RU2793045C2 - Air blower for particles - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: apparatus for entraining abrasive particles in a stream.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates in particular to methods and apparatus for controlling the abrasive feed rate, as well as for controlling the size of the cryogenic abrasive. The particle blower includes a dosing section, a grinder and a supply section. The dosing section and the grinder can be configured to provide uniformity in the release of particles. The dosing section controls the particle feed rate and may include a rotor that may have V-shaped or chevron-shaped pockets. The chopper includes at least one roller that is movable between a position where clearance in the chopper is maximum and a position where clearance is minimum, both inclusive. The dispensing section can discharge into the supply section without the presence of a grinder. The grinder can receive particles directly from the abrasive source without a dispensing station. A method for supplying a plurality of cryogenic abrasive particles into a transport gas stream is also claimed.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides control of abrasive feed rate.

32 cl, 25 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for entraining abrasive particles in a stream and, in particular, relates to methods and apparatus for controlling the abrasive feed rate as well as for controlling the size of the cryogenic abrasive.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Carbon dioxide systems, including apparatuses for creating particles of solid carbon dioxide, for entraining particles into a carrier gas, and for directing entrained particles towards objects, are well known, and various associated components, such as nozzles, are presented in US patents 4,744,181 ; 4,843,770; 5,018,667; 5,050,805; 5,071,289; 5,188,151; 5,249,426; 5,288,028; 5,301,509; 5,473,903; 5,520,572; 6,024,304; 6,042,458; 6,346,035; 6,524,172; 6,695,679; 6,695,685; 6,726,549; 6,739,529; 6,824,450; 7,112,120; 7,950,984; 8,187,057; 8,277,288; 8,869,551; 9,095,956, 9,592,586, and 9,931,639, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0003] In addition, US Patent Application Serial No. 11/853,194, filed September 11, 2007, for a particle blowing system with a synchronized particle feeder and particle generator; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/589,551, filed January 23, 2012, for a method and apparatus for sizing carbon dioxide particles; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/592,313, filed January 30, 2012, for a method and apparatus for dosing carbon dioxide particles; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 13/475,454, filed May 18, 2012, for a method and apparatus for forming carbon dioxide granules; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/062,118, filed October 24, 2013, for a device including at least an impeller or baffle and for dosing carbon dioxide particles and method of use; US Patent Application No. 14/516,125, filed Oct. 16, 2014, for a method and apparatus for producing solid carbon dioxide; U.S. Patent Application Serial 15/062,842, filed March 7, 2015, for a particle feeder; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/849,819, filed September 10, 2015, for a particle blasting apparatus and method without particle storage; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/297,967, filed October 19, 2016 for an abrasive grinder, are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0004] US Pat. No. 5,520,572 illustrates a particle blower that includes a particle generator that produces fine particles by shearing them from a carbon dioxide block and entrains carbon dioxide pellets into a carrier gas stream without accumulating pellets. US Patents 5,520,572; 6,824,450 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009-0093196 disclose a particle blower that includes a particle generator that produces fine particles by shearing them from a carbon dioxide unit, a particle feeder that receives particles from the particle generator and entrains them, which then are delivered to a particle feeder which causes the particles to be entrained into the moving carrier gas stream. The entrained stream of particles flows through the supply hose to the nozzle for end use, such as being directed against a workpiece or other target.

[0005] For some blast cleaning applications, it may be desirable to have a range of small particles, for example, in the size range from 3 mm in diameter to 0.3 mm in diameter. U.S. Patent Publication 2017-0106500 (corresponding to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/297,967) discloses a grinder that reduces the size of brittle abrasive particles from each particle's respective initial size to a second size that is less than the desired maximum size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments that serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a particle blower.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the bin, feed assembly, and pressure regulator that can be carried by the particle blower of FIG.

[0009] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the bin and feed assembly of Figure 2, with actuators and pressure regulator not shown for clarity.

[0010] Figure 4 is a sectional isometric view of the feed assembly of Figure 3 taken along a vertical plane passing through the center line of the feed assembly.

[0011] Fig. 5A is a side sectional view of the feed assembly of Fig. 4, in the same vertical plane as in Fig. 4.

[0012] Figv is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the metering element and guide.

[0013] FIG. 5C is a sectional view taken along line 5C-5C in FIG. 5A.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a feed portion of a feed assembly.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing section and feed unit chopper.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing section and grinder.

[0017] Figure 9 is a sectional isometric view of a feed assembly similar to Figure 4, taken from a different angle and through a different vertical plane that does not pass through the center line of the feed assembly.

[0018] Fig. 10 is a sectional isometric view of a feed assembly similar to Fig. 9 through a vertical plane that passes through the center line of the feed assembly, illustrating the greater clearance between the chopper rollers.

[0019] Fig. 11 is a sectional side view of the feed assembly taken in the same vertical plane as in Fig. 10, illustrating the same gap size between the chopper rollers.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a feeder similar to FIG. 11 illustrating a gap size smaller than the maximum gap size and larger than the minimum gap size.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a top view of the chopper rollers illustrating the diamond pattern formed by raised projections in the convergent area.

[0022] Fig. 14 is a plan view of the chopper rollers illustrating an X-shaped pattern formed by embossed projections in a convergent area.

[0023] Fig. 15 is a top view of the metering element through the guide.

[0024] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the metering element.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a plan view of the end profile of the metering element of FIG. 16 taken along line 17-17 in FIG.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the profile of the metering element of FIG. 16 taken along line 18-18 in FIG.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the profile of the metering element of FIG. 16 taken along line 19-19 in FIG.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the metering element through the guide.

[0029] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of the pressure regulator assembly.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a top sectional view of the actuator of the pressure regulator assembly of FIG.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a pneumatic circuit.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a top sectional view of an actuator similar to FIG.

[0033] FIG. 25 is a sectional side view of a ball valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the following description, like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding parts throughout several views in the drawings. In addition, in the following description, it should be understood that terms such as front, rear, inner, outer, and the like are terms of convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms. The terminology used in this patent should not be construed as limiting the invention, as the devices or parts thereof described herein may be attached to or used in other orientations. Referring in more detail to the drawings, one or more embodiments constructed according to the ideas of the present invention are described.

[0035] It should be understood that any patent, publication, or other disclosure, in whole or in part, that is deemed to be incorporated by reference is included here only to the extent that the combined technical solutions do not conflict with existing definitions, claims, or other materials. disclosure set forth in that disclosure. Thus, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure, as expressly set forth herein, supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Although this patent relates specifically to carbon dioxide, the invention is not limited to carbon dioxide, but rather can be used with any suitable brittle material, as well as any suitable cryogenic material or other type of particles, such as water ice pellets or abrasive media. References herein to carbon dioxide, at least in the description of embodiments that serve to explain the principles of the present invention, are necessarily limited to carbon dioxide, but should be read to include any suitable brittle or cryogenic material.

[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, a representation of a particle blower, generally designated 2, is shown, which includes a cart 4, a supply hose 6, a manual control 8, and an outlet nozzle 10. Within the cart 4 is an abrasive delivery unit (not shown in figure 1), which includes a hopper and a feed unit located to receive particles from the hopper and to entrain the particles into the carrier gas stream. The particulate blower 2 may be connected to a source of transport gas, which may be supplied, in the depicted embodiment, via a hose 12 which supplies a stream of air at a suitable pressure, such as, but not limited to, 80 psi. Abrasive, such as, but not limited to, carbon dioxide particles, indicated at 14, can be directed into the hopper through the top 16 of the hopper. The carbon dioxide particles can be of any suitable size, such as, but not limited to, 3 mm in diameter and about 3 mm in length. The feed assembly entrains the particles into the carrier gas, which then flows at subsonic velocity through an internal flow channel formed by the feed hose 6. The feed hose 6 is depicted as a flexible hose, but any suitable design may be used to convey the particles entrained in the carrier gas. The manual control 8 allows the operator to control the operation of the particle blower 2 and the flow of entrained particles. Behind the control element 8, the entrained particles flow into the inlet 10a of the outlet nozzle 10. The particles flow out of the outlet 10b of the outlet nozzle 10 and can be directed in a desired direction and/or at a desired object such as a work piece (not shown).

[0038] The outlet nozzle 10 may have any suitable configuration, for example, the outlet nozzle 10 may be a supersonic nozzle, a subsonic nozzle, or any other suitable design capable of advancing or delivering the abrasive to a desired point of use.

