초록 ▼

A vacuum shell (10) defines an inner cavity (18) in which particulate materials are packed via vacuum pressure. In use, the vacuum shell (10) is positioned within the container (such as sack (16)), and the open end 15 of the shell 10 is brought into contact with a surface (such as platform (17 or 17

A vacuum shell (10) defines an inner cavity (18) in which particulate materials are packed via vacuum pressure. In use, the vacuum shell (10) is positioned within the container (such as sack (16)), and the open end 15 of the shell 10 is brought into contact with a surface (such as platform (17 or 17')) such that a vacuum tight compartment is created. Particulate material is supplied through port (26 or 27) into the inner cavity (18) while vacuum pressure is applied. The particulate material is densified within the inner cavity (18) under the vacuum pressure, and when the volume/quantity of particulate is achieved, the vacuum pressure ceases, and the vacuum shell (10) is withdrawn from the container. To enhance filling, the filter media inside the vacuum shell (10) can be periodically pulsed with air or other suitable gases to remove particulate cakes from the filter material (22).

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [14.] A method of packing particulate materials in a container, comprising the steps of:positioning a vacuum shell within a container to be filled, said vacuum shell defining an inner cavity volume and having an open end, said open end contacting an inner surface of said container;exert

[ We claim:] [14.] A method of packing particulate materials in a container, comprising the steps of:positioning a vacuum shell within a container to be filled, said vacuum shell defining an inner cavity volume and having an open end, said open end contacting an inner surface of said container;exerting a vacuum pressure within said inner cavity volume through an air permeable filter material which prevents micron sized particles from passing therethrough and a spacer which are both positioned within said inner cavity volume of said shell, said spacer being positioned between said shell and said filter material in said inner cavity volume of said shell and spaced away from said shell by a distance suitable to allow air flow between said spacer and said shell, said spacer having multiple passages therethrough which allow vacuum pressure to be exerted through said air permeable filter material;filling said inner cavity volume with a particulate material which is transported into said inner cavity volume defined by said shell through a port in said vacuum shell, said steps of filling and exerting occurring simultaneously; andwithdrawing said vacuum shell from said container after a volume of particulate material is positioned within said container.