Pneumatic valve for toner filing systems

Abstract

 An apparatus for controlling filling of a container (116) from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit (212) for guiding the powder from the hopper toward the container. The conduit is operably associated with the hopper. The apparatus further includes a pliable member (204) positioned at least partially within the conduit. The pliable member is positionable into a first position wherein a passageway is formed within the conduit and into a second position wherein the pliable member serves to block flow of powder through the conduit, whereby said pliable member may controllably permit and block the flow of powder thorough said conduit.

Description

[0001] This invention relates generally to filling a container with material, and more particularly concerns an oscillating valve for controlling the flow of powders such as toner from a supply hopper through a fill tube to a toner container.

[0002] Currently when filling powders, for example toners into toner containers, toner is transported from the toner supply hopper into the container by a rotating auger. The auger is a spiral shaped mechanical part which pushes particles of toner inside a fill tube by direct mechanical contact. The nature of this mechanical contact process creates substantial limitations on accuracy and productivity of the toner filling operation. The speed of the toner movement in the fill tube is proportional to the speed of rotation of the auger and is limited by heat release due to auger/toner friction. High auger speed will cause the toner to melt, particularly for low melt toner such as disclosed in US-A 227,460 the relevant portions thereof incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Toner containers typically have a small opening into which the toner is to be added. Furthermore, the toner containers often have irregular shapes to conform to the allotted space within the copying machine. Therefore it becomes difficult to fill the toner container because of the small tube required to fit into the small toner container opening and secondly for all the toner within the container to completely fill the remote portions of the container before the container overflows.

[0004] The problems associated with controlling the filling of toner containers are due primarily to the properties of the toner. Toner is the image-forming material in a developer which when deposited by the field of an electrostatic charge becomes the visible record. There are two different types of developing systems known as one-component and two-component systems.

[0005] In one-component developing systems, the developer material is toner made of particles of magnetic material, usually iron, embedded in a black plastic resin. The iron enables the toner to be magnetically charged. In two-component systems, the developer material is comprised of toner which consists of small polymer or resin particles and a color agent, and carrier which consists of roughly spherical particles or beads usually made of steel. An electrostatic charge between the toner and the carrier bead causes the toner to cling to the carrier in the development process. Control of the flow of these small, abrasive and easily charged particles is very difficult.

[0006] The one-component and two-component systems utilize toner that is very difficult to flow. This is particularly true of the toner used in two component systems, but also for toner for single component systems. The toner tends to cake and bridge within the hopper. This limits the flow of toner through the small tubes which are required for addition of the toner through the opening of the toner container. Also, this tendency to cake and bridge may cause air gaps to form in the container resulting in partial filling of the container.

[0007] Attempts to improve the flow of toner have also included the use of an external vibrating device to loosen the toner within the hopper. These vibrators are energy intensive, costly and not entirely effective and consistent. Furthermore, they tend to cause the toner to cloud causing dirt to accumulate around the filling operation.

[0008] Also, difficulties have occurred in quickly starting and stopping the flow of toner from the hopper when filling the container with toner in a high speed production filling operation. An electromagnetic toner valve has been developed as described in U.S. Patent Applications, Serial Numbers 08/540,993 and 08/690,412. The electromagnetic valve is limited for use with magnetizable toner such as that described for use with one component development systems.

[0009] Prior art filling apparatus have included a conduit having a closely fitted spiral auger therein whereby the auger rotates to dispense toner into toner containers. When the auger is caused to rotate, the toner flows through the conduit. When the auger is stopped, the toner kicks within the conduit stopping the flow of toner. Problems have arisen with this type of toner filling mechanism in that toner tends to leak from the conduit at the end of operation or when the auger is stopped. This problem is particularly pronounced when high volume toner filling is required utilizing very short filling cycles.

[0010] Alternatives to auger filling which include vibratory filling or providing a conduit with apertures which when vibrated dispense toner therethrough, experience problems in that when the toner is initially filled within the conduit, the toner tends to leak through the apertures during its initial loading.