[0039] The description of the operation of the control element 8 can be omitted, and the operation of the system is controlled by the controls on the cart 4 or other suitable location. For example, the outlet nozzle 10 may be mounted on a robotic arm and the nozzle orientation and flow may be controlled by remote controls located away from the cart 4.

[0040] With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the hopper 18 and the feed unit 20 of the particle blower 2 are shown. The hopper 18 may include a device (not shown) for transferring energy to the hopper 18 to facilitate the passage of particles through it. Hopper 18 is a source of abrasive, such as, for example, cryogenic particles, but not limited to carbon dioxide particles. The exit 18a of the hopper is aligned with the guide 22 (see Fig.4) on the seal 24 of the hopper. Any suitable source of abrasive may be used, such as, without limitation, a granulator.

[0041] The delivery unit 20 is configured to transport the abrasive from the abrasive source into the carrier gas stream, wherein the abrasive particles are entrained into the carrier gas as the stream leaves the delivery unit 20 and enters the supply hose 6. In the depicted embodiment, the delivery unit 20 includes dosing section 26, grinder 28 and supply section 30. As described below, grinder 28 can be omitted from feed station 20 (with metering station 28 discharging directly to feed station 30), metering station 28 can be omitted from feed station 20 (with grinder receiving particles directly from an abrasive source such as hopper 18) and the feed section 30 may be of any design that entrains particles into the carrier gas, be it a single hose system, multiple hose systems, and/or a venturi system. The pressure and flow rate of the transport gas supplied to the supply section 30 is controlled by the pressure regulator assembly 32 .

[0042] The supply unit 20 includes a plurality of motors for driving its various portions. These motors may be of any suitable configuration such as air motors and electric motors, including but not limited to DC motors and VFDs. The dispensing section 26 includes an actuator 26a which, in the depicted embodiment, provides the rotational force. In the depicted embodiment, chopper 28 includes three drives, 28a and 28b, which provide rotational force, and 28c, which provides rotational force through right angle drive 28d. In the depicted embodiment, feed portion 30 includes a drive 30a that provides rotational force through drive 30b with right angle transmission. Any suitable number, configuration, and orientation of actuators may be used, with or without right angle drive actuators. For example, fewer motors may be used with appropriate mechanisms to transfer power to components at appropriate speeds (such as chains, belts, gears, etc.). As seen in Figure 3, with drives removed and right angle drive drives, dowel pins can be used to mount the drives.

[0043] Feed unit 20 may include one or more drives 34, each of which has at least one retractable element (not shown) located with the possibility of selective passage into the flow of particles from hopper 18 to feed unit 20 on a guide 22 capable of mechanically breaking up a collection of particles, as such, as described in US Pat. No. 6,524,172.

[0044] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, dispensing section 26 includes a guide 22 and a dispensing element 36. Dispensing element 36 is configured to receive abrasive from hopper 18, a source of abrasive (in the illustrated embodiment, cryogenic particles) from first region 38 and to eject the abrasive into the second region 40. The guide 22 may be made from any suitable material such as aluminum, stainless steel, or plastic. Guide 22 is configured to direct abrasive from hopper 18 into first region 38. Guide 22 may be of any configuration suitable for directing abrasive from hopper 18 into the first region, such as but not limited to tapered walls. The metering element 36 is configured to control the abrasive flow rate for the particle blower 2 . Velocity can be expressed using any notation such as mass (or weight) or volume per unit time, such as pounds per minute. The dispensing element 36 may be configured in any manner suitable for controlling the flow rate of the abrasive. In the depicted embodiment, the metering element 36 is in the form of a rotor whose structure rotates about an axis, such as axis 36a. In the depicted embodiment, metering element 36 is supported by shaft 36b, with a key/keyway arrangement preventing rotation between metering element 36 and shaft 36b. An actuator 26a is connected to shaft 36b and can be controlled to rotate shaft 36b about axis 36a, thereby rotating metering element 36 about axis 36a. The metering element 36 will also be referred to herein as rotor 36, metering rotor 36, or even metering device 36, it being understood that references to metering element 36 as a rotor or metering device should not be interpreted in such a way as to limit the metering element to the illustrated rotor structure. As a non-limiting example, the dispensing element 36 may be a reciprocating structure. The metering rotor 36, as shown, includes a plurality of cavities 42, which are also referred to herein as pockets 42. Pockets 42 may be of any size, shape, number, or configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the pockets 42 open radially outward and extend between the ends of the metering rotor 36 as described below. Rotation of the metering rotor 36 cyclically places each pocket 42 in a first position adjacent to the first particle receiving area 38 and in a second position adjacent to the second particle ejecting area 40.

[0045] Chopper 28 includes a roller 44 that rotates about an axis, such as axis 44a, and a roller 46 that rotates about an axis, such as axis 46a. In the depicted embodiment, roller 44 is supported by shaft 44b, with a key/keyway arrangement preventing rotation between roller 44 and shaft 44b. An actuator 28a is connected to shaft 44b and can be controlled to rotate shaft 44b about axis 44a, thereby rotating roller 44 about axis 44a. In the illustrated embodiment, roller 46 is supported by shaft 46b, with a key/keyway arrangement preventing rotation between roller 46 and shaft 46b. An actuator 28b is connected to shaft 46b and can be controlled to rotate shaft 46b about axis 46a, thereby rotating roller 46 about axis 46a. The rollers 44, 46 may be made from any suitable material such as aluminium.

[0046] The rollers 44 and 46 have respective peripheral surfaces 44c, 46c. A gap 48 is formed between each respective peripheral surface 44c, 46c. The convergent region 50 is formed in front of the gap 48 by the gap 48 and the rollers 44, 46. ("Behind" is the direction of abrasive flow through the delivery unit 20, and "forward" is the opposite direction.) The convergent region 50 is configured to receive the abrasive , which has been released by the rotor 26, from the second region 40. The diverging region 52 is formed behind the gap 48 by the gap 48 and the rollers 44, 46.

[0047] The grinder 28 is configured to receive an abrasive that contains a plurality of particles (carbon dioxide particles in the depicted embodiment) from the metering element 26 and to selectively reduce the particle size from the respective initial particle sizes to a second size that is less than a predetermined size. In the depicted embodiment, grinder 28 receives abrasive from dispensing section 26/dispensing element 36. In an alternative embodiment, dispensing section 26/dispensing element 36 may not be used and grinder 28 may receive abrasive from any structure, including directly from the source. abrasive. As is known, the rollers 44, 46 rotate to move the peripheral surfaces 44c, 46c in a direction further downstream into the gap 48, i.e. to the end of the convergent region 50. As the abrasive particles move further downstream through the gap 48, particle sizes that are initially larger than the width of the gap 48 between the peripheral surfaces 44c, 46c will be reduced to a size based on the size of the gap.

[0048] The size of gap 48 may vary between a minimum gap and a maximum gap. The maximum gap and the minimum gap can be any suitable size. The maximum gap may be large enough so that none of the particles passing through gap 48 undergo a change in size. The minimum gap may be small enough that all of the particles passing through the gap 48 undergo a size change. Depending on the maximum gap size, there may be a gap size that is smaller than the maximum gap size at which the first particle reduction begins. At gap sizes where not all of the particles passing through gap 48 are pulverized, grinder 28 reduces the size of the plurality of particles. In the depicted embodiment, the minimum gap is configured to grind the particles to a very fine size, such as 0.012 inches, which may be referred to as microparticles in the standard industry, with a minimum gap of 0.006 inches. In the depicted embodiment, the maximum gap is configured not to crush any particles, with the maximum gap being 0.7 inches. Any suitable minimum and maximum clearance may be used.

[0049] The supply section 30 may be of any design that is configured to receive abrasive particles and introduce the particles into the transport gas stream, then entraining them into the stream. In the depicted embodiment, feed section 30 includes a feed rotor 54, a guide 56 located between gap 48 and feed rotor 54, and a bottom seal 58. Feed rotor 54 rotates about an axis, such as axle 54a. In the depicted embodiment, shaft 54b (see FIG. 6) is integral with feed rotor 54, and may be of a single construction. Alternatively, shaft 54b may be a separate shaft that carries feed rotor 54 such that feed rotor 54 does not rotate relative to shaft 54b. The feed rotor 54 may be made from any suitable material such as stainless steel.

[0050] As illustrated, drive 30a is coupled to shaft 54b via right angle drive 30b and can be controlled to rotate shaft 54b and, accordingly, feed rotor 54 about axis 54a.

