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:
Jul. 13, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 03, 1997
Joseph S Zelazny, Webster, NY (US);
Fumii Higuchi, Mississauga, CA;
Joseph C Barbisan, Mississauga, CA;
Paul M Wegman, Pittsford, NY (US);
Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit operably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The apparatus also includes a nozzle operably connected to the conduit and extending downwardly therefrom. The nozzle defines an inlet thereof for receiving powder from the conduit and defines an outlet thereof for dispensing powder from the nozzle to the container. The inlet defines an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the powder and an outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow the powder. The inlet cross sectional area is larger than the outlet cross sectional area. The apparatus further includes an conveyor located at least partially within the conduit. The conveyor assists in providing the flow of powder from the container. The dimensions of the nozzle are selected so as to provide a ratio of the inlet cross sectional area to the outlet cross sectional area such that the flow of powder does not seize as it progresses through the nozzle.