Abstract: A device for reducing aerosols and removing intraoral fluid, having an aerosol removal port and an aerosol assist body assembly. The aerosol removal port has an aerosol removal port wall, a lip constriction, and an anchor. The aerosol assist body assembly has a body wall, first and second passages, and a back flow union. The device is a suction device to reduce aerosol dispersion, and removing intraoral fluids.

Abstract: The invention features methods and apparatuses for altering a cutting operation during operation of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. A pressurized liquid jet cutting system includes a pressurized fluid jet cutting head having a plurality of components. The cutting head further includes a sensor configured to sense an operating condition. The sensor transmits a value of the operating condition to a computing device, which alters a subsequent cutting operation. Further, the fluid jet cutting head is configured to work with a data storage mechanism and a reader, such that the data storage mechanism in contact with a body of the fluid jet cutting head is configured to communicate information to a reader of the pressurized liquid jet cutting system. The information is usable to determine a condition of replacement (e.g.

Abstract: The recycling unit is the technology for the continuously controlled process of recycling and drying screened abrasive during which the intensity of batching of the abrasive is regulated according to the temperature in the drying oven. The control system continuously measures the current temperature and on the basis of this data it decides on switching the heating elements on or off or turning the batching process on or off; this control is based on the temperature hysteresis and on changing the intensity of batching of abrasive, which is subject to switching the heating elements or turning the batching process on or off.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting system has an abrasive container or pot, preferably with a downwardly conically shaped interior bottom surface. A slurry delivery tube is positioned within the pot, with an open bottom end positioned at an operative distance above the bottom of the pot. The slurry delivery tube runs vertically upward and exits the pot, ultimately running to a hose and nozzle. With an abrasive slurry of solid particulate abrasive media and water inside the pot, air pressure is applied within the pot. When a relatively lower pressure is created in the slurry delivery tube, the resulting pressure differential moves the slurry downward within the pot, then upward through the slurry delivery tube, through the hose and ultimately to the nozzle, where it is directed by an operator onto a workpiece. The system is especially useful when using very fine abrasive material.

Abstract: A method of cleaning and sanitizing surgical tools or surgical instruments and accessories in general, and a device configured to implement the method. The method includes the use of a an abrasive cleaning material, which is emitted under pressure and at high speed to abrade and remove substances that adhere to the surfaces of the instruments and accessories, and the pressure of which can be regulated according to the type of surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: A blasting system, comprising a tank, a center tube, an inlet, a top aperture. Said tank holds a slurry mixture for blasting application. Said inlet receives a pressurized air. Said center tube receives a portion of said pressurized air and selectively receives a portion of said slurry mixture. A portion of said center tube exits said tank at said top aperture. Said tank comprises a top end and a bottom end. Said relief valve regulates fluid capacity in said tank and relives pressure from said tank.

Abstract: A blasting system, comprising a tank, a center tube, an inlet, a top aperture. Said tank holds a slurry mixture for blasting application. Said inlet receives a pressurized air. Said center tube receives a portion of said pressurized air and selectively receives a portion of said slurry mixture. A portion of said center tube exits said tank at said top aperture. Said tank comprises a top end and a bottom end. Said relief valve regulates fluid capacity in said tank and relives pressure from said tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward wet-abrasive blasting systems used for cleaning, preparing surfaces, removing coatings, and other abrasive blasting applications. The wet abrasive basting system has a blast pot that includes a venting system. The venting system may be a self-venting system that allows gases to be vented during charging and prevents gases from accumulating in the blast pot during operation. In wet abrasive blasting systems a slurry is conveyed via a piping system, hoses, etc. to a mixer connected to a source of pressurized gas where slurry and compressed air/gas are combined and directed through the blast hose and blast nozzle.

Abstract: Abrasive-delivery apparatuses for use in abrasive-jet systems and associated apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed. An abrasive-delivery apparatus configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first funnel segment and a second funnel segment downstream from the first funnel segment. The first funnel segment can have a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first interior region extending between the first inlet and the first outlet. Similarly, the second funnel segment can have a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second interior region extending between the second inlet and the second outlet. The first interior region can have a first inward taper toward the first outlet, and the second interior region can have a second inward taper toward the second outlet. The second inward taper can be steeper than the first inward taper when the abrasive-delivery apparatus is vertically oriented.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for automatically determining jet orientation parameters to correct for potential deviations in three dimensional part cutting are provided. Example embodiments provide an Adaptive Vector Control System (AVCS), which automatically determines speeds and orientation parameters of a cutting jet to attempt to insure that a part will be cut within prescribed tolerances where possible. In one embodiment, the AVCS determines the tilt and swivel of a cutting head by mathematical predictive models that examine the cutting front for each of “m” hypothetical layers in a desired part, to better predict whether the part will be within tolerances, and to determine what corrective angles are needed to correct for deviations due to drag, radial deflection, and/or taper.

