Abstract: An electrical wire pulling device is for pulling wire through a conduit and includes a T-shaped hollow body including a side inlet transversely intersecting a path between a top inlet and a bottom outlet, and a constrictor adjacent the side inlet. A pulling line source, including a supply of pulling line, is positioned adjacent the top inlet and configured to supply the pulling line into the top inlet and out the bottom outlet. A constrictor has a tapered section tapering towards the bottom inlet. The bottom outlet is positioned adjacent the first end of the conduit. The side inlet is coupled to a fluid source to supply a fluid into the hollow body to be pushed downward towards the bottom outlet and create a pressure differential that draws the pulling line towards the bottom outlet and into the conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a Venturi nozzle arrangement for powder conveying injectors and corresponding powder conveying injectors. The Venturi nozzle arrangement has a first region, which serves as a drive nozzle, and a second region, which serves as a collecting nozzle, wherein the second region has a channel that serves as a stream collecting channel with a longitudinal axis, and wherein the first region has a nozzle opening which lies axially opposite the stream collecting channel, the first and second regions of the nozzle arrangement being inseparably connected to one another as a combined component.

Abstract: A flotation conveyance apparatus according to an embodiment is for conveying a substrate while floating the substrate by ejecting a gas to a lower surface of the substrate. The flotation conveyance apparatus includes a plurality of ejecting ports configured to eject the gas to the substrate, a downstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the plurality of ejecting ports, a upstream flow-path configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path, and a gas supply port configured to supply the gas to the downstream flow-path. A cross-sectional area of the upstream flow-path is configured to be larger than a cross-sectional area of the downstream flow-path.

Abstract: Powder flow conveying from a powder feeder to a process (i.e. thermal spray gun) can have instabilities that can be detected and diagnosed using a hose back pressure. Incorporating a pressure transducer in a powder hose line at a connection of the powder hose line and the feeder allows the back pressure to be measured in real time at a high sample rate to detect instability and aid in diagnosing a cause of the instability. Diagnosis includes identifying periodic oscillations in the powder hose line such as acoustics as well as detecting hose clogging and hose rupture conditions. Once detected, proper corrective actions can be recommended to correct the cause of the instability.

Abstract: An aspirator is provided that includes a nozzle that aspirates secondary air; a main body that forms a scroll-shaped airflow path on the outer circumference of the nozzle; a primary-air inflow path that tangentially communicates with the airflow path; and a diffuser that is connected to an open end of the main body and has a throat portion at which a tip portion of the nozzle is disposed. An inner wall of the primary-air inflow path, which communicates with the scroll-shaped airflow path, is offset outward from the center of the nozzle, and primary air introduced from the primary-air inflow path flows into the scroll-shaped airflow path from one direction.

Abstract: A system to fluidize and convey finely divided particulate matter comprises a container with a top and bottom portion separated by a pan with apertures there through and a hatch to receive a volume of particulate matter into the container to be supported on the pan. The pan is funnel-shaped and has a discharge port at the lowermost portion of the pan. A bridging conveyor tube receives fluidized flow of the particulate matter from the discharge port and conveys the matter to a riser conveyor tube, which elevates the fluidized flow to a receiving bin remove from the container. The bridging conveyor tube and the riser conveyor tube receive gas streams provided through apertures from a bridging gas passage and a riser gas passage, respectively, to sustain fluidized flow from the discharge port of the pan to the receiving bin to minimize the air required to convey the matter.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A fixed length fabric frame includes a perforated plate configured and adapted to support the weight of a solid particle material being transported. It also has a fabric sheet mounted to the perforated plate. The fabric sheet is configured and adapted to evenly distribute pressurized air within the conveyor. A backing flange is mounted to the fabric sheet. The backing flange is configured and adapted to contain the fabric sheet. Fixed length fabric frames can be used in a particle conveyance system to separate a pressurized plenum from a conveyance volume. Traditional particle conveyance systems can be retrofitted to utilize fixed length fabric frames.

