US3776599A - Self-purging, pneumatic conveying apparatus including fluid flow pumps on scales, with agitator, vacuum filled, with material dryer, and of varied means of sequential value operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure, for classification, is to a pressure vessel with fill valve admitting thereinto material to drop onto a perforate diaphragm, thereafter to be transferred, the gas plenum below the diaphragm having activating gas, as compressed air, controlled to communicate therewith. When a batch of material has been drawn in, the fill valve is automatically closed, the activating gas inlet valve is opened to admit activating gas, as compressed air, to pass upwardly through diaphragm and activate the material to a highly flowable state. A discharge valve is then opened to let the pressurized material flow out through a discharge line to point of transfer. As the pressure in material plenum drops, the discharge valve is closed, the activating gas valve is closed, and a purge valve in a by-pass line, around the discharge valve, is opened, and residual pressure purges the residual material as this pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, for a succeeding cycle to begin. The disclosure is to pressure vessels where the material drops onto the diaphragm via gravity when the fill valve opens, such vessels also being shown equipped to close fill valve responsive to at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry; also variations of circuitry are shown whereby various steps may be controlled by at least one of pressure, time, level probe position, weight and limit switch position.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Reuter *Dec. 4, 1973 Inventor: Brian R. Reuter, Houston, Tex.

Assignee: Consolidated Engineering Company,

Houston, Tex.

Notice: The portion of the term of this patent subsequent to Nov. 28, 1984,

has been disclaimed.

Filed: Dec. 16, 1970 Appl. No.: 98,567

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. Nos. 518,533, Jan. 3, 1966, Pat. No. 3,355,221, and Ser. No. 686,018, Nov. 28, 1967, abandoned, and Ser. No. 822,126, May 6, 1969.

US. Cl. 302/3, 302/53, 222/195 Int. Cl. 865g 53/00 Field of Search 302/3, 52, 53,56;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/ 1934 Montgomery 222/58 8/1945 Lindholm..... 6/1953 Carter 2/1954 Baresch 5/1967 Primary Examiner'Evon C. Blunk Assistant Examiner-H. S. Lane Att0rneyWilliam E. Ford The disclosure ABSTRACT for classification, is to a pressure vessel with fill valve admitting thereinto material to drop onto a perforate diaphragm, thereafter to be transferred, the gas plenum below the diaphragm having activating gas,

as compressed air, controlled to communicate therewith. When a batch of material has been drawn in, the fill valve is automatically closed, the activating gas inlet valve is opened to admit activating gas, as compressed air, to pass upwardly through diaph ragm and activate the material to a highly flowable state. A discharge valve is then opened to let the pressurized material flow out through a discharge line to point of transfer. As the pressure in material plenum drops, the discharge valve is closed, the

activating gas valve is closed, and a purge valve in a by-pass line, around the discharge valve, is opened,

and residual p ressure purges the residual material as this pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, for a succeeding cycle to begin. The disclosure is to pressure vessels where the material drops onto the diaphragm via gravity when the fill valve opens, such vessels also being shown equipped to close fill valve responsive to at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry; also variations of circuitry are shown whereby various steps may be controlled by at least one of pressure, time, level probe position, weight and limit switch position.

Claims, 30 Drawing FiguresPATENTEDUEC 41m sum 3 or 9' INVENTQR ERMA! RRUT 147'T0RNEY Pmm 412 3,776,599

SHEET 5 OF 9 INVENTOR BY A TTORNE'Y mix; .35 M23 .531; sq Emm BRIAN RREU TER PATENTEBUEC41m SHEET 8BF 9 BR/AN R. Rsu TER INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY PATENTEDSEB 41973SHEET 7 0f 9 4454 QSOURCE.

R/AN R. EUTER H5 VAC F\\.\ :OPE VALVE lose.

I N VEN TOR A TTORNE Y SELF-PURGING, PNEUMATIC CONVEYING APPARATUS INCLUDING FLUID FLOW PUMPS ON SCALES, WITH AGITATOR, VACUUM FILLED,

WITH MATERIAL DRYER, AND OF VARIED MEANS OF SEQUENTIAL VALUE OPERATION The invention relates to various combinations predicated on the basic fluid flow pump sequence of fill, activate, discharge, and purge disclosed in U. S. Pat. No. 3,355,221, issued Nov. 28, 1967, and this application is a continuation-in-part application: of application Ser. No. 518,533, filed Jan. 3, 1966, which issued as the aforesaid US. Pat. No. 3,355,221; of application Ser. No. 686,018, filed Nov. 28, 1967, and now abandoned; and of co-pending application Ser. No. 822,126, filed May 6, 1969.

The inventions relate generally to various fluid flow pump combinations based upon the cycle of material deposit through fill valve on diaphragm, pressurized gas passage through perforate diaphragm to activate material, discharge of pressurized material down discharge line, purge of residual material by residual pressure through a by-pass line around closed discharge valve, pressurized gas valve also being closed; and the reopening of fill valve at start of a succeeding cycle as the vessel pressure falls substantially to atmospheric pressure.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a fluid flow pump of the class described in US. Pat. No. 3,355,221, in which the vessel is supported by a load cell type scale with a compressed air signal from the tare weight adjusted load cell controlling fill valve operation.

It is another object of the invention to provide a fluid flow pump of the class described, in which the closure of the fill valve may be actuated by material level effect upon a probe disposed above the diaphragm and of at least one of vibration sensitive, revolved blade stoppage, and air gap occlusion types.

Also it is a further object of the invention to provide fluid flow pump pressure vessels of the various-types hereinabove disclosed in which circuitry changesmay be made to accomplish various steps by various means,

as fill valve closure by level probe position, discharge valve opening by a timer, dischargevalve and activating gas valve closure and purge valve opening by timer,

valve closure in the various forms of the invention shown, or to be shown herein;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partially diagrammatic, showing substantially the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2, but adapted to weigh material being handled and to reflect a weight responsive pressure signal to actuate closing of the fill valve;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a beam scale, as one form of weighing apparatus on which a pressure vessel pump is indicated as being mounted, the fill valve thereof being closed as actuated by chain set in emotion by weight responsive pressure signal emanated from the beam scale;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of beam scale apparatus, showing details of girder chair construction on which the legs of the pressure vessel pump, shown in FIG. 4 and indicated in FIG. 5, are mounted;

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional elevation through a girder chair, as indicated taken alongline 77 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a sectional elevational view showing details of shackle and nose-on beam connections, as taken alongline 8--8 of FIG. 5, and thus looking rearwardly;

FIG. 9 is a sectional elevational view, taken alongline 99 of FIG. 8, looking to the left;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of beam scale mechanism and associated apparatus for imparting weight responsive signals, shown in FIGS. 4-9, inclusive, the housing or cover therefor shown in FIG. 5, having been removed;

FIG. 11 is a sectional elevational view, partially diagrammatic, of the proportionate force transmitter for reflecting weight in terms of pressure, as shown exterifill valve opening by timer, discharge valve opening by load cell signal, discharge valve and activating gas valve closure and purge valve opening by load cell signal, fill valve opening by load cell signal, fill valve closure by pressure fluid signal from the top of the pressure vessel, and activating gas valve opening by fill valve operator limit switch.

