Dry supplement dispensing system

Abstract

An apparatus for dispensing a powder comprises a resilient valve member 04 having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being in selective communication with an outlet of a container of powder, and a disp

Description

Field of the Invention The proposed invention is a domestic powered device used to dispense variable quantities of dry powdered supplement material. Background of the Invention When consuming dry powdered supplements, such as whey protein, the user must manually measure and scoop the material between receptacles, alternatively using a non-powered scoop or device with a rotary portioner which when twisted, releases a set volume of powdered material from a chute. However, the use of manual powder transfer methods can lead to a few difficulties; When using manual scoops, the user must place a hand within the powder container and transfer the material to the drinking receptacle. Therefore, powder is more likely to become deposited on the users’ hands, or the user may spill the powder on to worktops and clothing, resulting in additional unnecessary cleaning. The current process of measuring powdered supplements is a time-consuming process using repetitive movements to transfer material between receptacles. This results in complacency, causing inaccuracy and inconsistency with portion sizing as well as potential mess. To overcome these problems the present invention is a powered tabletop appliance, dispensing user-specified quantities of powdered supplement from an attached storage container into a chosen receptacle resulting in minimal powder and time loss. The machine is controlled by user inputs prompted via the screen with an array of output components to execute the users’ commands as required. It is electrically powered and operates using inputs and outputs to a microcontroller. The invention utilises a flexible valve member assembly, which makes and breaks a seal at the point of dispensing when requested. Downward flow of powder through the system is assisted by agitation of the stored material. The valve member becomes compressed and seals, due to the pressure across the orifice, imposed by the drive member toward the drive member stop, driven by the horizontal actuation force of the drive motor. The valve member is designed with crease lines ensuring a consistent closing and sealing action, which makes for predictable portioning. The valve member also has fixing lugs to retain its ability to be pulled open. The portion sizes are fully customisable based on duration of orifice opening. The drive member connected to the valve member and drive motor utilises a direct mounting point to the drive motor tip at its rear, a pointed edge for closing the valve member effectively at its front, and a fixed point to which the valve member connects to aid opening upon drive member retraction, known as the drive member linkage. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for dispensing a powder, the apparatus comprising: a resilient valve member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being adapted to selectively communicate with an outlet of a container of powder; and a dispensing mechanism comprising: a drive motor; and a drive member having a first end connected to the drive motor and a second end adapted to selectively compress the valve member and hence close or open the outlet of the valve member. Preferably, the valve member comprises a least one pair of crease lines extending from the inlet of the valve member to the outlet of the valve member, wherein the pair of crease lines are provided at diametrically opposed locations from one another on the valve member. Preferably, the drive motor and drive member are arranged such that the drive member moves back and forth linearly along a drive axis, and wherein the at least one pair of crease lines lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the drive axis. Preferably, the valve member is a funnel member where the inlet has a larger diameter than the outlet. In one embodiment the drive member further comprises a drive head at the second end of the drive member, the drive head being detachably connected to the second end of the drive member. In an alternative embodiment the drive member further comprises a drive head integrally formed with the second end of the drive member. Preferably the drive head has a triangular profile and an apex ridge which selectively compresses the valve member. Preferably the outlet of the valve member comprises a pair of lugs at diametrically opposed external locations, a first lug being attached to a fixed location on the apparatus and a second lug being attached to the second end of the drive member. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism further comprises a detector adapted to detect the presence of a receptacle below the outlet of the valve member. Preferably, the dispensing mechanism further comprises a controller adapted to control the drive motor and hence: open the valve member in response to a first signal from the detector; and close the valve member in response to a second signal from the detector. In one embodiment the detector comprises a pivotable arm member and a switch which sends the first signal to the controller when the arm member moves as a receptacle is placed against the arm member, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is taken away from the arm member. In an alternative embodiment the detector is a sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of a receptacle, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is removed, wherein the sensor is selected from the group comprising a light sensor and a touch sensor. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate the drive member to close the valve member and interrupt the dispensing of powder if the second signal is not received within a predetermined period of time. In yet another embodiment the detector is a weight sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of a receptacle, and the second signal to the controller when a predetermined weight value has been reached for the receptacle and powder therein. The apparatus may further comprise a housing in which the valve member and dispensing mechanism are located, the housing comprising a mounting surface adapted to selectively receive a container of powder and having an aperture through which an outlet of the container communicates with the inlet of the valve member. Preferably, the mounting surface includes at least one engagement member adapted to engage a portion of a container of powder and secure the container in place upon the mounting point. In one embodiment the at least one engagement member is a sleeve having an internal thread adapted to cooperate with a corresponding external thread on a container of powder. In an alternative embodiment the at least one engagement member is a locking member adapted to engage a corresponding locking member on a container of powder, the respective locking members providing a bayonet-type fitment between the mounting surface and container. Preferably the housing further comprises a spike member located over the aperture and projecting upwards therefrom, the spike member including a plurality of openings to allow the passage of powder into the aperture and valve member below. The apparatus may further comprise a vibration force generator secured to an internal or external wall of the housing so as to selectively agitate powder within the apparatus and / or a container secured thereto. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a component explosion viewing the left-hand side of the device. Figure 2 shows the same component explosion as Figure 1 in frontal isometric view. Figure 3 shows the same component explosion as Figure 1 in rear isometric view with enhanced component transparency. Figure 4 shows a frontal isometric of the assembled valve member assembly. Figure 5 shows a right-hand orthographic of the assembled valve member assembly. Figure 6 shows the valve member component only, open. Figure 7 shows the valve member component only, closed. Figure 8 shows the drive member component only, in isometric view. Figure 9 shows the drive member component only, in a rear lower isometric view with enhanced component transparency. Figure 10 shows a basic control system connection configuration including input and output devices with the housing removed. Figure 11 shows the complete assembled device isometric view with enhanced component transparency. Figure 12 shows the complete assembled device cross-section from the left-hand side of the housing with shaded areas to illustrate solid boundaries within the device. Figure 13 shows the supplement mounting point. A magnified closeup has been included for clearer identification of its attributes. Figure 14 shows the supplement mounting point with an example of an engagement member attached, for mounting alternative powdered supplement containers to the device - this is only included to illustrate the functionality of the supplement mounting point. Figure 15 shows the supplement mounting point with an example of a powder container mounted directly to the mounting point without an engagement member -this is only included to illustrate the functionality of the supplement mounting point. Figure 16 shows an example of how the user can interact with the device, whereby the user is holding an open container underneath the valve member, whilst pushing against the arm member to dispense material. Detailed Description of the Drawings In figures 1,2 and 3 a housing unit 01 is shown with a lateral component explosion depicting all individual components. The housing is made up of a horizontal base with vibration dampening, and three vertical enclosing walls; one on either side of the base and one at the rear, with a fourth internal dividing wall which separates the component compartment from the dispensing compartment. The protruding compartment 18 is part