Input To Fluid Conveyor Patents (Class 406/63)
  • Patent number: 11262230
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for continuous gravimetric metering of pourable material comprises a housing (2) comprising a first and a second spaced wall (5,6), a charging port (7) through the first wall (5), and a discharging port (8) through the first wall (5) displaced from the charging port (7) and a primary air port (10) with a primary outlet opening (9) through the second wall (6) opposite to the discharging port (8). In the second wall (6) a secondary air port (12) is provided with a secondary outlet opening (11) having a substantially smaller outlet area than the primary outlet opening (9) and being displaced from the primary outlet opening in opposite direction to the rotational direction of the rotor (3) and being arranged opposite to the discharging port (8), and where the primary and secondary air ports (10,12) are connected to a compressed air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel Kasperek, Armin Hauser
  • Patent number: 11247853
    Abstract: A system for moving and placing granulate is provided together with a rotary airlock device. The system has a housing mountable to a trailer with cabinet located on a side of the housing with a compressor, at least one back compartment located on a back side of the housing. The compartment has a rotary airlock device in communication with the compressor. The compressor feeds air to the rotary airlock device under pressure, and an actuatable feeder located on the back side of the housing receives granulate and feeds the granulate to the rotary airlock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Nolen
  • Patent number: 9382078
    Abstract: A powder supplying device for a powder coating installation with at least one closed or closable powder container, which has a cuboidal powder chamber for coating powder. In order to quickly change the powder, one or more cleaning compressed-air inlets to which a compressed air source can be connected in a cleaning operation of the powder coating installation for removing residual powder from the powder chamber, in order to introduce cleaning compressed air into the powder chamber, is provided in a side wall of the powder container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Felix Mauchle, Norbert Honegger, Mark Steinemann, Hanspeter Michael
  • Patent number: 9051091
    Abstract: A metering and dispensing closure for a container. A rotor and a movable member rotate in conjunction with a cap member to afford accurate measuring of a powder material and dispensing of it. The rotor, the movable member, and the container cap afford a consistent measuring of the powder material, as well as provide a variety of drive members which can be utilized with the dispensing closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson L. Webster, M. Rinley Deeds, James W. Livingston, Andy Swain, David Holden, Kenneth J. Bird
  • Patent number: 8651772
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jyung-Hoon Kim, John Saunders Stevenson, Steven Craig Russell, Aaron John Avagliano
  • Publication number: 20110110729
    Abstract: A continuous semi-dense phase conveying system comprising a vessel having a gas inlet, a particulate material inlet, and a gas and particulate material outlet, which has an operating pressure of about 15 psig or less. The system includes a rotary airlock valve for feeding particulate material into the vessel and a pressurizing gas supply which branches into a feed gas line and a bypass line. A pneumatic conveying line coupled to the gas and particulate material outlet of said the and coupled to the bypass line. The pressure of the vessel is controlled using a bypass valve on said bypass line and optimize the flow of gas and particulate matter through the pneumatic conveying line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Brad Schultz
  • Publication number: 20100158619
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved auger for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Steven C. Stokes, Denis A. Stokes, Richard Dunlop, Robert Griffin, Gary Bonney
  • Publication number: 20090142147
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ANDRITZ INC.
