# US 5,341,963 A · Apparatus for dispensing dry particles

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 5,341,963 A
- Document ID: US5341963A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/009,887
- Filed: 1993-01-27
- Granted: 1994-08-30
- Earliest claimed: 1993-01-27
- Assignees: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
- Inventors: Steven C. Mott; Craig A. Wright
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5341963A

## CPC

- B65G 65/44: using reciprocating conveyors, e.g. jigging conveyors
- G01N 1/04: in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
- G01N 15/0205: by optical means
- G01N 1/20: for flowing or falling materials ({G01N1/2035} G01N1/12, G01N1/14 take precedence)
- G01N 33/0091: {Powders}
- G01N 2001/1006: {Dispersed solids}
- G01N 2001/2021: {falling under gravity}
- B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D)
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

A particle analyzer includes a vibratory driver for particulate samples which are received in a sample cup to be drizzled under controller vibration to an analysis cell of the analyzer along with a conveying air stream. The driver is arranged to impose orbital oscillatory motion in a vertical plane on the sample cup to roll the sample while assisting in sifting of the sample through conventional sieve screen sample cups. Avoidance of vibratory classification of the sample by particle size while the test is in progress, as well as avoidance of sample compaction is achieved with the described driver. Additionally, an improved predictability of sample feed rate control results from the use of the orbital driver also with a novel sample cup not utilizing a sieve screen, but employing the inherent characteristic of particulate materials to form an repose angle when piled up. The novel sample cup provides a ledge surface upon which particulates are piled in their inherent angle of repose preparatory to being vibrationally dislodged and drizzled over an edge of the ledge. The repose angle of the particulates is continuously refilled from a bulk sample of the particulates as particles are drizzled to the analyzer. Structure is provided for adapting the sample cup to a variety of particulates, regardless of whether they be free-flowing or somewhat cohesive.

## Claims

### Claim 1

Apparatus for dispensing particulates comprising:
sample cup means for defining a sample chamber into which a bulk sample of said particulates is receivable;
said sample cup means also defining at least one window having an upper and a lower edge and opening outwardly of the sample cup chamber;
means defining a ledge extending substantially horizontally outwardly of the window and ending at a drop-off edge; and
means for selectively vertically moving and retaining said means defining a ledge intermediate the window edges so that particulates may repose on the ledge;
whereby, in the absence of vibration the particulates lay on the ledge with an angle of repose characteristic of the particulate bulk, and when vibration is applied to the apparatus, particulates drizzle over the drop-off edge of the ledge means.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sample cup means also includes a funnel-like portion with a lower spout portion, said at least one window being defined at said lower spout portion.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said means defining a ledge includes a collar member carried upon and circumscribing said spout portion said collar member including an annular ledge surface circumscribing said spout portion.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said spout portion further includes a floor downwardly closing said sample chamber, said window opening outwardly of said sample chamber with said lower edge thereof adjacent the level of said floor.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said spout portion further defines a plurality of windows opening at the same level from said sample chamber.

### Claim 6

Apparatus for dispensing particulates comprising:
sample cup means for defining a sample chamber into which a bulk sample of said particulates is receivable;
said sample cup means also defining at least one window having an upper and a lower edge and opening outwardly of the sample cup chamber;
means defining a ledge extending substantially horizontally outwardly of the window and ending at a drop-off edge;
means for selectively vertically moving and retaining said means defining a ledge intermediate the window edges so that particulates may repose on the ledge;
wherein said sample cup means also includes a funnel-like portion with a lower spout portion, said at least one window being defined at said lower spout portion; and
wherein said means defining a ledge includes a collar member carried upon and circumscribing said spout portion, said collar member including an annular ledge surface circumscribing said spout portion;
wherein said means for selectively moving and retaining said means defining a ledge includes said spout portion defining a circumferential groove, said collar member also defining a circumferential groove confronting said groove of said spout portion, and a resilient retention member received in said confronting grooves for retaining said collar member, said resilient member yielding to allow manual movement of said collar member along said spout portion;
whereby, in the absence of vibration the particulates lay on the ledge with an angle of repose characteristic f the particulate bulk, and when vibration is applied to the apparatus particulates drizzle over the drop-off edge of the ledge means.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said resilient elastomeric retention member also sealingly engages said spout portion and said collar member to prevent loss of particulates from said chamber between said spout portion and said collar member.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said collar member further includes a plurality of grooves into which said resilient retention member is selectively receivable by movement of said collar member on said spout portion.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said spout portion terminates in an end spaced below said window, said spout portion circumferential groove and said resilient retention member therein being disposed below said window lower edge and above said spout end.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The apparatus of claim 9 further including said collar member groove being disposed below said collar member ledge surface.