US2731302A - Air switch and ported control head for powdered iron dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 17, 1956 c. R. UPHAM 2,731,302

AIR SWITCH AND PORTED CONTROL HEAD FOR POWDERED IRON DISPENSER Filed May 11, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet l ACETYLE/VE OXYGEN CHARL zi' s g ilm BY 5 g :1 r g 6 4 ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1956 c. R. UPHAM AIR SWITCH AND FORTED CONTROL HEAD FOR POWDERED IRON DISPENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 11, 1953 INVENTOR. CHARLES R. UPHAM BY a 5 War United States Patent AIR SWITCH AND PORTEDJCONTROL HEAD'FQR PUWDERED IRON DISPENSER The invention, described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor;

This invention relates to a dispenser. andfmore particu larly to apparatus for distributing discrete particles such as powdered iron or small spherical metal balls in a fluid stream.

The present invention is an improvement on the system and apparatus disclosed in the patent to Charles R. Upham, No. 2,572,078, patented October 23, 1951.

The system and apparatus disclosed in the patent noted supra has certain disadvantages which the present apparatus overcomes. The previous apparatus required a suitable source of electric power with associated electrical switching means for energization of a solenoid and for operation of an electric motor. The actuatingcontroi and drive means of the present apparatusare entirely fluid-actuated involving no use of electricity which could present an extreme safety hazard in connection with oxygen and acetylene which are highly inflammable. Applicants prior apparatus as disclosed in the patent mentioned would require electric. lines running to the torch along with the oxygen and acetylene lines and if damaged might cause a serious explosion.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises essentially a receptacle for the discrete particles having a pair of concentric tubes extendingvertically therethrough, the tubes being providedwith a plurality of aligned openings in the lower portion thereof, and aligned slots and openings in the upper portion thereof. Scoops secured to the outer tube. adiacent eachci the lower openings thereinagitate the discreteparticles and assist in forcing the particles through the openings into the stream of fluid such as air passing through the innermost tube. A fiuidactuated motor is operably associated with a disc secured to the upper endof one of the tubes. Another disc secured to the other tube is operably associated with the first disc, and stop means and spring means are provided to permit a limited relative rotational move ment between the two tubes, so that the lower openings may be closed when the motor is not operating and opened to any desired degree up to full alignmentwhen the motor is running. A source of fluid under pressure is connected to a novel control valve mechanism which is. provided with a conduit leading to the upper. portion of the receptacle above the level of the discrete particles therein, another conduit leading to the fluid-operated motor, a conduit leading to a fitting directly below the outlet of the concentric tubes, and a fourth conduit which may lead to an acetylene cutting gun which is also associated with a source of oxygen and acetylene for cutting purposes and is connected to the fitting below the concentric tubes to receive the discrete particles of iron in the fluid stream. The fourth, or bleeder line, from the control. valve to the acetylene cutting torch is operativeiy connected to a valve a mechanism in the torch which will closeoff the bleeder line when the oxygen supply for cutting is introduced to ice the cutting torch. Cutting oil the bleeder line actuates the control valve to cut oil the supply of flushing fluid to the fitting and supply fluid to' the top of the receptacle and to the fiuid-actuated'motor, to initiate injection of the discrete particles into the fluid stream. When the bleeder line is released the supply of fiuid to the top of the receptacle and to the motoris shut off, and fiuid is intro duced into the fitting to flush out any discrete particles which may remain in the line to the cutting gun.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved system and apparatus for injecting powdered iron or other discrete particles into a stream of fluid such as air or water.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus having means for controlling the operation of the apparatus by fluid-operated means readily actuated by the operator.

A further object of the present invention is to provide improved means for regulating the quantity of powdered iron or other discrete particles or fluent material injected into the fluid stream and automatically controlling the opening and closing of the ports which control the entry of the material or discrete particles into the fluid stream.

A still further obiect of the present invention is to provide an improved dispenser wherein the operation may be controlled and the apparatus driven by the same fluid which carries the fluent material such as discrete particles in its stream.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a partially schematic view showing portions of the apparatus in section;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the valve mechanism illustrated in Fig. l in a second position with the bleeder line closed; and

Fig. 3 is a pictorial view of the concentric tubes with portions broken away and the associated discs and control mechanism shown with portions broken away.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1 wherein an air compressor it supplies air through an air dryer i2 and manual valve to the fluid-actuated control valve 16.