[0011] Commercially available valves have been utilized to overcome the problem with leakage of toners from auger and vibratory type fillers. These commercially available valves include butterfly, sliding plate and flapper type valves. These commercially available valves have several disadvantages. For example, these commercially available valves are slow in their mechanical operation. Also, these valves are relatively expensive. Further, these commercially available valves are large and bulky and are not suitable for a simple, condensed assembly line. Further, the use of these commercially available valves requires that mechanical components positively displace against each other. These types of relative motion between mechanical components may damage the toner causing melting and shearing of the toner.

[0012] US-A 5,337,794 describes a powder filling apparatus and a method for filling a container with powder. The toner container is filled by conveying toner from a supply hopper through a nozzle with a valve on the end. The valve is disposed at the bottom opening of the nozzle to release and close the opening of the nozzle by the vertical movement of the valve element.

[0013] US-A 5,438,396 is drawn to a toner anti-dribble device which is attached to a toner container having a vertical fill tube and a rotatable auger for feeding toner into a toner container. The toner anti-dribble device also has a sleeve member engagable with the fill tube. A plurality of flexible insertion wires are inserted through the sleeve member into the toner container and disposed substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the toner. The arrangement of the wires positively prevents toner dribble between fills while being flexible enough to flex in proportion to the fill rate, which prevents fusing of the toner on the wires.

[0014] US-A 5,095,338 teaches a developer which discharges used carrier particles using a magnetic valve. Discharge of developer material from the developer housing is controlled by a permanent magnet and an electromagnet positioned adjacent an exit port in the developer housing. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic flux field in the region of the exit port to form a developer material curtain which prevents the passage of developer material from the exit port. When the electromagnet is energized, it generates a magnetic flux field which attracts developer material from the developer material curtain. Upon de-energization of the electromagnet, the developer material attracted to it is discharged.

[0015] US-A 4,932,355 discloses a method for removing a developer mix from a developing station with a magnetic closing device which is in the vicinity of a discharge opening in the developing station. In its energized condition, the magnetic closing device creates a magnetic field which acts on the developer mix to form a plug of developer mix in the region of the discharge opening. In the de-energized condition, the magnetic closing device releases the plug of developer mix.

[0016] US-A 4,650,312 discloses a structure for minimizing bridging or packing of toner in the flights of an auger of a toner removal and collection system. The toner anti-bridging structure includes a pendulum which is caused to periodically bang in to the auger to create vibrations in the auger structure.

[0017] US-A 4,561,759 discloses a device for filling and filtering toner from a supply container. A filter basket is disposed in the region of the filling opening which is closed from the feed container by a filter mesh and an electric vibrator connected thereto by a linkage which can be automatically triggered at the beginning of a filling operation.

[0018] U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 08/540,993 teaches a method and apparatus for filling a container with a magnetic material using an electromagnetic valve and a demagnetizing circuit to control the flow and properties of the material. In the filling process an auger located inside of the fill tube rotates and moves the material through the fill tube. When the container is filled, the auger stops rotating and the electromagnetic valve is actuated. The electromagnetic valve supplies a magnetic field which holds the material in place, plugging the fill tube with the material as the container is removed and a new container is placed to be filled. When the electromagnetic valve is switched off, a demagnetizing circuit is activated. After the material is demagnetized the auger is switched on and the material flows again to fill the container.

[0019] U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/690,412 teaches a method and apparatus for filling a container with toner using a series of traveling magnetic fields to control the flow of toner from a supply of toner to the container. Initially, an empty container is placed under a fill tube through which the toner will be supplied to the container. In the filling process the traveling magnetic fields, which are supplied by turning on and off a series of solenoids, and gravity cause toner from the toner supply to move through the fill tube. When a solenoid is turned on toner particles are attracted to its magnetic field where a plug of toner is formed. The solenoids are controlled so that a discrete amount of toner is supplied in each on/off cycle of the solenoids. The solenoid on/off cycle is repeated. until the container is filled with toner. When the container is filled, the appropriate solenoid is activated so that a plug of toner stops the flow of toner in the fill tube. The filled container is removed from the fill tube and an empty container is put in its place so that the solenoid on/off cycle may begin again.

[0020] U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 08/829,925 teaches a method for filling a powder container. The method includes the steps of 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.

[0021] U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 08/823,034 teaches a method for filling a powder container. The method includes the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, mechanically exciting the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

SUMMARY

[0022] In view of the above mentioned and in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus according to claim 1 for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder. The apparatus includes a conduit for guiding the powder from the hopper toward the container. The conduit is operably associated with the hopper. The apparatus further includes a pliable member positioned at least partially within the conduit. The pliable member is positionable into a first position wherein a passageway is formed within the conduit and into a second position wherein the pliable member serves to block flow of powder through the conduit, whereby said pliable member may controllably permit and block the flow of powder thorough said conduit.
According to said one aspect, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention said pliable member is in the first position when said pliable member is in a relaxed condition.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus comprises a pressure source, said pressure source operably associated with the chamber, said pressure source adapted to supply an actuation pressure to the chamber wherein the pliable member is formed into the second position when the chamber is subjected to the actuation pressure. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the actuation pressure is less than 120 PSIG.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the actuation pressure is less than 20 PSIG.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus comprises a vacuum source, said vacuum source operably associated with the chamber, said vacuum source adapted to supply an actuation vacuum to the chamber wherein the pliable member is formed into the first position when the chamber is subjected to the actuation vacuum.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the actuation vacuum is 0 - 7.0 inches of mercury.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the actuation vacuum is 0 - 0.75 inches of mercury.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention said aperture includes a generally cylindrical portion thereof, at least a portion of said pliable member generally conforming to said aperture.
In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus comprises first and second clamps positioned between said pliable member and said body for securing said pliable member to said body to form a chamber therebetween.

[0023] Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method according to claim 7, for filling a powder container with a supply of powder in a vessel. The method includes the steps of positioning a conduit below the vessel, placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to the conduit, directing the powder in the vessel toward a pliable member located at least partially within the conduit, positioning the pliable member into a first position within the conduit, conforming the pliable member into a first position wherein a passageway is formed within the conduit, dispensing powders through the conduit and into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, conforming the pliable member into a second position wherein a blockage is formed within the conduit, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds and upon reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a pneumatic valve for powders according to the present invention showing the valve in the opened position;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a pneumatic valve for powders according to the present invention showing the valve in the partially closed position;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a pneumatic valve for powders according to the present invention showing the valve in the closed position;

Figure 4 is an elevational view of the container filling system for use with the pneumatic valve for powders of Figure 1 prior to filling the container;

Figure 5 is an elevational view of the container filling system for use with the pneumatic valve for powders of Figure 1 subsequent to filling the container

Figure 6 is an elevational view of a container filling system partially in section for use with the pneumatic valve for powders of Figure 1 after the container is filled;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a pneumatic valve for powders utilizing a vacuum source according to the present invention showing the valve in the opened position; and

Figure 8 is an elevational view of the container filling system for use with the pneumatic valve for powders of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] According to the present invention and referring to Figure 1, an apparatus for controlling filling according to the present invention is shown in pneumatic valve 200. The pneumatic valve 200 includes a body 202 as well as a pliable member 204. The body 202 supports and is operably connected with the pliable member 204. The pliable member 204 expands and contracts to block an aperture 206 formed within the body 202.

[0026] The body 202 may have any suitable shape capable of supporting the pliable member 204. Likewise, the body 202 may be made of any suitable, durable material, i.e. a metal or a durable plastic which is not chemically reactive with the powder to be filled into the container. For example, the body 202 may be made of stainless steel.

[0027] For simplicity, the body 202 may have a generally cylindrical shape. The body 202 includes a support portion 208 for supporting the pliable member 204 and an adaptor 210 for adapting the pneumatic valve 200 to inlet conduit 212. While the adaptor 210 may be integral with the body 202, preferably, adaptor 210 and the body 202 are separate components. The inlet conduit 212 may have any suitable shape and may be in the form of a plastic or a metal tube. The inlet conduit 212 receives toner from a hopper 12 (see Figure 5) and transports toward the pneumatic valve 200. The inlet conduit 212 is connected to the adapter portion 210 by any suitable method such as by welding, gluing or by a connector. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the inlet conduit is connected to adaptor 210 by connector 214 in the form of a clamp.

