Abstract: A broadcast spreader assembly for spreading granular material over a yard, field, or the like includes a hopper for holding granular material, a motor for driving a rotating drive shaft having a distribution chamber in a side of the rotating drive shaft, and a spreader mechanism. The rotating distribution chamber delivers a constant dosage of granular material to the spreader mechanism with each rotation thereof. The broadcast spreader may be remotely controlled by software on a smart phone, tablet or other computing device, and the rotational speed of the drive shaft and distribution chamber may vary in accordance with the ground speed of the broadcast spreader, in order to administer the proper dosage of granular material to a specific area or acreage of land. The broadcast spreader assembly is attachable to a spreader mechanism, such as a lawnmower or blower, or the like.

Abstract: A solids supply system having a solids deaeration zone and a solids pump zone, and a method for supplying the solids e.g., pulverized dry coal, to an application, e.g., gasification process. The solids deaeration zone includes a container having a passageway defined by one or more sloped walls. The solids deaeration zone is operable to deaerate and convey the solids to the solids pump zone. In the solids deaeration zone, the solids become sufficiently compacted prior to and upon entry into the solids pump zone to be effectively conveyed through the solids pump zone.

Abstract: A dense phase pump for particulate material includes a pump chamber wherein material flows into the pump chamber under negative pressure and flows out of the pump chamber under positive pressure. A plurality of pinch valves are provided to control flow of material into and out of the pump chamber. The pinch valves are operated independent of each other and of the pump cycle rate. A modular design of the pump is provided.

Abstract: A transfer pump for moving pellets of adhesive includes a pump housing with an adhesive inlet coupled to a supply hopper, an adhesive outlet coupled to an outlet hose, and an adhesive passage extending between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet. A first air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage adjacent the adhesive inlet and expels a first air jet that pushes pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage. A second air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet and expels a plurality of second air jets that draw pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage by a vacuum force. The first and second air nozzles prevent clogging of pellets in the adhesive passage and enable movement of larger pellets than either air nozzle individually.

Abstract: A blower assembly for a pneumatic carrier transmission system including a first blower for supplying air; a second blower for exhausting air, wherein the first and second blowers are connected in series; and a dual passageway connecting device connected to and in communication with the first and second blowers, the dual passageway connecting device comprising a connecting tee having a tee inlet, a first tee outlet in communication with the tee inlet, and a second tee outlet in communication with the tee inlet, a first valve connected to and in communication with the first tee outlet, a first passageway connected to and in communication with the first valve, a second valve connected to and in communication with the second tee outlet, and a second passageway connected to and in communication with the second valve, wherein the first blower is operable to supply air through the first passageway and the second blower is operable to exhaust air through the second passageway.

Abstract: A powder transfer pump to convey a powder, in particular in a powder coating station. The powder transfer pump comprises a transfer chamber with a transfer chamber wall, an inlet opening into the transfer chamber to supply the powder to the transfer chamber, an outlet opening out of the transfer chamber to convey the powder from the transfer chamber, a negative pressure connection opening into the transfer chamber to generate negative pressure in the transfer chamber in order to suck the powder into the transfer chamber, and a positive pressure connection opening into the transfer chamber to discharge the powder that is present in the transfer chamber through the outlet. The transfer chamber wall is essentially gas-tight.

Abstract: An air conveyor for handling workpieces in a food grade environment has a cylindrical pipe with an elongated slot that extends along an axial length of the pipe. A track is snap fit in the elongated slot and has a base for supporting the workpieces. The base has air vents that provide directional airflow for pushing the workpieces along an axial length of the track on a cushion of air. A movable hanger assembly supports the pipe from above and captures the workpieces in the track.

Abstract: A device for conveying coating powder has an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a powder conveying chamber made from a flexible conveying chamber hose. The powder conveying chamber is arranged between the inlet valve and the outlet valve and has a conveying air inlet. In addition, the volume of the powder conveying chamber can be modified by a deformation of the conveying chamber hose.