Abstract: A tool is presented including at least one scraper and a sandblaster configured to mechanically cooperate with the at least one scraper, the sandblaster connected to at least one granular material container for dispensing different granular materials. The tool is a dual-functionality tool. The at least one granular material container includes a plurality of separate and distinct chambers, each chamber including a different granular material.

Abstract: A modular abrasive particle blasting system comprises an abrasive blast assembly including at least one blast vessel for delivering blast particles to an abrasive blasting system. The abrasive blast assembly is mounted within a first skid. An abrasive recycling assembly includes at least one vacuum hopper for receiving grit retrieved from an abrasive blasting process. The abrasive recycling assembly is mounted within a second skid. The first and second skids comprise mounting members at a top section and a bottom section of each of the first and second skids to permit mounting of the first and second skids in alternate stacked arrangements whereby the first skid is selective mounted above and below the second skid. The same skid principal may be used to provide a variety of skids, including blast skid, vacuum skid, recycle skid, storage skid, air dryer skid, dust collector skid and or dehumidification skid.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of gas, the apparatus comprising: a. a pressurized hopper for receiving particulate abrasive material; and b. a pressurized conveyor coupled to the hopper comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving particulate material from the hopper, an outlet for delivery of particulate material from the housing, and a screw located within the housing for transporting particulate material from the inlet to the outlet. Also provided is a method of dispensing particulate abrasive using said apparatus and a pipe cleaning system including said apparatus.

Abstract: An abrasive water jet processing machine for jetting a fluid and performing a cutting includes a fluid supply device, an abrasive supply device, an injection pressure controller, wherein the abrasive supply device includes a reservoir hopper consisting of a pressure vessel for reserving the abrasive, an abrasive supply tube for communicating with the reservoir hopper and the nozzle, and an air purge device for supplying compressed air to the abrasive supply tube and the reservoir hopper; the injection pressure controller performs a two-stage control of controlling injection pressure in a piercing; and the air purge device includes a flow pressure controller for controlling flow pressure of compressed air passing through the abrasive supply tube, wherein the flow pressure controller controls the flow pressure in the piercing to be higher than that in the cutting.

Abstract: A particle blast cleaning apparatus incorporates a pressurized container which is pressurized by the transport gas upon start up through a feeder which does not comprise an airlock. The feeder introduces the blast media into the transport stream. At start up, the transport gas pressurizes the container, flowing upwardly through the feeder until the container is substantially pressurized and the flow substantially ceases. The feeder rotor may be configured to crush or grind the particles.

Abstract: A powder blast tool for mixing a powder with a pressurised gas, having at least one powder reservoir, with supply lines for the pressurised gas, and a discharge line, which is connected to a discharge nozzle, at which a powder-gas mixture and optionally pressurised water are discharged, wherein the powder blast tool can preferably be connected to plural powder reservoirs simultaneously and exchangeably, wherein at least one receiving region with at least one mixture terminal and at least one gas terminal is disposed on the powder blast tool and wherein the powder reservoir has a coupling region for exchangeable connection of the powder reservoir to the powder blast tool. Also disclosed are a suitable powder reservoir and an insert for such powder reservoirs and a corresponding method of dental treatment.

Abstract: The invention provides a dosing device for a particulate material blasting apparatus comprising a dosing chamber having a base, a rotor carrying a plurality of circumferentially formed pockets ratably mountable with the chamber, a particulate product feed conduit adapted to feed particulate product onto a base of the dosing chamber adjacent a receiving side of the dosing chamber and a particulate product delivery conduit formed in the base of the dosing chamber adjacent a delivery side of the dosing chamber. The base of the dosing chamber is disposed with respect to the particulate product feed conduit such that particulate material will not spill over the base into the delivery conduit. The rotor is disposed with respect to the feed conduit such that particulate product fed onto the base of the dosing chamber will be picked up by the pockets formed in the rotor and lifted up and around the chamber from a receiving side of the dosing chamber to a delivery side of the dosing chamber.

