Fine powder filler system
US8328051B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2215/0819
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.