Dry material dispensing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for accurately measuring and dispensing dry material into a portable container. The apparatus includes a frame with a material hopper connected thereto. An arm member with a valve mounted thereto is rotatably connected to the frame and the valve communicates with an outlet in the hopper. A funneling member is positioned proximate to the valve and is also connected to the arm member. Rotation of the arm member opens and closes the valve and also produces substantially vertical movement of the funneling member therewith. The funneling member includes a chute depending downwardly therefrom that inserts into the container opening when a container being filled is placed in the apparatus. The container is placed on a scale which communicates with an attached controller. The controller communicates with an actuator which rotates the arm member and thereby controls movement of the valve and the funneling member. The controller signals the actuator to close the valve at a time when the weight of the container reads a predetermined amount less than the desired amount. As the valve closes, the flow rate of material gradually slows. The valve is sealed at a time corresponding to the weight of the container reaching the desired amount.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.