Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.

Abstract: A particulate material delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box configured to receive particulate material from a tank. The inductor box includes an inductor segment comprising a particulate material supply chamber configured to guide the particulate material toward a fluidization chamber, and an air supply chamber configured to receive airflow from an airflow supply. The inductor box is configured to direct the airflow from the air supply chamber to the particulate material supply chamber through a first airflow path and through a second airflow path remote from the first air path.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for removing blockages present within a delivery conduit of a seeder may include a plurality of delivery conduits, a plurality of flow blocking devices, and a plurality of blockage sensors. A controller may be configured to determine when a blockage is present within a first delivery conduit of the plurality of delivery conduits based on measurement signals received from the plurality of blockage sensors. The controller may be further configured to control the flow blocking devices to occlude the flow of air through the other delivery conduits of the plurality of delivery conduits such that an air pressure in the first delivery conduit is increased.

Abstract: An agricultural product delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box with an agricultural product inlet configured to receive an agricultural product, an air inlet configured to receive an airflow, a plurality of mixing chambers, and a plurality of air bypass channels. Each mixing chamber is configured to mix the agricultural product and a respective first portion of the airflow. The plurality of air bypass channels is configured to guide a respective second portion of the airflow from the air inlet to a respective mixing chamber of the plurality of mixing chambers. The plurality of bypass channels includes inside air bypass channels that contact adjacent inside air bypass channels, and outside air bypass channels that are arranged adjacent to an exterior inductor box wall.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] Provided is a transportation method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance, which is capable of suppressing property decrease of the water-absorbing resin powder substance while suppressing blocking phenomenon and is suitable for long distance transportation. [SOLUTION] The present invention is a transportation method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance during a production step by pneumatic transportation via a transportation pipeline. In this transportation method, two or more pneumatic transportation apparatuses (A, B, C) are provided in one transportation section, and these pneumatic transportation apparatuses (A, B, C) are connected by the transportation pipelines (P1, P2, P3) in series.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a pneumatic conveyance method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance, which is capable of suppressing property decrease of the water-absorbing resin powder substance, while suppressing obstruction phenomenon. [Solution] A conveyance method for a water-absorbing resin powder substance by pneumatic conveyance of the water-absorbing resin powder substance during a production step via a transportation pipeline, wherein a variation of a solid-gas ratio (R1/R2) exceeds 1 and is equal to or smaller than 7, provided that R1 (kg-resin/kg-air) stands for an initial solid-gas ratio at a start point of the transportation pipeline, and R2 (kg-resin/kg-air) stands for a terminal solid-gas ratio at a terminal point of the transportation pipeline is provided.

Abstract: A conveyor device is used for the pneumatic conveying of bulk material. The conveyor device has a main conveyor pipe and a plurality of bypass conveyor pipe sections which are separate from one another and arranged one behind the other within the latter. The main extent direction of the bypass conveyor pipe sections runs along the main conveyor pipe. The bypass conveyor pipe sections in each case have an inlet opening and an outlet opening for conveyor gas. The inlet opening, when the main conveyor pipe is horizontally installed, is arranged in a cross sectional portion of the main conveyor pipe, which is located above a cross sectional portion of the main conveyor pipe, in which the outlet opening is arranged. The result is a conveyor device, of which the efficiency, in other words the ratio of the conveying power and the conveyor gas quantity used, is improved.

Abstract: There is provided a workpiece conveyor including a workpiece conveying path which guides the conveyance of a workpiece; and a pair of air-blowing devices which are disposed on both sides of the workpiece conveying path and blow air uniformly to the workpiece on the workpiece conveying path from both sides to give propulsion to the workpiece for conveyance.