Other and further objects will be apparent when the specification herein is considered in relation to the drawings, in which the figures of the continued part of the application are first described, as follows:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view, partially diagrammatic, showing the parent, fluid flow pumpform of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an electrical diagram of circuitry and apparatus employed in the operation of the form of the invention shown in FIG. 1; also in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic, of a vibration type level sensor or probe, employable as an alternative means of controlling or safeguarding fill orally in isometric view in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an electrical diagram of the apparatus and circuitry shown in FIGS. 4-11, inclusive;

The figures of the parts of the application directed to new or partially new structures added herein, are described, as follows:

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a fluid flow pump, as shown in FIGS.land 2, mounted to be weighed on a preferred type of scale'termed a load cell, which emits a weight responsive pressure signal to actuate the fill valve closure;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the fluid flow pump shown in FIG. 13';

FIG. 15 is an isometric, development view, of parts indicated in FIGS. 13 and 14, for removably connecting the fluid flow pump to the scaffold or mounting frame shown in such figures;

FIG. 16 is a sectional elevational view, partially diagrammatic, through a load cell shown isometrically below the fluid flow pump in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic,

of a rotated paddle type level sensor or probe, employable preferably in place of the level sensor shown in FIG. 3, or shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, to be hereinbelow described, as an alternative means of controlling or safeguarding fill valve closure in the various forms of the invention shown or to be shown herein;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional elevational view,

partially diagrammatic, showing connections, including connections within the sensor housing;

FIG. 19 is an electrical diagram of the circuitry for the form of sensor or probe shown in FIGS. 17 and 18; FIG. 20 is an elevational view, part in section; of an air gap type level sensor or probe, employable alternatively in place of the level sensor or probe shown in FIG. 3 or in FIGS. 17-19;

FIG. 21 is a diagrammatical view of apparatus, circuitry, and connection means therefor, as entailed in operation of the air gap type level probe or sensor shown in isometric view of FIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view, partially diagrammatic, showing a pressure vessel of any of the types shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; in FIGS. 4-12; or in FIGS. 13-14; as suspended from a load cell that is rigidly supported above floor level, to receive material from a hopper, also rigidly supported from the same level;

FIG. 23 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for discharge valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for discharge valve and gas inlet valve closing and purge valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 25 is a fragmentary circuit diagram, showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for fill valve opening by time actuated circuitry;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for opening the discharge valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to material and gas weight in pressure vessel;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for closing the discharge valve and the gas inlet valve for opening the purge valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to material and gas weight in pressure vessel;

FIG. 28 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing circuitry for any of the aforesaid pressure vessels altered for opening the fill valve by a fluid pressure signal actuated responsive to depletion of material and gas weight in pressure vessel; the diagram also indicating that an early such signal actuated from a difierent source, the top of the pressure vessel, may serve alternatively for closing the fill valve;

FIG. 29 is a fragmentary circuit diagram showing cir cuitry involved in opening the gas inlet valve by a" time cycle only after closing the fill valve by limit switch action; and

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary circuitry diagram, showing any of the level probes shown in FIG. 3, in FIGS. 17-19, and in FIGS. 20-21, serving in any of the hereinabove described pressure vessel operative structures, to close the fill valve upon receipt of batch load.

Referring now to the drawings of background or continued parts of the inventions, in which like reference numerals are applied to like elements in the various views, a material container, housing, pump or activator is shown in FIG. 1 comprised of ashell 11 including a cylindrical main body 11a with upper end closed by a top comprised of a spherical segment ordome 12a and a bottom comprised of a spherical segment orlower closure 12b, the container being constructed after the general manner of conventional pressure vessels, and designed with safety factors, to withstand the highest pressures that may be developed therein.

The pressure vessel orcontainer 10 is supported onlegs 14 which upstand from a conventional base or grout, not shown. A gas permeable membrane ordiaphragm 13 separates the container into an upper, ormaterial plenum 15, and a lower,or'gas plenum 16.

Thedome 12a has an inlet flange orneck 16 convalve or fillvalve 18 being mounted thereon. Aflexible nipple 19 is shown connecting thefill valve 18 with adischarge flange 20 from ahopper 21, the nipple being shown as a flexible member for carrying out an optional function, to be hereinbelow described.

Avalve operator 23 is shown diagrammatically, as disposed to open and close thegate valve 18, apiston 23a being shown provided in thevalve operator 23, with instrument at admissible under thepiston 23a through aconduit 23b to open the fill valve, and with instrument air being admissible through aconduit 23c above thepiston 23a to close the fill valve. Obviously, theconduits 23b and 230 must be in a closed compressed air circuit with a pressurized reservoir, or otherwise selectively supplied with compressed air, to carry out their respective functions.

A compressedgas conduit 25 is shown connected into thelower end closure 12b of the shell orpressure vessel 11 and such compressedgas inlet line 25 has agas inlet valve 26 therein, which is shown connected to be opened and closed by avalve operator 27, constructed and equipped in correspondence with thevalve operator 23.

Also, adischarge outlet pipe 28 extends downwardly through thedome 12a to terminate in a pick-upend 28a disposed slightly above the gas permeable or airpermeable membrane 13. Avalve 29 is shown connecting thisdischarge outlet pipe 28 with adischarge conduit 30 disclosed in FIG. 1 as being connected by a purgeline connection nipple 32 to the outlet side of thepurge valve 32. Thedischarge valve 29 is shown operated by avalve operator 33, which is indicated as being constructed, and as having connections thereto, in correspondence with thefill valve operator 23.

Apurge line 34 extends between the purgeline connection nipple 32 and the material plenum orchamber 15 and has apurge valve 35 therein to control its opening and closing, avalve operator 36 being shown connected to thepurge valve 35 for this'purpose,such valve operator 36 being constructed, and having connections in correspondence with thefill valve operator 23. However, it may be pointed out, inthis regard, that thepurge valve 35 should be a normally open valve,

whereas, thefill valve 18,gas inlet valve 26, and dischargevalve 29 are normally closed valves.

Noticeably in FIG. 1, and in FIG. 4 (to be hereinbelow described) asupport body 37 for avibratory paddle 38, operative on the tuning fork principle, is shown connected into the cylindrical body of theshell 11, the materialsensitive paddle 38 being indicated in dotted lines in each of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 as extending within thehousing 10 near the top thereof, such paddle being operative to actuate thevalve operator 23, (FIGS. 1 and 4, to close thefill valve 18, as will be hereinbelow described.

Aninsulative cord 39, having therein the electrical conduits to thepaddle 38, extends from thepaddle support body 37 to acontrol box 40, to be hereinbelow described, and shown mounted on the exterior of the activator shell body He. AS shown in FIG. 2, apositive line 41 and anegative line 42 extend from a source of electrical power, thepositive line 41 having threeparallel lines 41a, 41b and 41c branching therefrom with theline 41a serving when manual control is to be used as will be hereinbelow described with the line 41b serving as a neutral third positive conductor and with theline 41c serving as the positive conductor when automatic control is to be employed. A three-way switch, indicated generally byreference numeral 44, is provided to control the selection of automatic or manual control, as desired, and as shown, theswitch 44 incidates that automatic control has been selected, theconductors 41b, 410 thus being closed and theconductor 41a being open.

Aconductor 45 extends from theconductor 41, and a push-button switch 45a is shown in FIG. 2 as closing circuit in this conductor, theconductor 41 continuing to a junction with three parallelcircuits including the circuit of a variable time delay relay. 46, thecircuit 47 for asolenoid 48 which operates thefill valve operator 23, (FIGS. 1 and 4,), and the circuit of anindicator light 49 which may be designated as a green light for illustrative purposes.

Theconductor 45 continues as theconductor 45c and hascontacts 51a therein of a double acting pressure actuatedswitch 50,such contacts 51a being normally closed at atmospheric pressure and opening upon increase of pressure in thegas plenum 16. Theconductor 45c continues from thecontacts 51a toa junction with aconductor 45b having therein the normallyclosed relay contacts 56a of a latchingrelay 52, theconductor 45b terminating at its connection to thenegative power line 42.

Aparallel circuit 53 extends from the neutral or central positive conductor 41b, to the junction of theconductors 45c, 45b, such parallel circuit also including therein thecontacts 51b of the aforesaid pressure actuatedswitch 50,such contacts 51b being normally open at atmospheric pressure and closing upon increase of pressure in theaforesaid gas plenum 16. Thecircuit 53 also has therein an indicatinglight 54, designated as a yellow light for indicating purposes, as will be hereinbelow described.

Anotherparallel circuit 55 from the positive conductor 41b has theswitch 46a therein which is closed by thevariable delay relay 46 at the end of its pr'e-selected cycle, thecircuit 55 also having therein thecoil 52a of the latching relay' 52, and thecircuit 55 being continued by thecircuit 45c, as aforesaid. The circuit55,as thus closed, energizes the latchingrelay coil 52a to open the normally closed relaya'contacts 56a to breakcuit 59 which includes the coil for operating a solenoid 60connected to actuate thevalve operator 47, (FIGS.

1 and 4,), to open and close the compressedgas inlet valve 26, a circuit which includes the light 61 therein, which is designated as a blue light, for purposes of illustration; and acircuit 62 including the coil for operating asolenoid 63 connected to actuate thevalve operator 36, (FIGS. 1 and 4, to open and close the purge valve Acircuit 57a continues from the junction of thecircuits 59, 61 and 62, and has aswitch 64 therein which is closed by thefixed time relay 58 when its circuit has been closed for its fixed period of time, while a circuit 57b continues from the junction of thecircuit 57a and the fixed timedelay relay circuit 58, to the aforesaid neutral or positive conductor 41b.

