초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing dry material into a portable container. The apparatus includes a frame with a material hopper connected thereto. An arm member with a valve mounted thereto is rotatably connected to the frame and the valve communicates with an outlet in

An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing dry material into a portable container. The apparatus includes a frame with a material hopper connected thereto. An arm member with a valve mounted thereto is rotatably connected to the frame and the valve communicates with an outlet in the hopper. A funneling member is positioned proximate to the valve and is also connected to the arm member. Rotation of the arm member opens and closes the valve and also produces substantially vertical movement of the funneling member therewith. The funneling member includes a chute depending downwardly therefrom that inserts into the container opening when a container being filled is placed in the apparatus. The container is placed on a scale which communicates with an attached controller. The controller communicates with an actuator which rotates the arm member and thereby controls movement of the valve and the funneling member. The controller signals the actuator to close the valve at a time when the weight of the container reads a predetermined amount less than the desired amount. As the valve closes, the flow rate of material gradually slows. The valve is sealed at a time corresponding to the weight of the container reaching the desired amount.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for filling a container with a desired quantity of dry material, comprising:a frame;a material hopper connected to said frame and having an outlet at a bottom end thereof;an arm member movably connected to said frame;a valve mounted on said arm member and com

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for filling a container with a desired quantity of dry material, comprising:a frame;a material hopper connected to said frame and having an outlet at a bottom end thereof;an arm member movably connected to said frame;a valve mounted on said arm member and communicating with said outlet in said hopper, said valve movable between an open position and a closed position by movement of said arm member, said valve forming a seal with said outlet in said hopper when positioned in said closed position;a funneling member positioned proximate to said valve and connected to said arm member, said movement of said arm member producing substantially vertical movement of said funneling member therewith between an upward position and a downward position, said upward position of said funneling member corresponding to said closed position of said valve and said downward position of said funneling member corresponding to said open position of said valve; andsaid funneling member adapted to direct material into the container when the container is placed below said funneling member.