Method and apparatus for filling a receptacle with powder

In combination with a receptacle, apparatus for filling the receptacle with powder while removing a gaseous medium from the receptacle, the apparatus comprising means for feeding powder into the receptacle to fill the same, a filter having one side located in the receptacle, a suction source connected to the other side of the filter, means for maintaining said one side of the filter in contact with the upper surface of the powder in the receptacle throughout said filling thereof, whereby gaseous medium is sucked from the powder filling the receptacle while preventing powder from being sucked to said suction source, said feeding means including a vertical tube having at its lower end an outlet located in the receptacle, the feeding means also including a helical element in the tube, the apparatus comprising also means mounting the filter below said tube outlet with said other side of the filter facing the tube outlet, said mounting means being secured to the tube and including an upwardly tapering member through which said other side of the filter communicates with the suction source, and arms connecting the tapering member to the tube and forming lateral passages for discharging powder from said tube outlet into the receptacle, the apparatus comprising also a sleeve surrounding the tube and movable therealong between an upper position where said lateral passages are open and a lower position for blocking said passages, and means for moving said sleeve between its upper and lower position.