Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to a rotatable container for storing a material for a printing system. The container has a channel structure for conveying the material, the channel structure defining an opening of the container. The container also has a material-conveying member at least partially disposed within the channel structure, wherein the material-conveying member is mounted to prevent rotation relative to the channel structure. The material-conveying member and the channel structure are arranged to rotate together about a shared axis to convey the material through the channel structure.

Abstract: A filter including a filter wall extending between first and second opposed ends, the filter wall being tubular and surrounding a filter cavity, the filter wall including filtration material permeable to air so that the filter cavity is in fluid communication with an environment of the filter through the filter wall, a filter inlet defined in the first end and in fluid communication with the filter cavity, and a tray extending within the filter cavity and freely rotatable within the filter cavity about an axis of rotation extending longitudinally within the filter cavity, the tray having a center of gravity offset from the axis of rotation, the tray being radially inwardly spaced from the filter wall, the tray being radially outwardly spaced from the filter inlet. A filter module including such a filter and a method of protecting a horizontally extending tubular filter wall from debris are also discussed.

Abstract: A clothes dryer having a lint collecting device for collecting lint is disclosed. The clothes dryer includes: a drum; a duct through which drying air discharged from the drum flows; and a lint removing device disposed in a path of the duct to filter lint contained in the air, wherein the lint removing device includes a cylindrical lint filter of which a part of an outer surface is open, a screw having a spiral blade rotatably provided in an axial direction of the lint filter, a contact rib formed at an opening of the lint filter, and an elastic member configured to protrude to an outside of the blade to be in contact with an inner surface of the lint filter and the contact rib.

Abstract: A powder filling method includes introducing a tube into a can so that the lower end of the tube is near the bottom of the can. The powder in the can is introduced through the tube. The proximity of the lower end of the tube to the powder is controlled by retracting the tube as the powder fills the can.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the metered filling of bulk material having a metering screw (16), which is arranged in a hollow cylinder shaped metering tube (12) and which can be slid in a longitudinal axis (L) of the metering tube (12), having a closing head (18) for closing a metering opening (14), wherein the closing head (18) has a substantially conical surface (20) and the metering tube (12) transitions after the metering opening (14) into a hollow cylinder shaped mouthpiece (32) having a larger inner diameter (DMi) compared to the inner diameter (dRi) of the metering tube (12).

Abstract: An ice supply system delivers a product to a product engagement device having at least one product engagement jaw, and a discharge tube. An engaged product is delivered at an outlet of the tube. The ice supply system includes a sensor disposed in communication with a product stream to detect the product at a sensor elevation, and communicate the presence of product to a controller. The ice supply system further includes a product receptacle for receiving the engaged product. The product receptacle may be mobile or have an elevation adjustment, thereby providing the ability to create a product pile of a predetermined height beneath the discharge tube. In this configuration, the controller ceases the flow of product when the pile height reaches the sensor disposed in the discharge tube. Alternatively, the ice supply system includes a diverter to toggle between first and second flowpaths, thereby delivering engaged and non-engaged product.

Abstract: An agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container is provided. One agricultural system includes a product conveying system having a conveyor and a hopper. The conveyor is configured to move product from the hopper to a holding container. The hopper has an opening for receiving product, and the opening includes a first side adjacent to the conveyor, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side is substantially v-shaped, and configured to channel the product to exit the hopper through the opening while the opening is directed downwardly.

Abstract: An automatic home appliance that performs the preparation, mixing, and heating of infant formula bottles provides a reservoir on top that holds an amount of powdered formula. Connection to a household water supply provides a flow of water to an internal water heating reservoir. A central front opening is provided in which the infant bottle is placed. A digital display and a plurality of programming buttons are arranged upon a front panel to allow the user to select operating parameters. Once programmed, internal electronic controls perform dispensing and mixing of the necessary ingredients in the proper ratio and dispensing of mixed formula into the proper sized bottle. The mixture is also kept warm at the proper temperature by a hot plate. An indicator light then illuminates to communicate to a user that the bottle is ready to be removed and the mixture consumed.

Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.

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 liquid crystal dropping apparatus is used in the manufacture of liquid crystal display devices, which is designed to apply vibration energy to liquid crystal charged in a liquid crystal container, thereby allowing the liquid crystal to be dropped as a spray. The liquid crystal dropping apparatus includes a liquid crystal container in which liquid crystal is charged so that a pressure is applied to the liquid crystal if gas is supplied into the liquid crystal container, an opening and closing device for opening and closing a liquid crystal discharge hole provided at a lower end of the liquid crystal container, and a vibration energy supply device for supplying vibration energy to the interior of the liquid crystal container.

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: 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 concrete delivery system includes a hopper having an open top and a discharge opening therein. A belt is trained around the front roller and the rear roller and the discharge opening is provided at the lower end of the hopper. A first positive displacement pump is connected to the liquid container and is driven by a rotatable shaft attached to one of the front or rear rollers for delivering the liquid from the liquid container to the mixer. A mixer is provided for mixing the material with the liquid and concrete mixture. The device includes a minimum of adjustment controls. An add mix fluid attachment may also be included in the addition to the liquid dispenser and this is controlled by the same shaft as the liquid dispenser is controlled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus prevent breakage of a catalyst particle and evenly fill the catalyst into tubes to an optimum density. A loading tool comprises a plurality of damper members extending from a centerline of the tube in at least one radial direction but in every case, having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. For example, in one embodiment the damper members are shaped in a “Z”-like formation with each having a different rotational orientation than the adjacent one above or below it. The Z formations can be horizontally arranged along a central member or can be formed vertically in a unitary fashion from a single, stiffened member. In another embodiment, the dampers are formed into spiral or helical shapes that increase or decrease in diameter along the length of the tube.

Abstract: A particular dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing with particular refractory material into a gap between a furnace wall and a form includes a platform (12) removably engaging the upper end of an expendable metal form. A carriage (14) is pivotally coupled to the platform and is rotatable about a pivot point located generally at the center of the platform. A hopper (30) is coupled to the carriage. The hopper receives particulate refractory material via an inlet and dispenses the particulate refractory material through an outlet (36). A feeder (34) is coupled to the outlet of the hopper to move the particulate refractory material from the outlet to a dispenser (44). The dispenser is coupled to the carriage at a distal end of the feeder and is suspended above the lining gap to deliver particulate refractory material into the lining gap.

Abstract: A method of forming a transportable container of bulk goods begins by placing the distributing end of a hopper over the open top of a bunched bag. Bulk goods are dispensed from the distributing end of the hopper through the open top of the bag to establish a level of bulk goods in the bag. The hopper moves vertically relative to the closed base of the bag during the dispensing of bulk goods from the distributing end of the hopper to maintain vertical spacing between the distributing end of the hopper and the level of bulk goods in the bag. A hopper fill level is maintained in the hopper during the dispensing of bulk goods from the hopper. An outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag while filling the bag to form the transportable container. The outer wrap is maintained near the level of bulk goods in the bag.

Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.

Abstract: A cover secured to an opening in a tank may be safely removed by controlling a flow of material stored within the tank through the opening. A remotely controlled actuator is carried by a frame and attached near the opening. An arm connected to the actuator engages the cover for providing sufficient force against the cover for preventing the cover from being dislodged so that the cover may be unsecured. The actuator is then remotely controlled for safely moving the cover from a closed position to an open position for controlling a flow of material from the tank. A guide may be employed for guiding the cover longitudinally outward from the opening along the arm.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for faster filling of bags with material are disclosed. An accelerating mechanism accelerates material flowing through a chute from a material supply to a bag of a bag supplier.

Abstract: A vacuum line connected to a robotic device is run into a reactor vessel. The robotic device has a rotating body, a cleaning arm, and stabilizing arms to stabilize the robotic device within the reactor vessel. The robotic device may be controlled/monitored from a remote control station in communication with the robotic device.

