Patent ID: 10800615

Abstract:
A powder feeder includes a hopper holding powder particles and a rotating conductive wheel having a rim. The rim has a powder landing surface in a groove in the rim. As the wheel rotates, the powder landing surface is disposed below the hopper. A voltage supply electrically communicates with an electrode and the wheel. The electrode and powder landing surface have a space between them. An insulator is disposed between the electrode and the wheel. The voltage supply produces an AC electric potential between the electrode and the rim that creates an alternating electric field within the space. An outlet chamber is positioned below the wheel. The electric field created within the space causes powder particles falling onto the powder landing surface and rotating under the electrode to develop an electrical surface charge. An electrostatic force causes powder particles to oscillate between the pile and the insulator. After a period of oscillation the particles drop over the edges of the rim and into the chamber.