Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for metering and delivering a desired weight of a cohesive particulate solid material such as pigmentary titanium dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental-mixture pouring device for pouring a mixture into a target site while minimizing catching of bubbles in the mixture, wherein vibration generated by a vibration generating mechanism 11 is transmitted by vibration transmitting means 17 including a storage section 30 for a mixture 23, and wherein a flexible tip 85 is provided at a terminal portion of the vibration transmitting means 17 for supplying a target site with the mixture 23 flowing out from an orifice 31, 32, 33 of the storage section 30.

Abstract: A powder device comprises a powder container which is formed as an exchangeable container mounted on a container receptacle via a quick-connect means. The inside of the powder container has a dome which extends from the output flow opening into the inside of the powder container. This loosens up the powder and prevents it from adhering to surfaces.

Abstract: A particle flow enhancer for a bulk bin flex or rigid auger system having a boot and an unloader with a rotating shaft extending through the unloader. The particle flow enhancer including a frame, a drive axle and a striker arm. The frame is attached to the boot of the bulk bin auger system, preferably using some of the same holes used to attach the unloader to the boot. The drive axle is supported by the frame and is driven by the rotating shaft of the bulk bin auger system; the bulk bin auger system providing the power for the particle flow enhancer. The drive axle periodically actuates the striker arm which causes the striker arm to tap the boot of the bulk bin auger system and enhance the flow of particles.

Abstract: A flowable particulate distributor is provided having at least one wall and a multiplicity of posts. Each of the posts have a first end and a second end. The posts are attached at the first ends to the at least one wall forming a geometric array such that the second ends of the posts extend away from the at least one wall. An inlet port is also provided. The inlet port is connected to the at least one wall and is positioned above the geometric array. The flowable particulate distributor can be attached to a vibratory feeder assembly. The vibratory feeder assembly includes an elongated feed tray and a vibrator. The feed tray contains the flowable solids and has an open end thereon. The vibrator is mounted on the feed tray opposite the open end and the open end is aligned with the inlet port. This invention can also be described as a method for dispensing flowable solids. This method includes the step of introducing a high density of flowable solids into a flowable particulate distributor.

Abstract: A powder atomizer comprises a pan, and an element journaled for rotation about an axis. The pan partially surrounds the element, and therewith defines a venturi into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and a spaced outlet. A motor rotates the element within the pan in excess of the speed required to throw powder from the element by centrifugal force and draws gas through the venturi, so that powder fed into the element is atomized and produces a uniform cloud of particulate material. A nonconductive element minimizes the electrical charge on the pan, and thereby the resulting agglomerization of particulate material at the outlet.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharger is disclosed having an inner product tube for receiving the discharge spout on the bottom of the bulk bag, the tube being housed within an outer chamber that traps and retains foreign material and contaminants that could otherwise fall into the clean product zone. The result is discharge of product from within the bulk bag with minimal contamination from the outer bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein the apparatus is a container having an inner chamber, an inlet, an outlet, a breaker assembly having at least one blade within the inner chamber of the container and a motor for driving the blade. Material is supplied to the inner chamber of the container through the inlet of the container and the breaker assembly is operated to reduce any clumped material into unclumped material which is then dispensed from the container through the outlet of the container.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus comprises weighing receptacles (5), a distributing device (1) for distributing products to be supplied, a feeding device (2) for feeding the products from the distributing device (1) to a respective one of the weighing receptacles (5), a driving device (3) for oscillating the feeding device (2) and a coupling device (4) for detachably coupling the feeding device (2) to the driving device (3) with a first coupling piece (12) and a second coupling piece (8), a slide (23) which is displaceably connected to the first coupling piece (12), one of the coupling pieces (8, 12) being connected with the feeding device (2) and the other coupling piece (12, 8) being connected to the driving device (3), a tension member (33) connected to the slide (23) for displacing the slide (23) along a displacement direction from a first position into a second position in which the slide (23) can be locked against displacement into the first position, a support bolt (19) having a shaft (20) and a head

Abstract: A device for efficient storage, measuring, and dispensing of several powdered and/or particulate materials holds these materials in a side-by-side array of compartments. Each compartment has a storage chamber and a measuring chamber. Dispensing is prompted by gravity and agitation, for orderly flow of each material through its two chambers as their drain gates are selectively opened. Simultaneously with the opening of the gate under either chamber, a dc eccentric motor acts on that chamber to break up any clumps of material that might impede free flow. Each of the two chambers has its own motor. The storage chamber array is structurally separate from the measuring chamber array, so that the two chambers can vibrate separately, further improving free flow.