[0028] The support portion 208 of the body 202 may have any suitable shape capable of supporting the pliable member 204. For example, the support portion 208 may be in the form of a cylindrical tube. The pliable member 204 is connected to the support portion 208 in any suitable manner. For example, the pliable member 204 may be, as shown in Figure 1, connected by a first clamp 216 located at first end 220 of the pliable member 204 and a second clamp 222 located at second end 224 of the pliable member 204. The pliable member 204 is connected to the clamps 216 and 222 by any suitable method. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the pliable member 204 is expanded and rolled outwardly at the first and second ends 220 and 224 thereof, such that the ends 220 and 224 of member 204 may be clamped to the first and second clamps 216 and 222, respectively, as shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The pliable member 204 may be made of any suitable durable material which is pliable and may be positioned into a first position in which the pliable member 204 blocks the aperture 206 and into a second position in which the pliable member 204 permits passage of toner through the aperture 206. For example, the member 204 may be an elastic member made of an elastic material, i.e. a rubber or synthetic rubber material. The pliable member 204 may be made of latex.

[0030] The pliable member 204 may have any suitable shape capable of being positioned into a first closed and a second opened position. For example and for simplicity, particularly when the support portion 208 of the body 202 is in the form of a hollow cylinder, the pliable member 204 may be in the form of a hollow cylinder. As shown in Figure 1, the pliable member 204 may have a relaxed position in which the member 204 is positioned near inner wall 230 of the support portion 208 of the valve 200.

[0031] The toner 16 may be dispelled directly from the support portion 208 of the valve 200 into the container 116 to be filled. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 1, in order to minimize the spilling of toner and to minimize the occurrence of dust, a fill tube 205 may be positioned between the valve 200 and top 117 of the container 116. The fill tube 205 may have a diameter slightly smaller than the opening of the top 117 of the container 116 such that the toner exiting the support portion 208 of the valve 200 enters directly into the container 116. The fill tube 205 may be made of any suitable durable material that is not chemically reactive with the toner 16. For example, the fill tube 205 may be made of a plastic or a metal, i.e. stainless steel. The fill tube 205 may be connected to the support portion 208 by any suitable method, i.e. a clamp or welding.

[0032] The pliable member 204 may be positioned from the open position as shown in Figure 1 to a closed position as shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 3 by any suitable method. For example, the member 204 may be expanded inwardly by adding air pressure to chamber 232 formed between the pliable member 204 and the inner wall 230 of the valve 200. Adding pressure within the chamber 232 will cause the member 204 to expand inwardly. Pressure may be applied to the chamber 232 in any suitable method, i.e. by air, an inert gas or by means of a hydraulic fluid. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the chamber 232 may be in communication with a pressure source 234. The pressure source 234 may be for example a supply of compressed air or, as shown in Figure 1, may be in the form of industrial shop air having a pressure of, for example, 80 to 120 psi. The pressure source 234 is connected to the chamber 232 by any suitable method, for example, by fitting 236.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 2, the pliable member 204 is shown in a partially expanded position as pressure applied to the chamber 232 by pressure source 234. Since the pliable member 204 is made of a pliable material, the pressure source within the chamber 232 causes the pliable member 204 to expand inwardly in an arcuate manner. The central portion of the pliable member 204 thus compresses and blocks the aperture 206 at a central position of the pliable member 204. This method of blocking the aperture 204 is very gentle on toner. It is only a tiny portion of the toner is contacted at the central portion or contact area 240 of the pliable member 204. As the pliable member 204 continues to expand, the toner 16 is moved outwardly from the first contact area 240 in the direction of arrow 242 upwardly for toner positioned above the contact area 240 and downwardly in the direction of arrow 244 for toner positioned below the contact area 240.

[0034] Applicants have found that for a pliable member 204 having been made of a latex material and having a thickness T of approximately 0.005 inches and for a aperture 206 defined by a diameter D of approximately 1.5 inches, a gage pressure from the pressure source 234 of approximately two to ten psi is sufficient to actuate the valve 200 within a few milliseconds.