Abstract: A method for blending dry material in a plant comprises automatically controlling fluidization of the dry material, transfer of the material, or both. In various embodiments, the automatically controlling comprises optimizing an amount of time that the dry material is fluidized prior to transfer, optimizing the transfer rate of the dry material, detecting and eliminating a developing plug of the dry material, estimating the weight of the dry material in the transfer line, minimizing dribbling during transfer of the dry material, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material which does not flow readily, in which: bulk material is metered by means of one or more input device(s) (8) into a lateral conveyor (1); and the bulk material in the lateral conveyor is subsequently emptied via a transport line (19) wherein the metering of the bulk material into the lateral conveyor (1) is achieved by means of the input device(s) (8) and the emptying of the lateral conveyor (1) is effected with simultaneous action of a mechanical conveyor (9) in the lateral conveyor and inflowing compressed gas (17), with the mechanical conveyor (9) having a narrow clearance with respect to the lateral conveyor (1), so that the lateral conveyor is substantially emptied during the emptying process.

Abstract: A system is provided for distributing particulate matter. The system includes at least two conduits, each conduit extending from a common first position adjacent a source of particulate matter to a second position. The pressure differential between the first and second positions is substantially the same for each conduit. A pressurized fluid conveys particulate matter through the at least two conduits. A device measures mass flow of particulate matter in each of the at least two conduits. A controller is in communication with the device that provides additional pressurized fluid to each conduit having a solids ratio greater than the desired solids ratio of the at least two conduits in response to a measured mass flow rate to balance (or to preferentially bias) mass flow of particulate matter through each of the at least two conduits.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of use of a conveying apparatus for the pneumatic conveyance of sized glass fibers, the sized glass fibers having a size extractability of at most 85%, preferably at most 50% and with particular preference at most 40%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic conveyance of bulk material, including a conveying pipe which defines a conveying path for the bulk material and in portions has a fluidizing pipe segment and a propellant gas source which is connected to the conveying pipe and is designed for the supply of propellant gas in the direction of the conveying path. The conveying pipe is provided with a fluidizing pipe segment at least in the region of a bulk material feed means and, if appropriate, also at further critical portions of the conveying pipe, in particular upstream of deflection points. As a result, the bulk material, which is often encountered there in a high concentration, can be fluidized, with the result that it can be conveyed, with low friction, at relatively low gas velocities. The invention relates, furthermore, to a corresponding conveying method.

Abstract: A small item pneumatic diverter for high speed diversion of articles, such as fruit, from a moving conveyor in a product handling system. The pneumatic diverter is particularly suited for diversion of small, relatively fragile articles after they have been optically scanned for size, weight, quality or other characteristics. The diverter has a nozzle connected to an electrical solenoid controlled air valve that is connected to a source of compressed air and a computer for controlling the release of air to the nozzle. The nozzle has a plurality of small discharge ports at one end for discharging air towards an article on the moving conveyor. In one configuration, the nozzle discharges air across the top of a small article to provide lift and against the article to off-load it from the conveyor. A delay mechanism is utilized to selective discharge an article after it has been scanned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for pneumatic or hydraulic conveying of dusty, powdery or granular bulk material. The device includes a conveyor line, an inner pipe in the conveyor line that is parallel to the axis and preferably eccentric. The inner pipe has openings at intervals and flow resistors within itself, which have an upstream side plane and a downstream side plane in the region of the openings. As a result, outlet openings into the conveyor line and entrance openings into the inner pipe are formed for the conveying medium, characterized in that the upstream side plane forms an angle (?)<90° with the axis (14) of the inner pipe (2) and deflects the striking conveying stream towards the outlet opening (20, 20a, 20b).

Abstract: A control mechanism (20; 70) and a method for use in an installation for transporting bulk material, granular material or powdery material through a conveyor line (1) with the aid of a pressurized gaseous medium. The control mechanism (20; 70) is arranged for being connected to the conveyor line (1) for the purpose of introducing a pressurized gaseous medium (15) therein and comprises a connecting opening (24) for connecting the control mechanism (20; 70) to an inlet (25) in the conveyor line (1), an intake (26) for gaseous medium (15), which is in communication with the connecting opening (24), valve means (28; 71), which operatively engage the intake (26), and means (31, 32, 35, 50, 51; 32) for controlling the valve means (28; 71) associated with the pressure of the gaseous medium in the conveyor line (1).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the pneumatic conveying of fine bulk material, in particular glass fibers.

