Abstract: A deployable bulk material distribution apparatus for discharging from a designated height an amount of a flowable bulk material into a discharge location is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an auger section; a bucket elevator section configured so as to be movable between: an upright position; and a reclined position wherein the bucket elevator section is substantially reclined for transport; and a joint assembly coupling the exit aperture of the auger section to the boot inlet of the bucket elevator section so as to allow the flowable bulk material to move from the exit aperture to the boot inlet when the bucket elevator section is in the upright position, the joint assembly being rotatably coupled to the boot inlet. The auger section and container operable to freely move along the bucket elevator section when it is moved between the upright and reclined positions.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stove (1) arranged for combusting granular material. The stove (1) comprises a granular material combustion area (5) including a bottom combustion surface (6) and granular material feeding means (15) arranged for feeding granular material up into the granular material combustion area (5) from a granular material storage (16) arranged beneath the granular material combustion area (5), wherein the granular material feeding means (15) comprises a curving auger (21). Furthermore, a use of a stove (1) is disclosed.

Abstract: A molding device for molding a magnet roll with a profiled cross-section comprises a heating and kneading unit that supplies, to a cylindrical metal mold, a kneaded material obtained by heating and kneading a raw mixture including ferromagnetic particles and thermoplastic resin, an extrusion molding unit that molds the supplied kneaded material by the metal mold, and a magnetic field generating unit disposed at an end portion of the metal mold in a lengthwise direction that generates a magnetic field inside the metal mold, and the metal mold has a profiled C-shaped cross-section at an inlet for the kneaded material and a profiled cross-section at an outlet for the kneaded material more complex than the inlet.

Abstract: A cosmetic fiber dispenser and filler apparatus collects cosmetic fibers in a chamber and dispenses fiber into filling tubes by gathering the fiber with a conveyor auger. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a wire which is controlled to oscillate within the cosmetic fiber in the chamber to break up clumps as the conveyor auger directs the fiber out an outlet port where it may be dispensed directly into a cosmetics tube.

Abstract: Auger conveyors most commonly employed in industries where the horizontal and/or vertical transfer of solids or semi-solid materials is required. Auger conveyors employ a rotating helical screw blade, commonly known as flighting, which rotates about on an inline axis within an inline conduit. Described herein is an auger conveyor which does not need to follow the traditional rule of rotating about on an inline axis. A flexible wire rope shaft is employed to rotate about on an infinite number of axes thereby facilitating an auger conveyor connected to the flexible wire rope shaft through buttons, to traverse a non-linear path.

Abstract: A dispensing module and method of dispensing an adhesive includes a dispenser body having a valve element and a nozzle. The nozzle includes a nozzle member, a sealing zone, and a valve seat. The nozzle member includes a liquid passageway having a bore, a cylindrical surface, a second converging surface, and a shoulder. The sealing zone is defined by the cylindrical surface and extends from the bore toward the shoulder and engages the valve element to close a first volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The valve seat is defined by the shoulder and the second converging surface and has a circular line of contact that engages the valve element to close a second volume of the liquid passageway from the inlet. The first volume reduces to the second volume as the valve element moves distally along the sealing zone for discharging the adhesive.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages includes at least one bowl for storing a beverage product, with a freezing cylinder positioned in the bowl. The beverage dispenser further includes a cooling system for supplying a cooling medium to the freezing cylinder to cool the beverage product when stored in the bowl, along with a dispenser assembly for dispensing the beverage product from the bowl. The beverage dispenser includes an auger which rotates about the freezing cylinder. A driven hub is positioned on and rotates with respect to the freezing cylinder, and the driven hub engages a rear end portion of the auger. A driver hub is positioned inside of the freezing cylinder and is magnetically coupled to the driven hub, such that rotation of the driver hub causes a corresponding rotation of the driven hub, and thus, rotation of the auger.

Abstract: A fluid pump has at least one impeller blade which is rotatable about an axis of rotation and conveys a fluid in operation. The fluid pump has a support device which supports the at least one impeller blade in at least one support region. The support device is changeable between a first state in which the at least one impeller blade is radially compressed and a second state in which the at least one impeller is radially expanded. The at least one impeller blade extends at least partly radially inwardly with respect to the axis of rotation from the at least one support region in the radially expanded state of the blade.

