Abstract: Capsule coffee and capsule coffee machines have become very popular, mainly using disposable capsules. The amount of metal or plastic waste per kilogram of coffee is relatively large, as the capsules must be disposed of after single use. Refillable capsules are offered as an alternative. A disadvantage of all refillable capsules is that it is difficult and hardly reproducible to fill same with the optimal amount of coffee powder. The aim of this invention is to enable fast, clean and reproducible optimal filling of refillable coffee capsules. This is achieved by a filling device for refillable coffee capsules or a coffee grinder having such a filling device.

Abstract: Tamping simulators are provided. The tamping simulator includes a powder cylinder; a dosing receptacle; a tamping pin having a first end and a second end, the tamping pin being configured to be moved between a raised position and a lowered position such that the second end is received into the powder cylinder and the dosing receptacle in an instance in which the tamping pin is in the lowered position; a tamping spring operably coupled to the first end of the tamping pin and being configured to relieve compression pressure from the tamping pin; and a compression scale operably coupled to the tamping spring and being configured to indicate an amount of compression pressure absorbed by the tamping spring.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to powder spreading and an apparatus therefor. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, an apparatus having a flexible core and a shell on a surface of the core is used to displace powder in a powder bed. The shell has a low coefficient of friction, for example on the order of 0.10, and may operate to conduct static electricity away from the powder. The shell may be engaged with the powder to displace the powder and form a uniform powder layer having a planer upper surface, as the core is advanced across the powder bed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamping system (100) for tamping of filler materials of capsule filling machine to form slug, and selectively delivering the slug from a dosing disc (108) based on the presence/absence of empty capsule bodies in an empty capsule segment in a turret of capsule filling machine. The tamping system (100) based on the presence/absence of empty capsule bodies in the empty capsule segment, enables actuation of pneumatic cylinders (113) to restrict movement of tamping pistons (110) into the respective holes of the dosing disc (108) that were configured to be align with the empty capsule segments of the turret where no capsule bodies were identified or present, irrespective of the downward movement of the holder blocks (111) towards the dosing disc (108), thereby restricting the delivery of the slug into empty capsule segment of the turret, and preventing wastage of the filler material or slug.

Abstract: A method for determining a characteristic of a mass of particulate plant material having the step of determining the density of a mass of particulate plant material, wherein the mass of particulate plant material is prepared from a plant seed, from a coffee bean and/or by grinding a plant material. The invention also relates a system or apparatus for measuring the density of a mass of particulate plant material, wherein the system or apparatus has an experimental vessel having a void configured to retain a mass of particulate plant material therein, volume determination is configured to determine the volume occupied by a mass of particulate plant material that has been disposed within the void of the experimental vessel.

Abstract: A method of packaging a soil mixture in a packaging apparatus. The method includes adding the soil mixture inside the packaging apparatus. The method can also include the use of an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve to support the packaging apparatus as the soil mixture is packed therein. The method can also incorporate a press mold to compress the soil mixture in the packaging apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a metering apparatus for free-flowing material and to a method for operating such a metering apparatus. The metering apparatus has a metering duct having a closed cross section and further has a rotary drive (M). The metering duct is wound in the form of a screw with a vertical longitudinal axis. The free-flowing material is fed to the metering duct. The metering duct is set via the rotary drive (M) in an oscillating rotary motion about its longitudinal axis with individual rotary strokes, wherein, with each rotary stroke, a partial quantity of the free-flowing material falls out of a lower discharge opening of the metering duct.

Abstract: An automated batch filling apparatus comprising a first base comprising a first plurality of metering holes, a trough slidably disposed on an upper surface of the first base, one or more guides configured to constrain a motion of the trough, a gate disposed on a bottom surface of the first base, wherein the gate comprises a second plurality of metering holes, a second base disposed below the gate, wherein the second base comprise a third plurality of metering hole, and one or more vibration devices, wherein the one or more vibration devices are configured to agitate the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A powder supply apparatus includes a feeder, which has a supply passage for supplying powder material to a molding hole of a die, and a hopper, which is separate from the feeder and has an accumulation passage for supplying the powder material into the supply passage. The supply passage extends in a vertical direction throughout an entire extent of the supply passage. A shape of a cross section of the supply passage coincides with a shape of a cross section of the molding hole.

