Abstract: A powder filling apparatus that can prevent a screw portion of an auger screw from contacting an inner surface of a metering portion at a funnel lower end portion. The powder filling apparatus includes a funnel that contains powder, and a circular-cylindrical metering portion provided at a lower end portion of the funnel, an auger screw arranged vertically, and a support device that supports the auger screw rotatably. The auger screw has a lower end provided with a screw portion that is arranged within the metering portion. The funnel is suspended from the support device and supported thereto and the metering portion has a center axis made substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of the auger screw.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powder filling apparatus which can prevent a screw portion of an auger screw from contacting an inner surface of a metering portion at a funnel lower end portion and besides facilitate the assembling work as well as can be made compact and put into practice at a low cost. The powder filling apparatus comprises a funnel (2) which contains powder, and a circular-cylindrical metering portion (3) provided at a lower end portion of the funnel (2), an auger screw arranged vertically, and a support device (5) which supports the auger screw (4) rotatably. The auger screw (4) has a lower end provided with a screw portion (18) which is arranged within the metering portion (3). The funnel (2) is suspended from the support device (5) and supported thereto and the metering portion (3) has a center axis (3a) made substantially coincident with an axis of rotation (4a) of the auger screw (4).

Abstract: A transfer device for transferring solid articles, comprising: a cylindrical member which has a supply opening formed at one end portion and a discharge opening formed at the other end portion, such that an angle formed between an axis of the cylindrical member and a horizontal plane is not more than 75.degree.; a transfer member which is rotatably provided in the cylindrical member; the transfer member including a rotary shaft extending along the axis of the cylindrical member and a helical vane projecting from a peripheral surface of the rotary shaft such that lead angle of the helical vane at its outer peripheral edge ranges from 3.degree. to 25.degree.; and a drive member so as to rotate the transfer member about the axis of the cylindrical member at a rotational speed of not more than 500 r.p.m.