Abstract: In a system for pneumatically conveying a bulk particulate material including a first conduit formed of a gas permeable material, a second conduit formed of an impermeable material encompassing and spaced from the first conduit, a plurality of partition walls disposed between said conduits and spaced along the lengths thereof providing a plurality of plenums, means connectable to a first source of gas under pressure for injecting a gas under pressure into said first conduit to impel material deposited therein and second means connectable to a second source of gas under pressure for supplying gas under pressure into said plenums to fluidize material flowing through the first conduit, a system for declogging the second conduit consisting of means connected to a source of gas under pressure operable for selectively supplying the plenums with bursts of gas under pressure for dislodging material deposited in said apertures of the first conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an Installation for feeding a plurality of loads, e.g. cells of aluminum melting furnaces, with a bulk material such as pulverized aluminum oxide. The installation includes a silo for the bulk material. The silo includes a pressure vessel or pump delivering machinery which is connected with a conveying line. A plurality of receiving vessels are connected with the conveying line via valves in the vicinity of the furnace loads. The receiving vessels are connected to the plurality of loads of the furnaces by at least one pneumatic conveying chute or pneumatic pipe channel. Each conveying chute or pipe channel includes at least one discharge per load.

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 method and an apparatus for the pneumatic conveying of fine bulk material, in particular glass fibers, are described.

Abstract: An air mover apparatus for conveying and separating articles through a transport tube. A line-up of articles are supplied via a track from an orienting and feeding device and, thence, to a transport tube leading to a remote processing machine. The air mover is operatively connected between the track and the transport tube. Oppositely disposed converging air passages are formed in the air mover, adapted to receive compressed air from a suitable source and emit same to the interior of the air mover, to thereby draw each successive article therepast from the line-up and project same forward, creating a separation between adjacent articles while blowing the articles through the transport tube to the processing machine. An orifice may be formed upstream of the converging air passages, adapted to receive the compressed air to stall the articles to enhance the separation between adjacent articles.

Abstract: A method and device for pneumatically transporting bulk material including a plurality of supply elements spaced along a conveyor line. These elements provide an additional gaseous medium as a booster fluid. The supply elements are automatically and individually controlled via velocity measurements taken near the elements.

Abstract: A non-contact sheet handling system includes a first valve controlling air flow to a manifold and a second valve controlling air flow from the manifold to an air pan. A non-contact plate having venturis covers the air pan. In an alternate embodiment, the system includes a diffuser that diffuses air flow in the air pan. A method of using a non contact sheet handling system includes adjusting a first and second valve to set air flow to a first and second area, respectively, of the system and adjusting a third valve to set air flow to the first and second valves.

