The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 23, 1994
Filed:
May. 04, 1993
Alfred L Collins, Powhatan, VA (US);
Edwin L Cutright, Powhatan, VA (US);
James A DeBlasio, Midlothian, VA (US);
Richard H Dickerson, Powhatan, VA (US);
Billy J Kean, Jr, Chesterfield, VA (US);
Renzer R Ritt, Sr, Richmond, VA (US);
George R Scott, Midlothian, VA (US);
Philip Morris Incorporated, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for transferring a metered charge of granular material from a bulk source to an individual receptacle at high speed. The apparatus comprises a nozzle having suction and positive ports, a screen disposed within the nozzle, and suction and positive pressure sources that selectively communicate with the suction and pressure ports to sequentially engage a charge of granular material from a bulk source and then expel the charge of granular material into a receptacle. The apparatus includes a controller for selectively actuating valves connecting the suction and positive pressure ports to the suction and positive pressure sources. Methods of transferring a discrete charge of the granular material from a bulk reservoir to an individual receptacle are also provided.