Abstract: The invention relates to an ice dispensing system comprising an ice hopper, an ice chute for transporting ice from the ice hopper to a dispensing outlet or a waste outlet, an ice dispensing element for dispensing ice from the hopper into the ice chute, an ice directing element having a first position for directing ice to the waste outlet and a second position for directing ice to the dispensing outlet, and a controller for controlling the ice dispensing element and the position of the ice directing element. Also provided is a beverage dispensing machine comprising the ice dispensing system of the invention and a method for dispensing ice from the ice dispensing system or beverage dispensing machine of the invention.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a feeding apparatus for feeding a single-layer stream of tobacco industry's rod-like articles (2) comprising a first feeding channel (10) adapted to convey the rod-like articles (2) in the form of a mass flow (MF), a second feeding channel (11) provided with a lower conveyor (16), adapted to convey the rod-like articles (2) in the form of the mass flow (MF), whereas the second feeding channel (11) is flow-connected with the first feeding channel (10), a storage container (3) adapted to filling with the rod-like articles (2), flow-connected with the second feeding channel (11), an outlet conveyor (5, 30) provided with a bearing surface (5A, 30A) comprising grooves (23, 31), adapted to take the rod-like articles (2) from the storage container (3) and convey the rod-like articles (2) in the form of a single-layer stream (SF) of rod-like articles (2), characterised in that the bottom of the storage container (3) is formed by the lower conveyor (16) of the second feeding channel (11)

Abstract: A three-dimensional shaping device includes: a material storage unit and a mouth portion which is provided below the body portion and which has a hole with a diameter smaller than a maximum inner diameter of the body portion, a material supply unit configured to supply a material to the material storage unit, a melting unit configured to melt the material supplied through the mouth portion, a nozzle configured to discharge the shaping material toward a stage, a remaining state detection unit configured to detect a remaining state of the material, a remaining amount determination unit configured to determine whether a remaining amount of the material is less than a first reference value based on the remaining state, and a control unit configured to supply, when the remaining amount is less than the first reference value, the material to the material storage unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for a dry powder agent including a nozzle to direct the dry powder agent, and an indicator operable to recognize a dry powder agent discharge event. In an exemplary method, a velocity of the powder exiting the nozzle may be computed, and an agent concentration calibration curve may be selected.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system is used to transport an object through a conduit extending between a first location to a second location by generating a pressure differential in the conduit. Based on detection of the movement of the object through the conduit, the pressure differential in the conduit is reduced in a controlled manner to slow the movement of the object and safely land it at the second location.

Abstract: A hopper loader is provided for supplying particulate material to a processing machine. The hopper loader includes a receiver with latching members configured for coupling to a hopper assembly. The hopper assembly includes a hopper which preferably has translucent side walls to permit visual inspection of the contents of the chamber within the hopper, and a filter element positioned atop the receiver which is configured so that particulate material trapped by the filter element will periodically fall back into the chamber for processing without operator intervention.

Abstract: A method for transferring objects (e.g. ophthalmic or contact lenses) between two consecutive processing stations, e.g. processing stations having differing cycle times or cycle speeds, including removing the objects from a preceding processing station, in which objects are advanced with a first cycle speed, transporting the objects to a subsequent processing station including a plurality of consecutively arranged receptacles (1-10), which are advanced through the subsequent processing station with a second cycle speed faster than the first cycle speed. The objects may be transported via at least one feed tube (12, 13) ending in a respective transfer nozzle (14, 15) arranged in vicinity of a corresponding one of the receptacles (1-10) and which is aligned with an inlet of the receptacle (4, 5; 4, 6). The respective transfer nozzles (14, 15) can be moved synchronously with and in the direction of advancement of corresponding receptacle.

Abstract: The present application provides a solids feeder in communication with a flow of solids and a flow of a conveying fluid. The solids feeder may include an outlet channel with the flow of the solids therein and a discharge port in communication with the outlet channel. The discharge port further may include an inlet in communication with the flow of the conveying fluid and a flow channel. The flow channel may include a reduced cross-sectional area about the outlet channel as compared to the inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum transfer apparatus and process with weighing controls. An exemplary vacuum transfer apparatus includes a hopper that retains food product and includes a discharge port. A vacuum chamber has an inlet coupled to the discharge port of the hopper, and a member that is time-controlled to dispense product from the vacuum chamber. A portioning hopper receives product from the vacuum chamber and dispenses a predetermined weight of product.

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 discharge system for removing a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel is provided. The discharge system includes a fluidized bed pressure vessel, a settling vessel, a transfer vessel, discharge line, primary discharge valve, and primary exit valve. Also in included is a method to operate the discharge system. The method includes transferring a solid/gas mixture from a fluidized bed pressure vessel to a settling vessel, transferring the solids to a transfer vessel, and then emptying the transfer vessel.

