Abstract: An apparatus includes channel assemblies in a rotatable section, a cutting assembly, a discharge assembly, and a cleanout assembly. The channel assembly holds a bulk instance of compressible material extending through upper and lower channels of a continuous channel. The cutting assembly moves in relation to the channel assembly to isolate the upper and lower channels, severing upper and lower material portions of the bulk instance. The discharge assembly directs gas into the lower channel of a channel assembly to discharge the lower material portion from the lower channel, based on radial alignment of a conduit assembly of the channel assembly with a conduit assembly of the discharge assembly. The cleanout assembly supplies a fluid through the conduit assembly of the channel assembly, based on radially alignment of the conduit assembly of the channel assembly with a conduit assembly of the cleanout assembly.

Abstract: A cartridge processing system can have a base to support cartridges on an underlying support surface. The base can include a rack with support holes to support respective ones of the cartridges. In addition, a tray having a tray bottom can be removably placed on tops of the cartridges. A platform with platform holes can be substantially coaxially aligned with respective ones of the support holes. The tray can have a funnel extending from the platform. The funnel can form a perimeter around the platform holes, such that the platform holes can be conduits for product to be placed in the cartridges.

Abstract: A packaging unit for packaging pharmaceuticals into a pouch includes packaging equipment operable to form the pouch, a track configured to direct the pharmaceuticals toward the packaging equipment, and a receptacle coupled to the track upstream of the packaging equipment to receive the pharmaceuticals from the track. The receptacle includes a valve mechanism that is movable relative to the track to push the pharmaceuticals into the pouch.

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 device and method for cleaning producer gas includes a filter bed chamber, a microwave chamber, a first catalytic chamber and a second catalytic chamber. The filter bed chamber comprises an inlet for carbon-based material and a spent carbon outlet. The microwave chamber comprises a permeable top and wave guides around the perimeter through which microwaves can be introduced into the device using magnetrons. The first catalytic chamber is connected to the microwave chamber, and the second catalytic chamber is connected to the first catalytic chamber. The method comprises using the device by filling the filter bed chamber with carbon-based material, introducing microwaves into the microwave chamber using the magnetrons and wave guides, dissociating heavy carbons entrained within the gas by passing the gas through carbon-based material in the filter bed chamber, the microwave chamber, the first catalytic chamber and the second catalytic chamber.

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: Pellet fabrication device comprising a powder distributor and a table provided with cavities to be filled with powder, on which the distributor moves. The distributor comprises two assemblies of rollers cooperating with rails fixed on the table on each side of the distributor displacement zone, a set of rollers being used to guide displacement of the distributor and a set of rollers being used to press the distributor in contact with the table.

Abstract: A device for filling at least one dosing chamber is provided, with at least one dosing chamber arranged in a dosing disc into which a filling material is to be introduced. At least one ram acts on the material located in the dosing chamber. The at least one ram is arranged on a support, and at least two columns are connected to the support. A drive mechanism is provided which, via a coupling mechanism, moves at least the two columns up and down in synch.

Abstract: A multi-stage home refueling appliance and method supplying compressed natural gas from a utility natural gas supply. The multi-stage home refueling appliance includes a first compressing stage having a first stage inlet fluidly coupled to the supply of natural gas and a first stage outlet, a second compressing stage having a second stage inlet fluidly coupled to the first stage outlet and a second stage outlet and a vehicle refueling dispenser fluidly coupled to the second stage outlet and configured to be selectively fluidly coupled to a storage tank of a vehicle.

Abstract: Bag installation for bagging machines may include bag installation systems and/or methods that provide efficient, convenient, safe, and/or simplified means and/or steps for installing a bag on, and/or maintaining bag on, a bagging machine.

Abstract: A method for filling a container with a food product includes: delivering a food product into a hopper; tamping, by means of a first tamping block, said food product whilst it is in the hopper; locating a container, having an upwardly facing opening, beneath the hopper; and opening the hopper such that the tamped food product falls from the hopper into the container.

Abstract: A compression molding machine includes a feeder that has a feeder main body, a sealing frame attached to the feeder main body and having a supply port allowing a powdery material to pass therethrough, a first elastic member comprised between the sealing frame and the feeder main body, a sealing member attached to the sealing frame and preventing the powdery material from leaking, and a second elastic member comprised between the sealing member and the sealing frame.

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 hydrogen filling station system generates hydrogen on demand. The hydrogen filling station system includes a PEM electrolyzer for generating hydrogen, a compression device for compressing the hydrogen, and a filling system for filling a vehicle with the compressed hydrogen. The required space for the hydrogen filling station system is reduced and operational safety is increased in that the PEM electrolyzer is directly connected to the compression device and the compression device is directly connected to the filling system, without temporary storage respectively. That is, there is no requirement to intermediately store the compressed hydrogen.