Abstract: A bulk bag discharger is disclosed having an inner product tube for receiving the discharge spout on the bottom of the bulk bag, the tube being housed within an outer chamber that traps and retains foreign material and contaminants that could otherwise fall into the clean product zone. The result is discharge of product from within the bulk bag with minimal contamination from the outer bag.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel, directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining a restriction therein such that the powder clogs within the restriction, mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the restriction to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to unclog the powder within the restriction, dispensing powder through the restriction, through the discharge feature and into the first container, stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the restriction with the powder, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement is provided for removably mounting a vibrator to a structure to be vibrated. The mounting arrangement includes a bracket, adapted to be attached to the vibrator, having a front surface and rear surface. A mounting sleeve formed from a resilient cushioning material includes a front face adapted to be associated with the front surface of the bracket and a rear face adapted to be associated with the rear surface of the bracket. The mounting sleeve is adapted to be coupled to the structure to be vibrated such that the mounting sleeve insulates the bracket from direct contact with the structure to reduce noise levels during operation of the vibrator, while the mounting sleeve effectively transmits vibrations from the bracket to the structure to be vibrated.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in sorting granular materials which includes a bin having an outlet. A conveyor is disposed beneath the outlet of the bin. A pin is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is affixed to the conveyor. The second end extends into the outlet of the bin. A motor is used to vibrate the conveyor. The pin vibrates in the outlet of the bin as the conveyor vibrates, thereby promoting a flow of granular material from the bin onto the conveyor in direct proportion to the rate of vibration of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging flowable material, particularly a powder or other particulate material, is provided with a hopper, bin, silo or the like having a discharge outlet with a closure, also known as an .alpha.-flange, and spaced therefrom a device, such as a cone, for obturating flow of material from the outlet, and a mechanism which is connectible with the obturating device and is operative to open the closure and obturating device in sequence. The mechanism also closes the obturating device and closure in reverse sequence.

Abstract: An improved powder atomizer comprising a cylindrical pan, a cylindrical resiliently deformable element, which is journaled for rotation about an axis within the pan. The pan is mounted coaxially of the element. The element and pan define a cylindrically shaped venturi therebetween into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and outlet radially spaced apart. Structure is provided for rotating the element within the pan at speeds in excess of that required to throw the powder from the element by centrifugal force. The element draws ambient air through the venturi and atomizes and deagglomerates powder fed into the venturi inlet thereby forming a uniformly flowing cloud of particulate material which is uniform both longitudinally and laterally of said axis. The invention also provides an atomizer feeder and an atomizer feeder combination deagglomerator combination with a feeder such a disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: An insert system for changing the pattern of material flow in a bulk storage hopper during the discharge process, from a form where a channel flow develops within a mass of static material into a form where the entire stored contents are caused to flow. This change is affected by the provision of insert members supported within the hopper, which modify the stress pattern in the flowing contents to allow the bulk material to deform more readily and for slip to take place on all contact surfaces between the material and the hopper walls.

Abstract: A valve and dispensing assembly for dispensing powdered material from a container includes a flexible tube intended to be collapsed to actuate a valve which permits the tube to selectively open for dispensing the material through the tube. The assembly includes a flexible tube apparatus including a body attachable to the container and a valve releasably received within the tube and normally closing it off. Collapse of the tube causes it to move relatively of the valve to unseat it and open the tube for material discharge. The assembly also includes a declumper secured to the tube for movement therewith during collapse of the tube. The valve closes off the tube when in its uncollapsed condition while the tube and declumper move relatively of the valve during collapse to open the tube. A portion of the declumper is bifurcated and has serrated opposed edges which can engage the head of the valve during the tube collapse to assist in breaking up clumps which may have formed in the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an air abrasive unit such as those used in the dental field. This method and apparatus utilizes an internal vibrator motor with vibration transmitters which transmit the vibrations throughout the abrasive jar. The abrasive pickup assembly uses pressure differentials to suck up abrasive through a screen which controls the flow rate and particle size of the abrasive flowing through the system. This system can utilize a photo optical detection system to detect the abrasive level. Alternatively, a pressure/pulse detection system may be used to measure abrasive level. Dilution of the air/abrasive mixture and "air only" modes are possible with the present system. Depressurization and mere reductions of pressure can also be accommodated.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing volumes and/or weights of a free-flowing product contains a shaft formed by four fixed walls. At the lower end of the shaft is provided a rotary flap or valve, which can be closed and opened by a motor drive. Rotation takes place about an axis located in the vicinity of the rear wall of the shaft. The rotary valve can be opened to randomly selectable opening positions and fixed there.

