Patent ID: 6024141
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a conduit operably connected to a source and extending downwardly therefrom, said conduit is adapted to permit a flow of particulate material from the source through said conduit;a fluidizing nozzle operably connected to said conduit and extending downwardly therefrom, the nozzle defining an inlet for receiving material from the conduit and defining an outlet for dispensing material from the nozzle to a first receiver, the inlet defining an inlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of material and an outlet defining an outlet cross sectional area perpendicular to the flow of material, the inlet cross sectional area being larger than the outlet cross sectional area; the nozzle is adapted with porous walls, with a plenum including an inlet port for receiving compressed gas, and a chamber adapted to communicate the gas to and through the porous walls of the nozzle, and an outlet port for engaging a vacuum source to continuously evacuate the receiver while the nozzle is engaged with the receiver;a conveyor located at least partially within said conduit, the conveyor assisting to provide the flow of material from the source to the receiver, andan electromagnetic valve located adjacent to at least a portion of said conduit, the electromagnetic valve being adapted to supply a magnetic force to the material in the conduit until a second receiver replaces the first receiver, the magnetic force being sufficient to restrict or stop the material flow through the nozzle.