Re: Automatic Pellet Dispenser

["B Fuhrmann" <b-fuhrmann-usenet@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> If the pellets are all lined up vertically nice-like, all you need is a
> hole
> (slightly larger than the diameter of one pellet) drilled  through a
> traveler
> slightly thicker than one pellet and to cause the traveler to  slide from
> side to side. A solenoid can be used to pull the traveler forward  so that
> a

The pellets don't need to be nicely aligned, that is almost the method used
by gum ball machines.

Gumballs are an ideal situation but it can work for other bulk material.

Items that make it work easier.
  Lack of sharp corners or parts sticking out.
  Hard material
  Rounded or ramped edges on the shuttle
  Slower speeds

If you use a disk as the shuttle (like the gumball machine) you can ramp the
trailing edge so that the top piece scrapes the excess objects off without
breaking it up.

A shaded pole gear motor can be small, cheap, and quiet.  The constant speed
would let you use a one shot timer to advance the disk.

---

Another method is to use a screw feeder.  You have a very coarse screw
inside a tube.  One end is at the bottom of your hopper and the other is the
delivery of the material.
Similar use of a timer and a slow motor.
The method is used to move many types of items.
www.mcs.drexel.edu/~crorres/Archimedes/Screw/conveyor/conveyor.html

--
Bill Fuhrmann