Abstract: A coating powder feed unit containing a powder pump which in a suction operating mode aspirates coating powder into a powder chamber (30) and in a pressure operating mode expels coating powder by means of compressed air out of the powder chamber (30). Said unit includes a pressure tester (64) measuring the compressed air pressure and generating a test signal based on the measured compressed air pressure.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for transferring slurry, which is used to transfer minerals from the bottom of the sea to the ground; and, more particularly, to an apparatus for transferring slurry, which can efficiently transfer the slurry in the state of a solid-liquid mixture containing the minerals without clogging of a transfer pipe.

Abstract: A feed device for conveying a powdery medium from a powder container into a powder conduit is specified and has a powder channel which connects the powder container and the powder conduit. The powder channel also, in a working position, is arranged with a vertical component of the axis of the powder channel above a charge end of the powder conduit. The powder channel has a joint unit with a charge joint part, to which the powder container is connected detachably in a sealed manner, and a delivery joint part for connecting the powder channel in a sealed manner to the charge end of the powder conduit. Displacement travel of the joint unit is sufficiently large for a filling level of the powder container to be located below an opening of the powder container in a lowered exchange position.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for automatically changing out a filter cartridge in a continuous air monitor. The apparatus includes: a first container sized to hold filter cartridge replacements; a second container sized to hold used filter cartridges; a transport insert connectively attached to the first and second containers; a shuttle block, sized to hold the filter cartridges that is located within the transport insert; a transport driver mechanism means used to supply a motive force to move the shuttle block within the transport insert; and, a control means for operating the transport driver mechanism.

Abstract: A chip components feeding apparatus is provided to be able to lessen a push load applied to a leading electronic part from succeeding electronic chip component to favorably take out the leading electronic part even in the case where a residual pressure phenomenon occurs in a conveyance passage. Since a chip component conveyance tube is provided with an ascending portion, in which an air flow based on an action of negative pressure causes electronic chip component to move climbing against dead weight, it is possible to restrict a pushing force applied to electronic chip component forwardly from those electronic chip component in the ascending portion, which are acted by dead weight, to lessen a push load applied to a leading electronic part by succeeding electronic chip component even in the case where a residual pressure phenomenon occurs in a conveyance passage including a chip component conveyance tube when the action of negative pressure is released.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are described to provide for a simple, economical, convenient (and preferably automatic) system for conveying ice on an as-required basis from a source such as an ice maker to one or more receptors at locations remote from that source. The system can be configured such that dispensing locations can be added or eliminated from the system or temporarily taken “off line” from the system without the need to change the basic system configuration or the central ice providing apparatus. The apparatus in various embodiments includes an ice source, a conveying conduit from the source to the receptor, a vacuum pump for moving the ice through the conduit by vacuum, and the receptor to collect the conveyed ice. The receptor may be an ice/beverage dispenser, an accumulator for retention and discharge to further devices, an intermediate storage dispenser, or an air lock device from where the ice can be projected over significant distances.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprising a hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved vacuum system comprising subsystems for exterior maintenance, interior maintenance, and mail delivery/retrieval. The system includes at least one substantially hollow conduit having first and second open ends, and an air-moving unit. The air-moving unit includes a housing having a first aperture therethrough for receipt of the first open ends of the at least one conduit(s), a second aperture therethrough, a motor capable of moving a fluid in a first direction between the first aperture and the second aperture. The first open end(s) of the at least one conduit(s) is (are) in fluidic communication with the first aperture such that the fluid moved in the first direction by the motor also moves in the first direction through the at least one conduit. The motor is able to operate as a vacuum or blower, and conduits are located inside and/or outside to permit for interior and exterior maintenance, and for mail delivery/retrieval.

Abstract: An air track included a first body having a concave top surface with a plurality of air outlets or a flat surface with a notch and a plurality of air outlets. The body includes at least one air filter that runs along the length of at least a portion of the body. The air filter dividing the body into a first plenum and a second plenum. The air track also includes a hood covering at least a portion of the top surface. The air track further includes a stopper assembly that arrests the motion of a disk. The stopper assembly includes a disk detector that senses the presence of the disk on the air track.