Abstract: Blast-cleaning systems are disclosed, which enable a single system to handle different classes of particulate blasting media, such as grit, powder, and dry ice, and to deliver controllable mixtures of different media types during a blasting operation. This “multi-media” system includes a hopper having two chambers or other supply assemblies that are isolated from each other, for holding two different types of blasting media. Both chambers provide their particulates to a metering control device, which supplies a compressor. For example, by combining grit with dry ice, extremely efficient cleaning can be accomplished, with greatly reduced production of solid waste. Tests have shown that combinations of dry ice (at roughly 90%) with a grit or powder can provide far greater cleaning efficiency than either media type by itself.

Abstract: A substantially uninterrupted flow of a pressurised abrasive slurry is maintained by successively charging each of a plurality of vessels V1, V2 with an abrasive material while discharging an abrasive slurry from another of the vessels at a common outlet 2. The vessels connect to the common outlet via respective outlet valves OV1, OV2 which are closed to isolate vessels not discharging slurry. The outlet valves are not opened or closed unless there is substantially no pressure differential across the valve and substantially no flow through the valve. In a preferred arrangement, a high pressure pump 1 feeds a carrier fluid such as water to the vessels via respective inlet valves IV1, IV2. Before an outlet valve is opened or closed, any flow through the outlet valve is stopped and the pressure differential across the valve is equalised so that the outlet valve can be opened or closed without any abrasive flow through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a blasting media, comprised of at least first and second separate types of particles, to a surface to be treated. Each type of particle may comprise a core coated with a desired component, e.g. abrasive, absorptive, polishing, etc., and the components are selected so as to minimize the density variation of different types of media being combined with one another for the surface treatment. The different types of particles are mixed with one another prior to application to a surface to be treated. The mixing may occur in a mixing tank prior to use, in the media supply conduit prior to the nozzle, at the discharge outlet of the nozzle, or just prior to contacting the surface to be treated. By employing different types of particles, cleaning and reuse of the media is facilitated while also minimizing the amount of media consumed per unit area of wall to be treated.

Abstract: A slurry feeding apparatus includes closed slurry bottle, piping, wet nitrogen generator, wet nitrogen supply pipe, suction and spray nozzles, temperature regulator, flow rate control valves, slurry delivery pump and controller for controlling the operation and flow rate of the slurry delivery pump. While a wafer is being polished by a CMP polisher, the controller continuously operates the pump. On the other hand, while the polisher is idling, the controller starts and stops the pump intermittently at regular intervals. No stirrer like a propeller is inserted into the slurry bottle, but the slurry is stirred up by spraying the slurry through the spray nozzle.

Abstract: Blasting device includes a blasting medium supply unit and a blasting gun. An extension is provided on the blasting gun, which extension may include a sufficiently clear portion so that the user of the blasting gun may view the surface which is being blasted.

Abstract: Semiconductor processor systems, systems configured to provide a semiconductor workpiece process fluid, semiconductor workpiece processing methods, methods of preparing semiconductor workpiece process fluid, and methods of delivering semiconductor workpiece process fluid to a semiconductor processor are provided. One aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor processor system including a process chamber adapted to process at least one semiconductor workpiece using a process fluid; a connection coupled with the process chamber and configured to receive the process fluid; a sensor coupled with the connection and configured to output a signal indicative of the process fluid; and a control system coupled with the sensor and configured to control at least one operation of the semiconductor processor system responsive to the signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating, especially cleaning, abrasive clearing or removing of coatings (1), graffiti or other superficial soiling on parts, work pieces or surfaces (3). A blasting means (2) is gravity fed from a holding container (11) to a carrying air stream (5) which is transported inside a hose guiding system constructed with outgoing and incoming lines. The blasting means are fed through said carrying air flow by low pressure, and, in a blasting chamber (25), are blasted against the surface (3) which is to be treated through a blasting lance (22). From the blasting chamber, said blasting means are transported back to the carrying air stream (5) in such a way that the blasting means (2) are circulated. The acceleration of the blasting means is essentially generated by the low pressure applied on the blasting chamber (25) and by increasing the blasting velocity in an acceleration section (L) by reducing the diameter of the outgoing line in the acceleration section (L).