    Inventors: Scott Pope, Richard O. Laakso, Carl Luhrmann, Keith Vogel
  • Patent number: 7094004
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving and placing in hard to reach locations granular and other particulate material such as sand, gravel, earth and similar materials. The system includes an improved augar for moving the material and an improved rotary airlock mechanism designed to withstand the abrasive action of the particulate material and at the same time move the material several hundred feet through a flexible conduit for placement in a pre-designated location. A system and apparatus is also disclosed for transporting on one vehicle all of the devices needed at a remote site for operation the particulate placement system, including a front loader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Air Pump Industries
    Inventors: Richard Dunlop, Robert Griffin, Stephen C. Stokes, Denis A. Stokes, Gary Bonney
  • Patent number: 6669410
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20030231933
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20030215293
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20030215292
    Abstract: A material feeder is provided that includes a drum having a number of compartments that receive material that is to be output by the feeder. The material can be any one of many different materials that are usually light and/or smaller in size, such as insulation, powders, grains and the like. At least a first seal is provided adjacent to the drum to close off an end of each compartment during some of its rotation. The first seal is preferably stationary during rotation of the drum and its compartments. The position of the seal relative to the drum can be adjusted to provide desired positioning between the seal and the drum. In one embodiment, the first seal is in contact with at least portions of the first end of the drum. The material is delivered to each compartment in the drum preferably using first and second fillers that are mounted adjacent to and outwardly of first and second ends of the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Henry Sperber
  • Patent number: 6641336
    Abstract: A conduit extends laterally through a rotor of a high pressure feeder to relieve any unequal pressures acting on opposite ends of the rotor. The conduit allows slurry under extraordinarily high pressure at one end of the rotor, to flow laterally through the rotor, and be released through the opposite end of the rotor into the rotor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: John F Bolles
  • Patent number: 6616384
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20030113171
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20020176752
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Patent number: 6468006
    Abstract: A high pressure transfer device has a rotor mounted in a housing for rotation with respect to inlet and outlet ports and having through going pockets. The pockets have interior surface configurations substantially devoid of nooks, crannies, and related flow restrictions. This can be accomplished by providing inserts in the pockets, or by constructing the pockets so that there are substantially smooth interior wall tubes extending from one end of the rotor and the other and cooperating with an inlet and an outlet at the same time. Using the high pressure transfer device to feed wood chips or the like in a slurry using a high pressure transfer pump can result in flow through the rotor pockets that is more uniform by at least 5% compared to in conventional high pressure transfer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Robert Prough
  • Patent number: 6203249
    Abstract: A particulate object conveying device is provided, and the conveying device includes a stagnating portion. A rotor has an outer circumference having a plurality of grooves formed equidistantly about the outer circumference, the grooves being of a size and shape to hold a single one of the particles of predetermined size. The rotor rotates within the stagnating portion. A discharge path is provided for discharging the particles from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsui High-tec Inc.
    Inventors: Migaku Ishida, Akikazu Higuchi
  • Patent number: 5915887
    Abstract: Dust emission is controlled by a preferably short fill at the expulsion end of each chamber, and selective venting of residual pressure through the air-inlet end. This selective venting is accomplished through use of a novel seal or "pad" that has an extension for tightly covering and sealing the material-exhaust end of each chamber while the chamber is in a dust-control plenum. The pad extension is notched so that it leaves the air-inlet end uncovered, permitting pressure venting through the notch and the air-inlet end. To provide truly effective sealing of the pad extension against the wear plate above the chamber that is in the plenum, the extension is reinforced by a strong metal plate which is embedded in the pad. Careful contouring of the main material-conveying ports in the pad optimizes the performance. A new all-pneumatic pad-clamping pressure-control system has been found to provide excellent control of pressure and uniformity of wear, with a minimum of working parts and adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Reed Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Sulman, David J. Stoner
  • Patent number: 5813801
    Abstract: A continuous dense phase conveying system and method regulates and modulates the volume of gas flowing at a low velocity within a material conveying pipe. In response to air volume leakage through a rotary airlock valve, a controller adjusts a flow control valve to maintain the volume of air for conveying at a selected level. The flow control valve has a venturi-shaped output section. The flow control valve is more than 90% efficient (e.g., less than 10% pressure drop across the valve) and has an output that varies linearly, over a wide range, with adjustment of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Mac Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Newbolt, Ross McEllhiney
  • Patent number: 5645379
