Bead dispensing device and methods
US5722470A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/00574
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides methods and apparatus for transporting articles held within a liquid medium from one location to another. Apparatus according to the invention comprise a hopper having a top end, a bottom end, and at least one side wall extending therebetween. The bottom end includes an opening therein, and the hopper is adapted to receive the articles and the liquid medium. A means is provided for injecting an amount of the liquid medium into the hopper to fluidize the articles while held within the liquid medium. The apparatus further includes a container which may be aligned with the opening at the bottom end of the hopper. The container is sized to receive a known quantity of at least one of the articles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.