US 4,286,466 A · Method and apparatus for pneumatically sampling powders

Abstract

A pneumatic sampler for use in collecting a sample of xerographic toner from a mass of such toner. A positive-pressure air source is connected to atmosphere through a venturi so as to produce a negative-pressure source. The positive-pressure source is also adapted to be connected through a first conduit to the toner mass. Positive-pressure airflow through this first conduit both purges the first conduit of residual toner and fluidizes at least a portion of the toner mass. A toner sample container is adapted to be simultaneously connected through a second conduit to the venturi. The resulting negative-pressure airflow through the second conduit evacuates the container. Negative-pressure induced airflow also purges the second conduit of residual toner. The container is connected to the toner mass through the series-connected and now-purged first and second conduits, and the negative-pressure within the container produces flow of toner from the toner mass to the container.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A pneumatic sampler of flowable material operable to cause an amount of such material to flow from a material mass to a sample container, comprising:

a fluid restrictor adapted to be connected to a source of positive-pressure fluid such that fluid flow through said restrictor produces a source of negative-pressure;
first pneumatic circuit means, including a first portion, adapted to connect the source of positive-pressure fluid to the material mass to cause flow in a first direction toward the material mass;
second pneumatic circuit means, including a second portion, adapted to connect the sample container to said source of negative pressure to evacuate the sample container by virtue of flow in a first direction toward said source of negative pressure;
third pneumatic circuit means including only said first and second portions series connected between the sample container and the material mass to cause material flow in a direction opposite said first direction through said first and second portion, from the material mass to the sample container;
and
means operable to sequentially effect operation of said first and second pneumatic circuit means, and then operation of said third circuit means.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for pneumatically sampling powders

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for pneumatically sampling powders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11