Abstract: Apportioning apparatus for apportioning moist cut or ground tobacco material with moisture content of at least 35%. Apportioning apparatus includes metering unit; weighing cell; and control unit coupled via a first data link to the metering unit and via a second data link to weighing cell. Metering unit is configured to add a predetermined portion of tobacco material to a receptacle, and metering unit and weighing cell are arranged relative to each other such that, while receptacle is being filled by metering unit, a weight of the added tobacco material is detected by weighing cell, and data relative to the detected weight is communicated via first data link to the control unit. Control unit is configured to control metering unit via second data link on the basis of received data relative to weight of added tobacco material such that a predetermined portion of tobacco material is added to receptacle.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: The invention relates to a filling device (1) for the volumetric metering of powder (2), particularly a powdery pharmaceutical. The filling device comprises a metering container (3, 4) having an inner chamber (5) and a peripheral edge (8, 9) around a filling opening (6, 7) of the metering container (3, 4), a planar retaining device (10), which is pervious to air, but impermeable to the powder (2), and covers the filling opening (6, 7) and the edge (8, 9) when filling the metering container (3, 4), a filling pipe (11), which is guided through the retaining device (10) and opens into the inner chamber (3) when filling the metering container (3, 4), and means for generating a pressure differential on the retaining device (10).

Abstract: A reversible container is provided with a hollow housing and removable closures at each end. The container is filled with a substance, and when at least some of the substance has been removed, the container is refilled with the substance and inverted. In this way, the user is able to use substantially all of the contents of the container, and is able to use completely the older substance first, because the older substance is at the top of the container after the container is inverted.

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

Abstract: 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 combined device to feed and compact preset doses of ground coffee or other similar substances includes the combination of two operating devices, the first operating device including a measuring screw in an upright position, the second operating device including a compacting piston in an oblique position that is arranged perpendicular to concavities which are geometrically congruent with the morphology of the doses to be compacted inside dies located on a polygonal conveyer.

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 chromatography cartridge with a packed bed is manufactured from an inner and outer chamber, the inner chamber being in an insert that is slidable into the outer chamber with openings in each such that a slurry that is originally placed in the interior of the outer chamber flows into the inner chamber as the parts are being pressed into each other. During the assembly, the particles in the slurry are compressed to fill the smaller volume of the inner chamber and excess liquid is discharged through ports in both chambers. The construction allows for a highly precise and reproducible column filling process with a minimum of steps and operator intervention and thereby low cost and reduced error.

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 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: A column comprising a first end (2a) provided with a column packing means and a second end (2b) provided with a fluid collection means for collecting fluid from over some or all of the internal cross-section of the column, wherein said first and second ends (2a, 2b) are held apart by a column wall. The second end (2b) is provided with blocking means (52, 72, 82, 92) movable between a blocking position where said blocking means (52, 72, 82, 92) substantially obstructs the collection of fluid from a predetermined portion (CR, CR1, CR2) of the cross-section of the column and an non-blocking position where it does not substantially obstruct the collection of fluid from the predetermined portion (CR, CR1, CR2) of the cross-section of the column. This allows the resistance to flow through the collection means to be modified to control where the bed media is deposited over the cross-section of the column.

Abstract: A filler material packing system for packing a granular or fragmental filler material in a bag-shaped hollow surface material includes a suction-type packing container, and means for delivering the filler material. The packing container has an inner space. At least a part of the surface material is air-permeable, and the surface material is positioned in the inner space. The packing container has a suction port and an entry port that are connected to the inner space. The filler material is delivered to the inside of the surface material positioned in the inner space of the packing container by the filler material delivering means. The filler material delivering means includes a cylindrical stirring container having a lid, a sidewall and a bottom wall. The stirring container has a stirring vane positioned on the bottom wall. Air vent holes and an outlet port are provided in an upper part of the sidewall.

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: A method of packing a chromatography column (101) with a chromatography media (104) from a vessel (102) in which the chromatography media (104) is pumped into the chromatography column (101) to pack the column and excess fluid from the chromatography column during packing is returned to the vessel (102) to dilute the chromatography media.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering powder onto a plane surface (1) of a device for creating a three-dimensional part in a layer-by-layer fashion, in particular of a laser sintering machine, is provided. It comprises a covering means (3) which can be moved back and forth in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction by means of a drive between a lateral first position and a second position located on the opposite side. In at least one of the positions it can be filled with powder. In order to simplify the apparatus and improve its operation, the covering means (3) comprises a slit (6) extending across the entire width and open at its top and its bottom as well as smoothening elements (7, 8) at the ends opposite of the surface. A store container (9) is provided above the covering means (3), the volume of said store container at each location across the entire width being at least equal to the volume of the slit cavity located underneath.

