Methods and apparatus for dense particle loading
AssigneeCat Tech, Inc.
InventorsMathis Paul Comardo, Stephen Darius Bryant
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus enable filling a receptacle with solid particles introduced into the receptacle with a controlled flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. A pneumatic loader may dispense the particles into the receptacle with ability to adjust the flow rate and pattern of distribution of the particles. Further, a laser sensor may enable detecting a topographic level of the particles loaded by movement of the laser sensor around a point to make linear measurements across the reactor at multiple angularly offset orientations.
Claims25
A loader for dispensing solid particles into a receptacle, comprising:
- a first, second and third hopper body sections defining an interior volume, wherein a mating relationship between the body sections forms at least two pathways between the body sections, each pathway leading to an outlet leading from the interior volume to an area outside of the loader, the outlets axially spaced along the loader and the pathways each including a surface for urging the particles towards the outlet;
- a gas nozzle disposed along the pathway and directed toward the opening;
- and
- a central member coupled to each of the body sections within the interior volume, wherein at least one of the hopper body sections is adjustable axially along the central member to vary a size of an associated outlet.
A loader for dispensing solid particles into a receptacle, comprising:
- a hopper body section defining an interior volume and an outlet pathway between the interior volume and an opening to outside of the loader;
- a dispersion force imparting element disposed along the outlet pathway;
- and
- a laser sensor coupled to the hopper body section, wherein the laser sensor is configured to detect a topographic level of the particles loaded into the receptacle.
A method of dispensing solid particles into a receptacle, comprising:
- providing a loader having a first, second and third hopper body sections defining an interior volume, wherein a mating relationship between the body sections forms at least two pathways between the body sections, each pathway leading to an outlet leading from the interior volume to an area outside of the loader, the outlets axially spaced along the loader and the pathways each including a surface for urging the particles toward the outlet;
- adjusting a size of the outlet;
- supplying the particles to the interior of the loader;
- and
- supplying gas to nozzles disposed along the pathway, thereby propelling the particles from the loader and dispensing the particles into the receptacle.
A loader for dispensing solid particles into a receptacle, comprising:
- first and second hopper body sections defining an interior volume, wherein a mating relationship between the body sections forms an outlet pathway between the interior volume and an opening to outside of the loader;
- a gas nozzle disposed along the outlet pathway and directed toward the opening;
- a central member coupled to each of the body sections within the interior volume, wherein one of the hopper body sections is adjustable in position along the central member to vary a size of the opening;
- and
- a laser sensor coupled to the hopper body sections, wherein the laser sensor is configured to detect a topographic level of the particles loaded into the receptacle.
A loader for dispensing solid particles into a receptacle, comprising:
- a hopper body section defining an interior volume and an outlet pathway between the interior volume and an opening to outside of the loader;
- a dispersion force imparting element disposed along the outlet pathway;
- a laser sensor coupled to the hopper body section, wherein the laser sensor is configured to detect a topographic level of the particles loaded into the receptacle;
- and
- a motor coupled to the laser sensor, which is drivable by the motor circumferentially about an exterior of the body section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.