Method and apparatus for filling containers

Improved cyclic process for the packaging of dusty powders which comprises intermittently and repeatedly feeding a predetermined quantity of said powder, and discharging said quantity from an outlet into a container for said quantity, each cycle of said process comprising said feeding and discharging steps, wherein the improvement comprises, in each cycle, feeding said predetermined quantity of powder into nozzle means, said nozzle means having an inlet and an outlet and being already filled with powder supplied thereto previous to said cycle and having said powder packed at said nozzle and bridging said outlet, and, by said feeding, forcing a stream of powder from said nozzle outlet into said container, said nozzle outlet being narrower than said nozzle inlet and being sufficiently narrow that the powder becomes packed at said outlet and bridges said outlet preventing substantial further flow therefrom at the conclusion of each of said feeding steps while said nozzle means remains filled with said powder.