Abstract: A system for filling a jar with powdery material, for example for the manufacture of nuclear fuel, including a device for connection between the jar and a material feed system, where the device includes: a stationary connection portion connected to the feed system, a connection portion which moves relative to the stationary connection portion intended to be connected to the container's filling orifice, where the moving connection portion includes in the area of a downstream end a lip seal to achieve a tight connection by contact with the contours of the jar's filling orifice and where the said downstream end is connected to the stationary connection portion by a bellows so as to provide mechanical disengagement between the downstream end of the moving connection portion and the stationary connection portion.

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: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element in a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. In the settling phase, the squeezing device applies a squeezing pressure to the package so as to vent the package and to reduce the volume available to the package, until a predetermined reduction of the volume available to the package is reached, whereupon the squeezing pressure of the squeezing device on the package is reduced and the package is discharged from the filling element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container is disclosed herein. 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. The tamping face may be configured to move in a straight path along the axis normal to the plane of the bottom opening from the second position to a third position. The shape of the perimeter of the tamping face may be configured to mirror the internal shape of a provided 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: The present invention relates to a kit which can be easily adapted to a buckraking device or silo-bag, to allow people to work without using a tractor. The kit includes a movable base having at least one wheel and an independent engine mounted on the movable base. The independent engine activates the load screw and a clutch mechanism is coupled to the independent engine. A coupling fuse is coupled to the clutch mechanism and a speed reducer is coupled to the coupling fuse. A short cardan joint is coupled to the speed reducer at one end and to the hopper in the other end.

Abstract: A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.

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 method and apparatus for filling and/or tamping product in a container is described herein. 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: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

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 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 method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: A catalyst filling method in a micro channel and a reformer manufactured by the method. The catalyst is filled in the micro channel using water, and unidirectional pressure is applied to the catalyst in the micro channel to fill the micro channel with high density. The catalyst in the micro channel is dried. The method according to the present invention allows uniformly filling the catalyst particles in the micro channel of the reformer with high density, increasing the reactive surface area of the catalyst particles with the fuel, thereby allowing highly efficient reforming effect.

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: 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: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

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: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one=s safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for filling solid particles into a vertical tube by conveying the particles downwardly into the tube along a loading tool that softens the fall of the particles and provides even filling of the tube. The loading tool includes a center member and a plurality of damper members that can be adapted in particular cases to the actual type of particles and the tube diameter. The damper members can be stiff or flexible since they do not occupy a substantial portion of the cross section of the tube at any particular axial location. In operation, the center member can be jerked during the filling operation while simultaneously being lifted up gradually as the tube fills or it can be sequentially lifted. The damper members reduce the falling velocity of the particles and divert the particles from falling in straight downward paths. This avoids bridge formation and breakage of the particles during filling.

Abstract: A method of loading particulate matter into a transport container having at least one chamber with a peripheral region using an apparatus comprising a rotatable member configured to be positioned at least partially into an opening for the chamber. The method can include the acts of locating the apparatus adjacent the opening for the chamber by movement relative to the transport container, initiating a flow of particulate matter from the apparatus into the opening, rotating the rotatable member to facilitate the dispensing of particulate matter within the chamber, and engaging the rotatable member with particulate matter so that at least a portion of particulate matter that has been dispensed into the chamber is pushed into the peripheral region within the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for filling particulate material in vertical tubes (1) where the velocity of fall of the material (4) is reduced by having it glide down a rotating spiral duct (2) or by gliding down a rotating inner tube (5) with openings above the bottom (6) through which the material can fall out. The inner tube (5) is filled with the particulate material (4). After the material has fallen out of the spiral duct (2) or the inner tube (5), it can fall towards the tube's (1) wall during the drop onto the top layer of filled material.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a loose material that includes a compression chamber. Movement of a first ram discharges the loose material in a compressed state through an outlet port in the compression chamber. A packaging receptacle is positioned proximate the outlet port to receive the compressed material. The packaging receptacle is then moved to a second position where the movement of a second ram ejects the compressed material from the inner volume of the packaging receptacle. The second ram may be alternatively extended into and retracted from the packaging receptacle during ejection of the compressed material. The refilling of the compression chamber for the next cycle may begin prior to the retraction of the second ram from the packaging receptacle. A packaging jacket may be positioned about the packaging receptacle such that the ejection of the compressed material injects the compressed material into the packaging jacket.

