Patent ID: 6327320
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G21C,Y02E

Abstract:
An apparatus for successively loading solid objects into a tube having a closed end and an open end, said apparatus comprising:a housing having a cylindrical bore extending at least partially therethrough, said bore having opposing first and second end portions, wherein said cylindrical bore is configured such that said first end portion is sized and configured with a first cross sectional width which extends a first axial length and defines a bore entry channel, and wherein said bore entry channel terminates into a chamber having a length and a second cross sectional width which is greater than that of said bore entry channel, said chamber being positioned such that it is proximate said second end portion of said cylindrical bore, said chamber having opposing forward and rearward portions;a cylindrical tube having an open end and a closed end, said tube positioned in said chamber such that a portion of said tube axially extends a distance therein so that said open end is held in the forward portion of said chamber such that it is spaced apart from said bore entry channel to define an axially extending gap space therebetween and held in said chamber such that said tube is at least partially air sealed with a rearward portion of said chamber, wherein said gap space is sized such that it has a distance which is less than the length of the solid objects being loaded into said tube therethrough;at least one fluid passage formed in said chamber such that it is disposed rearward of said tube open end and so that it outwardly extends through said housing;wherein, in operation, solid objects are successively directed axially along said bore entry channel into said chamber across said gap space into said open end of said tube, and wherein, in operation, said chamber and a region of said tube proximate said open end are configured to exhibit a reduced fluid pressure.