    Abstract: A rotary feed structure for a gunite-conveying machine includes a polymeric body to resist sticking of gunite even if the latter includes silica fume, and even if it has set. The body has chambers in a circle. Preferably the body is urethane, self-bonded to a Ni-hard wear plate to eliminate radial leakage, and the mounting, (typically holes for studs), at least in part, is integral with the plate. A metal axial spacer is preferably next to the plate, but only within the innermost radius of chambers and with a sizable wall thickness. The body is preferably a feed-bowl type, with chambers formed as generally U-shaped pockets. A gunite machine using the polymeric feed structure also has a hopper, delivery tube, support and rotation of the feed structure, compressed-air for expelling the particulate material from the chambers into the tube, and provision for transporting the hopper, tube, body, and other apparatus. Chambers are selectively sealed to the expelling device and delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Reed Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Stoner, Steven L. Lang, Paul E. Sulman, David C. Lawrence, Richard Ellis, Fernando Lopez
  • Patent number: 5538365
    Abstract: In a pneumatic filter rod conveying system a vent (12) is in the line (10) close to the distributor (2). This enables a relatively high pressure gradient to be established, with resultant high filter transfer rates at the distributor, without having excessively high pressures in the distributor and/or higher than necessary line transmission speeds. Also, there may be a selectable pressure switch (40) for reducing air pressure at the distributor when there are fewer than normal filters in the line, e.g., at the end of a run: this also allows avoidance of undesirably high line transmission speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Molins PLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Seim, II, Herman J. Steinbuchel, IV, Clive W. Watson
  • Patent number: 5536118
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring rod-shaped articles from the outlet of a magazine for parallel articles into the inlet of a pneumatic conveyor wherein the articles are moved in the direction of their longitudinal axes comprises a rotary drum-shaped conveyor having a peripheral surface provided with axially parallel flutes. When the rotary conveyor is driven, its flutes advance seriatim past the outlet of the magazine to accept discrete articles which are thereupon moved sideways toward alignment with the inlet of the pneumatic conveyor. A pneumatic ejector system is utilized to propel successive articles from their flutes into the pneumatic conveyor. The apparatus employs a hood having a concave surface which is complementary to a portion of the peripheral surface of the rotary conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Hans-Herbert Schmidt, Rudolf Bostelmann
  • Patent number: 5511730
    Abstract: The thermal insulation blower of the present invention is built around a vertically oriented air lock system. The insulation blower is capable of being configured for high delivery rates suitable for open area blowing and is capable of being reconfigured for lower delivery rates as a through-the-blower system for closed area blowing operations. The insulation blower includes a metering feeder assembly which can be adjusted to control the rate at which a bale of insulation is ripped and fed into the air lock system. The thermal insulation blower of the present invention also includes a bypass system around the air lock which serves to automatically clear impending plugs of insulation material in the delivery hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventors: Michael W. Miller, Kerry W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5443162
    Abstract: The production capacity of a conventional high pressure feeder having a pocketed rotor with a slotted screen at the low pressure outlet port is significantly increased by constructing the screen so that its arcuate bars have a width much less than normal, and thus a much greater open area of the screen is provided. Structural integrity is maintained by providing a reinforcing bar extending transverse to the arcuate screen bars, typically attached at the convex mid-point area. The screen is formed from a cast metal body, and the width of the arcuate screen bars is typically between about 0.14-0.20 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Glentech Inc.
    Inventor: Michael I. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5236286
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Prough
  • Patent number: 5236285
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Prough
  • Patent number: 5209607
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and process for feeding powder or dry solids catalyst into a flowing liquid stream. More particularly, the invention includes an apparatus which includes a novel purging device and means for isolating a metering means from a liquid stream, and process for injecting finely divided flowable powder or catalyst into a flowing liquid stream, which in turn is fed into a reactor utilized for the production of polypropylene or polyolefins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Nan Wei, Philip M. Rose, Chi-Hung Lin, David R. Kreider, Ronald P. Stark
  • Patent number: 5118224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mortar transport apparatus, consisting essentially of a rotor comprising cylindrical mortar transport chambers, the rotor being arranged between stationary sealing plates and being adapted to be driven by a motor, a feed hopper arranged above the rotor, the feed hopper being adapted to fill the mortar transport chambers via a filling hole provided in the sealing plate situated above the rotor, a blow-off chamber arranged under the lower sealing plate and adapted to have a transport hose connected to it, the blow-off chamber being adapted to be filled via a mortar discharge opening in the lower sealing plate, a duct for supplying air under pressure terminating in a slit-shaped opening in the upper sealing plate above the mortar transport chamber which communicates with the blow-off chamber for driving out the mortar present in the transport chamber, air being supplied to the blow-off chamber at the location opposite the transport hose connection, for pneumatic transport of the mortar
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Bredel Exploitatie B.V.
