Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to an entrainment unit for distributing seed, comprising: a seed chamber for seed in bulk; a mixing chamber for mixing seed and air, the mixing chamber having an outlet for discharging entrained seeds; and an air supply unit for: (a) supplying a first air flow to the seed chamber and entraining and transporting seed to the mixing chamber, and (b) supplying a second air flow to the mixing chamber for forming a combined air flow that entrains the seed and transports the seed through the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow control system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop through the fluid conduit, and to adjust product transfer into the air flow based on the determined mass flow rate of the product.

Abstract: An agricultural implement system is provided including a fluid conduit configured to provide product to a ground engaging tool. The ground engaging tool is configured to deposit the product into soil. The agricultural implement system also includes an air source fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to provide an air flow through the fluid conduit in a downstream direction toward the ground engaging tool. The agricultural implement system further includes a product delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid conduit, and configured to transfer the product into the air flow. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a product flow measurement system configured to determine a mass flow rate of the product based on a pressure drop between an upstream portion of the fluid conduit and a downstream portion of the fluid conduit, a flow rate of the air flow, and a velocity of the air flow.

Abstract: A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe.

Abstract: A method and a system may be provided. The system includes a substantially horizontal space adapted to receive objects; multiple tunnels and multiple gas openings configured to convey a gas pressure that induces objects to enter the tunnels; and an electrical testing module configured to compare between an electrical characteristic of an object that is imaged by the imager and an electrical characteristic of a reference object to provide an electrical test result.

Abstract: A method for acquiring multiple images of objects, the method includes: longitudinally transferring objects through multiple tunnels of a first, second third and fourth longitudinal transferors to first, second and fourth imaging areas and rotating the object about their longitudinal axis between imaging areas; acquiring images of first, second, third and fourth sides of the object at the first, second, third and fourth imaging areas respectively; wherein at least one longitudinal transferor has a movable portion that when placed in a certain position exposes at least a substantial portion of at least one tunnel.

Abstract: The coating-powder-supply apparatus according to the invention comprises a powder-storage container, a powder conveyor, in order to convey powder out of the powder-storage container, and a set of scales, in order to weigh the powder located in the powder-storage container.

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 conveying device for free-flowing fine-particle solids, in particular for powdery and/or granular (mixed) material, especially plastic granulate, includes a vertically arranged and flexibly mountable telescopic pipe for the conveyance of, preferably, polymer granulates, for example in a plant for the filling of polymer granulates.

Abstract: A mobile star wheel feeder includes docking devices, flushing devices and control for the pneumatic conveyance of granules, in particular polymer granules, with preference polycarbonate granules. The mobile star wheel feeder, together with partially mobile sections of pipeline, can be set up at different locations underneath silos.

Abstract: To provide a money handling system capable of improving operability and suppressing occurrence of trouble such as a jam. A money handling system 1 in an embodiment of the present invention includes: a POS register 12 having a display unit; a pneumatic tube 30 configured to transport a storing member 40 for the pneumatic tube; a status notifying unit 31 configured to notify a status of the pneumatic tube 30, and a control unit 11 configured to cause the display unit of the POS register 12 to display the status of the pneumatic tube 30 notified from the status notifying unit 31.

Abstract: A pressure gauge assembly for use with a railway hopper car is provided. The railway hopper car includes a railcar and a product unloading system that is attached to the railcar. The railcar includes sidewalls, end walls, and at least one bottom wall for defining an interior volume. The product unloading system includes an inlet manifold for channeling pressurized fluid to the interior volume of the railcar, and an outlet manifold for channeling the pressurized fluid to the product unloading system for discharging materials from the railcar. The pressure gauge assembly includes a housing that is attached to the railcar. A first pressure gauge is positioned within the housing. The first pressure gauge is configured to measure a differential pressure between the interior volume of the railcar and the product unloading system.

Abstract: A conveying system including at least one tube connection, at least one dispatch station and at least one receiver station, where items are conveyed by an airflow in the direction of the airflow in the pipe connection from a dispatch station to a receiver station. The new feature of a conveying system is that the tube connection has an inner cross-sectional area, preferably a circular cross-sectional area, with a size greater than the largest cross-sectional area of an item, and which is preferably provided with at least twice the cross-sectional area compared with the largest cross-sectional area of an item. Hereby is achieved the advantage that several items may be conveyed in the same tube connection at the same time, where these items are sent individually and successively, corresponding to one item being sent immediately after another.

