Abstract:
A blower for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus, comprising, at least one blade having a proximal and distal end, means for rotating the at least one blade in a direction about an axis of rotation wherein the proximal end of the blade is nearer to the axis of rotation than the distal end of the blade is to the axis of rotation and wherein the blade is angled so that as the blade rotates about the axis, the proximal end of the blade precedes the distal end of the blade.

Description:
FIELD SF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a high capacity particulate loader and transfer apparatus for grains, fertilizers, chemicals, particulates and granular material (hereinafter referred to as “particulates”), and more particularly, relates to an improved air vacuum pump for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Particulate loader and transfer devices are well known, and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,537, may be used by farmers and others to load and transfer grain and other particulates in a convenient manner. These devices may include, for example, one or more blowers to create suction within an air-materials separation chamber and a vacuum pickup hose attached thereto, to transport grain or other materials from one location, into the air-materials separation chamber in the bottom of which is positioned an auger for transferring the grain or other particulate material from the air-materials separation chamber into, for example an open truck, container or other location. 
         [0003]    Generally, the blower includes either a radial or centrifugal blower which draws the air from the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, and exhausts the air to the atmosphere in an area adjacent to the particulate loader and transfer device. The radial or centrifugal blowers are useful in transporting large volumes of air and particulate material quickly and efficiently, which is particularly desirable in the context of particulate loader and transfer devices. 
         [0004]    It is desirable to provide a particulate loader and transfer device with improved suction characteristics, for example, to enhance suction in the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, to increase volume of particulate material being transported through the vacuum pickup hose, the distance that the particulate material can travel within the vacuum pickup hose, and to provide additional suction at the open end of and along the length of the vacuum pickup hose in the event that the particulate material is difficult to move or is fully or partially blocking the vacuum pickup hose. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a particulate loader and transfer device with improved suction characteristics, for example, to enhance suction in the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, to increase volume of particulate material being transported through the vacuum pickup hose and the distance that the particulate material can travel within the vacuum pickup hose. 
         [0006]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a particulate loader and transfer device with improved suction characteristics, for example, to provide additional suction at the open end of and along the length of the vacuum pickup hose in the event that the particulate material is difficult to move or is fully or partially blocking the vacuum pickup hose. 
         [0007]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved air vacuum pump for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus to enhance suction in the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, to increase volume of particulate material being transported through the vacuum pickup hose and the distance that the particulate material can travel within the vacuum pickup hose and to provide additional suction at the open end of and along the length of the vacuum pickup hose in the event that the particulate material is difficult to move or is fully or partially blocking the vacuum pickup hose. 
         [0008]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blower for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus comprising, a discharge shroud, and, a centrifugal air vacuum pump disposed inside the discharge shroud and rotatable about an axis of rotation for drawing air and centrifugally expelling the same into the discharge shroud, the centrifugal air vacuum pump comprising, an air inlet for being connected to an air-material separating chamber of the particulate loader and transfer apparatus, the air inlet being disposed concentrically to the axis of rotation; and, a plurality of blades, each blade having a proximal and distal end with the proximal end of the blade being placed in proximity to a circumference of the air inlet and the blade extending therefrom, wherein each blade is angled with respect to a corresponding radial direction such that as the blade rotates about the axis, the proximal end of the blade precedes the distal end of the blade. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blower for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus comprising, a centrifugal air vacuum pump rotatable about an axis of rotation, the centrifugal air vacuum pump for drawing air through an air inlet disposed concentrically to the axis of rotation and centrifugally expelling the air; and, a discharge shroud enclosing the centrifugal air vacuum pump, the discharge shroud comprising at least two cut-offs and at least two corresponding exhaust discharge outlets, the discharge shroud for receiving the centrifugally expelled air and providing the same to the exhaust discharge outlets. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blower for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus comprising, a centrifugal air vacuum pump rotatable about an axis of rotation, the centrifugal air vacuum pump for drawing air through an air inlet disposed concentrically to the axis of rotation and centrifugally expelling the air; a discharge shroud enclosing the centrifugal air vacuum pump, the discharge shroud comprising at least a cut-off and at least a corresponding exhaust discharge outlet, the discharge shroud for receiving the centrifugally expelled air and providing the same to the at least an exhaust discharge outlet; and, at least a stator disposed between an outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump and a wall of the discharge shroud. 