[0051] The feed rotor 54 includes a peripheral surface 54c (see FIG. 6), also referred to here as circumferential surface 54c, which has a plurality of pockets 60 disposed therein. Each pocket 60 has a corresponding circumferential width. The guide 56 is configured to receive particles from the grinder 28 and direct the particles into the pockets 60 as the feed rotor 54 rotates about the axis 54a. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the grinder 28 may be omitted from the feed assembly 20, with a guide 56 receiving particles directly from the dispensing element 36. The guide 56 includes a stripping edge 56a adjacent to the peripheral surface 54c and extending in the longitudinal direction. , typically parallel to axis 54a. The feed rotor 54 rotates in the direction of the arrow so that the stripping edge 56a forms a nip line for the feed rotor 54 and functions in the rotation of the feed rotor 54 to force particles into the pockets 60.

[0052] The bottom seal 58 seals the peripheral surface 54c. The bottom seal 58 may have any suitable configuration.

[0053] The supply portion 30 defines a transport gas flow path 62, indicated by flow lines 62a and 62b, through which the transport gas flows during operation of the particle blower 2. The transport gas flow path 62 may be connected to the transport gas source either directly or via a pressure regulator assembly 32 (described below) using suitable fittings external to the supply section 30 . The carrier gas flow path 62 may be formed by any suitable structure and configured in any suitable manner that entrains particles emitted from pockets 60 into the carrier gas. In the illustrated embodiment, lower seal 58 and piston 64 form at least a portion of carrier gas flow path 62, with a portion of flow path 62 passing through pockets 60 as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/297,967.

[0054] The rotation of the feed rotor 54 introduces particles into the carrier gas stream, entraining them into the stream. The entrained flow (particles and carrier gas) flows through the feed hose 6 and exits the outlet nozzle 10. Thus, there is a particle flow path between the abrasive source and the outlet nozzle, which in the illustrated embodiment passes through the dispensing section 26, the grinder 28 and feed section 30.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 5B, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the metering rotor 36 and guide 22 is shown. The guide 22 includes a stripping edge 22a located adjacent to the outer peripheral surfaces 36c of the metering rotor 36. The outer peripheral surfaces 36c extend past the stripping edge. edges 22a during rotation of the metering rotor 36. The stripping edge 22a is configured to scrape across the hole 42a of each pocket 42 when the metering rotor 36 rotates. 22 to the stripping edge 22a. In the depicted embodiment, this arcuate transition portion has a radius of 0.29 inches, although any suitable transition radius or shape may be used. As used herein, the stripping angle is the angle formed between the stripping edge and the tangent to the metering rotor, as shown in FIG. 5B. The stripping angle α is configured not to result in a pinch line between the stripping edge 22a and the outer peripheral surfaces 36c when the metering rotor 36 rotates in the indicated direction. If there is a nip line at this location, the particles can be pressed and/or crushed in the pockets 42, which, for carbon dioxide particles, tends to prevent the particles from falling out of the pocket when discharged. In the depicted embodiment, the stripping angle is greater than 90°.

[0056] FIG. 5C illustrates the overhang of the inlet 22 relative to the metering rotor 36, the overhang of the body 94 relative to the roller 44, and this roller 44 (and, accordingly, the roller 46) is wider than the metering rotor 36. As shown, the surface 22c of the inlet 22 in axial direction overhangs the first end 36d of the metering rotor 36, and the surface 22d of the inlet 22 in the axial direction overhangs the second end 36e. The upper portions of both ends 36d, 36e are located in the recesses formed by the surfaces 22c, 22d in the housings 94f, 94e, respectively. With this design, particles passing through the guide 22 are blocked from reaching the ends 36d, 36e. Likewise, surfaces 94a' and 94b' overhang the ends of roller 44 (and simultaneously the ends of roller 46, not shown in FIG. 5C). The upper sections of both ends of the rollers 44, 46 are located in the recesses. As seen in FIG. 5C, roller 44 (and at the same time roller 46) is wider than metering rotor 36. This design avoids ledges where ice can accumulate.

[0057] With reference to Fig.6, shows an exploded view in isometric section 30 of the supply. In addition to the above description, in the depicted embodiment, delivery portion 30 includes a body 66 and a base 68. The base includes a centrally located raised portion 70. Similar to US Patent Application No. the piston 64 is hermetically engaged with the protruding portion 70 to form a chamber in fluid communication with the carrier gas. Spring 72 is positioned to push the piston upward, with centering device 74 engaging piston 64, as seen in FIG. 5A. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom seal 58 is attached to the piston 64 by fasteners 76 with appropriate seals.

[0058] Housing 66 includes holes 66a, 66b in which bearings 78a, 78b are received. Bearings 78a, 78b rotatably support feed rotor 54. Bearing 78a is retained in bore 66a by retainer 80, which is attached to housing 66. Bearing 78b is retained in bore 66b by retainer 82, which is attached to housing 84. Right angle drive 30b can be attached to the retainer/support 82. The housing 66 may be made from any suitable material such as aluminum.

[0059] Inlet 86 and outlet 88 (see FIG. 5A) of transport gas flow paths 62 are formed in housing 66 as shown. Fittings 90, 92 seal the engagement of housing 66 at inlet 86 and outlet 88, respectively, with retainers 90a, 92a securing them thereto.

[0060] With reference to figures 7 and 8, illustrated are exploded isometric views of the dispensing section 26 and grinder 28. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 94 accommodates the dispensing rotor 36 and rollers 44, 46. The shaft 36b can be rotatably supported by bearings 36f. Housing 94 may be made from any suitable material, such as aluminum, and in any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the housing 94 comprises six parts. As illustrated, housings 94a and 94b carry roller 44 while housings 94c and 94d carry roller 46. Housings 94e and 94f carry metering rotor 36.

[0061] The housings 94c and 94d are movable relative to the housings 94a and 94b so as to change the width of the gap 48. The housings 94a, 94b, 96c and 96d have respective supports 96a, 96b, 96c and 96d. The supports 96a, 96b rotationally support the shafts 36b and 44b, and the supports 96c, 96d rotationally support the shaft 46b. Supports 96a, 96b, 96c and 96d may be made from any suitable material such as aluminum. Housings 94a, 94b and supports 96a, 96b are depicted as stationary with respect to supply section 30 and hopper 18.

[0062] With reference to Figures 4 and 5A, feed assembly 20 includes a gap adjustment mechanism 98 that is connected to supports 96c, 96d to move and place them in a variety of positions, including a first position where gap 48 is at its minimum, and a second position in which gap 48 is at its maximum. The gap adjustment mechanism 98 includes a shaft 100 that rotates about an axis, such as the axis 100, and external teeth or threads 100b arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction, as illustrated. Drive 28c is coupled to shaft 100 via right angle drive 28d and can be controlled to rotate shaft 100. Gap adjuster 98 includes a gear member 102 with internal teeth or threads 102a located about axis 100a that are shaped to complement the external teeth. or threads 100b engaging with them. The rotation of the shaft 100 causes a relative longitudinal movement between the shaft 100 and the element 102.

[0063] The member 102 is attached to the plate 104 by a plurality of fasteners 106. The plate 104 is secured to the support 96c by the fastener 108a and to the support 96d by the fastener 108b.

[0064] Shaft 100 includes a flange 110 that is fixed between support 112 and holder 114 to allow rotational movement about axis 100a with little or no axial movement. A plurality of rods 116 secure support 112 to supports 96a, 96b without moving between them. The rods 116 support the plate 104 so that it can move in the axial direction along the rods 116. The plate 104 includes a plurality of guides 104a that are located in complementary holes 118c, 118d. Because the plate 104 is attached to the supports 96c, 96d by fasteners 108a, 108b, there is no relative movement between the guides 104a and the supports 96c, 96d. The guides 104a are sized to allow the rods 116 to slide in the axial direction.

[0065] The supports 96a, 96b include rails 120a, 120b, respectively, which are located in complementary shaped holes (not visible) in the supports 96c, 96d. The holes are sized to allow the guides 120a, 120b to slide into them in the axial direction. Guides 102a, 102b support and guide supports 96c, 96d into and between their first and second travel positions. The rods 116 pass through guides 104a, holes 118c, 118d and guides 120a, 120b attached to supports 96a, 96b so that support 112 is supported and does not move relative to supports 96a, 96b.

[0066] Rotation of shaft 100 moves plate 104 along axis 100a and simultaneously moves supports 96c, 96d and roller 46 relative to supports 96a, 96b and roller 44, thereby changing the width of gap 48.