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: A pump for transferring particulate material from a source to a remote location, including a particulate chamber having open ends, check valves at the open ends, a vacuum source connected to the chamber adjacent one end, a gas source at the opposed end of the chamber and a control which alternatively connects the vacuum to the chamber to draw particulate material from the source to the chamber and connecting the gas under pressure to drive the particulate material to the remote location. In a preferred embodiment, the chamber has a cylindrical inner diameter and the source of vacuum is a venturi pump connected to a pinch valve permitting overflow of particulate material through the pinch valve and venturi pump, which is returned to the source. In one embodiment, the pinch valve surrounds an open end of the chamber permitting overflow while avoiding agglomeration of the particulate material.

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: A discharge apparatus for connection to and covering an airlock material outlet. The discharge apparatus includes an air inlet for at least substantially directing an airstream through an airlock material outlet and toward an interior area defined by an airlock. The discharge apparatus further includes a material directing trough for receiving an airstream and bulk material entrained therein from the airlock. The discharge apparatus also includes an extension member adapted to at least partially define a path of an airstream.

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: A method and apparatus for introducing a tablet into a climate control system is described. The tablet can include a leak detection dye which is placed into appropriate locations within the system with a tablet inserter. The system can be an air conditioning system. The method can be partially or completely automated, allowing the tablet to be manipulated and inserted into a component of the climate control system during assembly remotely, avoiding direct contact with an individual participating in the system assembly and preventing or reducing contamination.

Abstract: A chaff disseminator for uniformly distributing short fibers into the air r disrupt enemy radar tracking in an air combat situation. Such fibers are typically 3 to 25 microns in diameter and cut to 1/8 to 1/2 inch in length. Fiber concentration and output are regulated by changing the air flow direction in a hopper while keeping the total air flow volume constant. A load of fibers in the hopper is raised by an upward airflow causing the load to tumble and reducing the packing density of the fibers at the edge of the load. The reduced packing density permits lower speed horizontal airflows to pull off fibers for dissemination. A fluid bed is created depending by a series of small holes drilled in the bottom of the hopper, by regulation of the airflow along the lid of the hopper and by air jets mounted along the bottom front edge of the hopper. A baffle which the load compressed and directs the cross load airflow.

Abstract: A duster attachment includes a closed bottom, upwardly opening cylindrical container. An upright vacuum tube has its lower end secured through the bottom of the container and includes an upper end provided with variable air inlet structure. A closed top and downwardly opening pilot tube is loosely telescoped downwardly over the vacuum tube and includes an annular plate secured about the pilot tube lower end. Dusting powder is disposed within the container below the annular plate and the lower end of the vacuum tube is communicated with the air inlet of a leaf blower.

Abstract: A pipe arrangement (40) consists of two nested pipes (60, 62) and a nozzle head (68, 76) on their bottom ends. This nozzle head is located within the diameter of the pipe arrangement (40) and does not protrude radially beyond its diameter. The pipe arrangement can thus be slipped through a guide opening (7) of a guide device (1) into a container holding powder or can be pulled out completely of the guide opening (7), without a need for disassembly of parts of the device. The guide device (1) contains preferably a container lid (3) that can be set on the container (6). Provided on the pipe arrangement (40) is a stop (44) that can be fastened on said arrangement at various heights and through the adjustment of which the immersion depth of the pipe arrangement (40) in the container can be adjusted.

Abstract: A feed spreader has an impeller for distributing feed to livestock in a feed lot. The impeller is driven through a belt and pulley arrangement by an electric motor. The feed spreader has a connection for receiving feed from a feed hopper through a flexible tube attached to the auger of the feed hopper. The feed spreader has an adjustable mount for positioning the feed spreader on a fence post of the feed lot. In this manner, feed can be distributed to livestock within the feed lot without necessitating the entry of any personnel into the feed lot.

Abstract: Improved apparatus (10), including passage (22) for inter-cushion processing and transport of substrates (12) towards and from process modules (14) and (16) for main processing of said substrates (12) at non-atmospheric pressure in a series of successive process chambers (64), located in between successive processors/transporters (66), in which secondary processing and transport of said substrates (12) take place.

