Abstract: A method of filling packaging with pouches of product comprises conveying a plurality of spaced apart chutes along a first feed path. Each chute is loaded with pouches of product at a chute loading station. Erect boxes are conveyed along a second feed path to a chute unloading station wherein the second feed path is substantially parallel to the first feed path at the chute unloading station. The pouches of product are transferred from the chutes into interior spaces of the erect boxes at the chute unloading station as the chutes move along the first feed path and the erect boxes move along the second feed path. The chutes are returned to the chute loading station to be filled with pouches of product.

Abstract: A method of and for optimizing pressure waves in fluids and profiling openings of elements of mechanical system to optimize systems, is provided. The method aids in the generation of pressure waves with predetermined waveform in elastic fluids and can be used to increase the energy efficiency in the pipeline technologies for the transportation of flowable media, one-phase and multi-phase, homogeneous, and heterogeneous media; powders, disperse mixtures; and technologies of forced extraction of liquids from capillary porous saturated media.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a blockage from a fluid conduit. An apparatus comprises a first portion containing a fluid volume separated from the fluid conduit via a controllable valve. The valve is cyclically opened and closed such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the fluid conduit causes a series of pressure pulses in the fluid conduit. The pressure differential is regulated to control the amplitude of the pressure pulses of the series.

Abstract: A device configured to supply securing elements to a processing unit. The device includes at least two provision channels configured to secure elements of different types, by way of which the securing elements are conveyed into a common supply unit, and a processing channel through which the securing elements are conveyed individually from the supply unit to the processing unit. The securing elements are acted on with variable compressed air in the processing channel in order to convey the securing elements to the processing unit, the pressure of the compressed air being adjustable in accordance with the specific type of the respective securing element.

Abstract: A method of contactlessly advancing a substrate (140), comprising: —providing a process tunnel (102), extending in a longitudinal direction and bounded by at least a first (120) and a second (134) wall; —providing first and second gas bearings (124, 134) by providing substantially laterally flowing gas alongside the first and second walls respectively; —bringing about a first longitudinal division of the process tunnel into a plurality of pressure segments (116), wherein the gas bearings (124, 34) in a pressure segment have an average gas pressure that is different from an average gas pressure of the gas bearings in an adjacent pressure segment; —providing a substrate (140) in between the first wall (120) and the second wall (130); and 1—allowing differences in average gas pressure between adjacent pressure segments (116) to drive the substrate along the longitudinal direction of the process tunnel.

Abstract: A drill cuttings storage and conveying system is disclosed herein. The system includes a pressure vessel for containing drill cuttings and comprising a plurality of drill cuttings outlets. The system also includes a drill cuttings conveyor in communication with the outlets for carrying drill cuttings from the vessel. In an inventive method for practicing the invention, drill cuttings are passed into the pressure vessel having the plurality of outlets. The vessel is pressurized. A selected outlet is opened such that a volume of drill cuttings passes from the vessel to the conveyor. The drill cuttings with the conveyor from the outlet.

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

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

Abstract: A method in a vacuum conveying system, which vacuum conveying system comprises at least one feed point (61, 66), a material conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) which is connected to the feed point (61, 66) and at the other end to a separator element (20) in which the material being conveyed is separated from conveying air, and means (3, 3) for providing a pressure difference in the conveying pipe (100, 101, 102) at least for the time of conveying the material. In the method, in the conveying piping (100, 101, 102) is provided an intensified vacuum effect (a vacuum pulse) by an ejector device (4), actuating medium of which ejector device is loaded in a pressure accumulator from which it is conveyed to an ejector nozzle for providing an intense suction in the conveying pipe. The invention also relates to an apparatus.

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

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading system generally consisting of a support means; a hopper mounted on the support means; filtering means mounted on the support means at a level above the hopper; means intercommunicating the interior of the hopper and an inlet of the filtering means; a means for suspending the bulk bag on the support means wherein a spout of the bulk bag communicates with an inlet of the hopper.

