Loading Device for Loading Particles, Method for Loading Particles Using a Loading Device

Abstract

Loading device for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, the device comprising of a plate having a pattern of loading holes, which pattern corresponds to the array of tube entries, the opening of the loading holes being smaller in size than the opening of the tube entries and larger in size than the particles to be loaded, characterized in that the plate comprises sieving means between the loading holes, the sieving means comprising sieving openings.

1 . Loading device for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, the device comprising of a plate having a pattern of loading holes, which pattern corresponds to the array of tube entries, the opening of the loading holes being smaller in size than the opening of the tube entries and larger in size than the particles to be loaded, characterized in that the plate comprises sieving means between the loading holes, the sieving means comprising sieving openings. 
     
     
         2 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sieving openings are smaller than the particles to be loaded. 
     
     
         3 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sieving means are made of wires, rods, gauze or screens. 
     
     
         4 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein the sieving means are detachable as a separate entity from the plate which has openings between the loading holes which are larger than the particles to be loaded. 
     
     
         5 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises a grid of wires movable over the plate and its sieving means, the grid having a pitch similar to the array of loading holes and each cell of the grid encloses an open surface which is larger in size than the loading hole. 
     
     
         6 . Loading device according to  claim 5 , wherein a friction reducing material is provided at the side of the grid that is directed towards the plate and its sieving means. 
     
     
         7 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein above said device a distribution plate is provided which has openings larger than the particles to be loaded. 
     
     
         8 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein a conduit is connected to the loading hole, the outer diameter of the conduit being smaller than the inner diameter of the entry of the tube so that the conduit is insertable in the tube, while the inner diameter of the conduit being larger than or equal to the opening of the loading hole. 
     
     
         9 . Loading device according to  claim 8 , which includes a vacuum hose connectable to the loading hole. 
     
     
         10 . Loading device according to  claim 9 , wherein a sieve is provided at the end of the hose which is connectable to the conduit, the sieve having openings smaller than the particles present in the conduit. 
     
     
         11 . Loading device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conduit is provided with side ventilation ports, the ports having a smaller size than the particles to be loaded. 
     
     
         12 . Loading device according to  claim 11 , wherein the ports are closable by a vacuum applied to the inside of the conduit. 
     
     
         13 . Loading device according to  claim 1 , wherein the loading holes are provided with a closing means for closing the hole so that no particles can pass the loading hole, and preferably a sensor for detecting the loaded volume of particles inside the tube, which sensor controls the closing means when a predetermined volume of particles is loaded. 
     
     
         14 . Loading device for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, the device comprising a plate having one or more loading holes, the opening of the loading hole being smaller in size than the opening of a tube entry and larger in size than the particles to be loaded, and a conduit connected to the loading hole, the outer diameter of the conduit being smaller than the inner diameter of the entry of the tube so that the conduit is insertable in the tube, and the inner diameter of the conduit being larger than or equal to the opening of the loading hole, and a vacuum hose that is connectable to the loading hole. 
     
     
         15 . Loading device according to  claim 14 , wherein a sieve is provided at the end of the hose which is connectable to the conduit, the sieve having openings smaller than the particles present in the conduit. 
     
     
         16 . Loading device according to  claim 14 , wherein the conduit is provided with side ventilation ports, the ports having a smaller size than the particles to be loaded. 
     
     
         17 . Loading device according to  claim 16 , wherein the ports are closable by a vacuum applied to the inside of the conduit. 
     
     
         18 . Method for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, using a loading device comprising a plate having one or more loading holes, and a conduit connected to the loading hole, which device is inserted into the entry of a tube, loading particles through the loading hole, and connecting a vacuum hose to the loading hole thereby applying a vacuum to the conduit so that particles remaining in the conduit are removed. 
     
     
         19 . Method for loading particles through the entries of an array of tubes, using a loading device comprising a plate having one or more loading holes, and a conduit connected to the loading hole, which device is inserted into the entry of a tube, loading particles through the loading hole, and connecting a vacuum hose to the loading hole, wherein the vacuum hose that is connected to the conduit comprises a sieve at the end of the hose, the sieve having openings smaller than the particles present in the conduit, so that particles remaining in the conduit are drawn towards the sieve under vacuum, with the additional step of removing the loading device while the vacuum is applied. 
     
     
         20 . Assembly of an array of tubes and a loading device for loading particles through the entries of said array of tubes, wherein the device comprises a plate having one or more loading holes, the opening of the loading hole being smaller in size than the opening of a tube entry and larger in size than the particles to be loaded, and the tube comprises a sensor for detecting the loading volume in the tube, and a closing means for closing the path of particles that enter the tube, wherein the sensor controls the closing means. 
     
     
         21 . Assembly according to  claim 20 , wherein said sensor controls the closing means when a predetermined volume of particles is loaded. 
     
     
         22 . Assembly according to  claim 20 , in which the sensor is an electrical switch activated by the loaded particles. 
     
     
         23 . Loading device according to  claim 13 , wherein said closing means is a movable stop which is conically shaped. 
     
     
         24 . Loading device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conduit consists of telescopic tube parts. 
     
     
         25 . Loading device according to  claim 8 , wherein the conduit comprises a closing means for closing the exit of the conduit, wherein the closing means is a movable stop which is conically shaped, and which is connected to a rod for moving the stop up and down along the axis of the conduit between a closed and an opened position. 
     
     
         26 . Loading device according to  claim 20 , wherein said closing means is a movable stop which is conically shaped.