Abstract: An environmentally sealed system for fracturing subterranean systems including a fracturing fluid source, a proppant source, a proppant hopper comprising a variable proppant regulator, a blender comprising a blender inlet and a blender outlet, a high pressure pump comprising a high pressure pump inlet and a high pressure pump outlet, and a well head; wherein the fracturing fluid source is connected to the blender inlet through a fracturing fluid supply connection and a fracturing vapor recovery connection, the proppant source is connected with the proppant hopper through a proppant supply connection and a proppant vapor recovery connection, the proppant hopper is connected to the blender inlet through a proppant transfer connection, the blender outlet is connected to the high pressure pump inlet, and the high pressure pump is outlet connected to the well head.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a tube of material (1) having a seam (12) extending between a proximal end and a distal end, two edges (10a, 10b) of the material meeting and at least partially overlapping along the seam (12) and being sewn together at the seam by stitches (21, 22, 24) of relatively flexible thread (20), the thread of one or more of the stitches (22, 24) passing from a first side (12a) of the overlapped edges (10a, 10b) of material, through both layers of overlapped material, crossing a relatively rigid member (30) which is disposed on a second, opposite side (12b) of the overlapped edges of material, and passing back to the first side (12a). There is further disclosed an implant delivery catheter (40) incorporating the tube of material (1), and associated methods for its manufacture.

Abstract: Described herein is an improved container for storing, shipping, and dispensing proppant materials used in hydraulic fracturing operations. The container systems incorporate stretchable hopper structures in the container. The hopper expands and contracts responsive to the amount of proppant material held in the container. When the container is filled with a sufficient amount of proppant, the hopper stretches to expand the storage volume. When the sufficient amount of proppant material is dispensed from the container, the hopper contracts to lift and dispense the container contents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel transportable silo systems for storage of materials. The invention relates to self-erecting silo storage systems for use in the oil and natural gas mining and drilling industries. The silo storage systems of embodiments of the instant invention are uniquely designed to improve storage capabilities and mobility while at the same time reducing space requirements at well sites.

Abstract: A metering system for a seeding machine is provided. The metering system includes selectively powered metering sections operable to individually allow or restrict seed dispensation. A damper arrangement is also provided so that pneumatic conveying of the particulate within the machine is consistently maintained when particulate flow is varied between the metering sections.

Abstract: A particulate material treating system (458) includes a loss-in-weight particulate material bin assembly (460), a particulate material metering device (462), and a downstream treater (464) yielding a treated material output (468). A controller (470) is employed to determine the flow rates of material from the bin assembly (460) using loss-in-weight calculations, and this information is used to at least in part control the operation of the metering device (462).

Abstract: A pill picking apparatus which can pick up pills from a pill box includes a main arm and a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism has a first linkage arm, a second linkage arm, a third linkage arm, and a holder. The first linkage arm and the second linkage arm are pivotally mounted to the main arm. The third linkage arm has a first end mounted to the first linkage arm and a second end pivotally mounted to the second linkage arm. The holder is pivotally mounted to the second linkage arm and holds a picking device for picking a pill from a pill box. When the main arm rotates to a position where the first linkage arm abuts against a first blocking member, the first blocking member drives the first linkage arm to rotate relative to the main arm.

Abstract: A pill picking apparatus includes a main arm, a picking device mounted to the main arm, and a transfer mechanism. The main arm is rotatable about a first axis and defines an opening. The picking device is adapted to pick a pill from a pill box. The transfer mechanism includes a transfer cam being rotatable about a second axis, and a driving wheel mounted to the transfer cam and received in the opening of the main arm. When the transfer cam rotates about the second axis, the driving wheel is rotated about the second axis by the transfer cam and presses an edge of the opening of the main arm, to drive the main arm to rotate about the first axis.

