Apparatus and method for applying agent to particulate material
First Claim
1. A method for applying an agent onto loose particulate material comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus to pneumatically and continuously dispense the loose particulate material, the apparatus comprising a container for the loose particulate material, a feeder that regulates the flow of the loose particulate material out of the container, and a blower that produces an air stream that carries the loose particulate material, providing a carrier fluid, introducing the agent into the carrier fluid, wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pesticides, microorganisms and fumigants; and
introducing the agent-containing carrier fluid at or downstream from the feeder carrying the loose particulate material.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for dispensing and distributing loose particulate material includes a system for applying an agent to the loose particulate material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container for holding and transporting the loose particulate material to the site of application. A feeder regulates the flow of loose particulate material out of the container. Loose particulate material exiting the feeder is blown out of the apparatus through a hose by an air stream produced by a blower. An agent is introduced via a carrier fluid to the air stream carrying the loose particulate material, whereby the resulting mixture of the agent with the carrier fluid is then mixed with the loose particulate material carried by the air stream.
71 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method for applying an agent onto loose particulate material comprising the steps of:
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providing an apparatus to pneumatically and continuously dispense the loose particulate material, the apparatus comprising a container for the loose particulate material, a feeder that regulates the flow of the loose particulate material out of the container, and a blower that produces an air stream that carries the loose particulate material, providing a carrier fluid, introducing the agent into the carrier fluid, wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pesticides, microorganisms and fumigants; and
introducing the agent-containing carrier fluid at or downstream from the feeder carrying the loose particulate material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for applying an agent to loose particulate material comprising:
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a first container for holding the loose particulate material, a feeder that regulates the flow of the loose particulate material continuously out of the container, and a blower that produces an air stream that carries the loose particulate material, a source of a carrier fluid, a source of the agent, wherein the agent is selected from the group consisting of dyes, pesticides, microorganisms and fumigants, and a port for introducing the agent-containing carrier fluid at or downstream from the feeder carrying the loose particulate material. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification