Abstract: A pneumatic conveyance system includes at least one filtration component and a cage assembly disposed within the filtration component. The cage assembly may include a first cage, a second cage, and an actuator, where the actuator may be configured to move the first cage relative to the second cage and cause at least a portion of the first cage to rub against a filtration component within the pneumatic conveyance system. A method of dislodging material buildup within a pneumatic conveyance system includes causing a first cage of a cage assembly to move relative to a second cage within a filtration component.

Abstract: A farm implement includes a frame, a container mounted on the frame, a hitch extending away from a front wall of the container in a first direction, and an auger assembly extending away from the front wall. The auger assembly includes a receiving portion coupled to the container, a lower portion coupled to the receiving portion, an upper portion coupled to the lower portion, a joint assembly coupled to both the upper and lower portions, and a discharge portion coupled to the upper portion. The joint assembly allows the upper portion to pivot about a folding axis between a transport position and an operating position. In the operating position, the lower portion is angled toward the hitch relative to a vertical plane extending transverse to a direction of travel by the farm implement, and the lower portion is angularly offset from the upper portion by a second angle.

Abstract: A screw conveyor to convey powdery material, in particular cement. The screw conveyor comprises: a transfer screw; and a trough containing the transfer screw; the trough being provided with an inlet section and an outlet section of the powdery material. The screw conveyor is characterized in that the screw comprises: at least a first screw portion having a first law of continuous variation of the pitches of the screw, which can be graphically represented by means of a first function having in at least one stretch a first derivative other than zero; and at least a second screw portion having a second law of continuous variation of the pitches of the screw, which can be graphically represented by a second function having in at least one stretch a first derivative other than zero. The first law of continuous variation of the pitches is different from the second law of continuous variation of the pitches.

Abstract: A system for use in a gasification system comprises an increasing pitch screw feeder and a high-pressure vessel disposed about said increasing pitch screw feeder. The high-pressure vessel comprises an inlet for connection to an outlet of a solid pump and a conveyance gas line and an outlet through which solid fuel delivered from the solid pump is transported to a gasifier. The outlet is downstream of the solid pump and the conveyance gas line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise passing the cellulosic feedstock through an optional impregnation chamber to an outlet of the impregnation chamber, passing the cellulosic feedstock from the outlet of the impregnation chamber to a holding tank having an inlet and an outlet, and conveying the cellulosic feedstock downwardly and laterally as it travels through the holding tank. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a passage. The passage has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the lower portion has a greater cross-sectional area than the upper portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and at least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, at an elevation below the inlet.

Abstract: Device for unloading a powder from standardized bulk containers equipped with an inner liner, the device comprising a collection unit suitable for being tightly fixed on the container and suitable for being in fluid communication with the interior of the liner; a shearing unit, in fluid communication with the collection unit, comprising shearing means for shearing the powder; and a separate delivering unit, in down stream fluid communication with the shearing unit, the delivering unit comprising an output suitable for connecting pneumatic unloading means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conveying particulate material during the manufacture of patterns in layers, wherein powder is conveyed out of a reservoir into a spreader unit and, if applicable, excess powder fed to the spreader unit is again conveyed back into the reservoir and wherein this conveying takes place in a closed conveying circuit.

Abstract: A material blower for blowing materials that includes a base; a material container to hold the materials mounted to the base that is sealed to be pressurized; at least one loading opening in the top of the material container the includes a door to cover and seal the at least one loading opening; a material output chute as part of the bottom of the material container to receive material for distribution; a material exit at one end of the material output chute, the material exit including a distribution hose opening and an air blower connection; at least one anti-clumping bars that rotate inside the material container; an auger within and along the material output chute an air blower connected to the material container, the air blower connected to the material exit; a distribution hose; a power unit connected to the auger, the anti-clumping bars and the air blower.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for pneumatically conveying a bulk material which does not flow readily in which an input device variably meters the bulk material into a lateral conveyor until it is partially filled, and then a mechanical conveyor, in combination with the simultaneous introduction of compressed gas into the lateral conveyor, empties the bulk material partially filling the lateral conveyor, rendering the bulk material conveyable.