Abstract: An improved seed metering wheel assembly is provided to deliver a substantially constant flow of seed to a downstream treating device or the like, without any substantial surging of seeds. The seed metering wheel assembly includes an axially rotatable metering wheel having a plurality of strategically sized and arranged seed metering openings therethrough, arranged in circular arrays of differently sized metering openings. In another embodiment, the seed metering wheel includes a central hub section and an outermost rib, with a series of ribs between the hub section and rim, which lie along respective non-diameter chords. Incoming seed is delivered from a seed hopper outlet by gravitation to the metering wheel, which preferably provides a substantially constant open area while preventing wholly unobstructed flow of seeds.

Abstract: An improved seed metering wheel assembly is provided to deliver a substantially constant flow of seed to a downstream treating device or the like, without any substantial surging of seeds. The seed metering wheel assembly includes an axially rotatable metering wheel having a plurality of strategically sized and arranged seed metering openings therethrough, preferably arranged in circular arrays of differently sized metering openings. Incoming seed is delivered from a seed hopper outlet by gravitation to the metering wheel, which preferably provides a substantially constant open area while preventing wholly unobstructed flow of seeds.

Abstract: A seed cart has a trailer with the hopper cantilevered over the trailer. The trailer includes a track extending along the left and side and rear end. A conveyor is mounted on a carriage for movement along the track, such that the conveyor can extend from the left side of the trailer or from the rear end of the trailer. The conveyor is pivotal for approximately 180°. The conveyor inlet and outlet can be positioned for loading and unloading the hopper, and can be spaced from the hopper for loading and unloading two separate containers.

Abstract: An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin.

Abstract: A gyrator feeder that gyrates a dispensing member to uniformly and circumnavigating dispense material by generating a true circular orbital vibratory motion in the dispensing member by either rotating an offset weight along a vertical central axis of the dispensing member or by positioning vibratory motors diametrical opposite from each other on a gyrator housing and synchronizing the vibratory motors with each other to thereby dispense material.

Abstract: A system and method to excavate and fill is disclosed. The system includes a canister adapted to receive and store excavated material. In addition, a plurality of blades are mounted inside of the canister about a horizontal shaft proximate a bottom end of the canister. A motor is adapted to rotate the plurality of blades to move the excavated material stored in the canister to the bottom end of the canister and a blower is adapted to blow the excavated material at the bottom end of the canister out of an opposing side of the canister through a discharge port. The canister includes a downward sloping lip disposed above the plurality of blades, where the downward sloping lip funnels the excavated material on to a downwardly rotating blade of the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A feed auger assembly which conveys particular material to an implement includes a first auger housing with a first auger flight rotatable therein, a second auger housing concentrically receiving the first auger housing therein so as to define an annular space therebetween, and a second auger flight rotatable within the annular space. The discharge end of the first auger housing is arranged to discharge into the annular space between the intermediate end and the outlet end of the second auger housing as the first auger housing is longitudinally slidable relative to the second auger housing in the longitudinal direction. The distance between the inlet end of first auger housing and the outlet end of the second auger housing is thus adjustable during a conveying operation of the augers being rotated within the respective housings.

Abstract: A keg delivery system includes a rack having a plurality of bays for receiving kegs horizontally. The keg delivery system also includes means for controllably lowering a keg from one of the bays to a floor.

Abstract: Arbitrary pieces of semiconductor wafers are supported flexibly on either the upper side or the lower side. The present invention is a thin plate container for supporting plural semiconductor wafers for use in carriage, storage, processing, etc. It comprises processing trays plurally stacked in a state of each supporting at least one semiconductor wafer individually and a coupling mechanism for integrally coupling the processing trays in a state where the processing trays are plurally stacked and separating the processing trays at an arbitrary location. Each processing tray has a one-side support for supporting at least one semiconductor wafer on its one side and the other-side support mutually fitted to the one-side support of the other processing tray on the other side to form a housing space sealed off from the external environment for constraining and supporting the thin plate.