Abstract: Sauerkraut that is free of added vegetable oil or other lubricant is prepared for packaging in small volumes by substantially continuously delivering a supply of the sauerkraut to a hopper (20) with an open top (22), the sauerkraut being delivered to the hopper at a location between a baffle (24) that periodically reciprocates within the hopper and a plurality of openings (28) at a bottom of the hopper. A tube (26) extends substantially vertically downwardly from each of the openings, and sauerkraut in the hopper is positively caused to flow from each of the openings into and through a tube that is aligned with the opening by rotating a rotatable screw (40) with a larger diameter upper portion (40a) that extends downwardly through the hopper and a smaller diameter lower portion (40b) that extends downwardly from the upper portion into and at least substantially through a tube.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag with pourable, especially powdery material, by means of a dispensing device with a vertical filling pipe which can be introduced into the bag and which comprises flanging-on means at its upper end and a closing device at its lower end, wherein prior to or during the filling operation, air is extracted from the material above the closing device via the inside of the filling pipe.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.

Abstract: A toner-filling device that transports a toner mass from a hopper to a cartridge. A porous tube is used during the filling operation to remove air from or supply air to the toner. This porous tube will operate at various depths of toner to more completely remove air from or supply air to the toner. An auger is used to transport the toner, and the porous tube extends through the auger beyond the lowest end of the auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the denseness of powder conveyed from a hopper through a funnel and into a container includes an auger that is positioned within the funnel that is rotatable and vertically movable. The rotation and vertical movement of the auger serves to continuously vary the length of the auger and as a result maximizes the mass of powder that can fill the container. Alternatively, the auger can include an articulatable section that splays when it is extended beyond a terminal portion of the funnel. Still yet, the device could include a hollow auger shaft with an internal rod that has the ability to extend and retract. The rod includes a strip portion and with the strip portion retracted, the powder discharged is in its densest state. As the strip portion is extended the powder density is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for accurately metering and conveying a dry powder or granular material to a blender in a substantially closed system. The apparatus includes a storage tank adapted to hold the dry powder or granular material, a hopper disposed inside of the storage tank; and a conveyor at least partially disposed inside of the storage tank, which delivers the dry powder or granular material to the hopper. The apparatus also includes a metering feeder adapted to deliver the dry powder or granular material at a substantially uniform density from the hopper to a blender located outside of the storage tank. The apparatus is a substantially closed system, thus minimizing the risk that the dry powder or granular material will become airborne.

Abstract: An automatic fish feeding apparatus includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. The bottom wall has a feed opening extending therethrough. A funnel is mounted in the housing. The funnel has pour opening therein that is unaligned with the feed opening. A conveyor belt assembly is mounted within the housing and positioned beneath the pour opening. The conveyor belt assembly includes a conveyor belt extending over the feed opening. A motor is mechanically coupled to the conveyor belt assembly for selectively rotating the conveyor belt in first direction such that an upper portion of the conveyor belt moves toward the front wall. Fish food may be positioned in the funnel such that the fish food is positioned onto the upper portion of the conveyor belt. The fish food falls through the feed opening when the conveyor belt is rotated. A control actuates the motor.

Abstract: A unit for feeding powdery and/or granular products to containers includes a main body and a revolving funnel, through which the product reaches the main body. Driving means are provided for rotation of the revolving funnel with respect to the main body. Conveying and stirring means are carried by the funnel and driven into rotation within the main body to prevent formation of agglomerates.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for cleanly cutting off filling of a container with toner without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member having a discharging end; (b) a conveyor device for moving the toner from the hopper towards the container; and (c) a nozzle device including a positive and negative air pressure applying device, and a nozzle member for directing the toner to the container. The nozzle member has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container. The nozzle member includes a post-cutoff controllable vibrator assembly connected to a controller for selectively enabling clean cutoff of powder flowing into the container without post-cutoff dribbling.