Abstract: Transport system with several devices (1) for transporting powder, where each device (1) has a transfer chamber (3) into which a supply line (6) and a discharge line (8) for the powder open, and means to generate a negative pressure in the transfer chamber (3), where the means to generate a negative pressure in the device (1) has a piston (11) which is moveable in the transfer chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a process material from a higher pressure environment to a lower pressure environment is provided. Each of a first and second chamber is divided into a product region and a control region by a flexible boundary. Inlet and outlet flow control devices provide fluid communication between each product region and a material input line and a material output line, respectively. A chamber control device is arranged to provide fluid communication between the control region of each chamber, which is filled with a non-compressible fluid. As product fills the product region of one chamber, fluid is displaced from the corresponding control region and into the control region of the other chamber. As the control region of the other chamber expands, product is forced out of the corresponding product region and into the material output line. The product region of each chamber is alternately filled and emptied to produce a continuous transport of material.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a plate-shaped work piece transporting apparatus provided with a blowing mechanism for contactlessly supporting a plate-shaped work piece that is transported, where the blowing mechanism is provided with a dust-removal filter and a blowing mechanism for sending air to the lower surface of the plate-shaped work piece via the dust-removal filter. In a first embodiment, a driving mechanism for contacting the plate-shaped work piece and moving it in the transporting direction is provided.

Abstract: This invention is a method for operating fluidized beds, such as used to convey powdered material, wherein the fluidizing gas flows are pulsed or vibrated to help initiate and maintain fluidization. The invention maintains the fluidization effects by preventing channeling or ‘rat-holing’ in a powder bed by oscillating gas pulse frequencies in the 0.5 to 300 hertz range. The invention further is directed to efficient conversion of the energy contained in the pressurized gas flow to vibrational energy. The invention describes devices capable of feeding one or more fluidized-beds from a compressed (pressurized) gas supply, thus conserving energy and increasing mass transfer within the beds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a process material from a higher pressure environment to a lower pressure environment is provided. Each of a first and second chamber is divided into a product region and a control region by a flexible boundary. Inlet and outlet flow control devices provide fluid communication between each product region and a material input line and a material output line, respectively. A chamber control device is arranged to provide fluid communication between the control region of each chamber, which is filled with a non-compressible fluid. As product fills the product region of one chamber, fluid is displaced from the corresponding control region and into the control region of the other chamber. As the control region of the other chamber expands, product is forced out of the corresponding product region and into the material output line. The product region of each chamber is alternately filled and emptied to produce a continuous transport of material.

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material generally consisting of means for holding such material, having an inlet and an outlet; a first material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the holding means and an outlet, defining a material flow passageway, and a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit, defining a plenum; a second material transport line segment including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material having an inlet communicating with the outlet of the first conduit of the first segment, defining a continuation of the material flow passageway, and an outlet, and a second conduit section formed of a gas impermeable material spaced from and encompassing the first conduit thereof, defining a plenum; the second segment being displaceable relative to the first segment between a first position communicating the outlet of t

Abstract: The invention relates to an air blast device disposed between an inlet conduit (3) designed to be connected to a container designed to accumulate a volume of air and an outlet conduit (5), characterized in that the area (C) of the cross-section of the outlet conduit measured at its distal end is greater then the area (A) of the cross-section of the inlet conduit measured at its end located near the flow control device.

Abstract: A method of transporting solid material pieces in the liquid phase of a mass-exchanging apparatus comprises forming pneumatic pulses in the apparatus, converting said pulses into reciprocal motion of the liquid phase by applying the pulses to the liquid phase and movement of the solid material pieces upwardly along a sloping ramp. The method is characterised in that the reciprocal motion of the liquid phase is directed via slits in the ramp at an acute angle to the direction of the movement of the solid material pieces upwardly along the ramp.

