Abstract: An additive manufacturing build material container comprises a reservoir to hold build material and a build material outlet structure.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing build material container (15) comprises a reservoir to hold build material and a build material outlet structure (13).

Abstract: A directional hopper tee has a fluted interior vertical pipe that merges into a horizontal pipe. The horizontal pipe has an inlet that may receive bulk material, and subject to pressurized air that conveys the bulk material through the hopper tee. Bulk material may be discharged from a hopper through the vertical pipe, for conveyance for discharge from the horizontal pipe of the tee. A closure gate or door is provided through the bottom of the tee, generally in alignment with the vertical pipe, to allow for discharge or dropping of the granular material directly downwardly through and from the tee. The arcuate door is hinged on one side, and is locked by a cam lock on the opposite side, when located into closure against the bottom of the tee, but can be forced opened, through its cam mechanism, to provide for opening of the arcuate door and allow a direct downward discharge of the granular bulk material, from any hopper, and through the drop opening of the tee, as required.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vessel (1) for storing particulate matter, such a pulverized coal or fly ash, comprising a main part (2) and, at its bottom portion, at least one discharge device (3), which comprises a converging outer shell (10) and a permeable, converging inner shell (14) positioned in the outer shell (10), the discharge device (3) being connected to the main part (2) by means of a first flange (9) at or near the lower rim of the bottom portion of the main port (2) and a second flange (11) at or near the upper rim of the outer shell (10). The inner shell (14) is secured to the inner wall of the outer shell (10) of the discharge device (3), preferably to the inner wall of the second flange (11). Thus the number of gaskets is reduced an/or the positioning of the inner shell becomes less critical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, drying, coating, baking etching and deposition of surfaces on glass substrate as it transitions thru and between small gaps between hydro-static porous media bearings. Due to the non-contact nature of the device extremely high pressures can be induced upon the work piece through various fluids without damage to the substrate, allowing the system to utilize the viscous nature of fluids to accomplish the desired cleaning, drying, coating, etching or baking. The process also allows for simultaneous and immediately sequential ordering of processes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vessel (1) for storing particulate matter, such as pulverised coal or fly ash, comprising a main part (2) and, at its bottom portion, at least one discharge device (3), which comprises a converging outer shell (10) and a permeable, converging inner shell (14) positioned in the outer shell (10), the discharge device (3) being connected to the main part (2) by means of a first flange (9) at or near the lower rim of the bottom portion of the main port (2) and a second flange (11) at or near the upper rim of the outer shell (10). The inner shell (14) is secured to the inner wall of the outer shell (10) of the discharge device (3), preferably to the inner wall of the second flange (11). Thus, the number of gaskets is reduced and/or the positioning of the inner shell becomes less critical.

Abstract: A device for conveying powders through pipelines including at least one pumping device which in turn includes a suction inlet and a delivery outlet and a tubular chamber with opposite ends connected respectively to the suction inlet through an input valve and to the delivery outlet through an output valve. A vacuum source and a pressure source are connected upon command to the chamber in axially distanced positions to create a vacuum respectively and alternatively in the chamber in relation to the environment upstream of the device and a pressure in relation to the environment downstream of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for handling bulk particulate material (M) includes a reservoir hopper (16) having a gas-permeable liner (42) and a gas inlet (44) connecting the reservoir hopper (16) to a pressurized flow of gas sufficient to fluidize the material (M). A transition and pipe assembly (18) receives a flow of material (M) from the reservoir hopper (16). The transition and pipe assembly (18) has an outer conduit (54), an inner conduit (52), and at least one gas inlet (64). The outer conduit (54) is substantially impervious to gas whereas the inner conduit (52) is permeable to gas. The inner conduit (52) is disposed within and surrounded by the outer conduit (54). The gas inlet (64) connects the outer conduit (54) to a pressurized flow of gas to fluidize the material (M) within the inner conduit (52). A variable orifice non-contact valve (24) controls the flow of material (M) from the transition and pipe assembly (18).