         [0011]    An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a particulate loader and transfer device with improved suction characteristics, for example, to enhance suction in the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, to increase volume of particulate material being transported through the vacuum pickup hose and to increase the distance that the particulate material can travel within the vacuum pickup hose. 
         [0012]    A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a particulate loader and transfer device with improved suction characteristics, for example, to provide additional suction at the open end of and along the length of the vacuum pickup hose in the event that the particulate material is difficult to move or is fully or partially blocking the vacuum pickup hose. 
         [0013]    A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides an improved air vacuum pump for a particulate loader and transfer apparatus to enhance suction in the air-materials separation chamber and the vacuum pickup hose extending therefrom, to increase volume of particulate material being transported through the vacuum pickup hose, to increase the distance that the particulate material can travel within the vacuum pickup hose and to provide additional suction at the open end of and along the length of the vacuum pickup hose in the event that the particulate material is difficult to move or is fully or partially blocking the vacuum pickup hose. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view, partially in ghost, of a particulate loader and transfer apparatus; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view, partially in ghost, of the particulate loader and transfer apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1D  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1C ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1E  is a side view, partially in ghost, of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1C ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a single exhaust discharge shroud of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a widened exhaust discharge shroud of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a partially conically shaped enlarged exhaust discharge shroud of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a dual cut-off, dual exhaust discharge shroud of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a single exhaust discharge shroud having multiple stators positioned therewithin of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a front view of the inlet side of a multiple straight blade centrifugal air vacuum pump positioned within a dual cut-off, dual exhaust discharge shroud having multiple stators positioned therewithin of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of an angled straight bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  is a side view, partially in ghost, of an angled straight bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8C  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of an angled straight bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of a curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9B  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of the curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9C  is a side view, partially in ghost, of a curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 9A ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of a curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention having a set of long curved blades and a set of short curved blades; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10B  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of a curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10C  is a side view, partially in ghost, of a curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11A  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention having a set of extended curved blades; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11B  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11C  is a side view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of one embodiment of the present invention having a set of extended curved blades that are gently angled in a forward direction at the proximal end thereof; 
           [0039]      FIG. 12B  is a plan view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 12C  is a side view, partially in ghost, of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 12D  is a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of an extended curve bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 12A . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0042]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. 
         [0043]    In a particulate loader and transfer apparatus of the present invention such as is illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an air-material separating chamber  2  is generally provided, having an inlet  4  which is adapted to connect to a vacuum pickup hose (not shown), relatively low pressure being created within the air-material separating chamber  2  and the vacuum pickup hose by way of one or more air vacuum pumps  6  in communication with the air-material separating chamber  2 , the particulate material being drawn through the vacuum pickup hose and inlet  4  and into the air-material separating chamber  2  as a result of the relatively low pressure within the air-material separating chamber  2 , the particulate material thereafter separating itself from the airflow within the air-material separating chamber  2  (the air-material separation preferably being aided by a separating drum  10  within the air-material separating chamber  2  through which separating drum  10  only air, dust and small particles may pass) the particulate material falling onto an auger  8  which extends generally upwardly and outwardly from the air-material separating chamber  2  and winch auger  8  transports the particulate material from the bottom of the air-material separating chamber  2 , within a tubular housing  12  enclosing the auger tube  8 , through an end-dump housing  14  to a waiting truck, container or other particulate storage area. As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the air vacuum pump  6  is, for example, driven by way of a series of pulleys  7 ,  9  and  11  and a belt arrangement  13  (preferably driven by a power takeoff (not shown) by way of a drive shaft  22  in a conventional manner), a pulley  11  being secured to the air vacuum pump shaft  66  in a conventional manner to drive the air vacuum pump shaft  66  and air vacuum pump  6 . The air drawn from the air-material separating chamber  2  by the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is exhausted to atmosphere by way of an exhaust outlet  24 . 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e  in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus utilizes a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e . In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e  preferably has a set of 12 straight steel blades  52 , each of which extends substantially radially outwardly, for example, the blades being aligned or substantially aligned with a corresponding radial reference line  88 , and each of which blades is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e  illustrate 12 straight steel blades  52 , fewer than or more than 12 blades may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 1   c ,  1   d  and  1   e  illustrate the blades  52  aligned substantially radially as illustrated by a corresponding radial reference line  88 , a wide range of angled blades may alternatively be used as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C (in which embodiment each blade is angled, as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 , and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the blades  52 , rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62 B). 
