Abstract: A cup feed assembly for a can bodymaker with a vertically oriented, reciprocating, elongated ram assembly is provided. The cup feed assembly includes a chute assembly, a rotatable feeder disk assembly, and a cup locator. The chute assembly includes a transfer chute. The transfer chute includes an outer second side member, a first end and a second end. The transfer chute first end is in communication with the feeder chute outlet end. The outer second side member at the transfer chute second end includes a first biasing device. The cup locator defines a holding space, the holding space in communication with the transfer chute second end. The feeder disk assembly is structured to move a cup disposed at feeder chute outlet end through the transfer chute into the cup locator. The first biasing device is structured to maintain a cup in the holding space.

Abstract: A liquid containment wall for a tank is formed by corrugated panels connected end to end and supported by upstanding brackets at spaced positions around the peripheral wall and a liner attached to the wall. Each panel has at each end an overlapping section with an array of aligned holes. The holes are connected by connector plates shaped and arranged to overlie a part of the array. Each plate has a plurality of shear pegs extending at right angles and at least one hole therethrough to receive a threaded bolt so that the bolt passes through a respective one of the aligned holes of the array to clamp the plate against the overlapping panels.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: A method for handling material in a pneumatic materials handling system, in which material is input from an input aperture of an input point and is handled with a rotary shaper, arranged in connection with the input point, to be more compact and is transferred onwards. The rotary shaper includes a rotatable handling device with an aperture, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation. The rotary shaper includes at least one stationary handling device, in which case the material to be handled is conducted into and through the rotary shaper at least partly by gravity, by suction, or by a pressure difference, or at least partly by a combination of two or more of the gravity, the suction, and the pressure difference.

Abstract: Laundry transfer apparatus, and a method of transferring laundry items. The laundry apparatus comprises a rotatable disk carousel for receiving laundry items on a laundry receiving surface thereof, and a suction nozzle located relative to said laundry receiving surface for drawing laundry items from said laundry receiving surface into a laundry delivery conduit. The suction nozzle is vertically movable relative to the laundry receiving surface of the rotatable disk carousel and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The method of transferring laundry items, comprises the steps of: delivering laundry items onto the laundry receiving surface of a rotating disk carousel, and suctioning laundry items from the laundry receiving surface of the rotating disk carousel into a laundry delivery conduit. The transferred laundry items may be wet or dry laundry items.

Abstract: A method for transporting a solid particulate within a gasifier system is provided. The method includes discharging solid particulate through an inlet into an opening defined within a rotor, wherein the inlet and the solid particulate are at a first pressure. The method further includes rotating the rotor such that at least one end of the opening is aligned in flow communication with a duct at a second pressure that is different from the first pressure. The solid particulate is discharged from the rotor opening through an outlet such that the solid particulate is at the second pressure, and the rotor is rotated such that at least one end of the rotor opening is aligned in flow communication with a pressure source that is at approximately the first pressure, and such that the opening is at the first pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conversion of biomass to oxygenated hydrocarbons. More particularly, an improved biomass feed system or process for conveying biomass to a reactor for conversion to oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The provided system or process utilizes a spool piece adapted to convey solid particulate biomass from a lower pressure to a higher pressure. The spool piece conveys the solid particulate biomass material either directly to a reactor operated at or below the higher pressure or first to a vibratory feeder and then to such reactor. The vibratory feeder can include a bowl and an outlet spout extending tangentially from the bowl.

Abstract: A process for introducing a catalyst powder into a polymerization reactor comprising: a) metering the catalyst powder by means of a rotary valve comprising a stator, a rotor and sealing means arranged between said stator and said rotor; b) transferring a metered amount of catalyst powder from said rotary valve to a polymerization reactor; the process further comprising the steps of: c) feeding a flushing compound in one or more internal conduits arranged in the rotor of said rotary valve; d) flushing the catalyst powder away from said sealing means.

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

Abstract: A feeder apparatus supplies a powder feedstock to a high or low pressure processing operation. The apparatus includes a metering plate defining an annular channel having a channel width. A measuring mechanism dispenses a measured volume of the feedstock into the annular channel. The measuring mechanism includes a pay-out device defining an outlet significantly smaller than the channel width. The measuring mechanism further includes a maximum fill level defining a maximum pressure head in the feedstock less than a retaining pressure defined by the internal friction of the feedstock. The restraining pressure prevents the feedstock from spreading outwardly in the annular channel and contacting sidewalls of the annular channel under the pressure head of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a pick-up device for removing the feedstock from the annular channel. The pick-up device includes an inlet having a rectangular shape extending across the annular channel.

