Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for conveying particulate material. A plurality of injector arrangements are arranged along the conveying pipeline, for injecting a continuous flow of conveying gas into the pipeline. Each injector arrangement is operable to increase the flow rate at which conveying gas is injected into the pipeline on of pressure conditions in the conveying pipeline indicative of locally decreased material permeability. Each injector arrangement comprises a piloted shut-off valve positioned between the flow rate adjustment arrangement and the conveying pipeline and operable to close in response to a received pilot signal indicative of a pressure condition in the conveying pipeline below a lower threshold pressure condition. The continuous flow of conveying gas injected by each of the injector arrangements prevents particulate material from entering any part of the injector arrangements, thereby reducing the risk of blockage of nozzles, injection pathway selection valves and the like.

Abstract: A coring tool includes a coring bit to cut and detach a core sample from a subsurface formation formed in a borehole. The coring tool includes a pressure vessel that includes a core chamber to store the core sample at a pressure and a piston positioned adjacent to the core chamber. The pressure vessel includes a chamber adjacent to the piston and a gas reservoir to store a gas that expands as the gas is moved to a surface of the borehole. The pressure vessel includes a valve coupled to an inlet of the chamber and an outlet of the gas reservoir, wherein the gas is to flow into the chamber when the valve is open to move the piston to cause an increase in the pressure of the core chamber.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation with a transporter enveloped by low pressure in running tube includes a running tube, a running rail, a carrier structure, a control system, a braking system and a driving system. The running tube is an extended tube structure enveloped by a tube wall. A plurality of one-way airflow windows are provided on the tube wall, and the direction of airflow passing through the plurality of one-way airflow windows are controllable. The driving system includes a blocking-type running drive structure, a running blocking structure and a blocking-type running pressure-reducing structure which are provided in the running tube and run along the running tube. The carrier structure is a compartment structure. A connecting structure includes a flexible telescopic connecting structure and a rigid non-telescopic connecting structure.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump for pneumatic high-pressure delivery of 1 to 10 MPa of fluidised dusts, in which filling occurs from below via pneumatic suction by hydraulic reciprocating movement of the diaphragm and also by applying a negative pressure. The dust is held in a loosened fluidised state over the entire pump operation, wherein the high-pressure gas requirement is low. A drive of the diaphragm pump by a hydraulic pressure intensifier and multiple diaphragm pumps are operated in a phase-displaced manner with respect to each other. A dust delivery system which uses the diaphragm pump is operated with a low drive power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reverse flow prevention apparatus for common exhaust flue and a combustion apparatus having same. The reverse flow prevention apparatus for common exhaust flue, which is configured to collect exhaust gas of a plurality of combustion apparatuses, discharge the collected exhaust gas through a common exhaust flue, and prevent a reverse flow of the exhaust gas from the common exhaust pipe to each of the combustion apparatuses, includes a flange coupled to an exhaust port of each of the combustion apparatuses, an opening and closing apparatus hinge-coupled to an upper part of the flange to be opened and closed by a pressure difference between a lower portion and an upper portion thereof, and a body coupled to the upper part of the flange so as to accommodate the opening and closing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to material delivery systems and particularly to pulse controlled material delivery systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blowing device for a rotary air lock, comprising a flushing gas stream that is fed by a gas supply line (12) in order for adhering material to be flushed and blown out of at least one compartment (20-24) of the rotary air lock (20-24) when said compartment is located next to a product outlet of the rotary air lock. A blowing unit (30), which comprises at least one blowing tube (32) and is located in a feeding shoe (10) that is arranged at the product outlet, directs the flushing gas stream to at least one compartment (20-24) of the rotary air lock.

Abstract: Method for feeding material into a rotary shaper device in a pneumatic pipe transport system for material, in which the material is conducted along a feeder channel to the rotary shaper device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into the shaper device and/or through it by the aid of at least partly the suction and/or a pressure difference of the pneumatic pipe transport system. In the method the material is acted upon in the feeder channel, or in the channel leading into it, with at least one guide member, which is configured to reduce the undesirable rotation of the material in the feeder channel and/or to improve the access of replacement air into the rotary shaper. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit includes a bin for storing at least one of the catalyst and/or additives, and a loading unit in fluid communication with the storage bin and the fluidized catalytic cracking unit on a selective basis. The loading unit is capable of being evacuated so that a resulting vacuum within the loading unit draws the catalyst and/or additive from the bin. The loading unit is also capable of being pressurized so that the catalyst and/or additive is transferred from the loading unit to the fluidized catalytic cracking unit.