Also, a circuit 570 continues from the junction of thev circuits 59, 61 and 62 with thecircuit 57, and branches into: acircuit 65 including the coil which operates asolenoid 66 which actuates thevalve operator 33, FIGS. 1 and 4, to open and close thedischarge valve 29 13);

a circuit including a light 67 therein, which is designated as a red light, for purposes of illustration; and a circuit having arelay 68 therein; acircuit 57d continues from the positive side junction of thecircuits 65, 67 and 68, and branches into acircuit 57e having a normally open pressure actuatedswitch 69 therein, to be hereinbelow described, the positive side connection being completed with theconductor 41c; and into acircuit 57f having a pair ofcontacts 70 therein operated by therelay 68, and terminating by connection with the neutral or positive conductor 41b. Apushbutton switch 71 is shown in FIG. 2 closing thecircuit 410 adjacent its connection to thecircuit 57e.

Additionally acircuit 72b, 72a connects the positive orneutral conductor 41c with the negative power line orconductor 42; the circuit 72b having in series therein a pair of contacts 74 (operated by therelay 68 substantially simultaneously with its operation of the contacts 70'onthecircuit 57f, and a normally closed pressuresensitive switch 73, as will be hereinbelow described;) the circuit 7211 having therein the latchingrelay coil 52b which operates tobreak circuitclosed by the herethe aforesaidparallel circuits 45, 47, 49 and s5, and. upon thesolenoid circuit 47 being de-energized, thesolenoid 48 retracts and moves thevalve operator 23 to close the tillvalve 18, both valve operator and till valve being shown in FIG. 1, also in FIG. 4.

The latchingrelay 52 is of the well known type, which, when itscoil 52a is energized, it actuates conventional switching means which opens the normally closed contacts 560, and pulls closed the normallyopen contacts 56b in aparallel circuit 57 extending from the 7 inabove describedrelay contacts 56b.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, respectively, the gas, as

top of a gauge pipe a which upstands from themain gas line 25 through which the strained gas passes on downstream. A smaller sized by-pass line 25a extends between thegauge pipe 85a and the aforesaidpressure regulating valve 86 in themain conduit 25 and has a pilot regulating valve orregulator 87 therein, thus to permit a finer and more responsive control of the pressurized gas on its way to thepressure vessel 11. A bypass line 87a conveys the reduced pressure gas from thepilot regulator 87 and connects with an upstanding gauge pipe 88 above themain conduit 25 alow pressure gauge 89 being mounted on top of the gauge pipe 88 to indicate the lowered pressure of the gas.

-Aconduit 90 extends from thelower closure 12b to conduct pressurizedgas from thegas plenum 16 to the through astrainer 91 therein, and on to thepanel box 40, aguage 92 being provided to indicate the pressure of the actuating gas as it passes downstream of thestrainer 91 on its way to the panel box pressure sensitive switches, as aforesaid. The instrument air required by the pressure sensitive switches, as contradistinguished from the actuating air or gas, and any other air or gas required to actuate any of the apparatus, as that shown in FIG. 2, or as that required to operate the valve operators shown in FIG. 1 and 4, and may be brought to thepanel box 40 through aconduit 93 for selective distribution. Also, thepower conductors 41, 42, from a source of electrical power, as a 60 cycle, 1 15 A. C. voltage source, may be brought to thepanel box 40 through aninsulated conductor cord 95.

Aconventional fuse 96 is provided in thepositive power line 41, indicated as comprising the conventional fuse strip 96a, and in a parallel circuit therewith, theconventional resistance 96b and indicating light 96c.

Also, as hereinabove referred to with relation to FIGS. 1 and 4, and a material sensitive, frequency change, actuated,control assembly 37 is provided to insure the closing of thefill valve 18 in case the variabletime delay relay 46 may not function to close thetimeout switch 46a at the end of the time cycle period selected, as indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 2, and as shown partially diagrammatically and in greater detail in FIG. 3.

The fail-safe circuit 75 is shown extending from a point on theconductor 55 between the time-out switch 46a and the latchingrelay coil 52a, and is continued to a solidsstate relay housing 98, there to be connected to the junction between aconduit 75a to the normally open side of arelay switch 97, and acircuit 76 which extends to the positiveconductor power line 41a, thecircuit 76 having thepushbutton switch 77 therein, to be hereinbelow describednNorrhally, therelay switch 97 closes contact between a groundedconductor 97a,

(and thus the negative power line side 42), and a conductor means 99 between the relay switch 97-and the negative terminal of acoil 82 in thecontrol housing 37.

Thecoil 82, within thehousing 37, is indicated externally thereof, by its connections 82a, 82b which terminate within theplug 98. Within thehousing 37 thecoil 81 energizes a plunger or armature, not shown, in manner that it normally vibrates 120 cycles per second to impart vibration at this frequency to the lowertuning fork tine 38a which is connected to the paddle orvibrator 38. Thus normally the tine 38b also vibrates with thepaddle 38 at 120 cycles per second. The vibrations of the tine 381) are imparted to an armature, not shown, which normally actuates asecondcoil 81, at an imparted voltage, at 60 cycles per second frequency.

An induction coil, not shown, is imposed across the terminals of thecoil 81 within the plug so disposed with relation to theswitch 97 that this switch may be shifted when the differential between the line voltage and the imparted voltage achieves a certain value, as in the case when material entering the container or pump extends at such an angle of repose to interfere with, reduce, or stop the vibrations of thepaddle 38.

When the aforesaid induction coil between the terminals of thecoil 81 thus shifts theswitch 97 to close circuit from the neutral or positive side conductor 41b, by way of theconductor 78, thecoil 82, and theconductor 99, through theswitch 97, as thus shifted, and by way of theconductors 75a, 85, (including the latchingrelay'coil 52a), and on through the conductor 450, theclosed switch contacts 51a, and thecircuit 45b, (including the latching relay closedcontacts 56a), to thenegative power line 42. The energization of the latchingrelay coil 52a in thecircuit 55 results in the latching relay breaking thecircuit 45b by shifting open thecontacts 56a, whereby the solenoid winding 47 is de-energized to actuate thesolenoid 48 to operate thevalve operator 23 to close thefill valve 18.

Obviously the quicker the fail-safe switch 97 is operated after a failure of the variabletime delay relay 46 to close the time-out switch 460, the less the material from thehopper 21 can over fill thecontainer 10, and the closer the delivered batches of material may be controlled to deliver a desired lesser volume per batch.

Also, it is obvious that the variabletime delay relay 46 may be omitted entirely, together with its time-out switch 46a, and in this case thefrequency control device 37 alone can be relied upon to actuate thevalve operator 23 to close thefill valve 18.

On occasion it may be desirable to operate the filling and evacuation of avessel 10, 310, by manual control of the sequence of steps, rather than automatically, as hereinabove described. For such occasion, it may be considered that the variabletime delay relay 46 and its timing outswitch 46a are immobilized. Then acircuit 101 is provided, parallel with thecircuit 45, to extend from thepositive conductor 41a and to connect with thecircuit 45 between thepushbutton 45a and thecircuit junction 46, 47, 49. Also, in this case there also serves theaforesaid circuit 76 from the circuit 413. to the junction of thecircuits 75, 75a, and having thepushbutton 77 therein; also the circuit-102, parallel with thecircuit 57 and connected thereinto between the pushbutton '71 and the normally open pressuresensitive switch 69; also the positive"power circuit 41a is extended to connect with the junction of thecircuits 72a, 72b, and to have thepushbutton 103 therein.

Thus, with the three-way switch controlling theparallel conductor lines 41a, 41b and 41c turned from the position shown in FIG. 2, in manner that theconductors 41a, 41b are closed, theconductor 41c thus being left open. Beginning with thecontainer 10 empty and at atmospheric pressure, the pushbutton 450 may be pushed downwardly and held to close thecircuit 101. Thecircuit 47 is thus energized so that thesolenoid 48 actuates thevalve operator 23 to open thefill valve 18.