Abstract: A method and computer controlled apparatus to control fluid leakage in a high pressure feeder and a stationary housing with a chamber in which rotates a pocket rotor. The method includes: monitoring the fluid leakage from the high pressure feeder, wherein the fluid leakage is discharged from a low pressure outlet of the high pressure feeder; determining whether the fluid leakage is within a predefined range of acceptable fluid leakage, and moving the pocket rotor in the chamber to adjust the fluid leakage.

Abstract: Palletized materials are delivered in controlled quantity into a pulse modulated air stream. A vortex of compressed air gates the pellets into flexible small diameter tubing for transit to a hot melt adhesive application apparatus. Pellets of different materials, sizes, and shapes can be combined in a defined ratio within several seconds of melting at the application point. Pellet delivery air can be utilized for spray application of the melted material.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus supplies a powder feedstock to a high or low pressure processing operation. The apparatus includes a metering plate defining an annular channel having a channel width. A measuring mechanism dispenses a measured volume of the feedstock into the annular channel. The measuring mechanism includes a pay-out device defining an outlet significantly smaller than the channel width. The measuring mechanism further includes a maximum fill level defining a maximum pressure head in the feedstock less than a retaining pressure defined by the internal friction of the feedstock. The restraining pressure prevents the feedstock from spreading outwardly in the annular channel and contacting sidewalls of the annular channel under the pressure head of the feedstock. The apparatus further includes a pick-up device for removing the feedstock from the annular channel. The pick-up device includes an inlet having a rectangular shape extending across the annular channel.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and discharges through a central outlet located immediately below the inlet. Located over the outlet discharge and within the valve body is a feed-rate control cone. Material transfer is controlled by rotary speed and feed-rate cone position. Several embodiments of the valve are disclosed including a “live-bottom” embodiment designed to reduce or eliminate bridging in silos. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotating drive rotor for transferring material from an inlet to an outlet of the housing. The drive rotor has a hub. Drive disks extend away from the hub toward a housing inner wall. Three structural features of the feeder reduce the tendency of material to jam between the drive rotor and the housing or other stationary parts. First, the distance between the circumferential edges of the drive disks and the housing inner wall increases from the inlet to the outlet in the direction of rotation of the drive rotor. Second, a low-friction brush seal disposed on the periphery of the drive disks seals the area between the periphery of the drive disks and the inner wall. Finally, a materials scraper having a flexible tip is mounted in the housing and extends into the drive rotor between the drive disks.

Abstract: A sluice (2) for discharging bulk material, in particular fibers, from a cyclone device comprises a circumferential wall (4) in the form of a curved bendable band, which defines a generally cylindrical chamber (10) with an inlet (38) for receiving bulk material from the cyclone device and an outlet (14) for discharging bulk material substantially tangentially from the cylindrical chamber. A sluice wheel (16) is rotatable in the chamber about a vertical axis (12) extending through the center of the sluice wheel for sluicing the bulk material in batches from the inlet through the chamber to the outlet. The inlet (38) is situated centrally above the sluice wheel for supplying bulk material substantially axially to the slice wheel.

Abstract: A bulk materials pump feeder having a housing and a rotatable drive rotor mounted in the housing for transferring material introduced into the housing through an inlet to an outlet for discharge of the material from the housing. The drive rotor has a hub and a plurality of drive discs extending away from the hub toward an inner wall of the housing. To reduce the tendency of material passing through the housing to wedge between the inner wall of the housing and the circumferential edges of the drive discs, the distance between the circumferential edges of the drive discs and the inner wall of the housing increases from the inlet of the housing to the outlet of the housing in the direction of rotation of the drive rotor.

Abstract: A deceleration drum assembly has a deceleration drum with at least one gripper for gripping and transporting signatures. A guide surface assembly is provided which produces a fluid flow for transporting the signature in a contactless manner above the guide surface assembly.