Abstract: A powder feed apparatus for a powder spraycoating equipment includes a dense phase powder pump fitted with at least one, or two feed chambers. Each of the feed chambers includes at one chamber end a powder intake valve and at the opposite chamber end a powder outlet valve and further includes at least one air exchange aperture to alternatingly apply compressed conveying air or a partial vacuum to the feed chamber. The apparatus further includes an integral structural block. The structural block includes the feed chambers and first control valves connected in fluid communication to at least one of feed chambers for the purpose of applying compressed conveying air and a partial vacuum to it. The first control valves are directly connected, in fluid communication via ducts constituted in the structural block, to at least one of the feed chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A lock hopper (11) provided with air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) arranged side by side with entrance valves (A1, B1) arranged above the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3) and exit valves (A4, B4) arranged below the air-tight hoppers (A3, B3). The lock hopper (11) performs control which alternately repeats the following states: a state in which granular substances in an upper system are placed in one of the hoppers and gas is supplied into the other hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of the other hopper to a lower system and a state in which the granular substances in the upper system are placed in the other hopper and gas is supplied to said hopper to discharge granular substances from the inside of said hopper to the lower system.

Abstract: A pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided. A pump control feature is provided for air flow rate control during positive and negative pressure conditions.

Abstract: Process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for delivering granulated material to a reactor for use in the polymerization of alpha-olefin comprising the steps of: providing a first conduit having a granulated material inlet, the conduit being operably connected to a pocket ball valve comprising at least one pocket, said pocket ball valve being operably connected to a second conduit, said second conduit being operably connected to a polymerization reactor; introducing a granulated material to the first conduit through said inlet; metering the granulated material through the pocket ball valve; and passing said material through the second conduit to the polymerization reactor. The present invention also relates to polyolefin production processes and polyolefin producing units.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: Process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

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 device according to the invention for conveying fluid comprises a conveying chamber, an inlet valve, which is located in the direction of flow, upstream of the conveying chamber, and with an outlet valve, which is located in the direction of flow, downstream of the conveying chamber. Moreover, an injector is provided for, whose suction duct is connected with the conveying chamber. Via an air duct, which is connected to the conveying chamber, exhaust air (AL) can be blown into the conveying chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an implement for extracting charges of uniform size of articles from a mass of the articles and delivering the charges to a receiver. The implement has a chamber for receiving the articles to form the charge. The chamber has a mouth through which articles are drawn into the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber. The implement then delivers and deposits the charge by releasing the vacuum. The chamber has a vent with an air permeable article barrier for access to a vacuum generator.

Abstract: Process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: A pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying pipe. The pressure tank includes a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: This invention provides a pressure tank having a simple structure to intermittently feed powder to a conveying pipe, and a method for determining the intervals for feeding the powder to the conveying. The pressure tank of this invention, which is used for an apparatus for intermittently feeding a predetermined amount of powder to a conveying pipe, comprises the following: a tank body used as a structure of a pressure vessel having a receiving port at its upper portion and a discharging port at its lower portion, a first check valve disposed just under the receiving port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the receiving port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air, and a second check valve disposed just under the discharging port so that it can freely move up and down, and so that it can close the discharging port by its upward movement that is caused by means of compressed air.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: A powder injection method and a powder injection microchip, the powder injection microchip comprising: a gas supply inlet (6) for supplying gas; an outlet (8); a channel (4) in fluid connection with the gas supply inlet and the outlet; a powder inlet (12) in fluid connection with the channel, for receiving a first, open end of a powder reservoir (14), the powder reservoir having an opening (22) at or near to a second end of the powder reservoir to allow egress of gas from the powder reservoir at a point distal to the first end of the powder reservoir.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

Abstract: An operating system for a power feed pump and a power feed pump having a transfer chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The outlet of the transfer chamber is closed, the inlet of the transfer chamber is opened, and a negative pressure is generated in the transfer chamber to suck a powder in through the inlet to the transfer chamber. The inlet of the transfer chamber is closed, the outlet of the transfer chamber is opened, and the powder in the transfer chamber is delivered through the outlet. The negative pressure in the transfer chamber is built up at least partially before the inlet of the transfer chamber is opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying particulate material from a container to an application site includes a mill that is operative to reduce the particle size of the material. The apparatus further includes a blower, Pneumatic lines are configured to connect the blower pneumatically with the application site through the container to convey material-laden air from the container to the application site. The pneumatic lines are configured for connection in alternative milling and non-milling arrangements.