Abstract: In order to convey granular material from an upstream processing location, a vibratory feeder includes a conveyor having an inlet end and an outlet end disposed in spaced apart relation. The conveyor has the inlet end disposed in a position to receive the material from an outlet of a source of the material by way of gravity. The vibratory feeder utilizes an unbalanced motor for vibrating the conveyor to apply a vibratory force causing the material to be conveyed from the inlet end to the outlet end thereof. The transfer of the material from the source to the conveyor is controlled by using a receptacle have a valve for dispensing the material in the receptacle at the inlet end of the conveyor. Specifically, the receptacle receives the material from the source by gravity and the valve opens and closes dependent upon accumulation of the material in the receptacle.

Abstract: An insert system for changing the pattern of material flow in a bulk storage hopper during the discharge process, from a form where a channel flow develops within a mass of smile material into a form where the entire stored contents are caused to flow. This change is affected by the provision of insert members supported within the hopper, which modify the stress pattern in the flowing contents to allow the bulk material to deform more readily and for slip to take place on all contact surfaces between the material and the hopper walls.

Abstract: A portable vessel for containment of environmentally sensitive materials during transportation thereof, and during discharge thereof, comprising a sealable vessel having capability of holding a negative pressure, and including a filter system for drawing out gasses contained in said vessel, and a dual auger vessel discharge system to remove the material from the vessel without the necessity of human contact therewith.

Abstract: A computer controlled system for high speed surface mount adhesive placement in circuit board production includes a dot generator supported for motion along the X, Y and Z axes. The dot generator ejects a jet of viscous adhesive that breaks away from the nozzle of the dot generator as a result of its own forward momentum. The system includes an automatic circuit board conveyor with adjustable width and pneumatically operated lift and lock mechanisms. The system runs through a self-diagnostic set-up procedure and dot calibration routine. Dot size and location are monitored through a video camera and vision circuit. A computer interfaces with the vision circuit and with motion, dot generator and conveyor controllers so that the system can operate in a high volume production assembly line. Application programs are executed by the system computer typically utilizing CAD data from a disk or a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) controller.

Abstract: An ink filter having a fine mesh structure secured to an ink supply passageway is erected at a side portion of an ink reservoir. An upper portion of the ink reservoir communicates with the atmosphere through an air filter, a lower side portion communicates with the ink supply passageway. An ink filter interrupts the ink supply passageway at an upper portion and has a predetermined height to ensure maintenance of a column of ink in the ink supply passageway. As a result of the capillary phenomenon of the ink filter on the ink, the ink fills the entire portion of the ink supply passageway located below the ink filter so that the liquid surface of the ink is above the communication portion between the ink supply passageway and the ink reservoir but below the position of the ink filter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolation pad for mounting a supply vessel to a feeding mechanism, and a system containing such a pad. The isolation pad is made of two plates connected by a flexible elastomer gasket. An aperture extends through both plates and the gasket. One plate is mounted to the supply vessel. The other plate is mounted to the feeding mechanism. Consequently, the supply vessel is supported by the elastomeric gasket. Because the gasket is flexible, the supply vessel is resilient and free to vibrate independently with respect to the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a vibratory driver for particulate samples which are received in a sample cup to be drizzled under controller vibration to an analysis cell of the analyzer along with a conveying air stream. The driver is arranged to impose orbital oscillatory motion in a vertical plane on the sample cup to roll the sample while assisting in sifting of the sample through conventional sieve screen sample cups. Avoidance of vibratory classification of the sample by particle size while the test is in progress, as well as avoidance of sample compaction is achieved with the described driver. Additionally, an improved predictability of sample feed rate control results from the use of the orbital driver also with a novel sample cup not utilizing a sieve screen, but employing the inherent characteristic of particulate materials to form an repose angle when piled up.

Abstract: An improved powder feeder having a hopper with an opening in its bottom. A resiliently deformable element is positioned in the opening of the hopper. The element has a flexible exterior dimension and is suitably positioned in relation to the opening to prevent the free flow of material through the opening. The element is mounted on an axle having an axis of rotation. The element is capable of carrying a metered volume of material through the opening as it is rotated. The axle is connected to a variable speed motor. As the element turns, the material flows into the element and moves through the hopper opening in precisely metered amounts relative to the volume and the speed of rotation of the element.