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

Abstract: A small-parts feed and conveying device includes a movable section in which trains having a plurality of through holes are arranged along a direction of conveying the small parts, a parts drawing means for drawing the small parts to parts-conveying surface and holding them by reducing the pressure of an air opposite thereto, a conveying path cover in which open faces of spaces for conveying the parts slidably come into contact with the parts-conveying surface, and a parts mixing means for blowing a pressurized air to the small parts from nozzles in the conveying path cover and mixing them. The through holes may be arranged so as to form a plurality of parallel trains. The movable section may be a rotor or a belt.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: The sorting magazine serves for the supply of loose small parts (1) such as rivets, eyes, press fasteners and so forth. It includes a trough-shaped storage container (2) which has a front wall (3) and a magazine base plate (4), with a filling opening (5) for the small parts (1) and, in the base plate (4), an aperture (8) which adjoins an inclined bottom wall (9). The small parts can be guided by way of the aperture int ark adjoining rotary magazine comprising a drum-like rotary member (6) which is mounted rotatably about a substantially horizontal axis (7) and which serves for separating and orienting the small parts (1) for further processing thereof by machine. In order conveniently to provide for complete emptying, the magazine base plate (4) has a plate section (12) which is formed with the walls (3, 9) delimiting the storage container (2) to form a unit. That unit is movable from a closed operative position into an open position permitting the removal of all small parts, and vice-versa.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for the dispensing of ultra-fine particles on a dry basis in a reproducible manner. The apparatus includes a first gas-solids suspension chamber having particle fluidization means adapted thereto, and a conduit adapted between the first gas-solids chamber and a second gas-solids chamber for communicating via at least one particle orifice particles between the chambers. A high velocity gas stream provides a pressure difference between the chambers whereby a low pressure zone is created within the conduit thereby drawing in particles from the first gas-solids suspension chamber into the second gas-solids suspension chamber via the conduit. The apparatus further includes a combination of a withdrawal feed and a solenoid valve to direct particles from the second gas-solids suspension chamber into a collection area.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning and dispensing a mixture of wet and dry insulation material is provided. The apparatus includes a hopper with a partition disposed in the hopper so as to define a wet material receiving compartment and a dry material receiving compartment. A plurality of shafts are rotatably and longitudinally supported in the hopper. The shafts are provided with helically arranged spikes which serve to incorporate the wet and dry insulation material together, as well as condition the insulation material. A lower shaft acts to convey the wet insulation material to an air lock while a pair of upper shafts function to incorporate the dry insulation material into the wet insulation material at various points.

Abstract: An injection method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for conveying spherical articles at high speed between sequential processes having different protective atmospheres, where the leakage of the atmospheres, which must be converted between the sequential processes, is prevented. The device includes a structure incorporating a rotary relay having a plurality of spherical-article accommodating chambers formed at predetermined intervals, a support container closely mounted on the rotary relay, and having a spherical-article receiving passage and a discharge passage. An atmosphere discharge pipe communicates with the spherical-article accommodating chambers of the rotary relay, and an atmosphere supply pipe is disposed adjacent to the spherical-article discharge portion of the rotary relay and communicates with the accommodating chambers.

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: An injection system and method for feeding a particulate material to a process vessel, including a valve with at least one cavity adapted for receipt of a predetermined volume of particulate and a sweep stream source for providing a sweep stream having flow in a direction generally toward the valve to remove substantially all of the particulate from the cavity of the valve.

Abstract: An insulation material spraying apparatus for using dry material and wet recycle material having, at least two hoppers for separately receiving the materials, at least one auger for receiving the materials for conveyance longitudinally of the auger, an accumulator chamber for receiving the materials and having at least one mixer rotatable about an axis for separately mixing and expanding the volume of the materials, a flow stabilizer to form a mixture of the wet and dry material and a pneumatic transport for receiving and dispensing the mixed insulation material.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing loose materials, such as insulation or fireproofing in worksite areas, may be used for depositing a single or premixed loose material. Alternatively, the apparatus may be used both for combining two constituent loose materials to form a composite loose material and for depositing the composite loose material in a worksite area. The apparatus includes a separate hopper or bin for each of the constituent loose materials. Each hopper is operatively connected to a single loose material combining channel for supplying their respective constituent loose material for forming the composite loose material immediately before it is deposited in the worksite area. A single motor is used for supplying both constituent loose materials to the combining channel. The ratio of constituent loose materials in the composite loose material may be changed by replacing an easily accessible gear used in driving an auger for extracting the constituent loose material from one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A powder dispersing apparatus which can disperse every given amount of sample powder in a gas even when the amount is small, thereby continuously generating dispersed powder or floating powder at a desired concentration.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A conveying system is disclosed for conveying unstable articles having a neck ring. Unstable articles, such as plastic bottles having a neck ring, or flange, are conveyed in single file along plural paths each of which is established by dual guides vertically spaced from one another a distance just sufficient to receive the neck rings of the articles therebetween, with the articles being urged in the downstream direction along each path by air acting solely on the top portion of the articles above the neck rings.

