Importance

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Abstract

A blast aerator for dislodging bulk materials in storage hoppers or the like. The blast aerator preferably comprises a rigid, generally cylindrical tank with a blast discharge opening coaxially aligned with its axis. A blast discharge assembly coupled to the discharge opening includes an elongated, one-piece, rigid discharge pipe of a predetermined internal diameter. A valve seat assembly is coaxially secured against an internal shoulder of the pipe. A resilient dual diameter piston is disposed within an intermediate portion of the pipe for axial movement between a sealing position wherein its reduced diameter portion abuts the valve seat assembly and a rearward, aerator fill position. The larger diameter portion of the piston axially tracks within the intermediate diameter portion of the discharge pipe. A valve cap assembly is coaxially secured at the end of the discharge pipe internally of the tank, defining a cavity between it and the piston rear. Means coupled to the valve cap and activated externally facilitate operation of the aerator by periodic pressurization of the cavity (and thus the tank). The piston is urged rearwardly when the cavity is vented to facilitate a blast by pressure acting upon a shoulder defined between its intermediate and reduced diameter portions.

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First Claim