Powder transfer method and apparatus
US6805175B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F2101/23
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for aspirating and dispensing powder, comprisinga hopper having a powder transfer port and a suction port for connection to a source of suction to establish an upward flow of air (or other gas) through the transfer port. A gas flow control system varies the upward flow through the transfer port to have different velocities greater than 0.0 m/s. These velocities include an aspirating velocity for aspirating powder into the hopper through the transfer port to form a fluidized bed of powder in the hopper, and a dispensing velocity less than the aspirating velocity but sufficient to maintain fluidization of the bed while allowing powder from the bed to gravitate through the transfer port for dispensing into one or more destination receptacles. A method of aspirating and dispensing powder is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.