Oscillating valve for powders

A method for filling a powder container with a supply of powder in a vessel, comprising:

• placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel;
• directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining an aperture therein such that substantially all the powder directed toward the member is not permitted to pass through the aperture;
• mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the aperture to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to permit the powder to pass through the aperture;
• dispensing powder through the aperture, through the discharge feature and into the first container;
• stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the aperture with the powder;
• removing the first container from the vessel;
• and
• placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

A method for filling a powder container with a supply of powder in a vessel, comprising:

• placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel;
• directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining a restriction therein such that the powder clogs within the restriction;
• mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the restriction to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to unclog the powder within the restriction;
• dispensing powder through the restriction, through the discharge feature and into the first container;
• stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the restriction with the powder;
• removing the first container from the vessel;
• and
• placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel, wherein the step of directing the powder comprises the step of directing the powder through a tube located at least partially within the vessel.

A method for filling a powder container with a supply of powder in a vessel, comprising:

• placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel;
• directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining a restriction therein such that the powder clogs within the restriction;
• mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the restriction to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to unclog the powder within the restriction;
• dispensing powder through the restriction, through the discharge feature and into the first container;
• stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the restriction with the powder;
• removing the first container from the vessel;
• and
• placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel, wherein the step of dispensing powder comprises dispensing the powder from outside the member through apertures in the member to the interior of the member.