MXPA00006921A - Preassembled fluidizing devicehaving expansive air passage - Google Patents

Abstract

A preassembled fluidizing device (1) that incorporates an expansive air passage that stimulates the enhanced flow of granular materials to the discharge port of a tank trailer, vessel, bin, or other container, during usage. The fluidizing device (1) includes an aerator housing (3) having affixed thereto a wear plate (4), the upper end of the housing (3) having a mount to which a resilient gasket (2) may be applied, and prestressed against the wear plate (4), once assembled. A fastening rod (12) extends from the aerator housing (3) and mounting boss (7), and a positioning or clip (17) secured thereto provides an initial fastening of the preassembled device (1) in place, once installed. A nut or other fastener connects with the opposite end of the fastening rod (12) in order to tightly secure and seal an air distributor (15) in place, for final assembly of the fluidizing device of this invention.

Description

PREASSAMBLED FLUIDIZATION DEVICE HAVING A PASSAGE OF EXPANSIVE AIR THAT STIMULATES THE INCREASED FLOW OF GRANULAR MATERIALS IN TANK TRUCKS AND CONTAINERS DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to aeration devices for bulk storage containers, such as hoppers, tank cars, etc., to facilitate the discharge of dry material from the containers. Many prior art devices are available to provide aeration to bulk materials stored within a reservoir to stimulate their flow within the reservoir. Obviously, such containers may comprise a tank truck, rail car or bulk ship storage areas, and related types of devices that are useful for transporting and storing mainly dry and granular materials in bulk quantities. Such bulk materials - by means of information may include cement, lime, flour, plastic resins and any of a wide variety of material of the bulk and pulverized type generally dry that needs to be transported, in mass quantities, although when they reach their destination, they require help for their unloading, from their storage containers. For example, the applicant hereby has obtained US Patent No. 5,014,053, in an aeration device for containers of bulk material. As shown herein, the aeration device comprises a molded plastic hollow body having air permeable properties. As the pressurized air flows within the device shown, air penetrates through the molded body, to assist in the fluidization of the granular material to stimulate its flow within its storage tank. Usually, such storage containers will have either an arched, curved or inclined base wall. Through the injection of pressurized air into the aeration device, or by vibratory movement of the aeration device, the granular material can achieve a flow of fluid until it all discharges from the hopper or other storage tank. . A prior reservoir aerator can be found in US Patent No. 3,952,956, which shows a vibration rubber housing that is used to assist in displacing materials from the walls of a reservoir during discharge. Other patents of the United States describe related types of fluidization media for the transfer of powdered substances. One such device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,030,755. Another device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 3,343,888 to Anderson, et al. The Anderson patent shows a hopper arrangement for pneumatically discharging containers of granular material. Again, the purpose of these devices is to fluidize the powder material to achieve and stimulate its flow, along a surface inclined toward the discharge outlet of the storage tank. US Patent No. 4,172,539 to Botkin shows another prior style of aerating nozzle for use, creating a fluidized flow of granular or powder material. US Patent No. 4,189,262 to Anderson. Teaches a variety of aeration devices and apparatuses, and methods for handling dry bulk materials in a hopper-style deposit that utilizes air agitation to achieve fluid flow. US Patent No. 3,929,261 to Solimar shows an additional device and method of aeration to assist in the unloading of the material from the containers. The Solimar aeration device has a body formed within a conical configuration on which a flexible flap valve is mounted. When air under pressure is injected through the body, it flaps the valve, emitting pressurized air into the granular material, and otherwise induces vibratory flow to achieve discharge of the granular material from the conically configured bottom of the described hopper. While the Solimar device shown is effective for its intended purposes, one of the problems associated with this is that its body extension substantially reduces the effective size of the openings through which the pressurized air can flow, and thus create a backup pressure. This has a detrimental effect in achieving the desired intended intended results from an apparatus (i.e., to obtain a substantial flow of all the pressurized air through the hinge member and into the granular material, without any significant back-pressure to improve the fluid flow). U.S. Patent No. 4,662,543, also of Solimar shows a related style of aeration device to aid in the aeration of the material from the containers. As can be seen from this Solimar patent, this second Solimar device substantially reduces the air flow space by inserting a substantial clamping bolt dimensioned therethrough. This fastening bolt is the means for mounting the aeration device to the wall of the tank, during its installation. Therefore, it has been found that the significant back pressures of the generated air, which is intended to flow through the aeration device, achieves its functionality, has a detrimental effect in obtaining the maximum efficiency of the air flow, to achieve a improved fluidized flow of the granular material