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: The hydraulic transportation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate and lower object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for transporting fruits, comprising: a frame; a channel for fluid arranged on the frame for the purpose of transporting the fruits between an entry side and an exit side of the channel; a system for causing circulation of the fluid; and transport influencing means for influencing transport of the fruits and/or the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container filling machine comprising a sensing device for detecting the integrity of discrete articles for personal treatment to be packaged in a container. The sensing device comprises a pair of capacitor plates positioned in a substantially opposing relationship for creating therebetween an electric field, a track for guiding the discrete articles for personal treatment through said electric field and a processing unit. The processing unit is in communication with the pair of capacitor plates, and is operative for detecting a change in capacitance as a discrete article passes through the electric field in order to determine the integrity of the discrete article on the basis of the change in capacitance and a characteristic capacitance change signature. The container filling machine further comprises a transportation device, a rejection device, a counting device and a plurality of path blocking devices.

Abstract: A system for acquiring multiple images of objects, the system includes: four longitudinal transferor that comprise multiple tunnels through which the objects propagate to four imaging areas; wherein the four longitudinal transferor utilize gas pressure differentials to convey the electrical circuits through the tunnels; wherein at least one longitudinal transferor has a movable portion that when placed in a certain position exposes at least a substantial portion of at least one tunnel; three rotation modules configured to rotate objects about a longitudinal axis of the objects; wherein each rotating is located between two longitudinal transferor; and imager, configured to obtain, in each of the four imaging areas, an image of the objects.

Abstract: A method for transporting gaseous, liquid, and solid materials in which a sealed containment vessel containing a material for transport is introduced into an underground pipeline or conduit. The sealed containment vessel is then motivated through the underground pipeline or conduit to a predetermined location. Pipelines for use in accordance with the method of this invention may be natural gas or water pipelines.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A body within the lower zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and obstructs the particle flow within the lower zone.

Abstract: A transfer pipe of dried concentrate for transferring dried concentrate, having a double pipe structure, comprising an inner pipe 2 through which the dried concentrate is transferred by compressed air, an outer pipe 3 arranged around the outer periphery of the inner pipe 2, and a joint flange 5 forming an annular space 4 sealed between the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3, arranged at both ends of the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3, and integrally fixing the inner pipe 2 and the outer pipe 3; wherein the inner pipe 2 is positioned inside the outer pipe 3 and is formed of a metal pipe 2a forming the annular space 4, a ceramic sleeve 2c forming an innermost layer of the metal pipe, and a filler 2b for fixing the ceramic sleeve 2c provided between the metal pipe 2a and the ceramic sleeve 2c.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. A valveless conduit provides particle communication from the upper zone to the middle zone and a valved conduit provides particle communication from the middle zone to the lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through the conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the middle zone, the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduit, and the valve in the valved conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for transferring particles from an upper zone through an intermediate zone to a lower zone. The transfer of particles between the zones through valveless conduits is regulated by varying the pressure of the intermediate zone and the flow rate of gas passing through the valveless conduits. A container within the second zone is in particle communication with a valveless conduit and provides more consistent particle flows.

Abstract: Containers, particularly to containers for storing dry granules and powders, for examples silos. A container can include an air filter for cleaning the air that pneumatically conveys bulk product into the container. A valve can be used to restrict the air flow through the air filter, thereby elevating the pressure within the container to above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for separating articles from a group of articles. The apparatus includes a container for containing one or more articles coupled to a suitable fluidizer for suspending articles within the container and transporting articles to an induction tube. A portal in the induction tube introduces articles singly into the induction tube. A vacuum pulls articles through the induction tube separating the articles from the group of articles in the container. The apparatus and method can be combined with one or more unit operations or modules, e.g., for inspecting articles, assessing quality of articles, or ascertaining material properties and/or parameters of articles, including layers thereof.

Abstract: A system for controlling gas leakage in a solids delivery system is provided. The system includes a bulk solids pump comprising an inlet for a particulate material and an outlet for discharge of said particulate material. The system also includes a buffer gas channel configured to impede backflow of process gas into the bulk solids pump, such as from a downstream system or process. The system further includes a pressure differential system configured to control a flow rate of the buffer gas and maintain a positive differential in pressure between the buffer gas and the process gas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a warp detection system (200) for determining warping in a carrier (110) configured to carry substrates (120) for processing. In one embodiment, the system (200) includes a guide plate (210) configured to guide a path of the carrier (110) during the processing, where the guide plate (210) is positioned underneath the carrier (110). In addition, the system (220) includes a plurality of sensors (230) positioned within the guide plate (210), wherein each of the plurality of sensors (230) is configured to measure a distance of a respective area of the carrier (110) from the guide plate (210). Also in this embodiment, the system (200) includes a processing device (310) configured to receive the measured distances and determine warping in the carrier (110) based on differences between the measured distances.