Abstract: The present application provides a back mixing device for use with a pneumatically conveyed flow of solids having a varying flow rate. The back mixing device may include a nozzle, a chamber in communication with the nozzle, and an exit. The chamber may include an expanded area leading to a restriction such that the chamber creates a recirculation pattern in the flow of solids so as to smooth the varying flow rate though the back mixing device.

Abstract: An elbow for a solid particle conveyance system includes an elbow body having an inlet duct and an outlet duct with an interior space defined between the inlet and outlet ducts. An aeration insert is mounted to the elbow body for aerating solid particles passing through the interior space of the elbow body. The aeration insert is mounted to the elbow body to provide aeration from an elevation between that of the inlet duct and the outlet duct to facilitate downward movement of solid particles from the inlet duct across the aeration insert, and out through the outlet duct.

Abstract: A plant for transport of granular material comprising container for granular material to be transported, receiver-meter group designed to receive granular material from container, conveyance duct of granular material from container to receiver-meter group, depressurization-pressurization means arranged to suction/inject a gaseous medium from/into container, and vacuum duct between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, thereby creating a flow of granular material and gaseous medium in at least one conveyance duct or line directed to receiver-meter group and a flow of gaseous medium between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, the plant comprising detection means of parameters of flow located in vacuum duct or line, adjusting means of the power of depressurization/pressurization means and electronic control means designed to receive in input control signals from speed detection means and to emit control signals in output for driving adjusting means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conveying granular and powered bulk materials is provided. The apparatus can include a trailer having a trailer bed that can tilt or rotate from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position. The apparatus can further include a container that can be placed on the trailer bed for transport. The container can include a gate at one end to allow bulk material contained therein to exit the container when the gate is opened and the trailer bed is tilted or rotated to the inclined position. The apparatus can further include a pneumatic conveyor having a feed hopper to receive bulk material and to move the bulk material into a fluidizing chamber wherein pressurized air or gas flowing through the chamber conveys the bulk material.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor which includes a tubular channel (1) defining in its lower part a guidance and propulsion track (2) to transport products. The tubular channel (1) is equipped at regular intervals with a member, which provides guidance and support (6). The pressurized air conduits (4), the electrical wiring (5), and a plurality of covers can be click-locked onto the guidance and support member, which covers the corresponding edges of the tubular channel.

Abstract: An air guide includes a slide member and a guide track. The guide track defines a guide hole slidably receiving the slide member. The guide track defines an air intake in an outer surface, a plurality of air outlets in an inner surface opposite to the sliding member, and a plurality of guide holes therein. The guide holes communicates the air intake with the air outlets. The guide track further defines a plurality of guide grooves in the inner surface, communicating with the air outlets.

Abstract: A pneumatic fuel distributor for solid fuel boilers is described incorporating in various embodiments one or more of the following features: a converging nozzle section, a converging adjustable orifice section and an integral trajectory plate. The nozzle, orifice and trajectory plate are preferably all interconnected and rotate together about a common axis. The orifice damper is, in one embodiment, a rotating convergent section and independently adjustable. The unit preferably incorporates a viewing glass and access port and the rotating components are preferably removable for maintenance. The unit is preferably reversible for left or right hand installation and the trajectory plate is easily replaceable.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for fluidizing particulates in a fluid/particulate mixture. A nozzle can include a gas entry segment, a gas exit segment, and an access segment. The gas exit segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment, and a longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment can be oriented at an angle of between about 70° and about 110° with respect to a longitudinal axis of the gas entry segment. The access segment can be coupled to the gas entry segment and the gas exit segment, and a longitudinal axis of the access segment can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the gas exit segment.

Abstract: A fluid spray nozzle for spraying fluid, satisfying a formula (r?r0)?L tan 35°, wherein r0 is a radius of a section having a minimum area of the nozzle when cut perpendicular to a spray direction of the fluid; and r is a radius of cross-sections of an upstream side and a downstream side of the spray direction from the section having a minimum area with a distance of L.