of this dividing wall. The housing is designed to enclose all internal components. These walls create the compartments of the device, these being the frontal dispensing compartment and rear component compartment. On top of the housing 01 is the supplement mounting point 02. To enable powder transfer from the mounting point 02 through the device, the housing roof has a drop-through hole 03. The drop through hole 03 enables the valve member 04 to protrude downwards into the housing whilst its lip supports it. The valve member is connected to the drive member 05 and drive member stop 06. The drive member stop 06 is fixedly mounted to the walls of the housing via cut-outs called drive member stop mounting points 08, maintaining pressure on the component whilst also permitting necessary flexion. The drive member 05 is fixedly mounted to the drive motor 09 tip using the drive motor pin 21 so that when the drive motor extends and retracts, the drive member 05 will induce the necessary action on the valve member 04. The drive motor 09 is fixedly mounted to the housing 01 inside the protruding compartment 18 which is specifically designed to house the drive motor and support it under load. The protruding compartment 18 and drive motor 09 are situated at a height relative to the base of the valve member 04. In figure 3, the rear of the device is shown including the component compartment. The basic operating sequence is executed and controlled by the microcontroller 10. The microcontroller uses the user input devices 11 and 12 to output the correct action for the user. The outputs are executed by the microcontroller’s commands to the motor drivers 13. The motor drivers can control the speed and direction of the electro-mechanical components, being the drive motor 09 and agitation device 14. This permits simultaneous control of these devices to dispense the correct amount of material through the valve member assembly, into the user-specified receptacle below, inside the frontal dispensing compartment. To permit simplistic user inputs to the device there are two options for input devices; One is an encoder-type 11, and one is a detector type switch 12. The encoder-type input 11 allows the user to navigate the operating system on the LCD screen 15 and alter specific values as required. The desired amount of material to be dispensed can be easily adjusted onscreen to personalise the user experience and tailor nutritional requirements. The switch-type input device 12 shown more clearly in Figure 2 is used as an on-demand dispensing tool, whereby when the user pushes their chosen receptacle onto the arm member 16 powder will be released for the duration of which force is applied. The arm member 16 is mounted directly to the cantilever arm of the detector type switch 12. The detector switch 12 is mounted fixedly to the protruding compartment 18 underneath the drive motor 09 inside a small recess. The necessary electrical conductors are then fed through a small orifice into the component compartment whilst the switch 12 itself is present inside the frontal dispensing compartment. The encoder-type input device 11 is mounted on the inside of the rear component compartment, with an orifice in the right-hand side of the housing for the knob of the encoder-type input device 11 to protrude through, permitting nonintrusive user operation of the device. All electrical components are powered by a power supply unit 17 also located in the rear component compartment of the device shown in Figure 3. The cross-section of a complete assembled device can be seen in Figure 12. Figures 4 and 5 show the valve member assembly from two different angles. The valve member 04 is held in position in the housing 01 inside the drop through hole 03. The valve member assembly is designed to accurately dispense powder through the valve member 04 by means of opening and closing the orifice at its base for varying periods of time. The orifice of the valve member 04 located at the base of the component is closed through direct force being applied by the drive motor 09 pushing the pointed edge of the drive member 05 laterally into the base of the valve member against the drive member stop 06 creating a seal. The agitation device 14 and gravity aid with consistent powder flow through the valve member 04 when it is opened. Figure 4 illustrates the valve member 04 connected to the drive member stop 06 through its specifically designed fixing lugs 19 and 20. The fixing lugs 19 and 20, also shown in Figure 6, are slotted through the drive member stop 06 on one side, and the drive member 05 on the opposite side, respectively. Fixing lug 19 is designed with a circular hole which allows for a pin 07 to be pushed through perpendicularly, retaining the attached wall of the valve member 04 against the drive member stop 06. This is necessary due to potential rigidity of the valve member 04 occurring over time, resulting in the valve member 04 being unable to open. The drive member 05 is fixedly mounted