Abstract: Portable flow aid devices, systems, and methods for promoting bulk powder flow in containers. The portable flow aid devices include a housing having an enclosed internal cavity therein, and at least two vibration motors each adapted to generate vibration and each separately fixedly attached to an interior surface of the housing within the internal cavity to transmit the vibration generated thereby to the housing. Wireless communication with the portable flow aid devices causes the vibration motors to generate the vibrations and thereby apply a localized vibration to portions of a bulk powder within a container and in contact with the housing of the portable flow aid device to promote flow of the bulk powder within the container.

Abstract: A toner container according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for holding toner. A first electrode and a second electrode are positioned on the housing. The first electrode and the second electrode form a capacitor having a capacitance that changes in response to a change in an amount of toner in the reservoir between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first rod and the second electrode includes a second rod spaced from the first rod.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for unloading residual particulate matter such as grain from a storage enclosure such as a grain bin, silo, or building having at least one floor opening. In one embodiment, a corrugated metal overfloor is added spaced above the bin floor by a framework of generally horizontal beams and plural downwardly depending legs. The frame work supports the overflooring at a slight (e.g. 1 or 2 degrees) slope from the bin sidewall towards the floor opening. Vibration generators are distributed across the overflooring and can be operated to generate vibration in the overflooring to influence residual particulate towards the floor opening.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a hand held pipette for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring device assembly, including a vibration inducing unit, a power source for the vibration inducing unit, and a control for the vibration inducing unit. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a microplate stirring device including, an orbital plate module having a proximal and distal side; at least one vibration inducing unit attached to the proximal side of said orbital plate module; and a base plate for receiving the microplate. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid handling system used for aspirating and dispensing liquids including, a stirring module assembly. Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a manual stirring device including, a vibration inducing unit; a power source for the vibration inducing unit; and a control for the vibration inducing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting device (1) for an automatic analysis appliance, wherein the pipetting device (1) comprises a pipetting needle (2) with a longitudinal axis (3), and a device (4) for moving the pipetting needle (2). The pipetting device (1) further comprises a holder (5) for the pipetting needle (2), which holder (5) is mounted on the movable device (4) and to which holder the pipetting needle (2) is releasably connected, and a vibration generator which can set at least the tip of the pipetting needle (2) in vibration, wherein the vibration generator is mounted on the movable device (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pipetting device (1) for an automatic analysis appliance, wherein the pipetting device (1) comprises a pipetting needle (2) with a longitudinal axis (3), and a device (4) for moving the pipetting needle (2). The pipetting device (1) further comprises a holder (5) for the pipetting needle (2), which holder (5) is mounted on the movable device (4) and to which holder the pipetting needle (2) is releasably connected, and a vibration generator which can set at least the tip of the pipetting needle (2) in vibration, wherein the vibration generator is mounted on the movable device (4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for weighing dough, comprising an endless conveyor, for conveying a plurality of endless dough pieces, extending essentially in parallel lanes on said conveyor in a direction of conveyance and a plurality of weighing-units, arranged under the endless conveyor, and supporting the latter, the weighing units being distributed at different locations spread over the width of the conveyor, each for weighing a different dough piece.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a medicine supply apparatus including a hopper in which medicine is not likely to remain. The medicine supply apparatus of the present invention includes a hopper and a deforming operation portion. A part of a lower portion of the hopper is configured as a deformable portion having flexibility. The deformable portion is deformable so as to open and close a passage. The deforming operation portion deforms the deformable portion to thereby open and close the passage, and applies vibrations to the deformable portion. The medicine adhering to an inner surface of the deformable portion is processed by the vibrations.

Abstract: A device (110, 10) dispenses dosages of a free-flowing substance from a source unit (70) containing the substance. The device has a base unit (120, 20) and a receiving unit (130, 30), so that the source unit can be set into, and removed from, the receiving unit. An actuator (150, 50) generates repeated bidirectional pivoting movements of the receiving unit about the base unit. A connector unit (140, 40), arranged between the base unit and the receiving unit, pivotally supports the receiving unit, providing rotational mobility about a pivoting axis. The connector unit is slidably supported with translatory mobility relative to the base unit. The actuator generates repeated bidirectional translatory movements of the base unit. In this way, the receiving unit is subjected to repeated bidirectional pivoting movements and, superimposed on the latter, repeated bidirectional translatory movements.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

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: 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: A method and a micropipetting apparatus is described for dispensing a liquid volume into a vessel via pipetting needle without any contact between the needle and a liquid contained in the vessel. The method comprises forming a drop at the delivery tip of the pipetting needle, the drop being retained at the tip by adhesion forces, and ejecting the drop from the tip of the pipetting needle by focusing at the tip of the pipetting needle a mechanical excitation wave applied at an excitation point at some distance from the tip of the pipetting needle. The apparatus comprises a pipetting needle, an electromechanical transducer mechanically connected with said pipetting needle for mechanically exciting the pipetting needle with a pulse of mechanical waves that propagate through the needle, and an electrical signal generator for generating an excitation pulse signal and for applying this signal to the electromechanical transducer.

