Abstract: Method to move containers (C) in a processing line (10) that comprises a station (11) for storing and picking up said containers (C) and a station (12) at least for filling said containers (C), said method providing, in said storage and pick-up station (11), to supply a container-holding tray (15) containing a plurality of said containers (C) disposed upended in said container-holding tray (15) with respect to their mouth (43), and subsequently to upend said containers (C) with the aid of upending means (20) so as to invert the orientation of said containers (C) and make them available with the side of the mouth (43) facing upward so that they can be picked up by extraction means (22).

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for dispensing granular material, comprising: a nozzle attached to a granular filler configured to couple with a trefoil filling port attached to a can for hot isostatic pressing, wherein the nozzle opens and closes via a rotary actuation. In an embodiment, the system comprises a single fill port design, such as one having a concentric, tube-in-tube design. There is also disclosed a method of filling a container with a granular material, by connecting a filling nozzle to a filling port, opening/closing the filling nozzle, attaching the filling nozzle to the filling port, aligning at least one opening of the filling nozzle with an opening in the filling port; and dispensing granular material into the container.

Abstract: Provided is a toner cartridge. The toner cartridge includes a body, a plunger, a memory unit, and a holder. The body is to accommodate toner and includes a toner discharge portion. The plunger is provided in the body and to push the toner outside of the body via the toner discharge portion. The memory unit includes an electrical contact portion including at least one electrical contact point. The holder facilities loading of the memory unit therein and being rotatable relative to the body between a home position and a rotated position.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: Validating of a fill control formula used by a hydrogen dispenser for dispensing hydrogen is described. Template data of the hydrogen dispenser related to dispensing of hydrogen by the hydrogen dispenser over a period of time is received, as well as static parameter values. One or more fill operations for dispensing hydrogen to one or more hydrogen fuel tanks may be simulated based on the template data and static parameters, as well as based on the fill control formula utilized in the hydrogen dispenser. A comparison of one or more fill operation parameter values calculated by simulating the one or more fill operations and one or more values of one or more similar fill operation parameters in the template data may be output on a user interface.

Abstract: A vibration system includes: an external device, a vibrator detachably fixed to the external device, a processor in signal transmission with the vibrator, and a control device configured to control the processor. The processor is configured to receive a wireless signal containing vibration characteristic data sent by the control device, and parse the wireless signal to obtain a drive signal, and the vibrator is configured to receive the drive signal to generate vibration. A method of adding a tactile impression is also provided. With the vibration system and the method of adding the tactile impression provided, a tactile impression experience of the external device can be achieved without changing a structure of the external device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tamping the contents of a container are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: A machine for packaging single use capsules (1) for extraction or infusion beverages, such as coffee, milk, chocolate, tea, or combinations thereof, includes: a transport element (8) for transporting rigid bodies (2) of the capsules (1) and closed in a loop around movement organs (9) with vertical axis (Z9), to move the transport element (8) continuously, the transport element (8) being configured to define a plurality of seats (10) for the rigid bodies (2), arranged in succession one after the other and having a vertical development axis (Z10); a plurality of stations, arranged along an advancement path (P) followed by the transport element (8), configured to operate continuously and in phase with the transport element (8) and including: a feeding station (11) for feeding the rigid bodies (2) within the corresponding seats (10) of the transport element (8); a dosing station (12); a closing station (13); an outfeed station (14).

Abstract: A sealed type light curing 3D printer and a method using the same are provided. The 3D printer includes a reservoir; a microcontroller; a plunger for creating a sealed space between itself and a bottom of the reservoir by disposing in the reservoir; a printing platform releasably disposed on a bottom of the plunger wherein a bottom of the printing platform is flush with the bottom of the plunger; an illumination unit under the reservoir; a liquid material tank communicating with the reservoir; and a gas tank communicating with the reservoir. Both the plunger and the printing platform lift a first distance to draw liquid material into the reservoir. The plunger further lifts a second distance to draw gas into the reservoir.