    Inventor: Jan W. Gerritsen
  • Patent number: 5106239
    Abstract: A precision powder hopper comprises a canister for storing particulate material and a rotatable carrier wheel that accurately meters small amounts of the material to a powder out port. The carrier wheel has slots therethourgh that receive definite quantities of material, which is tamped into the carrier wheel slots by a tamper assembly. The tamper assembly includes a deflectable leaf spring that mounts to the same shaft that rotates the powder carrier wheel. A cam and spoke arrangement cause the leaf spring to deflect cyclically in response to rotation of the powder carrier wheel. A cupped spring washer cooperates with the leaf spring to absorb some of the deflection thereof, thereby decreasing the bending stress in the leaf spring and increasing its service life. Powder in the carrier wheel slots is wiped by a novel seal that has at least one circular line contact with the carrier wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Miller Thermal, Inc.
    Inventor: John Krebsbach
  • Patent number: 5051040
    Abstract: A fluidized bed combustion system that can be operated or controlled under pressure is provided. To eliminate the erosion or abrasion to which heat exchangers located in a fluidized bed combustion chamber are subjected due to the flue dust contained in the flue gas, no thermal withdrawal or exchange takes place in the combustion chamber of the inventive fluidized bed combustion system, although the reaction conditions remain the same. At least one controllable line for returning to the combustion chamber part of the flue gas, if necessary cooled by heat exchangers variously arranged outside the combustion chamber, branches off from the flue gas line downstream of a dust separator that is disposed in the flue gas line downstream of the combustion chamber. The main area of application is the production of electrical energy and heat for the generation of steam, as process heat, or as heat for a remote site, by means of a fluidized bed combustion system that can be operated or controlled under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Assignee: L. & C. Steinmuller GmbH
    Inventors: Raimund Croonenbrock, Horst Muller, Hubert Steven, Bernd Sudau
  • Patent number: 4997318
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously conveying a powder in a gas flow has a configuration of the bottom end of the supply reservoir in the form of a funnel-shaped guide surface converging towards a pointed end. This surface is intersected by a vertically extending cylindrical well defining a bottom area where the powder is received in perforations formed in a rotary disc for discharge from the well. The wall of the well is preferably provided with a fluidizing gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Kostecki, Frank Rader
  • Patent number: 4872786
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for producing a solid particulate aerosol which is sufficiently precise in concentration to be suitable for testing HEPA filters. The apparatus continuously delivers a measured quantity of a solid particulate material to a mixer where it is combined with a controlled flow of gas. The solid particulate material is delivered to the mixer in precisely measured quantities via pockets of constant volume which are disposed radially and equidistantly about a rotating wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Thomas M. Braden
  • Patent number: 4863076
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for feeding particulate material from a hopper into a process stream at a controlled flow rate. A rotating wheel with spaced apart pockets is vibrated to densify the particulate material in the pockets. A stator contacts and covers a portion of the upper surface of the wheel and has a transfer station connected to discharge particular into the process stream. The wheel is driven in rotation at a controlled rate to control the particulate flow rate into the process stream. A conveying gas supply projects a jet of gas into the pockets for removing the particulate material and conveying it into the process stream. An aerating gas supply directs an upward flow of gas from the periphery of the wheel, through the particulate material being supplied to the wheel to fluidize the particulate material supplied to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Robert J. Anderson, James E. Henry, Harold M. Keener
  • Patent number: 4789569
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Vitrage
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Douche, Jean-Claude Coulon, Pierre Bouttier
  • Patent number: 4781494
    Abstract: An accumulating and transfer unit for handling electronic devices such as integrated circuits (ICs), especially surface mounted devices (SMDs). The unit includes guideways mounted circumferentially around a central shaft between two end plates and is inclined from the horizontal to utilize gravity, in cooperation with the levitation provided by a continuous or pulsed stream of air, to move the parts longitudinally in a column from the raised end of the unit to the lower end. In one embodiment, the guideways consist of a generally U-shaped track mounted on a track support and secured with a locking plate. A pair of longitudinally extending spaced apart walls on the bottom of each track act in cooperation with the track support and the locking plate to form a channel that directs the pulsed air from a supply tube at one end of the channel to a series of spaced apart apertures formed in the bottom wall of the track disposed so that the air acts through the apertures on the ICs held in the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Daymarc Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Cedrone, Robert J. Grenzeback