to the drive motor tip by the drive motor pin 21. The drive member 05 has a cylindrical hole from one side through to the other as shown in figure 9. The drive motor 09 incorporates mounting holes to enable rigid fixing to the housing 01 inside the protruding compartment 18. Figure 5 shows the valve member assembly from another angle, including the connection of fixing lug 20 to the drive member 05. Fixing lug 20 is designed with a circular hole through, so that the drive member linkage 25 on the drive member 05 can protrude through fixing lug 20 perpendicularly creating a connection. The drive member 05 is fixedly mounted to the tip of the drive motor 09 via the drive motor pin 21 explained in more detail below, so that when the valve member 04 is requested to open, for maintenance or for dispensing purposes, the drive motor 09 retracts, bringing the fixedly mounted drive member 05 with it, which in-turn pulls the valve member 04 orifice open, permitting flow of powder through it into the receptacle below. The agitation device 14 is fixedly mounted near to the valve member assembly on the housing 01. The agitation device 14 in conjunction with gravity allows for smooth predictable flow of material downwards through the valve member 04. It is fixedly mounted to the inside of the housing 01, meaning when it agitates the housing 01 it also agitates the powdered material. The agitation device 14 is energised at the appropriate stages throughout the dispensing sequence by the microcontroller 10 and motor drivers 13, to allow for optimum powder transfer. It is also used to ensure no powder residues remain on the outlet side of the valve member 04, which could fall onto the surface below after powder transfer is complete. Figure 6 shows the valve member 04 in its open position. The valve member 04 sits in the drop-through hole 03 on the roof of the housing 01. It has a lip 22 to ensure that the valve member 04 cannot fall through the drop-through hole 03. The lip 22 extends laterally across the housing roof 01 to a point where it becomes stabilised and cannot move excessively during use. The valve member 04 has two physical identical crease lines 23 spanning the height of the funnelled chute section of the valve member 04 on both sides. These crease lines 23 are symmetrical, and ensure that upon compression of the component, a repeatable action is created by the valve member 04 against the drive member stop 06. By adding crease lines 23 to the component, the stress upon the drive motor 09 is reduced, as well as creating a predictable elastic deformation under load. The alternative closed valve state is shown in figure 7. The seal created by the valve member 04 component is enhanced by the limited flexion of the drive member stop 06, shown in figure 4. All three components; valve member 04, drive member 05, drive member stop 06 operating in conjunction, enable consistent elastic deformation, creating an effective powder seal. The drive motor 09 used to manipulate the valve member assembly during operation has enough torque and speed to enable a good seal. Figure 8 shows the drive member 05. The drive member 05 is designed in the shape of a triangular prism, oriented so that the frontal pointed edge presses into the valve member 04. Therefore, when forced into the wall of the valve member 04, an even force is applied closing the orifice of the valve member 04. This ensures it is creating a complete seal across the whole opening when required. The length of the prismshaped drive member 05 has been specified so that when the valve member 04 is closed, when it becomes wider under compression the entire length of the valve member orifice has consistent pressure applied, to prevent the valve member opening slightly, or not closing fully. To connect the drive member 05 to the valve member 04 via fixing lug 20, the drive member linkage 25 is used. The drive member linkage 25 is a moulded feature with a lower extension and a lateral arm as shown in figures 8 and 9. The drive member linkage 25 allows for the connection of the drive member component 05 to the valve member 04 via the fixing lug 20 so that it can still pivot partially but the linear actuation force is still applied when required for retraction and extension of the drive member 05. Figure 9 shows a lower rear view of the drive member, including the drive motor tip housing 24 providing means of fixing the drive member 05 to the drive motor tip once the drive motor 09 is mounted in place. The drive motor tip housing 24 on the drive member 05 incorporates a hole from the left and right walls, through to the component’s extents, allowing the drive motor pin 21 to be forced through the drive member 05, through the drive motor 09 tip and through to the opposite side of the drive member 05, creating a connection between the drive motor 09 tip and the drive member 05. Figure 10 shows the input and output device configuration and mounting locations without the housing 01 visible. The methods of communication