Abstract: A method and to a device for delivering deliverable materials through a hollow chamber that is closed off from the outside air in a pressure-tight manner and that is supplied with materials via a storage container serving as a lock and that ends in the furnace chamber via a connecting tube. The delivery of the materials within the hollow chamber closed off from the outside air in a pressure-tight manner is carried out by means of depressurized mechanical conveyors.

Abstract: Pneumatic particulate material fill systems and methods are disclosed. A particulate material fill system includes a cyclone separator having an inlet adapted to receive pneumatically conveyed particulate material. The cyclone separator has a first outlet adapted to vent air and a second outlet adapted to discharge solids. The particulate material fill system includes a tank adapted to receive solids discharged from the cyclone separator via the second outlet. The tank is adapted for use at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A system for substantially continuously providing a solid material, for example pulverized coal, to a pressurized container. The system provides the solid material to a first container of a first pressure elevated above an initial pressure of the solid material. Generally, a screw conveyor augmented with a jet port is used to move the material where the jet port provides a gas to provide a make-up volume of the solid material. The system also provides the material to a second high pressure container after the material has been formed into a slurry. Therefore, the solid material may be substantially continuously provided in a system to a high pressure container.

Abstract: A bulk loader including an air inlet, an air-particulates separating chamber in communication with the air inlet, an air outlet in communication with the air-particulates separating chamber, means for moving air and particulates into the air-particulates separating chamber, means for separating air from particulates positioned within the air-particulates separating chamber, means for removing air from the air-particulates separating chamber, an auger, the auger being in communication with the air-particulates separating chamber by way of an auger opening in the air-particulates separating chamber, and a screen positioned across a portion of the auger opening adapted to permit air to flow therethrough and adapted to prevent particulates from flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to instrumentation for performance of a spinal implantation procedure. In one form, this instrumentation includes: a tube device with an inner surface defining a passage from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, a conveyor including a threaded conveying rod to be received in the passage of the tube device that can be rotated in the tube or moved in translation along the passage, and a deformable prosthesis structured to move through the passage of the tube by rotating the threaded conveying rod while at least a portion of the deformable prosthesis is positioned between the inner surface and the rod. Optionally, a tool to maintain position of the tube device can be included that has a jaw mechanism, among other things.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosed volume having a lower surface comprising a plurality of longitudinally extending portions. Each longitudinally extending portion has an inner surface that is arcuate in transverse section. A plurality of conveyance members are provided within the enclosed volume. Each conveyance member is associated with one of the inner surfaces and configured to sweep the one of the inner surfaces. Additionally, a method for treating a cellulosic feedstock is disclosed. The method comprises providing a cellulosic feedstock being less than 100% saturated moisture. The cellulosic feedstock is introduced into a longitudinally extending enclosed volume, and conveyed longitudinally through the enclosed volume while being mixed.

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

Abstract: A conveying and lock system (10) for introducing a bulk material into a reactor (14) with exclusion of gas and while preventing gas exchange at low pressure differences has a screw shaft (44) on which first windings (46) and second windings (48) are formed. A winding-free section (50) is disposed between the first and the second windings (46, 48) in which the conveyed bulk material is compacted. The compacting causes a bulk material plug which is substantially gas free and, during bulk material transport, the bulk material plug is constantly formed in the conveying and lock system (10) by means of the screw shaft (44) to prevent gas exchange between the product inlet and the product outlet of the conveying and lock system (10).