Abstract: Method and device for densifying pulverized material, which is transported by means of a feeding screw in a screw housing, wherein alternatively vacuum and compressed air is applied via a filter on the inner circumference of the screw housing.

Abstract: A fill probe with an in-line mixer accelerates and facilitates automation of a fill and mix procedure required in formulating certain chemical products. In some formulas, the concentrated chemical components that combine to form the resulting formula (e.g., teat dip) have a wide range of viscosities. The in-line positioning of the mixing attachment with the fill probe on the outside of the fill probe creates a dual action mixing operation that mixes the components as they are deliver to a mixing container and continues to mix them after they are combined with other chemicals within the mixing container. By using a combination fill probe and in-line mixer of the claimed design, a user can automate the fill and mix process, decrease the required mix time, and reduce foaming and spillage of chemicals.

Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.

Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for moving powder from a hopper containing a supply of powder to fill a container. The apparatus includes (a) a conduit member operably connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a powder to be moved therethrough; (b) a nozzle member for directing the powder from the conveyor to fill the container, the nozzle member being operably connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and having a first end connected to the conduit member, and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving powder into the container; and (c) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the powder from the hopper in a powder moving direction to the nozzle member, the conveyor device being stoppable for halting the flow of powder, and including a porous portion and vacuum device for additionally halting the flow of powder for a clean shutoff.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for directing toner from a hopper containing a supply of toner to evenly fill a non-symmetric container without excessive dusting and spills. The apparatus includes (a) a conduit member operably connected to the hopper and having a discharging end for permitting a toner to be moved therethrough; (b) a conveyor device located at least partially within the conduit member for moving the toner from the hopper in a toner moving direction towards the non-symmetric container; and (c) a nozzle member for directing the toner from the conveyor to evenly fill the non-symmetric container. The nozzle member is operably connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and has a first end connected to the conduit member, a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the non-symmetric container, and a central portion between the first end and the second and opposite end.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a particulate material from a fill tube of a container filling system is herein disclosed. The rotary flow control device of the present invention includes a stationary plate having flow openings formed therethrough and a rotating plate having similar flow openings. The stationary plate is secured to a distal end of the fill tube such that particulate materials flow from the fill tube will pass through the flow openings of the stationary plate and become somewhat compacted. The rotating plate is adjacent the stationary plate and rotates with respect to the stationary plate so as to shear off masses of particulate materials extruded through the stationary plate in a controlled manner. Preferably the rotating plate will be coupled to the shaft of an auger where the shaft of the auger extends through the stationary plate.

Abstract: An automatic container filler (20) having a frame (22) that supports a hopper (24). A dispensing unit (26) is located at the bottom of the hopper (24) that selectively feeds a fluent material, such as sand, into a plurality of discharge chutes (28). The automatic container filler (20) is designed such that fluent material, such as sand, is fed into the hopper (24). The dispensing unit (26) moves the fluent material from the hopper (24) through the discharge chutes (28) into containers such as sandbags. The dispensing unit (26) deposits a predetermined amount of the fluent material through each of the discharge chutes (28) and into containers in sequential order.

Abstract: An apparatus for encrusting a filling material is provided. The apparatus includes a screw-transferring apparatus to transfer a filling material and encrusting material, and vane pumps to transfer the respective filling and encrusting materials to a combining nozzle. The combining nozzle combines the crust that is supplied by the vane pump for crusts out of the filling material that is supplied by the vane pump for filling materials. Each screw-transferring apparatus includes horizontal screws. Each vane pump has a vertical rotating shaft. The end of each screw is free and is positioned at the inlet of each vane pump. At the inlet of each vane pump a food-guide plane is formed. That plane is tangent to a trajectory of the outer edge of the vane of the vane pump. The trajectory forms a circle that has the biggest diameter among all of the trajectories defined by the outer edges of the vanes when the vanes rotate.