A high pressure regulator it supplies air to the upper two ports 25 and 212 in the control valve, and a low pressure regulator 24- supplies low pressure air to the lower ports as and A piston is loaded by a spring 32.- retained in the valve housing by a threaded plug 3%. A circumferential groove 36 on piston controls the flow of fluid through conduit to a fluid-operated motor d s, and a similar circumferential groove 42. controls the flow of fluid to either the conduit leading to a i -fitting as or through a conduit 43 to the upper portion of a receptacle 5'0.

A small boss 52. on the top of the piston provides a surface area on the top of the piston to which the high pressure of the fluid is applied when the bieeder line or conduit 54 is closed off during operation of the device acting to force the piston 3t downward against the opposing force of the spring The functioning, of the control valve 16 in conjunction with the rest of the apparatus will be described subsequently in connection with the operation.

The receptacle St) has a cylindrical upper portion and a frusto conical lower portion 5s which is connected to the t -fitting .6 and in conjunction with the packing material 58 forms a fluid-tight packing gland for the lower end of the concentric tube assembly consisting of an outer tube oil and an inner tube 62'; The upper end of the concentric tube assembly is rotatably supported by a packing gland 64 which seals the upper portion of the container in a fluid-tight manner.

As shown more clearly in Fig. 3, the outer tube 6% is provided with a plurality of lower openings 66 which are partially surrounded by scoop elements 68, and the inner tube 62 is provided with a plurality of lower openings 73, which would normally be out of alignment with the opening 66 when the apparatus is at rest, and are aligned to any desired degree when the device is in operation. Outer tube 60 is also provided with a plurality of upper openings 72 which are in alignment with openings 74 in inner tube 62. The openings 72 are preferably elongated in a circumferential direction to form an elongated slot so that the inner openings 74 are in alignment with a portion of the slots to permit the full How of fluid therethrough in any relative rotational position of the inner and outer tubes.

The drive shaft 76 of motor 40 extends through an elongated cylindrical tube 78 extending through and secured to the receptacle 50, and is rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 80 and 82. A spur gear 84 mounted on the upper end of the drive shaft 76 meshes with gear teeth on the disc 86 which is secured to the upper end of the inner tube 62. A lower disc 88 is secured to the upper end of the outer tube 60. The upper disc 86 is provided with a plurality of arcuate slots 90 through which extend a plurality of pins 92 secured to the lower disc 38.

Pins 92 are secured to disc 88 atdiametrically opposed sides and are provided with annular grooves 94 adjacent their upper ends. A pair of shorter pins 96 are secured to the upper plate 86 in diametrically disposed relation and are likewise provided with annular grooves 98 adjacent their upper ends.

A spring 100 has its opposite ends engaged in the annular grooves 94 and 98 for resiliently urging the upper and lower plates 86 and 88 in opposite directions of rotation relative to each other. Another spring similar to spring 100 would be attached to the other pins 92 and 96 in the same manner, but has not been shown in Fig. 3 for purposes of clarity.

A felt disc 102 is interposed between the upper disc 36 and lower disc 88 and may, if desired, be lubricated to provide relatively free relative rotation between the discs 86 and 88.

Upper disc 86 is resiliently urged toward the lower disc 88 by a pair of spring assemblies consisting of the bolts 104, springs 106, washers 108 and nuts 110. An adjustable stop plate 112 is rotatably mounted on a journal pin 114 which is secured in the upper end of the inner tube 62. The adjustable stop plate 112 is provided with radial arms 116 and 118 which engage the pins 92 and may be secured in any adjusted position by cap screws 124) provided with washers 122 bearing against the plate 112. One of the radial arms 118 may indicate the do gree of opening on indicia 124 engraved or otherwise suitably marked on upper plate 86.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the receptacle is provided with a cover plate 126 secured to the receptacle 56 by cap screws 128 and sealed by means of gasket 130. A filling tube 132 is rigidly secured to the cover plate 126 and is provided with a pressure cap 134 which may be tightened into position against a sealing gasket 136 by means of a pressure screw 138 extending through and threadedly engaging a bridge member 145).