Abstract: A device for introducing poorly flowing bulk material into a feed line includes a swirl chamber connectable to a feed line so as to form an inlet aperture in a side wall of the swirl chamber. The device further includes a diffuser plate through which a loosening fluid may be introduced into the swirl chamber. The diffuser plate is arranged in the vicinity of the inlet aperture in the side wall of the swirl chamber. A device for producing a gas flow is also provided inside the swirl chamber, the gas flow being directed in the direction of the inlet aperture.

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

Abstract: A system for pneumatically conveying bulk particulate materials generally consisting of a material transport line including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material providing a material flow passageway having an inlet and an outlet, a second conduit formed of a gas impermeable material, encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, and a plurality of partition walls disposed between the conduits and spaced along the lengths thereof, defining a plurality of plenums; a nozzle connectable to a source of gas under pressure, inserted into the passageway for injecting gas under pressure therein to impel material disposed in the passageway toward the outlet thereof; a main gas supply line connectable to a source of gas under pressure having branch lines each communicable with a plenum; and each of the branch lines having a pressure regulating means.

Abstract: A system for handling a bulk particulate material generally consisting of a vessel for holding a mass of such material; a first elongated tube formed of a gas permeable material, having an inlet communicating with such vessel; a second elongated tube formed of a gas impervious material encompassing the first tube and spaced therefrom about the periphery of the first tube; a plurality of transversely disposed, longitudinally spaced partitions disposed between said first and second tubes, forming a plurality of isolated chambers encompassing the first tube; each of such isolated chambers having means for selectively introducing a fluidizing gas therein independently of the other of such chambers, at variable volumes and pressures whereby the volume and pressure of fluidizing gas diffused through the first tube may be modulated along the length thereof; and means for injecting a flow inducing gas into the first tube.

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

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

Abstract: Apparatus for handling loosefill and conveying the loosefill from one location to another comprises a container having a bottom and sides, the container being adapted to receive and contain therein a quantify of loosefill, a blower positioned at one end of the container, and conduit which channels air from the blower toward the other end of the container and which redirects the air back toward the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill. A vacuum is positioned at the one end of the container which draws the loosefill out of the container. The container may be a trailer of a tractor trailer. A method of conveying loosefill from one location to another comprises providing a container of loosefill, providing an air source at one end of the container, directing air from the air source toward the other end of the container, and redirecting the air back towards the one end of the container to thereby convey therewith the loosefill to the one end of the container.

Abstract: A silo for pulverulent and other loose materials of the type that has a base formed in part by a centrally located, inner conical dome. The silo has a vertically oriented material withdrawal conduit through which the loose materials are withdrawn from the silo. The conduit has an upper end located approximately at the apex of the inner conical dome, and the silo is constructed so that approximately two thirds of its stored contents can be withdrawn by gravity from the lower end of the material withdrawal conduit. The silo may also utilize a plurality of angularly spaced material transport conduits passing radially inward, with a first end of said conduits being located at material outlet points located within the silo body near the inner silo wall and a second end of each of said conduits located at a centrally located collection point within the silo body. The conduits will preferably utilize a dense phase conveying system that utilizes gravity to provide the pressure head to transport material.

Abstract: A valve device for medical fluid transfer and methodology utilizing the valve device provides a multi-purpose needle free valve assembly and bottle or IV port adapters for multiple medical use requirements. The adapters being suitable for insertion into IV ports, medicine bottles or vials and IV luer lock connectors. The valve device assembly for fluid transfer is used within administration structures for medical purposes utilizing a needle free syringe as the transfer apparatus, the needle free syringe being mateable with the valve device assembly in a first connector and when inserted, the syringe tip opens the valve by compression of the valve head or piston and valve springs allowing for two-way communication between the barrel of the needle free syringe and the IV ports, medicinal bottles or vials and IV luer lock connectors.