- Then, thepushbutton 45a may be released from closingpushbutton 45a has closed thecircuit 101, activation of the material may be started, after thepushbutton 45a has been released, by manipulating thepushbutton 77 to'close thecircuit 76. Circuit is thus closed through 'the circuit 75, thecircuit 55 including the latchingrelay coil 52a, and to the negativepower line side 42,

by way ofcircuit 45c,closed contacts 51a of the pressuresensitive switch 50, and thecircuit 45b, including the latching relay closedcontacts 56a therein. This energizes the latchingrelay coil 52a to operate the latchingrelay 52 to break thecontacts 56a and close thecontacts 56b.

Circuit is thus closed to the fixedtime delay relay 58, which actuates the time outswitch 64 to close thesolenoid coil circuit 59, thus to actuate thevalve operator 27 to open thecompressed air valve 26; also thesolenoid coil circuit 62 is closed whereby thesolenoid 66 actuates thevalve operator 35 to close thepurge valve 36.

Thus, the operator of the apparatus may observe thegauge 92 and when the pressure indicates that the vessel is ready to discharge, or when the operator appreciates that a proper time interval after the opening of the gas inlet orcompressed air valve 26 has taken place, thepushbutton 71 may be pushed to close thecircuit 102, the normally open,pressure switch 69 being closed by the pressure that has built up in the vessel.

Thus, as aforesaid, thearmature 65 may move to set in operation the opening of thedischarge valve 29, while circuit is closed to operate thesecond relay 68 so that it closes thecircuit 57f, and closes thecontacts 74 to partially close the circuit 72b. Discharge may thus continue as long as thepushbutton 71 is held closingcircuit 102, or even if the operator may now release thepushbutton 71, since in this case the circuit continues completed through thecontacts 70 in thecircuit 57f, even after the pressure has fallen enough to cause the pressuresensitive switch 69 to open.

Thus to purge apump 10, after thepushbutton 71 has been released, or thereafter, or at any time, with the three-way switch 44 turned to manual operation, (41a, 41b, closed), it is only necessary to push thepushbutton 103 to close circuit with thecircuit 72a to energize the latchingrelay coil 52b, which, when energized, opcrates, as aforesaid, to close thecircuit 45b and to break thecircuit 57, whereby the .purgevalve 35 is opened and thecompressed air valve 26 anddischarge valve 29 are closed. Then, as the purge pressure diminishes the normally closed, pressuresensitive switch 73 opens, and as the pressure falls further to substantially atmospheric pressure, thecontacts 51a of the pressuresensitive switch 50 close, and thepushbutton 45a may again be pushed to close thecircuit 101 to admit material into thecontainer 10.

In FIGS. 1 and 4,respective conduits 23b, 27b, 33b and 36b connect into the respective fill, compressed gas, materials delivery and purgevalve operator cylinders 23, 27, 33 and 36, under therespective piston heads 23a, 27a, 33a and 36arespective conduits 23c, 27c, 33c and 360, connect into such cylinders above the respective piston heads therein. Thus, conductor cords orsleeves 23b, 27d, 33d, and 36d, for the respective conduits for the respective valve operator cylinders aforesaid, are provided to extend from the control orpanel box 40, where conventional instrument air, as from theinstrument air conduit 93, may pass through respective conventional solenoid actuated'valves, not shown, as operated by theaforesaid solenoids 48, 60, 66 and 63, to admit the operative air, gas or fluid, selectively into theconduits 23b or 230; into theconduits 27b or 270; into theconduits 33b or 33c; and into theconduits 36b or 36c; selectively to open or close theaforesaid fill valve 18,compressed gas valve 26, (326),materials delivery valve 29, and purgevalve 35.

As shown in FIG. 2, a light 49 is in circuit parallel with thesolenoid circuit 47 and the variable timedelay relay circuit 46, and thus the light 49 is on when thefill valve 18 is open; also a light 61 is in a circuit parallel with thesolenoid circuit 59 which actuates thevalve 26 which admits the material activating compressed gas, and with thesolenoid circuit 62 which closes the purge valve; and also a light 67 is in a circuit parallel with thesolenoid circuit 65 which actuates the opening of thematerials delivery valve 29. Additionally, a light 54 is shown in acircuit 53 which is complete when the latchingrelay 52 is actuated to close thecontacts 56a while the pressure within the container is still high enough to maintain closed thecontacts 51b of the pressuresensitive switch 50. Thus, this occurs after thepurge valve 35 has been re-opened by opening of the latchingrelay contacts 56b, to permit the purging of the container by the residual pressure therein until such pressure drops to substantially atmospheric so that the pressuresensitive switch 50 is actuated to open thecontacts 51b and close thecontacts 51a, thereby breaking thecircuit 53 which contains the light 54 therein.

Thelights 49, 61, 67 and 54 may have selectively differently colored bulbs, as, respectively, green, blue, red and amber, thus to indicate, respectively, that filling, activating, discharging and purging are taking place.

Therespective valve operators 23, 27, 33 and 36, may be used to operate therespective fill valve 18, compressedgas delivery valve 26,material delivery valve 29, and purgevalve 35, but it is often not necessary, in the case of light duty installations, and/or in the case of thevalves 26, 29 and 35, that special valve operators may be required for their operation. In such cases thesolenoids 60, 66 and 63 may thus be connected directly to therespective valves 26, 29 and 35, to effectuate their operation.

As to the gaspermeable membrane 13, this may be variously constituted to carry out various requirements. Themembrane 13, (313), may be a flexible diaphragm as of a heavily woven cloth, as of cotton, or of a synthetic or plastic cloth as of nylon or dacron. Also instead of being flexible the membrane may be rigid or substantially rigid. Thus it may be of woven metal, or of non-corrosive woven metal, such as stainless steel, to combat corrosion. Also it may be of a porous ceramic, also to avoid corrosion, as well as to provide a stable membrane. An additional advantage is there being selectivity'in the synthesis of the membrane resides in the fact that a wider range of materials can be handled to pass through the membrarie under the most advantageous conditions where this selectivity is available.

Also, as to the fail-safe feature of the vibratingpaddle 38, the sensitivity of this feature is such that it can be regulated to operate almost instantaneously as a container first starts to overfill, so that therelay 52a is energized to operate the latchingrelay 52 immediately the variabletime delay relay 46 fails to function. Additionally, as set forth hereinabove, thevibratory paddle 38 may be used instead of the variabletime delay relay 46, as the primary functional element to actuate the closure of thefill valve 18. In such case the sensitivity of thepaddle 38 to adjustment, can determine the promptness of sensitivity to material to close therelay switch 97.

A popular embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4-12, in which thepump 10, shown in FIG. 1, is mounted on a floor stand scale hopper, FIGS. 4 and 5, and adapted to transfer a batch of material when the batch weight entering the pump attains a predetermined weight. Thehopper scale 80 is thus adapted to reflect weight in terms of pressure and thus thetime delay relay 46 shown in FIG. 2 is replaced in the circuitry shown in FIG. 12 by the symbol PS indicating that theswitch 46a is closed responsive to pressure.

The floor standhopper scale 80 on which thepump 10 is shown mounted in FIGS. 4 and provides for eachleg 14 of thepump 10, agirder chair 79. Thesupport block 127 of eachgirder chair 79 has apivot block 139a pin-connected to extend therebelow, centrally thereof, and an inverted V-shaped groove in the lower surface of thepivot block 139a is provided to seat upon the beveled edge of apivot bar 140a, (FIG. 7) which extends upwardly from a cross-connecting rod 141a between two longitudinally spaced apart, transversely inwardly extendinglugs 142a, 142b, the outer ends of the lugs being rigidly connected to a respectivemain lever pipe 143. Thehopper scale 80 thus provides a pair of theselugs 1420, 142b for eachgirder chair 79 and corner stand 144, to be hereinbelow described.

Each corner stand 144 supports the weight transferred thereto from apump leg 14, as the corner stands 144 in turn seat upon the floor or grout. For this reason, eachcomer stand 144 is slotted in direction longitudinally of the pump or machine to receive a pivot block 139b pin-connected thereinto. Each pivot block 139b, as thus mounted, has a V-shaped groove extending longitudinally, centrally thereof, to provide a seat for the bevel edge or blade edge of a pivot bar 140b which is carried by a cross-connecting rod l4lb which extends between the twolugs 142a, l42b.

