Curtis W Leroy

US Patent:

20050121459, Jun 9, 2005

Filed:

Nov 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/999237

Inventors:

Curtis LeRoy - Oak Brook IL, US

International Classification:

B67B007/00

US Classification:

222001000

Abstract:

The present invention teaches that air may be injected into the sloping bottom of a bulk dry particulate cargo container (micron-sized through quarry-sized dry particulate) accompanied by traditional conveyance-variety pneumatic air, causing the bulk dry particulate cargo to enter a bi-phase state having an air matrix with particulate inclusions. The result of this air lubrication is a dramatically reduced coefficient of friction. This bi-phase material may be extremely fluid, easily exiting a discharge port without regard to normal bulk dry particulate friction or angle of repose. The present invention also teaches a cargo container having a plurality of air injectors on the sloping bottom of a particulate plenum and having air supply apparatus feeding the air injectors.

US Patent:

20080223878, Sep 18, 2008

Filed:

Jan 24, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/011412

Inventors:

Curtis LeRoy - Oak Brook IL, US

International Classification:

B67D 5/06

US Classification:

2221851, 220 15, 220723, 220745, 414809, 406119

Abstract:

The present invention teaches that air may be injected into the sloping bottom of a bulk dry particulate cargo container (micron-sized through quarry-sized dry particulate) accompanied by traditional conveyance-variety pneumatic air, causing the bulk dry particulate cargo to enter a bi-phase state having an air matrix with particulate inclusions. The result of this air lubrication is a dramatically reduced coefficient of friction. This bi-phase material may be extremely fluid, easily exiting a discharge port without regard to normal bulk dry particulate friction or angle of repose. The present invention also teaches a cargo container having a plurality of air injectors on the sloping bottom of a particulate plenum and having air supply apparatus feeding the air injectors.