Abstract: A limp, porous membrane (18) is formed from a flexible sheet material (20). The membrane is used with a fluidized hopper outlet (10) containing a pulverant, particulate lading which is fluidized and unloaded via the outlet. A valve installed in the outlet, when open, extends substantially through the outlet and allows fluidized lading to be unloaded through the outlet. The outlet has a frame (12) for securing the outlet to the hopper, an outlet opening (14) in which the valve is positioned, and intersecting outlet walls (16) extending between the frame and the opening. An outer margin (54) of the membrane is secured to the frame. An inner margin (18) of the membrane, which defines an opening for the lading, is attached to a boot (36). The boot is secured to the top of an outlet pan (P), adjacent the outlet opening, by a retainer ring (50). The ring locks the boot in place so the opening in membrane is secured adjacent to the outlet opening for the lading to flow into the outlet through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding powder coating apparatus with a powder-air mixture, whereby the powder is fluidized in a reservoir, the powder-air mixture that has thereby arisen is conveyed to a dosing container via conveyor lines and is prepared in this dosing container. The fluidization air is eliminated from the powder-air mixture coming from the reservoir, the remaining powder is re-fluidized and re-dosed in defined fashion, and the powder-air mixture produced is conveyed to the allocated powder coating apparatus.

Abstract: A device for promoting the flow rate of solid particulates from a fluidized bed of solids into a downcomer extending from a discharge outlet in a wall or the bed includes a hollow, funnel-like, horn element having a lower end connected upstream of the discharge outlet and an upper end portion spaced upwardly of the lower end and flared outwardly at progressively higher levels to form an enlarged flow entrance for the fluidized solid particulates to move from said bed toward said discharge outlet into the downcomer. The funnel-like, horn element has an enlarged open upper end formed with a rim around the flow entrance spaced above the lower wall of the bed and has a flow cross-section substantially greater than that of the discharge outlet. A bubble ring is provided adjacent the rim for injecting gaseous fluid into the solids to fluidize the solid particulates for movement in a generally horizontal direction towards a center axis of the flow entrance of the funnel-like, horn element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes a plurality of porous inserts in the walls of the container through which a gaseous fluid is forced thereby contacting particulate solids within said container and enhancing the flow of said solids.

Abstract: An improved fluidized bed discharge bin comprising a removable closure covering an opening in the bottom of the bin. The closure is of an inverted pyramidal shape having a square base and an offset nadir. A discharge opening is positioned adjacent to the nadir on the side wall toward which the nadir is offset. An air-permeable member overlies the interior of the closure and is retentively secured between the bin opening and the closure. Positioned at the approximate midsection of each wall is a spacer which prevents the air-permeable member from being compressed in complete surface-to-surface contact with the interior surfaces of the closure. Aeration is introduced into the enclosure through an air inlet correspondingly positioned adjacent to the spacer on one wall of the enclosure.

Abstract: A self acting pressure air pulse control valve for use with fluidizing and pneumatic conveying systems for dry particulate material comprises a housing having a chamber in which a plate type closure member and an actuating piston are disposed and interconnected by an elongated actuating rod. A spring engages the actuating rod through a pivotally supported lever and biases the closure member toward a closed position. Pressure air acts across the face of the closure member to allow the valve to crack open whereupon pressure air acting on the larger actuating piston face snaps the valve to the fully open and unrestricted flow position. A reduction in pressure of the air flowing through the valve allows the biasing spring to reclose the valve to repeat its operating cycle.

Abstract: A porous filter pad for use in conjunction with a fluid pressure conveying system is disclosed. The porous filter pad includes a rigid, self-supporting molded plastic body having a predetermined elongated shape with opposed walls. Openings of a predetermined porosity are provided along one wall and openings of a predetermined smaller porosity are provided along the other wall. Inner tortuous pathways within the molded plastic body interconnect the openings between the opposed walls. The molded plastic body includes a plurality of molded and bonded particles which are formed in close proximity to one another at least along the wall having the openings of predetermined smaller porosity and are compressed into a more compact and dense relationship as a coherent mass with the openings of predetermined smaller porosity therein.