A conventional acetylene cutting gun such as that shown in the patent to Upham No. 2,572,078, noted supra,

can be utilized for cutting with the powdered iron dispenser of the present invention; and the bleeder tube 54 may be pinched or closed oil manually to initiate the control valve action. However, in Fig. l an acetylene gun 142 is shown provided with a valve mechansiin which cuts off the flow of fluid through the bleeder line 54 simulta" neously with actuation of the valve which is normally opened to provide additional oxygen to the flame for cutting purposes. Both valves are simultaneously actuated by the lever 144 and plunger 146. Acetylene from the tank 148 and oxygen from the tank 159 are supplied to the cutting torch 142 in a conventional manner through manual valves 152 and 154 and through conduits 156 and 158. The mixture of powdered iron and fluid is supplied from the Y-fitting 46 through a conduit 160 to the acetylene torch 142 where it is fed into the cutting flame in a plurality of converging jets, as disclosed in the patent to Upham noted supra.

Operation In the operation of the device the receptacle is first filled to a point below the upper openings 72 and 74 with a supply of discrete particles such as powdered iron through the filling tube 132, and the cap 134 is secured in pressure-tight relation. Cap screws 120 are loosened and then retightened after the adjustment plate. 112 has been set in its desired position to control the maximum opening or aperture by varying the degree of alignment between openings 66 and 70 when the upper plate 86 is being driven by gear 84.

When the bleeder line 54 is pinched off manually or closed by the valve mechanism shown, the high pressure fluid acts on the top of piston 30 and moves the piston downwardly into the position shown in Fig. 2, where high pressure fluid is directed through conduit 38 to motor 40, and low pressure fluid is directed through conduit 48 to the upper portion of receptacle 50 through openings 72 and 74 and down through the inner tube 62.

Motor 40 is driven by the high pressure fluid and through shaft 76 rotates the spur gear 84 and the upper disc 86. Assuming a direction of rotation as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 3, the upper disc 86 will start rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. The lower disc 88 due to inertia will tend to remain in a stationary position until the upper disc 88 has rotated to a position where the arms 116 and 118 engage the pins 92 and start the lower disc rotating with the upper disc. The relative movement caused between the upper disc 86 and the lower disc 88 will cause the openings 66 and 70 to align to an extent controlled by the position of the radial arms 116 and 118 across the slot 90. If the arms 116 and 118 are positioned adjacent the end of the slots, the openings 66 and 70 will be completely in alignment to permit a maximum flow of the discrete particles into the air stream. However, in any relative position between the openings 66 and 70, the opening 74 will be in alignment with a portion of the slotted opening 72 to permit a maximum flow of air in any relative position of the upper and lower disc permitted by the length of the slot 90.

The scoops 68 agitate the mass of discrete particles and pick up the desired quantity, forcing it through the openings 66 and 70, where it is picked up by the air stream through the inner tube 62 and carried through the V-fitting 46 and conduit 160 to the cutting torch 142. When the bleeder line 54 is opened, the pressure is relieved on the top of the piston 30, and it returns to the position shown in Fig. l, where the supply of high pressure air is cut off to motor 40 and the supply of low pressure air is directed through conduit 44 to the Y-fitting 46, the latter supply of low pressure air flushing out any quantities of discrete particles which might tend to lie in the conduit 16% and clog up the line prior to the next operation.

When the motor 40 stops rotating, the springs 186 exert a pressure between the pins 96 and 92 causing a relative rotation between the plates 86 and 88 which rotates the openings 66 and 70 out of alignment thereby closing oil the ports and preventing further flow of the discrete particles into the tube 62. This relative movement caused between the inner tube 62 and the outer also helps to prevent clogging of the openings 66 and during operation of the device, since there is a certain amount of shock and vibration associated with this relative movement.