Abstract: A cleaning unit includes a cleaning member, a storage case, and a transport member. The cleaning member collects waste toner on a surface of the photoconductive drum. The storage case successively stores the waste toner collected by the cleaning member through an inlet. The transport member is provided in the storage case, and rotates to transport the waste toner in the storage case in a rotary axis direction. The transport member rotates with a central portion in the rotary axis direction protruding toward the inlet further than both side portions.

Abstract: The transport device comprises a screw conveyor (5), in a casing (5a) of which a propeller (5b) rotates. The device also comprises an elastic cradle (7), interposed between the casing (5a) of the screw and the propeller (5b), internally of which the propeller (5b) of the screw rotates.

Abstract: Replaceable intake section (14) of grain auger (10) includes fixed metal elongate support (22) secured to tubular casing (11) and extending beneath flexible intake end flight portion (17) which is connected by a clutch to the main flight of auger (10). Pliable, soft, rubber, safety guard or collar (27) is part-circular in section and extends around flight portion (17). Longitudinal edges on guard (27) normally engage with edges (34) of support (22). If an obstruction, such as an operator's foot, engages the auger intake, free end portions of guard (27) can disengage from edges (34) of elongate support (22) to minimise jamming or injury. Collar (27) may be attached to adjustable slide (25) to vary the length of flighting (17) exposed and thereby alter the rate of feed.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved safety overload prevention device for a material conveying auger which includes an auger casing, a main drive shaft journalled therein and a main auger flight secured around the shaft, an intake flight section 11 secured to and extending along a tubular support sleeve 12 rotatably mounted on an intake drive shaft portion 14 which is adapted for connection to the main drive shaft of the auger so as to rotate therewith, and a clutch device 18 operatively interconnecting the tubular sleeve 12 and the drive shaft portion 14, the clutch device 18 including a radially displaceable spring loaded detent 19 movable between an engaged position wherein the tubular sleeve 12 is fast with the drive shaft portion 14 and rotates therewith, and a disengaged position wherein drive to the tubular sleeve 12 is disengaged in the event of an obstruction, such as a leg or arm being trapped in the flighting.

Abstract: A flexible connector may include a tube having an open end and a lower end distal from the open end, an inner surface of the open end comprising a plurality of apices forming a substantially polygonal lower cross-section, an upper shaft having an insert end disposed insertably in the open end, an outer surface of the insert end comprising a plurality of substantially planer flats forming a substantially polygonal upper cross-section normal to the driven axis of rotation, the upper cross-section being substantially similar to the lower cross-section, and an elastic member disposed compressably between each of the flats and each of the apices.

Abstract: A transport device for transporting a transportable product, especially a bulk-type product, includes an essentially cylindrical chamber containing at least one shaft which extends along the cylindrical chamber and comprises a plurality of first transport elements for transporting products in a product transport direction. The transport elements extending radially outwards from the shaft and are respectively connected to the shaft at connection points on the surface thereof. The individual connection points are located along a helical line on the surface of the shaft and the plurality of first transport elements form a first path which corresponds to the helical line and comprises a first discontinuous section extending in a helical manner around the surface of the shaft. Other elements are arranged at least in partial regions of the first path, such elements protruding into the first path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible screw feeder for conveying and/or mixing particulate solids comprising a hollow feed tube in which the particulate solid is transported from a first location to a second location; and auger conveying means within the feed tube comprising a shaft carrying a plurality of flexible elements helically arrayed to form a spiral.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material conveying assembly (10) of the kind comprising an outer tubular casing (11) and a rotary feed screw (12) mounted within the casing (11) on a tubular drive shaft (13), wherein the intake end of the auger is provided with a replacement intake auger sub-assembly (14) comprising flexible helical flighting (15) freely rotatably mounted on a drive shaft extension (17) which is connected to the main drive shaft (13) and a clutch device (30) which drivingly connects the intake flighting shaft portion (25) to the drive shaft extension (17). The clutch device is arranged so that it will automatically disengage drive to the shaft portion (25) in the event of an overload occurring. A soft pliable extension sleeve (19) is co-axially fitted over the open leading end of the outer casing (11) and is arranged to encircle a portion of the intake flighting (15).