Abstract: An electronic component feeding apparatus for conveying aligned electronic components includes a conveying tube, a cylinder for sucking air from an end of the tube, and a movable stopper plate for stopping the conveyed, aligned electronic components.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating fibrous material such as wool, wood, paper, cellulose, rockwool, fiberglass, etc., which is conveyed by and suspended in air. The separator can be used with pneumatic vacuum systems and pneumatic pressure conveying systems for separating fibrous material used for insulation. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet, an air outlet and a fibers outlet. An air lock is provided at the fibers outlet for allowing fibrous material to exit but generally restricting the air from exiting therethrough. A screen supported on a support fixture located at the air outlet allows air to pass but generally restricts fibrous material from exiting. The fibrous material is allowed to accumulate on the screen thereby forming a fibrous filter mat for filtering smaller fibrous particles.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: An electronic component feeding apparatus which conveys electronic components in a alignment state to a predetermined position. This apparatus includes a conveying tube for conveying electronic components having a predetermined shape in a alignment state, an air cylinder for exerting an air suction into the conveying tube from an end of the conveying tube, and a movable stopper plate for stopping the electronic components conveyed in the alignment state.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding semiconductor chips has a structural body having grooves which serve respectively as parallel feed paths for semiconductor chips, the feed paths corresponding to respective quality levels of the semiconductor chips, the structural body being made of partially stabilized zirconia. A stopper mechanism for temporarily stopping semiconductor chips fed along the feed paths comprises piezoelectric bodies disposed in the feed paths in front of terminal walls of the feed paths. A counter mechanism for counting semiconductor chips fed along the feed paths have electrodes disposed in the feed paths near the terminal walls. The apparatus serves as a feed system for floating articles with ejected air and feeding the floated articles, and lends itself to being automatized.

Abstract: A feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system has a two storage hoppers (2a,2b) respective storage outlets (6a,6b), There is a pick up location (3) and a passage (4) provides communication between the storage outlets (6a,6b) and the pick up location (3). A first fluid jet outlet 31 associated with storage outlets (6a,6b) provides fluid blasts to agitate components (20) the hoppers (2a,2b). A second fluid jet outlet (32) associated provides fluid blasts to propel the components (20) towards the pick up location (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing consecutive capsules of solid material traveling as a capsule train in a pipeline in which the capsules are carried by a fluid flowing through the pipeline includes a separation system interposed between upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline for receiving the train of capsules. The separation system passes consecutively separated capsules within the capsule train to the downstream portion. The separation system is constructed for increasing the spacing between consecutive capsules within the capsule train in the downstream portion of the pipeline after passing through the separation system. The volume of fluid flowing from an outlet location of the separation system is substantially the same as the volume of fluid flowing into an inlet location of the separation system.

Abstract: An apparatus and process feed at a controlled rate a free-flowing particulate material entrained in a carrier gas. The apparatus includes a gastight closed supply vessel for holding a supply of the particulate material and a riser tube inside the supply vessel, the bottom end of which is open near the bottom of the supply vessel and faces a venturi nozzle connected or adapted to be connected to a propellant gas supply. A bend at the top end of the riser tube leads by way of a duct outside the supply vessel. The riser tube includes an upwardly directed aperture at the beginning of the bend inside the supply vessel in axial alignment with the riser tube.

Abstract: A powder feed device, especially for powder coating material, with an injector (2), in which a partial vacuum is created by a feed air stream according to the principle of a Venturi pipe and powder is drawn out of a powder container (10) and transported. An additional air stream can also be added to the feed air stream. In a computer (24), a plurality of predetermined powder feed rates (m) is stored in memory, on a calibration diagram (50), along a first diagram axis, and a plurality of feed air rates (FV) is stored in memory along a second diagram axis, for predetermined total air rates (GV) (feed air and added additional air, if needed).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for dosed conveying and selecting of pellets for a moulding apparatus for lead frames, with which it is possible to prevent crumbled pellets or fragments and/or dust thereof being able to reach the molding apparatus arranged in a so-called clean room. For this purpose the system has structure for successively conveying pellets one by one, structure for selecting to length and feeding pellets to a transporting path, structure for reducing the transporting speed of conveyed pellets, structure for separating the pellets one by one and tranferring the pellets to a transport carrier, and means for transferring pellets from the transport carrier to a conveying device to a mold of a molding apparatus.

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

Abstract: A pneumatic 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: Ultrafine powder is stored in a pneumatic transportation tank (20), and is discharged to a transporting conduit (23) while being fluidized by the pressurized air fed through a fluidizing air port (24). The ultrafine powder is fed to a weigher (30) provided at the other end of the transporting conduit (23), at which the weight of the transported ultrafine powder is weighed by a load cell (31). After the weighed value reaches 90% of a predetermined value, the fed amount of the pneumatic transportation air is reduced, and a bypass regulating valve (38) is adjusted to thus decelerate the transportation. When the weighed value reaches 100% of the predetermined value, the discharge of the ultrafine powder to the transporting conduit (23) is stopped. This method and the apparatus enable the storage, quantitative batch transportation, and automatic weighing of the ultrafine powder such as silica fume.

