Patent ID: 6382461
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G01F

Abstract:
A metering device for metering a predetermined amount of a particulate substance, comprising:a body member (2) defining a metering chamber (9); an inflow path having an inlet (6) and leading to the metering chamber (9), wherein the inflow path is unbroken, rotatable about an axis (4) inclined relative to the horizontal and includes a first part (10) which is co-axial with the rotational axis (4) and a second part (12) which is inclined relative to the rotational axis (4) so as to be inclined downwards in a loading state and upwards in an emptying state, whereby the inflow path in use guides a gravity-induced flow of particulate substance into the metering chamber (9) in the loading state and provides a gravitational inlet lock which prevents the flow of particulate substance into the metering chamber (9) in the emptying state, wherein there is an absence of obstructing means in the metering chamber; an outflow path having an outlet (8) and leading from the metering chamber (9), wherein the outflow path includes flow control means which prevents the flow of particulate substance out of the metering chamber (9) in the loading state, but admits the flow of particulate substance out of the metering chamber (9) in the emptying state; and a reservoir (30) leading to the inlet (6) of the inflow path, wherein the reservoir (30) is rotatable and configured so as in use to rotate together with and provide particulate substance to the inflow path; wherein that the reservoir (30) is further configured such that on rotation a tumbling effect is achieved at the inlet (6) of the inflow path for every volume of particulate substance containable therein.