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A high capacity particulate loader having an intake hose on one sidewall thereof which communicates with a source of negative pressure formed by a multi-stage suction mechanism, to create a high suction, high volume and high speed air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a separation chamber where they separate from the air stream and are directed into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the loader. The multi-stage suction mechanism communicates with a separation chamber and/or a settling chamber, the settling chamber providing an area where dust or fine chaff from the suctioned particulate materials, which may be present in the air stream, can settle, through gravity, on a bottom surface of the settling chamber, thus avoiding contact with the blowers so as to prevent clogging of the blowers and rotor wear thereof.

Abstract: A screw feeder can be used to transport a high temperature particulate material. A housing contains the material within the screw feeder which includes an inlet and an outlet port. A screw is rotatably positioned within the housing to advance the material from the inlet port to the outlet port, which rotates axially. A labyrinth seal can be formed around and in communication with the screw to eliminate reverse movement of the material. A cooling medium can be directed into contact with at least the housing. A fluid can be injected through the screw to prevent blockage of the particulate material. A pressure differential is created from the inlet to the outlet port of at least 0.069 MPad.

Abstract: Described is a conveyor for confections having the design that the material is conveyed along a flow path which is essentially free from abrupt detours or direction changes. In the case of utilization of helix rotors as conveyors this occurs in that the helical rotors (3, 11) are mounted respectively on only one of their ends and the discharge column (10, 20) is provided in essentially the axial direction. These columns may be conical and preferably coaxial but in certain cases may also be slightly eccentric to the axis of the helical rotors.

Abstract: The invention refers to a general solution to the problem of establishing, maintaining and re-establishing an even distribution of two or more components in a composite material flow that is conveyed through a pipe. According to the invention teh problem is solved by installing a rotating assembly (b 3) of limited axial length in the pipe, the assembly having wings supported on a common shaft to extend transversely over the flow and generating a radial motion component in the axial flow as they rotate. In a further development of the invention the wings are formed for progressively accelerating the flow from the upstream end (I) of the assembly towards the downstream end (U) thereof.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

Abstract: A process, a means of transferring mineable material from any number of sources to a number of devices capable of separating out values from that mineable material. See (FIG. 1) the mineable material enters the hose (1), the hose (1) being under vacuum, and is transferred in a flow of air to the upper portion of a hopper (2). The hopper (2) is also under vacuum. The flow of air leaves the upper portion of the hopper (2) through hose (4), which is connected, to a vacuum blower (5). The mineable material, being heavier than air is deposited in the hopper (2). The mineable material is removed from the bottom of the hopper (2) by means of a variable speed drive screw conveyor (3) and is transferred to a separation device (8). The level of heavy mineable material (6) contained in the hopper (2), along with the mineable material contained in the screw conveyor (3) causes a seal against the force of vacuum and allows the mineable material to enter and be removed from hopper (2) simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: A conveyor device, particularly for silicone granulate, comprising a container and a fall shaft, positioned under the container, which ends in a trough of a screw feeder, the trough particularly having a level sensor and the position of the level sensor being adjustable in order to regulate the supply of the material to match the throughput of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ice delivery system includes an ice bin with an ice maker thereon. An auger dispenses ice from the bin and agitators within the bin prevent blockage. The agitation may follow a pattern depending on the location of the agitators with some about the periphery less employed than those adjacent the auger. An ice gate receives ice and flowing air to direct the ice pneumatically to a multistation diverter. The flow through the diverter is vertically downwardly. Tubes from the diverter convey ice to remote dispensing stations. The dispensing stations have prechambers with drains and lockable gates to advantageously receive ice for delivery into the remote station bins or block the ice storage area to allow cleaning. Conduit couplings are configured to connect tubing without creating an area of ice blockage or allowing the buildup of contamination. Germicidal lights or ozone may be used in the ice bin to avoid contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing and distributing loose particulate material includes a system for applying an agent to the loose particulate material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container for holding and transporting the loose particulate material to the site of application. A feeder regulates the flow of loose particulate material out of the container. Loose particulate material exiting the feeder is blown out of the apparatus through a hose by an air stream produced by a blower. An agent is introduced via a carrier fluid to the air stream carrying the loose particulate material, whereby the resulting mixture of the agent with the carrier fluid is then mixed with the loose particulate material carried by the air stream.

