Patent ID: 8776840
Filing Date: 2014-07-15
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A dry powder feed system, comprising: a hopper configured to hold dry powder therein; an elongate tube in communication with the hopper, the elongate tube extending axially downward at a defined angle, the elongate tube having opposing upper and lower end portions and a flange having upper and lower primary surfaces extending outwardly from the elongate tube between the upper and lower end portions, the upper end portion being in fluid communication with the hopper so that, during operation, dry powder from the hopper can flow through the elongate tube; and an actuator having opposing upper and lower ends and an axially extending center through-channel, the elongate tube extending through the actuator channel with the actuator lower end residing proximate the upper primary surface of the tube flange; wherein the actuator is configured to apply a vibration signal to the elongate tube in an axial direction.