Abstract: In a waveguide pump and method of pumping liquid, at least a portion of an elongate ultrasonic waveguide is immersed in a liquid reservoir. The waveguide has first and second ends, a nodal region located longitudinally therebetween, and an internal passage extending longitudinally within the waveguide from the first end to a location beyond the nodal region toward the second end of the waveguide. The waveguide also has an inlet at the first end in fluid communication with the internal passage and an outlet in fluid communication with the internal passage and spaced longitudinally from the inlet beyond the nodal region of the waveguide. The immersed portion of the waveguide extends from the inlet to a location that is one of generally longitudinally adjacent, at and beyond the nodal region of the waveguide. The waveguide is ultrasonically excited to cause the waveguide to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency.

Abstract: A chute assembly for a system configured to dispense objects from a bulk supply of such objects includes: an elongate chute having an open bottom end; a dispensing assembly slidably mounted to a bottom end portion of the chute, the dispensing assembly including a sleeve that receives the bottom end portion of the chute and a door mounted thereto, the sleeve being slidable between a staging position, in which the door covers the bottom end of the chute and thereby stages objects in the bottom end portion of the chute, and a dispensing position, in which the door moves away from the bottom end of the chute to enable objects staged in the bottom end portion of the chute to be dispensed from the chute; and an agitation unit coupled to the dispensing assembly, the agitation unit configured to impart energy to objects staged in the bottom end of the sleeve as the sleeve moves to the dispensing position.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising a hopper (20) provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper defining a powder-containing zone above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support (25) for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator (30) for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and an element which is adapted to permit controlled vertical movement of the hopper relative to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus to effect optimum delivery of dry bulk material from a hopper includes a device to provide vibratory stimulus to the hopper. The device for providing vibratory stimulus includes a device to identify the resonant frequency of the hopper and its contents at any time and to automatically continuously vary the frequency of the vibratory stimulus to maintain this frequency at, or close to, the resonant frequency of the hopper and its contents.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include: (a) a dosing head comprising a support body with a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port; (b) a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head; and (c) at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal, wherein, when the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus to more efficiency move aggregate material from a bulk shipping or storage container to a hot melt or intermediate tank. The apparatus allows the chips to flow from the shipping container into an enclosed chamber by means of a feed chute which opens close to the floor of the chamber so that, as the chips fall out of the feed chute onto the chamber floor, the chips form a pile of a predictable size. By raising or lowering the bottom end of the chute, the size of the pile is varied such that the outer edge of the chip pile reaches the chamber's exit portal, so the chips fall into the hot melt tank or a transportation system, taking the material to the hot melt tank with minimal bridging or complex instrumentation.

Abstract: A power measure-dispensing cap including a body having a first end face, which is designed to be brought into contact with a powder container, and a second end face which, together with the first end face, defines at least one feed opening which flares out towards the first end face, the feed opening supplying at least one endless screw; and at least one opening. The opening is disposed in the second end face in contact with the endless screw.

Abstract: An anti-slabbing device pivotally coupled above a material conveyor and configured to drop down onto material conveyed and further configured so as to vibrate the leading edge of the material as it reaches the end of the conveyor to create a more consistent flow of material from the end of the conveyor down onto a spinner for distributing the material.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion device comprises a substrate having an outer section and an inner section, said inner section of the substrate having an aperture, a dispersion element positioned at said aperture of said substrate, and an actuator arranged to coaxially surround said aperture of said substrate, wherein the outer edge of said inner section of said substrate is coupled to said outer section of said substrate by a plurality of resilient members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discharging packing material from a sample column which is capable of removing the packing material such as activated carbon from the sample column for analysis having a tube shape smoothly and more certainly, and can be suitably used in the case where the packing material thus removed is supplied to an analyzer, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus that promotes the flow of materials has a body having an inner shape for holding the materials, a wall having a shape that approximates a portion of the inner shape of the body, and a vibrator attached to the wall. The wall may be disposed vertically within the body close to the body's inner shape. The vibrator transfers vibrations to the wall to agitate the material and encourage material flow.