Abstract: The machine is of the type which uses an energy beam which acts on a powder layer in a working zone. The machine has a device for layering said powder and which includes a means for storing powder, a means for distributing powder, a feeding means that transfers powder from the storage means to the distributing means, and a metering means that controls the quantity of powder transferred from storage means to distributing means. The storage means is positioned higher than the working zone, the feeding means utilizes gravity, and in use, the feeding means and the metering means move with the distributing means. The machine has two separate working zones and two separate working trays that move independently of one another. Each of the working trays is associated with only one working zone, and the layering device is common to both working zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filling device for heterogeneous products or products which have solid or semi-solid suspended elements with variable dimensions and compactness. The valve of the invention can be used in net weight filling machines. In particular, the invention relates to a filling device (1) for filling machines, comprising a hollow body (2) in which a shutter member (3) is movably fitted and acts in cooperation with a dispensing member (4), which is coaxial to said shutter member (3), to close or open a dispensing opening (5) for a product (P) to be dispensed into a container (C), characterized in that said dispensing member (4) comprises a rotatable shaft (10) comprising a screw portion (14) adapted to impart a dispensing pressure and a mixing to the product (P).

Abstract: In a gas supply system, a control portion acquires a first temperature and a first pressure of a gas in a fuel tank, and a first output signal value of a pressure sensor corresponding to the first pressure before gas supply, acquires a first amount of the gas in the fuel tank using a fuel tank volume, the first temperature, and the first pressure, acquires a second amount after gas supply, through integration of a measurement value obtained by a flowmeter during gas supply, acquires a second temperature, a second pressure, and a second output signal value corresponding to the second pressure after gas supply, calculates a third pressure using the fuel tank volume, the second amount, and the second temperature, and corrects a relationship between an output signal and the pressure using the first pressure, the first output signal value, the third pressure, and the second output signal value.

Abstract: The invention provides a packing method for high efficiency chromatography columns starting from dry swellable particles, as well as columns packed by the method and the use of the columns in separation of biomolecules. In the packing method, an amount of dry swellable particles sufficient to give a swollen volume in a liquid of about 105-120% of the column chamber volume is transferred to the column, the column is closed and the liquid is provided to the column.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for three-dimensionally printing cosmetic products, and/or custom facial mask applicators using makeup powder as a fabrication medium. The process may use the versatile nature of makeup powder ingredients to stretch the usability of a makeup powder mixture across many platforms of facial cosmetics. The process may create custom, digital files that can be manufactured with high resolution, high complexity, and with a full spectrum of colors using Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant cosmetic grade dye. In particular, full-face makeup mask applicators that are based on an exact three-dimensional scan of the user's face.

Abstract: A method of forming a conformal filter includes a snowstorm filling technique with a reduced sized filling tube and/or the application of ultrasonics.

Abstract: A method for providing an aseptic chromatography column includes the steps of pre-sterilizing an empty chromatography column, pre-sterilizing a chromatography medium, introducing the pre-sterilized chromatography medium into the pre-sterilized chromatography column using aseptic equipment, thus providing an aseptic chromatography column comprising chromatography medium.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device and a method for dense and homogeneous loading of catalyst into the annular space 4 of bayonet tubes defined by an external tube 6 and an internal tube 5 used in a steam reforming reactor, said device using a rigid auxiliary tube 7 for introducing solid particles into said annular zone 4.

Abstract: A method of loading material within a microchannel device, the method comprising: (a) loading particulates into a plurality of microchannels; and, (b) ultrasonically packing the particulates into the plurality of microchannels using a portable, compact ultrasonic densification unit.

Abstract: A method and device for packing a chromatography column formed of one or more vibration devices attached to top and/or bottom flanges of the column. Media is added in one or more steps to the column, allowed to settle under the effects of gravity and then subjected to one or more treatments of vibration from the vibration devices until a suitably packed column is obtained. Liquid used to suspend the media while being placed into the column may be at least partially removed before or during the vibration step(s). The remaining liquid is then removed or replaced after the packing has been obtained.