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 level sensor apparatus is disclosed for detecting contact of a pipetting needle with a liquid contained in a vessel. The apparatus includes a sensor head made up of a pipetting needle, a needle holder, and an electromechanical transducer. The sensor head also has an associated mechanical resonance frequency. An electrical signal generator is used to generate a driving signal which when applied to the electromechanical transducer causes vibration of the pipetting needle at the resonance frequency. A measurement device is used to measure a parameter of a vibration signal indicative of the mechanical vibration of the pipetting needle when it is driven by the driving signal. An electronic circuit and associated computer software is provided to evaluate variation of the vibration signal with time and thus detect contact of the pipetting needle with a liquid contained in the vessel.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electromechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: A metering device for metering bulk materials comprises a flap and an insert, in which the flap can be pivoted in the insert, and wherein the flap can be subjected to vibrations. The insert is dimensionally stable while the flap vibrates, in which it is possible to prevent deformations of the insert during the vibration of the flap. The design of the flap therefore can be adapted to the insert without risking that parts of the flap, e.g., an edge of a disk rub against the insert. The abrasion of the material of the insert, as well as the contamination of the bulk material, can be prevented in this fashion during the vibration of the flap. Therefore, the insert is also subjected to fewer mechanical stresses such that its service life is relatively long.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising 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.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A lacquer bullet gun magazine, comprising a storing case and a pushing device. The storing case accommodates lacquer bullets and has a central axis and an exit opening which is connected with a feeding tube of a lacquer barrel gun. The pushing device is placed inside the storing case for pushing the lacquer bullets towards the exit opening and further comprises a pushing element, gliding within the storing case along the central axis thereof, and a spring, driving the pushing element towards the exit opening. Thus the pushing element pushes the lacquer bullets towards the exit opening.

Abstract: A bulk-solid metering system has a support structure. A feed hopper is mounted with respect to the structure and has an upper edge. In the improvement, the structure includes an upper member and the upper edge is below such upper member. The structure defines a lateral opening sized and shaped to permit the feed hopper to be withdrawn laterally through the opening. The feed hopper includes a spout extending therefrom. In a highly preferred embodiment, the lateral opening is positioned to permit withdrawal of the feed hopper in a direction away from the spout. The feed hopper is configured to promote very good mass flow as well as to permit agitation in that, in one embodiment, it has a body made of flexible material. There is a hopper upper flange and the spout is spaced below such flange. The body has a first cross-sectional shape, e.g., circular, adjacent to the upper flange and has a second cross-sectional shape, e.g., ellipse-like, intermediate the upper flange and the spout.

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: A new class of precision powder feeders is disclosed. These feeders provide a precision flow of a wide range of powdered materials, while remaining robust against jamming or damage. These feeders can be precisely controlled by feedback mechanisms.

Abstract: A discharge booster for slow-flowing bulk material, which is to be unloaded from a container, whereby the container comprises a bottom, a discharge port at the bottom that may be sealed by a shutoff valve, a shaking device and a ventilation body. The ventilation body extends upwardly from the discharge port in the to at least the maximum dumping height in the container. The ventilation body is vibratable to beat open a passageway in the bulk material for venting a void above the bulk material in the container, to prevent the creation of a vacuum which could resist the discharge of the bulk material.

Abstract: A fine particle dispersing apparatus including a cylindrical body, a funnel nozzle provided at the bottom of the cylindrical body, and a valve having a clearance forming member forming a clearance with the inner wall of the funnel nozzle which is larger than the diameter of the fine particles. The funnel nozzle and/or the clearance forming member oscillates, thereby causing the fine particles present within the funnel nozzle to pass through the clearance and discharge from the nose portion of the funnel nozzle.