Abstract: A device for metering flowable products, such as products in the form of powder, granules, or microspheres, usable, for example, for the preparation of treatment baths, such as baths for dyeing, comprises at least one passage for the material to be delivered, the passage leading to a diaphragm. The aforesaid diaphragm can be moved according to a vibratory motion produced, for example, by a vibrating member mounted on the device. Preferably, the diaphragm carries, associated to it, a further diaphragm, which, in conditions of fine dispensing, comes up against the first diaphragm, so as to achieve, by the effect of the common vibratory motion, an action antagonistic to the formation of aggregates or micro-aggregates in the material to be delivered.

Abstract: An enclosed granular or powdered material storage reclaimer, having a floor, a vertical column at the center of the floor, conveyor means disposed below the floor, elongate transfer device hingedly attached to the column, an anchor pedestal for anchoring the bottom end of the column to a footing structure below, and a downwardly directed annular opening formed in the center of the floor, said opening having an inside wall and an outside wall, said annular opening being concentric with the vertical axis of the column and designed to receive granular or powdered material transported there by the elongate transfer device, such that the column may be directly supported by the anchor pedestal and the footing structure, and the conveyor means need not be located directly beneath the center of the column. Such an enclosed granular or powdered material storage reclaimer wherein the conveyor means comprises an air slide conveyor.

Abstract: A discharge system for a destructive distillation apparatus wherein the discharge solids act as plug to avoid the unwanted flow of product gas or ambient air therethrough while effectively discharging finely divided, disperse solids material from a continuously operating distillation apparatus. The use of a positive displacement two-stage auger having close clearance between the auger and auger cylinder wall, combined with an open section within the auger cylinder where a sealing material plug forms, results in improved sealing of the inventive system from unwanted transfer of gases. The hot, disperse, and finely divided solids exiting a distillation apparatus, such as carbon black formed from the distillation of automobile tire chips, is effective in the formation of a seal plug.

Abstract: A combination liquid seal and spiral auger conveyor feeding system which provides both a liquid seal, effective under normal operating conditions, with a sealed spiral auger conveyor, which is effective to seal against the surge flow of distillation gases back through the feeding system. This is attained while providing for a reliable, continuous flow of solid bulk material such as rubber tire chips to a reactor or distillation unit. A bulk feeding system having a partially submerged inclined spiral auger conveyor is provided, communicating at its base with a liquid reservoir so as to form a liquid seal within the combined apparatus. Solid bulk material is introduced to the upper end of the liquid reservoir above the liquid level where it descends by the action of gravity into the liquid and sinks to the bottom of the reservoir to by picked up by the partially submerged rotating auger conveyor and elevated thereby.

Abstract: A powder feeding device for feeding powder at a constant rate has a container for storing a powdered material and a discharge device mounted in the container at a lower portion thereof for discharging the powdered material from the container at a constant rate. A vibrator is mounted on the container or on a wire net mounted in the container to separate air from the powder. The powder may be supplied from a powder tank to the powder container.

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

Abstract: A 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 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 device for transferring solid particles from an area of higher pressure to one of lower pressure. A stack-up section (3) between the areas is full of particles and large enough to reduce the current of gas flowing through the open stack-up section from the area of higher pressure as a result of the pressure loss that occurs in the stack-up section to a level that prevents pneumatic conveyance of the particles. A conveyor is in or at the end of the stack-up section.

Abstract: An intake hose on one sidewall of the machine communicates with a source of negative pressure to create a powerful suction air stream that draws particulate materials through the hose and propels them into a chamber where they separate from the air stream and charge by their own momentum directly into a discharge auger assembly on the opposite sidewall of the machine. The auger assembly joins with the sidewall of the machine at an upwardly and outwardly inclined attitude for elevating the materials into a suitable receiving truck or trailer alongside of the machine, and a lower longitudinal portion of the assembly which adjoins the sidewall is open along its length to facilitate the unimpeded reception and entry of particulate materials from the hose directly into the auger.

