Powder dispensing and measuring device

A method for dispensing powder including the steps of:

• transferring powder from a first retainer to a mechanical balance scale having a balance arm via a barrel;
• inducing vibration in said barrel effective to cause said powder to translate on a surface thereof;
• selectively controlling the activation of said vibrating means;
• and
• assisting the movement of said balance arm from an initial position to a point just below a second position at which it is in equilibrium with the weight of the powder transferred thereto.

An improved powder dispensing apparatus comprising:

• barrel means for transferring powder from a first retainer to a second retainer, said barrel means including first and second barrels mounted at first and second angles for fast and slow transfer of powder from said first retainer to said second retainer;
• vibrating means for inducting vibration in said barrel means effective to cause said powder to translate on a surface thereof;
• scale means for measuring the amount of powder transferred to a second retainer, wherein said scale means is a mechanical scale having a balance arm and spring means in contact with a first end thereof for assisting the movement of said balance arm from an initial position to a point just below a second position at which it is in equilibrium with said second powder retainer suspended at an opposite end thereof;
• control means for controlling the activation of said vibrating means;
• and
• sensor means for detecting the position of said balance arm and providing an electrical signal to said control means in response thereto.