Abstract: A vacuum grinding system having multiple elements connected in series. The elements include an input chamber next to the system input, which chamber can be fluidically connected to a vacuum pump; a grinding chamber which is arranged downstream of the input chamber and which can be fluidically connected to a vacuum pump; and an output chamber, downstream of the grinding chamber and next to the output system, which output chamber can also be fluidically connected to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: A material conveying system, comprising: one or more material sources for providing material to be transferred; one or more destination locations for receiving material from the one or more material sources; one or more material conveying lines; one or more vacuum pumps wherein each vacuum pump is operatively connected to one or more of the one or more destination locations via one or more vacuum source lines; a sensor disposed on, in or near each of the one or more material conveying lines; a programmable electronic control unit (ECU) connected, via wires or wirelessly, to each component of the material conveying system including the one or more material sources, the one or more destination locations, the one or more vacuum pumps and to the one or more sensors; wherein the ECU uses data from the one or more sensors to (i) determine flow patterns and/or stream density of the material being conveyed through the one or more material conveying lines; and (ii) make automatic adjustments for optimizing and maintai

Abstract: Powder fluidizing apparatus includes a unitary pressure vessel having a powder compartment and a transfer compartment, a lid on a first open end of the powder compartment and a base on a second end of the unitary pressure vessel, the second end sealing an open end of the transfer compartment. A plate separates the powder compartment from the transfer compartment, the plate being located between the lid and the base. A coupling collar secures a sieve disk packet in an opening in the plate. A tube extends from the transfer compartment to the powder compartment, the tube extending to a location near the lid of the unitary pressure vessel. When the transfer compartment is pressurized with a carrier gas, pressure in the transfer compartment and pressure in the powder compartment are equalized by the tube.

Abstract: A portable storage unit for storing fluid, particulates, or combinations thereof, wherein the portable storage unit can have a trailer with a frame. An outer container can be connected to the frame, and can have a first storage cavity with an outlet. A gate can provide for selective opening and closing of the outlet. An inner container can be movably disposed within the outer container, and can have a second storage cavity. The second storage cavity can be in selective fluid communication with the first storage cavity. At least a partial seal can be formed between the inner container and outer container. A hydraulic cylinder can be connected to the inner container and outer container for moving the inner container relative to the outer container, allowing for an adjustable volumetric capacity of the first storage cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling the velocity of a particulate material conveyed by a gas flow under negative pressure in a duct said device comprising 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 a flow restricting or constricting orifice or valve. The duct diameter may increase incrementally along its length.

Abstract: In a method for controlling the emptying cycle for a temporary storage space (5) at a deposit point (2, 3) of a pneumatic material collection and transport system where emptying of the storage space is performed by opening a discharge valve (10) provided downstream thereof, a storage space emptying state is detected during discharge valve open condition, the output from at least one storage space emptying state sensor (6, 7) is monitored and logged, the sensor output is evaluated, a discharge valve open time is computed based on monitored and evaluated sensor output and the discharge valve is closed when monitored and evaluated sensor output has indicated a storage space empty condition.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for feeding sliders (31) from a source of sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of at least two slider insertion devices (18, 19). A sensor (30, 52) on a sender track (20, 21) detects a lack of sliders (31) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the sensor (30, 52) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (31) and a plunger (35) to open a passage, thereby releasing the sliders (31) to a sender track (20, 21). When a sensor (46, 56) detects a lack of sliders (31) in a loading rack (25, 26) or a slider insertion area (27), the sensor (46, 56) signals a plunger (44, 58) and a pneumatic valve (48, 60) to open a passage to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (31) onto the slider insertion area (27) of each slider insertion device (18, 19).

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing granular material, in particular sand, the apparatus comprising: a) a portable distribution head; b) a flexible hose for transferring the material to the portable head; c) a main feed duct for feeding material from a storage vessel; d) a main suction duct associated with the flexible hose for sucking dust from the portable head; e) a plurality of n transfer vessels suitable for being fed with material from the main feed duct and for delivering the material to the portable distribution head; f) sets of multiple connections enabling the distribution head to receive material from a selected vessel and at least one other vessel to be fed simultaneously with the material; and g) control means for obtaining substantially continuous operation of the distribution head by controlling changeovers between the vessels which are caused to operate in alternation.