from the deposit shown. Furthermore, to provide the effectiveness as claimed from this patented device, it substantially weakens and reduces the peripheral edges of its concave skirt, to obtain a designated type of contact under pressure with the surface of the interior of the reservoir shown, or its intermediate plate , as noted, to prevent the presence of any reverse angle in which the granular material can flow, and cause the obstruction to the normal flow of pressurized air, during the use of the air-venting device shown. There are also other aeration devices available on the market, such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,820,052, wherein the accommodation means for such devices are formed in more than one cylindrical shape, and have their hinge valves, also of corresponding cylindrical configuration, mounted on it to achieve the vibrations of the valve, and the flow of pressurized air, to effect the fluidization of the granular material that stimulates its movement. These are examples of prior art device styles that are commercially available. Since they are reasonably effective in achieving their intended purposes, the current invention is designed to substantially improve the functionality and operations of such an aeration device by significantly reducing the back-pressure of the air passing through such a device, while at the same time Time offers better vibration effects to your flap valve to stimulate the fluidization of the granular material. In addition, the present invention will be substantially constructed in the pre-assembled form, so as to provide all its installation components substantially assembled together, previously, and only require the installation of a mounting bolt to obtain the final installation and assembly, so different from the devices of the prior art that require their assembly done in parts and time and labor consumption to achieve the feasible installation. This invention contemplates the formation of a pre-assembled fluidization device that significantly increases the passage of expansive and unburned air * provided through a device to stimulate an improved flow of granular material within a tank truck, tank or other type of holding container , to achieve a better fluidized flow of such granular material during its discharge from a storage medium. The fluidization device of this invention is preferably substantially pre-assembled to facilitate mounting the device to a holding container. The aeration device includes a preassembled aerator housing, which either mounts directly to or is integrally formed with a wear plate. If it also includes a reinforcement or upper retaining assembly that extends from the wear plate to facilitate the application and suspension of an elastic gasket therein. Once installed, the joint is pressurized in its installation, under its own pressure conditions, to allow its immediate use. The assembly of these components can be previously preformed, in the manufacturing plant, and the complete unit can be shipped, pre-assembled, for immediate installation, instead of requiring a re-shipment of only individual components, which must be assembled on site, through the expense of labor time of consumption, as required with the devices of the prior art. A fastener coupled internally to the aerator housing, or other similar means, to establish the device within the pre-bored opening formed through the wall of the reservoir. The fastener is intended to provide some light elasticity so that it can easily be mounted to the reservoir through the pre-braced opening. The fastener is intended to retain the aeration device in position, until the final installation of the aeration device is completed. In this way, all that will subsequently be required in the installation is an air distributor, externally of the tank. The mounting means holding the gasket in place has a central opening provided therein, threaded or otherwise formed to hold a clamping rod thereto. The clamping rod then extends out through the opening in the wall of the reservoir, and further extends outwardly from the associated air manifold. A nut, a wing nut, or other fastener is applied to the end of the clamping rod to mount the device in the reservoir. No force will be required for the installation of the preassembled fluidizing device of this invention, since its packing component will have to be preassembled and assembled in position, with the required amount of pressure or force already inherent through its previous installation, and all This needs to be done by the worker, when the installation of this device, is simply to locate the clamping rod through the air distributor and secure it with any type of fastening means as previously described. One of the main attributes of this invention is that a smaller diameter clamping rod is used in the installation of this device to the wall of the reservoir, which as shown and required in prior art installations. For example, if the normal aperture perforated or otherwise cut through the reservoir wall can be about one and a half inches in diameter, the prior art device. It uses a mold style of rods that extend through the opening of the wall and through which the air must flow. The molded rods add substantial volume to this location, and significantly short and block the open area through which the pressurized air can flow. Therefore, it creates a backup pressure that reduces the amount of air available to fluidize the granular material. In the present invention, the clamping rod is, in the preferred embodiment, only a three-eighth-inch clamping rod, or other type of rod means, to which an outer nut can be applied. This smaller shank allows a much greater airflow capacity to pass through the reservoir wall, significantly reducing the amount