Abstract: A flexible screw conveyor includes a center tensioning or tie core that prevents stretching of a spiral screw during operation and reduces clogging of the material being conveyed within the center of the screw. The conveyor has a hollow tube defining an inlet opening for receiving material and an outlet opening for exiting material at opposite ends of the tube. An outlet housing is connected to the tube proximate the outlet opening. An elongate spiral or helical shaped screw is positioned within the tube and extends longitudinally therethrough for conveying material from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The tensioning core is concentrically positioned within the elongate screw and extends longitudinally therethrough for reducing expansion of the screw by exerting a compressing force on the screw. The tensioning core and the screw are connected to a screw drive within the outlet housing that rotates the screw.

Abstract: A support and coupling assembly for a screw conveyor which has first and second screw lengths aligned axially along an axial axis is disclosed. The support and coupling assembly couples the first and second screw conveyor lengths and also supports the two conveyor lengths were they are coupled. The assembly accommodates deflection between the first and second screw conveyor lengths by arranging radially-extending blades from respective ones of outer and inner members wherein the blades are spaced alternately with and angularly from respective blades to form angular spaces between blades. A resilient material is placed in the angular spaces between blades. The blades are aligned and configured to assist in easier manufacture of the assembly.

Abstract: A drive (D) for an auger conveyor (FC) is disclosed where the auger conveyor comprises a conveyor conduit (11) and a centerless helical coil auger (15) disposed within the conduit. The auger has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of spaced, helical flights (17). The drive (D) is a drive screw (23) substantially coaxial with the auger and having a plurality of flights in face-to-face engagement with corresponding flights of the auger. A drive member (47) is in driving engagement with the drive screw with the drive screw and the drive member being mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis. A power drive (27) is rotatably drives the drive screw about its longitudinal axis so as to effect movement (either axial or rotational movement) of the auger relative to the conveyor conduit. A method of driving the auger is also disclosed.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.

Abstract: A flexible screw of the invention comprises a flexible rod and a cord helically set on the rod, and can be installed along straight and curved paths of transport. It ensures smooth transport of containers and provides container transport apparatus with a simplified construction at a reduced cost. Moreover, the abrasion of pipe during transport of powder and granular material can be reduced. The container transport apparatus of the present invention is equipped with the screw mentioned above and a guide, or two screws, the members of each pair being positioned in parallel at a given distance, and transfers containers held by the screw and the guide, or the two screws by rotating the screw(s). The container transport apparatus of the present invention enables smooth transport of containers even through a curved path, reduces maintenance cost of the screw(s) during operation, and inhibits abrasion of the rail to a considerable degree.

Abstract: An article transfer device for transferring articles from a first position to a second position including a transfer screw, a conveying system, a stationary dead plate and a pressure adjustment wall. The screw is constructed from a flexible material and is essentially a continuous helical spiral having its ends connected to a support structure. Because of the flexible nature of the screw, different size articles can be transferred across the dead plate without having to change the screw. The article transfer device is useful in a clean room and less clean room application where articles need to be transferred between the rooms without returning any contaminants to the clean room. No individual part of the transfer device moves from the clean room to the less clean room and back again, thereby maintaining the sterile environment in the clean room.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying and compacting material which includes fractions of different sizes, densities, elasticity, moisture-content etc. wherein a shaftless spiral is disposed in a casing and the spiral is driven in rotation at an end of the casing where the material is fed into the casing. At the opposite end of the casing, i.e. the end located adjacent a discharge section of the casing, the casing surrounds the spiral with slight play, and, moreover, the casing extends in an end region below the spiral to form a correction zone. Counterpressure brakes the movement of the material to compact the material in the compaction zone. The casing is provided with drainage holes in the compaction zone for discharge of liquid expressed from the compacted material during passage through the compaction zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for detangling a plurality of conventional garment hangers located on a common supporting rail, comprising a generally cylindrical elongated rigid barrel having a plurality of spaced elongated bristles fixedly attached to the barrel projecting radially from the surface of the barrel, the bristles being spaced substantially around the circumference of the barrel; and, a motor for rotating the barrel about its axis. Hangers presented to the apparatus, such as by a conveyor, are supported by the barrel. The bristles turn in the direction of the hanger hook curve and any crossed hangers are automatically combed apart and separated. The hangers are moved from the front end toward and off the rear end of the barrel during rotation.