Abstract: A cleaning system 210 having nozzle assembly 10 for a pressured fluid stream entrained with abrasive that includes a pressured fluid receiving portion 15 adapted to accommodate a pressured fluid dispenser 20. An abrasive entrainment chamber 25 is oriented to accept pressured fluid jetted thereacross from the pressured fluid dispenser. The abrasive entrainment chamber is adapted to establish a venturi suction responsive to pressured fluid being jetted thereacross. An access port 30 is provided in fluid communication with the abrasive entrainment chamber for permitting suction of abrasive into the abrasive entrainment chamber for entrainment in a pressured fluid being jetted thereacross. A spray enclosure 35 is positioned at the abrasive entrainment chamber and oriented to receive pressured fluid dispensed from the pressured fluid dispenser at the pressured fluid receiving portion.

Abstract: This invention is related to the cleaning of surfaces using the hydroblasting technique, where the surface to be cleaned is exposed to a cleaning fluid mixture of liquid and abrasives which is ejected under high pressure. More particularly, this invention is related to hydroblasting apparatus and methods for providing abrasive hydroblasting cleaning fluid which do not require the direct pumping of the abrasive component of the mixture thereby greatly increasing the operating life of the high pressure hydroblasting pump. A single reactor technique is disclosed for making, and delivering under pressure, abrasive hydroblasting cleaning fluid made by nucleation of hydrolyzed solution. A multiple tube embodiment of the invention is also disclosed, as well as supplemental nucleation means and means for controlling the temperature of the nucleation process.

Abstract: A dual-hopper system for liquid/abrasive jet material cutting systems wherein a primary hopper provides a reservoir and source for abrasive particles for mixing with high pressure liquid, and wherein a secondary hopper is interposed between the primary hopper and the nozzle for controlling the flow of abrasive particles from the primary hopper to the nozzle. The secondary hopper comprises a vertically disposed elongated vessel with opposed end walls and with an annular divider plate interposed between the end walls. The annular divider plate is provided with an orifice in the form of an elongated tube which projects into the lower vessel chamber. Particulate material is forced through the tube into the lower chamber, and a column of particles is formed which creates a floating air lock between the chambers. Particulate falls by gravity from the lower chamber and into the cutting head.

Abstract: A system for supplying a slurry of a liquid containing suspended particles to a semiconductor processing machine, where the slurry is used in processing semiconductor wafers, is disclosed. The system includes a supply of slurry and a delivery subsystem operatively associated with the supply of slurry, the delivery subsystem being configured to deliver slurry to the semiconductor processing machine. The supply typically is configured to provide slurry from a location remote from the semiconductor processing machine to a location proximate the semiconductor processing machine, where the slurry at the location proximate the semiconductor processing machine is unpressurized. The delivery subsystem typically is configured to agitate slurry in the basin by flowing the slurry through the basin, thereby inhibiting the settling of suspended particles in the slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of a blasting media into a high velocity, high pressure fluid stream. In one embodiment of the present invention a dual chambered pressure vessel has a pair of auxiliary actuated pop-up valves that are cycled at a high rate to provide continuous delivery of the blasting media to the work surface. The pressure vessel having a blasting media flow control valve coupled with the pressure vessel for controlling the flow of blasting media into the vessel.

Abstract: A blast surface treating machine utilizes a control cage featuring an inlet and an outlet that is positioned with its outlet within the central space of the machine blast wheel. A hopper supplies particulate material to the control cage inlet. A rotating screw conveyor transports the particulate material through the control cage. The screw conveyor also forces the particulate material out of the control cage outlet where it is picked up by the rotating blast wheel. The control cage is oscillated about the axis of the blast wheel to provide a widened blast pattern upon the surface being treated. The blast wheel, blast wheel housing, control cage and screw conveyor are constructed of manganese or hardened steel to provide the an anti-shattering construction in the event that a bolt or other foreign object falls into the hopper.

Abstract: A grit tank (1), the inside of which is partitioned into an upper chamber (2), intermediate chamber and lower chamber (5), the intermediate chamber being partitioned into a left intermediate chamber (3) and a right intermediate chamber (4), is connected to a transport pipe (16) via a discharge port (9) of the lower chamber (5). The intermediate chambers (3, 4) are respectively communicated with the upper chamber (2) and the lower chamber (5) via a left upper communicating port (6) and a right upper communicating port (10) and also via a left lower communicating port (8) and a right lower communicating port (12). The communicating ports are respectively provided with a left filling valve (7), right filling valve (11) and changeover type feed valve (13).

