Inventors:
Stanley J. Poreda - Bristol RI, US
David R. Harris - Sterling MA, US
International Classification:
G01F 11/10
Abstract:
A powder dispenser includes: a casing enclosing a powder reservoir and having a dispensing port; a powder ram slidably mounted within the casing between an initial position, an intermediate position and a final position, the powder ram including a dispensing end that moves through the powder reservoir as the powder ram moves from its initial position to its intermediate position; a metering chamber formed as the powder ram reaches its intermediate position, the metering chamber receiving powder as the powder ram moves from its initial position to its intermediate position; a powder barrier having a closed position and an open position, while in its closed position the powder barrier preventing the escape of powder through the dispensing port, the powder barrier moving from its closed position to its open position as the powder ram moves from its intermediate position to its final position, the powder ram forcing powder contained in the metering chamber out of the dispenser and through the dispensing port as the powder ram moves from its intermediate position to its final position.