of back pressure generated. In fact, through the test it has been determined that even after the aerator has been installed, the aerator of this current design increases the amount of air flow capacity by approximately 271% over the available airflow passages in the existing design type of the aeration devices, as previously described in the Solimar patents of the prior art. In addition, the aerator housing and the wear plate assembly include a significant amount of open air space through which the pressurized air can flow. The air pressurized in this manner has access to a substantial amount of the inner surface of the elastic and flexible joint. This means that a greater abundance of the pressurized air is directly subjected to the interior of the joint during the operation of the aerator. This achieves a better vibratory effect for the operation joint and allows more of the pre-stressed air to flow under the joint and into the granular material to achieve its fluidization effect. These are examples of the construction style of the aeration device of this invention, and which provides significantly improved functionality, during its use. Another improved advantage of the design of this current invention is the associated or integral elastic fastener that is provided within the aerator housing. When a worker is installing one of the aerators from inside the tank, the fastener, being of elastic design, can be forced through the tank opening. The complete preassembled device can thus be held in position. The worker, after installing 5, 10 or more such devices, from inside the reservoir, can then move outwards and have the extended clamping rod rod readily available for installation of the air manifold. Simple securing of a wing nut, nut or other fastening means will secure the pre-assembled fluidization device in place. In this way, the fastener will keep the aeration device in place, until it is permanently secured in place by the fastener. The aeration devices will not inadvertently fall into the back of the reservoir again, as sometimes occurs during the installation of the prior art devices. Whereas, the installation of prior art devices in many cases, requires two workers, the aeration device of the present invention can be installed by a single worker. . It is, therefore, the main object of this present invention to provide a pre-assembled fluidizing device that can be immediately clamped within a hopper, tank car or other reservoir. A further object of this invention is to provide a pre-assembled fluidization device that offers high capacity for the flow of pressurized air therethrough, which has been provided in aeration devices related to the prior art. Another object of this invention is to provide a preassembled style or equipment of the aeration device for use, for the above purposes. Another object of this invention is to provide a pre-assembled fluidization device that can be installed by a single worker. Still another object of this invention is to provide a fluidization device that significantly improves the flow of pressurized air therethrough to supply a greater abundance of the pressurized air in the granular material, to achieve its fluidized flow. Still another object of this invention is to provide a fluidization device, which, due to its design, offers improved vibratory effects through the passage of a greater abundance of air pressure through the elastic joint of the fluidization device, to assist, initiating and stimulating the fluidized flow of the stored granular material, particularly when it is discharged from its holding tank. Yet another object of this invention is to provide a fluidization device that incorporates a particular style of wear plate, integrally manufactured from the aerator housing, and whose wear plate can be manufactured in a variety of dimensions, and bends to fit within the tank trucks of arched design, or even configured to provide the installation, against a tank surface inside it, when installed. These and other objects will be more apparent to those skilled in the art in the review of this brief description of the invention, when considered in light of the description of this preferred embodiment in view of the accompanying drawings BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The Figure 1 is a sectional view taken through the pre-assembled fluidizing device of this invention, showing the device installed in a hopper tank and having an air manifold secured externally of the hopper tank wall; Figure 2 shows the pre-assembled fluidizing device of this invention installed adjacent to the flat wall of an industrial warehouse; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the fluidization device of this invention; Figure 4 is a sectional view of the aerator wear plate and the integral housing assembly, and further shows its extended clamping rod; Figure 4A is a sectional view of the aerator wear plate and housing and further shows its elastic installation fastener installed in place; Figure 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the aerator housing and a leg of the installation fastener taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4A; Figure 6 is a top view of the aerating gasket of this invention; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the aerator joint taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a sectional view of the aerator gasket taken along line 8-8 of Figure 6; Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the edge of the tip of the aerator seal taken along line 9-9 of Figure 7; Figure 10 is a further view of the tip end of the joint taken along line 10-10 of Figure 8 which describes the various dimensional parameters associated therewith; Figure 11 is a further view of the tip edge of the gasket identical to Figure 10, but shows additional dimensions for packaging at the location; . Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the fluidization device that describes a different fastener and a different wear plate; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluidization device assembled without the wear plate; Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the fluidization device; Figure 15 is a top plan view of a joint used together with the wear plate of Figure 12; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the joint taken along line 16-16 of Figure 15; and Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an air distributor having two ports that allow the interconnection of the multiple fluidization devices to a single source of pressurized air. . With reference to the drawings, and in particular to the Figure 1, the pre-assembled fluidization device 1 of this invention is shown. As can be seen, the fluidization device 1 is normally mounted to a hopper cone H which is normally formed inside a tank truck 0 deposit as of an arched configuration. Alternatively, it can be seen in Figure 2, the device 1 of fluidization of this invention can be installed, within an industrial tank B, the walls of which can be of a flat design. Hopper H or reservoir B, has a hole, opening, or port A formed in its wall to allow air passage in fluidization device 1. The fluidization device 1 includes a flexible or elastic packing 2, formed of a rubber or other flexible polymer, which is of a force that allows its firm assembly in the aeration device. The gasket 2, however, is sufficiently elastic to provide its operation similar in some way to the hinge when subjected to pressurized air from the inside. The fluidization device 1 further includes an aerator housing 3 which is integrally formed therewith a wear plate 4. The wear plate 4 is designed to have a contour which corresponds to an outline of the inner surface of the hopper H, so that it can be mounted flush against the hopper H. As can also be seen, when installed, the device can Include any type of seal 5 intermediate to the wear plate and the hopper wall. The seal 5 may also be of any type of seal means as well as formed of silicone, or other polymer, or other type of seal or joint material. One of the main objects is to prevent the passage of granular material between the wear plate 4 and the hopper H and through the air port 6. The seal 5 also substantially prevents the escape of the pressurized air through the port 6. The upper end of the aerator housing includes a mounting or reinforcement 7. The reinforcement 7 can be threadedly coupled in place or integrally formed with the housing 3, for example , through a molding process. The upper edge of the reinforcement 7 includes a head-like member 8 to provide a reduced backing area 9 around which the elastic joint 2 is mounted. As can be seen, however, when the combined aerator wear plate 4, its housing 3 and the reinforcement 7, with its head 8 are placed together, and are held in position, while integrally formed, through molding or assembly in position as described subsequently, they are ready for receipt of the elastic seal 2 therein. The wear plate 4, the housing 3, the reinforcement 7 and the gasket 2 can be preassembled in the manufacturing plant and inherently tensioned to predispose against the outer surface of the wear plate 4, as in their joint 10 as can be seen. The reinforcement 7 can be internally threaded, as in 11 to threadably receive a clamping rod 12. Alternatively, the clamping rod 12 can be forced fixed or molded therein. The clamping rod 12 extends axially downward from the pre-assembled fluidizing device and through the air port 6 in the hopper H or the reservoir B. The lower end of the rod 12 can be threaded preferably as in 13 to receive a nut, bayonet catch, flap nut, or other type of fastening element such as a T-shaped handle 14. The clamping yoke 12 may be provided with other types of conventional means to accept another type of conventional fastener. The purpose of the fastening means 13 and the handle 14 as to secure the threaded end of the clamping rod 12, is for forcing and supporting within the placement of the air distributor, or port housing 15, and through which the pressurized air flows, to supply the fluidization device 1, once assembled, and installed to the hopper cone, cistern or similar, as can be observed. An additional seal 16 is provided between the air distributor 15 and the exterior of the hopper wall H, so as to prevent any passage of the pressurized air therethrough, during the operation of the fluidization device. To facilitate the installation of the fluidization device 1, a fastening means 17 is secured internally of the aerator housing 3. The clamping rod '12 includes a backrest flange 18 in which the clamping means 17 is established. Alternatively, the fastener means 17 may be integrally molded with the wear plate and the aerator housing, while initially formed as seen in Figure 4A. Preferably, the fastening means 17 may only be an elastic fastener having some tension spring inherent therein to allow its lower bevel end 19 to pass through the opening A formed through the hopper wall. The fastening means 17 serve to secure the fluidization device preassembled in place, through the hopper wall, when it is initially installed from the inside of the hopper. It will hold the fluidization device 1 in place until such time as the worker can place an air distributor 15 in place and secure the device in place by threading the handle 14, or other fastening, on the clamping rod 12 Figure 13, as previously explained, describes, in an exploded view, the different components that make up the pre-assembled fluidization device of this invention, including the