Abstract: To supply a powder lacquer sprayer, the coating powder is pressed by a pig through the supply line and, in the process, it is fluidized from the side of the pig which is turned toward the powder. The fluidization air can be led to the powder, for example, by a central passage opening of the pig or through an air permeable wall of the connection line. For the dosage of the coating powder, one uses the push medium which drives the pig.

Abstract: A pump for transferring particulate material from a source to a remote location, including a particulate chamber having open ends, check valves at the open ends, a vacuum source connected to the chamber adjacent one end, a gas source at the opposed end of the chamber and a control which alternatively connects the vacuum to the chamber to draw particulate material from the source to the chamber and connecting the gas under pressure to drive the particulate material to the remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a cylindrical inner diameter and the source of vacuum is a venturi pump connected to a pinch valve permitting overflow of particulate material through the pinch valve and venturi pump, which is returned to the source. In one embodiment, the pinch valve surrounds an open end of the chamber permitting overflow while avoiding agglomeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28).

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: A fluidizing method transports particulates by gravity flow but passes the particulates through a fluidizer which is partitioned by a porous distributor plate to form first and second chambers and wherein the particulate materials pass through said first chamber which is in gaseous communication with said second chamber via the porous distributor plate. Gas is delivered to the second chamber at a pressure sufficient to generate a gas bearing between the porous distributor plate and the particulate material. The gas is permitted to migrate through the particulate material, but it is then vented to the surrounding atomosphere without causing substantial turbulence in the particulate material and to reduce tendencies for dusting and separation of the particulates into sizes.

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 and a method of transporting sliders to the slider insertion area (27) of a slider insertion device (18). A first sensor (30) on a sender track (20) detects a lack of sliders (21) in the sender track. A signal is sent from the first sensor (30) to a controller (24) to actuate a vibratory bowl (14) of sliders (21), and a first solenoid operated plunger (34) thereby releasing the sliders (21) to the sender track (20). Air connections (38) pneumatically push the sliders (21) along the sender track (20) to a second solenoid-operated plunger (44). When a second sensor (46) detects a lack of sliders in the loading rack (26) , the second sensor (46) signals the controller (24) to actuate a second solenoid-operated plunger (44) and a solenoid-operated pneumatic valve (48). The second solenoid-operated plunger (44) opens a passage and the pneumatic valve (48) opens to provide an air blast, thereby launching the sliders (21) into the feed tube (22) and onto the slider insertion area (27).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transporting particulate materials from a lower level to a higher level are disclosed, the method comprising: establishing a flow loop comprising a closeable chamber for receiving batches of the particulate materials, a first flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a delivery level, a second flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a header tank located at a higher level than said delivery level, and valve means at the chamber for selectively isolating the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; filling the flow loop with a pseudoplastic flotation fluid; operating the valve means to isolate the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; introducing a charge of the particulate materials into the chamber and then closing the chamber; operating the valve means to connect the first and second flow conduits to the chamber; and maintaining a supply of fluid in the header tank such that fluid and entrained particulate materials flow from the c

Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly for pumping particulate material includes a pump housing defining a pump cavity including a pumping chamber for handling particulate material, a motive fluid chamber, and a moveable diaphragm. The fluid pumping assembly also includes devices for loading particulate material into the pumping chamber, and for injecting a high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber. Further, the fluid pumping assembly includes a control system having a control valve for shutting off flow of high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber when particulate material is being loaded into the pumping chamber, thus enabling dense phase loading of particulate material, and thereby optimizing a particulate material pumping capacity of the fluid pumping assembly.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly for pumping particulate material includes a pump housing defining a pump cavity including a pumping chamber for handling particulate material, a motive fluid chamber, and a moveable diaphragm. The fluid pumping assembly also includes devices for loading particulate material into the pumping chamber, and for injecting a high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber. Further, the fluid pumping assembly includes a control system having a control valve for shutting off flow of high pressure, high volume purging fluid into the pumping chamber when particulate material is being loaded into the pumping chamber, thus enabling dense phase loading of particulate material, and thereby optimizing a particulate material pumping capacity of the fluid pumping assembly.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for transporting particulate materials from a lower level to a higher level are disclosed, the method comprising: establishing a flow loop comprising a closeable chamber for receiving batches of the particulate materials, a first flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a delivery level, a second flow conduit extending upwardly from the chamber to a header tank located at a higher level than said delivery level, and valve means at the chamber for selectively isolating the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; filling the flow loop with a pseudoplastic flotation fluid; operating the valve means to isolate the chamber from the first and second flow conduits; introducing a charge of the particulate materials into the chamber and then closing the chamber; operating the valve means to connect the first and second flow conduits to the chamber; and maintaining a supply of fluid in the header tank such that fluid and entrained particulate materials flow from the c

Abstract: A delivery and filling system for filling a cavity with a particulate material is disclosed. The system in one embodiment includes a hopper; a transport device, and a delivery chute. The hopper, transport device, and delivery chute each may have a porous distributor plate which partitions them into a first chamber and a second chamber. The system is hooked to a compressed gas source connected to the porous distributor plate and a fluidizer. A gas-control unit is provided including a pressure regulator, pressure sensor, and flow metering solenoid valve to independently regulate the flow of gas to the porous distributor plate and the fluidizer of the system independently.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for transporting irregular objects such as bags filled with recycled cans through a duct in which the object is first accelerated by pneumatic pressure and subsequently decelerated after a sensor triggers the closure of the air outlets as the object approaches the output point of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting a material such as concrete utilizes a flexible duct connected to a hopper and includes a device that can pinch the duct. The pinching device has first and second pinch members that are movable transversely relative to the duct, and a drive member situated between the pinch members and likewise movable transversely to the duct. The apparatus also has an air injector, and a controller for timing the injection of air and the movements of the pinch and drive members so as to drive the material in the flexible duct.

Abstract: An interchange apparatus for a pneumatic conveying system including a plurality of branch tubes joined together at an acute angle in an interchange chamber to form a main tube and a flap positioned between at least two branch tubes of the plurality of branch tubes at the end of the interchange chamber, the flap faces the branch tubes and is swivelable between a first position and a second position. The flap is held in each position by a holding device such that when the flap is positioned in the first position there is a connection between a first branch tube and the main tube, and when the flap is positioned in a second position there is a connection between a second branch tube and the main tube. In one embodiment the flap is switched from a first position to a second position by the passage of the cylindrical objects through the interchanges.

Abstract: A powder metering apparatus for making available a powder, in particular for powder coating, and which comprises a metering pump with a rotatably driven metering disk arranged between two lateral plates. The metering pump includes an inlet, through which it receives a powder-air mixture, and an outlet that connects via a suction tube to an injector pump. From the outlet, the powder-air mixture conveyed by means of the metering disk to the outlet is sucked out by a vacuum flow that is generated in the injector pump and enters the metering pump via a suction inlet opening, and the powder-air mixture is then supplied to a consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying solder balls to a receptacle. The apparatus includes a reservoir for storing the solder balls and a flow path. The flow path includes a first end connected to and in fluid communication with the reservoir and a second end for supplying the solder balls to the receptacle. The apparatus includes a flow actuator in fluid communication with the flow path to actuate the flow of the solder balls from the reservoir through the flow path to the receptacle. A trap is disposed in the flow path for trapping the solder balls and stopping the flow of the solder balls to the receptacle when the flow actuator is not actuated. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a particulate material having an upstream source of particulate material, a delivery device disposed downstream of the upstream source of particulate material and communicable with the source for delivering the particulate material from the source to a discharge conduit, conveying device communicable with the discharge conduit for conveying the particulate material through the discharge conduit, the delivery device and the conveying device being cooperable to form an incremental batch of dischargeable particulate material downstream of the delivery device.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying transport system for bulk materials has a conduit that carries material in a gas flow, and at spaced locations along the conduit air assists are provided to inject a supplemental amount of air into the conveying conduit when back pressure builds up in the conduit at the selected locations. The air assists include air outlet lines connected to provide air into the conveying conduit. A low volume flow source maintains a positive flow of air out of the air outlet lines during pneumatic conveying.