Abstract: A device for packaging bulk material such as milk powder is disclosed. The device includes a dispensing unit for dispensing the bulk material into a package, an apparatus for supplying the bulk material to the dispensing unit and an apparatus for emitting a gas, such as CO2 or a gas mixture of nitrogen and CO2, during the packaging. The device is further provided with an apparatus for emitting a gas for driving oxygen out of the package before dispensing of the bulk material. A method for packaging a bulk material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of filling a product volume of a flexible container that includes a product volume and a structural support volume that at least partially extends into the product volume can include filling the product volume with product and applying an external force to the product volume and sealing the product volume to reduce a product receiving volume of the product volume.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into an array of substantially vertical tubes; wherein the loading tray comprises a plurality of loading tray elements, each loading tray element comprising at least one loading opening and at least some of the loading tray elements comprising at least two loading openings, the loading tray elements being fitted together to form an array of the loading openings.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting capsules comprising a sheet component having a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a sliding sheet adapted to move between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet includes slots for accommodating capsules, and the bottom sheet includes notches adapted to orient the capsules into a filling position. In a first position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the slots in the top sheet. In a second position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the notches in the bottom sheet. The assembly also includes a base component for guiding the oriented capsules therethrough. The base component can have an antistatic sheet fastened to the bottom surface. The sheet component can be loose fitted to the base component. An assembly for filling capsules is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.

Abstract: Tubular dry powder feed systems in communication with a hopper of dry powder are configured with an in-line actuator that applies a flow vibration signal axially. The flow vibration signal can be a harmonic or non-harmonic signal, such as a sinusoidal, saw tooth, square wave or other signal and may be frequency or amplitude modulated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling assembly for volumetric metering of fine grained powder (2) and to a method for operating said filling assembly. The powder (2) is provided in a resting state in the storage container (15) arranged on the inlet side of a filling line (8), and in the filling line (8) itself. The filling device (1) has a cover (7), a filling line (8) led through the cover (7) and pressure line (9), and also a pressure pulsation device (10). A metering container (3) is moved with its filling opening (5) under the cover (7) of the filling device (1) in such a way that the filling line (8) and the pressure line (9) open into the interior (4) of the metering container (3). By means of the pressure pulsation device (10), a pressure (p) oscillating about the atmospheric ambient pressure (po) as an average is generated and, by means of the pressure line (9), is transmitted into the interior (4) of the metering container (3).

Abstract: A filling system for filling powder into a target container to be sealed has a metering device for metering a partial quantity of the powder to be filled in. A compaction element for the powder is arranged below the metering device. The compaction element can be lowered from above into the target container. The compaction element is a shaking element with a shaking drive. During filling of the target container with the powder, the shaking element at least partially projects from above into the target container. The shaking element has a bottom edge provided with a shaking projection, wherein the shaking projection, beginning at the bottom edge, extends downwardly. During filling of the target container with the powder, only the shaking projection of the shaking element projects from above into the target container and the shaking element as a whole does not contact the target container.

Abstract: A method for filling packages or containers with a padding material, wherein the padding material is fed to the package or the container by way of a feed unit. Contour properties of one or more packing pieces in the package or in the container are determined by a scanning unit, are processed by a logic device and a filling quantity of that volume of the package or the container to be filled is determined therefrom and, derived therefrom, a variable quantity of padding material is introduced into the package or the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to a device for filling a container with a material including a conduit comprising a top opening and a bottom opening, and a tamper integrally coupled to the conduit, wherein the tamper is configured to move laterally in a straight path horizontally, wherein a tamping face is configured to tamp in a vertical direction.