assembly or reinforcement 7 manufactured with its head 8, the elastic joint 2, in addition to the integrally formed wear plate and housing 3 and 4, as noted. In addition, the fastener means 17 is described, which is preferably formed of thinner dimensions, as well as provides some inherent elasticity to offer its function as a fastener for presucking from the device in place, when initially installed from the interior of the reservoir. And, the clamping rod 12 is also shown. What is observed is that the elastic fastener 17 has a relatively narrow width, requiring only the structural tension to allow the fastener to maintain the device initially in place, during its preliminary installation, as previously explained. What is also observed from Figure 3 is that the aerator housing 3, as shown, has an arched configuration, although it may be cone-shaped in its structural configuration. The housing 3 has a series of ports 20 of air therethrough, around its circumference, which provides a greater capacity for pressurized air flow through the housing into the interior of the elastic joint 2. This will better facilitate the flow of air. Air through the aerator and the impact of pressurized air against the gasket 2, to cause the gasket 2 to vibrate, completely around its perimeter. The increased air flow will allow the pressurized air to exit under the seal 2, when the granular material is fluidized from inside the hopper tank, during its discharge. Furthermore, and as previously explained, and as can further be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the clamping rod 12 of this invention is the only minor obstruction to the passage of air through the opening A provided within the hopper wall, as distinguished from the prior art style of aeration devices as previously explained. As a result, there is much less resistance to the flow of pressurized air through the opening of the hopper wall. The air can more easily flow into the aerator housing of this invention, to achieve full access to the interior of the elastic joint, during the functionality of this device. As can also be observed in Figure 4A, the aerator housing 3, and its wear plate 4, in addition to its reinforcing 7 formed, the holding rod 12 and the fastener 17 can be integrally formed, as in a molding process during its initial manufacture. In Figure 4, the aerator housing 3, the wear plate 4 and the reinforcement 7 are integrally formed. This is distinct from the component assembly of these elements, as previously reviewed and explained with respect to the aerator assembly shown in Figure 1. In addition, the biased lower portion 19 of the fastener includes a light external projection 21. This extension provides the fastening clamp of the preassembled device within the hopper wall opening A, in the manner as previously explained. In addition, Figure 4A shows how the fastener, when integrally formed with the aerator housing, extends downwardly therein to provide its disposition through and the fastening clip within the hopper wall opening A. , as explained. Figures 6 to 11 show the detailed construction of elastic and molded aerating gasket 2. As can be seen, and as will be well known in the trade, an aerator seal when used in conjunction with an aeration device, as reviewed herein, and as previously explained in the prior art, is intended to have sufficient elasticity and flexibility so how to allow the passage of pressurized air under the edge of the joint, to assist in the fluidization of the granular material, although in another way, obtain some hinge action to induce a vibratory effect to the additional stimulus of the granular material in its downward flow towards the discharge port of the tank car or similar. The gasket 2 of this invention includes, as can be seen in Figure 7, a cone-shaped wall 22 that extends downward towards its tip 23 radiated at its outer bottom perimeter, but otherwise tilts upward in the formation of an integral portion 24 in the form of an inherent but still elastic sleeve, which is molded and has an opening 25 therethrough, as well as allowing the forced installation of the seal on the head 8 and in the assembly or reinforcement 7, of the aerator housing. The reinforced ribs 26 can be molded in the gasket 2 to add strength necessary to provide the inherent elasticity for the formed gasket, and allow its own functionality, in addition, the outer tips 23 of the gasket formed as can be seen from FIGS. to 11, will have some degree of radius formed around it, to offer structural resistance to the joint in its location and prevent its breakage and displacement after prolonged use, when it is subjected to pressurized air inside it, and the weight of granular material on its outer surface, when the pre-assembled fluidizing device is installed inside the tank truck or the like. Providing a sharp edge to this location, to obtain the results as explained in US Pat. No. 4,662,543 previously, can lead to premature failures of such joint, and the aeration device in general, due to the repeated action of hinge exerted on the outer edge of such a skirt, as previously reviewed. It is therefore desirable to form the outer tip of the joint 2 with some bulk grade such that, even at a conical angle, the joint has some amount of radius in its formation. This is so, although inverse or negative angles can be found when the gasket is positioned in and alters against the aerator wear plate of this current invention. Board 2 is designed to have significant inherent strength, even through the use of its reinforced edges 26 as explained, and although the maintenance in bulk and sufficient thickness in the formation of the board, when it is molded, in order to provide an improved and useful longer life when used. A second embodiment of the fluidization device