Abstract: A tubular guide body provided with a longitudinal slit portion has a flexible screw rotatably incorporated. A guiding portion of an object to be transported is brought into contact with the flexible screw through the slit portion. The flexible screw is rotated to exert forcing pressure upon the guiding portion of the object which is in contact with the flexible screw, thereby achieving the conveyance of the object in the longitudinal direction of the tubular guide body.

Abstract: The flexible screw of the invention comprises a flexible rod and a cord helically set on the rod, and can be installed along straight and curved paths of transport. It ensures smooth transport of containers and provides container transport apparatus of simplified construction at reduced cost. Moreover, abrasion of pipe during transport of powder and granular material can be reduced. The container transport apparatus of the present invention is equipped with the screw mentioned above and a guide, or two screws, the members of each pair being positioned in parallel at a given distance, and transfers containers held by the screw and the guide, or the two screws by rotating the screw(s). The container transport apparatus of the present invention enables smooth transport of containers even through a curved path, reduces maintenance cost of the screw(s) during operation, and inhibits abrasion of the rail to a considerable degree.

Abstract: A system, such as a reverse vending machine, for handling redeemable beverage containers of the type carrying side-borne, optically readable information codes. Featured in the machine specifically described herein is a scanning station along the sides of which are plural elongate rotary brushes whose bristles engage an endo-fed end for the purpose of both propelling it through the station for further processing, and for spinning it within the station for presentation for reading by an outboard optical scanner of the information code carried on the container.

Abstract: A vertical screen device for a separator is disclosed. The screening device comprises a vertical cylindrical screen with a feed screw housed within the screen and cooperating with the screen. The feed screw is caused to rotate while the screen is held stationary. The improvements of the invention are provided by having the feed screw make an angle with the surface of the screen over at least a portion of its length. Further, the feed screw is made up partially of a radially inwardly non-yielding portion, and a radially outwardly aligned elastic portion.

Abstract: Centrifuge for the separation of a suspension into a solids phase and at least one liquid phase, especially decantering centrifuge with separator following in alignment, full-jacket screw centrifuge or the like with screw (2) rotating at differential speed of rotation from its jacket (1), the helices (4) of which fit close against the course of the inner surface of the jacket, which narrows conically over at least some of its axial section looking toward the solids outlet (13) in particular, and between which, the hub (3) of the screw, and the jacket (1) is left the separation section (6), into which the suspension is injected, especially through a cavity (10 & 11 or 10 & 12) in the hub (3) of the screw.

Abstract: A guiding opening is provided at the upper part of the side wall of a vertical conveying duct when the duct side wall extends horizontally. The upper end of the conveying auger 40 located in the vertical duct is bent sideward so as to be introduced into the guiding opening, and this introduced end portion is pivoted on the pivot portion. In such a manner, the end portion is rotatably pivoted and the other end is set free. Thus, developer introduced into the vertical conveying duct is carried thereinto in the axial direction of the conveying auger, and conveyed by rotation of the auger. Then, developer is exhausted in the axial direction.

Abstract: An auger apparatus having a first housing for receiving and holding material to be moved has a first auger disposed therein and rotatable about a first axis for moving material within the first housing. A second housing is connected to the first housing and has a second auger disposed therein and rotatable about a second axis for moving material within the second housing, the second axis being disposed at an obtuse angle with respect to the first axis. A flexible joint is attached at one end thereof to the first auger and at the other end thereof to the second auger for transmitting rotational forces from one to the other and thereby forming a flexible joint between the two augers. Helical flighting extensions are attached to each end of the flexible joint and serve as extensions to the flighting of the first and second augers so that there is essentially a continuous flighting across the flexible joint.