Abstract: An improved system and method for dispensing dehydrated culture media (DCM) powder into containers for preparation as a culture media. The manual and automated systems and methods operate to dispense DCM powder, as well as liquid, into vessels or media preparation instruments in a manner to avoid DCM dust inhalation by persons in the surrounding area and contamination of equipment and surfaces in the surrounding area. The system can further comprise a carousel arrangement that permits dispensing of DCM powder from multiple containers at multiple volumes and rates. In addition, the containers have a particular configuration for use with the system and method, such as the carousel arrangement, to avoid errors, promote repeatability and eliminate dusting. The containers can also include a device, such as an auger, to facilitated measured dispensing of the DCM powder automatically or manually into a flask, automated media sterilizers or other instruments.

Abstract: A device for applying a cosmetic or care product, having an electric motor rotating an eccentric mass in order to produce vibrations on an applicator member, the motor having a metallic disc-shaped casing.

Abstract: A food topping device for dispensing a food toppings. The food topping device includes a hopper that receives a food topping. The hopper directs the supply of the food topping onto the base plate of a discharge pan. The angle of the discharge pan relative to horizontal can be selectively adjusted. A vibration device is coupled to the discharge pan. When the vibration device is activated, the vibration of the discharge pan helps the food topping to overcome the angle of repose and flow down the base plate toward a discharge end. A screen positioned at the discharge end of the discharge pan further controls the flow of food topping from the device. The angle of the screen can be adjusted to control the discharge rate. A flow plate is positioned between the hopper and the discharge end to further control the amount of topping reaching the discharge end.

Abstract: The subject of this invention is a device for applying paste products which includes a cartridge of paste material secured to a case, with means for impelling the paste material and means of activation. The impeller unit (26) is formed by a cylindrical head (2), with a frontal cover (4) with a central aperture (35) and a perimetral border (36) where the cartridge piston is attached. The head is associated with a sleeve (23) by means of screws (6) and (30), the sleeve (23) being joined to a number of discs (3, 24) which, by means of a clutch (34), jointly rotate a shaft (7, 8) of an electric motor (17) connected to driving means and to an epicycloidal gear reducer (15). The impeller unit is secured to the case by means of a number of mobile supports (5) equipped with incisive elements (9). It is provided with cells/batteries (19) in their housing. The impeller means may be vibratory, preferably an electromagnetic vibrator.

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

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous substance is described having a gun-shaped body with a grip part and a barrel part; a mouth piece arranged at an output end of the barrel part; a reception space at the output end for receiving a cartridge with the substance; a plunger accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for pressing the substance outwards out of the cartridge through the mouth piece; an actuator accommodated displaceably in the barrel part for displacing the plunger; an operating mechanism for operating the displacement of the actuator by a user; a vibration motor coupled to the plunger or to the actuator, which can be supplied by a battery to be placed in the grip; and a switch for switching the motor ON.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, and at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, wherein the at least one actuator is arranged to deliver impact energy to the hopper from different directions and/or at different locations on the hopper. There is also provided a method of dispensing small quantities of particles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably process dry powders using a non-linear vibratory signal individualized or customized to a target dry powder undergoing processing to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper (20) provided with a sieve (21) at a bottom portion thereof, the hoper defining a powder-containing zone (42) above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom trough the sieve (21), a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container 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 through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and a deagglomeration device (58) disposed in the powder-containing zone (42).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing fluids, especially particulate matter, from a supply bin. The apparatus includes a plough that is movable at least partially in and out of the bin and which, when retracted, closes a matching aperture in the bin, whereby there is an adequate quantity of fluid above the plough.