Abstract: An adsorbent bed is loaded into an HPLC column by a method which comprises fluidization of the adsorbent. The adsorbent may be added as a slurry which is then fluidized and not allowed to settle. The adsorbent bed is then immediately compressed.

Abstract: Method for loading a capillary channel with a packing material to form a capillary column which comprises placing a first frit on a first capillary channel, forcing a slurry of a solid packing material in a liquid through said first channel so that the liquid, but not the solid packing material, passes through the frit and out of the capillary channel, to form a first bed of packing material within said first capillary channel and adjacent to the frit; thereby forming a pre-pack column, then removing the frit and joining the pre-pack column to an empty second capillary channel and attaching a second frit to the end of said second channel, then forcing a liquid into the end of pre-pack column, so that the liquid passes through the pre-pack column, mobilizing the packing therein and carrying it into the second capillary channel, where the liquid, but not the packing material, passes through the frit and out of said second channel, whereby said packing forms a packed bed in the second column; then separating the

Abstract: A method for leveling and compacting candle wax using is a small, hand held, plastic and wood device to pack or tamp the surface wax of a larger diameter (4') glass-jar candle to an even level.

Abstract: In a powder filling method for supplying the powder from a powder supply hopper into a container, the air inside the hopper and/or the container is pressured and then restored to an atmospheric pressure by discharging the pressured air in the hopper and/or the container. With this method, even a powder of an inferior filling performance can be filled into a container to a high density.

Abstract: Powdered substances are compressed by a process wherein the powdered substances are enclosed in a flexible receptacle, the receptacle is enclosed in a pressure vessel and the space between the wall of the receptacle and the wall of the pressure vessel is pressurized with compressed gas.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for compacting resilient waste materials for storage and disposal. The device provides for a storage container having at least one group of retaining members secured to the interior surface of the sides. Each group of retaining members is generally coplanar with the bottom of the container and each group defines the top of one of a plurality of storage zones located within the interior of the container. One or more domed caps are provided which are dimensioned to slidingly fit within the container and to cover the top of each storage zone. Finally, there is structure located on the edge of each domed cap for engaging the retaining members when a domed cap is placed on the top of the waste materials and compacted below a group of retaining members defining the top of a storage zone. There is also disclosed a method for compacting resilient waste materials for storage and disposal using the device of the invention.

Abstract: A low-cost capsule filler has a capsule holder with a medication tray, and cavities in the tray for receiving capsule bodies and capsule covers for filling with powdered or granulated medication. A wall around the medication tray contains loose medication, and the tray surface slopes toward each cavity to facilitate filling. Medication is tamped into the capsules with posts on an extractor; the extractor after tamping is inserted from beneath into the base of the capsule filler so the extractor posts push the filled capsules upward from their cavities where they can be gripped and removed.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system 50 and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism B and a second blade mechanism C. The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions 80a, 80b, and distribute tobacco into a charger 30a. The charger includes a vertical chute 32a and an internal container 34a which inserts into a tobacco container 22a which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head 12a. First blade mechanism B includes a primary distributor blade 82 which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism C may include secondary distributor blades 94 and 96 which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade 82, provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container 22a.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: An ink filling apparatus for filling ink cartridges with a quantity of ink. The ink filling apparatus includes ink injecting members or needles to inject ink into an ink saturating material or wicking medium contained in the ink cartridges. A compression member compresses the ink saturating medium while ink is injected into the saturating medium. A vent cover covers a vent tube in the ink cartridge and directs the flow of pressurized air or gas through the vent tube to prevent ink from entering the vent tube during the ink filling operation. A piston pump delivers a specific quantity of ink to the ink filling apparatus to accurately fill each ink cartridge.