as shown in Figure 12. The fluidization device 101 of Figure 12 is substantially similar to the fluidization device 1 of Figure 1. It includes a gasket 102 identical to the gasket 2, a housing 103 , a wear plate 104 having a central hole 106 and a fastener 117. However, in the fluidization device 101, the wear plate 104 is separated from the housing 103, and the housing 103 and the fastener 117 are integrally formed. Additionally, the elastic fastener 117 is formed different from the fastener 17. The aerator housing 3, as best seen in Figure 14, includes three downward tension arms or wings 105. The arms 105 are separated by approximately 120 ° and have a slope substantially similar to the internal wall slope of the seal 102. The arms 105 are joined in a central position by a reinforcement 107 having a head 108. That is, the arms 105 radiate outwardly from the reinforcement 107. The head 108 it has a diameter longer than the reinforcement 107 and thus the reinforcement 107 and the head 108 together define a backing 109. The reinforcement 107 has a central opening 111 which is dimensioned to accept the clamping rod 112. The clamping rod 112 may be secured in the reinforcing aperture 111 in any conventional means. This can be molded in place. The reinforcing opening 111 can be threaded, and the rod 112 can be threaded in place. If the rod 112 is threaded at its top, the head 108 can be countersunk and receive a nut 113, as shown in Figure 12, to hold the rod 112 in place. The fastener 117 comprises three legs 118 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the housing arms 105. The fastener 118 allows each to have a backrest flange 119 extending radially outwardly from the legs 118. The legs 118 each include a lower tilt surface 120 extending downwardly from the bottom of the legs to the flange 112, and a top tilt surface 121 extending from the leg, above the flange 119, down to the flange 119. Thus, the bottom of the legs 118 are generally triangular in cross section. The legs 118, above the flange 119 are sufficiently thin to supply the flexible legs. The seal 102 has a central opening 123 which is forced on the head 108 of the housing reinforcement 107. The opening 123 is resilient to be fixed on the head 108 and is dimensioned to be fixed around the reinforcement 107. As with the fluidization device 1, the fluidization device 1 is preferably pre-assembled. The clamping rod 112 is connected to, or formed with, the housing 103 and the gasket 102 is applied to the housing 103. The combined gasket 102, the housing 103 and the rod 112 can then be applied to the wear plate 104. The wear plate 104, as noted, has a central opening 106 which is equal in size to hole A in hopper wall H. Additionally, the wear plate 104 is configured to conform the contours of the hopper wall H. The clamping legs 118 are simply inserted through the opening 106 of the wear plate. As this occurs, the legs 118 will be flexible inwardly like the backing portion 119 sliding along the edge of the wear plate opening 106. Once the backing portion 119 slides along the wear plate opening 106, the wear plate will be loosely connected to the housing 103, by means of the fastener 117. The fluidization device 101 can then be applied to the inner surface of the hopper wall H in the same way as the fluidization device 1. Preferably, a seal 125 is placed between the wear plate 104 and the hopper wall H. The seal joint 125 has a central opening 127 substantially equal in diameter to the wear plate opening 106. Additionally, the seal gasket 125 has circumferential edges 129. When the seal gasket is positioned between the wear plate and the hopper wall H, the flanges 129 are preferably connected to the hopper wall H. The fluidization device 101A, as shown in Figure 13, is identical to the fluidization device 101 of Figure 12. However, the fluidization device 101A is assembled without the wear plate 104 and without the seal 125. As with the fluidization device 1 of the Figure 1, the fluidization devices 101 and 101A are applied to the hopper wall H simply by passing the clamping legs 108 through the hole A of the hopper wall. The fastener 117 will hold the fluidization device in place until the air distributor 15 is placed in place, and the fastener 14 is threaded, or otherwise fixed to the end of the stem 112. The fastener 14 will then hold the dispenser 15. of air in the location externally of the hopper wall H and will hold the fluidizing device 101 in place internally of the hopper wall. The air distributor 15 includes a passage 15a through which the rod 112 passes. A seal 131 is positioned around the stem 112 between the fastener 14 and the distributor 15 to reduce air leakage at this point.

The air distributor shown in Figures 1, 2, 12 and 13 includes only one connecting arm 15. In this way each air distributor must be provided with its own source of pressurized air, or the distributors must be connected to a manifold. However, the distributor 215 shown in Figure 17 includes 2 connection arms 215b. The use of two arms allows individual distributors to connect in series, rather than in parallel. This will reduce the amount of tubing required to connect all the distributors that may be required for an individual hopper. As noted above, the only obstruction to air flow from the air distributor in the aeration device itself is the narrow clamping rod. The interior of the aerator joint is substantially open and accessible to the air which enters the aerator. This design allows more air to flow into the aerator than the prior art designs. This increased air flow translates into decreased discharge times. In Table 1 below, the operation of the aerator was compared against the operation of two prior art aerators a Solimar aerator and a Heil Fio Cone aireator.

