Abstract: A method for filling a powder container, including the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, vibrofluidizing the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container, including the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, vibrofluidizing the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit operably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The apparatus also includes a nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle defines an inlet thereof for receiving powder from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing powder from the nozzle to the container. The inlet defines an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the powder and an outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the powder. The inlet cross sectional area is larger than the outlet cross sectional area. The apparatus further includes an conveyor located at least partially within the conduit. The conveyor assists in providing the flow of powder from the container.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment tool and method for using the tool is provided with a fluidizing nozzle, a screen holder having a screen with a predetermined mesh size, and a venturi for increasing the speed of air and particles passing through the screen. The tool is particularly useful for sampling dry toner particles from large supply hoppers and filtering out "coarse" particles. This tool can readily determine locations having oversized particles and is provided with several attachments that aid in collection. The tool is readily attachable to a vacuum hose of a vacuum source.

Abstract: A coarse particle separator for separating and collecting coarse toner particles having a size greater than substantially 500 microns comprises a tank having an inlet and an outlet, the separation being performed within the tank. The inlet to the tank is located at a lower portion of the tank and is connected to an eductor station by an eductor line. Particles are introduced to the inlet by the eductor line at a velocity of approximately 4500 ft/min. The separation of coarse and light toner particles can be performed by reducing the flow velocity so the coarse particles settle out by their own weight. A flow baffle made of a 75 micron screen hinders the passage of coarse particles. The outlet outputs light toner particles to at least one toner storage bin. Alternatively, the tank can have a conical-shaped upper portion which induces a cyclone effect in the flow of toner particles, the cyclone effect resulting in the collection of coarse particles in the lower portion of the tank.