Abstract: A modular feeder system (1) for supplying electrical components to a pick-and-place machine (14). The feeder system (1) has a two dimensional array of electrical component feeder modules (3), an electrical component storage hopper (4), a pick up location (5) and a component transfer passage (6) allowing component transfer from the hopper (4) to the pick up location (5). Further, the modules (3) are selectively removable from said array.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveying transport system for bulk materials has a conduit that carries material in a gas flow, and at spaced locations along the conduit air assists are provided to inject a supplemental amount of air into the conveying conduit when back pressure builds up in the conduit at the selected locations. The air assists include air outlet lines connected to provide air into the conveying conduit. A low volume flow source maintains a positive flow of air out of the air outlet lines during pneumatic conveying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a conveyor pipeline with pneumatic compact-flow conveying, and to an apparatus for performing the method. In this compact-flow conveying, a shunt line is disposed in a bypass around a conveyor pipeline; feed lines branch off from the shunt line and discharge into the conveyor pipeline at regular intervals via associated spill valves. With the aid of Laval ball valves, the apparatus makes a method possible in which by preventive, temporary increasing of pressure by associating and varying certain bypass air quantities at predetermined time intervals, air is additionally blown out into the conveyor pipeline via a determinable number of overpressure valves, so that even during bulk material conveying, the development of plugs can be avoided.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transporter includes a material hopper (2), a screw conveyor (3) to transport the material (supplied from the hopper) from the rear portion to a front portion of the screw conveyor, a pressure chamber portion (5) to receive the materials from the screw conveyor and to press the materials down while adding a limited amount of water, a horizontal mixer (6) adapted to mix the material supplied from the pressure chamber portion with pressurized air, and then push the mixture to a material transporting conduit portion (8) connected to the mixer through a check valve portion, so that the material transporting conduit portion transports the materials to a yard.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying powered or granular material in a tubular conveyer using air assists for material conveying. The gas is supplied to the air assists from a connecting conduit having compressed gas at high plant pressure. The air assists operate in response to a sensed back pressure created in the conveying conduit up stream from the air assist.

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 conveyor system for feeding containers along a path includes a pair of plenums located on opposite sides of the path. Each plenum has an inner wall which has apertures along the center thereof, with flanges extending from each wall to define chambers or guide channels that receive opposite ends of the container. The system further consists of rigid pneumatic conduits for delivering pressurized fluid from a centrifugal blower to the plenums. The pressurized fluid is introduced into the plenums and flows through the apertures to substantially suspend the containers in the chamber. The pneumatic conduits and the centrifugal blower are integrally associated with the dual plenums, thereby structurally enhancing the entire conveyor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting sludge into a kiln includes a pump for pumping sludge, a conduit for conveying sludge to the kiln including an attrition portion for attriting the sludge into smaller particles, and a conduit enclosing the attrition segment for entraining the particles in a stream of combustion air to carry the particles into a kiln. The attrition portion includes a plurality of passageways connected to a source of compressed air to provide a plurality of jets of air to attrite the sludge into discrete particles and aid in ejecting the sludge from the conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the attrition segment includes nested, frusto-conical segments; each having a plurality of passageways which project jets of compressed air radially inwardly to slice the sludge mass within the segment into smaller particles. As the particles exit the attrition segment, they enter an extension tube having a helical internal rib which imparts a swirling motion to the particles.

Abstract: A dense phase conveying system for particulate material utilizes air at high pressure and low volume to transport particulate material between a source and a receiver through a conveying line that can range in length to several hundred feet. A series of air assists are provided to reduce the tendency of the material to build up in locations and form large slugs that cause high energy impacts on the interior of the conveying tube at corners or at the bin receiver. The air assists are positioned to provide a flow of air under regulated pressure and which use plant line pressure for a source. The air assists are intentionally zoned to provide for reducing air assist pressure in two or more zones from the source to the receiver. A plurality of air assists are provided in each zone.

Abstract: In a method of controlling the infeed of air from an auxiliary conduit of a pneumatic conveyor installation into a tubular conveyor conduit into which compressed gas is introduced from a connecting conduit and the latter, upon a rise in pressure occurring upstream of the mouth thereof in the conveyor direction, in the conveyor conduit, is opened with a supply of air from an auxiliary conduit at high pressure, said supply of air into the conveyor conduit is interrupted in the event of pressure equalisation building up therein, by a control member which opens and closes the connecting conduit and which is guided in a path of movement which can be acted upon by at least one secondary flow of the auxiliary conduit, and a closing force is applied in a pulse-wise fashion to the control member.

Abstract: An air conveyor moves light objects from one location to another and may also act as an accumulator for storing objects transported thereon. The conveyor has an elongated primary plenum and one or more elongated body members disposed over and in communication with the primary plenum through openings in the bottom wall of each body member. Each body member has a generally planar top deck disposed thereover. Each body member defines a secondary plenum between the top deck and the bottom wall of the body member. The top deck has a plurality of directional orifices formed therein. Blowers in communication with the primary plenum supply air to the secondary plenum through the primary plenum. The air from the secondary plenum is delivered through the directional orifices in the top deck and creates a current, or cushion, of air on which the objects move.