It will beobvious that use'of the apparatus may not necessarily be restrictedto' the present arrangement shown wherein the'discrete'paitic les of powdered iron are supplied in the stream =of a'ir to an acetylene cutting torch to facilitate the cutting of extremely hard steel such as stainless steel, althoughitis particularly well suited and adapted for this particular function By proper proportioning and designing of the parts the apparatus of the present inventionmight be utilized for supplying discrete particlessuch as small steel balls' in a fluid such as Water to a jet whieh might 'be designed and utilized for shot peen forming sheet metal or other analogous purposes. This apparatu s would also be suitable for-mixing liquids in an air stream orwith otherliquids if a'sufliciently tight sealing relation is provided between the innerandouter tubes; l

In certain applicationsit may be desirable to utilize a manually operated control valve rather than the one shown actuated by the pressure" exerted when the bleeder line is closed off; and in some cases it may be unnecessary to provide the flushing air through'the Y fiiting, since the particular material used may not tend to clog and Will be flushed out with the air going throughthe line from the inside of thereceptacle, in which case it maybe desirable not to cut the air off through the conduit 48 whichextends to the upper portion of the receptacle 50, so that air or other fluid will pass continuously through the openings '72 and 74 and thence through the inner tube 62.

The control of the opening and closing ofthe dispensing ports or openings 66 and "70 may also bemodified, if desired, by eliminating the springs andproviding a reversible fluid motor such that the direction of rotation during operation will be in a direction to align the openings 66 and 70 to the extent permitted by the positionof the radial arms 116 and 118. While the device is not being utilized the motor is rotated in the opposite direction and will cause the dispensingports to close off with the openings 66 and 70 out of alignment thus preventing further'flow of the material within the container into the tube 62. With theouter tube rotating in the opposite direction to thatindicated in Fig. 3, it will be obvious thatthe scoops 63 will tend to free themselves of material rather than clogging; up during the inoperative period.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present inventionare possible in the light of the above teachings. It istherefore to be understood that Within the scope of the appended claims theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

1. A dispenser comprising a receptacle adapted to be partially filled with a fluent material, a tube rotatably mounted in said receptacle, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said receptacle and with the inside of said receptacle below the normal level of the fluentmaterial; a fluid-actuated motor for rotating said tube, a source of fluid under pressure, and a single control valve means communicatingwith said source and actuatable for directing said fluid simultaneously to said tube and said motor, said valve means including a valve housing having at least one inlet portconnected to said source, outlet ports connected to said receptacle and to said motor, a spring loaded valve piston having circumferential grooves, thereon, fluid pressure means operable to move said piston againstthe forcerofsaid spring, said groovestbeing. spaced axially on said piston so as to pass fluid to said outlet ports When said piston is moved against the forceof said spring.

2. Aldispenser comprisingareceptacle adapted to be partially filledrwith a fluent material a tube rotatably mounted in said receptacle, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said receptacle and with the inside of saidxreceptacle both above and below the normal level of the, fluent material, a fluid-actuated motor for rotating said tube and single controlvalve means adapted to :be connectedto. a tsource of, fluid under pressure:communicating1 with said source and with. the upper portion of'said receptacle above the normal level ofthe fluent materialtherein and ith said motor, said control valve being actuatablefor directingsaid fluid simultaneously to said receptacle under relatively low pressure and to said motor under relatively high pressure.

3; Adispensen comprising a receptacle adapted to be partially filled with a fluent material, a tube rotatably mounted in said receptacle, the inside of said tube communicating with the exterior of said receptacle and with the inside of said receptacle:both above and below the normal level of thefluent material, a fluid-actuated motor for rotating said tube, an external conduit communicating with theupperportion of said receptacle above thenormal level of the fluent material therein, a source offluid under pressure, pressureregulating means connected to said source for providing a relatively high pressure source and a relativelylow pressure source, and single control valve means communicating with said pressure regulating means and actuatablein one positionfor simultaneously directing said fluid under relatively low pressure to said conduit and under relatively high pressure to said motor.

4. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a closed receptacle, a tube extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, passages through said tube below the normal level of fluent material in saidreceptacle, a fluid actuatedmotor operatively associated with said tube for rotating said tube, a control valve adapted to communicate with a source of fluid under relatively high and relatively lowpressure, said valve also communicating with said receptacle above the normal level of fluent material therein and with said motor, said valve being actuatable from a neutral position to another position for directing fluid simultaneously to said receptacle under relatively low pressure and to saidmotor under relatively high pressure, and means associated with said control valve and operable to change said valve from one position to the otheix 5. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a closed receptacle, a tube extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, passages through said tube both above and below the normal level of fluent material in said receptacle, a fluid actuated motor operatively associated with said tube for rotating said tube, a control valve adapted to communicate with sources of fluid under relatively high'andlow pressures, conduit means connecting said valve Withsaid receptacle above the normal level of fluent material therein and with said motor, said valve being actuatable from a neutral position to another position for directing fluid to said receptable under relatively low pressure and to said motor under relatively high pressure, and a bleeder line communicating with said control valve and operable to change said valve from one position to the other.

6. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a closed receptacle, a tube extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, passages through said tube both above and below the normal level of fluent material in said receptacle, afltting'operatively associated with one open end of said-tube, a fluid actuated motor operatively associated with said tube for rotating said tube, a single control valve adapted to communicate with a source of fluid under relatively high and low pressures, conduit means connecting said valve with said receptacle above the normal level of fluent'material therein and with said motor and said fitting, said valve being actuatable from one position for directing fluid under relatively low pressure to said fitting to another position for directing fluid simultaneously to said receptacle under relatively low pressure, and to said motor under relatively high pressure, and a bleeder line communicating with said control valve and operable to changesaid valve from one position to the other. t

7. A dispenser for fluent material comprising areceps tacle, means for supplying fluid under pressure to the upper portion of said receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower portions of each of said tubes, drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatably movable relative to each other during operation, and stop means between said discs effective in one direction to maintain said lower openings out of alignment and in the other direction to maintain said lower openings in at least partial alignment to control the flow of discrete particles, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction.

8. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, means for supplying fluid under pressure to the upper portion of said receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower portions of each of said tubes, drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatably movable relative to each other during operation, stop means between said discs effective in one direction to maintain said lower openings out of align ment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain said lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of discrete particles and resilient means connected to urge said discs in said one direction, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction.

9. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, means for supplying fluid under pressure to the upper portion of said receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower and upper portions of each of said tubes, the upper openings in one of said tubes being longer circumferentially than the adjacent openings in the other tube, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatably movable relative to each other during operation, stop means between said discs eflective in one'direction to maintain said upper openings in alignment and said lower openings out of alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain said upper openings in alignment to permit flow of fluid and said lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of discrete particles, and resilient means connected to urge said disc in said one direction, said drive means urging said disc in the other direction.

10. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a closed receptacle, a tube extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, passages through said tube both above and below the normal level of fluent material in said receptacle, a fitting operatively associated with one open end of said tube, a fluid actuated motor operatively associated with said tube for rotating said tube, a single control valve communicating with sources of fluid under relativelyhigh and low pressures, conduit means connecting said valve with said receptacle above the normal level of fluent material therein and with said motor and with said fitting, said valve being actuatable from one position for directing fluid of relatively low pressure to said fitting to another position for simultaneously directing fluid to said receptacle under relatively low pressure and to said motor under relatively high pressure, means resiliently urging said valve toward said one position, and a bleeder line communicating with said control valve and operable to change said valve from said one position to the other. 7

11. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower portions of each of said tubes, drive means including 'a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating said tube, a second discattached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatably movable relative to each other during operation, stop means between said discs effective in one direction of relative rotation to maintain said openings in at least partial alignment, and effective in the other direction of relative rotation to maintain said openings out of alignment, and means for selectively urging said discs in either direction of relative rotation.

12. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, a pair of'contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower portions of each of said tubes, fluid actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotation thereof, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatable relative to each other during operation, stop means between said discs effective in one direction to maintain said lower openings outof alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain said lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of fluent material, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction, and a control valve adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pres sure, said control valve communicatingwith said drive means and being actuatable to a position for directing'said fluid to said drive means.

13. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower portions of each of said tubes, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, fluid actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotation thereof, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatable relative to each other during operation, stop means between said discs eflective in one direction to maintain said lower openings out of alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain said lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of fluent material, said drive means urging said disc in the other direction, when rotated in a direction such that said scoops would be operative to force the material into said lower openings and a control valve adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure, said control valve communicating with the upper portion of said receptacle above the level of the material therein and communicating with said drive means, said control valve being actuatable to a position for directing said fluid to said drive means for rotation in the other direction.