Abstract: An improved hydrator apparatus for the transfer and slurry storage of dry particulate matter comprises a sealed solvation hopper chamber in combination with a liquid driven eductor and equipped to be connected to a storage container as provided. The improvement resides in the provision of a flushing device that functions periodically and automatically in timed intervals, and without the need to shut down the operating hydrator, to remove solids accumulation in the hopper chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending a material feed and/or separating debris from a material feed is disclosed in which a feed separator is used with a blender and/or debris separator. The feed separator separates a feed from the conveying air flow which conveys the feed and the conveying air flow, devoid of feed, is then used to blend the conveyed feed and/or separate debris therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus conveys solid particles from a supply device to a charging device for charging free-flowing cutting jets. Positive charging of the cutting jets even when located at a greater or remote distance from the supply device is ensured. To that end, the solid particles are transported in a closed circuit between the supply device and a charging or intermediate storage device and the momentarily required partial quantity of solid particles needed for charging the cutting jet is removed from the closed circuit.

Abstract: A suction conveyor or delivery arrangement for the gravimetric allocation of pourable material components to several demand stations has a storage container containing in each case one component connected by, in each case, one delivery line to a distributor and a separator at each demand station, which is connected via a delivery line to the distributor, a suction line with stop valve to a suction fan and can be emptied via a closable discharge opening at the demand station. A control for the demand-dependent dosing of the components has a demand indicator, which releases a control signal for setting the distributor to the desired component and for opening the stop valve, as well as a setting device which, on reaching a predetermined quantity, releases a control signal for opening a ventilating valve in the delivery line and for closing the stop valve.

Abstract: A pillow filling arrangement characterized by a hopper into which filler material is introduced and caused to fluff by a pusher fan(s), resulting in optimum buoyancy and loft. Consistent filler material weight is achieved due to preestablished timer action, such being without the necessity of physical weighing and largely irrespective of the type of filler material involved. Additionally, the arrangement is operated from a single main control, usable in both manual and automatic modes, and representing a convenience in satisfying all operational needs at the same location.

Abstract: A sanitary waste collection system and a method therefor which enable the free disposal of waste at various places in a building, and saves labor required for carrying and collecting the waste. The waste collection system includes charge ports provided at every floor of the building into which are thrown waste stored in waste containers of a certain configuration, vertical transport tubes connected to each floor of the building as well as charge ports, horizontal transport tubes connected to the lower ends of the vertical transport tubes and extending to a waste accumulation area, and an air blowing mechanism for force-feeding air in the horizontal transport tubes, with the diameters of the vertical and horizontal transport tubes and being a little larger than the outer diameter of the waste container in section.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a particle separator device which comprises a centrifugal separator with a loading duct, a duct for discharging the agglomerated particles and a duct for the discharge of the gaseous flow. The device comprises Venturi-meter throttling means, a pressure element which has a pressure containment chamber which is preferably formed with a diaphragm which supports a movable part. A pneumatic connection is provided between the chamber and the throttling means, and a mechanical coupling is provided between the movable part and valve means for adjusting the width of the passage of the gaseous flow. The device is capable of self-adjusting according to the amount of granular material which is kept in suspension. The invention furthermore relates to an apparatus for the pneumatic conveyance of granular materials which uses the device described above.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately determining the quantity of powder flowing in a spraying device includes a power density measuring element for measuring the powder density of the powder/gas mixture flowing in the spraying device and a device for measuring the flow rate of the pure gas prior to its mixing with the powder. Signals representative of the powder density and gas flow rate are generated and transmitted to an electronic evaluation device which calculates from these measurements the absolute flow rate of the powder per unit time.

Abstract: A system for supplying blasting media to a media blasting system in which a pair of pressure pots or pressure chambers are provided in which the blasting media is introduced for dispensing the media to conduits leading to blasting guns. The media supply valves and air supply valves are controlled by a cam shaft assembly. Further, a metering hopper having a media supply valve is provided between the storage hopper and upper pressure pot or chamber. The media and air valves are operated in timed sequence as determined by the cam shaft assembly.

Abstract: A granular product to be dosed is introduced at the same time as a transfer liquid into a dosing chamber below a retaining grid, provided in the upper part thereof. The measurement of the pressure upstream of the dosing chamber makes it possible to detect the arrival of the product level with the grid and to stop the introduction thereof. An inverted U-shaped pipe forming a syphon then ensures the transfer of the dosed product into a tank, when the compressed air is injected into the dosing chamber above the grid.

Abstract: A tobacco discharge unit for the hopper of a continuous-rod cigarette making machine which is arranged to prevent excessive packing of the tobacco at the end opposite the inlet of the unit. This is achieved by means of movable shutters on the filter screen separating the upper and lower compartments of the unit so as to modify the air flow pattern in the unit, or by means of a specially shaped "stepped" screen or by means of deflector baffles in the lower compartment.