Abstract: An aeration device to facilitate the flow and discharge of bulk material granules through a discharge opening in a bulk material container is disclosed. The aeration device includes at least one self-supporting molded plastic hollow body which is adapted to overlie an air inlet in the bulk material container at a predetermined distance above the discharge opening thereof. Each of the molded plastic hollow body aeration devices include an inner arched wall which is adapted to face the air inlet in the bulk material container and an outer arched wall facing away from the air inlet. The molded plastic hollow body is formed in a porous construction having a plurality of openings of predetermined porosity along the inner arched wall, a plurality of openings of predetermined smaller porosity along the outer arched wall, and inner tortuous pathways ending between the openings in the inner and outer arched walls.

Abstract: Injection of gas into a bed of solids contained in a hopper is compartmentalized to allow independent control of gas to be vented upward and gas and solids to be discharged.

Abstract: A hopper system comprising a hopper having a side wall sloping downwardly and radially inwardly from the inlet at the top of the hopper to the outlet at the bottom of the hopper. Secured to the inside of the hopper is a membrane having a shape generally conforming to the inside of the hopper and closely overlying the conical side wall of the hopper. The membrane is permeable to air but generally impermeable to fluent material in the hopper and has a plurality of pockets for receiving stay bars. The upper and lower cylindric ends of the membrane are clamped to clamping assemblies mounted on the inside of the hopper adjacent its upper and lower ends, respectively, without the use of fasteners extending through holes in the ends of the membrane or other means of attachment to the hopper. The clamping assemblies are removable from the hopper without first unclamping the membrane whereby the clamping assemblies and membrane may be readily installed in and removed from the hopper.

Abstract: A limp, porous membrane of sheet (i.e., cloth) material for a fluidized outlet is disclosed. The outlet is in communication with a container, such as a hopper within a covered hopper railway car, containing a supply of particulate material for being fluidized and unloaded via the outlet. The outlet comprises an outlet housing, an outlet frame for securing the outlet housing to the hopper, an outlet opening, and outlet walls extending from the frame to the outlet opening. The membrane is secured to the outlet frame and to the outlet opening and is disposed generally on the inside faces of the outlet walls. A manifold is provided for introducing a fluidizing fluid (e.g., air) under pressure between the outlet walls and the membrane such that the fluidizing fluid flows through the membrane thereby to fluidize the lading above the membrane.

Abstract: A fluidized bed discharge bin comprises a removable closure covering an opening in the bottom of the bin. The interior surface of the closure is covered by an air-permeable sheet whose outer perimeter is held between the bin opening and the closure. Spacing means are disposed on the surface of the closure to space at least a portion of the air-permeable sheet from the closure. Aerating fluid is introduced into the bin via an inlet in the closure which is located in close proximity to the location where the spacing means is spacing the air-permeable sheet from the interior surface of the closure. The aerating blower system includes a control for supplying aerating fluid to the bin in the form of successive aerating pulses and provision is made for causing an initial surge of pressure to be imparted to the beginning of each aerating pulse which is greater than the nominal aerating pressure. Plural embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed vessel tramp removal and bed recirculation system comprising a novel dual cone apparatus at the bottom of the vessel.

Abstract: A container bottom for the pneumatic discharge of fine material from a container comprises a plurality of conveying channels extending radially to a central material discharge zone of the bottom, the bottom of the central material discharge zone being disposed lower than the bottom of the conveying channels to obtain a uniform passage of the material from the conveying channels to the central material discharge zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding finely powdered material from a silo to a device illustratively a burner, in which the material in the silo is fluidized and extracted through a proportioning device, such as a screw or a distributor having alveoles. The material from the proportioning device, which is discharged intermittently, is supplied to a regulating tunnel where it is further fluidized and then discharged to the downstream side of a venturi whose upstream side is supplied with pressurized air. The fluidizing air in the silo and the regulating tunnel are preferably at the same pressure.