Method for resin delivery including metering introduction of external air to maintain desired vacuum level
OwnerStephen B. MAGUIREinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular plastic resin material out of a resin supply to a process machine includes a vacuum pump, a conduit connecting the resin supply to a suction intake of the vacuum pump, a sensor for sensing vacuum level drawn by the pump at the suction inlet and a valve for supplying air to the conduit.
Claims16
Apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular plastic resin material out of a resin supply to at least one receiver, comprising:
- a. a vacuum pump having a suction intake;
- b. a first conduit connecting the resin supply to the receiver;
- c. a second conduit connecting the receiver to the suction intake;
- d. means for monitoring the level of vacuum being drawn by the vacuum pump at the suction inlet;
- e. a valve for supplying air to the conduit at a location proximate the resin supply.
Apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular plastic resin material out of a resin supply comprising:
- a. a vacuum pump having a suction intake;
- b. a conduit connecting the resin supply to the suction intake;
- c. means for measuring the velocity of the air stream being drawn by the vacuum pump at the vacuum pump suction inlet;
- d. a valve for supplying air to the conduit at a location proximate the resin supply.
A method for conveying granular resin from a supply thereof through a conduit to a receiver for furnishing the granular resin to a process machine, comprising:
- a. measuring speed of air moving through the conduit at a selected position;
- b. comparing the measured air speed to a pre-selected acceptable range of air speeds;
- c. introducing air into the conduit when measured air speed is above the pre-selected acceptable speed range.
A method for conveying granular resin from a supply thereof through a conduit to a receiver for furnishing the granular resin to a process machine, comprising:
- a. measuring pressure of air moving through the conduit at a selected position;
- b. comparing measured pressure to a pre-selected acceptable range of pressures;
- c. introducing air into the conduit when measured pressure is above the pre-selected acceptable range.
Apparatus for pneumatically conveying granular plastic resin material out of a resin supply to at least one receiver, comprising:
- a. a vacuum pump having a suction intake;
- b. a conduit connecting the resin supply to the suction intake via the receiver;
- c. a sensor detecting vacuum level being drawn by the vacuum pump at the suction inlet;
- and
- d. a valve for supplying air to the conduit at a location proximate the resin supply.
A method for vacuum conveying granular resin from a supply thereof through a conduit to a receiver for furnishing the granular resin to a process machine, comprising:
- a. measuring vacuum level in the conduit at a selected position;
- b. comparing measured vacuum level to a pre-selected acceptable range;
- c. introducing air into the conduit when measured vacuum level is outside the pre-selected acceptable range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.