Abstract: A filling apparatus of irregular—formed vessels having an intermittent swinging table (111) disposed above a continuous rotation table (5) and having a plurality of filling nozzles (121) at a same pitch as the vessel holding pitch, filling means for pushing out the liquid from the filling nozzles (121), vertical moving means for vertically moving the filling nozzles (121), a continuously rotating outside hollow shaft (119) to which the continuous rotation table (5) is mounted, a hollow shaft (116) disposed concentrically with the outside hollow shaft (119) for reciprocally rotating the intermittent swinging table (111).

Abstract: An apparatus for encrusting a filling material is provided. The apparatus includes a screw-transferring apparatus to transfer a filling material and encrusting material, and vane pumps to transfer the respective filling and encrusting materials to a combining nozzle. The combining nozzle combines the crust that is supplied by the vane pump for crusts out of the filling material that is supplied by the vane pump for filling materials. Each screw-transferring apparatus includes horizontal screws. Each vane pump has a vertical rotating shaft. The end of each screw is free and is positioned at the inlet of each vane pump. At the inlet of each vane pump a food-guide plane is formed. That plane is tangent to a trajectory of the outer edge of the vane of the vane pump. The trajectory forms a circle that has the biggest diameter among all of the trajectories defined by the outer edges of the vanes when the vanes rotate.

Abstract: The multi bagging machine comprises: a framework including four, spaced apart upright legs arranged in a generally rectangular configuration; a generally rectangular hopper mounted to an upper end of the framework; the hopper including a sharply inclined front wall and a lesser inclined back wall extending between two end walls; an auger located adjacent the bottom of the hopper and having an auger shaft extending between the end walls; an agitator including an agitator shaft located above the auger and a short distance toward the rear of the hopper; a plurality of discharge chutes connected to the bottom of the hopper for discharging fluent particulate material from the hopper into a container or bag; and a slide gate movable from a rear wall of each discharge chute into and across the discharge chute to a front wall of each discharge chute and back for blocking and unblocking the flow of fluent particular material through the discharge chute into a bag or container.

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 automatic container filler (20) having a frame (22) that supports a hopper (24). A dispensing unit (26) is located at the bottom of the hopper (24) that selectively feeds a fluent material, such as sand, into a plurality of discharge chutes (28). The automatic container filler (20) is designed such that fluent material, such as sand, is fed into the hopper (24). The dispensing unit (26) moves the fluent material from the hopper (24) through the discharge chutes (28) into containers such as sandbags. The dispensing unit (26) deposits a predetermined amount of the fluent material through each of the discharge chutes (28) and into containers in sequential order.

Abstract: A particulate filling system for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of particulate material is provided. The particulate filling system includes a conduit operably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of particulate material therewithin. A vacuum valve assembly surrounds a porous tube portion of the conduit and supplies a vacuum to the particulate material in the conduit which stops the flow of the particulate material between filling operations. The particulate filling system also includes a nozzle assembly operably connected to the conduit below the porous tube portion and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle assembly defines an inlet thereof for receiving particulate material from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing particulate material from the nozzle assembly to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying particulate material from a hopper is disclosed. A conduit is operably connected to the hopper and extends downwardly therefrom, the conduit permitting a flow of particulate material therewithin in a supplying operation. A nozzle assembly is connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle assembly defines an inlet thereof for receiving particulate material from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing particulate material from the nozzle assembly. A conveyor within the conduit assists in providing the flow of particulate material through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor locat

Abstract: An apparatus including: a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, the conduit being adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through the conduit; a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of the material and outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of the material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle being adapted with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver; a conveyor

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The hopper defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The apparatus includes a conduit rotatably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The conduit defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The conduit further defines an inlet thereof for receiving the supply of powder from the hopper and an outlet for dispelling the powder therefrom. The inlet has an inlet center thereof and the outlet has an outlet center thereof. At least one of the inlet center and the outlet center is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the hopper so that as the conduit is rotated with respect to the hopper, the position of the outlet center with respect to the hopper changes.