Automated apparatus for dispensing measured quantities of powder to containers in an array
US6722403B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/00217
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A bifurcated bracket carries two powder dispensing assemblies. Each assembly includes a powder reservoir and a rotatable screw received within a compliant silicone sleeve. The outer diameter of the screw is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve such that the screw blade maintains direct contact with the sleeve wall as the screw is rotated. The bracket is sequentially moved to align each assembly with containers in two arrays. Each array of containers is situated in a tray. The trays are manually positioned on independent scales which generate signals that are a function of the sensed weight of each array. To fill each container, the screw in the aligned assembly is rotated at a high rate for an initial period and then at a slower rate. The scales are operational only during the slower rate period. Assembly movement and screw rotation are computer controlled.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.