[0035] Referring now to Figure 3, the member 204 is shown in the fully closed position. It should be appreciated that the valve 200 securely prevents the flow of toner through the aperture 206 of the valve 200. All toner trapped within the valve 200 is gently moved in the direction of arrows 242 and 244 as the member 204 is expanded inwardly, thus gently removing the toner 16 from the valve 200. The air within the pressure source 234 may be permitted to enter into the chamber 232 by any suitable method. For example, the pressure source 234 may be separated from fitting 236 by a pressure source valve 250. The valve 250 may be any suitable valve, i.e. a butterfly, gate or any other type of valve capable of quickly opening and closing, thus controlling the flow of air from the pressure source 234.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 3, when it is desired to have the valve 200 reopened or to have the aperture 206 permit the toner 16 to pass therethrough, the elasticity of the pliable member 204 may be utilized to permit the pliable member 204 to return to its relaxed position adjacent the inner wall 230 of the valve 200. To accomplish this, the pressurized air within the chamber 232 is removed. This may be accomplished in any suitable manner, i.e. as shown in Figure 3, the valve 250 may be closed removing the pressure source 234 from communication with the chamber 232. In addition, a vent 252 may be placed in communication with the chamber 232. The vent 252 is vented to atmosphere and includes a venting valve 254 to close the vent when the chamber 232 is pressurized and to open the vent when the evacuation of the chamber 232 is required.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 4, the pneumatic valve 200 is shown installed in the hopper 12 and positioned over an production filling line. A conveyor 170 advances a container 116 to be filled in the direction of arrow 171 to a position with the toner opening 117 of the container 116 directly below fill tube 205. A lifting mechanism 174 raises the container 116 into engagement with the fill tube 205. The toner 16 in the hopper 12 advances toward pneumatic valve 200. When the valve 200 is open, toner 16 travels freely through the valve 200.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 8, the pneumatic valve 200 is shown installed in an automatic high speed production filling line 175. When a container 116 is to be filled, a controller 109 signals the air supply 234 to be in communication with the valve 200. The valve 200 opens permitting the toner to pass through valve 200 to the fill tube 205. The toner 16 advances from fill tube 205 into container 116 and fills the container. The lifting mechanism 174 then lowers the container 116 and the conveyor 170 advances another container 116 into filling position. It should be appreciated that, alternatively, depending on the size of the container opening, the toner may be dispenser directly from the valve 200 into the container opening. The direct dispensing of the toner from the valve into the container would obviate the need for a lifting mechanism and permit more rapid filling. A filling process has clearance between the valve and the container would require suitable dust control.

[0039] Figure 5 depicts a side view of moving containers 116 along an indexing conveyor 170 relative to the fill tube 205, which is relevant to all of the embodiments. Each of the containers is positioned in a carrying device 172, also known as a puck. Each puck is specially designed and built for each type of toner container, the puck allowing for different container widths and heights. A puck is used so that the same conveying and lifting system can be used with varying toner container types. When the container is in position under the fill tube the lifting mechanism 174 pushes the puck with the container in it up until the lifting mechanism is fully extended. When the lifting mechanism is fully extended, the container is in the proper filling relationship with the fill tube. It should be appreciated that the container may be placed on a conveyor without a puck, particularly if the filling line is a dedicated line and if the container has a self-supporting shape that would not to permit the container to easily tip.

[0040] Figure 6 shows the container in the proper filling relationship to the fill tube, the container opening 117 receiving the end of the fill tube 205. The amount of toner loaded in the container is predetermined based on the size of the container and the toner flow is controlled by a particular number of cycles of the oscillating vibratory filler. Once the predetermined amount of toner passes through the fill tube for a particular number of cycles of the oscillating vibratory filler the container is filled and the filling process is stopped so that the container may be moved from under the fill tube.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 7, an alternate embodiment of the pneumatic valve of the present invention is shown in pneumatic valve 300. Pneumatic valve 300 is similar to pneumatic valve 200 of Figure 1 except that valve 300 further includes an apparatus for quickly returning the pliable member 304 to an open position. The pneumatic valve 300 includes a body 302 similar to body 202 of the valve 200 and a pliable member 304 similar to member 204 of the valve 200. The valve 300 includes a pressure source 334 similar to pressure source 234 of the valve 200 for actuating and closing the valve 200.