Abstract: A wheeled system and a method for installing insulation from bound insulation bales. At least one movable wall that continually moves unbound insulation bales by a drive means toward a dispensing end of the base where shredding of the insulation from the unbound insulation bales occurs. The shredding is accomplished by a plurality of picker drums. Each of the picker drums has positioned on the circumference a plurality of abraders in the form of scoops that abrade and remove clumps of insulation from the unbound bales permitting the clumps to fall into a blender wherein the insulation material is formed into particulate material and then cast into an air blower formed with the hose and nozzle for dispensing the blowing material. A force measurer including a strain gauge is operatively connected to the shredder to determine continuously changes in the horizontally directed force exerted by the insulation bales against the drums of the shredder in order to adjust the force.

Abstract: A system for transporting ice pieces or the like from a primary bin to one or more satellite bins is disclosed. A dispenser forms a charge of ice pieces in a precharge chamber, which is then transferred by air assist to a delivery tube. A driver member is provided to engage and move the substantially defined charge of ice pieces to the selected satellite bin. The driver member is propelled by a differential pressure within the tube. This permits the defined charge to be exposed only to the low pressure side and insulated from the high pressure propelling medium to minimize breakage and melting during delivery. Before reaching the satellite bin, the piston is reversed to shuttle back to the home position. The satellite bins are connected in series and delivery of a charge to an intermediate bin is provided by moving a tube section out of alignment with the delivery tube. Lubrication and continuous cleaning is performed by the driver member sweeping minimal residual water from melting ice.

Abstract: The present apparatus relates to a pneumatic transport system to transport samples of grain between a filling station in a grain handling and storage structure and a receiving station in an office or inspection laboratory.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus and method feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powder coating material to the articles, wherein the powdered coating material is mixed with a pressurized airstream that delivers the powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied to the auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism associated with the housing and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism. The control mechanism further activates a solenoid valve which in turn activates a water nozzle spray assembly for wetting of fibrous material prior to discharge into a receptacle.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material and shapes supporting the housing. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism including load cells mounted to the straps and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus feeds fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus which includes a vibratory feeder bowl and a spiral track for delivering a substantially constant supply of powdered coating material to the articles. A sensor is also used to regulate an amount of powdered coating material supplied by an auger to the vibratory feeder. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for delivering dry bulk material (21) to a drilling mud system (50) of an oil and gas well comprises a plurality of collapsible bags (30) for holding a quantity of dry bulk material (21), each bag (30) being supported on a bag storage rack (20) having a discharge outlet (22) connected to the bags (30), the discharge outlets (22) having bag discharge valves (24); a hopper (40) for receiving and collecting material from the bags (30) and for discharging material into the drilling mud system (50) by means of a hopper discharge valve (48); a length of material discharge hose (70) connected to the discharge outlets (22) and to the hopper (40); and a vacuum pump (60) having a vacuum hose (47) to the hopper (40) for producing a vacuum in the hopper (40) and the hose (70) and thereby drawing material (21) from the bags (30) into the hopper (40) for discharge into the mud system (50).

Abstract: A pneumatic material transporter includes a material hopper (2), a screw conveyor (3) to transport the material (supplied from the hopper) from the rear portion to a front portion of the screw conveyor, a pressure chamber portion (5) to receive the materials from the screw conveyor and to press the materials down while adding a limited amount of water, a horizontal mixer (6) adapted to mix the material supplied from the pressure chamber portion with pressurized air, and then push the mixture to a material transporting conduit portion (8) connected to the mixer through a check valve portion, so that the material transporting conduit portion transports the materials to a yard.

Abstract: In a method and a system for installing loose insulation, loose wool is transported, in compacted state and packed in e.g. filled bags (12), to the site where the insulation operation is to be performed and where loose wool (11) received from the bags is mechanically fluffed, and where the fluffed loose wool is transported by blowing it through a hose (15) to the location where it is to be placed; and the loose wool supplied through the hose (15) is spread on said location in the desired configuration. The novelty of the invention resides in that the bags (12) containing loose wool first are so arranged as to be able, successively and in a controlled manner, to discharge the compacted loose wool contained therein for automatic fluffing and onward blowing through the hose, whereupon from the location where the spreading of loose wool takes place, the discharge of compacted loose wool from the bags is remote-controlled in connection with the spreading, whereby the method can be carried out by a single operator.