[0067] Rollers 44 and 46 may contain multiple rollers. As seen in FIG. 8, roller 44 may include rollers A and B that are not rotationally mounted on shaft 44b, and roller 46 may include rollers C and D that are not rotationally mounted on shaft 46b. Each individual roller A, B, C, D has a corresponding peripheral surface A', B', C' and D'.

[0068] The rollers 44, 46, whether they consist of individual rollers or multiple rollers, may include a plurality of holes 122 through them. If the rollers 44, 46 comprise a plurality of rollers, the holes 122 within each roller can be axially aligned. Openings 122 reduce the overall mass of rollers 44, 46. This reduced mass reduces the time required for temperature changes in rollers 44, 46, such as shortening the melting time of any ice that accumulates on rollers 44, 46 during operation, during periods when the blower 2 for particles doesn't work. In another embodiment, air or other gas may be directed into the flow through the openings 122 to accelerate the temperature change.

[0069] For further clarity, Fig. 9 is an isometric sectional view of the feed assembly 20 .

[0070] With reference to figures 10 and 11, supports 96c, 96d (not visible in figures 10 and 11) are located in the second position, in which the gap 48 is maximum. Roller 46 is separated from roller 44 by the maximum distance. Regardless of the position of roller 46 and the accompanying size of gap 48, roller 44 remains in the same position. Roller 44 defines a first edge 48a of gap 48 which also remains in the same position regardless of the position of roller 46.

[0071] The first edge 48a is always located at a location located between the intermediate axis 54a and the stripping edge 56a. The stripping edge 56a defines the border of the stripping area 56b. Typically, the stripping area 56b extends across the width of one pocket 60 when the leading edge of such pocket 60 is located at the stripping edge 56a. The stripping area 56b is aligned with the first edge 48a. When the supports 96c, 96d are located at the first location where gap 48 is at its minimum, the entire gap is aligned with the stripping area 56b so that the ground particles can fall or be directed into pockets 60 proximal to the stripping edge 56a.

[0072] Fig. 12 is similar to Fig. 11, showing a gap 48 with a dimension between the maximum gap and the minimum gap. The feed assembly 20 is configured such that the gap adjustment mechanism 98 may position the supports 96c, 96d in a plurality of positions between the first and second positions such that the gap 48 may be set in a plurality of sizes between the maximum gap and the minimum gap. In the depicted embodiment, the configuration of the gap adjustment mechanism 98 essentially allows the size to be set to a maximum, minimum, and any size in between.

[0073] The peripheral surfaces 44c, 46c may have any suitable configuration. In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral surfaces 44c, 46c have a surface texture that can be of any configuration. It should be noted that, for clarity, the surface texture has been omitted from the drawings, with the exception of Figures 13 and 14. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate rollers 44, 46 having a surface texture containing a plurality of embossed protrusions 124. Figure 13 illustrates rollers 44, 46 containing rollers A, B, C and D as viewed from above the converging area 50. Each peripheral surface A', B', C', D' contains a plurality of relief protrusions 124, located at an angle relative to any edge. The angle may be any suitable angle, such as 30° relative to the axial direction. In the depicted embodiment, the angles of each protrusion peripheral surface A', B', C, D' are the same, although any suitable combination of angles may be used.

[0074] The surface texture in the depicted embodiment is configured to be uniform across the entire width in the axial direction of the rollers 44, 46 for the pulverized particles discharged by the pulverizer 28 into the feed portion 30. This uniformity is achieved, in the depicted embodiment, due to the fact that the surface texture is configured to move particles entering the grinder 28 in a convergent region 50 to the axial middle of the rollers 44, 46. 44 (rollers A, B) and a plurality of protrusions 124 of roller 46 (rollers C, D) form a diamond-shaped structure in convergent region 50. At the interface between rollers A and B and rollers C and D, the individual raised protrusions 124 may or may not be exactly aligned.

[0075] Seen from the bottom, a plurality of protrusions 124 of roller 44 (rollers A, B) and a plurality of protrusions 124 of roller 46 (rollers C, D) form an X-shaped pattern in convergent region 50.

[0076] FIG. 15 shows a top view of metering rotor 36 through guide 22. Arrow 126 indicates the direction of rotation of metering rotor 36. Referring also to Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19, in the depicted embodiment, metering rotor 36 is configured to provide uniformity. in the axial width of the metering rotor 36 of abrasive particles discharged by the metering rotor 36 in the second region 40 into the grinder 28, and uniformity in the rate of discharge into the second region 40. Such uniformity can be achieved, in the depicted embodiment, by the configuration of the pockets 42. The metering rotor 36 can be made from any suitable material such as ultra high molecular weight plastic (UHMW) or other polymers.

[0077] As seen in FIG. 16, the metering rotor 36 includes a first end 36d and a second end 36e that are spaced apart along axis 36a. The pockets 42 extend from the first end 36d to the second end 36e. Pockets 42, as viewed radially to axis 36a, are generally V-shaped, also referred to herein as a chevron shape, with apex 42b pointing in the opposite direction of rotation. The pockets 42, when viewed in the axial direction, have an overall U-shape. Any suitable axial shape may be used. Any suitable radial shape may be used, including pockets that extend straight from first end 36d to second end 36e.

[0078] In the depicted embodiment, the pockets 42 are configured to accelerate movement of the particles toward the axial center of the pockets 42. As the metering rotor 36 rotates in the direction of arrow 126, tilting the chevron shape in the axial direction may cause the particles to move toward the axial center, which leads to a more uniform distribution over the axial width of the metering rotor 36.

[0079] Figures 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the axial profile of the pockets 42 at the respective locations indicated in FIG. 18 illustrates the profile of pockets 42 at apex 42b, the midpoint. At apex 42b, the corner of the pockets 42 changes to the opposite, mirror angle, without a sharp intersection. A radius can be formed at this intersection to create a soft transition 42c.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a view of the metering rotor 36, viewed before the bottom, through the second region 40. The outlet edge 22b is illustrated generally extending axially with respect to the axis 36a. As can be seen, the V-shaped or chevron shape of the pockets 42 results in the outermost portions 42d of the pockets 42 first extending over the outlet edge 22b to the top 42b. With this configuration, only a small portion of one of the portions of the peripheral surface 36c reaches the outlet edge 22b, providing less pulsation than if each portion forming the peripheral surface 36c were straight in the axial direction.

[0081] As mentioned above, the metering member 36 is configured to control the flow rate of the abrasive for the particle blower 2. By separating the flow rate control from the feed rotor, the feed rate pulsing at lower flow rates can be avoided. When the feed rotor also controls the particle flow rate, in order to provide lower flow rates, the feed rotor speed must be reduced. At lower speeds, due to the relative alignment of the feed rotor pockets, pulsation occurs. Even with the feed rotor pockets full, at lower feed rotor speeds, the time between the presentation of each discharge opening increases, resulting in pulsation.

[0082] In embodiments in which the metering element 36 is present, the feed rotor 54 may rotate at a constant, typically high speed, regardless of the feed rate. At a constant high speed, the time between the presentation of each discharge hole is constant for all feed rates. At low feed rates with the feed rotor 54 rotating at a constant high speed, the fill percentage of each pocket will be less than at high feed rates, but the pulsation will be reduced.

[0083] By decoupling the flow rate control from the feed rotor, the feed rotor can operate closer to its optimum speed (based on component designs and characteristics such as motor profile, wear rate, etc., for example).

[0084] In the depicted embodiment, the feed rotor 54 may operate at a constant rotational speed for all feed rates, for example, from 75 rpm to 80 rpm. In the illustrated embodiment, chopper 28 may operate at a constant rotational speed for all feed rates, such as 1500 rpm for each roller 44, 46. In the illustrated embodiment, metering rotor 36 may operate at a rotational speed that varies to control the speed. particle flow.