Abstract: This invention provides for the fully automated, hands free, packing of chromatography columns by means of delivering a pre-calculated volume of slurry and using two different packing modalities to stop the packing when either 1) this volume has been delivered in the column, or 2) when the adapter is moved to reach a bed height corresponding to the pre-calculated volume. Thus, a chromatography column can be packed in a fully automated fashion and such a column is 1)stable and 2) has the desired performance characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for tamping the contents of a container having a bottom surface prone to bending and/or cracking during tamping. The apparatus includes a tamp head for tamping the contents of the container; and a container support assembly structured and arranged to temporarily support the bottom surface of the container during tamping, the container support assembly comprising a support element having a protrusion extending upward from a substantially flat and horizontal upper surface, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: This invention provides for the fully automated, hands free, packing of chromatography columns by means of delivering a pre-calculated volume of slurry and using two different packing modalities to stop the packing when either 1) this volume has been delivered in the column, or 2) when the adapter is moved to reach a bed height corresponding to the pre-calculated volume. Thus, a chromatography column can be packed in a fully automated fashion and such a column is 1) stable and 2) has the desired performance characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an article from powder material including a first table, a second table rotatably mounted on the first table about a first axis and a third table rotatably mounted on the second table about a second axis. A hollow canister is supported by the third table. A vibrator is arranged to vibrate the canister. A first device is arranged to rotate the second table about the first axis and a second device is arranged to rotate the third table about the second axis. A hopper is arranged to supply powder material into the canister and a valve controls the flow of powder material from the hopper into the canister. A processor is arranged to control the valve, the vibrator, the first device and the second device to control the filling and packing density of the canister.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an apparatus for transferring, at high speed and in a very effective and accurate manner, particulate material from a feeder into reservoirs of a moving endless surface. The apparatus may include a three-dimensional plate for applying pressure onto the particulate material present between the plate and the moving endless surface. The particulate material is then transferred from the moving endless surface to a substrate.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for filling a filter cartridge canister. Flow through an exit plenum and a filter screen of the canister is initially blocked, a sorbent inlet of the canister is open, and a ring of the canister is open. Flow is then initiated through the inlet and ring so sorbent particles and fluid flow into the canister. A pressure differential is provided between the inlet and the ring to enhance filling. The exit plenum is opened to impart an even fluid flow across a sorbent stratum. Flow through the ring is stopped, and sorbent particles continue to be added via the inlet until the cavity is filled. The filter screen is then compressed, the sorbent inlet is sealed and the filter screen is fixed to a compressed position while flow is maintained through the exit plenum.

Abstract: There is provided a filling method which is capable of suppressing uneven distribution of particle diameter and suppressing property decrease of the particulate water-absorbing agent. The method for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes a abutting step for making a member for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent abutted on a vibrator; a supplying step for supplying the particulate water-absorbing agent to the member for filling; and a vibration step for vibrating the particulate water-absorbing agent present in the member for filling by vibrating the vibrator. Preferably, the supplying step is performed by dividing into a plurality of times. Preferably, the vibration step includes an intermediate vibration step performed at a stage where a part of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed, and a final vibration step performed at a stage where all of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed.

Abstract: A system includes a solid feed fuel pump configured to route a solid fuel flow from an inlet to an outlet. The solid feed fuel pump includes an actuated valve that is disposed within the outlet. The actuated valve is configured to adjust a compaction of the solid fuel flow while in the outlet. The actuated valve adjusts the compaction in response to active control based on sensed feedback from the system.

Abstract: A chromatography column design and a packing device, as well as a method for obtaining a column with a very compact and uniform bed are provided. The bed remains compact and uniform during operation of the column and during sanitization, storage and transportation of the column. The amount of hardware, particularly the hardware parts in contact with product, is minimized, especially with the implementation of an internal liner. With this internal liner, the packed bed can be separated from the column in intact form, or even prepared separately from, and outside of, the column.

Abstract: The device (1) according to the invention for metering and in particular compressing bulk material (2) comprises a conveyor for metering the bulk material. The device (1) further comprises a measuring device for measuring a measuring variable and a receiving device (20) for receiving a container, in particular a bag (22). The conveyor has an outlet (12) for the bulk material (2). The container has a filling opening (23). The receiving device (20) and the outlet (12) can be positioned relative to each other dependent on the measuring variable during the metering of the bulk material (2) into the filling opening (23). In particular, the outlet (12) and the receiving device (20) can be positioned in a manner that can be controlled and/or regulated.