Abstract: A gravimetric control system for supplying fuel and sorbent to a circulating fluidized bed boiler which includes a loop shaped continuous belt for moving materials in a generally horizontal direction. The apparatus includes first and second belt scales disposed at spaced axial points along the belt and apparatus for continuously moving the belt sequentially past the first belt scale and then past the second belt second belt scale and then dumping all material on the belt.

Abstract: A truck including a container used to transport and dispense loose particulate materials. A moving floor is located on the floor of the container to move loose particulate materials within the container into a feeder and dispensing system. The container includes two opposing augers mounted on the inner surface of a rear door of the container. The augers feed loose particulate material within the container to a mixer. The mixer helps to break up the loose particulate material to keep it from bridging as it drops into a feeder. The feeder regulates the flow of loose particulate material into a mixing chamber. A high volume air blower is connected to the mixing chamber. The blower forces a high volume of air through the mixing chamber and out of the mixing chamber into an attached hose. As loose particulate material drops into the mixing chamber, it mixes with the air flow and is blown out of the attached hose.

Abstract: The device for the dosed conveying of powder to a powder processing unit, particularly to a plasma spray device, comprises a volumetric dosing unit and a weighing unit which together allow a gravimetric powder dosing. The dosing unit includes: a rotatable dosing disc having a vertical axis of rotation; a drive unit mounted below said rotatable dosing disc; and powder feeding and withdrawal means mounted above said dosing disc. This dosing unit, having first and foremost a vertical extension, is fixed to a weighing platform which rests on a plurality of weighing cells. The drive unit is arranged below said weighing platform, in order to situate the center of gravity of said dosing unit at least approximately at the level of said weighing platform. This considerably reduces the liking of the dosing unit, as compared with a weighing platform arranged entirely above the dosing unit, thus allowing a gravimetric powder dosing with high accuracy and uniformity.

Abstract: A high density pneumatic transport system of solid materials from an airtight transport tank through a transport pipe into a collector. In the airtight transport tank materials are successively fed into a charge tank by reciprocating a slide damper. Simultaneously materials stored in the charge tank are successively pushed out into the transport pipe by supplying pressurized gas intermittently and transported continuously at high density through a lower horizontal pipe and a vertical riser pipe, then transported in the form of a long column in an upper horizontal pipe at a very low speed by deceleration by a divergent means, and finally collected into a storage tank of the collector.

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: The device has a storage vessel (2) that is connected to a compressed gas pipe (1) and whose outlet (6) discharges through a shut-off element (7) into a carrier gas pipe (10). Shut-off element (7) and the setpoint values of a first pressure regulator (23) in compressed gas pipe (1), as well as a second pressure regulator (24) in carrier gas pipe (10), are controlled by a program control device (33) with a program memory (34), in which several programs that are selectable by a selector (37) for charging the carrier gas stream with varying amounts of material and/or material concentrations are stored. Each program contains time-driven switching commands for opening and closing shut-off element (7) and two different setpoint values for first and second pressure regulator (23, 24).

Abstract: A system for handling particulate material includes a rotary valve for feeding material from a holding device to a receiving device. The rotary valve includes a slide valve that is electrically controlled in response to sensed conditions in the handling system.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for operation periodically to move particulate material from a first level to a higher second level using air entrained to move in a loop. The apparatus includes a pick-up coupled in the loop and positioned in the material at the first level so that the material is entrained in the air loop, and a separator above the second level which is also coupled in the air loop and which is operable to strip the material from the air. The separator has an exit above which the material is collected and an actuator is operable periodically to collect batches of the material in the separator at the exit. A closure is coupled to the exit and operable to release a batch at the second level after each period of operation of the actuator.