Abstract: A distribution system for a tobacco press is disclosed which includes a distribution conveyor system (50) and distributor blade assembly that includes a first blade mechanism (B) and a second blade mechanism (C). The blade mechanisms are disposed in upper and lower hopper portions (80a, 80b), and distribute tobacco into a charger (30a). The charger includes a vertical chute (32a)and an internal container (34a) which inserts into a tobacco container (22a) which tobacco is distributed and compressed by means of a press head (12a). First blade mechanism (B) includes a primary distributor blade (82) which can be moved in both a linear motion and a pivotal motion to primarily control the deflection and distribution of tobacco. Second blade mechanism (C) may include secondary distributor blades (94) and (96) which, when utilized in combination with primary distributor blade (82), provide for quadrant (a, b, c, d) distribution of tobacco into container (22a).

Abstract: A system for compacting material within a drum which includes a substantially tubular chamber, for placing a standard 55-gallon drum within, of the type having roll rings spaced along its annular wall; the chamber including a pair of swing away doors, for allowing access for the drum, and for closing around the wall of the drum, defining a portion of the inner wall of the chamber; a ram, configured in a dimension to fit within the drum opening for compacting material contained within the drum, and a series of thick, metal bands along the interior wall of the chamber, spaced apart so that one of the metal bands fills each space between the wall of the drum between the roll ring and the chamber wall.

Abstract: A vertical auger bottom-fill bag filling machine including a conical auger bowl depending from a cylindrical hopper on rocker arms, with the auger bowl being connected to the cylindrical hopper and a fill tube by flexible gaskets. A vertical auger shaft extends through the cylindrical hopper, auger bowl, and fill tube, with a section of flighting disposed within the auger bowl and fill tube to compress, de-aerate, and dispense the product. An agitator is mounted on the bottom of an agitator drive shaft which circumscribes the auger shaft and rotates independent thereof, the agitator having paddles which move the product and press the product downwardly in the auger bowl. An inverted venting cone is disposed within the auger bowl, with a vent tube extending upwardly and terminating proximate to the top of the cylindrical hopper.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A system for unloading powdered or granular materials from a container made of flexible material, the system including a line supplying compressed gas to the interior of the container to fluidize the material in the container, and a delivery conduit which may be attached to the container for delivering fluidized material from the container. A pair of arms are movable between a first position in which they are spaced from the container and a second position in which they engage and squeeze the container. Vibrators are provided for vibrating the container. The action of the arms and the vibrators facilitates unloading by breaking up clumps of the material in the container and preventing the formation of air pockets and material bridging.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for densifying a flexible bulk container with dry or semi-moist flowable material broadly includes a method and apparatus whereby the container and its contents are relatively gradually lifted and then relatively rapidly dropped onto a stop member such as an impact anvil, serving to densify the material contents of the container, or by alternatively compressing the contents thereof for maximum concentration of the container's contents. The apparatus broadly includes a frame which is positioned on top of a load cell or other weighing apparatus, a container supporting member such as a deck, and an impact member such as a post which serves to isolate the load cell from the impact of the container on the impact member. The filling apparatus is constructed whereby the contents of the container may be weighed during densification thereof so that the container may be rapidly and accurately filled without the need to remove it for weighing or to interrupt the densification process.

Abstract: A carousel trash compactor for selectively sorting and recycling multi-component refuse. The carousel includes a turntable mounted in the lower portion of the housing and supporting refuse bins rotatable with the turntable to position a selected bin in a refuse receiving position or a refuse compaction position. In the housing upper portion, a stationary compactor mechanism is positioned for compacting refuse in a bin therebeneath. A lid closes an opening in the top of the housing over the refuse-receiving position. A receptacle retrieving subassembly mounted in the upper portion of the housing facilitates removal of a full receptacle from the housing. Automatic control devices are provided for selectively rotating the turntable and bins, for weighing each bin, for compacting the refuse and for extricating the filled bins from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus for packing an analytical chromatography column having a first opening and a second opening with packing particles. The apparatus comprises means for providing solvent at a density essentially equal to the density of the packing particles. The providing means is in fluidic communication with the first opening of the column. The apparatus also comprises a first reservoir for containing the packing particles. The reservoir is in fluidic communication with the providing means such that solvent can mix with the particles in the first reservoir to form a slurry where the particles are suspended in the solvent and agglomeration of the packing particles is essentially absent when the slurry is introduced into the analytical chromatography column.