Abstract: Device and process for conveying filter elements to a filter element magazine. The device includes a rotatable drum comprising at least one seat for receiving a filter element and a detection device that controls a rotation of the drum and detects the filter elements. The process includes conveying at least one filter element in a lengthwise axial direction to a drum that includes seats, wherein at least one of the seats is adapted to receive the at least one filter element, guiding the at least one filter element past a detection device, generating a start signal as soon as an end of the at least one filter element has passed the detection device, rotating the drum in a crosswise axial direction after receiving the start signal, and moving the at least one filter element into the filter element magazine.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the mass flow of a particulate solids flow in a pneumatic pipeline includes a measuring chamber and an impact body. Through an inlet connection the particulate solids flow is blown as a compact solid/gas jet onto the impact body, so as to impact thereon with substantially its whole cross-section. An acoustic transducer is associated with the impact body for sensing structure-born acoustic waves, which are generated by the compact solid/gas jet impacting onto the impact body, and transforming them into an output signal. Signal processing process the output signal so as to derive a value that is representative of the mass flow rate of the particulate solids flow.

Abstract: An injector for a powder coating installation having an injector casing made of electrically non-conductive material, such as plastics. The interior surface and the exterior surface of the injector casing are coated with coatings of electrically conductive material, the coating of the exterior surface and the coating of the interior surface being electrically insulated from each other by interruptions. A means for tapping the friction charges is passed from the interior surface and out of the injector casing to a measuring instrument for measuring the charge current. The exterior surface of the injector casing is provided with a ground connection for establishing contact between the exterior surface and ground potential. In this manner the very small friction charge currents can be detected during operation of the injector without being affected by electromagnetic disturbances from outside.

Abstract: The moisture sensor and indicator for a wet pickup vacuum cleaner, more particularly a wet extraction type carpet cleaner, is positioned in the suction duct to sense when water droplets or moisture is traveling through the suction duct. An indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that water is being extracted from the carpet. The sensor may alternatively be located in the bottom of the floor-engaging portion where it contracts the floor. When the degree of moisture in the carpet exceeds a predetermined threshold an indicator is activated to indicate to the operator that the floor is still wet and to continue extracting moisture from the floor. Alternatively, the moisture sensor can be used as a safety device on a dry pickup vacuum cleaner. When moisture is detected within the suction duct, the motor-fan assembly of the dry pickup vacuum cleaner is disabled to prevent a potentially hazardous condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum transferring food product having a hopper for retaining food product, the hopper including a discharge port; a vacuum chamber having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is coupled to the hopper at the hopper's discharge port; a vacuum source for inducing a vacuum pressure between the hopper and the vacuum chamber so as to cause food product retained by the hopper to be drawn into the vacuum chamber though the inlet; a first timing circuit for controlling the length of time that the vacuum pressure is to be applied between the hopper and the vacuum chamber; and a second timing circuit for controlling the rate at which the food product is dispensed from the outlet. The first timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the length of time that the vacuum pressure is drawn though the apparatus, and the second timing circuit may be adjusted to increase or decrease the frequency of the opening of the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying granular plastic materials, for example silicone granulate, including a storage tank, a device for loosening granular plastic material positioned within the storage tank, as well as a discharge device for indirectly or directly transporting granular material to an extruder antechamber. Even granular plastic materials that are difficult to pour can be conveyed in a reliable and economical way due to the process of loosening the granular plastic materials by means of a suitable device.

Abstract: A pressure control system for accurately controlling the pressure of the air in a discharge line during a pneumatic offload includes a blower, a supply of pressurized air and a pressure relief valve. The blower directs a stream of air into the discharge line to produce a positive air pressure. The pressure relief valve includes a valve body defining a hollow valve chamber, a valve positioned within the valve chamber and a valve seat opposite the valve. The valve chamber of the pressure relief valve is in fluid communication with the discharge line through a first inlet port and in fluid communication with the supply of pressurized air through a second inlet port that receives air from the supply of pressurized air. The valve chamber of the pressure relief valve is also in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere through at least one outlet port.

Abstract: A material delivery system conveys material from a supply location at or above an area surface to a working location below the area surface. The delivery system includes a supply hopper located at the supply location and having an inlet for receiving material to be conveyed and an outlet for discharging material. An injection hopper is adapted for mounting on a movable working arm of a self-propelled vehicle, and has an inlet for receiving material and an outlet for discharging material. The arm of the vehicle carries the injection hopper below the area surface to the working location. A supply line is connected to the outlet of the supply hopper and to the inlet of the injection hopper for conveying material from the supply location to the working location.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods useful, for example, for introducing a desired spacing between or classifying and sorting objects, e.g. plant embryos. Objects carried serially in a fluid stream enter the apparatus via an upstream conduit. A sensor associated with the conduit provides information regarding an object at a particular location in the upstream conduit and produces a signal. A switch coupled to the upstream conduit directs the fluid stream to an appropriate downstream conduit by applying a force to a conduit, e.g., by aligning the upstream conduit with a downstream conduit to create a fluid-tight path. Apparatus according to the present invention are particularly useful for manipulating fragile multicellular biological objects such as plant embryos.