It may be seen that eachcomer stand 144 provides a fulcrum which extends longitudinally of the hopper scale mountedpump 10, thelug units 1420, 142b which extend parallel to each other and transversely of the machine being mounted on such fulcrums, with the girder chairs 79 which transmit the load of therespective pump legs 14 thereabove being'disposed inwardly of the fulcrums with relation to the longitudinal axis of the machine. Thus themain lever pipes 143, on the opposite or outer sides of the fulcrums from the impressed loads, will tend to be lifted upwardly but for restraining or counter balancing forces. I

Referring again to the girder chair construction, eachsupport block 127 is shaped substantially as a tee, with a hole bored through each end of the cross-arm 127a, to receive a pin 145 therethrough. Achain link 146 is fitted over the pin 145 just outwardly of the cross-arm 127a, a washer just outwardly of eachchain link 46, and a retention pin is passed through the outer ends of each pin 145 to hold the washers andchain links 146 assembled to thesupport block 127.

For reasons of clarity-the washers and retention pins are not shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Aconnection bar 147 is extended through the chain links 146 on each pin 145 and connected, as by machine screws, not shown, into thelegs 149 of eachgirder chair 79. Also theseat plate 150 of thegirder chair 79 is assembled bymachine screws 148, FIG. 6, to thelegs 149 in spaced relation above thesupport block 127. The retention pins on ends of the pins 145 are disposed to leave some play therealong for the washers and chain links 146. Also, the connection bars 147 may have location lugs 131 (FIG. 7), on their underside on either side of therespective chain links 146, and slightly spaced therefrom. Thus, when thelegs 14 of avessel 10 seat upon the girder chairs 79 it may be said that the girder chairs 79 may float with relation to thelug units 142a, 142b on whose cross-connectingrod pivot bars 140a they are mounted, thus to pass along the load imposed by thevessel 10 to the floor stand hopper scale in a balanced manner.

When the weight of thevessel 10 is balanced upon the four girder chairs 79 with the comer stands 144 providing what could be termed fulcrums, but for balance, there would be the greatest tendency to lift themain lever pipes 143 outwardly of thecomer stand fulcrums 144. On the other hand, themain lever pipes 143 extend forwardly of the girder chairs and have the outer ends of respectivetransverse beam plates 152a, 152b, connected across the front ends thereof. Thebeam plates 152a, 1521; are connected centrally across the front of thebeam scale 80 by nose-irons, to be hereinbelow described, which are carried by abracket shackle assembly 155, also to be hereinbelow described.

Thebracket shackle assembly 155, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, comprises an outerU-shaped bracket 153 and an innerU-shaped bracket 154, with the upper ends of both brackets receiving the outer ends of a swivel pin 156 therethrough, the pin 156 also passing through thebody 157 of aswivel assembly 160, as theswivel body 157 between the upper arms of the innerU-shaped bracket 153.

Theshackle body 157 includes anupstanding member 158 into which is connected aconnection bolt 159 which passes downwardly through thebase 161 of aswivel link 160. The S-hook 162 which extends downwardly from thedraft shackle 172 of thebeam scale 165, as disposed in thebeam box 170, is urged downwardly by the weight of thehopper scale 80, which transmits the weight of thevessel 10 to thebeam scale 165.

This transmission of load or force components may be understood by a further consideration of FIGS. 8 and 9, as orientated by reference to FIG. 5. The inner end of thebeam plate 152a is notched upwardly to receive an uppernose iron holder 164a, which carries a specially hardened nose-iron 166a therein, having a downwardly disposed bevel edge. Anupper clamp plate 167a fits downwardly over thenose iron holder 164a, and around the inner end of thebeam plate 152a, and bolts orscrews 168 connect these members as the bolts extend from one side of the clamp plate 1670 to the other side thereof.

Also, the inner end ofbeam plate 152b is notched downwardly to receive a lower nose iron holder 164b, which carries a specially hardened nose-iron l66b therein, having a downwardly disposed bevel edge. A lower clamp plate l67b fits upwardly over the nose holder164b, and around the end of thebeam plate 152b, and bolts orscrews 168 connect these members as the bolts extend from one side of the clamp plate 167b to the other side thereof.

The upper, innerU-shaped bracket 154 mounts an upper swivel block 1690 thereon, with a bolt 171a passed upwardly through the foot of the bracket into the swivel block providing a vertical pivot axis of swing, as the head of the bolt 171a below thebracket 154 holds theswivel block 169a in assembly. The upper nose-iron 166a fits into a beveled groove in the upper face of theswivel block 169a to complete the assembly of righttransverse beam plate 152a andbracket shackle assembly 155. Also, the lower or outer U- shapedbracket 153 mounts a lower swivel block 1691: thereon, also with a bolt 17lb passed upwardly through the foot of the bracket into the swivel block providing a vertical pivot axis of swing, as the head of thebolt 17 lb below thebracket 153 holds the swivel block. [69b in assembly. The lower nose-iron 166b fits into a beveled groove in the upper face of the swivel block 169b to complete the assembly of lefttransverse beam plate 152 b andbracket shackle assembly 155.

As thus assembled the combination of knife-edge connections and swivel connections of the complementary transverse beam plates orbars 152a, l52b andbracket shackle assembly 155, is such to balance out any irregularities and keep the downward pull on the S-hook 162 substantially in proportion to the weight of the material in the vessel with the weight balanced out. With reference to FIG. 7, the balance of forces and construction can be considered on the premise that the weight on thedraft shackle 172 is such, with tare weight adjusted, as to bear a direct proportion to the effective weight of material in the vessel at any instant.

The shank of thedraft shackle 172, shown in FIG. 10, from which the S-hook 162, shown in FIG. 9, extends downwardly, is mounted upon aprimary lever 173 within thebeam box 170, an end of theprimary lever 173 extending into an inverted yoke or bearingbracket 174 upon the floor or base 175 of the beam box. At its opposite end theprimary lever 173 extends slidably into adouble yoke member 176 with apin 177a through the lower, inverted yoke portion 176a supporting the primary lever therein. The upper yoke portion l76b of thedouble yoke member 176 receives an end of asecondary lever 178 therein, as retained by a pin l77b thereabove, and abracket member 179 providing an inverted yoke 179a receives thesecondary lever 178 therein in manner to provide a second fulcrum, thebracket member 179 being rigidly connected to anupstanding backing plate 180, as by amachine bolt 179c,- thebracket member 179 being affixed to the beam box floor 175. Also, a retainer pin l79b is shown passed through thebracket member 179 below thesecondary lever 178.

Atare weight 181 is disposed upon the right or free end of thesecondary lever 178 to balance out the tare weight of thevessel 10, as may be accomplished in conventional manner, Now, considering motion, as the weight (equivalent to material weight in vessel) acts downwardly on thedraft shackle 172, the left end of theprimary lever 173 moves downwardly, and the left end of thesecondary lever 178, (connected to the same double yoke member 176), also moves downwardly, whereby the part of thesecondary lever 178 to the right of the fulcrum supplied by the inverted yoke 179a], moves upwardly. This results in an upwardly urging force being exerted on aplunger 182 in the lower end of aproportionate force transmitter 183, as will be hereinbelow described with relation to FIG. 11.

Theproportionate force transmitter 183 has the mission of receiving filter instrument air at some predetermined pressure, as 30 p. s. i., via theconduit 90a from afilter regulator 195. Then, by proper pressure reduction adjustment and calibration, the force applied upwardly through thepush rod 182 results in the air leaving theproportionate force transmitter 183 at pressure ofsay 3 p. s. i, as filling begins, up to say 12 p.s.i., when filling has been completed, to set in motion the closing of thefill valve 23, (FIGS..1 and 4).

Theproportionate force transmitter 183 comprises a body including apilot housing 183a, a diaphragm assembly orexhaust ring 189, apilot ring 188, a damper housing 183b, and a push rod housing 1830. Abushing 193 is threaded through alocknut 198 and into the push rod housing 183C, centrally thereof, with aball bushing 196, within thebushing 193, comprising the element which actually establishes the journal for thepush rod 182.

Aspring 187 receives aspring seat 184 thereon and a retaining ring in a groove near the head of thepush rod 182 seats upon thespring seat 184, as thespring 187 urges the head of thepush rod 182 upwardly against the under sides of a diaphragm support disc orround plate 197 under alower damper diaphragm 199a which extends across space between interior of push rod housing 1830 and damper housing 183b, and outwardly between the aforesaid damper and push rod housings 183b, 1830.