Abstract: The lance of the invention includes a sleeve (2A) which conveys air under pressure around a central tube (1) which conveys the pulp that is to be sprayed and dispersed. The wall of this tube is pierced by separation holes (5) to inject a gaseous lining around the pulp, by break-up holes (3) for breaking up said pulp, and by rotation-imparting holes (4) in the vicinity of the outlet (1B) from the lance. The invention is particularly applicable to feeding a boiler with coal powder.

Abstract: Passage having a first type of unitary elements constituted by unitary pipes (10) provided with nozzles (12) and a fastening system (16) on each of its sides, as well as a second type of unitary elements constituted by a skirt (18) made from a flexible material and which is impermeable to air. These unitary elements are assembled with one another, so as to adapt at random the geometry of the passage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for facilitating formation of moving cylindrical articles, such as thin walled cans, into single file. The apparatus includes a plurality of diverting arms within a single filing area formed between two plate members having apertures formed therein so that air expelled through the apertures causes movement of conveyed articles not then in single file toward a peripheral guide member and movement of articles then in single file adjacent to the guide member in a direction through the single lining area substantially parallel to the guide member.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for pneumatically conveying material in a tubular conveyor conduit (10) into which pressure gas is introduced from a connecting conduit (12, 12.sub.a), are improved in that, in the event of a rise in pressure in the conveyor conduit (10), in the direction of conveying movement (x) upstream of the connecting conduit or the mouth opening (13) thereof, the latter is opened for a feed of air from a secondary conduit (16) under high pressure, and that said feed of air into the conveyor conduit (10) is interrupted upon equalization of the pressure in the conveyor conduit (10) in the region upstream of as well as downstream of the mouth opening (13) of the connecting conduit (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material in particular bulk material which is difficult to handle includes a conveyor line having a plurality of conveyor line sections for transporting the bulk material. Each of the conveyor line sections comprises a rigid outer pipe and an elastic inner pipe of an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer pipe in pressureless state. The connection of adjacent conveyor line sections is attained by a sectional ring which is placed over each axial end of the outer pipe and about which the elastic pipe is folded outwardly, a flange element arranged between the thus shaped axial ends of adjoining conveyor line sections, and external brace elements extending between successive flange elements for bracing the latter so as to connect adjoining conveyor line sections in pressure-sealed manner.

Abstract: A method of filling a mold with resilient beads and transport apparatus for delivering the beads to the mold, wherein the beads are passed from a supply bunker to the mold via a transport line by a transport fluid, and wherein pressure in the transport line is equalized by feeding an additional fluid over the length of the line. The apparatus includes a bead-carrying pipeline or hose having sieve-like wall orifices which are connected to channels which run along the length of the pipe or hose. The orifices permit fluid exchange between the pipe or hose and the channels, which exchange serves to equalize the pressure within the pipe or tube and therefore prevent the pipe or tube from becoming blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material includes a conveyor line for transporting the bulk material and a secondary line which carries clean gas and is sectionized by spaced three-way/two-way directional control valves. Each control valve is actuated by a pressure transmitter which compares the actual pressure in the conveyor line with the desired pressure in a third line carrying a fluid at a desired pressure decreasing in downstream direction in accordance with the pressure drop in the conveyor line during normal operation. A communication between the conveyor line and the second line is provided by respective branch lines which define the third connection of the control valves and are multiply connected to the conveyor line.