Depending on the conditions and the substance being moved, the aerator of the present invention has an improved 20% to 50% over the aerators of the prior art.

TABLE 1 Test 2 3 Device 'Invention * Solimar Invention Heil Fio Invention Heil Fio Cone' Cone Product Flour of Cement Flour, Cement Flour of! Flour! Wheat Portland Wheat and Portland Wheat, Wheat i j Soft Soft Type I i Type I Soft Soft | Pressure 14 14 14 to 15 14 to 15 (psi)) stance i 20 'horiz 20' horiz 20 '20' '65' vert 65 'vert lbs 51,220 51,140 54,320 54,360 45,740 45,340 product Time of 36 43 20 30 21 25 Download (min) lbs / min 1,422.7Í 1,189.30 2,716.00 '1,812.00, 2,178.10 1,813.60 | Improved% 19.63 49.89 20.1 Aerator of the present invention. As can be appreciated, the aireator is not simple to install, but it can dramatically decrease the download time. This decreased download time can translate into significant savings to the industry. Several of the modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art in the review of the description as provided herein. For example, the seal element 2 can be made of rubber, an elastic polymer, or any other material that can allow its functionality when used with a fluidization device of this current design. The reinforced flanges may or may not be required in the joint itself, depending on the nature of use of this preassembled device, and the type of material that may be transported within a tanker truck, hopper cart or the like, when employ In addition, the preassembly of various elements of the fluidization device of this invention can be either assembled from a variety of components, which forms the aireator housing, the wear plate, the clamping rod, the clamping means, and the like, as previously reviewed with respect to Figure 1, or all may be integrally molded and fabricated as a one-piece element, as previously shown and explained in Figures 4 , 4A, and 5, of this description. In addition, the fastener 17 can be manufactured in various designs, for example, they can be in the form of a fastener or locator, in its lower edge and better than the use of inclined sliding edges, with profusion tongues, as previously explained , this may be a type of ring friction that may be extended around the bottom of the legs 17 of the fastener shown, to provide initial tightening or placement of preassembled device in the interior of the reservoir, but still to hold the device securely until the worker is located outside the storage means, and can place the air distributor 15 in place, and apply a means 14 fastener on the outer end of the rod 12. The head can be incorporated in the joint, such that the clamping rod It extends from the apex of the. meeting. These examples of types of variations can be made with respect to the subject matter of this development and still fall within the scope and spirit of this invention. The description of the preferred embodiments is set forth herein and the drawings delineate the various elements of this invention, as set forth for various illustrative purposes only.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS 1. In combination, a hopper and an aeration device, the aeration device has an internal part and an external part, the hopper has a wall with a hole in it, and the internal part of the aeration device comprises a joint generally conical aerator being dimensioned to fix over the hopper wall orifice and has a head, a clamping rod extending from the head through the inside of the conical aeration joint, a mounting clip connected to the clamping rod and adapted to interact with the hopper wall hole to pre-assemble the internal part of the aeration device to an internal surface of the hopper wall before the external part of the aeration device is connected to the clamping rod, the extended clamping rod to through the hopper wall hole externally of the hopper, the external part of the aeration device includes an air distributor subsequently mounted to the clamping rod externally of the hopper wall. The air distributor being adapted to be operably connected to a source of pressurized air, and the upper end of the air distributor has an opening 'which is in communication with the hopper wall orifice and the aeration joint to supply substantial pressurized air. to the aeration device during its application. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting fastener has at least two flexible legs, the legs have an outwardly extending projection that cooperates with the hopper wall orifice to provide for a pre-connection of the part internal of the aerator device to the hopper wall. 3. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that the head is separated from the joint, the head comprises a post and a post head; The gasket has an opening in the upper part of it sized to fix around the pole head. 4. The combination according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastener and the head are formed as a unitary part of a piece. The combination according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a wear plate, the wear plate being placed against the internal surface of the hopper and the aeration joint being in contact with the wear plate; the wear plate has an opening at least substantially equal in size to the hopper wall orifice. 