Abstract: A product settler comprising a pair of spaced-apart carriages mounted for independent reciprocal movement in a generally vertical direction relative to a surrounding frame assembly. Each carriage has a longitudinal beam generally traversing the length of the product settler and disposed on opposing sides of an intermediate zone. Extending inwardly from each beam are a plurality of rollers, each roller being mounted for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis, and extending substantially across the intermediate zone. The rollers are generally parallel to one another and preferably disposed within a horizontal plane, the rollers associated with one carriage being interspersed in a one-to-one ratio with the rollers of the opposing carriage.

Abstract: A slurry compressor for obtaining a homogeneous, pressurized, packed absorbent bed of slurry in a chromatographic column is provided. The compressor includes a solid first portion and a second portion which is a slightly tapering walled structure integral with the first portion. An annular groove is disposed within the first portion and a resilient O-ring sealing member is disposed within the ring. A split ring backup-spacer element can also be positioned within said groove to provide increased sealing to prevent leakage of the particles beyond the compressor element. An adapter element for enabling the insertion of the compressor into the column without damaging the surface of the O-ring is also disclosed. A handled straight adapter is also provided to enable the column to be supporting during packing and to be stabilized during column disassembly. A method of packing a column which includes shaking the slurry-filled column prior to pressurizing the column is set forth.

Abstract: A fabric bag is used to be packed with shredded waste material from a shredder/compactor. During loading, the bag is confined in a close-fitting steel box and is supported on a fork lift-type ballast. Use of the box as a confining rigid jacket enables the shredder/compactor to compress and compact the shredded feed. The front wall of the box can then be removed and a fork lift-type jack used to extract the packed bag and pallet as a unit, ready for shipping.

Abstract: A trash compactor is provided having at least a hollow compaction chamber rtically disposed on a base and a compacting ram slidaly fitted within the compaction chamber, such that the compacting ram is disposed above the trash to be compacted. The trash to be compacted is first loaded into the compaction chamber between the base and the compacting ram. A downward compaction force is then applied to the compacting ram to compact the trash within the compaction chamber to the required density. The downward compaction force is then maintained while the compaction chamber is removed from around the compacted trash. Finally, the downward compaction force is removed from the compacting ram thereby leaving a compacted trash slug. The trash may be wetted prior to compaction to further enhance the delamination characteristics of the trash slug.

Abstract: A vertical bottom-fill auger assembly including a bottom-fill auger bowl containing an internal rotating agitator or wiper element, and a vertical moving carriage or bag handling mechanism including a traveling bag settler. The vertical movement of the carriage or bag handling mechanism may be adjusted in response to the vertical auger revolution rate, the product density or weight as measured by a bulk or net weigh scale attached to the bag support assembly, or to comport to a premeasured charge that is bulk loaded into the auger bowl. The agitator or wiper may be of a configuration having a blade mounted on a rotating shaft vertically disposed in the center of the auger bowl, or may be carried on a rotating ring horizontally disposed at or near the top of the auger bowl. The traveling bag settler includes an arm which may be oscillated in a vertical plane to strike the bottom of a bag being filled, and which travels with the bag as it descends during filling and when lowered to a conveyor.

Abstract: A vertical bottom-fill auger assembly including a bottom-fill auger bowl containing an internal rotating agitator or wiper element. The agitator or wiper has a blade element disposed at least partially within the auger bowl and carried on a rotating ring horizontally disposed at or near the top of the auger bowl.

Abstract: A process for the production of a cosmetic product with powders of several colors or different characteristics includes a succession of alternate stages of introduction of cosmetic powders of different colors or characteristics and compression of the same for the production of a pile of layers of powder, and a further stage of excavation of the pile of layers for the definition of at least one visible surface formed by adjacent portions of said superimposed layers.

Abstract: An equilibrated percent solids waveform is established in a simulated moving bed process. A contraction phase of the waveform is monitored as it rotates through a circulation loop including a plurality of resin bed compartments. The contraction phase is followed by a desorbent phase. A slurry of resin is added to each compartment between the contraction and desorbent phases.

Abstract: Column chromatography beds are packed through the application of static force. A slurry of the chromatography bed material and a non-viscous liquid is filled into the column plugged at one end, and allowed to settle. The column is transferred to a centrifuge, and centrifuged for a brief period of time to achieve a predetermined packing level, at a range generally of 100-5,000 gravities. Thereafter, the plug is removed, other fixtures may be secured, and the liquid is allowed to flow out through the bed. This results in an evenly packed bed, with no channeling or preferential flow characteristics.