Abstract: A dosage device for feeding grained, pourable materials, particularly abrasive blasting materials. Feeding is accomplished by use of a dosage auger that employs a screw mechanism that either decreases or increases relative to the distance between the incline of the spiral wings. The device also includes an adjustable drive, a flow measuring device to monitor and control flow rates and a mixing chamber to assure full mixing of abrasive material in a compressed air stream.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus has two more pressure tanks (1)(11), and a switching member (20) for selecting one pressure tank from which particles are to be fed to the ejection portion from the at least two pressure tanks, which enables to carry out a continuous blasting operation. The blasting apparatus has a particle supply valve (200) which uses a sliding member (207) and a piston (208) instead of a rubber partition wall, thereby preventing particles and compressed air from being leaked. Further, in a particle separator (300) provided in the blasting apparatus, there is provided a separator container into which reusable particle and particle dust obtained after a blasting operation are blown and then diffused by a diffusion member (310), thereby enabling to separate particle dust and reusable particles with a high separation accuracy.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus has two more pressure tanks (1)(11), and a switching member (20) for selecting one pressure tank from which particles are to be fed to the ejection portion from the at least two pressure tanks, which enables to carry out a continuous blasting operation. The blasting apparatus has a particle supply valve (200) which uses a sliding member (207) and a piston (208) instead of a rubber partition wall, thereby preventing particles and compressed air from being leaked. Further, in a particle separator (300) provided in the blasting apparatus, there is provided a separator container into which reusable particle and particle dust obtained after a blasting operation are blown and then diffused by a diffusion member (310), thereby enabling to separate particle dust and reusable particles with a high separation accuracy.

Abstract: A method of using a recyclable abrasive blasting system for blasting abrasive against a surface to be cleaned and for recovering such abrasive, comprising a storage hopper for containing abrasive, blast pots which receive abrasive and deliver it to a blasting hose, an autodump tank including an inlet for receiving particles resulting from blasting, such particles comprising trash, debris, dust and abrasive, a screen for separating trash and debris from the particles, an airwash for separating dust from said particles, and values for metering the amount of particles traveling there-through, a classifier includes a first auger and a plurality of augers formed by screens having spiral members thereon, the plurality of augers surrounding the first auger and in rotating cooperation therewith, whereby the screens classify debris from abrasive such that it may be routed outside of the classifier, whereby an airwash takes place and wherein any remaining particles travel to a particle separator having accumulating pla

Abstract: An improved system for generating an abrasive fluid jet is shown and described. In a preferred embodiment, abrasive is fed from a bulk hopper into an air isolator having a baffle that limits the flow of air and abrasive through the air isolator, thereby venting air from the abrasive. An on/off device having a rod coupled to a stopper is provided within the air isolator, the rod being selectively raised and lowered in a vertical direction. A discharge orifice is provided in a bottom surface of the air isolator, the stopper covering the discharge orifice when the rod is in a lowered position, thereby preventing the discharge of abrasive from the air isolator.A metering disk is provided adjacent the discharge orifice, an orifice in the metering disk being aligned with the discharge orifice, such that abrasive exiting the air isolator flows through the metering disk.

Abstract: In an apparatus for cleaning a workpiece with abrasive CO.sub.2 particles, a CO.sub.2 nozzle receives and expels liquid CO.sub.2 through at least one orifice sized for at least partially converting the liquid into CO.sub.2 particles. The CO.sub.2 particles are injected into a converging-diverging nozzle at a location adjacent to the throat section thereof. Pressurized air is directed into the converging section of the nozzle upstream from the throat section. The pressurized air accelerates the CO.sub.2 particles which are focused by the diverging section of the nozzle for impacting the pressure-sensitive surface of the workpiece to be cleaned.

Abstract: Blast cleaning with at least two types of abrasives employing a blasting apparatus having at least a first and a second closed blasting pot connected to a conveying line and the conveying line and each blasting pot are connected to a source of compressed gas by a differential pressure metering system. The differential pressure metering system provides a differential pressure between each blasting pot and the conveying line enabling blasting media in each pot to pass from each pot through a variable size orifice to the conveying line. Each blasting pot can be operated independently of each other enabling varying proportions of different types of blast media to be released in the conveying line and blasted from a nozzle to clean a solid surface.

Abstract: An abrasive blasting apparatus is provided which comprises a blast nozzle arranged in a blast chamber for blasting, toward a workpiece, two different kinds of abrasive particles separately supplied from a first abrasive container and a second abrasive container. The abrasive particles falling to the bottom of the blast chamber are collected by an abrasive collector, and the collected abrasive particles are separated by an abrasive separating system into those of the first abrasive material and those of the second abrasive material. The two different portions of the abrasive particles are returned separately to the first and second abrasive containers through feedback conduits.

Abstract: A novel supply pot for holding a particulate abrasive is provided which greatly reduces the amount of moisture which is contained therein during pressurization. The supply pot includes a compressed air piping which directs compressed air from a source of compressed air to an inlet piping to the supply pot and to a downstream inlet to a blast hose, the compressed air piping comprising a moisture diverter which directs the compressed air from the piping to the blast hose initially bypassing the inlet to the supply pot, the diverter allowing backflow of compressed air from the outlet thereof to the inlet to the supply pot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to process and apparatus for automatically engraving stone memorial markers comprised of granite or marble. The markers have their polished facing surfaces covered with a cut-out blast-resistant stencil having prescribed lettering, numerals, decorative patterns and the like. The markers are conveyed through a sand blast chamber at a uniform rate and plural direct-air-feed nozzles are moved uniformly transversely thereover to effect precisely uniform engraving of the facing surfaces. The engraving is more precisely defined to a prescribed uniform depth with finer detail than heretofore possible by manual or other automated single-nozzle methods. The plural nozzles are essentially continuously fed with pressurized air and blast cutting media to obtain faster and more accurate engraving.

Abstract: An abrasive/water jet cutting apparatus has a frame, a carriage movably supported for movement over a work table on the frame, and a water jet cutting head on the carriage. A main storage container for abrasive is provided and an intermediate storage container for abrasive is supported on the carriage. A connecting arm has a pivotal connection at its one end to the frame and a pivotal connection at its other end to the carriage. The arm also has a pivotal connection intermediate its length so that it pivots about the pivotal connections during movement of the carriage. A suction line from the main storage container extends along the connecting arm to the intermediate storage container to supply abrasive thereto, and a high pressure line extending from a high pressure fluid source extends along the connecting arm to the cutting head. The high pressure line is resiliently deflectable at the pivotal connections about which it extends, and the vacuum line is resiliently deflectable.

Abstract: A blast cleaning machine which gravity feeds abrasive material when blasting at positions from angularly upward to angularly downward. The machine includes a housing, a blast assembly, a motor for rotatably driving the blast assembly and a hopper. The housing has a blast corridor, a return corridor and a blast opening communicating with the blast corridor and the return corridor. The blast assembly receives abrasive material from the hopper and propels the abrasive material through the blast corridor and blast opening against the surface to be blast cleaned. The hopper has straight walls which are substantially parallel with the blast opening for gravity feeding abrasive material straight into the blast assembly. The walls of the hopper provide effective gravity feeding of abrasive material to the blast assembly when the machine is blasting anywhere between a 45-degree angle upward and a 45-degree downward.

Abstract: A blasting apparatus, for removing coatings and contaminants on a surface by feeding a controlled volume of an abrasive medium into a compressed air stream, includes a vessel for holding the abrasive medium and an aerated-type feed valve assembly, operatively connected to the vessel, for controlling and metering an effective amount of abrasive medium into the compressed air stream, the feed valve assembly having a shaft tube having an inside diameter of at least 11/4 inches. The blasting apparatus also includes air stream hoses or manifold pipes for conveying the compressed air stream to the feed valve assembly from a source of compressed air. In addition, a blast hose is included for blasting the abrasive medium in the compressed air stream at the surface from which the coatings or contaminants are to be removed.

Abstract: A media supply pot for holding an amount of a particulate abrasive includes a vertically disposed valve tube communicating with a source of compressed air and a slidable pop-up valve therein which seals off the media inlet of the supply pot when compressed air is passed through the valve tube. To prevent moisture from entering the supply pot, the valve tube includes an insert in the form of a downwardly sloping cone, the base of which contacts the sidewalls of the valve tube to prevent moisture from passing upwardly along the sidewall of the valve tube and into the supply pot, the insert including a centrally disposed narrow passage which allows the compressed air to flow through the valve tube and out into the supply pot. The narrow passage slows down the supply of compressed air to the pot, and prevents the rapid cooling of the expanding gas and consequent precipitation of entrapped moisture onto the media.