[0085] For best performance, the carrier gas flow must be adequate and constant to provide the desired controlled flow and pressure. While an external source of gas, such as air, can provide the required flow and pressure in a controlled manner, external sources are generally unreliable in this regard. Thus, for such consistency and control, known particle blowing systems have included an inline pressure control connected to an external source of gas such as air. Prior art particle blowing systems have used a valve, such as a ball valve, to control the on/off of the incoming gas and regulate the downstream pressure. Prior art pressure control has been accomplished by using an inline pressure regulator located in the flow line, with the desired pressure controlled by a fluid control signal, such as an air pressure signal from a pilot pressure control regulator. At higher transport gas flow rates, the built-in pressure regulator caused large pressure losses. In the prior art, to compensate for this pressure loss at higher flows, oversized inline pressure regulators or alternative unregulated carrier gas flow paths could be used, adding cost, complexity, and an undesirable increase in overall weight and size of the structure.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 21, the pressure regulator assembly 32 of the depicted embodiment is shown. The pressure regulator 32 includes a flow control valve, generally designated 202. The flow control valve 202 includes an actuator 204 and a ball valve 206. The ball valve 206 includes an inlet 208 that is connected to a carrier gas source and an outlet 210 that is connected via appropriate fittings with inlet 90 and which itself can be considered as a source of transport gas. In the depicted embodiment, a tee 212 is connected to an inlet 208. The tee 212 includes an inlet 212a that is connected to a source (not shown) of a carrier gas, which in the depicted embodiment is non-pressure adjustable. The T-fitting includes an outlet 212b that is connected to another T-fitting 214 to which a pressure sensor 216 is connected and measures the pressure at the T-fitting 214. The outlet 214a is configured to provide pressure and flow to other system components 2 blowing particles.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 22, a top sectional view of an actuator 204 with a ball valve 206 is schematically illustrated. moving the controlled element between the first controlled position and the second controlled position, inclusive. In the depicted embodiment, when ball 218 is in the second actuated position, ball valve 206 is closed. The actuator 204 includes a housing 220 which defines a first inner chamber 222 which is generally cylindrical but may be of any suitable shape. At one end, the end cap 224 is connected to the housing 220, sealing the first inner chamber 222. At the other end, the housing 226 is connected to the housing 220, sealing the inner chamber 222. The housing 220 may be of a unitary design or of assembled parts. Housing 220 and housing 226 may be of a unitary design. Housing 226 defines a second inner chamber 228.

[0088] The piston 230 is located in the first inner chamber 222, sealingly engaging the side wall 222a. Inside the first inner chamber 222, the piston 230 defines a chamber 232 on the first side 230a and a chamber 234 on the second side 230b. The piston 236 is located in the first inner chamber 222, sealingly engaging the side wall 222a. Within the first inner chamber 222, the piston 236 defines a chamber 238 on the first side 236a and a second chamber 234 located on the second side 236b.

[0089] The piston 230 is shaped to complement the side wall 222a and includes an extension 230c with teeth 230d. The piston 236 is shaped to complement the side wall 222a and includes an extension 236c with teeth 236d. The teeth 230d and the teeth 236d engage a gear 240 which rotates about an axis 240a which, in the depicted embodiment, is aligned with the axis 218b of the stem 218a. Gear 240 is connected directly or indirectly to rod 218a, which in turn is connected to ball 218. Rotation of gear 240 causes concomitant rotation of rod 281a and ball 218. Gear 240 can rotate between a first position and a second position, inclusive, which correspond to the first and second positions of ball 218, wherein when gear 240 is in its first position, ball 218 is in its first position; when gear 240 is in its second position, ball 218 is in its second position.

[0090] Pistons 230 and 236 also move between first and second positions in a co-operative manner due to their engagement with gear 240. As pistons 230 and 236 move, they drive gear 240, respectively. At their respective second positions, pistons 230 and 236 are at a minimum distance from each other, causing gear 240 and ball 218 to be in their respective second positions, closing ball valve 206. At their respective first positions, pistons 230 and 236 are at their maximum distance from each other, resulting in gear 240 and ball 218 are in their respective first positions. In the depicted embodiment, ball valve 206 is a quarter-turn valve, and when ball 218 is in its first position, ball valve 206 is fully open. Although two pistons 230, 236 are shown, piston 236 may be omitted by using an appropriately sized piston 230.

[0091] Ball valve 206 controls the pressure of the carrier gas stream at inlet 90. Referring to the pneumatic circuit diagram of FIG. is the same as the actual static pressure in passage 242 downstream. 22, this is schematically illustrated by line 244, bypass valve 246, and line 248. Activating bypass valve 246 allows the user to set ball valve 206 to full open, bypassing/disabling the control function of ball valve 206. Lines 244, 248 may be of any suitable configuration.

[0092] Chamber 234 is in fluid communication with a pressure control signal that is either equal to or proportional to the desired downstream pressure. As shown schematically in FIG. 22, actuator 204 includes a port 250 in fluid communication with a chamber 234 that is configured to be coupled to a pressure control signal via line 252. As illustrated, a quick release valve 254 may be inserted into port 250 and line 252, which may allow rapid depressurization of chamber 234 if desired, such as when ball valve 206 is closed. The pressure from the pressure control signal can be set by the operator. As seen in FIG. 23, pressure regulator 256 controls the pressure applied to line 252 when control valve 258 is in the appropriate position. The position of the control valve 258 is controlled by a blower valve 260, which may be located in the control handle 8. Actuation of the blower valve 260 delivers a controlled pressure flow from the regulator 262 to the control valve 258 causing it to move into a suitable position for the controlled flow pressure from the pressure regulator 256 to the flow in line 252. The inlet pressure to the pressure regulator 256 may be unregulated, as shown in Fig.23, it should be noted that this inlet is regulated in front of it by the regulator 264.

[0093] During operation, the pressure in chamber 234, controlled by a pressure control signal supplied through line 252, will move pistons 230 and 236 outward, causing ball valve 206 to open, increasing pressure in downstream passage 242. As this pressure increases, the pressure in chamber 232 and 238 will increase and act on pistons 230 and 236 against the pressure in chamber 234, moving pistons 230 and 236 inward, causing ball valve 206 to close, reducing flow and pressure in downstream passage 242, which is the portion of the passage behind the ball 218, including its portion inside the ball valve 206. The ball valve 206 will move to an equilibrium position in which the force acting on the pistons 230 and 236 from chambers 232 and 238 is equal to the force acting on the pistons 230 and 236 from chamber 234. Pressure changes in chambers 232 and 238, eg due to changes in pre-inlet source pressure or in chamber 234, eg due to operator change, will move ball valve 206 to a new equilibrium position.

[0094] As can be seen in Fig.22, the piston 266 is located in the second inner chamber 228, hermetically engaging the side wall 228a. Inside the second inner chamber 228, the piston 266 defines a chamber 268 on the first side 266a and a chamber 290 on the second side 266b. The piston 266 is complementary to side wall 228a and includes an extension 266c that extends through end wall opening 226a into chamber 232. against elongation 266s. The vent hole 272 ventilates the area between the seals 270 so that there will be a pressure differential across the seals for all seals to effectively be loaded by compression in the seal grooves and prevent leakage.

[0095] The end cap 274 is connected to the housing 226 and includes an annular groove 276 that is complementary shaped and aligned with the annular groove 278. The piston 266 is movable between and including a first position in which the internal volume of the chamber 228 is at its maximum, and a second position where the internal volume of chamber 228 is at its minimum, with extension 266c continuing to its maximum distance in chamber 232.

[0096] the Ends of the springs 280 and 282 are located in the annular grooves 276 and 278 and are made with the possibility of elastic displacement of the piston 266 in the direction of the second position. 22, with piston 266 in its first position, springs 280 and 282 are at their most compressed, causing the piston to move to the right towards its second position. Although two springs are shown, only at least one resilient member is needed to resiliently move piston 266 to its second position.

[0097] In order to hold piston 266 in its first position, chamber 268 can be selectively pressurized to overcome the force generated by springs 280 and 282. Housing 226 includes port 284 in fluid communication with chamber 268. Fitting 286 is illustrated. located within port 284, with line 288 in fluid communication with chamber 228 through fitting 284. Line 288 is connected to a source of pressurized fluid, such as air, such that chamber 268 may be pressurized. As seen in FIG. 23, pressure in line 288 is controlled by blow valve 260. When blow valve 260 is actuated, pressure is applied to line 288 and ultimately chamber 268 so that piston 266 is held in its first position against the force generated by springs 280 and 282. In this position, piston 230 has a full range of motion from its first position to its second position.

[0098] Referring to Figures 22, 23, and 24, when blow valve 260 is released, chamber 268 is depressurized through blow valve 260 via line 288, which allows springs 280 and 282 to immediately move piston 266 from its first position (FIG. 22 ) to the second position (Fig.24). When piston 266 moves from its first position to its second position, a portion of piston 266, i. extension 266c engages piston 230 and moves piston 230 to its second position where ball valve 206 is closed. Simultaneously with the release of the blower valve 260, the pressure in the line 252 is interrupted, causing the control valve 258 to interrupt the pressurization of the chamber 234. When the pressure in the chamber 234 drops, the quick release valve 254 allows the chamber 234 to be vented when the piston 230 is moved by the extension 266c.