Abstract: A pneumatic transfer apparatus (10) includes a service provider terminal (22) and a customer terminal (24). A carrier (32) is moved through a transfer conduit (26) between the customer and service provider terminals by a differential pressure generating mechanism (28, 30). Each of the customer and service provider terminals includes an actuator mechanism (54, 82). The actuator mechanism is operative to orient an opening in the housing of the carrier with a transfer opening in the transfer conduit. The actuator mechanism is further operative to move an inner shell (100) relative to an outer shell (96) of the carrier so as to bring openings in said inner and outer shells into alignment which enables accessing the interior area of the carrier.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing granular material to a loading hopper preparatory to processing, provide an at least partially transparent receptacle for receiving material prior to processing machinery supplied by the hopper with the receptacle having a top, a valve for selectably connecting the receptacle to vacuum or to ambient air, vacuum drawn in the receptacle, a conduit connecting the receptacle to a supply of granular material, a valve selectably permitting material flow from the receptacle into the hopper and control temporally adjustably closing the first valve and opening the second valve responsively to visually detected presence of a suitable amount of material in the receptacle.

Abstract: A unit for sampling and quality controlling tobacco items, in particular cigarettes, wherein a sample item, fed by a first conveyor along a first given path, is transferred automatically by a selectively operated spoon-shaped diverter along a second path to a second conveyor tangent to the first path. The sample item is fed to a support in which it is supported in facing relation to an optical control device. The sample item is inspected in the support and the optical control device emits signals as a function of the surface characteristics of the sample item.

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: An injector-conveyor device for the pneumatic conveying of powder, particularly powdered coating material, in order to measure the amount of powder conveyed, measures indirectly the vacuum produced in an injector (4) by having a stream of air measured with respect to its amount of flow or pressure drop in a throttled measurement channel (30) which places the outside atmosphere (32) in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber (10) of the injector (4). In order to avoid errors in measurement due to pressure variations in a powder suction channel (8), an equalization air inlet (56) is provided by means of which a small amount of equalization air is introduced into the powder suction channel (8) in order to make the pressure variations occurring therein of higher frequency and smaller with respect to the amplitudes of variation.

Abstract: A material transfer system for loading lightweight granular plastic material into injection molding machines and the like includes a reservoir sight glass assembly connected to the associated machine and a lightweight pressure relief chamber attached to the reservoir sight glass assembly, both connections being by quick disconnect devices. The reservoir sight glass assembly includes, a sensor which responds to the level of material in the sight glass and a magnet assembly which traps ferrous contaminates and prevents their entering the machine. The flow of material to the pressure relief chamber is controlled by the sensor which turns a regulated source of compressed air on or off depending upon the level of material in the sight glass. The air source is connected to an accelerator and vortex unit which is, in turn, connected to a source of the material.

Abstract: A pneumatic transport system, particularly useful as a mail transport system, which includes a transport carrier moving through a pneumatic tube line between remote sending/receiving stations is described. Movement of the transport carrier through the pneumatic tube line is by means of a positive or negative air flow in the tube line provided by a blower means. The air flow direction is controlled by utilizing a series of adjustable valves, such as butterfly valves. The system additionally employs sensors for indicating the presence of the carrier in the exterior station.

Abstract: A transport system particularly for flat articles, e.g. cards, includes guides which allow alternate articles to be conveyed in different orientations through the same duct (122) so that the risk of jamming or shingling during conveyance is eliminated. In a preferred arrangement the system includes a crossed-axes pneumatic duct (122) and driven rollers (144) for introducing cards (12) into the duct in different orientations. The system also includes intermediate air supply stations (138), a card inspection unit (134), and a receiving station (139) including a device (145) for turning cards so that they are all received in the same orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the filling capacity of a pneumatic conveying arrangement by three pressure measurements. The invention also relates to a method of calibrating a pneumatic conveying arrangement using this determination of the filling capacity. These measurements are conveying pressure, pressure at the top of the vessel from which the material is conveyed, and pressure at the top of the vessel to which the material is conveyed.

Abstract: The surveillance device uses a surveillance unit such as a video camera, the signals from which are received by a detection unit, the device being mounted on a mobile chassis driven by propulsion means inside a tube equipped with a longitudinal window through which passes the the transverse axis of sight of the surveillance unit, wherein the window is covered by a longitudinal elastic flap one side of which is attached to the tube, the other side remaining free, shaped elements attached to the chassis raising the longitudinal flap on either side of the axis of sight and beyond this axis. This device can be used for surveillance over long distances.