Abstract: A particulate material (for example, calcium hypochlorite granules and dust) in a drum is dissolved in a liquid (for example, water) in a tank. The liquid is recirculated by a pump via a venturi assembly to produce a vacuum applied via a vacuum tank to a lance inserted in the drum. The vacuum transports dust into the venturi assembly to dissolve in the circulating liquid, while granules are transported into the vacuum tank whence they are discharged into the mixing tank by a solenoid valve.

Abstract: An automatic fishfood dispenser includes a container having a flexible base, a dispensing mechanism, and a battery pack. The base has a channel through which the outflow of fishfood is communicated to an outlet in the dispensing mechanism. A grooved rod is disposed in the channel for feeding the food from the container to the outlet. The rod has a semi-cylindrical member or eccentric mounted at one end thereof which causes the base to vibrate when the grooved rod is rotated by a battery operated motor at its other end. The base also includes a cavity in which a vibration motor is located which rotates an eccentric to vibrate the base. A quantity of fishfood to be dispensed and a time interval is preset by a user for the automatic dispensing of a quantity of fishfood at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A conveying device used in weighing apparatus for conveying powder comprising a conveying cylinder which is subjected to a vibrational movement by a vibrator to finely control the powder exited from the cylinder. Inside the conveying cylinder, there is a shaft with first and second blade segments which is actuable to rotate, thereby receiving powder from a loading hopper and exiting the powder to an outside. The vibrational movement of the conveying cylinder is irrespective of the rotational movement of the shaft, and either one or both of the conveying cylinder and the shaft is selected to operate to obtain a desired quantity of powder, ranging from a very small quantity where only the vibrator operates to a very large quantity where both the vibrator and the shaft operate.

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 portioning dispenser for dispensing food items from bulk item containers is disclosed in which the dispenser can open and empty a bulk container and dispense a portion of its contents. In one embodiment, a container can be slit open and tipped on a pivotable platform to spill its contents to a feeder for further distribution while retaining a stack of unopened boxes thereabove. In some embodiments, the dispenser can discard an emptied container and replace it with an unopened container moved from a container hopper. In other embodiments, a vibrating feeder is used to shake emptied items into a transfer tray for weighing and dispensing. Additionally, a method for dispensing portions of bulk food items from bulk containers is disclosed which employs several of the steps mentioned above.

Abstract: A product feeding device for use in a combination weigher which includes a plurality of conveyor troughs arranged radially for feeding product to corresponding weighing units and a central product feeder for distributively feeding product to the respective conveyer troughs. The device comprises a product detecting device which revolves around the central feeder for sequentially detecting the amount of product carried by each conveyer trough in order to control the amount of product fed to each conveyer trough.

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: For the continuous dosed unloading of bulk piece goods from containers, especially containers whose weight in the loaded state is many times the weight when empty, the device has the following features:(a) a stationary machine frame;(b) a vibrating frame which is movable with respect to the machine frame;(c) devices for connecting said machine frame and said vibrating frame;(d) a receiving platform which is provided on the vibrating frame and has devices for securing the containers on the receiving platform;(e) a low-frequency vibration drive arranged at an incline with respect to the vibrating frame for vibrating the vibrating frame; and(f) the vibration device regulating the vibration amplitude in a predetermined amplitude range limiting the vertical acceleration component of the vibration to about 2 g.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for supplying beverages such as coffee, tea, soup, and the like, having a stirrer apparatus located in a housing and driven by an electromagnet exterior of the housing and not a drive shaft connected to a motor. The electromagnet drive may be left stationary in the dispenser during cleaning and does not require seals.

Abstract: Bulk material that is difficult to feed, such as glass fibers, is fed from a storage bin into a feeding chute driven by a vibratory drive which vibrates the chute in a longitudinal direction of the chute, that is, in the feed advance direction of the chute. The chute may be a so-called loss-in-weight feeding chute. In order to assure a uniform, constant material flow without any bunching and without any gaps in the flow for an accurate feeding, the material flow is exposed or influenced by a further vibration effective in a direction substantially across the feed advance direction. For the purpose a vibrator with vibrating elements extending in the feed advance direction vibrates in the cross-direction. These vibrating elements are so located that they can make the material flow through the chute more uniform.