[0099] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a ball valve used to explain the design of the ball valve 206, so FIG. 25 is thus numbered accordingly. Ball valve 206 includes a ball 218 having a stem 218a that is rotatable about an axis 218b. Transport gas passes through ball valve 206 in the direction indicated by arrow 294. Passage 296 includes an anterior passage 298 that is in front of the ball 218 and an anterior passage 242 that is located behind the ball 218. The ball 218 is controlled to move, inclusive , between a first position in which ball valve 206 is fully open with ball passage 218c aligned with flow passage 296, and a second position in which ball valve 206 is closed with ball 218 completely blocking passage 296, as illustrated in FIG.

[0100] Example 1

[0101] A supply unit was used, configured to transport an abrasive from an abrasive source into a carrier gas stream, wherein the abrasive contains a plurality of particles, and the supply unit includes: a metering element configured to: receive from the first region of the abrasive from the abrasive source; and the release of the abrasive in the second area; and a feed rotor configured to: receive in a third region an abrasive discharged from the metering rotor; and discharging the abrasive into the transport gas stream.

[0102] Example 2

[0103] The feed assembly of Example 1 was used, comprising a grinder located between the metering element and the feed rotor, the grinder being configured to receive abrasive from the metering element and selectively reduce the size of a plurality of particles from a corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size, which less than the specified size.

[0104] Example 3

[0105] The feed assembly of Example 1 was used, in which the metering element comprises a rotor that is rotatable about an axis, the rotor comprising a plurality of pockets opening radially outward.

[0106] Example 4

[0107] The feed assembly of Example 3, in which the plurality of pockets extend longitudinally in the axial direction, was used.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] The feed assembly of Example 3 was used, in which the rotor has a first end and a second end axially spaced from each other, and where a plurality of a plurality of pockets extend from the first end to the second end.

[0110] Example 6

[0111] The feed assembly of Example 3 was used, in which the rotor is rotatable about an axis in the direction of rotation, with a plurality of pockets having a chevron shape.

[0112] Example 7

[0113] The feed assembly of Example 6 was used, in which the chevron-shaped dots are opposite to the direction of rotation.

[0114] Example 8

[0115] A grinder was used, configured to selectively reduce the size of cryogenic particles from the corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size that is less than a predetermined size, and the grinder is configured to be placed between the dosing section and the supply section of the feed unit, the feed unit, configured to transportation of cryogenic particles from the source of cryogenic particles into the transport gas stream, a dosing section configured to receive cryogenic particles from the source of cryogenic particles and to release cryogenic particles into the grinder, a supply section configured to receive cryogenic particles from the grinder and release cryogenic particles into the flow transport gas.

[0116] Example 9

[0117] A grinder according to example 8 was used, containing: an inlet configured to be placed to receive cryogenic particles from a dosing section; and an outlet configured to be positioned to discharge the cryogenic particles into the feeding portion of the part.

[0118] Example 10

[0119] The chopper of Example 9 was used, having a gap located between the inlet and outlet, the gap being variable between a minimum gap and a maximum gap.

[0120] Example 11

[0121] Used a grinder according to example 10, containing: at least one first roller rotating around the first axis; at least one second roller rotating about a second axis, wherein the gap is formed by at least one first roller and at least one second roller; a support that holds at least one second roller, and the support is arranged in a plurality of positions, inclusive, between the first position in which the gap is the minimum gap, and the second position in which the gap is the maximum gap.

[0122] Example 12

[0123] A grinder was used, configured to selectively reduce the size of cryogenic particles from the corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size that is less than a predetermined size, and the grinder contains: at least one first roller rotating around the first axis, each of the mentioned , at least one first roller contains a corresponding first peripheral surface, while each corresponding first peripheral surface together contains a plurality of first embossed projections; at least one second roller rotating about a second axis, each at least one second roller having a respective second peripheral surface, each respective second peripheral surface collectively comprising a plurality of second embossed projections; a gap formed between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface; and a convergent area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, wherein the plurality of first relief projections and the plurality of second relief projections form a diamond pattern in the convergent region.

[0124] Example 13

[0125] The chopper of Example 12 was used, wherein at least one first roller comprises roller A and roller B, wherein roller A comprises peripheral surface A, roller B comprises peripheral surface B, wherein first peripheral surface comprises peripheral surface A and peripheral surface.

[0126] Example 14

[0127] The grinder of Example 13 was used, in which at least one second roller comprises a roller C and a roller D, wherein the roller C comprises a peripheral surface C, the roller D comprises a peripheral surface D, and the second peripheral surface comprises a peripheral surface C and peripheral surface D.

[0128] Example 15

[0129] The chopper of Example 13 was used, in which peripheral surface A is a mirror image of peripheral surface B.

[0130] Example 16

[0131] The grinder of example 12 was used, comprising a support that carries at least one second roller, and the support is configured to be located in a variety of positions between, inclusive, the first position in which the gap is at its minimum, and the second position where the gap is at its maximum.

[0132] Example 17

[0133] The chopper of Example 12 was used, in which the diamond pattern is a double diamond pattern.

[0134] Example 18

[0135] A particle blowing system was used, comprising: a source of abrasive, wherein the abrasive contains a plurality of cryogenic particles; an outlet nozzle for blowing cryogenic particles from said particle blowing system, a particle flow path extending between the abrasive source and the outlet nozzle, the particle flow path comprising a grinder configured to selectively reduce the particle size from a respective initial size of each particle to a second size, which less than a predetermined size, and the grinder contains: at least one first roller, and each of the said at least one first roller contains a corresponding first peripheral surface, while each corresponding first peripheral surface together contains a plurality of first relief protrusions; at least one second roller, and each at least one second roller contains a corresponding second peripheral surface, while each corresponding second peripheral surface together contains a plurality of second relief protrusions; a gap formed between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface; and a convergent area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, wherein the plurality of first relief projections and the plurality of second relief projections form a diamond pattern in the convergent region.

[0136] Example 19

[0137] The particle blowing system of Example 18 was used, in which said particle flow path comprises a low pressure section and a high pressure section located behind the low pressure section, and the lower pressure section contains a grinder.

[0138] Example 20

[0139] The chopper of Example 18 was used, wherein at least one first roller comprises roller A and roller B, wherein roller A comprises peripheral surface A, roller B comprises peripheral surface B, wherein first peripheral surface comprises peripheral surface A and peripheral surface.

[0141] Example 21

[0141] The grinder of example 18 was used, comprising a support that carries at least one second roller, and the support is arranged in a variety of positions between, including the first position, in which the gap is at its minimum, and the second position in which the gap is at its maximum.

[0142] Example 22

[0143] The chopper of Example 18 was used, in which the diamond pattern is a double diamond pattern.

[0144] Example 23

[0145] A supply unit was used that was configured to transport an abrasive from an abrasive source to a carrier gas stream, wherein the abrasive contains a plurality of cryogenic particles, the supply unit comprising: a particle flow path comprising a low pressure section and a high pressure section located behind the low pressure section. pressure, and the low pressure section contains a grinder configured to selectively reduce the size of cryogenic particles from the corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size that is less than a predetermined size, and the grinder contains: at least one first roller, each of the mentioned, at least one first roller contains a corresponding first peripheral surface, while each corresponding first peripheral surface together contains a plurality of first relief protrusions; at least one second roller, and each at least one second roller contains a corresponding second peripheral surface, while each corresponding second peripheral surface together contains a plurality of second relief protrusions; a gap formed between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface; and a convergent area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, wherein the plurality of first relief projections and the plurality of second relief projections form a diamond pattern in the convergent region.

[0146] Example 24

[0147] The chopper of Example 23 was used, wherein at least one first roller comprises roller A and roller B, wherein roller A comprises peripheral surface A, roller B comprises peripheral surface B, wherein first peripheral surface comprises peripheral surface A and peripheral surface.

[0148] Example 25

[0149] The chopper of Example 23 was used, in which the diamond pattern is a double diamond pattern.

