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 method for filling a container with a fine powder, comprising:
 fitting a first end of a nozzle to a first filler container containing a fine powder,   forming a substantially air-tight seal between the first filler container and a second container by fitting a second end of the nozzle to an opening in the second container containing air,   positioning the first filler container above the second container, and   transferring air from the second container to the first filler container and the fine powder from the first filler container to the second container.   
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein when the air from the second container enters the first filler container, it facilitates flow of the fine powder to the second container by creating turbulence in the fine powder as it passes through the fine powder. 
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fine powder is toner. 
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the fine powder is not agitated by a force from outside the first filler container or the second container during transferring the air and the fine powder. 
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising agitating the fine powder after positioning the first filler container above the second container and before transferring the air and the fine powder. 
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle comprises an internal passage for transferring air from the second container to the first filler container and the fine powder from the first filler container to the second container, the internal passage comprising an inlet for receiving the fine powder from the first filling container and an outlet for transferring the fine powder from the nozzle to the second container; and
 a cross-sectional dimension of the internal passage at the inlet is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the internal passage at the outlet.   
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is fitted to one of the first filler container and the second container by either screwing or snap-fitting. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle comprises an outside surface of varying dimensions, the nozzle being able to be fitted to a plurality of second containers with openings of corresponding varying dimensions. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein forming the substantially air-tight seal between the first filler container and the second container comprises attaching a sealing member to the second container and attaching the nozzle to the sealing member. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the sealing member is a plate.