Abstract: According to the invention, a mandrel, provided with tabs for holding jars containing powders and for turning the jars upside down in order to empty them through the neck, is equipped with vibration generators for exciting the walls of the jar in order to shake off the powder masses adhering thereto. The method is much more efficient than even more energetic shock applications, and frequency scanning can further be advantageously applied. One application relates to an emptying step in methods for the production of nuclear fuel pellets by powder agglomeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory floor consisting of independent vibratory modules that can be pre-fabricated and are strictly controlled before being put into place in structures for storage or transport of bulk products. Each vibratory module consists of a frame (14) in which a support material (12) is arranged, on which a metal sheet (9) is mounted, said metal sheet being attached to a vibratory element (10) and a stiffener (19) and held in place only by a peripheral sealing membrane (11), optionally supported by compression springs (13). The filling material can comprise ribs (30) for deforming the metal sheet in the form of transversal waves (31) under the effect of the weight of the stored product. The vibratory modules constructed in this way are dust-tight, do no transmit vibrations to the surrounding structure, and effectively drain any lumpy or powdery product from silos, ships, railroad cars, or other containers.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for acoustic focusing hardware and implementations.

Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.

Abstract: A feeder is configured to dispense particulate material at a desired rate. The feeder can include a discharge system that allows for the particulate material to be removed from the feeder in an efficient manner. The feeder can include a roller that assists in the agitation of the hopper to facilitate dispensing of the particulate material.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloader includes a frame, a bag support, a hopper beneath the bag support and an outlet chute beneath the hopper. The hopper and the outlet chute are mounted to the frame for movement substantially in unison relative to the frame. Two vibrators are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the hopper and synchronized to generate vibratory movement substantially along the axis of the outlet chute. Thus, the vibrators function to achieve an efficient and continuous discharge from the bulk bag and employ the outlet chute to regulate or stop the flow in accordance with system requirements.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a housing, a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The driver includes an energy storeage for storing energy releasable to drive the agitator. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.

Abstract: A hopper-type tank (1) for storing and dispensing solid bodies, the tank having a wall (3) on the inside face of which is fastened a plurality of obstacle members (4) situated in different planes and forming a mesh inside the tank (1), each obstacle member (4) having a substantially long and thin general main shape extending across the inner space of the tank, the obstacle member (4) extending between two locations of the inside face of the wall (3) of the tank (1); the tank has at least one first set of obstacle members (4) placed along a first direction in a first plane, and at least one second set of obstacle members (4) placed along a second direction, different from the first direction, in a second plane, thereby enabling the fall of solid bodies tipped in bulk into the top portion of the tank (1) to be slowed down.

Abstract: A method of inducing the movement of a flowable material in a system wherein the flowable material is guided by a surface assembly between first and second locations. The method includes the steps of: providing a first flexible tube; placing the tube at a first operating location with respect to the system; and directing a pressurized fluid through the tube in a manner whereby the first flexible tube is moved in a whipping action to at least one of: a) impact the surface assembly; b) direct the pressurized fluid at least one of: i) into the flowable material moving between the first and second locations; and ii) against the surface assembly; and c) move within the flowable material moving between the first and second locations, thereby to at least one of: i) break loose flowable material adhering to the surface assembly; and ii) agitate flowable material moving between the first and second locations.

Abstract: A microdosing device for a liquid medium includes a dosing compartment and an electrically or electronically activatable vibration unit which can cause at least one contact area of the dosing compartment to vibrate for the delivery of a volume of medium. A medium reservoir is connected to the dosing compartment by at least one flow channel. A manually operable conveyance device for conveying medium to the dosing compartment and/or for conveying medium back from the dosing compartment to the medium reservoir is assigned to the at least one flow channel.

Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably dispense meted amounts of dry powders using a flexing piezoelectric layer to transmit a vibratory signal to the dry powder to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel. The apparatus for dispensing dry powders can include: (a) an elongate flow channel having a width, length, and depth, the flow channel having axially spaced apart inlet and outlet ports, wherein the elongate flow channel is configured to extend in an angular orientation of between about 10–75 degrees relative to the axial direction of flow; (b) a flexible piezoelectric layer configured to overlie the flow channel so that, in operation, the piezoelectric layer is able to flex upwardly away from the lowermost portion of the underlying flow channel; and (c) a signal generator operatively associated with the piezoelectric layer, wherein, in operation, the signal generator is configured to output a signal for flexing the piezoelectric layer in the elongate flow channel.