[0150] Example 26

[0151] A supply unit was used, configured to transport the abrasive from the abrasive source to the carrier gas stream, the abrasive contains a plurality of particles, and the supply unit contains: a grinder, configured to selectively reduce the size of cryogenic particles from the corresponding initial size of each particle to the second a size that is less than a predetermined size, and the grinder contains: at least one first roller rotating around the first axis, and each at least one first roller contains a corresponding first peripheral surface; at least one second roller rotating about a second axis, each at least one second roller having a corresponding second peripheral surface; and a gap defined between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface, the gap comprising a first edge extending along and adjacent each respective first at least one first roller; a feed rotor rotating around a third axis, the feed rotor comprising: a circumferential surface; a plurality of pockets located on the circumferential surface, each of the plurality of pockets having a corresponding circumferential pocket width; a guide located between the gap and the feed rotor, configured to receive particles from the gap and direct the particles into a plurality of pockets when the feed rotor rotates, while the guide includes: a stripping edge located adjacent to a circular surface, with the stripping edge oriented, as a whole, in parallel third axis; a stripping area extending circumferentially in a direction away from the stripping edge, wherein the stripping area is coaxial with the first edge.

[0152] Example 27

[0153] The feed assembly of Example 26 was used, in which the stripping area extends circumferentially from the stripping edges for a distance approximately equal to one of the respective circumferential pocket widths.

[0154] Example 28

[0155] A feed unit was used, configured to transport an abrasive from an abrasive source into a transport gas stream, the abrasive containing a plurality of particles, the feed unit comprising: a dosing element comprising: a first surface; and at least one cavity containing a corresponding hole in the first surface, and the metering element is configured to cyclically position each of the at least one cavity in the first position for receiving particles, at least one cavity, and in the second for unloading particles, while the corresponding hole moves in the direction of movement when moving between the first position and the second position; and a guide located adjacent to the dispensing element, wherein the guide is configured to direct particles into each respective hole in the first position, the guide comprising: a stripping edge located adjacent to the first surface, the stripping edge being configured to be stripped through each corresponding hole, when each at least one cavity is moved from the first position to the second position, while the stripping edge is located at a stripping angle that is configured not to result in a pinch line between the stripping edge and the dispensing element.

[0156] Example 29

[0157] The feed assembly of Example 28 was used, in which the stripping angle is at least about 90°.

[0158] Example 30

[0159] A metering rotor adapted for use with a feed assembly was used, wherein the feed assembly is configured to transport an abrasive from an abrasive source into a transport gas stream, the metering rotor comprising: a first end; the second end located at a distance from the first end along the axis; a plurality of pockets extending from the first end to the second end and opening radially outward.

[0160] Example 31

[0161] The feed assembly of Example 30, in which the plurality of pockets are chevron-shaped, was used.

[0162] Example 32

[0163] A roller adapted for use as one of the at least one first grinder roller was used, wherein the grinder is configured to selectively reduce the size of the cryogenic particles from the respective initial size of each particle to a second size that is smaller than the predetermined size, wherein the chopper contains: at least one first roller; at least one second roller, each said at least one second roller having a respective second peripheral surface, each respective second peripheral surface collectively comprising a plurality of second embossed projections; a gap formed between at least one first roller and at least one second roller; a convergent area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller; and an outlet side further from the gap formed by a gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, the roller comprising a peripheral surface containing a plurality of first relief projections which, when the roller is used as a of at least one of the at least one first roller form part of a diamond pattern in a convergent region in cooperation with a plurality of second relief protrusions, the diamond pattern extending from the gap.

[0164] Example 33

[0165] A drive was used that could be connected to a controlled element to move the controlled element between, among other things, a first controlled position and a second controlled position, the drive comprising: a housing forming a first inner chamber, the first inner chamber comprising a first side wall wall; the first piston containing the first side and the second side, and the first piston is located in the first inner chamber and can move between the first position and the second position inclusive, and the first piston is hermetically engaged with the first side wall, forming the first chamber on the first side of the first piston and a second chamber on the second side of the first piston; a second inner chamber, wherein the second inner chamber comprises a second side wall; a second piston comprising a first side and a second side, the second piston is located in the second inner chamber and can move between the third position and the fourth position inclusive, while the second piston is hermetically engaged with the second side wall, forming a third chamber on the first side of the second piston , and a fourth chamber on a second side of the second piston, the second piston being configured not to engage with the first piston when the second piston is in a third position, the second piston being configured to: engage the first piston with a portion of the second piston; and moving the first piston to the second position when the second piston moves from the third position to the fourth position; and at least one elastic element located in the fourth chamber and elastically pushing the second piston into the fourth position.

[0166] Example 34

[0167] An actuator according to example 33 was used, containing a valve, while the valve contains a controlled element, and the first piston is connected to the valve.

[0168] Example 35

[0169] The actuator of example 34 was used, in which the valve comprises a rotary element and a stem connected to the rotary element, with the first piston connected to the stem.

[0170] Example 36

[0171] An actuator according to example 34 was used, containing a third piston, containing a first side and a second side, while the third piston is located in the first inner chamber and is movable between fifth and sixth positions, inclusive, and the third piston is hermetically engaged with the first side wall, such thus forming a fifth chamber on the first side of the third piston, the second chamber being located on the second side of the third piston, the third piston being connected to the valve.

[0172] Example 37

[0173] The drive according to example 33 was used, containing a third piston, containing a first side and a second side, while the third piston is located in the first inner chamber and is movable between the fifth and sixth positions, inclusive, and the third piston is hermetically engaged with the first side wall, thus thereby forming a fifth chamber on the first side of the third piston, with the second chamber located on the second side of the third piston.

[0174] Example 38

[0175] The actuator of Example 33 was used, comprising a first port in fluid communication with the second chamber, the first port being configured to connect to a fluid control signal.

[0176] Example 39

[0177] The actuator of Example 33 was used, comprising a first port in fluid communication with the second chamber and a quick release valve in fluid communication with the first port, the quick acting valve being capable of being connected to a fluid control signal.

[0178] Example 40

[0179] A fluid control valve was used, comprising: a flow passage; a rotary element located in the flow passage, separating the flow passage into a flow passage located further along the course, and a flow passage located closer along the course, moreover, the rotary element is movable between the first and second positions inclusive, while the passage for the flow is closed when the rotary element is located in the first position; a rod connected to a rotary element; drive, containing: a housing forming the first inner chamber, and the first inner chamber contains the first side wall; the first piston containing the first side and the second side, while the first piston is located in the first inner chamber and is movable between the first position and the second position, inclusive, and the first piston is hermetically engaged with the first side wall, forming the first chamber on the first side of the first piston and a second chamber on the second side of the first piston, wherein the first piston is operatively connected to the rod and configured to rotate the rod so that when the first piston is located in its first position, the rotary element is located in its first position, and when the first piston is located in the second position, the rotary element is located in its second position; a second inner chamber, wherein the second inner chamber comprises a second side wall; a second piston comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the second piston is located in the second inner chamber and is movable between the third position and the fourth position, inclusive, while the second piston is hermetically engaged with the second side wall, thereby forming a third chamber on the first side of the second piston, and a fourth chamber on the second side of the second piston, wherein the second piston is configured to disengage the first piston when the second piston is located in the third position, wherein the second piston is configured to engage the first piston with a portion of the second piston, and move the first piston in a second position when the second piston moves from the third position to the fourth position; and an elastic element located in the fourth chamber and elastically pushing the second piston to the fourth position.

[0180] Example 41

[0181] The fluid control valve of Example 40 was used, in which the first chamber is in fluid communication with the flow passage.

[0182] Example 42

[0183] A method of entraining a plurality of abrasive particles into a carrier gas stream has been used, comprising the steps of: controlling, at a first location, the particle flow rate from a particle source, possibly using a metering element; and entraining the particles into the carrier gas stream at a second location using a feed rotor.

[0184] Example 43

[0185] A method of entraining a plurality of abrasive particles into a carrier gas stream has been used, comprising the steps of: controlling at a first location the particle flow rate from a particle source, optionally using a metering element; pulverizing at a second location downstream of the first location a plurality of a plurality of particles from a corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size smaller than a predetermined size; and entraining at a third location downstream of the second location the particles into the carrier gas stream at the third location using a feed rotor.

[0186] The previous description of one or more embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be complete or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. Embodiments have been selected and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and their practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best use the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications that are suitable for the intended specific use. While only a limited number of embodiments of the invention have been explained, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and is applied or carried out in various ways. Special terminology has also been used for clarity. Each specific term is to be understood to include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the following claims presented herein.