Abstract: A method for transferring an object levitated by sound waves from a transporting device to an unloading device. The transporting device includes a transporting vibrator, which levitates the object with sound waves. The unloading device includes an unloading vibrator mounted on a platform. The platform is arranged at a predetermined position below the object, at which the distance between the top surface of the unloading vibrator and the bottom surface of the object is less than one half the wavelength of a standing wave generated by the unloading vibrator. The platform is then moved upward toward the object from the predetermined position to levitate the object. The unloading vibrator generates sound waves to levitate the object. The object is then levitated by the platform to a position at which the levitating force of the transporting vibrator does not affect the object.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and plant for the pneumatic transportation of solid particles in the form of a diluted phase through a conduit (1), with which the transport air in said conduit is given a velocity which is at most equal to the air velocity chosen for a maximum particle load level. The free flow from the pressurized air source (3) is regulated on the basis of measured air velocity or on the basis of a state corresponding thereto, such as air pressure in the conduit, and an established relationship between the free flow and the said measured velocity of the air or a state (pressure) corresponding thereto, essentially independently of the particle load. There is thus maintained in the conduit a preferably constant transport air velocity with all different occurring levels of particle load.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conveying system (1) for rigidly interconnected parts (2), particularly on a machine tool for the further processing of semi-product parts, comprising a conveying duct (3) with at least one compressed air supply line (4a-4c) with an air flow component in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A particulate object conveying apparatus for conveying particulate objects of indefinite shape, e.g., particulate polycrystalline silicon, one by one, comprises: a stagnating portion for stagnating particulate objects; a rotor having a plural number of grooves formed in and equidistantly arrayed on its outer circumference surface, when ascending, the grooves passing the stagnating portion; and object driving-out means for driving the particulate object out of each groove of the rotor.

Abstract: A device for increasing the uniformity of solids within a solids fabrication system, such as a direct light fabrication (DLF) system in which gas entrained powders are passed through the focal point of a moving high-power light which fuses the particles in the powder to a surface being built up in layers. The invention provides a feed through interface wherein gas entrained powders input from stationary input lines are coupled to a rotating head of the fabrication system. The invention eliminates the need to provide additional slack in the feed lines to accommodate head rotation, and therefore reduces feed line bending movements which induce non-uniform feeding of gas entrained powder to a rotating head.

Abstract: In a method of operating a pulse flow conveying installation (10), which is intended for the conveying of a solid material (33), present in the form of bulk material, by means of a conveying gas, in which pulse flow conveying installation (10) an alternating sequence of solid material pulses (27) and conveying gas pulses (28) is generated by first means (13, . . . , 21) in the conveying conduit (25) and is pressed through the conveying conduit (25), choking is reliably prevented in that the conveying pressure is regulated, and in that to regulate the conveying pressure in the conveying conduit (25), the quantity of the conveying gas flowing on a time average basis through the conveying conduit (25) is altered in relation to the quantity of the solid material conveyed on a time average basis through the conveying conduit (25).

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the aerosolization of powders is disclosed. The invention includes a chamber in which a cloud of aerosolized powder is formed, the cloud having a relatively even distribution of powder particles. A Bernoulli tube may be used to extract powder from the powder cloud when the powder cloud reaches its equilibrium height. Adjustment of the air flow rate into the Bernoulli tube may be used to control the flow rate of powder out of the disclosed device.

Abstract: A feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system has a two storage hoppers (2a,2b) respective storage outlets (6a,6b), There is a pick up location (3) and a passage (4) provides communication between the storage outlets (6a,6b) and the pick up location (3). A first fluid jet outlet 31 associated with storage outlets (6a,6b) provides fluid blasts to agitate components (20) the hoppers (2a,2b). A second fluid jet outlet (32) associated provides fluid blasts to propel the components (20) towards the pick up location (3).

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns powder spray coating equipment comprising an air divider (16) to adjustably divide a total-air flow (6, 14) into a conveying-air flow (54, 57, 70) and a supplemental-air flow (56, 84, 86) in such manner that, when adjusting for a larger flow of conveying air, the flow of supplemental air shall be reduced in a predetermined ratio, and vice versa; further comprising an injector (76) to aspirate and to pneumatically convey coating powder by means of the flow of conveying air; and a supplemental-air intake (89) into the air/powder path (76, 82). The conveying-air path (54, 57, 70) and the supplemental-air path (56, 84, 86) each are fitted with at least one throttling duct each constituted by at least one channel (40, 42) in a rotatable shaft (34, 36) and by a bearing surface (39) covering the channel.

