Apparatuses and methods for dosing loose material
AssigneeAltria Client Services LLC
InventorDwight David WILLIAMS
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
At least one example embodiment relates to an apparatus including a dosing tube and a plate. The dosing tube is configured to receive an auger. The dosing tube includes a cylindrical sidewall extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end. The dosing tube defines an opening in the cylindrical sidewall. The plate is coupled to the second end of the dosing tube. The dosing tube is configured to rotate with respect to the plate. In at least one example embodiment, the apparatus further includes an auger configured to rotate and move a material from the second end to the first end of the dosing tube.
Claims21
An apparatus comprising:
- a dosing tube configured to receive an auger, the dosing tube including a cylindrical sidewall extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, the dosing tube defining an opening in the cylindrical sidewall;
- and
- a plate coupled to the second end of the dosing tube, the dosing tube configured to rotate to a desired angular position with respect to the plate, the dosing tube configured to be fixed at the desired angular position.
An apparatus comprising:
- a dosing tube extending from a first end to a second end opposite the first end, the dosing tube defining a chamber and an opening in a side of the dosing tube;
- a plate coupled to the second end of the dosing tube, the dosing tube configured to rotate to a desired angular position with respect to the plate, the dosing tube configured to be fixed at the desired angular position;
- and
- an auger within the chamber of the dosing tube, the auger configured to rotate and move a material from the second end to the first end of the dosing tube.
A method comprising:
- rotating a dosing tube to a desired angular position with respect to a plate coupled to an end of the dosing tube;
- fixing the dosing tube at the desired angular position;
- rotating an auger within the dosing tube such that a material moves through the dosing tube toward an opening in the dosing tube;
- and
- continuing rotating the auger such that a desired amount of the material is discharged through the opening in the dosing tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.