Abstract: Method and device for metering granular materials which comprises a least one dispensing element, driving means arranged to control the dispensing element, sensing means designed to detect the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element, and a program control unit designed to control the control means and disable it as soon as the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder measure-dispensing cap (1) comprising: a body (3) having a first end face (4), which is designed to be brought into contact with a powder container (10), and a second end face (5) which, together with the first end face (4), defines at least one feed opening (6) which flares out towards the first end face (4), said feed opening (6) supplying at least one endless screw (7); and at least one opening (12). The inventive device is characterised in that the opening (12) is disposed in the second end face (5) in contact with the endless screw (7).

Abstract: A granular liquid crystal of uniform grain diameter is discharged from a liquid crystal application unit. A charged plate ionizes the discharged granular liquid crystal. A power source supplies a plus voltage to the charged plate via a switch which turns on or off a supplied voltage from the power source. If the switch is turned on, the granular liquid crystal is ionized, and the ionized granular liquid crystal is deflected by a deflecting plate to reach a substrate. On the other hand, if the switch is turned off, the granular liquid crystal is not ionized, and not deflected by the deflecting plate to be captured by a garter. The switch is turned on or off in synchronism with the frequency of the piezoelectric transducer, whereby a desired amount of liquid crystal can be dripped on the substrate.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus having a dispersing device (1) for the distribution of products to be weighed and a plurality of supply troughs (15) arranged alongside one another for feeding the products from the dispersing device (1) to weighing containers (13) are provided, each supply trough (15) having a bottom (16) with a first bottom face (17) and a second bottom face (18) connected thereto along an edge (36) which point towards the dispersing device (1) and are inclined to one another along the edge (36), wherein the first bottom face (17) is of substantially rectangular construction and has a first side edge (19) and the second bottom face (18) is bounded laterally by the edge (36) and a second side edge (37) which converge in the direction of the dispersing device (1) and wherein the first side edge (19) of a supply trough (15) at least partially overlaps in each case the second side edge (37) of a neighbouring supply trough (15).

Abstract: A particle dispenser and method of regulating the rate of dispensing of particles is disclosed in which particles are dispensed through a plurality of apertures having a variable effective area defined as the total area of apertures through which particles can be dispensed at any given time. The effective area is varied so as to provide a high dispense rate initially and a lower dispense rate later on in the dispense cycle. In this way, relatively larger quantities of particles can be dispensed accurately and in a reasonable amount of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer comprising a receptacle, a support, a gas tube and a shaker. The receptacle defines a chamber including a lower portion for receiving a supply of particulate material and an upper portion contiguous with the lower portion. The receptacle has an inlet formed therethrough contiguous with the lower portion and an outlet formed therethrough contiguous with the upper portion. A support is provided, for supporting the receptacle for vibratory movement. A gas tube delivers a flow of gas to the inlet. A shaker is connected to the receptacle to effect said vibratory movement in a manner sufficiently vigorous to create a dispersion of said particulate material through which gas delivered to the inlet can diffuse to the outlet, at least a portion of said dispersion being fluidized so as to issue, with said gas, through the outlet as a flow of gas having particulate material entrained therewithin.