from the user to the device are the detector type switch input 12, and the encoder type input 11. The output devices of the system are the LCD screen 15, agitation device 14, and drive motor 09. The user requires the encoder-type input device 11 to navigate the menu and select options with its clickable switch input feature. This allows the user to navigate the basic on-screen operating system effectively. The menu has several options which the user can easily navigate including maintenance mode, quantity of material to dispense upon each execution, information about the device, screen brightness. Figure 11 and Figure 12 show the complete assembled device. The LCD screen 15 is mounted in an easily visible location on the front of the device as also shown in figure 2. The device can be controlled by using the input devices 11 and 12 and reading / navigating the system text displayed on the LCD screen 15, as the user inputs determine the values displayed on-screen in real-time. The LCD screen 15 has a backlight which can be adjusted in the menu to accommodate all users in a range of settings. Figure 13 shows the supplement mounting point. The supplement mounting point 02 is attached to the roof of the housing 01. The mounting point 02 is designed with grooves 26 to permit temporary attachment of an engagement member 28 by means of slotting and twisting into place. The design of the grooves 26 means the engagement member 28 could be dropped into place by the user and guided into the locked state by means of rotation. The grooves 26 have a tapered design, potentially allowing an engagement member 28 to be securely attached and detached from the mounting point easily. An example of a theoretical engagement member is shown in figure 14. Additional stability can be provided to the example powder storage vessel 29 by means of strapping points 27. The identical strapping points 27 on either side of the mounting point 02 are holes which can be used to secure larger powder containers to the mounting point 02, by physically strapping the container to the housing, ensuring they cannot fall off or become dislodged under normal operation. An example powder storage vessel 29 is shown in figure 15. Figure 16 illustrates how the user may choose to interact with the device by utilising the arm member 16, pushing the base of their chosen container into it, executing the dispense command to the components of the valve member assembly and allowing material to be released from the bottom of the valve member 04. When the user removes their chosen container, the detector type switch 12 changes state and therefore the system proceeds to close the valve member 04 and resume its dormant state until the next command is received. In addition to the proposed attributes, a weight input may be offered as an extra feature with the apparatus in some cases, whereby a weight sensor is used to ensure the mass which the user is dispensing, is accurate. Figure 16 demonstrates the user placing their chosen receptacle inside the dispensing compartment, whereby the integrated weighing input to the microcontroller sends analogue inputs of the current weight and uses this value to determine when to open / close the valve member in conjunction with the users desired quantity of material to be released. The weighing device shall be incorporated into the base of the housing of the apparatus, and measure the weight of the receptacle, including the dispensed material to gauge how much more material needs to be dispensed to meet the requirements of the user. Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing a powder, the apparatus comprising:a resilient valve member having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being adapted to selectively communicate with an outlet of a container of powder; anda dispensing mechanism comprising:a drive motor; anda drive member having a first end connected to the drive motor and a second end adapted to selectively compress the valve member and hence close or open the outlet of the valve member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve member comprises a least one pair of crease lines extending from the inlet of the valve member to the outlet of the valve member, wherein the pair of crease lines are provided at diametrically opposed locations from one another on the valve member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the drive motor and drive member are arranged such that the drive member moves back and forth linearly along a drive axis, and wherein the at least one pair of crease lines lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the drive axis.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the valve member is a funnel member where the inlet has a larger diameter than the outlet.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the drive member further comprises a drive head at the second end of the drive member, the drive head being detachably connected to the second end of the drive member.