14. A dispenser for fluent material comprising a receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending through and rotatably mounted in said receptacle, a plurality of openings extending through the lower and upper portions of each of said tubes, the upper openings in one of said tubes being longer circumferentially than the adjacent openings in the other of said tubes, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, fluid actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotation thereof, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being rotatable relative to each other, stop means between said discs effective in one direction to maintain the upper openings in alignment and the lower openings out of alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain the lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of fluent material and the upper openings in alignment to permit flow of fluid, resilient means connected to urge said discs in said one direction, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction, and a control valve adapted to be connected to a source of fluid under pressure, said control valve communicating with the upper portion of said receptacle above the level of the material therein and also communicating with said drive means, said control valve being actuatable to a position for directing said fluid to said receptacle and to said drive means.

15. A dispenser comprising a receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending substantially vertically through said receptacle, a Y-fitting operatively connected in communication with the lower ends of said tubes, a plurality of openings extending through the lower and upper portions of each of said tubes, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, fluid controlled and actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being relatively rotatable, adjustable stop means between said discs to maintain the lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of discrete particles, a control valve including a spring loaded piston adapted to be connected to both a high and low pressure source of fluid, a bleeder line communicating with said high pressure source and one end of said piston, a conduit from said valve to said drive means, a conduit from said valve to said receptacle, a conduit from said valve to said fitting, and control ports in said valve arranged to supply low pressure fluid to said fitting when said bleeder line is open and high pressure fluid to said drive means and low pressure fluid to said receptacle when said bleeder line is closed.

16. A dispenser comprising a receptacle, a conduit for connecting a source of fluid under pressure to said receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending substantially vertically through said receptacle, a Y-fitting operatively connected in communication with the lower ends of said tubes, a plurality of openings extending through the lower and upper portions of each of said tubes, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, fluid controlled and actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating one of said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being relatively rotatable during operation, stop means between said discs efiective in one direction to maintain the lower openings out of alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain the lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of discrete particles and the upper openings in alignment to permit flow of fluid, resilient means connected to urge said discs in said one direction, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction, a control valve including a spring loaded piston adapted to be connected to both a high and low pressure source of fluid, a bleeder line communicating with said high pressure source and one end of said piston, a conduit from said valve to said drive means, a conduit from said valve to said receptacle, a conduit from said valve to said fitting, and control ports in said valve arranged to supply low pressure fluid to said fitting when said bleeder line is open and high pressure fluid to said drive means and low pressure fluid to said receptacle when said bleeder line is closed.

17. A dispenser comprising a receptacle, a conduit for connecting a source of fluid under pressure to said receptacle, a pair of contiguous concentric tubes extending vertically through said receptacle, a Y-fitting operatively connected in communication with the lower ends of said tubes, a plurality of openings extending through the lower and upper portions of each of said tubes, the upper openings in one of said tubes being longer circumferentially than the adjacent openings in the other tube, scoops secured to the outermost one of said tubes adjacent each of the lower openings, fluid controlled and actuated drive means including a disc attached to the upper end of one of said tubes for rotating one of said tubes, a second disc attached to the upper end of the other of said tubes, said discs and tubes being relatively movable during operation, stop means between said discs effective in one direction to maintain the upper openings in alignment and the lower openings out of alignment and adjustable in the other direction to maintain the lower openings in varying degrees of alignment to control the rate of flow of discrete particles and the upper openings in alignment to permit flow of fluid, resilient means connected to urge said discs in said one direction, said drive means urging said discs in the other direction, a control valve including a spring loaded piston adapted to be con nected to both a high and low pressure source of fluid, a bleeder line communicating with said high pressure source and one end of said piston, a conduit from said valve to said drive means, a conduit from said valve to said receptacle, a conduit from said valve to said fitting, and control ports in said valve arranged to supply low pressure fluid to said fitting when said bleeder line is open and high pressure fluid to said drive means and low pressure fluid to said receptacle when said bleeder line is closed.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,221,741 Vogel-Jorgensen Nov. 12, 1940 2,262,173 Fischer Nov. 11, 1941 2,512,561 Ziegler June 20, 1950 2,572,078 Upham Oct. 23, 1951

Images