to the collecting station when a pressure differential operated sensor-controller apparatus, which will automatically purge condensate accumulation, selectively controls the operation of the primary control valve.

Abstract: A slurry conveyor system in which a mixture liquid is charged into a supply pipe by a low-pressure mixture liquid pump through a valve, and, thereafter, fresh water of high pressure is supplied by a high-pressure fresh water pump into the supply pipe by a switching of the valve, thereby to force the mixture liquid from the supply pipe into a convey pipe to continuously convey the slurry. The supply pipe is provided with a pressure adjusting device for increasing or decreasing the pressure in the supply pipe to equalize this pressure to the pressure in a pipe connected to the supply pipe, thereby to facilitate the opening of the valve disposed between the supply pipe and the pipe connected to the latter.

Abstract: A single line, pressure-pressure, pneumatic tube system having a pair of terminals each being capable of dispatching or receiving carriers. Each terminal provided with a blower to provide air flow, tubing connecting the two terminals, a pair of inline valves in the tubing, one facing in one direction and the other in the opposite direction. The valves being so designed that the one near the dispatching terminal automatically closes to permit build up of pressure and the one near the receiving terminal opens to exhaust pressure and slow the travel of the carrier as it approaches the receiving terminal, the terminal having a bleed-off orifice to assure carrier arrival.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor for powdered to granular bulk material, having adjustable conveyance capacity, is disclosed, the capacity being adjusted by electromagnetic adjustment of a pressure regulator disposed in a conduit used to supply a propellant for drawing the bulk material from a storage container thereof and for conveying it. A supplemental supply of gas, which may be but need not be different from the propellant gas, may be provided to control the flow of propellant gas independently of the first pressure regulator. In this case, the flow of the supplemental gas may itself be controlled by a second pressure regulator. The pressure regulators operate according to the diffuser or Venturi principle. The device may be particularly advantageously applied to the spray-coating of articles with a bulk material.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling vehicles which are moved through a conduit by air and includes a processing system positioned in the conduit for collecting, storage and dispatching the vehicles in which an air pump is positioned in parallel with the processing system having its suction connected to the conduit upstream of the system and its discharge connected to the conduit downstream of the system. Valve means are connected to the conduit for reducing the tendency of the vehicles in the processing system to move upstream towards the pump suction. The valve means alternates the pressure in a portion of the processing system between less than atmospheric and at least atmospheric. One form of the valve means may include an air blocking vehicle stop movable into and out of the conduit and a valve connected between the conduit and the atmosphere upstream of the vehicle stop which is open and closed in synchronism with the vehicle stop.

Abstract: A pump which generates pressurized air flow in a pipeline to sweep wheeled vehicles along with the air flow is provided with a flow control mechanism. First and second blocking valves which normally prevent reverse flow of air in the pipeline but which can alternately swing open to allow a vehicle to pass are automatically moved between open and closed positions by altering the pressure differential acting on the valves. The valves are urged to the open position and air flow control mechanism associated with the pump alternately directs air against the back of the valves in response to the position of a vehicle to sequentially operate the valves to move the vehicle through the pump.

Abstract: An installation for the transfer of cash between a cash desk and a strong room in a banking establishment includes a conveying line, a storage device, a removal line and a blower which is selectively connected to the conveying line, the storage device and the removal line through a logic control unit located at a desk. The "driving" members of the installation are situated in the strong room.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated sewer system includes an integrated main valve and controller upstream of a collection unit for admitting sewage into the system. An in-line valve unit has a piston-cylinder operator. A vacuum-operated controller and a pilot valve unit are mounted on the operator. A pressure sensor is connected to the gravity side of the valve. A surge tank and check valve connect the vacuum side to a supply port of the controller. A water trap tank is located between the bottom end of an intake air line and the connection to the valve operator and controller assembly. A mesh fills the tank to increase the heat transfer of the moisture laden air such that the moisture condenses out in the tank. A drain system is connected to the trap tank and the operator to discharge accumulated water from the control system into the sewer system during each cycle of the valve unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing vehicles which are moved through a conduit by air through sequential zones one, two and three. Preferably, the zones are inclined downwardly towards downstream for aiding movement of the vehicles downstream by gravity. Zone one is a storage zone which preferably has vents adjacent its upstream end and its downstream end for controlling the speed of movement of vehicles into zone one and from zone one to zone two. Zone two is the processing zone which receives vehicles from zone one and releases the vehicles to zone three. Zone two includes an air blocking vehicle stop at its downstream end against which a first vehicle is held, and includes a holding arm which holds a second vehicle while the leading first vehicle is released. The first vehicle is released to zone three, but only when three is clear of vehicles and a second vehicle is positioned behind the first vehicle.

Abstract: A conveyor for peanuts or other particulate solid has an elongated duct or conduit, an opening for charging the particles into the duct, a fan for moving air at a high velocity through the duct from upstream of the opening, a partition in the duct for creating an air jet in the duct which sweeps across the opening, and an additional partition for creating additional longitudinally spaced jets in the duct downstream of the opening.