Patent ID: 8888880

Claim:
A vacuum loader system, comprising: a load-bearing support structure, at least one load-bearing member of the support structure acting as an airflow inlet member, the airflow inlet member having an inlet opening and an outlet opening; a filter chamber supported by the support structure, the filter chamber including a plurality of primary filter elements arranged around the filter chamber such that air entering the filter chamber passes through the primary filter elements, and at least one secondary filter element essentially surrounded by the plurality of primary filter elements such that air passes through the at least one secondary filter element after it has passed through the plurality of primary filter elements; and a fan or blower supported by the support structure, the fan or blower being coupled to an air flow pathway that includes the airflow inlet member of the support structure and the filter chamber, such that the fan or blower draws air into the inlet opening of the airflow inlet member, through the filter chamber, and then through the fan or blower in such a way that material entrained in air drawn into the inlet opening will be at least substantially deposited in a container before the air enters the filter chamber; wherein the load-bearing support structure further comprises at least one load-bearing outlet/return member coupled between the filter chamber and the fan or blower to carry air from the at least one secondary filter element toward the fan or blower.