6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive member further comprises a drive head integrally formed with the second end of the drive member.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the drive head has a triangular profile and an apex ridge which selectively compresses the valve member.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet of the valve member comprises a pair of lugs at diametrically opposed external locations, a first lug being attached to a fixed location on the apparatus and a second lug being attached to the second end of the drive member.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a detector adapted to detect the presence of a receptacle below the outlet of the valve member.

10. The apparatus of any of claim 8, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a controller adapted to control the drive motor and hence:open the valve member in response to a first signal from the detector; and close the valve member in response to a second signal from the detector.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the detector comprises a pivotable arm member and a switch which sends the first signal to the controller when the arm member moves as a receptacle is placed against the arm member, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is taken away from the arm member.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the detector is a sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of a receptacle, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is removed, wherein the sensor is selected from the group comprising a light sensor and a touch sensor.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the controller is adapted to activate the drive member to close the valve member and interrupt the dispensing of powder if the second signal is not received within a predetermined period of time.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the detector is a weight sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of areceptacle, and the second signal to the controller when a predetermined weight value has been reached for the receptacle and powder therein.

15. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing in which the valve member and dispensing mechanism are located, the housing comprising a mounting surface adapted to selectively receive a container of powder and having an aperture through which an outlet of the container communicates with the inlet of the valve member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein mounting surface includes at least one engagement member adapted to engage a portion of a container of powder and secure the container in place upon the mounting surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one engagement member is a sleeve having an internal thread adapted to cooperate with a corresponding external thread on a container of powder.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one engagement member is a locking member adapted to engage a corresponding locking member on a container of powder, the respective locking members providing a bayonettype fitment between the mounting surface and container.

19. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the housing further comprises a spike member located over the aperture and projecting upwards therefrom, the spike member including a plurality of openings to allow the passage of powder into the aperture and valve member below.

20. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 19, further comprising a vibration force generator secured to an internal or external wall of the housing so as to selectively agitate powder within the apparatus and / or a container secured thereto.AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS HAVE BEEN FILED AS FOLLOWS:28 04 2516CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for dispensing a powder, the apparatus comprising:a resilient valve member having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the valve member comprises at least one pair of crease lines extending from the outlet of the valve member toward the inlet of the valve member, wherein the pair of crease lines are provided at diametrically opposed locations from one another on the valve member, and the apparatus inlet being adapted to selectively communicate with an outlet of a container of powder and;a dispensing mechanism comprising:a drive motor; anda drive member arranged such that the drive member selectively moves back and forth linearly along a drive axis, inflicting pressure across the outlet orifice of the valve member, wherein the at least one pair of crease lines lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the drive axis.

2. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the valve member is a funnel member where the inlet has a larger diameter than the outlet.

3. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the drive member further comprises a drive head at the second end of the drive member, the drive head being detachably connected to the second end of the drive member.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drive member further comprises a drive head integrally formed with the second end of the drive member.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the drive head has a triangular profile and an apex ridge which selectively compresses the valve member.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the outlet of the valve member comprises a pair of lugs at diametrically opposed external locations, a first lug being attached to a fixed location on the apparatus and a second lug being attached to the second end of the drive member.28 04 257. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a detector adapted to detect the presence of a receptacle below the outlet of the valve member.

8. The apparatus of any of claim 6, wherein the dispensing mechanism further comprises a controller adapted to control the drive motor and hence:open the valve member in response to a first signal from the detector; and close the valve member in response to a second signal from the detector.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detector comprises a pivotable arm member and a switch which sends the first signal to the controller when the arm member moves as a receptacle is placed against the arm member, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is taken away from the arm member.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detector is a sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of a receptacle, and the second signal to the controller when the receptacle is removed, wherein the sensor is selected from the group comprising a light sensor and a touch sensor.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the controller is adapted to activate the drive member to close the valve member and interrupt the dispensing of powder if the second signal is not received within a predetermined period of time.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the detector is a weight sensor which sends the first signal to the controller upon detecting the presence of a receptacle, and the second signal to the controller when a predetermined weight value has been reached for the receptacle and powder therein.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing in which the valve member and dispensing mechanism are located, the housing comprising a mounting surface adapted to selectively receive a container of powder and having an aperture through which an outlet of the container communicates with the inlet of the valve member.28 04 2514. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein mounting surface includes at least one engagement member adapted to engage a portion of a container of powder and secure the container in place upon the mounting surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one engagement member is a sleeve having an internal thread adapted to cooperate with a corresponding external thread on a container of powder.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one engagement member is a locking member adapted to engage a corresponding locking member on a container of powder, the respective locking members providing a bayonet-type fitment between the mounting surface and container.

17. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the housing further comprises a spike member located over the aperture and projecting upwards therefrom, the spike member including a plurality of openings to allow the passage of powder into the aperture and valve member below.

18. The apparatus of any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising a vibration force generator secured to an internal or external wall of the housing so as to selectively agitate powder within the apparatus and / or a container secured thereto.

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