Abstract: An apparatus for pneumatically conveying bulk material includes a conveyor line for transporting the bulk material and a secondary line which carries clean gas and is multiply connected via branch line and a plurality of check valves with the conveyor line for allowing introduction of clean gas when the pressure difference as measured between adjacent pressure transmitters exceeds a predetermined value. Adjacent pressure transmitters are operatively connected with a differential pressure switch which actuates a valve regulating the flow of clean gas through the branch line. The differential pressure switch opens the valve as soon as the pressure difference exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: A conduit for transporting finely-divided or fine-granular, dry bulk materials comprises a material conveyance zone and a zone for introducing the fluidizing medium separated from the first mentioned zone by a material which is permeable to gas and fluids. This conduit comprises at least one each of a closed feeder channel, a closed fluidizing channel and between these a fluidizing base. It runs approximately horizontal. In and/or above the fluidizing base are impeller nozzles with at least one outlet opening for a gaseous or fluid impeller medium. The fluidizing medium is introduced into the feeder channel/feeder channels at a positive pressure of 100-500 mm water column and the impeller medium at a positive pressure of 700-1500 mm water column.

Abstract: Describes a device for facilitating the removal of pulverulent material from a hopper-type vessel and a method utilizing the device. The device comprises an elongated hollow member closed at one end, which is adapted for insertion into the discharge channel below the hopper. The device contains an orifice for selectively directing the flow of a gas, e.g., air, in the direction of the opening in the bottom of the hopper and apparatus for introducing pressurized gas into the discharge channel.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for pneumatic or hydraulic transport of bulk material in a conveying direction through a pipeline by means of over or underpressure, in which components are provided for monitoring the pressure prevailing at a plurality of successive points along the pipeline, providing a plurality of sources of a pure gas or liquid each at a pressure corresponding to the pressure prevailing at an associated point along the pipeline, and supplying the pure gas or liquid from each source to the point along the pipeline which succeeds, in the conveying direction, the associated point for that source, while preventing any fluid flow from the pipeline to each source.

Abstract: A transport conduit for bulk material is formed of a rigid outer tube and an elastic inner tube of substantially smaller diameter. The inner tube is hermetically sealed at each of its ends to the conduit section so as to form a closed annular chamber between the inner elastic tube and the rigid outer tube. Communicating through the wall of both the outer and inner elastic tubes are relief and check valves sealed with respect to the elastic inner tube so as to maintain the integrity of the annular chambers. The valves are connected to a secondary gas supply from which air under pressure is directed into the conduit to assist in the transport of the bulk material. The annular chambers are serially connected by bridging tubes passing from one section to the adjacent section, thereby interconnecting each of the annular chambers in an outer parallel conduit to permit atmospheric air to move serially through them from one end of the transport conveyor to the other.

Abstract: A method for transporting particulates wherein the particulates are entrained in a transport air stream. An energizing air stream is introduced into the pipeline to form an air encasement stream between the inner wall of the pipeline and the transport air stream. The air encasement stream is introduced into the pipeline opposite directions to form a forward leaning movement of encasement air at a higher velocity than the transport air.

Abstract: Compressed air is introduced into a feed pipe system for transporting powdery or granular material in order to promote dense flow conditions. Variable or fixed size restrictions with decreasing size of blocking surface in the direction of the material flow equalize the amount of air entering the feed pipe along its entire length. The compressed air is introduced into the feed pipe through porous materials positioned at least in the region of the restrictions.

Abstract: A plurality of receiving stations is automatically and pneumatically charged by a pulverized or granular material fed at a relatively low rate through a main conveying pipe into a plurality of series connected intermediate containers. Each intermediate container is connected with a substantially horizontally directed branch conduit which is provided with downwardly directed discharge or sink pipes opening into a preliminary storage hopper of a corresponding receiving station. Each branch conduit is connected via unidirectional valves or via throttles with an auxiliary pneumatic line which when the end of the sink pipe is open, fluidizes the material in the branch conduit and simultaneously discharges it into the preliminary hopper. As soon as the level of charge in the hopper reaches the open end of the sink pipe, the fluidization is interrupted and the loose material from the intermediate container plugs the branch conduit.