  • Patent number: 4780028
    Abstract: A feeder is disclosed for introducing slug of a particulate material into a gas stream. The feeder is characterized by a valve member positioned in a housing and movable from a first position to a second position and from a second position to a third position. A first passsage through the valve member connects to an inlet port of the housing when the valve member is in first position. The first passage connects the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve member is in the second position. A second passage through the valve member which is isolated from the first inlet port throughout operation connects the second inlet port to the outlet port when the valve member is in third position. In a preferred embodiment, the rotor of a rotary feeder is provided with alternating bores and channels parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotor circumferentially spaced apart inwardly from the surface of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Jerry R. McLemore
  • Patent number: 4746250
    Abstract: An apparatus for the dosed incorporated of a dustlike substance into a carrier gas stream is described; said apparatus operates on the basis of a perforated disc which rotates in the dust, the passage holes of said disc are filled with the dust and are blown out in a blowing zone. Since a predetermined blowing pressure is maintained and owing to a suitable dimensioning and arrangement of the passage holes, a remarkable increase in the throughput of dust is achieved, compared with the prior known matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: Fritz Schoppe
  • Patent number: 4705433
    Abstract: A pneumatic transportation system for transferring particulate material from a storage container at one pressure level to a receiving unit at another pressure level (e.g. in a feeding system for bed material to a combustion chamber of a PFBC plant). The transportation system incorporates a material feeder comprising a housing having a rotor containing two material chambers. The end walls of the housing and the rotor have cooperating sealing surfaces. The inlet opening of one material chamber is positioned opposite to an inlet opening in the upper end wall of the housing, when the outlet opening of the other material chamber is positioned opposite to an outlet opening in the lower end wall of the housing. After rotation of the rotor the inlet opening of the material chamber will be positioned opposite to the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the chamber will be positioned opposite to the outlet opening. Between the actual material chambers and the outlet openings there are cut-off valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Asea Stal Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Roine Brannstrom
  • Patent number: 4682915
    Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus including a rotor provided with laterally closed feeding pockets and tightly arranged in a housing for rotation. The housing is provided with a charging station and a discharging station and is hinged for pivotal movement. A force measuring unit is connected to the housing. The momentary load caused by material contained in feeding pockets of the rotor is measured while rotating from the charging station to the discharging station. The measured momentary load is used for controlling the amount of material to be fed and variations in measured values caused by mechanical and/or thermic influences are compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans W. Hafner
  • Patent number: 4681484
    Abstract: A rotor (1) of a machine for spraying concrete, mortar or a refractory lining material comprises conveying chambers (11') arranged concentrically around its axis, and delimited by cylindrical walls (11) of a porous, air-permeable material, the inside of the walls (11) being machined smooth. Each cylindrical wall (11) is surrounded by an air chamber (10), each of which is acted upon, between a charging point (26) and a discharge point (27), by the pressure of a compressed air source (32) so as to produce air flows which pass through the porous walls (11) into the conveying chambers (11'). The material to be conveyed by the conveying chambers (11') between the charging point (26) and the discharge point (27) is at least in the regions close to the wall acted upon by these air flows so as to prevent the material from adhering to the chamber walls (11'). The discharge through the discharge opening (27) into a conveying line (30) takes place essentially by gravity and by the action of an injector nozzle (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Intradym Maschinen AG
    Inventor: Hans R. Egger
  • Patent number: 4661024
    Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus for continuous gravimetric metering and feeding of pourable material conveyed by a conveyer through a metering path, the conveyer including a rotor provided with conveyer pockets, having an essentially vertical axis and being arranged within a housing in a tightly sealed manner, the housing being provided with a charging station and a discharging station the latter including ports for connecting a pneumatic feeding system, wherein a gas is supplied to spaces within the housing and the rotor outside the metering path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans W. Hafner
  • Patent number: 4646943
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a rotor mounted in and sealed in a housing for rotation about a vertical axis and including a plurality of pockets. Between the peripheral outer side wall of the rotor and the cylindrical inner surface of the housing there is an interspace which is supplied with a pressurized gaseous medium and an exit port for discharging pourable material entering the interspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans W. Hafner