Claims (82)

1. A feed unit configured to transport an abrasive from an abrasive source into a transport gas stream, wherein the abrasive contains a plurality of cryogenic particles, and the feed unit comprises a dosing section, a supply section and a grinder located between the dosing section and the supply section, while: A. the dosing section contains a dosing element, which is configured to: i. obtaining from the first region of the abrasive from the source of the abrasive; ii. abrasive flow rate control through the feed unit; iii. releasing the abrasive into the grinder; b. the grinder is configured to: i. obtaining an abrasive produced by the dosing section; ii. reducing the size of the plurality of the plurality of cryogenic particles from the respective initial size of each particle to a smaller size; And iii. releasing the abrasive into the feed section; And c. the feed section contains a feed rotor, which is configured to: i. receiving abrasive produced by the grinder; And ii. introducing the abrasive into the carrier gas stream. 2. The delivery unit of claim 1, wherein the metering element comprises a metering rotor that is rotatable about an axis, the metering rotor comprising a plurality of pockets opening radially outward. 3. The supply unit according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of pockets extend longitudinally in the axial direction. 4. The feed assembly of claim 2, wherein the metering rotor comprises a first end and a second end spaced apart along an axis, each of the pockets of the plurality of pockets extending from the first end to the second end. 5. The feed assembly of claim 2, wherein the metering rotor is rotatable about an axis in the direction of rotation, wherein the plurality of the plurality of pockets are chevron shaped. 6. The feed unit according to claim 5, in which the chevron-shaped points are opposite to the direction of rotation. 7. The feed unit according to claim 1, in which the chopper contains: A. an inlet configured to receive cryogenic particles from the dosing section; And b. an outlet configured to discharge the cryogenic particles into the supply section. 8. The supply unit according to claim 7, in which the grinder contains a gap located between the inlet and outlet, and the gap is variable between the minimum gap and the maximum gap. 9. The feed unit according to claim 8, in which the grinder contains: A. at least one first roller rotatable about the first axis; b. at least one second roller rotatable about a second axis, wherein the gap is formed by at least one first roller and at least one second roller; With. a support that carries at least one second roller, the support being configurable in a plurality of positions between a first position where the gap is at its minimum and a second position where the gap is at its maximum, inclusive; 10. The feed unit according to claim 1, in which the chopper contains: a. at least one first roller rotatable about a first axis, each of the at least one first roller having a respective first peripheral surface, each respective first peripheral surface collectively having a plurality of first embossed projections; b. at least one second roller rotatable about a second axis, each of the at least one second roller having a respective second peripheral surface, each respective second peripheral surface collectively having a plurality of second embossed projections; c. a gap formed between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface; And d. a converging area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, wherein the plurality of first relief projections and the plurality of second relief projections form a diamond pattern in the convergent region. 11. The feed assembly according to claim 10, wherein at least one first roller comprises a first auxiliary roller and a second auxiliary roller, wherein the first auxiliary roller comprises a peripheral surface of the first auxiliary roller, and the second auxiliary roller comprises a peripheral surface of the second auxiliary roller , and the corresponding first peripheral surface contains the peripheral surface of the first auxiliary roller and the peripheral surface of the second auxiliary roller. 12. The feed unit according to claim 11, in which at least one second roller contains a third auxiliary roller and a fourth auxiliary roller, while the third auxiliary roller contains a peripheral surface of the third auxiliary roller, and the fourth auxiliary roller contains a peripheral surface of the fourth auxiliary roller , and the corresponding second peripheral surface includes the peripheral surface of the third auxiliary roller and the peripheral surface of the fourth auxiliary roller. 13. The feed assembly of claim. 11, wherein the peripheral surface of the first auxiliary roller is a mirror image of the peripheral surface of the second auxiliary roller. 14. The feed unit according to claim 10, comprising a support that carries at least one second roller, and the support is configured to be located in a variety of positions, between the first position in which the gap is at its minimum, and the second position in which the gap is at its maximum, inclusive. 15. The feed assembly of claim 10, wherein the diamond pattern is a double diamond pattern. 16. The supply unit according to claim 1, comprising a particle flow path extending from the first region into the carrier gas stream, wherein the particle flow path comprises a low pressure section and a high pressure section located behind the low pressure section, and the low pressure section contains a grinder. 17. The feed unit according to claim 1, containing: A. a particle flow path extending from the first region into the carrier gas stream, the particle flow path comprising a low pressure section and a high pressure section downstream of the low pressure section; b. a low pressure section containing the specified grinder, while the grinder contains: i. at least one first roller, each of the at least one first roller having a respective first peripheral surface, each respective first peripheral surface collectively having a plurality of first embossed projections; ii. at least one second roller, the one second roller each comprising a respective second peripheral surface, each respective second peripheral surface collectively having a plurality of second embossed projections; iii. a gap formed between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface; And iv. a converging area in front of the gap formed by the gap of at least one first roller and at least one second roller, wherein the plurality of first relief projections and the plurality of second relief projections form a diamond pattern in the convergent region. 18. The feed assembly according to claim 17, wherein at least one first roller comprises a first auxiliary roller and a second auxiliary roller, wherein the first auxiliary roller comprises a peripheral surface of the first auxiliary roller, and the second auxiliary roller comprises a peripheral surface of the second auxiliary roller, and the corresponding first peripheral surface contains the peripheral surface of the first auxiliary roller and the peripheral surface of the second auxiliary roller. 19. The feed assembly of claim 17, wherein the diamond pattern is a double diamond pattern. 20. The feed unit according to claim 1, in which: a. chopper contains: i. at least one first roller rotatable about a first axis, each at least one first roller having a corresponding first peripheral surface; ii. at least one second roller rotatable about a second axis, each at least one second roller having a corresponding second peripheral surface; iii. a gap defined between each respective first peripheral surface and each respective second peripheral surface, the gap comprising a first edge extending along and adjacent each respective first at least one first roller; b. wherein the feed rotor is rotatable about a third axis, wherein the feed rotor comprises: i. circumferential surface; And ii. a plurality of pockets located on the circumferential surface, each of the plurality of pockets having a corresponding pocket circumferential width; With. moreover, the specified feed unit contains a guide located between the gap and the feed rotor, made with the possibility of receiving particles from the gap and with the possibility of directing the particles into a plurality of pockets when the feed rotor rotates, while the guide contains: i. a stripping edge located close to the circumferential surface, wherein the stripping edge is oriented substantially parallel to the third axis; And ii. a stripping region extending circumferentially away from the stripping edge, wherein the stripping region is aligned with the first edge. 21. The feed assembly of claim 20, wherein the stripping area extends circumferentially from the stripping edges at a distance approximately equal to one of the respective circumferential widths of the pockets. 22. The feed unit according to claim 1, containing: A. dosing element containing: i. first surface; And ii. at least one cavity containing a corresponding hole in the first surface, at the same time, the dosing element is configured to cyclically position each of at least one cavity in the first position for receiving abrasive particles into at least one cavity, and in the second position for releasing the particles, with the corresponding hole moving in the direction of movement when moving between the first position in the second position; And b. a guide located close to the dosing element, and the guide is configured to direct particles into each corresponding hole in the first position, while the guide contains: i. a stripping edge positioned close to the first surface, wherein the stripping edge is configured to be stripped through each respective hole when each of the at least one cavity is moved from the first position to the second position, the stripping edge being at a stripping angle that is configured without creating a clamping line between the stripping edge and the dosing element. 23. The feed assembly of claim 22, wherein the stripping angle is at least about 90°. 24. The supply unit according to claim 1, in which the dosing element contains: A. first end; b. the second end located at a distance from the first end along the axis; And With. a plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket of the plurality of pockets extends from the first end to the second end and is open radially outward. 25. The feed assembly of claim 24, wherein the plurality of the plurality of pockets are chevron-shaped. 26. A method for supplying a plurality of cryogenic abrasive particles into a transport gas stream, using the supply unit according to claim 1 and including the steps of: a. control at the first location the flow rate of particles from the source of particles; b. pulverizing at a second location behind the first location a plurality of a plurality of particles from a corresponding initial size of each particle to a second size smaller than a predetermined size; And With. injected at a third location behind the second particle location into the carrier gas stream. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of introducing includes using a feed rotor to entrain particles in the transport gas stream. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of inserting includes creating a seal between the second location and the third location. 29. The method of claim 27 wherein the feed rotor is operated at a constant rotational speed. 30. The method of claim 27 wherein the feed rotor rotates at a speed independent of the particle flow rate. 31. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of controlling the flow rate includes using a metering element to control the flow rate. 32. The method of claim 26, wherein the step of controlling the flow rate includes using a metering element to control the flow rate.

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