Abstract: Provided is a device for pushing out lenses from a test tray to a lens tray. The device includes a pushing tray, two force application trays, and at least two bolts. The pushing tray includes a surface and four sidewalls. A number of projections extend upward from the first surface. The projections are configured for pushing the lenses. Two opposite sidewalls each define at least one threaded hole. Each of the force application trays defines at least one slot. A length of the at least one slot runs in direction parallel to the projections. The two force application trays are configured for clamping the test tray. Each bolt passes through a respective slot and is screwed into a respective threaded hole of the pushing tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for transporting frac sand and/or proppant for use in standard ISO intermodal containers and for delivering frac sand and/or proppant to well sites. Configured for being inserted into a container and adapted for transporting frac sand and proppant from a quarry or other frac sand supply source to a well site. A plurality of inlet ports disposed atop the roof, with the inlet ports receiving the frac sand from a frac sand supply source into a funnel-hopper, and a plurality of outlet ports for receiving the frac sand and proppant within the funnel-hopper and delivering the frac sand and proppant proximal to the well site. An in situ valve apparatus disposed within the hopper assembly for effectuating industry standard continuous pressurized discharge of stored frac sand material into a discharge pipe for delivery downhole.

Abstract: An automated feed out system includes a bunker silo for storing silage therein and a cover for selectively placing the cover in a covered position thereby covering and sealing silage in the bunker silo. The automated feed out system includes a frame for supporting augers thereon for selectively defacing feed from a feeding face with the cover in a covered position. The automated feed out system also includes conveyors for transporting the defaced feed to a predetermined location.

Abstract: Seed tender apparatus for holding one or more seed containers and including an inclined conveyor apparatus pivotable between a stowed configuration and a discharged configuration.

Abstract: A material handling apparatus for conveying an article having a ferromagnetic component includes a hopper, a discharge, and a magnet. The hopper has an inlet and outlet and defines a hopper volume for receiving a plurality of the articles to be conveyed. The discharge is spaced from and downstream of the hopper. The magnet is movable between an attracting position proximate the hopper and a discharge position proximate the discharge.

Abstract: A powder-bag emptying unit for powder spray coating facilities, comprises a bag-receiving hopper which is designed to receive a powder bag. The bag-receiving hopper is narrower at its bottom than at its top. The hopper wall keeps the powder bag dimensionally stable and in a fixed position in which a bag aperture is situated at the top end of the bag. The bag-receiving hopper is fitted at its lower end at the hopper center with a hopper opening which is open downward and permits coating powder to drop out of it. The bag-receiving hopper further is fitted with at least one vibrator to shake the bag-receiving hopper.

Abstract: An unloading system for a storage bin and related method are provided. The unloading system can have a sump configuration that includes a foundation having a floor and a foundation footing. A central tunnel can be formed in the foundation that terminates at a tunnel opening on a perimeter of the foundation. A primary sump can be formed through the floor at a location generally near a centerpoint of the storage bin and connected to the central tunnel. At least one radial sump can be formed in the floor at a location radially offset from the central tunnel and located generally between the primary sump and a sidewall of the storage bin.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for handling capsules in a capsule processing equipment. The invention also relates to capsule processing equipment, such as an inspection equipment or a capsule printing equipment that includes such an apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.

Abstract: A solids distributor for injection plants includes a collecting chamber having a plurality of lance lines leading away from the chamber. The chamber has a supply connection for a solid to be distributed and is surrounded by a common wall in which a plurality of ports is formed. The lance lines are connected to the ports, and an annular gap is formed in front of the ports and along the common wall. A pressure vessel is arranged geodetically above the collecting chamber, the lower part of the pressure vessel being designed as a bunker, having an outlet providing a direct and continuous junction to the supply connection and an upper part designed as a gas space. The collecting chamber may include a central displacement body which forms the annular gap with the common wall and which may be an upwardly tapering cone which projects out of the collecting chamber.