Abstract: An improved hopper includes a pair of opposed live walls and a pair of opposed fixed walls, wherein at least one live wall is moveable relative to at least one other wall. The hopper is suitable for controlling the flow of particulate material of the type which has a tendency to bridge during transportation. A device for imparting vibration is coupled to at least one of the live walls. The live walls are separated from the fixed walls by seams such that the live walls are free to move relative to the fixed walls. By the action of the vibration device, the live walls are moveable relative to each other and to the fixed walls to inhibit the formation of particle bridges and, thus, provide a significant improvement in the capability of controlling the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: An active bulkhead corner unit with a support surface that faces the cargo and inflatable bags located underneath the support surface. The inflatable bags occupy the space between the support surface, the floor of the container, and the adjacent walls of the container. A vibrating mechanism such as a flutter valve is attached to the pressure pump to create rapid variations in pressure which in turn cause the inflatable bag and the support surface to vibrate against the cargo, disturbing the cargo and enhancing discharge flow. The bulkhead corner can be an independent unit or integrated with a liner.

Abstract: A flow cone aerator for assisting discharge of material from containers. The aerator includes an inverted cone shaped hollow support adapted to be affixed to a wall of the container with the small diameter end of the support adjacent the interior surface of the container and the large diameter end extending into the interior of the container. An air inlet is positioned adjacent the small diameter end and is adapted to be selectively connected to a pressurized source of air exteriorly of the container. At least one air outlet port radially extends through the wall of the support. A flexible cone shaped flap, corresponding in shape to the support, is mounted to the small diameter end of the support with the large diameter end of the flap free of attachment to the support.

Abstract: A bulk storage silo including a slanted floor opening into a discharge chute provided in the foundation of the silo wherein the floor is covered by a deck composed of a plurality of plates connected to vibrators arranged in a predetermined pattern which, when activated, causes the residual amount of grain which cannot be removed by gravity to flow into the discharge chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously supplying fine powder at a constant rate comprises a hopper for holding the fine powder, a first piezoelectric transducer disposed on the diaphragm for supplying vibration to cause discharge of the fine powder therefrom, a second piezoelectric transducer for detecting change in the frequency of vibration of the hopper with change in the amount of fine powder contained in the hopper and feeding the detected signal back to a driver for the first piezoelectric transducer so as to supply vibration to the hopper at a frequency determined on the basis of the amount of fine powder contained in the hopper.

Abstract: The metering device for powdered material comprises a storage container (10) for the powdered material and a discharge opening in the bottom of the storage container which is opened and closed, respectively, by a closing mechanism (12). The powdered material flows through the discharge opening into a drawing cup (13). In order to obtain a defined bulk density of the powdered material in the drawing cup (13), a vibration mechanism (14) imparts vibrations to the metering device when the discharge opening (11) is open. The closing mechanism (12) can be designed in the manner of a blade diaphragm, and in that case the closing mechanism (12) can be actuated by a grooved disk (17) which at the same time is a part of the vibration mechanism (14).

Abstract: A heating system for producing heat by the gasification of solid, organic biomass materials. A mass of such materials is maintained on a grate in a primary oxidation chamber of the catalytic type, and materials in such mass are gradually heated in a deficiency of oxidation for full oxidation of such materials to produce a gaseous, combustible effluent. The gaseous combustible effluent is transferred to a secondary oxidation chamber where it is further oxidized to a fully oxidized state by burning. The gaseous effluent from the secondary oxidation chamber is used as a heat source for a water tube boiler. A storage hopper is provided to store the biomass feed materials for delivery to the primary oxidation chamber. The bottom of the storage hopper is inverted and reciprocating plates are provided along the bottom of the storage hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing solid particles are provided wherein a screen unit is movably disposed within a hopper for containing solid particles to be dispened. Vibration of the hopper causes the screen unit therein to move relative to the hopper so as to assist in the prevention of plugging of the hopper.

Abstract: A mounting and drive arrangement for a hopper of an automatic toning apparatus includes mounting members mounted at each lateral end of one reciprocably mounted portion of the hopper. The mounting members are stiff in a plane normal to the path of transport of the photo-element through the toning apparatus.

Abstract: A bin activator apparatus is provided for depiling or unpiling a mass of material from a bin or hopper. The activator apparatus is mounted below the bin or hopper on resilient supports and is adapted to arrest material flow when the apparatus is at rest. A unique structure is provided for producing a circular orbital vibratory motion substantially in the plane of the outlet opening of the activator apparatus which motion produces a steady flow of material from the bin or hopper through the apparatus and onto a conveyor or the like.