Abstract: A wafer floats and is transported while gas is blown from holes passing vertically through a middle portion of a transport path against a rear face of the wafer to be transported, and from holes on opposite sides of the transport path that are inclined obliquely relative to a traveling direction of the wafer toward a center axis of the transport path against the rear face of the wafer. In the step of transporting the wafer, a flow rate of gas is adjusted that is blown from the holes on a side where the wafer deviates from a transport course.

Abstract: Described is a process for conveying a powdered material from a storage bin to a delivery destination. The process utilizes an air permeation system within a hopper to facilitate the flow of material. Intermittent blasts of high pressure air are used to clean the air permeation nozzles. After the material flows from the hopper, a screw feeder with a variable speed motor is utilized for processing the material. The powdered material is then guided to a flow measurement instrument which measures the flow of the material through the process. The variable speed motor is responsive to the measurements made by the flow measurement instrument. The material is then transferred into a powdered material feeder where it is pulled through the feeder with gravity and negative pressure. The powdered material feeder then moves the material into a rotary airlock where it is deposited into a pneumatic convey airline.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles is disclosed. In the illustrated and described embodiment of the invention, the articles are fruit such as apples, and the articles can be transported from a picking location on a fruit tree to a collection bin or other site. The device includes a tube member adapted to receive and transport the articles, and a plurality of deformable baffles at spaced-apart locations within the tube. Each baffle defines an aperture which permits the article to engage and deform the baffle and aperture so as to create at least a partial momentary seal to encourage article movement through the aperture and down the tube. The article is urged through the tube by a pressure differential created across the article. In the described and illustrated embodiment of the invention, this pressure differential is a pneumatic pressure differential. The tube and the baffle apertures can have non-circular cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic conveyor essentially comprising a tubular channel (1), the lower part of which defines a rail for guiding and propelling (2) the products to be transported. The inventive conveyor is characterised; in that the tubular channel (1) is equipped at regular intervals with means for guiding and supporting (6) pressurised air conduits (4) and electrical wiring (5), and by covers (7) which can be click-locked onto the guide and support means (6) and which cover the corresponding edges of the tubular channel (1), with a clearance (8) being provided between said edges and the sides of the cover. The invention is particularly suitable for use in the field involving the transport of loads using pneumatic conveyers.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to a spiked axisymmetric nozzle for use in particle reduction processes where the spiked axisymmetric nozzle contains a nozzle plug thereby forming a fluid compression orifice for accelerating a grinding fluid used in reducing the particle size of particulate matter.

Abstract: A pellet loader according to the present invention is provided with an ejector portion 1. A gas supply pipe 2 is connected to an injection nozzle 11 of the ejector portion 1 for supplying compressed gas from a compressed gas source 8. An insert pipe 4 is connected to a suction inlet 12 of the ejector portion 1. Pellets are sucked from the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 into the ejector portion 1. A gas pipe 5 is arranged along the insert pipe 4 and one end of the gas pipe 5 has an opening 50 positioned at the vicinity of the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 and faced to the suction inlet 40 of the insert pipe 4 for injecting the compressed gas into the insert pipe 4. A transport pipe 3 is connected to an outlet portion 14 of the ejector portion 1.

Abstract: An improved brine maker includes a hopper having open upper and lower ends, a solids screen, and a receiving tank having an open upper end and closed lower end. The solids screen and receiving tank are pivotally secured to the hopper adjacent its lower end. The receiving tank and solids screen pivot freely and independently of the hopper to provide quick and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Rotatable spray bars are positioned within the hopper to direct the dissolving fluid at the soluble material within the hopper. Spray holes having varying diameters and spaced relation to one another customize the fluid spray pattern for greater efficiency. A hydraulic assembly assists the operator throughout the cleaning and maintenance operations of the brine maker to reduce the time and manpower required.