6. The combination according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes the hopper wall forming an internal hopper wall, a seal between the wear plate and the internal wall of the hopper. . The combination according to claim 6, characterized in that the seal is an O-ring. 8. The combination according to claim 6, characterized in that the seal is a seal. 9. In combination, a hopper and an aeration device, the aeration device has an internal part and an external part, the hopper has a wall with a hole in it, the internal part of the aeration device comprises an aeration joint generally conical being dimensioned to fix over the hopper wall hole and has a head, a clamping rod extending from the head through the inside of the conical aeration joint, a mounting clip connected to the clamping rod and adapted to interact with the hopper wall orifice to pre-assemble the internal part of the aeration device to an inner surface of the hopper wall before the external part of the aeration device is connected to the holding rod, the clamping rod extends to Through the hopper wall hole externally of the hopper, the external part of the aeration device includes a distributor of air mon to the external clamping rod of the hopper wall. The air distributor being adapted to be operably connected to a source of pressurized air, and the upper end of the air distributor has an opening that is in communication with the hopper wall hole and the aeration joint to supply pressurized air to the aeration device during its application, the aeration device includes a wear plate, the wear plate being placed against the inner surface of the hopper and the aeration joint and being in contact with the wear plate, the wear plate has an opening at least substantially equal in dimension to the hopper wall orifice, the Hopper wall has an internal hopper wall, a seal between the wear plate and the inner hopper plate, the seal is a gasket, and where the gasket has circumferential edges in contact with the hopper wall. 10. In combination, a hopper and an aeration device, the aeration device has an internal part and an external part, the hopper has a wall with a hole therein, the internal part of the aeration device comprises an aerating joint generally conical being dimensioned to fix on the hopper wall hole and has a head, a clamping rod extending from the head through the inside of the conical aeration joint, a mounting clip connected to the clamping rod and adapted to interact with the hopper wall hole to pre-assemble the internal part of the aeration device to an internal surface of the hopper wall before the external part of the aeration device is connected to the clamping rod, the clamping rod extends through of the hopper wall hole externally of the hopper, the external part of the aeration device includes a mounted air distributor or to the clamping rod externally of the hopper wall. The air distributor being adapted to be operably connected to a source of pressurized air, and the upper end of the air distributor has an opening that is in communication with the hopper wall orifice and the aeration joint to supply pressurized air to the device of aeration during its application, the aeration device includes a wear plate, the wear plate being placed against the internal surface of the hopper and the aeration joint and being in contact with the wear plate, the wear plate has a opening at least substantially equal in size to the hopper wall orifice, the hopper wall has an internal hopper wall, a seal between the wear plate and the inner hopper plate, and an aeration housing positioned between the hopper plate wear and aeration joint, the aeration housing being generally conical in shape and has a plurality of air passages in the same. The combination according to claim 10, characterized in that the aeration housing and the wear plate are integrally formed as a single piece. 12. In combination, a hopper and an aeration device, the aeration device has an internal and an external part, the hopper has a wall with an opening in it, the inner wall of the aeration device temporarily holding the wall of hopper close to its opening and inside the hopper, the external part of the aeration device attached to the internal part of the aeration device, the external part of the aeration device has an air distributor provided therein, the internal part of the device of aeration includes an aeration joint, whereby in the supply of pressurized air through the air distributor and the aeration joint provided by the fluidized flow of the granular material contained within the hopper. The combination according to claim 12, characterized in that the internal part of the aeration device includes a mounting fastener, the mounting fastener provides securing of the internal part of the aeration device through the opening of the hopper wall . 14. The combination according to claim 12, characterized in that it includes a clamping rod connected to the internal part of the aeration device, the clamping rod extends through the hopper wall opening externally of the hopper, and the outer part of the aeration device secured to the clamping rod externally of the hopper wall. . 15. In combination, a hopper and an aeration device, the aeration device has an internal part and an external part, the hopper has a wall with opening therein, the internal part of the aeration device includes an elastic mounting fastener , the elastic mounting fastener provides the fixed securing of only the internal part of the aeration device through the opening of the hopper wall and temporarily holding the inner part of the hopper wall close to its opening and inside the hopper, the external part of the aeration device attached to the internal part of the aeration device, the external part of the aeration device has an air distributor provided therein, the internal part of the aeration device includes aeration joint, so that the supply of pressurized air through the air distributor and the aeration joint provided by a fluidized flow of m granular material contained within the hopper. 16. The combination according to claim 15, characterized in that it includes a clamping rod connected to the internal part of the aeration device, the clamping rod extended through the hopper wall opening externally of the hopper, and the external part of the aeration device secured to the clamping rod externally of the hopper wall.