Abstract: Novel systems and apparatuses for dispensing particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a storage tank for storing media, a feed tube in communication with the tank, a mixing chamber in communication with the feed tube, a tank sensor to detect pressure within the storage tank, and a mixing chamber sensor to detect pressure within the mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber is preferably configured to receive media when the pressure within the storage tank is about equal to the pressure within the mixing chamber. A non-pressurizable vibrator is preferably mounted external to the feeder. The vibrator is configured to vibrate media received in the feed tube from the media tank substantially along the feed tube toward the mixing chamber. The media dispensing system may further comprise an accelerometer in communication the vibrator to provide feedback regarding vibration of the feed tube.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a tool which utilizes a particulate/fluid mixture comprises a unique floating ferrule within a handpiece assembly, and eliminates the need, in the prior art, for a nose piece to attach a nozzle to the handpiece assembly. Rather, the nozzle and its integral holder are designed so that a hose may be slipped over its extended rear tube and then, when the handpiece with its floating ferrule is twisted on, the hose is captured and sealed. This is managed because the ferrule is unengaged when the handpiece tube is first started to be threaded onto the nozzle holder. After a few turns, the ferrule pushes against the hose and seals it against the rear extension of the nozzle holder. When the handpiece is unscrewed from the nozzle, because the nozzle must be replaced, the ferrule remains attached to the nozzle and hose, allowing for easy turning. Once the handpiece is unscrewed from the nozzle, the nozzle may be tipped slightly to disengage it from the hose very easily.

Abstract: A particulate media/fluid delivery system comprises a tank for containing a supply of particulate media, preferably an abrasive powder. A modulator is disposed upstream of the tank for modulating the pressure of air flowing therethrough. A mixing chamber is adjacent to the tank, and an orifice is provided for delivering particulate media from the tank into the mixing chamber. A fluid inlet delivers fluid from the modulator to the tank, and a bypass tube is disposed adjacent to the fluid inlet for receiving fluid from the fluid inlet and delivering the fluid into the tank. A discharge port is provided for delivering a fluid/particulate media mixture to a tool. Control of the fluid/particulate is via differential modulation pressure. This differential modulation pressure is a function of two mechanisms, namely, the modulator in the system, including bypass (or blend) air around it that is metered, and the aforementioned bypass tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the flow of abrasive particles in a micro abrasive blasting machine. The machine propels abrasive particles using a carrier stream of compressed gas, typically air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The machine mixes the abrasive particles such as aluminum oxide, glass bead, sodium bicarbonate, or silicon carbide, with the carrier gas stream. This mixture is then directed at a work piece through a hard nozzle, typically carbide or sapphire. The apparatus operates on a particle flow detection area upstream of the nozzle through which the carrier stream containing the abrasive particles flows. The apparatus analyzes the fluctuations in the optical transmissivity of the carrier stream containing the abrasive particles to determine the flow of the abrasive particles in the carrier stream.

Abstract: A drum-like container of fiberboard or similar material supplied in flat knocked-down form and adapted to be set up to serve both as a shipping and dispensing container for bulk material which is provided with a bottom closure equipped with a frangible wall arrangement to permit opening readily for dispensing the container contents.