Abstract: A process for the production of a core that can be used for the manufacturing of a part that is made of composite material, whereby the core consists of at least one powdered and/or granular product (16), includes introducing the at least one powdered and/or granular product (16) by vibrating it in an outer envelope (14) placed in a device (18) having a cavity that is delimited by a wall (20) whose geometry is adapted to that of the core to be produced and flattening the outer envelope (14) against the wall (20), characterized in that vibrations are emitted slightly above the fill level during filling.

Abstract: A system for the cold-weather storage of gaseous fuels includes a gas source having an inlet pressure, a compressor having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the gas source and the outlet having a discharge pressure greater than the inlet pressure, a heat exchange apparatus having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the compressor so as to receive pressurized gas therefrom, a high-pressure storage tank having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet selectively communicating with the compressor so as to receive pressurized gas therefrom, and a valve assembly for selectively directing the pressurized gas to the heat exchange apparatus and the high-pressure storage tank in dependence upon a temperature within the storage tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers or bags for chromatographic media and methods of packing chromatography columns using such containers. The bags may be used for storing and/or transporting chromatographic media and can be inserted directly into the chamber of a chromatography column in readiness for use.

Abstract: An apparatus for batching powder and/or granular products, comprising: a hopper; at least a passage, delimited at one side thereof by a gas-permeable element which alternatively communicates with a first depressed source and with a first pressurized source, and at opposite side thereof communicating with a discharge region; an obturator acting in the passage between an occluding position, in which a batching chamber is defined, and an enabling position. The obturator element is conformed such as to place the hopper in communication with the batching chamber when it is in the occluding position; the first depression source, the first pressurized source and the obturator element being activated in phase relation with one another for loading a batched quantity of powder and/or granular products internally of the batching chamber and for projecting the batched quantity internally of a container element.

Abstract: A powder toner transferring method that fluidizes a powder toner with a gas supplied from an air supply, sucks the fluidized powder toner with a suction, and transfers the powder toner by discharging the powder toner in a toner storage container. The suction of the powder toner is performed with a reciprocating-motion pump. A powder toner filling method includes the powder toner transferring process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for loading a therapeutic substance or drug within a lumenal space of a hollow wire having a plurality of side openings along a length thereof that forms a hollow drug-eluting stent with a plurality of side drug delivery openings. Loading a drug within the lumenal space of the hollow stent includes a drug filling step, in which the drug is mixed with a solvent or dispersion medium. The lumenal space may be filled with the drug solution or suspension in a reverse fill process and/or a forward fill process. After the drug filling step, a solvent or dispersion medium extracting step is performed to extract the solvent or dispersion medium from within the lumenal space such that only the drug remains within the hollow stent. A stent cleaning step may be performed to an exterior surface of the hollow stent.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dosing device comprising a powder hopper and a plate with a surface, wherein said plate is provided with at least one cavity adapted for receiving a particulate material, and filling means being movable along said surface for moving particulate material into said at least one cavity, wherein said filling means is adapted to exert a compressing force on said particulate material in a direction towards said surface so that said particulate material is forced into said at least one cavity. The present disclosure also relates to a method for filling a cavity provided in a plate of a dosing device with a quantity of particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: A process for the production of a core that can be used for the manufacturing of a part that is made of composite material, whereby the core consists of at least one powdered and/or granular product (16), includes introducing the at least one powdered and/or granular product (16) by vibrating it in an outer envelope (14) placed in a device (18) having a cavity that is delimited by a wall (20) whose geometry is adapted to that of the core to be produced and flattening the outer envelope (14) against the wall (20), characterized in that vibrations are emitted slightly above the fill level during filling.

Abstract: A process for filling a tube with granular material, which material is guided downwardly in a vertically oriented tube along a line provided with flexible elements in the shape of wires which are arranged substantially to the line, and having a radial dimension which is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube, the line being removed from the tube as the latter is filled with the granules, the line being moved during the removal movement with a non uniform speed which is related to the filling speed of the device.