An upper damper diaphragm 199b betweenpilot ring 188 damper housing 183b extends across space therebelow in the damper housing 183b which connects by means of avertical passage 201 with the space therebelow above thelower damper diaphragm 199a.

Arestriction screw 202, having atransverse hole 203 therein, extends transversely into the damper assembly 183b and is adjustably threadable thereinto thus to adjust the amount of opening or passage space between the air space above and the air space below theadjustment screw 202. Thus the action, of upward thrust of thepush rod 182, upon the air or compressed gas within the damper housing 183b, may be adjustably dampened, as the filling of the pressure vessel on a weight indicator results in a constantly increasing and normally fast acting force urging upwardly on thepush rod 182. 1

Centrally of the upper damper diaphragm 199b, apin 204, with round head upwardly, extends downwardly therethrough to be retained by aring 206, as one that may be press-fitted around thepin 204 with upper surface of ring glued to the under side of the diaphragm 199b. The pin head or flange is disposed below aleaf spring 207 mounted within space within the pilot ring orleaf spring housing 188, abushed bore 208 extending downwardly through thehousing 188 to communicate with the space therebelow around theleaf spring 207 and above the upper damper diaphragm 199b. Theleaf spring 207 carries a ball member centrally therein to be urged against by the pin head or flange to close thebore 208 to prevent overtravel of the pressure switch PS, FIG. 12, in closing theswitch arm 46a to start fill valve closure, upon thepressure vessel 10, FIG. 4,-reaching predetermined till level.

A needle valve 210 extends into atransverse bore 209 in the pilot ring orleaf spring housing 188, with such bore including the needle valve seat therein, and at innermost end such bore joins a bore downwardly from space under the lower diaphragm 211a of the exhaust ring ordiaphragm assembly 189.

Aport 212 is provided to pass downwardly in theleaf spring housing 188 to communicate with the transversely extending needle valve bore 209 outwardly of the needle valve elements and inwardly of the packed head of the needle valve. A set screw is shown provided in a threaded bore in theleaf spring housing 188, to communicate with the needle valve'bore 209 to bear against the stem of the needle valve to maintain it as adjusted. The fluid (instrument air) to the needle valve 210 has passed through a screen or strainer 205 disposed in a cored passage 217 in theexhaust ring 189a of thediaphragm assembly 189, and upstream from the exhaust ring anddiaphragm assembly body 189 it has passed through apassage 214 in the pilot body, base or top 183a, between the inlet 215a from theconduit 90a, and an opening through the upper diaphragm 2l lb of theaforesaid diaphragm assembly 189.

Theexhaust ring 189a of theassembly 189 has a transverse port 216 therethrough to communicate with the space just inward thereof, and between the upper andlower diaphragms 211b, 211a. Centrally, theassembly 189 provides a lower disc or plate 218 upon the diaphragm 211a, and spaced thereabove by spacers, an upper, annular plate 219 under thediaphragm 21 lb. A spring base andvalve seat 220 bears upon the upper diaphragm 2l1b and extends centrally therethrough to be retained by keeper means inwardly of the annular plate 219. Y

The inlet 215a in the pilot top or housing 188a.

communicates inwardly with avertical counterbore 221 with abore 222 concentric therewithin providing a valve seat foratandem valve 224 with lower valve element to seat upon thevalve seat 220 through theupper diaphragm 211b. Aspring 190, within a low pressure or dischargespace 225, bears downwardly upon the spring base andvalve seat member 220 and upwardly against the pilot base ortop body 183a within thedischarge space 225. A retainingscrew 226 is threadably adjustable into the counter bore 221 and is recessed to receive the upper end of aspring 227 therein, the lower end bearing upon a shoulder provided on thetandem valve 224 the upper seating member thereof.

By adjustment ofrestriction screw 202 the force exerted by thepush rod 182 against the fluid above thediaphragm 199a is dampened so that there is no chatter and intermittent closing and then opening of thebushed bore 208 by the ball valve element carried by theleaf spring 207. The needle valve 210 is so moved to regulate the reduced pressure instrument air that is permitted to enter the space between the upper damper diaphragm l99b and the lower diaphragm 211a, that the fluid in this space is converted to act as a fluid piston. Also theleaf spring 207 is adapted to be raised by thepin 204 in the diaphragm l99b to close off further movement of thediaphragm assembly 211a, 211b at the end of travel to close the pressure switch thatactuates switcharm 46a to close the fill valve.

As to the downstream fluid in thespace 225, this is supplied instrument air past the upper valve element of j thetandem valve 224 to show a predetermined reduced pressure, say 3.p.s.i., with the pressure vessel empty. Then, the travel produced by the fluid piston upon thediaphragm assembly 211a, 21 lb being known, needle valve adjustments sets the instrument air constituting the fluid piston at such pressure that this travel is obtained, thespace 225 fluid thus being pressurized up to said 12 p. s. i. as the pressure sensitive switch P. S. actuates fill valve closure.

In case of excess pressure in instrument air supply line a, 215a liftingtandem valve 224, (as adjusted seated byspring 227 under retaining screw 226), the tendency to build up the low fluid pressure inspace 225 is counter-balanced by the fact that the lower valve element of thetandem valve 224 will be lifted off the seat in thevalve plate 220 to let the excess fluid bleed off through the plates 219, 218 and out the passage 216.

Details of construction heretofore not identified by reference numerals: arelief valve 31 is shown indicated above the pressure vessel top 12a in FIG. 1; also in FIG.

Noticeably, as has been heretofore explained, the frequencysensitive device 37 shown in FIGS. 1, 1 and 4, and in detail in FIG. 3, may be used alternatively to actuate fill valve closure in the forms of invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but not in the form of invention shown in FIG. 4, due to the characteristics of the materials adapted to being weighed. However, in all three forms of FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 4, the frequency sensitive device may be used as a fail-safe or safeguarding device to serve if the predetermined first means for closing the fill valve does not work.

A form of scale termed aload cell 240 is shown in FIGS. 15-18, which has a number of advantages over the beam scale shown in FIG. 4 as supporting the fluid flow pump 10 of FIG. 1. Functionally and primarily such a load scale registers a very small displacement under great weight, with the displacement being capable of accurately responding to minute displacements, and with the load cell being the subject of accurate calibration of the pressure fluid signals it imparts.

The load cell is, in essence, a pneumatic weight transmitter comprising a weight measuring instrument orscale 240, on which a fluid flow pump orpressure vessel 250, FIG. 13, may be point mounted, in manner to be hereinbelow described. Aframe 241 is shown in FIG. 13 upon abase 242, which seats on the floor orshop level 243, as of a plant or business. Theframe 241 of structural angles is comprised ofupper runners 241a, uprights 241b, and lower runners 241c affixed to thebase 242.'Channels 244a, 244b extend across between two opposed runners, and support abase plate 245 on which theload cell 240 is mounted;

Thefluid flow pump 250 shown in FIG. 13' above theload cell 240 may be any of the pumps orvessels 10 or 310 hereinabove described, or any of the pumps to be hereinbelow described, as aforesaid. Balanced connection to theframe 241 is obtained as will be set forth. Lugs, as thelug 244, FIG. 13, are connected to the respective uprights centrally thereof, and successively around the frame in swastika pattern. Also fourchannels 251, in diametrically opposed pairs, are connected to the pressure vessel shell to extend radially outwardly therefrom, with directions of the channels facing in the same way, or in swastika fashion. Then the threaded end of eacheyebolt 245 is passed outwardly through itsrespective lug 244, and has anut 246 threaded thereon. See FIGS. 14 and 15 with relation to FIG. 13.