Abstract: The pneumatic conveying system according to the present invention includes a pneumatic transport pressure vessel having funnel-shaped sides and a closed domed top. The pneumatic transport presure vessel has a single inlet/outlet opening at the bottom of the funnel-shaped sides. The pneumatic transport pressure vessel is connected to a switch valve having a pipe section movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the switch valve connects the pneumatic transport pressure vessel to a positive displacement mechanical feeder to bottom load material from a storage hopper through the switch valve into the pneumatic transport pressure vessel. In the second position, the pipe section of the switch valve connects the pneumatic transport pressure vessel to discharge piping for conveying the material pneumatically to a desired discharge location.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying and dispensing non-fluid fluent material such as free-flowing packaging material includes a recycling system for automatically retrieving spilled material and a reservoir which automatically controls the input of material from a main supply based upon the height of material in the reservoir. Various air transport systems are incorporated.

Abstract: An improved method and related system for pneumatically transporting powdered or granular materials stored in an airtight storage container to a collector through a transport pipe in the form of a lengthy column in high density and at a slow speed by the use of pressurized gas. The method of the invention comprises the steps of stopping feeding of the pressurized gas when the whole of the powdered or granular materials corresponding to a final batch contained in the storage container are sent into the material transport pipe, simultaneously discharging the internal pressure of the storage container through a gas decompressing means, inserting a transport plug from the base end of the material transport pipe, and carrying forward the transport plug at a slow speed by feeding pressurized gas from the base end of the transport pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering particulate solids in a stream of gas to a selected delivery point. The particulate solids are entrained in a stream of gas, and controls set the desired delivery weight rate for delivery of the solids to the delivery point. The weight of the container, which encloses the entraining system and the solids, is determined continuously.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously dispensing particulate material utilizes a transfer vessel which may be placed at a location spaced below and apart from a dispensing vessel. Particulate material may be transferred from the transfer vessel to the dispensing vessel by aerating the particulate material and pneumatically transferring the material to the dispensing vessel through a suitable pipeline. Valving on the dispensing vessel and the transfer vessel prevents loss of pressure from the system during operation. The air supply for transfer and dispensing may be provided by one source. The dispensing unit may continuously dispense material through repeated cycles of transfer of material from the transfer vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for operation periodically to move particulate material from a first level to a higher second level using air entrained to move in a loop. The apparatus includes a pick-up coupled in the loop and positioned in the material at the first level so that the material is entrained in the air loop, and a separator above the second level which is also coupled in the air loop and which is operable to strip the material from the air. The separator has an exit above which the material is collected and an actuator is operable periodically to collect batches of the material in the separator at the exit. A closure is coupled to the exit and operable to release a batch at the second level after each period of operation of the actuator.

Abstract: A transport system for conveying and dispensing non-fluid fluent material such as free-flowing packaging material includes a recycling system for automatically retrieving spilled material and a reservoir which automatically controls the input of material from a main supply based upon the height of material in the reservoir. Various air transport systems are incorporated.

Abstract: A device for loading containers that are open or can be vented, containers for fine particulate materials, said device being part of a pneumatic conveyance system, in particular such a system using dense layer transportation, where the said device comprises essentially a tube-shaped casing, a lifting element, a closing element and a lifting rod which connects the lifting and closing elements and enables the distance between these elements to be varied. The combined weight of the part of the lifting element, that can be moved in the axial direction (A), the closing element and the lifting rod is greater than the elastic force of the lifting element but is smaller than the product of the difference between areas (F.sub.H) and (F.sub.M) and the positive pressure in the supply line acting on the lifting element. The distance (h) of the closing element from the lower edge of the casing is smaller than the stroke of the lifting element.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a pneumatic conveying apparatus wherein, with the material supply interrupted, a conveying pressure is numerically integrated and the reduction in the filling weight occurring in a specific period of time is determined. Before the beginning and at the end of the integration it is determined whether the filling weight is falling approximately evenly, i.e., whether any disturbing dynamic forces are overlying the filling weight. Such a calibration method permits alterations in the conveying capacity during the calibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding product to a pipeline via a venturi assembly has first and second tanks adapted to separately hold a quantity of product. The product is fed to the tanks from a supply hopper and enters each tank through an upper opening which accommodates a feed chute. The open end of each feed chute is closable by a flapper door which is swingable between open and closed positions. Pressurized air from a compressor is used to selectively close the flapper doors via a set of pressure valves which control the flow of air into the tanks. The product is fed from each tank to the pipeline through a Y-shaped housing and the venturi assembly. The housing has respective lower openings for each tank, also closable by swingable flapper doors. When the upper doors are closed by the air pressure, the product is forced out of the tank into the pipeline.

