Dispenser device

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to materials handling and in particular to apparatus for dispensing materials in fine powder form, such as for example toner. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dispenser device including: a dispenser device body ( 10 ) having an inlet end ( 14 ) and an outlet end ( 16 ); a transport passage ( 12 ) arranged therebetween, wherein the cross-sectional internal dimension at the inlet end ( 22 ) of the transport passage ( 12 ) are equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional internal dimension at the outlet end ( 16 ) of the transport passage ( 12 ); at least two sealable connector sections ( 18, 20 ), located at or near the inlet ( 14 ) and outlet ends ( 16 ), the device when in use being sealingly connectable with filler vessels and unfilled vessels respectively. The arrangement is such that the sealable connection between said dispenser device and said unfilled vessel provides a substantially air tight seal so that air within the unfilled vessel is displaced by powder from the filler vessel and passes through the transport passage during the filling operation. This provides for a significant advantage in that the air causes agitation of the material within the passage, reducing the chances of clogging and blockage.

1 . A dispenser device including: a dispenser device body having an inlet end and an outlet end; a transport passage arranged therebetween, wherein the cross-sectional internal dimensions at the inlet end of the transport passage are smaller than the cross-sectional internal dimension at the outlet end of the transport passage; at least two sealing connector sections, located at or near the inlet and outlet ends respectively, the device when in use being sealingly connectable with filler vessels and unfilled vessels respectively.  
   
   
       2 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sealable connection between said dispenser device and said unfilled vessel provides a substantially air tight seal, so that air within the unfilled vessel is displaced by powder from the filler vessel and passes through the transport passage during a filling operation.  
   
   
       3 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein the sealable connecting section is in the form of threaded portions, foam or rubber strips, light friction fits, or flat or contoured plates which correspond to the connector surface of the unfilled vessel.  
   
   
       4 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein the transport passage includes rounded shoulders at its inlet end.  
   
   
       5 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein an inner surface of an inner wall of the transport passage is a continuous generally smooth tapered configuration, tapering outwardly from the inlet end towards the outlet end.  
   
   
       6 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein a contour formed by an inner wall of the transport passage differs from the contour formed by an exterior wall of the transport passage.  
   
   
       7 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein an exterior wall of the transport passage is shaped to correspond to an inlet or access portion of any one of a plurality of unfilled vessels having access or inlet portions of differing diameters or shapes, the exterior wall thereby incorporating the sealable connector section.  
   
   
       8 . A dispenser device according to  claim 7  wherein the exterior wall is tapered outwardly as the longitudinal direction is traversed from the outlet end to the inlet end.  
   
   
       9 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein the dispenser device body is constructed from suitable plastics, machinable or mouldable, or from suitable metals or metal alloys.  
   
   
       10 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein the device is constructed from more than one part or one or more materials.  
   
   
       11 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein an adaptor is provided to seal an inlet or access portion of an unfilled vessel.  
   
   
       12 . A dispenser device according to  claim 11  wherein the adaptor is in the form of a plate, having inlet and outlet sealable portions, to seal with the inlet or access portion of an unfilled vessel, and the outlet end of the dispenser body.  
   
   
       13 . A dispenser device according to  claim 12  wherein the plate is contoured or flat to conform with at least portions of the unfilled vessel.  
   
   
       14 . A dispenser device according to  claim 1  wherein a locating means is provided to locate with a retaining portion on the unfilled vessel.  
   
   
       15 . A dispenser device according to  claim 14  wherein the locating means is in the form of one or more projections mounted on the external periphery of the dispenser device.  
   
   
       16 . A dispenser device according to  claim 15  wherein clips are used to locate with the retaining means to retain the device against the unfilled vessel.  
   
   
       17 . (canceled)