Abstract: Output device for a container (6) which includes a bottom and a surrounding wall, having a hub (1) and at least two arms (3) fixed to the hub (1). The invention is characterized in that each arm (3) is designed with at least one outer section designed and arranged to at use being capable of essentially preventing material from being brought towards the wall of the container, and at least one inner section connected to the outer section, designed and arranged to at use being capable of bringing the material essentially in the direction of feed for the device, at which the at least two arms (3) present essentially concave surfaces facing the direction of feed.

Abstract: A bulk material cargo container liner system comprises an inflatable bulk material cargo container liner which has at least one vacuum discharge tube member disposed internally within the bulk material cargo container liner and extending along the longitudinal extent thereof for discharging bulk cargo material outwardly from the bulk material cargo container liner, and at least one inflatable air bag component for conducting the bulk material, disposed within the bulk material cargo container, toward the vacuum discharge tube member.

Abstract: Systems have been invented for canisterizing waste whereby the waste is at least one of retrieved from subject canisters and drained from the canisters, using fluids, hydraulic or related pressure mechanisms. Plunging mechanisms, magnetics and related filtration and filtering systems facilitate ready disposal and create, waste efficiencies of scale.

Abstract: A discharge elbow for a forage harvester. The discharge elbow includes a frame-shaped support assembly and at least one locking element attached to the inside of the support assembly.

Abstract: A cassette insertion control method, wherein when a cassette (1) is sent to the storage part (41) of a garage (8a), the cassette (1) is tilted without positioning the garage (8a) and the cassette (1) to oppose to each other, and sent to the front opening part (40) of the garage (8a) from a tip corner part (45) of the cassette (1), thereby to securely store the cassette (1) in the garage (8a). Thus, even if the accuracy of the stop position of a picker running in a direction parallel with the arranged direction of the garage is not so high, the cassette can be securely stored in the garage.

Abstract: A particulate material conveying apparatus generally consisting of an upper conduit having a material receiving inlet; a first intermediate conduit communicating with the upper conduit and swivable relative to the upper conduit about a first axis; a second intermediate conduit communicating with the first intermediate conduit and swivelable relative to the first intermediate conduit about a second axis parallel to the first axis; a lower conduit having a material discharge outlet, communicating with the second intermediate conduit and swivable relative to the second intermediate conduit about a third axis parallel to the second axis; and a mechanism for translating the angular displacement of the second intermediate conduit relative to the first intermediate conduit about the second axis to angular displacement of the first intermediate conduit relative to the upper conduit about the first axis.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in the treatment of waste and/or organic materials which includes a main body having a treatment chamber therein having a base which when the apparatus is in a harvesting mode is arranged with a space there below. The base includes a plurality of generally parallel spaced apart support elements, the support elements being spaced apart at a distance sufficient to support the material within the chamber during the treatment process and enable extraction of the treated material through the spaces between the support elements during a harvesting process. There is also disclosed a harvesting device comprising a plurality of extraction elements which are adapted to project through the spaces between the support elements to dislodge and extract the treated material through the base. The apparatus and harvesting device is particularly useful for removing worm casting in vermiculture.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling a silo (1) with a fluidizable material. The arrangement includes conveying devices (5, 9) for supplying material to an upper area of the silo and a central material distributor (10). The material distributor includes a tank (29) which has an inlet (28) and one or more distributor pipes (26, 26′) for distributing material to one or more feed units (11, 11′)which convey the material down towards the surface of the material in the silo.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a substrate. The system includes a substrate heating station, a processing station, a conveyor for transporting the heated substrate from the substrate heating station to the processing station and a conveyor heating station. A substrate transfer station is located between the substrate heating station, the conveyor heating station and the processing station for the transfer of the heated substrate to the conveyor in a thermally controlled environment isolated from contaminants. The substrate transfer station includes a housing having an interior chamber, first and second inlets for the separate passage of a substrate and conveyor into the interior chamber, and an outlet for the egress of the substrate and conveyor. The transfer station also includes a heater and a guide assembly for directing the conveyor between the conveyor inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A silo-like container includes an apparatus for discharging material within the container. The container interior bottom member leaves an annular opening with respect to the container walls, through which opening material may fall to be collected. A preferably toothed discharge ring is disposed above the interior bottom member and is rotated by a drive wheel. A retaining element preferably having teeth-like members is mounted adjacent the interior wall of the silo. As the discharge ring is rotated, planetary motion preferably about a silo axis occurs. The retaining element teeth-like members cooperate with the toothed portion of the discharge ring to urge rotational movement of the discharge ring about its own virtual axis. Discharge ring motion urges material within the silo radially outward toward the annular opening. The retaining element is mounted above the discharge ring such that the discharge ring is prevented from rising upward.