Abstract: A wall-mounted agitator for particulate material having an agitator panel within a gravity conveying wall for the material and a frame with a vibrator external to the wall and attached to the panel by means of resilient mounts. The mounts each include annular flange means for attachment to an aperture in the wall and an elastic annulus of sleeve-like form. The annulus extends from the flange means to the panel and frame, respectively, in opposite directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating clumps of adherent dried fruits or the like, the apparatus having a pair of planar friction members mounted in downwardly convergent, facing relation for independent elevational movements to receive clumps of fruit therebetween and having a driving mechanism for oscillating the members alternately and oppositely to separate the fruits by rubbing action of the members in engagement with clumps of the fruits received between the members.

Abstract: Disclosed is an installation for the treatment and handling of metallurgical slag which includes means for the disintegration of a flow of pyroplastic slag by mechanical impacts and cooling means for the cooling of the particles of slag formed by the disintegration. The installation comprises at least one perforated endless band positioned in the path of fall of the particles of slag projected by the disintegration means and cooled by the said cooling means. The installation also comprises an insulating enclosure positioned immediately above the perforated band and which contains the disintegration and cooling means, and means for trapping the ascending gaseous and/or solid by-products.

Abstract: A storage vessel includes a housing which has an inlet for introducing flowable particulate material into, and an outlet for withdrawing the same from the housing. At least one expandable cushion is located inside the housing and is operative for expanding and collapsing so as to agitate the material contained in the housing to thereby prevent agglomeration of the material. Air is introduced into the cushion to expand the same.

Abstract: A drawdown hopper isolation system having a series of isolators supporting the hopper in spaced relation from a support surface. Each of the isolators is comprised, in preferred form, of a rubber block having an axial bore therethrough, a series of parallel nylon fabric lays being axially spaced one from another within the block. The nylon fabric lays are rotationally oriented in random fashion, relative to the axis of the block, so as to insure relatively even lateral deflection of the isolator in response to vibration of the hopper. A stud fixed to the hopper extends into one end of the isolator's bore, and a stud fixed to the hopper support surface extends into the other end of the isolator's bore, thereby locating the hopper in a desired position on the support surface.

Abstract: The discharge opening from a silo is formed by two generally upwardly extending bottom plates placed in a V-shaped configuration. The bottom plates are reciprocatingly movable with the aid of hydraulic cylinders. At their lower ends the bottom plates form an aperture for the discharge of goods from the silo. The bottom plates are pivotally suspended at their top margins. Their lower margins are pivotally interconnected by means of connecting pieces. The hydraulic cylinders are pivotally connected to the connecting pieces and to the bottom plates and the pivotal connections of the connecting pieces to the bottom plates and hydraulic cylinders from a linkage quadrangle. The hydraulic cylinders are arranged to move the linkage quadrangle thus produced, in such a manner that the bottom plates will swing reciprocatingly about their top edges or margins.

Abstract: An impacting crusher with a relatively wide rotor is adapted to receive its feed material from a relatively narrow conveyor, while establishing even distribution of wear across the rotor. Periods of operation between rotor overhaul and replacement are extended. Machines with adjustable cages may require less frequent cage adjustments, and are generally capable of a larger number of cage adjustments (with more favorable effect on machine performance). The relatively narrow conveyor feeds feed material to an enclosure which is adapted to maintain an inventory of such material and has an opening through which it discharges the material from the inventory to the rotor. The opening is elongated in a direction generally parallel to the rotor axis, is about as long as the width of the rotor, has its ends positioned substantially above the ends of the rotor, and is of substantially uniform width along its length.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding pulverulent materials comprising a hopper with an upper vibrating portion mounted on a lower portion in which a screw equipped with a recycling arm and an associated stirring device feeds the pulverulent material at a desired rate through a discharge conduit mounted at the base of the hopper.

Abstract: Powder flow in an apparatus for growing crystals according to the process of Verneuil, whereby powder falls downwardly into a flame impinging on and melting a surface of a seed crystal, is made uniform by isolating the powder supply container from oscillations in the air column beneath the container induced by vertical movements of a screening grid in the apparatus. Isolation is effected by a rotating sphere in a flow tube of the apparatus between the supply container and the oscillating screen, the sphere having close tolerances to the wall of the tube and vertical grooves in its periphery. The vertical grooves and the sphere surface also can meter the falling powder.