Abstract: The domestic appliance using a hydrophilic powder comprises a chamber (4) for dispensing the powder and means for transferring the powder to a container (20).Said means comprise a turbine (7) to form a current of air sufficient to propel all the powder from the dispensing chamber (4) to the container (20).Use more particularly for constructing a domestic appliance adapted to prepare a drink from a soluble powder such as coffee and a liquid.

Abstract: A container vehicle for fluent contents, that is to say a container in which such contents can be securely held when in transit. It comprises a cylindrical vessel arranged with its axis level and having axially-disposed ports, valve means to prevent an above-axis height load within from spilling out of the ports, and sealed joints halves associated with the ports whereby to make sealed joints between those ports and input and output delivery pipes. The vessel can be rotated by external means and contains at least one helical vane within it which propels contents axially when the vessel is so rotated. The ports may coincide with bearings to support the weight of the vessel. The vehicle may be for the transport of powdered material, to be delivered into and discharged from the vessel when fluidized by pressurized air, in which case angled delivery and discharge spouts within the vessel may suffice as the valve means.

Abstract: Pulverized coal feed tanks are emptied in sequence via a transport line into the hot blast of a blast furnace. Each tank is carried by three load cells whose outputs are summed and differentiated to obtain the actual feed rate. Gas pressure in the tank is controlled in dependence on the actual feed rate so as to achieve a desired feed rate. To reduce the possibility of inaccurate feeding of coal, the outputs of the respective load cells are compared, and if deviation from a predetermined weight distribution over the load cells is detected, feed from the tank is stopped. The load cells may be duplicated in series, and the summed outputs of the two sets of load cells compared to detect malfunctioning of a load cell, again resulting in cessation of feeding from that tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder distributor for dosing and conveying a powder up to a use apparatus. The distributor comprises a pressurized storage tank, a dosing vibrating bowl and an Archimedean screw or a valve for transferring the powder from the tank to the bowl. The putting into operation of the screw is controlled as a function of the powder level in the bowl. The vibrating bowl is placed in a tight enclosure into which is injected a carrier gas used for conveying the powder in a pipe up to the use apparatus. An accelerometer carried by the vibrating bowl makes it possible to check the weight of the powder supplied by the latter. Application more particularly to hot spray guns, such as chemical flame torches and quenches arc plasma torch guns, in a free or controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pneumatic conveyance of fine material using a conveyor vessel and a storage chamber in which the discharge capacity of the vessel is increased by delivering material from the storage chamber to the conveyor vessel and reduced by delivering material from the conveyor vessel to the storage chamber. Such method and apparatus are distinguished by the capability of altering the capacity without delay, keeping the set conveying capacity constant, and simple calibration.

Abstract: A pulverized combustible material or ore is transported from a storage container, at atmospheric pressure, to the interior of a pressurized shaft furnace via three intermediate receptacles. The material is weighed in the first receptacle, pneumatically transported to the second receptacle, the second receptacle pressurized and the material transmitted under pressure to the third receptacle which is maintained at a pressure which is higher than the furnace pressure.

Abstract: An additive material storage and metering system includes a transportable frame having a plurality of dry material storage bins mounted thereon. The plurality of dry material storage bins includes smaller dry material storage bins and larger dry material storage bins. The metering system for the larger dry material storage bins has a flow rate range varying from a low end to a high end. The metering system for the smaller dry material storage bins has a second flow rate range varying from a low end to a high end. The low end of the second range is lower than the low end of the first range, and the high end of the second range is between the low and high ends of the first range, so that any given dry material may be dispensed at any rate within an overall flow rate range from the low end of the second range to the high end of the first range by placing said material in the proper dry material storage bin.

Abstract: A vehicle for receiving, transporting, measuring and delivering weighed amounts of flowable pulverulent material, such as wheat flour, has a blower which draws the material from a storage container to a selected one of a plurality of measuring containers where it is weighed and the weighed contents are then emptied by the blower for delivery to the customer, such as a bakery. A plurality of measuring containers are provided so that one may be filling while another is discharging. The vehicle is automated with sensing switches and valves regulating the operation.