Abstract: A self-stirring container for a consumable liquid having an integral stirring apparatus including a hollow handle and a pump which pumps liquid from the bottom of the container up through the handle and back into the top of the container thereby mixing the liquid in a continuous manner until it becomes homogeneous.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of emptying a material-filled bulk bag of the type having a bottom discharge spout which is releasably closed above a bottom end of the spout being released and opened after the bottom end of the spout is releasably and sealably attached to a material receiving conduit so as to provide a substantially dustless emptying procedure.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided to distribute specified, premixed quantities of dry mortar mix and cement to a construction site. Bulk bags and a hopper apparatus are transported to the construction site and utilized with a forklift and a mixer device. The hopper apparatus is adjustably assembled and is constructed and arranged to be hand operable to efficiently meter homogeneous predetermined quantities of the mixture out of a discharge chute. The premixed contents in the bulk bags are dumped into the hopper apparatus and discharged in metered quantities into the mixer device. A water dispensing structure is provided to discharge a predetermined volume into the mixer device to form mortar or concrete for use.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a barrel for transferring powder from a first retainer to a second retainer. The barrel is vibrated to cause the powder to translate on a surface thereof. The vibration is controlled to cause a measured amount of powder to be dispensed. In a specific embodiment, two barrels are included to provide coarse and fine rates of powder dispensation. A specific embodiment includes a scale for weighing the discharged powder. The scale is equipped with a sensor, the output of which is used to control and limit the rate of powder flow up to a preselected amount. An additional novel feature of the invention is the use of a mechanism to assist in overcoming the inertia of the scale.The invention provides an inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus. As the need to rotate barrels of the prior art is eliminated, the likelihood of occasional jamming is minimized.

Abstract: A highly accurate weighing, feeding and conditioning apparatus for powders and other fine particulate materials is provided. The material is conditioned in a hopper by pulsating inflatable pads within the hopper, or by ultrasonic transmitters mounted on the hopper walls, in apertures in the hopper walls, or on a body at least partially submerged in the fine particulate material. The material is fed by a double auger, one inside the other. In bulk feed mode, both augers rotate at a first, higher speed. In dribble feed mode, only the inner, smaller auger is rotated, at a second, lower speed. This arrangement provides a turn-down ratio of about 500:1. The entire assembly is coupled to a high resolution balance, such as a magnetic force restoration balance, for accurate control of the weight of material fed.

Abstract: A silo which is impeded by a mass of cohering particles is cleaned by the disclosed apparatus by extending at least one flexible tube connected to a mace into the silo to near the coherent mass and flowing gas through the tube and mace at a rate and pressure causing swinging and writhing movements by the mace and tube.

Abstract: An electric arc furnace includes a crucible having a metal shell for recovering precious metals from spent material. The shell includes a metal tap hole and a slag door positioned above and opposite the metal tap hole. A removable swinging roof is provided above the crucible together with a plurality of electrodes for heating the spent material. Also, a cooling band circumscribes the crucible for cooling the metal shell. Conveyors are provided for distributing the spent material at a plurality of points located between the electrodes and the wall of the crucible. The crucible is tilted to allow the removal of the slag and metal.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser has a cradle for holding a container of liquid to be agitated before dispensing in a downwardly inclined position towards the dispensing outlet and includes an arrangement for causing a wave-like motion to the contents of the container. The arrangement can include a rocking mechanism for the end of the cradle remote from the dispensing end or an arrangement for intermittently applying pressure to the wall of the container adjacent the dispensing end. The diminishing contents of the container may be compensated for.

Abstract: Dispensing storage containers and assemblies of such containers secured over the conventional cup-like cap of a bottle designed to contain a supply of laundry treatment material. The dispensing storage containers have a shell housing, a closed base end, an open filling end and a cover including media transfer holes and means for securing it over the filling end of the container to disperse laundry treatment material from the container into the wash during use. The open filling end has a collar forming an opening sufficiently wide to receive and be secured over the cup-like bottle cap during periods of non-use, and the base end of the container preferably includes a flange means to which the cover can be secured on the assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk storage silo defined by a frame and having a flexible fabric liner, internal load distribution control, vibratory discharge and helicopter-type content spreaders.

Abstract: A foot-activated powder dispenser comprising a generally cylindrical dispenser member having a plurality of openings formed in the bottom surface thereof. A treadle member, and a device resiliently supporting the dispenser member above the treadle member. An actuator device coupling the treadle member to said dispenser member to permit movement of the dispenser member by the treadle member. A stop positioned in the path of movement of the dispenser member to abruptly halt movement of the dispenser member by the treadle member and to cause powder contained in the dispenser to the dislodged through the openings for application to the foot on the treadle member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately dispensing measured amounts of powdered material from a vibratory feeder with a shaker rod extending through an orifice at the discharge end of the feeder and which rod undergoes reciprocal movement in response to vibration of the feeder to regulate the advancement of the powdered material. Alternate forms of control algorithms are employed in association with a computer to determine the optimum rate of feed and drive level for a given powder and feeder arrangement to result in a specific final weight within an acceptable tolerance for each fill cycle.