A vacuum
system for
machine shop dust, particulate matter, and the like. Blast gates control the flow of vacuum generated by a
dust collector to individual machines that may or may not accommodate vacuum ductwork and the like. The blast gate has a rotating blade inside a
chassis with a
DC motor effectively using a slip
clutch or an increased current feedback
system to limit the rotation driving of the rotating blade. Importantly, a small aperture serves to allow air flow into the
chassis gap through which the rotating blade rotates in order to ensure the particular matter does not lodge inside the
chassis thereby preventing the proper operation of the rotating blade. A central controller having a
microprocessor or the like may be programmed or programmable and serve to individually control a selected number of blast gates based upon a feedback mechanism. A
piezoelectric sensor or the like senses the vibration arising from the turning on of the associated machinery, indicating the demand for vacuum power to collect particulate matter. In response to the
piezoelectric sensor's
signal, the blast gate is opened and the
dust collector is either turned on or stepped up to accommodate the increase load upon the vacuum
system. The reverse situation occurs when the machinery is turned off. The
piezoelectric sensor ceases signalling the central controller of the
machine "on" condition. The central controller then steps down the
dust collector / vacuum system and closes the associated blast gate. Alternative embodiments are set forth whereby additional features provide for enhanced utility, including a
computer operation, control, monitoring, and feedback.