         [0045]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment of the present invention, an eight bladed centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a single exhaust discharge shroud and being rotated as indicated by the arrow  60 , the air being drawn into the air inlet  50  and centrifugally expelled from the centrifugal air vacuum pump as indicated by the arrows  62  toward the outer wall  63  of the shroud, the expelled air being is exhausted to atmosphere (as indicated by the arrow  62 A) by way of an exhaust outlet  24 . In this embodiment, a single cut-off  25  is utilized being positioned proximate the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  and proximate the entrance to the exhaust outlet  24  in a conventional manner. In this embodiment of the present invention, as the outer wall  63  of the shroud extends from the cutoff  25 , around the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  to the area proximate the entrance to the exhaust outlet  24 , the outer wall  63  extends progressively outwardly relative to the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6 , so that the distance between the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  and the outer wall  63  of the shroud at position  63  B exceeds the distance between the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  and the outer wall  63  of the shroud at position  63 A, and similarly the distance between the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  and the outer wall  63  of the shroud at position  63  C exceeds the distance between the outer edge of the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  and the outer wall  63  of the shroud at position  63 B. In one embodiment of the present invention, a length of flexible exhaust hose (not shown) may be attached to the end of the exhaust outlet  24 , to allow the exhaust air to be directed and positioned in a desirable manner. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a single exhaust discharge shroud having a widened (as indicated by the arrow  24 B) exhaust outlet  24  when compared to the non-widened (as indicated by the arrow  24 A) exhaust outlet  24  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The widened exhaust outlet permits reduced congestion or back-pressure on the overall system, thereby allowing for increased suction and/or increased efficiency of operation. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a shroud having a partially conically shaped enlarged exhaust discharge outlet  24 C, that permits reduced congestion or back-pressure on the overall system, thereby allowing for increased suction and/or increased efficiency of operation. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a shroud having a first  25 A and second cut-off  25 B, and a corresponding first and second exhaust discharge outlet, the second cut-off and corresponding second exhaust discharge outlet permits reduced congestion or back-pressure on the overall system, thereby allowing for increased suction and/or increased efficiency of operation. 
         [0049]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a shroud having a multiple stators  27 A,  27 B,  27 C,  27 D and  27 E positioned therein, which stators are bolted, welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to the shroud in a conventional manner, it being understood that fewer than 5 stators, or more than 5 stators could alternatively be used in alternative embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the stators are straight and of equal length, or preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , and are gently curved and of progressively increased length as they are located closer to the exhaust discharge outlet. The stators reduce the back-pressure on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6 , thereby allowing for increased suction and/or increased efficiency of operation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of stators is either greater or less than, but not equal to, and not a multiple of, the number of blades on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  so that the outer edge of only one blade of the centrifugal air vacuum pump passes the leading edge of only one stator at any given time, thereby reducing or spreading or smearing the noise associated with the passage of the blades in close proximity to the stators, thereby reducing the noise spike associated with multiple blades passing in close proximity to multiple stators at the same time. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment of the present invention, a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  is positioned within a shroud having a multiple stators  27 A,  27 B, and  27 C positioned therein, which stators are bolted, welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to the shroud in a conventional manner, it being understood that fewer than 6 stators, or more than 6 stators could alternatively be used in alternative embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the stators are straight and of equal length, or preferably, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , gently curved and of progressively increased length as they are located closer to each of their respective exhaust discharge outlets. The stators combined with the two exhaust discharge outlets reduce the back-pressure on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6 , thereby allowing for increased suction and/or increased efficiency of operation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the number of stators is either greater or less than, but not equal to, and not a multiple of, the number of blades on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  so that the outer edge of only one blade of the centrifugal air vacuum pump passes the leading edge of only one stator at any given time, thereby reducing or spreading or smearing the noise associated with the passage of the blades in close proximity to the stators, thereby reducing the noise spike associated with multiple blades passing in close proximity to multiple stators at the same time. 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C, in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus has a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B, and  8 C. In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  preferably has a set of 12 straight steel blades  52 , each of which is angled (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ) and each of which blades is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate 12 straight steel blades  52 , fewer than or more than 12 blades may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate the blades  52  at an angle of approximately 45° (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), a wide range of angles may alternatively be used, and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the blades  52 , rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62   
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  9 C, in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus has a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  9 C. In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  preferably has a set of 12 curved steel blades  70 , each of which is angled (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), and each of which is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate 12 curved steel blades  70 , fewer than or more than 12 blades may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate the proximal end of the blades  70  at an angle of approximately 45° (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), a wide range of angles may alternatively be used, and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the blades  70 , rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). 
