Low volume flowable solids distributor

Abstract

A flowable particulate distributor is provided having at least one wall and a multiplicity of posts. Each of the posts have a first end and a second end. The posts are attached at the first ends to the at least one wall forming a geometric array such that the second ends of the posts extend away from the at least one wall. An inlet port is also provided. The inlet port is connected to the at least one wall and is positioned above the geometric array. The flowable particulate distributor can be attached to a vibratory feeder assembly. The vibratory feeder assembly includes an elongated feed tray and a vibrator. The feed tray contains the flowable solids and has an open end thereon. The vibrator is mounted on the feed tray opposite the open end and the open end is aligned with the inlet port. This invention can also be described as a method for dispensing flowable solids. This method includes the step of introducing a high density of flowable solids into a flowable particulate distributor. Preferably, the flowable solids are introduced into the flowable particulate distributor through a vibratory feeder assembly. Another step is colliding the flowable solids with the multiplicity of posts that are arranged in the geometric array. The last step can be discharging a low density dispersion of flowable solids from the flowable particulate distributor.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.