Abstract: Process and device for the transport of granular solids with a controlled flow rate, in particular for the transport of catalyst in a hydrocarbon reforming unit. The device comprises a gravity-feed pipe (A) for solid particles in the dense phase, a pneumatic transport pipe (C) in the dilute phase, and an inclined transfer pipe (B) that connects, without a buffer space, the base of the feed pipe to the pneumatic transport pipe, whereby this transfer pipe comprises means (17, 18, 35) for injection of a secondary gas located at the junction between the feed pipe and the transfer pipe.

Abstract: An ejector is configured to generate a high negative pressure capable of sucking and conveying fine metal pieces or chips, such as machinings or cuttings, for example, when using the ejector as a driving source for a fluid conveyor. The ejector includes a convergent-divergent nozzle having a throat formed between a suction port and a discharge port. Jet blowing holes are formed in the convergent-divergent nozzle to direct a jet stream from upstream of the throat to downstream of the throat, thereby forming a negative pressure. Pressure control holes open to the downstream of the jet blowing holes and are configured to communicate with a pressure space at a pressure level higher than a negative pressure formed by the jet stream and lower than a static pressure of the jet stream and the inside of the convergent-divergent nozzle.

Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniforms and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.

Abstract: A loading apparatus includes a loading tube with an input end and an output end, the input end positioned between three and six feet above a surface, the output end positioned between six and twenty feet above the surface. The surface is sufficiently strong to support a concrete mixer. The loading tube further comprises at least one nozzle positioned at the loading tube between the input end and the output end, the nozzle disposed so that air passing through the nozzle into the loading tube flows toward the output end. A valve is connected with the at least one nozzle, disposed to permit and deny air flow through the valve to the at least one nozzle. To use the apparatus, the loading tube and a concrete mixer are positioned so that the fill opening of the mixer is below the output end. Air is caused to flow through the at least one nozzle. A predetermined number of water-soluble bags of material are counted, and the bags are placed, one by one, into the input end of the tube.

Abstract: A continuous supply of scrap material from a papermaking or converting process is transferred by a venturi inducer system including a housing surrounding a tubular intake duct which defines with the housing an annular air chamber connected to receive pressurized air from a motor driven blower. The housing has a tapered or frusto-conical portion connected to a tapered material outlet duct and which cooperates with the inner end of the intake duct to define an annular nozzle opening. Long adjustable bolts connect the intake duct to the housing outboard of the housing and provide for externally adjusting the intake duct axially for precisely selecting the area of the nozzle opening to optimize the air flow through the nozzle opening for pulling and transferring the material while minimizing the electrical power required to operate the blower motor.

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 process of continuously conveying granular solids from a first zone with a pressure of 4 to 16 bar through a descending line and via an ascending line to a second zone with a pressure which is lower than in the first zone by 3 to 15 bar, by means of a gaseous medium. To ensure that the pressure between two regions can be reduced at low cost and with little maintenance effort when continuously conveying granular solids, a gaseous medium is injected into a tube through an upwardly directed nozzle at the point where the granular solids are conveyed through a descending line into an ascending line.

Abstract: A transport system for a spherical object. The transport system has a supply of a first fluid and a passageway for communication of a spherical object in a path between an inlet and an outlet. At least part of the passageway is bounded by a first tube having a first annular wall with at least one opening through the first annular wall. The first tube guides flow of a spherical object in the first fluid from the inlet towards the outlet. The transport system further includes a source of vacuum in communication with the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The source of vacuum produces a low pressure region which causes the first fluid in the passageway to be drawn from the passageway through the at least one opening through the first annular wall. The transport system further includes a supply of a second fluid which is in communication with a spherical object moving between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A device for transferring pulverulent material, for example, powdery material, including an enclosure (3) wherein the pulverulent material to be transferred is stirred and pressurized; a first pipe (8) and a second pipe (9) which transport the material towards its destination; and a gas intake (14, 15) for introducing gas to the second pipe (9). In one aspect of the invention, pipe (8) forms a nozzle (12), oriented in the direction of the material flow and directed toward second pipe (9). The gas intake (14, 15) may emerge at the lower end of the first pipe (8), outside the nozzle (12), wherein the gas is introduced into the second pipe (9) through a plurality of through orifices (20) oriented substantially parallel to the flow direction of the pulverulent material.