[0042] Referring again to Figure 7, applicants have found that in order to utilize the valve 300 in high production automated filling lines, the reopening of the valve must occur quite quickly. Rather than relying on the natural elasticity of the pliable member 204 as shown in Figures 1-3, the pliable member 304 is physically pulled into the open position with the pliable member 304 positioned against inner wall 330 of the valve 300. The physical movement of the pliable member 304 may be accomplished in any suitable manner, i.e. as shown in Figure 7, the chamber 332 is in communication with a vacuum source 360 by means of a vacuum source fitting 362.

[0043] To control the entry of vacuum into the chamber 332 preferably a vacuum valve 364 is positioned between the fitting 362 and the vacuum source 360. The valve 364 is opened when the pliable member is drawn against inner wall 330 of the valve 300 to permit the flow of toner 16 through the valve 300. The vacuum thus is permitted to enter into the chamber 332 increasing the relative pressure drop between the inner surfaces of the pliable member 304 and ambient air causing the pliable member to open more quickly and more completely. As shown in Figure 7, the pliable member 304 is in full contact with the inner wall 330 of the valve 300. Applicants have found that a vacuum source of three-fourths to seven inches of mercury is sufficient for the rapid opening of the pliable member 304.

[0044] By providing a pneumatic filling device with a pliable member that collapses within an aperture of the valve, a valve can be provided which will prevent toner leakage during the initial loading of a vibratory filling device.

[0045] By providing a pneumatic valve with a pliable member which expands and contracts under pressure, a valve can be provided which will not leak during the end of an operation of an auger filling device.

[0046] By providing a pneumatic valve with a pliable member which expands inwardly contacting first in the middle of the valve and gently moving the toner in both directions, a valve may be provided which is very gentle to the toner and which operates quite rapidly and accurately stops the flow of toner.

[0047] By providing a pneumatic valve which is actuated by pressure, a fast acting simple and inexpensive valve may be provided.

[0048] By providing a pneumatic valve with a pliable member, a small and compact valve may be provided.

[0049] By providing a pneumatic valve that is actuated by an external pressure and deactuated by an external vacuum, a fast acting valve may be provided.

[0050] In recapitulation, a pneumatic valve for developer material has been described as an improved method for controlling toner flow for filling toner containers. This method allows toner to be moved more accurately and rapidly than prior art systems and also insures that the toner container is filled completely, quickly and cleanly.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, comprising:

a conduit for guiding the powder from the hopper toward the container, the conduit being operably associated with the hopper; and

a pliable member positioned at least partially within said conduit, said pliable member being positionable into a first position wherein a passageway is formed within the conduit and said pliable member being positionable into a second position wherein the pliable member serves to block flow of powder through the conduit, whereby said pliable member may controllably permit and block the flow of powder thorough said conduit.

2. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pliable member comprises an elastic member.

3. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pliable member comprises a latex material.

4. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a body connected to said conduit, said pliable member secured to said body.

5. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, as claimed in claim 4, wherein said body defines an aperture therethrough, at least a portion of said pliable member being positioned between said body and said aperture.

6. An apparatus for controlling filling of a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder, as claimed in claim 5, wherein said housing and said pliable member define a chamber therebetween, the chamber having a chamber pressure therein.

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

positioning a conduit below the vessel;

placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to the conduit;

directing the powder in the vessel toward a pliable member located at least partially within the conduit,

positioning the pliable member into a first position within the conduit;

conforming the pliable member into a first position wherein a passageway is formed within the conduit;

dispensing powder through conduit and into the first container;

removing the first container from the vessel;

conforming the pliable member into a second position wherein a blockage is formed within the conduit; and

placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

8. A method for filling a powder container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of conforming the pliable member into a first position comprises permitting the pliable member to conform to its relaxed position.

9. A method for filling a powder container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of conforming the pliable member into a first position comprises the step of exposing the pliable member to compressed air.

10. A method for filling a powder container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the step of conforming the pliable member into a second position comprises the step of exposing the pliable member to vacuum.

Drawing