Aconnection bolt 247 has its threaded'end passed in outward direction through. abore 248a in the outer end of a connection plate orstrap 248 and then through the eye of theeyebolt 245, then through awasher 249 to have thenut 246 threaded upon the outer end of theconnection bolt 247. Asimilar bolt 247 has its threaded end passed inwardly through a bore 248b in the inner end of thestrap 248, then through the eye of a slightlyshorter eyebolt 245a, then through a washer 249to" assembly hold-down ring 252a, a tare'weight anddamper chamber plate 252b, avent chamber plate 252c and acontrol champer plate 252d. An upper diaphragm orflexible member 253a has its peripheral area confined between theplate 252b and theassembly ring 252a. inwardly of thering 252a, and concentrically spaced therefrom, an anvil or assembly hold-downplate 254a seats over the central area of theupper diaphragm 253a, with the central area of the upper diaphragm being supported underneath, as will be hereinbelow described. An anvil orcover disc 255a is in-- stalled upon theplate 254a bymachine screws 256 with a central boss 257a thereon having a recess 258a centrall therein to receive a lower segment of a sphere orball 259. Theplate 254a anddisc 255a together comprise theanvil 254.

The lower surface of the pressure vessel orfluid flow pump 250, FIG. 13, is indicated as being substantially flattened in FIG. 16 over a limited distance, whereby to receive an upper or connection plate ordisc 255b thereagainst for connection to the bottom of thepressure vessel 250 as bymachine screws 256, Such disc 255!) has a central boss 257b thereon, having arecess 258b centrally therein, downwardly facing, to receiveball 259 with relation to the pressure vessel, it may be.

said that thepressure vessel 250 has substantially balanced, point supported contact on theload cell 240;

this being true especially in view of the adjustably balanceable manner by which thepressure vessel 240 may be connected'to theframe 241, as aforesaid.

A central diaphragm offlexiblemember 253b has its peripheral area confied between theplate 252b and thevent chamber plate 252c. A flange260 shown in FIG. 16 as having substantially the same outer diameter as the hold-down plate 254a bears upwardly against theupper diaphragm 253a.Such flange 260 provides centrally, a downwardly facing, centrally recessedboss 260a to receive loose titted into therecess 261 an upper spring retainercup 263a. V

The hold-down plate 254a has acentral recess 25% downwardly therein, and is centrally bored, as is theupper diaphragm 253a, and also theflange 260, to receive theassembly rod 265 therethrough. Within the recess 254b alarge assembly nut 262 is threaded upon the upper end threadedportion 265a of an assembly rod orstud 265, with a lock nut 266a being threadable upon the threadedportion 265a to bear in locking relation upon the upper surface of the adjustably positionable aforesaidassembly nut 262. r

The tare weight anddamper chamber plate 252b has a large central bore therethrough'and is counterbored thereabove, upwardly to the same diameter as the inner diameter of the hold-down ring 252a, thereby providing a measurable annular area ofupper diaphragm 253a to be exposed to the tare weight adjustment fluid pressure to be hereinabelow described as provided in the damper and toreweight adjustment chamber 263.

The upper spring retainer cup 263a, slidable upon the stud orrod 265, is borne upwardly to seat in theboss recess 261 by thespring 264 which bears downwardly within a lowerspring retainer cup 263b which is adjustably threadable upon the lower threaded portion 265b which of the assembly rod orstud 265.

Abearing ring 267 below the lowerspring retainer cup 263b receives thestud 265 therethrough, thestud 265 passing centrally through thecentral diaphragm 253b. Thus outwardly of thering 267 and inwardly of the bore through theplate 252b there is provided a measurable annular area of central diaphragm 25312 that is subject to the tore weight adjustment fluid pressure to be hereinbelow described. A retainer orlocknut 266b is threadable upon the stud lower threaded portion 265b to retain the bearing ring orwasher 267 against thecentral diaphragm 251%. An adjustment air passage 268 (right) is shown passing radially through theplate 252b to communicate with thechamber 263 and a corresponding radial passage 268 (left) is shown plugged with a closure plugged fitting 269, but which may be employed to serve additionally or alternatively with the passage 268 (right). The admission of adjustment air or fluid into thechamber 263, and the control thereof, will be described hereinbelow.

The vent chamber plate 2520 is bored centrally to the same diameter astheplate 252b thereabove, and has a lower counterbore therein, whereby the aforesaid bore and counterbore provide a vent chamber 270. A spool 271, having upper andlower flanges 271a, 271b, thereon of the same diameter as 'the outer diameter of the washer or bearingring 267, is provided to occupy the vent chamber 270, with the lower portion of thestud 265 threadably extending downwardly therethrough. The lower flange 27lb of the spool 271 bears centrally upon a lower flexible'diaphragm 2530 which has its peripheral area retained between the vent chamber plate 2520 and thecontrol chamber plate252d therebelow. C 1

An'annular upper bearing ring 272a, of slightly lesser outer diameter than the vent chamber' counterbore, of substantially greater inner" diameter than the spool flange diameters, and of slightly lesser thickness than than the depth of the vent chamber counterbore, is shown concentrically disposed in the vent chamber 270 to bear upon the lower diaphragm 2530, and is prefera-. bly affixed thereto,- as by glue or industrial cement. Be-' tween the inner periphery of the bearing ring 272a and the spool flange periphery, a measurable annular area of the lower diaphragm 253e, is provided that is subject to vent chamber, usually atmospheric, pressure thereabove, and to control chamber fluid .pressure therebelo'w, to be hereinbelow described.

Radial vent passages 273 are shown in thevent chamber plate 252c for communicating the vent chamber 270 with ambient or atmospheric air. The load cell housing or body is indicated as being assembled by flathead machine screws 274 passed downwardly successively throughring 252a, diaphragm 253a,plate 252b,diaphragm 253b, plate 252e, diaphragm 2530, andplate 252d, with at least the lower, threaded portion of the screw being threadably engageable down into thecontrol chamber plate 252d, and preferably threadably engageable through all or most of the parts thereabove.

The lower or controlchamber plate 252d has lowermost a centrally threaded bore to receive an externally threaded valve seat member 275 therein, and thereabove three successively larger counterbores are provided, together to comprise the control valve chamber 276. The uppermost counterbore in theplate 252d is of substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the vent chamber counterbore immediately above the lower diaphragm 253C.

An annular, lower bearing ring 272b, corresponding in dimension with the upper ring 272a, and thus of thickness less than the depth of the uppermost counterbore in thecontrol chamber plate 252d, is disposed concentrically within the uppermost control chamber plate counterbore, as by affixing to the underside of the diaphragm 2530, as by industrial cement or glue. Inwardly of the ring 272b, and centrally under the diaphragm 253cc there is disposed aguide cup 277 having upwardly a flanged head 277a of the same diameter as the spool flange on the upper surface of the diaphragm 253e, thereabove. The lower end of thestud 265, which passes centrally through the diaphragm 253, is threadably engaged centrally downwardly to terminate in the guide cup head 277a, thus to bring the upper surface of the flange head 277a to bear in assuredly assembled relationship against the under surface of the aforesaid diaphragm 2530.

It can thus be seen that any weight placed on theload cell 240, as by thepressure vessel 250 thereabove, in empty state as to batch material, but with all operative apparatus and accessories thereon, as they reflect in weight, constitutes tare weight. Obviously this tare weight will tend to cause theupper diaphragm 253a to flex or yield downwardly, and by virtue of the assembly of elements within the load cell body or housing to the assembly rod orstud 265, a corresponding movement tendency is transmitted through to thecentral diaphragm 253b and thelower diaphragm 253c. Tare weight adjustment thus may be described as pressurizing thechamber 263 to cause theupper diaphragm 253a to move up a degree under tare weight so that only material weight or batch weight produced motion registers in the control or net weight chamber 276.

To accomplish such pressurization of thechamber 263, anadapter nipple 278 is shown threaded into the outer end of the fluid passage 268 (right) to have a tare" control device or fitting 279 mounted thereonto which receives compressed air into the side thereof opposite thenipple 278 through aninlet nipple 280a. Thetare control 279 comprises a regulator which may beimme diately or remotely operated or controlled to place the compressed air inlet in communication with the cham-'ber 263 to permit the introduction of compressed air thereinto to offset the tare weight, as aforesaid, so that only the weight of the net or material batch load may be reflected by the net load or control chamber 276, as will be hereinbelow described.