Abstract: A device and method to load particles of catalyst on the order of cm in the principal dimension into an annular zone of reaction tubes which may reach a height of more than 10 meters, while satisfying the strict conditions of homogeneity and density of loading.

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 device for metering of powdery filling material is proposed, with a filling material container, on the bottom of which at least one metering opening is arranged, with at least one transfer plunger which can be introduced by a movement system into the metering opening in order to transfer the filling material located in the metering opening into a receptacle. In addition to the movement system, a drive unit is provided for applying a force to the transfer plunger in order to assist the transfer of the filling material into the receptacle.

Abstract: A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a tray for transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.

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: A method and apparatus for filling with powder (4) a container (8) having an open end, including positioning an outlet of a hopper (2) containing powder above the open end of the container (8), mechanically agitating the hopper so as to cause powder (4) to be transferred from the hopper to the container and mechanically agitating the container, wherein the steps of mechanically agitating are conducted by at least a predetermined amount sufficient to ensure that the container is filled with powder at a predetermined density.

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: A powder dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The powder dispensing device comprises at least one plunger for compacting the powder to a powder compact and/or at least one transfer plunger which transfers the previously produced powder compact into a capsule part ready to be filled. The device includes a sensing apparatus including fiber-optical cables and a lens for introducing and receiving radiation passed through the powder or the powder compact. The sensing apparatus is connected to either the compacting plunger or the transfer plunger, or both.

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: A device for distributing granular materials in a recipient, particularly of complex shape intended to be arranged between a feed hopper and the recipient to be filled. The device includes a deflector, mobile in rotation around an axis, lining a passage linking the hopper to the recipient. The deflector is formed by at least one surface that may be inclined in relation to the axis of rotation approaching the axis in the direction of flow of the granules, or perpendicular to the axis. According to the speed of rotation, a certain quantity of granules is ejected by the deflector and another part passes directly in the passage.

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 device consisting of a low-RPM motor wherein the motor spins a flat disk, a peg is attached to the disk, a stationary spring armature wherein the peg can activate the stationary spring armature as the disk rotates, and a tube containing beads in a fluid positioned in a top plate wherein the spring armature can contact the tube. This device can further include a soft closed-cell foam top mounted on the top plate wherein the tube is inserted and maintained by the foam in such a way as to allow for slight motion of the tube induced by the contact by the spring armature.

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.

Abstract: A pelleting machine has a die table having at least one die plate, dies associated with the die plate and a feed device for feeding a material to be pressed into the die plates. The feed device includes a feed shoe arranged substantially parallel to a surface of the die table and has at least one feed opening which is arranged or can be arranged in the region of the die plates. The pelleting machine includes a sealing device disposed between the feed shoe and the die table. The sealing device has at least one sealing element forming the contour of the feed opening, wherein a force acting in the direction of the die table is applied to the sealing element.

Abstract: Methods of transferring powder toner and filling a toner container or a development mechanism of an electronographic image forming apparatus with powder toner include the steps of providing a toner fluidization mechanism on a surface of deposit of the powder toner stored in a toner storage container, burying the toner fluidization mechanism into the deposit, supplying gas to the powder toner, and removing fluidized toner to transfer to a different location. An apparatus for filling with powder toner includes a toner container, and an apparatus for transferring powder toner including a toner storage container, a toner fluidization mechanism buried into the powder toner, an air supply mechanism for supplying air to the toner fluidization mechanism, an air suction mechanism for removing fluidized powder toner, a transfer mechanism for transferring the removed powder toner to a different location, and a vibration application mechanism for applying vibration to the toner fluidization mechanism.