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: Carbonaceous solids such as coal and oil shale are fed to a high temperature processing vessel without bridging and plugging problems interrupting the flow of the solids into the processing vessel by passing the solids at a controlled rate from a feed vessel into a first conduit communicating with the feed vessel. The solids are then passed through the first conduit into a second conduit which communicates with the first conduit and the processing vessel, and which contains a scraper for scraping the inside walls of the conduit. The pressure in the feed vessel is maintained at a level higher than that in the processing vessel by passing a sufficient amount of a gas into the feed vessel such that the solids are passed through the second conduit into the processing vessel in dense phase pneumatic flow as the scraper scrapes the inside walls of the second conduit thereby preventing any bridging or plugging from occurring.

Abstract: A particulate vacuum collector device comprises a generally closed housing 74 including a bottom portion 140 particulate material and air inlet 90 and an air outlet 84, the inlet and outlet being above the bottom portion and the air outlet being adapted to be connected with an air suction generator 40. A perforated drum 160 within the housing screens air flow between the inlet and the air outlet while particulate material gravity falls to the bottom portion. A particulate material outlet 220 is separate from the inlet and is associated with the bottom portion of the collector.

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

Abstract: Coal powder is transported from a low pressure zone to an elevated pressure zone bypassing the powder from the low pressure zone to the top of the first one of a number of vertical vessels;passing the powder in each vessel by gravity as a moving bed from the top of the vessel to the bottom thereof;passing the powder from the bottom of each vessel but the last one to the top of the subsequent vessel by mechanical or pneumatic means;discharging the powder from the bottom of the last vessel to the elevated pressure zone.

Abstract: Present conveyors such as portable grain augers are most commonly positioned, raised and lowered manually and are powered by a small air-cooled engine, electric motor or a tractor power take-off. The disclosed conveyor system utilizes a tractor for all modes of transport, positioning, raising and lowering, and powering the conveyor. The undercarriage configuration allows a tractor to be coupled beside and in parallel with the conveyor. The undercarriage moves as a unit with the tractor but is freestanding when uncoupled. The tractor power take-off is utilized to drive the conveyor through the use of any one of several drive systems and the tractor electrical and hydraulic systems may be used to power controls for raising and lowering the conveyor. In grain augers, in addition to the mechanical auger flighting used to move the grain, a pneumatic system may also be adapted to this unit.

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

Abstract: A vacuum grain moving apparatus connected to a three-point hitch of a tractor and operated with the power take-off drive of the tractor. The apparatus has a grain holding tank connected to a grain collection hose used to carry grain and air to the tank. An air moving unit mounted on the tank has a rotatable power driven impeller that draws air from the center of the chamber of the tank to provide a vacuum pressure within the tank. The impeller has first and second generally radial blades that pump the air from the tank chamber. An auger conveyor operatively associated with the lower end of the tank moves the grain from the tank into a transport vehicle. The auger conveyor has a driven helical auger located within a tube. The tube extends beyond the outer end of the auger and retains a plug of grain in the tube to inhibit back flow of air into tank chamber during the running of the air moving unit. A swinging gate pivotally mounted on an outer end cap normally closes the exit opening of the tube.

Abstract: An improved auger airlock is disclosed which includes a blade for preventing blockage or buildup of material conveyed through the airlock. An axially rotatable auger blade is disposed within the elongated auger tube and has a central shaft extending to the outlet end of the tube. An elongated blade is secured to the end of the shaft, transversely of the longitudinal axis thereof, for rotation with the shaft. The blade is operable for cutting up agglomerated material at the outlet end to prevent clogging. A hingeably mounted door is attached to the outlet of the tube and is biased to the closed position by an adjustable counterweight operably attached to the door.