Dosing heads for apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port. In use, the dosing heads are aligned with a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head and at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal. When the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.

An adjustable pouch machine comprises a vertical sealer module forms transverse seals between two plies of a pouch web to partially define a plurality of pouches. Rollers selectively tension and relax the web on the vertically oriented wheel, allowing them to drop away from heated lands on emergency and cycle stops. A filler wheel has a plurality of adjustable gripper units mounted directly thereon for transporting independent separate pouches cut from the pouch web. An adjustable knife is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. Gear linkage accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. Various embodiments, apparatus and methods are described.

An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.

A method is for producing individual dosing quantities of a powdered product via a drum dosing device. A dosing drum has a dosing opening on its circumference. In an ejection position, an ejection process is effected, the dosing opening being subjected to a positive pressure and the dosing quantity being thereby ejected from the opening, and an associated ejection reference time-point being determined. The individual mass of an ejected dosing quantity and an associated measurement reference time-point are determined via the measuring device. An actual time period is ascertained from the difference between the measurement reference time-point and the ejection reference time-point and compared with a specified time period. In dependence on the comparison, an adaptation of the positive pressure for a subsequent ejection process is performed such that the level of the positive pressure is increased if the actual time period is too great.

An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.

A capacitive sensor assembly is for a bulk material dosing device for determining the mass of dosing quantities produced via the bulk material dosing device. The sensor assembly has at least one sensor unit which includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an insert positioned between the two electrodes. A measurement channel extending in a vertical direction is formed in the insert. A tensioning device acting on the relevant electrode is arranged in a horizontal direction on a side, facing away from the insert, of at least one electrode. At least the two electrodes and the interposed insert can, in the loosened state of the tensioning device, be displaced in the horizontal direction. A plurality of sensor units are arranged in a row extending in the horizontal direction, wherein in each case one tensioning device is arranged between the sensor units.

A volumetric metering device includes a hopper adapted to hold a supply of granular material, the hopper having an outlet; a rotating wheel located in communication with the outlet, the rotating wheel having an outer periphery and a plurality of metering cavities distributed around the outer periphery, each metering cavity having an open bottom portion; and a plurality of metering valves located around the outer periphery of the rotating wheel with each metering valve located in registry with one of the metering cavities. Each metering valve is movable between a loading position wherein the metering valve blocks the open bottom portion of the metering cavity, and an unloading position wherein the granular material dispenses from the metering cavity through the metering valve. Other features and related methods are also described.

In an example embodiment, a doser assembly includes a hopper assembly configured to receive plant material, a bracket assembly connected to the hopper assembly, and a roller in a hopper opening defined by the hopper assembly extending through the hopper assembly. An interior surface of the hopper assembly may define the hopper opening. The bracket assembly may include a shaft extending across a portion of the hopper opening. The roller may be in the portion of the hopper opening of the hopper assembly and may extend between a first part and a second part of the interior surface of the hopper assembly. The roller may be connected to the shaft and may be configured to rotate with rotation of the shaft.

A method is for producing individual dosing quantities of a powdered product via a drum dosing device. A dosing drum has a dosing opening on its circumference. In an ejection position, an ejection process is effected, the dosing opening being subjected to a positive pressure and the dosing quantity being thereby ejected from the opening, and an associated ejection reference time-point being determined. The individual mass of an ejected dosing quantity and an associated measurement reference time-point are determined via the measuring device. An actual time period is ascertained from the difference between the measurement reference time-point and the ejection reference time-point and compared with a specified time period. In dependence on the comparison, an adaptation of the positive pressure for a subsequent ejection process is performed such that the level of the positive pressure is increased if the actual time period is too great.