Apparatus and method for dispensing small quantities of particles
US7712634B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | May 11, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B1/08
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.