Abstract: Powder-particle material in compression molding is transferred using air suction power and filled thinly, evenly and rapidly in a female mold. An adsorption pad 21 which is held so as to be freely movable in the vertical direction is provided at a movable cylinder 7, which can move in the horizontal direction in a space between a metal supply hopper 2 and a female mold 34 and rotate 180°, and powder particle material is laid in a scraped manner at the adsorption pad 21, adsorbed by actuating a vacuum pump 14, transferred to the female mold 34 in this state, turned around and caused to fall into the mold by terminating adsorption.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to an erosion control device for constructing a barrier bag for use in areas where erosion is likely to occur. The erosion control device can include an attachment member allowing the erosion control device to be operably mounted to a skid steer, front-end loader, tractor or similar vehicle for transportation and power. The erosion control device can include a loading box defining a material hopper for holding a filler material. The loading box can further comprise a beater bar assembly for agitating the filler material within the material hopper so as to continually feed an auger assembly within the loading box. The auger assembly transports and compacts the filler material within a filling chute. The compacted filler material exits the filling chute and enters into a barrier bag that is continually deployed from the filling chute.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a preparation of gaseous fuel (natural gas for example) for its further transfer under pressure to fuel tank of a vehicle 22. This object is achieved by a method for compressing gas by alternate transfer of gas into two vertically arranged compressing vessels 1 and 2, its compression and forcing into high-pressure vessels by filling the compressing vessels 1 and 2 with working fluid 30 under pressure by means of a hydraulic drive 5. A novelty of this method lies in that, each cycle of gas 29 compressing and its forcing out of the compressing vessels 1 and 2 is performed until these vessels are fully filled with the working fluid 30 contained in the compressing vessels 1 and 2 and alternately forced out of one compressing vessel into the other in response to a signal sent by fluid-level sensor 4.

Abstract: Bag installation for bagging machines may include bag installation systems and/or methods that provide efficient, convenient, safe, and/or simplified means and/or steps for installing a bag on, and/or maintaining bag on, a bagging machine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filling shoe device for passing and dispensing powder into a cavity of a powder compaction apparatus for subsequent compacting of the powder, the filling shoe device comprising a filling shoe, the filling shoe comprises an inlet portion for receiving powder into said filling shoe, an outlet portion forming a powder outlet flow channel having an outlet opening for dispensing powder out of said filling shoe into the cavity in said powder compaction apparatus, a meshwork arranged in the powder flow channel across the outlet opening, and wherein the meshwork is non-movably arranged in the outlet portion and wherein the outlet portion is non-movable relative to the filling shoe device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to an erosion control device for constructing a barrier bag for use in areas where erosion is likely to occur. The erosion control device can include an attachment member allowing the erosion control device to be operably mounted to a skid steer, front-end loader, tractor or similar vehicle for transportation and power. The erosion control device can include a loading box defining a material hopper for holding a filler material. The loading box can further comprise a beater bar assembly for agitating the filler material within the material hopper so as to continually feed an auger assembly within the loading box. The auger assembly transports and compacts the filler material within a filling chute. The compacted filler material exits the filling chute and enters into a barrier bag that is continually deployed from the filling chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing powdered material provides for processing a volume of powdered material to be dispensed so that density of the processed material is modified to substantially uniform density, and further for distributing multiple dosages of the powdered material in a time-efficient, precise manner.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of powder into a receptacle, the apparatus comprising a hopper (1), the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom, a support for the hopper whereby the hopper can in use be held above a receptacle (8) into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed therefrom and powder compaction means for enhancing the compaction of at least some of the powder in the receptacle.

Abstract: Procedure for dispensing depilatory wax in a regulated manner, comprising the steps of positioning, in an inverted position, a container (2) of wax (1a) with an outlet opening (3) for said wax in such a way that the outlet opening (3) is in the lowest part of the container (2); heating it, directly inside the container, until it melts the wax in the container by inserting into the wax a heating element (11) that passes through the outlet opening (3) of the container (2), so that the wax (1a), by gravity, flows out of the container through the outlet opening (3); and regulating the quantity of wax to be dispensed. A device for performing said procedure comprising a container (2) and a dispenser device (8) that can be attached to each another, the dispenser device (8) having a valve element (5) for dispensing the wax and a heating means (11) for heating the wax.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder dispensing device for dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The powder dispensing device comprises at least one plunger for compacting the powder to a powder compact and/or at least one transfer plunger which transfers the previously produced powder compact into a capsule part ready to be filled. The device includes a sensing apparatus including fiber-optical cables and a lens for introducing and receiving radiation passed through the powder or the powder compact. The sensing apparatus is connected to either the compacting plunger or the transfer plunger, or both.

Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.

Abstract: A gas mask filter canister of varying shapes is filled by orienting the a fill opening to face upwardly, introducing into the fill opening a particulate filter material, and vibrating the filter canister at a frequency and amplitude, and for a time until a predetermined packing density is reached. The invention can be used to fill elliptical or other odd shaped filter canisters having a concave profiles to conform closely to the curvature of the wearer's face.

Abstract: A device and a method for compacting a flowable solid material have a compacting space provided with a supply opening for supplying material to be compacted to the compacting space and a discharge opening for discharging compacted material. A closure device for effecting a gastight seal of the compacting space and pressure device for creating a reduced pressure inside the compacting space in the hermetically sealed condition of the compacting space are provided. The pressure device can change the volume of the compacting space, and/or the compacting space comprises a first part for accommodating the material and a second part that can be sealed gastight from the first part by a further closure device, in which said second part the pressure can be reduced by the pressure device in the situation in which the second part is sealed gastight from the first part by the closure device.