Avalve element 281 has a lower face that seats upon the upper or inner surface of the valve seat 275 normally to occlude a bleed hole or relief passage through an orifice fitting 286 that is indicated in FIG. 16 as having been press-fitted centrally through the valve element 275. The upper part of thevalve element 281 comprises a cup or spring retainer in which seats a control spring 282, the upper end of thespring2 82 bearing upwardly against the under surface of the flange head or flange 277a comprising the upper member of theaforesaid guide element 277 in the lower portion of which bears slidably the upper portion or spring retainer cup of the valve element 275. 7

As shown in FIG. 16 a source of pressure fluid supply, as compressed air, arrives through aconduit 280, and branches at atee 280b, with part to pass via a nipple 280e, through aunion 280d, a nipple 280e, andelbow 280f to theaforesaid inlet nipple 280a, into the tare control fitting 279. From the central or intersecting leg of thetee 280b, anipple 280g connects into a flow regulator fitting 283 of simple and conventional design having the function of controlling or regulating the flow of pressure fluid that passes therefrom through an externally threader adapter member 283a via aninlet passage 284a, into the load cell control chamber 276.

Leading from the control chamber 276, on the opposite side thereof from theinlet passage 284a, there is shown in FIG. 16 an outlet passage 284b, with anadapter fitting 285 threaded into the outer end thereof, and with arubber tubing 286 connected onto the outer end of the adapter fitting 285, to transmit the pressure fluid signal responsive to net load measured by the control chamber 276, as will be hereinbelow described. Noticeably in this regard, the orifice 285a through the adapter fitting 285 is substantially smaller in diameter than the passage 284b, and than the passage or conduit through therubber tubing 287. Thus the adapter fitting 285 may be termed as choke adapter. I

Any impact that otherwise might be imparted to theanvil 254, as by the rapid filling of thepressure vessel 250 with batch material, is adequately and forcefully opposed or dampened by thespring 264, thereby protecting the upper diaphragm from rupture anywhere along theannular area 287 where internal fluid pressure is opposed by the weight on theanvil 254 thereabove. Also, any downward movement imparted to theupper diaphragm area 287, (by way of the tareweight adjustment chamber 263, as pressurized to neutralize tare weight), on to the central diaphragm area 288, is not transmitted on to the lower diaphragm area 289, and to the control chamber therebelow, because the vent chamber 270 below this diaphragm area 288 is vented to atmosphere, as through thepassageways 273.

Thus any downward movement caused by batch weightor net load build up in thepressure vessel 250 is only transmitted fromanvil 254 via the connecting rod orstud 265 to the diaphragm 2530, including its area 289. Responsive to this downward urging under batch weight or net load impulse, the flange head 277a compresses the control spring 282, and theguide member 277 moves downwardly upon thevalve element 281, therebydecreasing the volume of free, effective space for fluid flow between control chamber inlet and outlet.

The pressure fluid that flows through theflow regulator 283 into the chamber 276 builds up pressure therein, since the fluid enteres much faster than it can escape through the choke passage 285a, and normally with fill valve closed, is atsay 3 p.s.i. Excess fluid, tending to raise pressure in the chamber 276, being bled off through thebleed passage 286. Upon fill valve opening, as the volume of the chamber 276 is decreased under batch load, the pressure in the chamber 276 reaches a pressure that balances the net load, batch weight, or weight not neutralized by tare weight adjustment. Then the pressure remains constant and any excess air will

Claims (32)

1. Material transporting apparatus comprising a pressure vessel including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum thereabove and a gas plenum therebelow, a fill valve to admit flowable material through the top of said vessel into said material plenum to upstand from said diaphragm, a compressed gas inlet valve communicating into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlled discharge conduit with discharge valve disposed exteriorally of and in communication with the upper part of said material plenum, a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum adjacent and around said discharge valve, operative circuitry including control means, and being operable to open said fill valve, said circuitry including at least one of time actuated means, material lever sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry, to close said fill valve, said operative circuitry then being automatically operable sequentially to close said purge valve while opening said gas inlet valve to admit pressurized gas substantially uniformly through said diaphragm and to activate said material to a high state to open said discharge valve for material to pass through said discharge valve and outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to close said discharge valve and open said purge valve for the residual compressed gas to purge residual material through said purge valve and said by-pass conduit, and material out-wardly through said discharge conduit, then to open said fill valve, as aforesaid, said operative circuitry including time actuated means to function in at least one of the opening of said discharge valve, the closing of said discharge valve and of said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve, and in the opening of said fill valve.

2. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

3. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

4. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

5. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

6. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of it, high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

7. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge bElow a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

8. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means, to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

9. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means, to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

10. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

11. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

12. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to funcion in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

13. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

14. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to func-tion in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill vAlve.

15. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

16. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

17. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

18. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

19. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in closing said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and opening said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

20. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes time actuated means to function in opening said fill valve.

21. Material transporting apparatus comprising a pressure vessel including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum thereabove and a gas plenum therebelow, a fill valve to admit flowable material through the top of said vessel into said material plenum to upstand from said diaphragm, a compressed gas inlet valve communicating into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlled discharge conduit with discharge valve disposed exteriorally of and in communication with the upper paRt of said material plenum, a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum adjacent and around said discharge valve, operative circuitry including control means, and being operable to open said fill valve, said circuitry including at least one of time actuated means, material level sensor actuated means, and batch weight actuated, vessel supporting scale generated, pressure fluid signal operated circuitry, to close said fill valve, said operative circuitry then being automatically operable sequentially to close said purge valve while opening said gas inlet valve to admit pressurized gas substantially uniformly through said diaphragm and to activate said material to a high state, to open said discharge valve for material to pass through said discharge valve and outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve for the residual compressed gas to purge material through said purge valve and said by-pass conduit, and material outwardly through said discharge conduit, then to open said fill valve, as aforesaid, said operative circuitry including material weight actuated, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to function in at least one of the opening of said discharge valve, the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve, and in the opening of said fill valve.

22. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

23. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

24. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes pressure sensitive means, operative as the pressure rises in excess of its high control pressure, to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

25. Material transporting aparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as the material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes pressuRe sensitive means operative as the material plenum pressure falls substantially to atmospheric, to open said fill valve.

26. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes to function, as material plenum pressure falls with discharge below a lower control pressure, a pressure sensitive means to actuate the closing of said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and the opening of said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

27. Material transporting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said discharge valve; in which said operative circuitry includes material and gas weight actuated, vessel supporting, scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to close said discharge valve and said gas inlet valve and open said purge valve; and in which said operative circuitry includes substantially pressure vessel weight supporting scale generated pressure fluid signal operated circuitry to open said fill valve.

28. In combination with a pressure vessel having uprights extending upwardly thereabove, an upper platform for supporting a load cell thereon with openings therein to receive said uprights guidably slidably therethrough, a lower platform providing the load cell upper anvil centrally thereunder to seat upon the lower anvil carried at top of said load cell, and means to connect said uprights at top to said upper platform, material transporting apparatus comprising said pressure vessel and said pressure vessel further including a gas permeable diaphragm bridging the lower part of said vessel above the bottom thereof and dividing it into a material plenum therabove and a gas plenum therebelow, fill valve means to admit flowable material into the upper portion of said vessel to upstand from said diaphragm and controlling an inlet conduit, a valve controlled, pressurized gas entry conduit into said gas plenum, a discharge valve controlling a discharge conduit and disposed in said discharge conduit exteriorally of said pressure vessel, a valve controlled,purge conduit from said pressure vessel and by-passing said discharge valve to join into said discharge conduit downstream of said discharge valve, automatically operative circuitry including at least one of a level probe, timer means, and a load cell emanated signal transmitting means to actuate opening of fill valve means, including at least one of a limit switch closed by fill valve closure and timer means to actuate opening of said gas entry valve, and including at least one of pressure sensitive switch means , load cell emanated signal transmitting means and timer means to accomplish at least one of opening said discharge valve, of closing said discharge valve and said gas entry valve while opening said purge valve, and of opening said fill valve to start again the aforesaid cycle.

29. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, which additionally includes a purge valve controlled by-pass conduit with purge valve disposed in communication with the upper part of said material plenum and to connect into said discharge conduit downstream of said discharge valve.

30. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, in which said pressure vessel discharge is downwardly, and in which a motor driven agitator is provided to sweep through the material is it upstands above said diaphragm.

31. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, which additionally includes a hopper for material, at a higher elevation that said upper platform, and in which said inlet conduit iNcludes a downspout.

32. Material transporting means as claimed in claim 28, in which said fill valve means comprises an upper and lower fill valve above said downspout with a flexible connection therebetween, and in which said circuitry includes means to insure that said upper fill valve closes slightly before said lower fill valve closed.

Images