Abstract: A device for dispersing and metering fibers which includes a frame, and a hopper mounted on the frame and having an inlet opening for receiving fibers therein. A screen is provided through which the fibers from the inlet opening must pass for separating any existing fiber clumps into a size not exceeding a size predetermined by the screen. A primary fluffing device is provided for creating a uniform dispersion of fibers within the hopper. An outlet opening is provided for allowing the fibers to exit the hopper. A controllable metering device is provided in the outlet opening for transporting a metered quantity of fibers out of the hopper through the outlet opening. A housing structure is connected to an outlet end of the metering device, the housing structure including an air inlet opening into the housing and a secondary fluffing device inside of the housing for further reducing in size any fiber clumps to separated discreet fibers.

Abstract: A fully integrated insulation spraying system with an insulation spraying subsystem for spraying wet or dry insulation and a fiber recovery subsystem for recycling waste insulation fibers and reintegrating them into the spraying process for more efficient and ecologically sound use of the insulation material. The insulation spraying subsystem includes a hopper with a rotary conveyor that conditions the fiber insulation and carries it into a standby chamber which is connected an airlock that introduces the fibers into a moving airstream. The airstream carries the fibers to the spraying head where moisture is added to promote adhesion of the insulation. A pneumatically powered insulation shaver is provided for smoothing the insulation after it is applied.

Abstract: A rotary channel pump apparatus for compressing solids that have an initial bulk density which is substantially lower than their structural density; the apparatus comprises a flow channel having an inlet and an outlet and includes: (i) an annular drag flow channel segment (L1) formed between a stationary outer wall member and a rotating circular inner wall member; and (ii) a straight channel segment (L2) formed between a first planar and stationary wall portion and a second planar and stationary wall portion; no axial cross-section of the flow channel between the inlet and the outlet is smaller than the axial cross-section at the inlet; a rotary feeder is connected to the flow channel near the inlet thereof for precompacting the particulate solid which is then passed through the flow channel to substantially increase the bulk density and to avoid melting and/or thermal degradation of the particulate solid when passing through the flow channel.

Abstract: A multiple lane ironing and doming apparatus for ironing and doming cup-shaped blanks into can bodies by pushing them through ironing dies by reciprocations of punches. The apparatus comprises: a plurality of punches vertically held and retained at their upper ends for vertical reciprocations; at least one ironing die unit arranged below and coaxially with each of said punches for ironing cup-shaped blanks into ironed can bodies; one doming unit arranged below the ironing die for doming the bottoms of the ironed can bodies into a predetermined configuration; stripping means for stripping the ironed and domed can bodies from the punches; and conveying means for discharging the stripped can bodies from below the punches.

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 pressure transfer device for feeding wood chips to a digester in the production of paper pulp has enhanced efficiency. A rotor having first and second sets of through extending conduits is mounted for rotation in a housing having first through fourth ports associated with each set, with a screen at the third port of each set for screening wood chips out of liquid passing through that third port. The third port of each set is connected to its own distinct source of suction, so as to enhance filling efficiency of the rotor.

Abstract: A high pressure transfer device for feeding wood chips to a digster in the production of paper pulp has enhanced efficiency. A pocketed rotor is mounted for rotation in a housing having first through fourth ports, with a screen at the third port for screening wood chips out of liquid passing through that third port. This screen is blanked at the leading edge in the direction of rotation so that as a pocket rotates into operative association with the first and third ports, the pocket inlet has an arcuate extent of about two inches which is exposed to the first port --large enough to allow chips to start flowing freely into the pocket--before the outlet of that pocket is exposed to a suction source in communication with the screen.

Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor station serves for receiving conveying cases (12) rriving from a forwarding tube (11) and having a high weight of, for example, 12 kg and a high travelling speed of, for example, 7 m/s. The conveying cases (12) are initially braked in a rotatable intermediate store (15) and are then transferred, after the intermediate store (15) has been rotated, to a unloading position (56). The intermediate store (15) is arranged in a position above the forwarding tube (11) and the unloading position (56). The intermediate store (15) and the unloading position (56) are connected one with the other by a substantially vertical tube section (40, 41, 55).

Abstract: A pneumatic tube conveyor station comprises a loading position for convey cases (11) to be dispatched, in which the latter are placed in a waiting position on a supporting surface, ready for being collected. The conveying cases (11) are provided with a machine-readable label (61) for identifying the station of destination and for routing the conveying cases. A label scanner (51) is arranged at the pneumatic tube conveyor station (10). The supporting surface is designed as a rotary disc (41) which has a drive (43) connected to the label scanner (51) via a signal line (65).

Abstract: A device for achieving uniform distribution of airborne fibres, for instance cellulose-fibres, in the outlet of a conduit intended for the air-transport of fibres, the device being placed in the outlet (10) of the conduit. In accordance with the invention, the device includes a plurality of mutually similar, concentrically arranged circular rotors (1) and a plurality of semi-circular stators (6) which are disposed between the rotors on the outlet side of the device.

Abstract: The invention is in a pneumatic powder ejector comprising a suction stage and an injection stage. The suction stage includes a suction chamber (16), a venturi (14) communicating a primary gas to the suction chamber and a lateral suction input (18) offset in relation to the downstream and of the venturi. The injection stage includes a nozzle (22), an injection chamber (36) and a diffuser (38). The stages are located within and coaxially of the body of a tubular ejector. The nozzle includes a path for powder and primary gas between the suction chamber and diffuser, and is formed to provide a flow path of reduced dimension to communicate a secondary or entrainment gas between the diffuser and injection station.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for picking up, transferring and depositing lightweight articles. The apparatus includes a driven rotary member having a pluality of tubular arms extending from circumferentially spaced portions of the member. The ends of these arms pass through a portion of a receptacle in which the articles are stored and suction is set up on these arms at their ends as moved through the receptacle to attract articles thereto. An extracting mechansim is positioned in close proximity to the arc created by the ends of the tubular arms and applies a vacuum, greater than the vacuum applied by said tubular arms, to extract the articles from the tubular arms and transfer the articles to a point of deposit.

Abstract: An airlock for the batch or continuous feeding of a material while obstructing the free flow of a gas. The airlock comprises a continuous belt having a substantially horizontal upper surface and a plurality of non-porous flights projecting out from the belt. Each flight has a free edge located outwardly from the belt. The free edges of the flights seal against a planar sealing surface located above and parallel to the belt. Particulates are transported on the upper surface of belt below and away from any potential grinding action between the moving free edges of the flights and the stationary sealing surface. The flights, located between the sealing surface and the belt, inhibit the flow of air through the airlock.

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: Injection mechanism for powder and the like comprising a movable disc (II) with a number of throughholes (6) and two stationary members (I, III), each having a number of openings (1,2 and 3, 4, 5) communicating with a powder supply, a propellant gas source and a powder receiving unit, respectively, wherein the two faces of the disc each faces a closely mating face of each of the members and wherein in defined relative positions holes (6) at the disc (II) are in alignment with openings (1-5) in the members (I, III). The surfaces of the stationary members (I, III) presented spaced apart depressions (7) communicating with an adjustable pressure oil source and an adjustable spring action device acts against the members with opposite direction.

Abstract: The invention is in a pneumatic powder ejector comprising a suction stage and an injection stage. The suction stage includes a suction chamber (16), a venturi (14) communicating a primary gas to the suction chamber and a lateral suction input (18) offset in relation to the downstream and of the venturi. The injection stage includes a nozzle (22), an injection chamber (36) and a diffuser (38). The stages are located within and coaxially of the body of a tubular ejector. The nozzle includes a path for powder and primary gas between the suction chamber and diffuser, and is formed to provide a flow path of reduced dimension to communicate a secondary or entrainment gas between the diffuser and injection station.