Abstract: A powder-fluidizing apparatus is presented which is applicable to feeding ultra-fine and nano-size powders, and powders with a broad particle size distribution, in a uniform manner over a long period of time. Generally, this is accomplished by using a rotating brush to sweep the powder through holes in a removable sieve plate, which breaks up agglomerated particles in the powder and controls the powder feed rate. The powder then drops from the holes into a funnel, where it is fluidized by being entrained into a carrier gas, and then flows through the funnel out of the apparatus to an applicator. The funnel surface is vibrated to avoid powder build-up on the surface that can break loose and cause pulses of increased material in the powder flow. Ultrasonic waves are introduced into the funnel to break up any agglomerated particles remaining in the powder before it reaches the applicator.

Abstract: A powder feed apparatus and method for increasing the rate of flow of powder fed through a powder feed system to a powder press. The apparatus includes a housing having a powder feed chamber, with a powder ingress opening and a powder egress opening, and at least one vibrator. The powder feed chamber is dimensioned to transmit a vibrational force from the vibrator to powder in it such that the velocity of the powder through the powder egress opening is increased over the velocity of the powder through the powder egress opening in the absence of the vibrational force (i.e. using only gravity feed).

Abstract: Device for filling dry toner powder from a bag into a toner container, said device comprising a piping system with a flexible and compressible pipe and a peristaltic pump acting on said flexible and compressible pipe.

Abstract: Bagging machines for bagging agricultural, compost, or other materials into an elongate bag for storage and/or composting are disclosed. The bagging machines include a mobile frame, a hopper, a rotary packing apparatus, and a material forming enclosure. The bagging machine is adapted to move forward as the loose material is packed into the bag against the closed end thereof. The bagging machines also may include a packing density measurement system including an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly is adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to engage packed material within the material forming enclosure. The anchor assembly engaging the packed material is adapted to apply an anchoring force to the bagging machine against the forward movement thereof. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine.

Abstract: A device for transferring a dusty, powdery, grain-like or granular conveyed material out of a storage receptacle and into a working or transfer receptacle or a similar accommodating space. The device comprises a working chamber, which is connected to a supply line for the conveyed material, and comprises a discharge cross-section. At least one feed line for a flow medium leads into the working chamber, and a filter device is located between the flow medium and the conveyed material. The supply line for the conveyed material leads into a tubular filter space, and a filter insert, which is also tubular and delimits said filter space, is placed inside the working chamber connected to an air line and/or to a gas line.

Abstract: The developer cartridge 24 is mounted in the holder 101 of the toner filling device 100 with the toner injecting through-hole 70 of the developer cartridge 24 on top. At this time, the axis of the developer roller 31 is vertical. The slide nozzle 110 is inserted into the toner injecting through-hole 70, such that the nozzle tip is positioned near the bottom of the toner accommodating chamber 34, and the toner expulsion device 120 injects toner into the developer cartridge 24. The toner is introduced with pressure, while the nozzle tip is gradually raised to match the amount of toner introduced.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method and a tool for exact metering and volumetric filling of finely divided dry powder medicament doses into preformed containers, whereby the doses and containers are adapted for administration by inhalation using a dry powder inhaler (DPI). A filling tool illustrating the invention includes at least one receptacle (10). The shape and size of a receptacle may vary depending on the size and mass of the powder load to be metered. A stretched woven filter (106) is positioned between the second opening of the receptacle (10) and a suction nozzle (13), using flexible seals at joints to stop air and powder leakage. The shape may be circular or elliptical, the wideness and depth, i.e. the volume, is adapted to the intended load and the method of filling and unloading.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for extracting whole juice sacs from citrus fruits by fluid impinging chunks of peeled fruit meat. In one embodiment, a fruit chunk is fed into a fluid impingement chamber that includes a plurality of off-center orifices. High-pressure fluid emitted from the orifices strikes the fruit chunk and spins it such that the fruit chunk's juice sacs are stripped from the chunk's sectional membranes. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of fluid impingement chambers are incorporated into a high-speed, continuous motion turret. In yet another preferred embodiment, fruit chunks are fed into an inclined tube that includes fluid orifices which emit high pressure fluid. Controlling the fluid pressure, nozzle orifice size, number of orifices, direction of fluid jets, impingement time, and size and shape of the fruit chunks determine how substantially the radial membranes of fruit chunks are stripped of juice sacs without shredding the membranes.