Device and Method for the Quantity-Controlled Filling of Containers with Powdered Substances

Abstract

A device for the controlled filling of containers with powdered substance includes a supply vessel with a narrow exit opening for temporarily holding the powdered substance and for discharging a predetermined quantity of the powdered substance into a container located underneath the supply vessel, a vibrator means is connected to the supply vessel for effecting the discharge of the powdered substance. A sensor for determining the quantity of powdered substance discharged from the supply vessel into the container, and a control unit, which converts the data acquired by the sensor into control commands for the vibrator means is included. The sensor includes a capacitive sensor for the quantitative determination of the quantity of powdered substance falling there through during the filling process and is located between the supply vessel and the container.

1 . A device for the controlled filling of containers with powdered substance, comprising:
 a supply vessel with a narrow exit opening for temporarily holding the powdered substance and for discharging a predetermined quantity of the powdered substance into at least one container located below the supply vessel;   vibrator means connected to the supply vessel for effecting the discharge of the powdered substance;   a sensor for acquiring data and determining the quantity of powdered substance discharged from the supply vessel into the container; and   a control unit, which is adapted to convert said data acquired by the sensor into control commands for the vibrator means,   
     wherein the sensor is a capacitive sensor for the quantitative determination of the quantity of powdered substance falling through the sensor during the filling process and is located between the supply vessel and the container. 
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises
 a voltage generator producing a high-frequency alternating electrical field:   two opposing, vertically oriented capacitor plates, which are given opposite, rapidly reversing charges by the voltage generator; and   an ammeter.   
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the alternating electrical field has a frequency in the range from approximately 500 kHz to approximately 10 MHz. 
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted to perform a measurement. 
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is adapted to perform at least approximately 1,000 measurements per minute. 
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is adapted to determine the quantity of powdered substance within a time window of less than approximately 50 ms. 
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 2 , wherein the distance between the capacitor plates is in the range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 30 mm. 
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is adapted to convert the data acquired by the sensor into a control command for the vibrator means within a time period of approximately 10 ms. 
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein the supply vessel comprises a capillary, at the end of which the narrow exit opening is located. 
   
   
       10 . A method for the controlled filling of containers with powdered substance comprising the steps of:
 providing a supply vessel having a narrow exit opening for temporarily holding the powdered substance;   generating vibrations to vibrate the supply vessel and thus to discharge a predetermined quantity of the powdered substance into at least one container located below the supply vessel;   determining the quantity of powdered substance discharged from the supply vessel into the container; and   controlling the vibration of the supply vessel based on the result of the step of determining the quantity of powdered substance discharged,   
     wherein the step of determining the quantity of powder substance discharged comprises the step of determining the quantity of powdered substance as it falls from the supply vessel into the container. 
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the step of determining the quantity of powdered substance discharged from the supply vessel into the container includes measuring the quantity of powder substance through the use of a capacitive sensor located between the supply vessel and the container. 
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the quantity of powdered substance is determined within a time window of less than approximately 50 ms. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the data acquired by the sensor are converted within a time period of approximately 10 ms into a control command for a vibrator means responsible for vibrating the supply vessel.