Abstract: A venturi incorporated in a pneumatic tube conveying system for flexible textile fabrics such as uniform and table linens handled in commercial laundries. The venturi includes an angled pipe which joins the main piping system at an acute angle and which receives air from a blower. An inside pipe is installed within the main piping to create a restriction at the connection of the venturi with the main piping. The restriction and angled connection of the venturi pipe creates a low pressure area which draws fabric articles through the piping and discharges them directly into receptacles such as sling carts. A screened vent in the piping downstream from the venturi allows the escape of air to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the pneumatic conveying system. The exposure of the vent can be adjusted by a sleeve that slides back and forth on the conveyor tube at the location of the vent.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a component that can carry out processes such as visual inspection, characteristic measurement, screening, and taping efficiently while transporting the electronic component at high speed. In order to transport the electronic components to the index table where the processes such as characteristic measurement, screening, and taping is carried out, a component transporting device is used in which the electronic component delivered from the component delivery section 10 is transported to the component intake port 23 based on negative pressure, transported with the airflow through the transportation path 25, and discharged from the part discharging port 24. The transporting device includes a gas discharging port 33 in the vicinity of the component discharging port, which serves to decrease the transport speed of the electronic component before transporting it to the index table.

Abstract: Powder-coating equipment comprises two throttles (6, 16) each mounted in one of a conveyance-air line (8) and a supplemental-air line (18). The throttles' flow impedance’ are adjustable in a motorized manner by providing throttle with its own adjustment motor (4, 14). The adjustment motors, such as electric stepping motors and/or servo-motors are driven by an electronic control unit (2).

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: A gas conveying system capable of conveying a solids material without pushing or compressing the solids material. The system comprising: at least one conduit assembly comprising a conduit, a lance assembly disposed about a first end of the conduit which is capable of removing the solids material from a holding device, and a first eductor which is capable of entraining the solids material in a gas stream and moving the solids material through the conduit; a cyclone disposed about a second end of the conduit, the cyclone being capable of separating the solids material from the gas stream; and a second eductor disposed to receive the solids material from the cyclone, the second eductor being capable of entraining the solids material in a second gas stream which has a solid-material-to-gas mass ratio which is greater than that of the first eductor. The second stage eductor transports the particles further downstream for storage, additional transport or for further treatment, such as burning in an incinerator.

Abstract: A system for applying particulate materials comprising a supply source of pressurized gas, a chamber with first and second opposed side walls, at least one pressurized gas entrance conduit for transporting pressurized gas to the chamber, at least one material hopper for depositing particulate material into the chamber, and at least one pressurized gas exit conduit for transporting particulate material away from the chamber. The wand is flexible and is manually controlled so that the user can control the exact direction in which the particulate material is to be focused. The wand includes a switch which sends a signal to a signal-actuated valve which is coupled to the entrance conduit. Upon receiving the appropriate signal, the signal-actuated valve adjusts so as to alter the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conveying system (1) for rigidly interconnected parts (2), particularly on a machine tool for the further processing of semi-product parts, comprising a conveying duct (3) with at least one compressed air supply line (4a-4c) with an air flow component in the conveying direction.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: A plenum for a pneumatic conveyor of the type used for the movement of bottles and the like. The plenum comprises a central housing for receiving pressurized air, a cross block positioned within the central housing and generally spanning across its width, at least two bottle neck supports permitting bottles to be suspended from the plenum, and an air diverter to divert pressurized air from the interior of the central housing to the bottle neck supports to drive bottles along the length of the plenum. The cross block fixes the vertical positioning of the bottle neck supports to maintain the bottle neck supports in a parallel and co-planer configuration thereby helping to maintain the vertical alignment of bottles and the like suspended from the plenum and facilitating in their movement along the length of the plenum.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for transporting a colloidal like mixture of mineral material and water from a mining site to a processing facility comprising at least one automated water gun discharging continuous high velocity stream of water into a mineral stockpile and slurry pit in a predetermined undulating pattern to facilitate the mixing and movement of the mineral material and water into a hydraulic pump inlet disposed behind a crushing grid within the slurry pit wherein the automated water gun is moveably mounted on a portable sled and in operative communication with a water supply conduit having a barrel selectively moveable through a predetermined range of vertical and horizontal motion by a vertical positioning device and a horizontal positioning device respectively.