  • Patent number: 4618294
    Abstract: An improved concrete apparatus is disclosed herein which is particularly well suited for a wide variety of applications wherein it is necessary to supply a granulated or powdered material in either wet or dry form to a remote worksite. The apparatus of the present invention employs a rotary valving arrangement whereby a plurality of charging bowls may be successively supplied with the desired material and thereafter evacuated under pressure into a central mixing chamber from where the material is conveyed to a suitable conduit which in turn conducts the material to the desired worksite again under pressure. The apparatus includes feeding arrangements whereby water, air, or other desired additives may be automatically fed into and mixed with the material in the mixing chamber before it reaches the remote application nozzle thus affording a greater time for proper absorption of water or the like by the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: Sprayton Equipment Company
    Inventor: Warren D. Brown
  • Patent number: 4560307
    Abstract: A hopper cylindrical about a vertical axis has an agitator with blades rotating near the bottom of the hopper, not only to agitate insulation but also to move it through a hopper outlet opening into an airlock having a horizontal shaft and radially spaced blades. The vertical shaft for the hopper agitator and the horizontal airlock shaft are aligned so that one may be driven from the other, as by miter gears. A motor and reduction gearing may drive the airlock shaft, through a chain and sprocket connection, or the motor and reduction gearing may drive the hopper agitator shaft through a coupling. The blades of the airlock rotor may be individually removable through the airlock inlet, as in order to replace flexible wipers. Each airlock blade may have a flange at an obtuse angle such as 150.degree. which is bolted to one side of the multisided shaft by a series of cap bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Assignee: Insulation Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Rex R. Deitesfeld
  • Patent number: 4516887
    Abstract: A high-pressure transfer device, utilizable with wood chips or particulate material, includes low-pressure inlet and outlet ports, with low-pressure shoes associated therewith, and high-pressure inlet and outlet ports with high-pressure shoes associated therewith. A rotor containing a plurality of diametrically through-going pockets operatively communicates with the ports. The low-pressure ports, and shoes, are quadrate in cross-section, and retainers are provided surrounding the low-pressure shoes for guiding radial movement thereof. The retainers include end portions which engage side walls of the high-pressure shoes for guiding radial movement thereof. Biasing means bias the shoes into operative association with the rotor to maintain effective sealing between the rotor and housing, unaffected by radial deflection of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Ole J. Richter, Johan C. F. C. Richter
  • Patent number: 4508473
    Abstract: A low pressure feeder includes a rotor containing at least one pocket having a single access opening to it, the rotor rotatable about an axis and enclosed in a housing having an inlet port vertically above an outlet port. A sealing structure is disposed in a large clearance volume between the rotor and the housing, the sealing structure comprising a single shoe having an opening communicating with the inlet port, and one or more pressure compensators for biasing the shoe into engagement with the rotor. The pressure compensators are responsive to the process pressure at the feeder high pressure outlet port. A gas blast structure is provided for supplying a blast of gas to the pocket to effect discharge of material from the pocket when it is in communication with the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Ole J. Richter, Erwin D. Funk
  • Patent number: 4501286
    Abstract: A valve structure including a valve body defining a valve chamber with a tapered bearing surface and a tapered valve member journaled in the tapered bearing surface. A spring-biased plunger mechanism constantly urges the valve member into slidable sealing engagement with the tapered bearing surface. A passage communicates between the valve chamber and the exterior of the valve body via the spring-biased plunger mechanism and is connected in fluid flow communication with a source of suitable fluid, whereby such fluid passes from the source into the valve chamber via the spring-biased plunger mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Raymond G. Rohlfing, Laura A. Martin
  • Patent number: 4465016
    Abstract: A liquid chemical treatment measuring device as for metering treated chemicals for agricultural seeds. A housing containing a disc-like rotor sandwiched between stationary discs or headers, there being flat faces between the rotary disc and the stationary headers or discs. A rotary disc has a multiplicity of measuring chambers extending endways through its thickness. The stationary discs have supply and recirculation manifold grooves opposite each other and confronting the measuring chambers of the revolving disc, and also an inlet port and an overflow port producing continuous flushing of the measuring chambers and supply and recirculation grooves. The stationary discs or headers also have discharge and relief manifold grooves opposite each other and draining the liquid chemical treatment from the measuring chambers of the revolving rotor and supplying air into the chambers to allow rapid draining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Gustafson, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Weber