Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus for filling a container with product material has an enclosure for holding a supply of product material, a discharge outlet in the enclosure, and a gate device mounted adjacent the discharge outlet for controlling the flow of material through the outlet. The gate device is provided with a plate slidable across the discharge outlet between a fully closed position wherein the plate completely covers the discharge outlet and a maximum open position wherein the plate is generally clear of the discharge outlet and one or more partially open positions located between the maximum open and fully closed positions. The gate device is further provided with an actuator having a driven member connected to the plate for moving the plate among the closed, maximum open, and partially open positions, and stopping means adjacent the actuator for stopping the plate at the partially open positions.