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: The drainage element is initially made of cylindrical cross-section and shaped into a rectangular cross-section. A glue is sprayed onto the expanded polymeric elements during fabrication of the drainage element to maintain the rectangular cross-section when dried. The drainage element may be provided with a pipe, perforated or not, and end caps that close off the ends of the drainage element and that serve to connect to like drainage elements.

Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product comprising closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; directing powder into the closed-off perforation by the sweeping action of a first director blade spaced from said perforated plate; and transferring the contents of the perforation to said container. The method is characterized by relative rotary motion of the perforated plate and said first director blade. Suitable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: Combined device to feed and compact preset doses of ground coffee or other similar substances including the combination of two operating devices (A, B): the first equipment (A) consisting of a measuring screw (1) in upright position, the second equipment (B) consisting of a compacting piston (2, 2?) in oblique position that stands perpendicular to the lying concavities (5), which are geometrically congruent with the morphology of the doses to be compacted inside the dies (4) located on a polygonal conveyer (P).

Abstract: A filler device for filling flexible bags including a table, a container gripper assembly, a fill valve and a evacuation facilitating assembly. The table has a top surface configured for receipt of a flexible bag. The container gripper assembly is configured for receipt of a spout of a flexible bag positioned on the table. The fill valve is positionable in fluid communication with the flexible bag. The evacuation facilitating assembly comprises a frame, a leg member and displacing assembly. The frame is spaced apart from the table. The leg member is associated with the frame. The displacing assembly displaces the leg member relative to the frame to, in turn, direct the leg member between a first position wherein the leg member is spaced apart from the table to a second position wherein the flexible bag is sandwiched between the leg member and the table.

Abstract: A system and method enable toner to be packed more densely in a toner container and the container to be more quickly filled with toner. The system includes a container for storage of toner in an xerographic reproduction machine, the container having a fill opening, and a porous plug in a wall of the container; a filling system for mating to the fill opening of the container to provide toner to the container; and a source of negative pressure coupled to the porous plug to remove air from an internal volume of the container and more densely pack the toner stored in the container.

Abstract: A machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer storage bag includes a chamber through which one or more rams reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction, forcing bulk material such as compost, distillers grains, silage, or feedstuffs from the chamber into a frame that carries the gathered sidewall of the storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. A loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag loading machine feeds the bulk material into the chamber.

Abstract: A process for increasing the bulk density of an aerated powder is provided. The powder is placed in a container. The container is then closed and the gas pressure within the container is increased to a level above atmospheric pressure and at a rate sufficient to cause the powder to compact before a substantial portion of said pressurization gas diffuses into said powder. In one embodiment, the process is utilized to increase the bulk density of an aerated, free-flowing titanium dioxide pigment. Apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling spaced apart cavities with particulate material include a transport for moving the cavities along a path of travel. The cavities are partially filled with particulate material at an upstream location while applying vacuum underneath each cavity during such partial filling. The partially filled cavities are then completely filled with a downstream deposit of particulate material while applying vacuum to the upper sides of each cavity during such filling. The combination of vacuum applied underneath the cavity during partial fill and vacuum applied to the top sides of the cavity during complete fill produces approximately 100% cavity fill with minimal extraneous scatter of particulate material.

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

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: A forage loading assembly substitutes a large reciprocating piston for the traditionally employed auger to impel and compact the forage into a huge bag. In an intermediate but simultaneous action, the forage is brought by a conveyor to the site of a preliminary rotable impelling assembly which transfers it horizontally to a point within the pathway of a piston. The bottom of the conveyor is suspended to avoid being dragging along the ground during widely recognized forward creeping assembly phenomenon.

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a method of transferring a defined quantity of powder comprising compacting a target area of powder; dipping a tube into the compacted target area of powder to fill the tube with a defined volume of powder; and transferring the defined volume of powder from the tube.