         [0053]    When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62 B). 
         [0054]    With reference to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C, in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus has a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C. In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  preferably has a set of 12 long curved steel blades  80 , each of which is angled (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), and each of which is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56 , and additionally, has a set of 12 short curved steel blades  82 , each of which is alternately between the long curved steel blades  80  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate 12 long curved steel blades  80  and  12  short curved steel blades, fewer than or more than 12 long blades (and correspondingly fewer or more short blades) may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate the proximal end of the blades  80  at an angle of approximately 45° (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), a wide range of angles may alternatively be used, and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the long curved blades  80 , the short curved blades  82 , the rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62 B). 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c , in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus has a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a ,  11   b , and  11   c . In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  preferably has a set of 12 extended curved steel blades  90 , each of which is angled (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ) relative to a corresponding radial reference line  88 , and each of which is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  illustrate 12 curved steel blades  90 , fewer than or more than 12 blades may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  illustrate the proximal end of the blades  90  at an angle of approximately 20°-45° to the radial reference line  88 , a wide range of angles may alternatively be used, and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the blades  90 , rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). In this embodiment of the present invention each of the blades  90  extends a short distance  91  beyond the circumference  51  of the inlet  50  (in an alternative embodiment while some of the blades  90  beyond the circumference  51  of the inlet  50 , some of the blades  90  extend only to the circumference  51 , it being understood that these blades are positioned on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  60  in a balanced way so that no portion of the centrifugal air vacuum pump is out of balance relative to the other portions of the centrifugal air vacuum pump). When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62 B). 
         [0056]    With reference to  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  and  12   d , in one embodiment of the present invention, the particulate loader and transfer apparatus has a centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b ,  12   c  and  12   d . In this embodiment of the present invention, the centrifugal air vacuum pump  6  preferably has a set of 12 extended curved steel blades  100 , each of which is angled (as illustrated by way of example by the arrow  86  between one of the blades and a corresponding radial reference line  88 ), and each of which is welded, riveted or otherwise securely fastened to a rear steel rotor plate  58  and to a front steel rotor plate  56  (it being understood that while  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  illustrate 12 curved steel blades  100 , fewer than or more than 12 blades may alternatively be used, and while  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  illustrate the proximal end of the blades  90  at an angle of approximately 20°-45° to the radial reference line  88 , a wide range of angles may alternatively be used, and that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, aluminum or other alternative materials may be used for the blades  100 , rear steel rotor plate  58  and front steel rotor plate  56 ). In this embodiment of the present invention the proximal end  101  of each of the blades  100  extends a distance beyond the circumference  51  of the inlet  50  and near the proximal end thereof, the edge of the blade  63  nearest the rotational axis of the centrifugal air vacuum pump is gently angled or curved in the direction of rotation  60  as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of the proximal end of the blade illustrated in  FIG. 12D  (in an alternative embodiment while some of the blades  100  beyond the circumference  51  of the inlet  50 , some of the blades  100  extend only to the circumference  51 , it being understood that these blades are positioned on the centrifugal air vacuum pump  60  in a balanced way so that no portion of the centrifugal air vacuum pump is out of balance relative to the other portions of the centrifugal air vacuum pump). When the centrifugal air vacuum pump is rotated (as indicated by the arrow  60 ) about the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft  66  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened (by way of, for example a hub  71  to which the rear steel rotor plate  58  is securely fastened, by way of, for example bolts or rivets  69 , the hub  71  being bolted or otherwise securely fastened to the centrifugal air vacuum pump shaft in a conventional manner known to a person skilled in the art), air is drawn into the air inlet  50  (as generally indicated by the arrow  62 A) and is drawn through the centrifugal air vacuum pump to the air outlet  54  (as generally indicated by the arrows  62  and  62 B). 
         [0057]    The present invention has been described herein with regard to preferred embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.