Abstract: A cargo flow control system for bulk cargo containers. The system uses an inflatable bag positioned between the floor of the container and the cargo. When the bag is inflated, it slopes downward from the front of the container to the discharge door at the rear of the container. When the slope is greater than the angle at which the bulk cargo naturally flows, the container can be unloaded without using other unloading techniques such as tilting the container. The system can be used with or without a liner. When used with a liner, it can be manufactured as an integral part of the liner, or as a separate unit. The upper surface of the bag is fabricated from one or more rigid panels which may be attached to the inside or outside of the upper surface of the bag. In one embodiment, the rigid panels are separate and operate independently from one another. In a second embodiment, the panels are attached via hinge mechanisms.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism for a silo comprising an entry chamber adapted to be in communication with the silo interior and having a directing member mounted in the entry chamber, for rotary movement about a vertical axis, to direct flowable material in the entry chamber through a discharge passage in a bottom wall of the chamber.

Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the subunits of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.

Abstract: A mud pan apparatus provided for use in combination with a well drilling device. The mud pan apparatus includes a housing having a bottom, opposed sidewalls and opposed end walls. Together, the bottom, sidewalls and end wall of the housing form a reservoir which is adapted to receive a slurry laden with earth deposits produced during the well drilling operation. A plurality of sprockets are rotatably mounted on opposite sidewalls of the housing and a chain that is provided around each set of sprockets. A plurality of space scrapers are secured to the chains so that the scrapers extend between the chains and thus across the bottom of the housing. A motor rotatably drives the pulleys which causes the scrapers to move along the bottom of the housing and up one side of the housing to thereby remove earth deposits from the housing and onto the ground.

Abstract: A method of producing a silage removal channel. The method comprises the steps of disposing an inflatable tube within an empty silo, inflating the tube, filling the silo with feedstuff, deflating the tube and then withdrawing the same from the interior of the silo to create the silage removal channel within the feedstuff. The created channel is disposed from the uppermost surface of the feedstuff to a discharge port disposed in the exterior wall of the silo. When required feedstuff is introduced into the mouth of the channel, it gravitates through the channel to the discharge port where it may be removed from the silo.

Abstract: A self-propelled, sludge cleaning machine including a sludge auger, a sludge pump, crawler tracks and hydraulic motors for propulsion, steering and pumping is assembled at a job-site and inserted into the storage tank through a top access opening. A tether line is connected between the cleaning machine and a control assembly temporarily installed near the access opening to sense tether line length and angle. A sludge discharge hose, hydraulic lines and an electric wire for an ultrasonic sludge-depth sensor on the machine extend outwardly through the access opening. The hose discharges sludge through a filter and into a sludge-collection tank on a first truck. The hydraulic lines are connected to a control valve assembly located on a second truck and controlled by a preprogrammed job-site computer located in the second truck. Length, angle and sludge-depth data from the sensors are fed to the job-site computer which provides a visual display showing cleaning machine position and sludge-depth.