Abstract: A vortex chamber is disclosed which has a circular elliptical or volute perimeter and end wall. High pressure fluid enters tangentially at the perimeter. Part of this high pressure fluid exits at an axial outlet, forming a vortex. The balance of the high pressure fluid exits at a second tangential outlet at the perimeter. Dry solids are fed into a hopper which is connected to a second axial inlet. The axial inlet should be smaller than the axial outlet, and the two may be concentric. Once the solids enter the vortex chamber, some of them move to the perimeter due to centrifugal force. Once at the perimeter, the solids exit at the tangential outlet.

Abstract: A device for pressurizing pulverized coal and circulating a carrier gas is disclosed. This device has utility in a coal gasification process and eliminates the need for a separate collection hopper and eliminates the separate compressor.

Abstract: In a centrifugal blower used for conveyance of certain materials, a self-regulating air inlet assembly which automatically adjusts the amount of secondary air flow according to the needs of the blower, thereby supplementing the principal air flow and stabilizing the air flow in the discharge duct.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping a powdery or granular material has a first cylinder and a second cylinder parallel to each other and each having a front end and a rear end, a connector box connecting the respective rear ends of the cylinders for placing them in communication, a material inlet at the front end of the first cylinder, a material outlet at the front end of the second cylinder, a first piston in the first cylinder and a first piston rod connected thereto and extending out of the first cylinder, a second piston in the second cylinder and a second piston rod connected thereto and extending out of the cylinder, and a reciprocating drive connected to the piston rods for reciprocating the pistons simultaneously in the same directions within the respective cylinders, the pistons each having openings therethrough and a first one-way valve on the first piston normally closing the opening therein and opening when the first piston is moving in the forward direction and a second one-way valve on the second piston norm

Abstract: An injector for a material transport system includes a helical inducer having a housing with a fluid input port, a material input port and a discharge port, each port is open to an internal chamber of the housing. A rotor with a helical blade is mounted to the housing and constrained for rotation within the chamber. A fluid entering the fluid input port is formed into a fluid vortex having a ventilated core by the rotating rotor blade. A feeder assembly feeds the material to be transported into the material input port where it is carried by the fluid vortex to the discharge port for transmission to a hydraulic transport line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are shown for control of continuous feeding of pulverized material to a high pressure container. A rotor is located within the high pressure container. The pulverized material is fed from a feed hopper through a stationary feed pipe to a vented spin-up zone chamber to a plurality of sprues mounted in the rotor. Control of the pressure within control nozzles downstream from the sprues adjusts the flow rate of coal through the sprues.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for unloading melamine powder from a bulk shipping or transporting containers. The apparatus is comprised of a uniquely designed portable hopper or discharge chute provided at its discharge end with a rotary pump that is removably attachable to a tiltable bulk container. The process of unloading the bulk container involves the creating of a particular shaped flow from the bulk container so that bridging and other flow problems associated with flowing melamine powder does not occur.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for unloading cargoes of particulate materials from ships' holds is described in which inside a length of pipe, which sucks the material out of the hold and is principally in the horizontal position, there is at least one fluidizing base which transports the material further and into a silo. The fluidizing or transporting base can be selected to match the requirements for efficient transportation of different kinds of particulate material.

Abstract: The feed material handling apparatus has a frame supporting a feed-receiving hopper disposed horizontally on said frame and an impeller rotatable about a vertical axis therein impels said material through a discharge tunnel to a substantially vertical blower having an impeller operable about a horizontal axis which urges the material up a vertical transition member into a silo or the like. The hopper adjacent said tunnel is partially covered and provided with air inlet openings, while the sidewalls of said blower are imperforate except for a material inlet opening from said tunnel and openings for a shaft for said impeller of said blower. A metering blade also is mounted adjacent the inlet to said tunnel to control the flow of material to said tunnel.