Abstract: A desiccant feeder system comprising, a reservoir for desiccant canisters, means for delivering the canisters through a transfer tube to at a loading station, means for presenting the open end of containers one at a time at the loading station, means for circulating air at high velocity through the tubing including an adjustable internal ring-shaped nozzle to deliver desiccant canisters from the reservoir to the loading station, and a shuttle selectively actuatable to discharge at least one desiccant cannister to the containers at the loading station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for spraying powder into the interior of welded hollow can bodies from a spray gun mounted to the welding arm of a can forming machine. The spray gun can either apply a stripe of highly charged powder on the welded seam areas of hollow can bodies, or can simultaneously apply a coating of powder having a first thickness on the longitudinally welded seam areas and a second thickness less than the first thickness on the remainder of the interior surface. Air is vented off from the powder flow being transported through the welding arm so that the powder to air ratio is increased. Air is introduced at the downstream end of the welding arm to provide a suction force to help draw the powder flow through the welding arm and to increase the velocity of the powder flow for better tribo charging of the powder in the gun and to improve spray pattern stability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring a particulate material in a non-contact manner. The apparatus has a driving device including a nozzle curved surface portion fitted to the transfer pipe to join with the inner wall surface of the pipe. The nozzle curved surface portion has a curved surface whose diameter continuously increases from the inner wall surface. The driving device further includes an annular gap-forming member that forms a nozzle gap between it and the nozzle curved surface portion. A fluid is caused to flow into the transfer pipe from the driving device, thereby forming a buffer layer of a spiral flow in the vicinity of the inner wall surface of the transfer pipe and thus keeping the particulate material in a non-contact state.

Abstract: A miniaturized, inexpensive instrument for measuring the mass flow rate of powder, which is capable of directly outputting the mass flow rate of powder and whose characteristics are not influenced by the kind and physical properties of the powder. The instrument can be easily manufactured, installed, operated, maintained, and color change can be easily done. A constant powder feeder, which is constructed based on this instrument and an electrostatic powder coating system utilizing this feeder has a high performance and a high operational efficiency. A measuring gas with a regulated flow rate is turned into a thin-layer of high-speed gas jets by a dispersion means, thereby powder is cross-dispersed and introduced into a measuring tube, the pressure difference generated therein is measured, and a feeding means is subject to feedback control so that the output of the pressure difference coincides with a set value.

Abstract: A dilute phase pneumatic materials conveyance apparatus is disclosed having a pneumatic accelerator which is capable of conveying materials through a gas stream which is selectively patterned. The conveyance apparatus also includes a source-gas manifold and control apparatus which enable selective control of the apparatus on a real time basis to achieve desired gas pattern flows through the apparatus to achieve selected particle dispersion, isolation, stratification, electrification, classification and entrainment of material and to convey it through a processing conduit. The configuration of the conveyance apparatus also enables further processing, including drying, sorting, pulverization and classification of the materials. The conveyance apparatus also enables classification of materials based on the aerodynamic diameter of the particles being conveyed because of the ability to achieve particle isolation.