Abstract: A powder and grain feeder is formed by an outer cylinder and upper and lower inner cylinders sharing a center line, the upper portion of the outer cylinder and the upper inner cylinder being connected by an upper annular plate; the lower portion of the outer cylinder and the lower portion of the lower inner cylinder being connected by a lower annular plate; a material passage being formed below the outer periphery of a circular table closing the upper end of the lower inner cylinder; a material discharge gap being provided between the outer periphery of the table and the lower end of the upper inner cylinder; a plurality of rotating blades being provided on an erect rotation shaft protruding from the central portion of the table; the forward ends of the rotating blades being connected to the rotary ring arranged in the material passage; and a scraper for use in the material passage being provided on the rotary ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable solids onto articles located on a moving conveyor. A flowable solid is placed on a vibrating trough and dispensed to an article on the moving conveyor through a slot in the trough. A third planar surface placed beneath the slot receives the flowable solid from the slot and provides an even dispersing pattern of the flowable solid onto the articles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method to unload bulk powders from large bulk containers. The system and method are particularly useful for unloading bulk cohesive powders.

Abstract: An air driven vibrator is attached to a robotic applicator for sealants and adhesives. When the plane of vibration is normal to the axis of the dispenser, the vibration will impart a rotary motion to the applicator. When the plane of vibration is parallel to the axis of the dispenser and normal to the direction of motion of the dispenser (such dispensers are usually robot mounted), a side-to-side or pendulum action is provided. When the dispense tip is provided with a static mixer to mix plural component materials, the vibrator will enhance the mixer's action.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for injecting a product towards a predetermined site of objects continuously moving along a given path while being spaced apart from one another by a specific step. The invention is characterized in that the device (10) comprises a series of injectors (26) borne by a mobile support (28) while being spaced apart on the support by a pitch corresponding to that of the objects, and the support (28) is driven in a reciprocating movement such that, during a forward phase of the movement, the injectors (26) move each opposite the predetermined site of one of the objects, and in the time interval of the reciprocating movement of the support is equal to the time interval between the passage of two consecutive objects in front of a common fixed point, multiplied by the number of injectors on the support.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering substantially spherical products into a substantially rectangular container having an open top, the apparatus being provided with a delivery element arranged to be movable up and down relative to the container, the container being movable in horizontal direction relative to the delivery element, the delivery element comprising at least one endless conveyor which is provided with supporting elements which define a number of supporting surfaces extending in horizontal direction, while upstream of the delivery element an intermediate conveyor is arranged which is aligned with the delivery element and is arranged for row-by-row transfer of the products to the delivery element, while upstream of the intermediate conveyor a vibrating feeder is arranged having a discharge side aligned with an infeed side of the intermediate conveyor and having an infeed side alignable with a discharge conveyor of another apparatus, such as, for instance, a fruit sorter.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for metering powder coatings and powder components for powder and liquid coatings, which comprises a storage vessel at the outlet of which is a free-swinging receiving vessel with a metering base, wherein the receiving vessel is connected to a vibration drive, wherein the distance between the outlet of the storage vessel and the metering base of the receiving vessel is dimensioned as a function of the bulk solids properties of the powder material, wherein the metering base of the receiving vessel is vibrated during metering, and a collecting vessel beneath the receiving vessel, wherein the metered powder material is collected in the collecting vessel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for promoting controlled flow of solid material generally comprises a container for holding the solid material and a number of magnetically hard permanent magnet particles within the solid material near the container outlet. The particles are excited with sufficient oscillating electromagnetic energy to create motion and cause sufficient disturbance to break the structure of the solid material and push it out of the outlet.

Abstract: A rotary powder dispenser disposed between a top inlet pipe and at least two bottom outlet pipes includes a casing (1) connected at its top to an inlet via which the flow of powder is taken in, and at its bottom to outlets via which the flow is delivered, the casing (1) being formed of a shell (2) and of a removable base (3); a rotary plug (8) that is disposed in the casing, that is of generally cylindrical shape, and that can turn about its own axis, the plug being provided with an internal duct (11) that slopes relative to its axis so as to enable the powder to flow through it under gravity, with a ring of gear teeth (12) that co-operates with a worm screw (12a) to rotate said plug, and with a cam (13) that co-operates with at least one pusher (14, 15) external to the plug to determine the exact position of the plug; and at least one sealing system (9, 10) disposed between the plug (8) and the casing (1).