System and method for storing and dispensing a powder

摘要

A powder dispensing container is provided, the container divided into a powder storage chamber and a powder dispensing chamber with an opening between the two controlled by a valve mechanism. A cap or closure member is disposed over an upper open end of a powder dispensing chamber and when opened, causes a closure of the valve mechanism. When the cover is returned to its closed position, the valve will automatically open allowing for new charge of powder form the storage chamber to enter into the dispensing chamber. The closure member is provided with an actuator that extends through the powder dispensing chamber and engages and causes operation of the valve mechanism.

主权项

1. A method of controlling the amount of a powder dispensed from a powder dispensing container comprising the steps of:
providing a powder dispensing container having: (a) a separator isolating a powder storage chamber from the powder dispensing chamber, wherein the powder storage chamber is separated into a plurality of subchambers; (b) a lid hingedly coupled to the powder dispensing chamber and configured to have an opened position and a closed position, (c) a valve comprising a plurality of powder metering plates supported by the separator and coupled to the lid such that the valve allows communication between one of the subchambers and the powder dispensing chamber when the lid is moved from an opened position to a closed position and closes when the lid is moved from a closed position to an opened position; and (d) at least one actuator that is adjustable up or down to permit a user to adjust the amount of powder moved from one of the subchambers and the powder dispensing chamber; allowing selective communication between a subchamber of the powder storage chamber and the powder dispensing chamber; selecting a subchamber from which to provide powder to the powder dispensing chamber, and selectively moving powder from the powder storage container to the powder dispensing chamber upon access of the powder dispensing chamber by a user.