Abstract: A feeder (1) has a hopper (2) for storing components (20) and a pick up location (3) for supplying the components to a pick-and-place machine (not shown). A channel (4) provides communication between the hopper (2) and pick up location (3). The channel (4) has an upwardly inclined portion (5) which is upwardly inclined towards the pick up location (3) and there are controlled air jet nozzles (14,6) for providing pulsed air jets to push the components (20) up the inclined portion (5) and towards the pick up location (3). The pick up location (3) has a movable stopper (30) that moves to a feed position when one of the components (20) is fed to the pick up location 3, and that moves to a pick position, prior to the pick and place machine picking up the component (20) at the pick location (3).

Abstract: Apparatus for spacing consecutive capsules of solid material traveling as a capsule train in a pipeline in which the capsules are carried by a fluid flowing through the pipeline includes a separation system interposed between upstream and downstream portions of the pipeline for receiving the train of capsules. The separation system passes consecutively separated capsules within the capsule train to the downstream portion. The separation system is constructed for increasing the spacing between consecutive capsules within the capsule train in the downstream portion of the pipeline after passing through the separation system. The volume of fluid flowing from an outlet location of the separation system is substantially the same as the volume of fluid flowing into an inlet location of the separation system.

Abstract: A feeder system (1) and method supplies electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a hopper (2) coupled by a passage (4) to a pickup location (3). The electrical components (20) are provided by air blasts to a first air outlet (6a) associated with the hopper (2) to agitate the components (20). Air blasts are concurrently supplied to a second and third air outlets (6b, 6c) located in the passage (6b) to thereby retain at least some of the components (20) therebetween. The third air outlet (6c) is disposed between the pickup location (3) and the second air outlet (6b) and in use an air blast from said third air outlet (6c) is effected immediately before an air blast from said second outlet (6b) is effected.

Abstract: A feeder (1) for supplying magnetically attractable electrical components (20) to a pick-and-place machine. The feeder (1) comprises a hopper (2) for storing the components (20) and a pick up location (3) for supplying the components to the pick-and-place machine. A passage (4) provides communication between the hopper (2) and pick up location (3). An air jet outlet (6) in passage (4) provides for propelling the components (20) and one or more magnets (35) are located adjacent an intermediate portion of the passage (4) and provide a magnetic field to assist in reducing the velocity of said components (20) passing through the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A collection system for collecting coolant and chips from a series of machine tools for cleaning the coolant in a filter system and recirculating the coolant back to the machine tools. The system includes a series of end-to-end connected shallow depth troughs disposed on the floor below the machine tools, defining a downward sloping gravity flow path. Flow nozzles are used to maintain sufficient flow velocity to move the collected debris and liquid to the end of the trough. Collector-deflector plates prevent oversplashing and misting out of the troughs. A flow nozzle control variably sets the diversion of clean coolant to the flow nozzles in accordance with the sensed velocity of the coolant in the trough.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure tank and valve system for pneumatically conveying a granular material to a destination can include a pressurizable chamber adapted to be filled with granular material through an upper inlet opening. When the chamber is filled, pressurized air is introduced into the chamber to lift a floating cone valve to a position closing the inlet opening. Pressurized air in the chamber conveys the granular material through an outlet opening toward the materials destination. The system operates on a very simple time cycle, while achieving effective use of the pressurized air for granular transport purposes.

Abstract: In a method of and a device for suction transporting a material from an object surface, the suction transporting device has a suction unit and a unit for modulating the suction. A suction is applied to a transporting line by the suction unit so that a material is transported through the transporting line from an inlet to an outlet. A suction force of the suction produced in the transporting line is modulated by communicating an interior of the transporting line with atmosphere through a passage and periodically changing the area and the shape of the passage during the transporting. The frequency of the modulation is changed in dependence on the distance between the inlet of the transporting line and the object surface.

Abstract: A wet-blast machine (1) with a closed-cycle re-use system (2) incorporates apparatus (3) for conveying loose particulate (abrasive) wet-blast material (4) present in a body of water (5). The apparatus (3) comprises a longitudinally extending trough (6), for containing the water (5) and particulate material (4), a support structure (7) movable in a reciprocating manner within the trough (6), and a row of longitudinally spaced flap members (8) attached to and depending from the support structure (7). When the support structure (7) is reciprocated, wave motions are created in the water (5), which move the loose particulate material (4) in a predetermined direction along the trough (6), namely toward a collection point provided by a chute (10).

Abstract: A material is transported by suction through a transporting line (1,2) connected with a suction source (4) and communicating with atmosphere through a passage (8), and the area and shape of the passage is periodically changed by a power-drive operated element (10,11) during the transporting.

Abstract: A point feeder for metering powder materials, for example aluminum oxide, to a Hall-Heroult electrolysis cell includes a vertical tube and a horizontal tube which are joined so that they form substantially an L-shaped channel with a material input at an upper end of the vertical tube and a material output at an end of the horizontal tube. The vertical tube is provided with a nozzle device which has one or more downward-facing holes which allow air to penetrate in the form of pulsed air flows to the lower part of the vertical tube and to the whole of the horizontal tube.

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 method for transporting particles such as polyolefin particles from a first container to a second container. The particles are transported from the first container to the second container through a transportation pipe by means of a pressure difference between the first container and the second container. A valve is provided in the transportation pipe near the second container, and the valve is closed and opened to transmit particles intermittently. Cleaning gas is fed into the transportation pipe at a position on the inlet side near the valve. The cleaning gas is gas consisting essentially of olefin monomer. The cleaning gas is fed into the transportation pipe while the valve of the transportation pipe is closed, and the particles remaining in the transportation pipe are sent back to the first container thereby to clean the transportation pipe. Therefore, the inside of the transportation pipe is kept clean all the time.

Abstract: A method of transferring material from the bottom of a body of water provides a first tank submerged at a predetermined depth above the bottom. A material source is provided at the bottom subject to ambient water pressure, and is fluidly connected with the first tank. Material is transferred from the material source to the first tank by reducing the pressure in the first tank below the ambient water pressure at the predetermined depth. The ambient water pressure at the bottom thus forces the material into the first tank. Material is transferred from the first tank to a second tank under the force of compressed air until the first tank is substantially empty of material and full of compressed air. The first tank is connected to a third tank and an air compressor, the material transfer from the first tank to the second tank taking place by the compressor transferring compressed air to the first tank from the third tank.

Abstract: A pneumatic metering device for metering powdered materials, for example in connection with feeding aluminum oxide and aluminum fluoride to an electrolysis cell for production of aluminum, includes a container in the form of a relatively long, closed channel or similar structure. A fluidizing element is fitted in the base of the channel for supply of air for fluidization of material which is located in the channel. The container is fitted with an inlet for feeding material to the container from a store in the form of a silo or similar and an outlet for metered discharge of material from the container. The area below the inlet is inactive and is not supplied with fluidizing air, whereas air is supplied intermittently to the fluidizing element which is designed to cover essentially all other parts of the base of the channel.

Abstract: A method of transferring objects provides potential energy with the air pressure of compressed air and uses compressed air for transfer repeatedly and continuously. The compressed air is retained at the place where the objects are transferred from. The compressed air retained is drawn and compressed by a compressor for another transfer operation, and the objects are transferred continuously by an alternate replacement between the compressed air and the objects. The objects can be brought into a place by water pressure where the compressed air acts on the objects.

Abstract: A suction transporting device for transporting a material has a suction unit, a transporting line connected with the suction unit and having an inlet for receiving a material to be transported and an outlet for discharging the material to be transported and a unit for modulating a suction force of a suction produced in the transporting line by the suction unit, the modulating unit including a passage adapted to communicate the interior of the transporting line with atmosphere, an adjusting element operative for adjusting an initial area and shape of a minimal cross-section of the passage, and a valve mechanism including a drive, a speed controller for controlling a speed of the drive, and a valve body connected with the drive and cooperating with the passage so that when the valve body is displaced by the drive, an initial area and shape of the minimal cross-section of the passage is periodically changed.

Abstract: A gas accumulator and blaster apparatus including a pressure tank (12) and a quick release valve (14). The quick release valve includes an elongated outer sleeve (22), an end cap (28), a check valve (32), a shouldered guide member (38), a cup shaped piston (56), and an annular seat member (68). The tank is filled with a gas by means of a conduit (36). The gas accumulated in the tank is quickly exhausted through a second end (26) of the quick release valve and into a storage bin as and when gas is exhausted from interior of the piston, guide member, and conduit. The piston quickly returns to a closed position as and when the flow of air from said tank stops.