Abstract: Supplemental coin and/or token storage, transportation and dispensing apparatus for coin and/or token operated and handling machines whereby the coin and/or token payout hopper of such machines may be rapidly replenished with coins and/or tokens. The supplemental storage, transportation and dispensing apparatus of the invention includes a coin and/or token elevator having an upwardly and downwardly movable coin and token platform and an elevator controller mechanism which is responsive to a coin and token level sensor within the payout hopper and to coin and token level and elevator platform level sensors in the elevator.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for picking up, transferring and depositing lightweight articles. The apparatus includes a driven rotary member having a pluality of tubular arms extending from circumferentially spaced portions of the member. The ends of these arms pass through a portion of a receptacle in which the articles are stored and suction is set up on these arms at their ends as moved through the receptacle to attract articles thereto. An extracting mechansim is positioned in close proximity to the arc created by the ends of the tubular arms and applies a vacuum, greater than the vacuum applied by said tubular arms, to extract the articles from the tubular arms and transfer the articles to a point of deposit.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing and removing bulk material in a round pile, in which a truss is rotatable about a vertical axis on a substructure. The truss carries a material depositing belt and a bulk material receiver which is pivotable in a vertical direction. A counterweight on the truss balances weight. The substructure is hopper-shaped. The truss is mounted on the substructure by a bearing, and rollers carry the truss which runs on the substructure. The bulk material receiver is in the form of a drag that conveys to a hopper of the substructure. This hopper has a bottom with a conveying medium under which a conveyor belt runs. The bearing has a large diameter annular track that is elevated on posts on the substructure. A rotatable plough located at the bottom of the hopper is the single conveying element on the hopper bottom.

Abstract: A storage bin arrangement especially suited for receiving, storing and discharging, in accordance with a combination of induced vertical flow and impelled retrieving concepts, bulk solid materials, in one embodiment of which essentially the entire bin itself is arranged for responding to a circular conveying type vibratory helical stroke movement generated by a pair of electric motors secured to the opposite sides of the bin in oppositely oriented positions to dispose their respective driving shafts at opposite, typically, 45 degree angulations with respect to the horizontal, and with each such motor shaft driving a pair of eccentrically oriented weights, with the bin having a low profile bottom section equipped with one or more off center located, vertically oriented, vertically rectilinear, discharge chute arrangements and having one or more internally applied baffles, either of inverted cone type or one or more rows or levels of internally applied centerless, radial, sidewall mounted type, in spaced relati

Abstract: Previously belts, drag chains or screw feeders have been used to discharge a bulk material, such as wood pulp and the like, from a storage bin or hopper at the required rate. A problem with such feeders is obtaining uniform withdrawal of material from the full area of the bin, as typically some areas of the bin remain stagnant, and further there may be areas of consolidation and compaction of the bulk material against the walls of the bin. The present invention overcomes these problems by providing a discharge feeder in which an opening of selected width travels back and forth uniformly under the bin outlet. By a system of belts and pulleys, the surface of the feeder in contact with the bulk materials remains stationary with respect to the materials, while the opening itself traverses the length of the bin, allowing a uniform non-consolidating feed of the bulk materials.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading station having a frame from which a bag containing powdery, granular or fibrous material and having a bottom spout, may be suspended; a base plate with an opening; and a mechanism above the base plate for intermittently shaking a bottom portion of the bag to aid the flow of material from the spout. The mechanism has a number of liftable petals actuated pneumatically.

Abstract: The device is operative to discharge the triangular ridge of grain, which remains in the bottom of a cylindrical storage bin after the bulk of the bin contents has been discharged by gravity through a central outlet in the bin floor. The device comprises a vertical, rotatable, driven shaft mounted to extend upwardly from the outlet. A free-floating sweep arm is pivotally attached at its inner end to the base of the shaft, so that said arm can rise or fall in a vertical plane. The sweep arm extends outwardly to the wall of the bin. A plurality of parallel, spaced apart, sationary fins protrude downwardly from the undersurface of the sweep arm. The fins are arranged at a trailing angle of about 45.degree., relative to the longitudinal axis of the sweep arm. The forward end of each fin is located on a radius which is equal to or larger than the radius on which the rear end of the next outer fin is located. Thus grain moved inwardly by the outer fin is contacted by the inner fin.