Abstract: A telescopic auger includes a first drive tube and a second drive member coaxial with the drive tube and slidable inside the drive tube in telescopic manner. A flight is attached to the drive tube in helical arrangement. A second flight section is attached to the drive member at an outer end only of the drive member with the second flight being threaded into the end of the first flight so that rotation of one relative to the other causes the length of the threaded engagement to increase or decrease to allow telescopic adjustment of the length of the total auger flight. This arrangement can be used in a bin sweep which allows the sweep to be adjusted in length to accommodate bins of different diameter. The sweep section is driven across the ground by a drive track at an outer end of the auger section.

Abstract: A clean-out auger for a grain bin has a main auger, a telescoping sweep and a rotary joint connecting the two. The sweep may be adjusted in length to accomodate bins of different sizes. The use of a flexible screw section through the rotary joint allows the sweep to rotate through 360.degree. during operation. A sweep transporting mechanism is fixed to the outer end of the sweep for producing the rotation about the rotary joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for circulating and cleaning coins in a game machine or the like comprises a coin feeder including a coin recovering hopper set in a game machine or any other machine; a coin recovering duct for recovering coins from the machine to the coin recovering hopper; a coin cleaning and transporting duct having an inlet connected to an outlet chute of the coin feeder; a coin supply hopper connected to an outlet of the coin cleaning and transporting duct for receiving coins from the coin cleaning and transporting duct and supplying coins to be used for the machine; and an overflow coin chute for passing coins from the coin supply hopper to the coin recovering hopper.

Abstract: A seal assembly 74 used between two members 42, 45 which are capable of relative movement is disclosed. Various construction details are developed which enable the seal assembly to accommodate other movement in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement while accommodating movement in the direction of movement. In one embodiment, the seal assembly extends between two circumferentially extending surfaces which face each other. The seal assembly is formed of a plurality of circumferentially spaced seal elements 74 having flaps 116 which are radially and circumferentially flexible but relatively stiff in the axial direction in comparison to the radial and circumferential flexibility.

Abstract: The invention provides a length of feed screw for connection between two straight lengths of screw conveyor, the length of feed screw being of a material which can be flexed, but being slotted to facilitate bending of the length of feed screw so that the length of feed screw can continue to operate in the bent condition.

Abstract: An auger assembly for transporting particulate material. The auger assembly comprises a housing, a frame to support the housing, and an auger rotatably mounted in said housing. The auger comprises a thermoplastic material helically wrapped around a metal shaft. The material has a planar portion in contact with said metal shaft and a radially extending flight portion. A motor is connected to the shaft to rotate the auger.

Abstract: A screw conveyor device for pourable material has a tubular or hose-like housing which near to one end is provided with an inlet opening and near to the other end with an outlet opening for the conveyed material, also a flexible core which extends through the housing and which is surrounded by at least one drivable feed coil consisting of wire or strip material, and a drive motor connected to one end of the housing. The core is rotatably mounted at both ends of the housing and driven by the drive motor in common with or relative to the feed coil or coils. It is possible for one or two feed coils to be provided.

Abstract: A device for attaching the ends of a conveyor coil screw, e.g. to a journal pin in a bearing at the end of the conveyor tube of a screw conveyor. A clamping sleeve with inner walls converging from opening in the direction of the other end of clamping sleeve is secured to jounal pin. A wedge shaped clamping member to be inserted into clamping sleeve is secured to a screw bolt at its narrow end. The screw bolt extends through and projects outside an axial bore in journal pin and is provided with a nut at its free end. Clamping sleeve and clamping member together form an annular space to receive and hold end of conveyor coil spring when nut is tightened.

Abstract: A toner collecting device for collecting residual toner removed from an image retainer by a cleaning device after a toner image formed on the image retainer has been transferred to a sheet of paper. The toner collecting device has therein a conveyor device for carrying the residual toner. The conveyor device has its leading end portion disposed at a central portion of the toner collecting device. The upper surface of the toner collecting device has functions to guide transfer paper and to support a transfer electrode, and the leading end portion of the conveyor device is provided with a toner distributing diffusion blade member.

Abstract: A self-cleaning feeder for particulate material, such as dry lime powder, utilizes a spaced coil helical spring rotating in an upright annular passage between a pair of pipes to convey the material from a stock pile source, such as a drum container supporting the feeder in upright position, to an outlet in controlled amounts. The coil spring projects into the stock pile and has a laterally extended tail or finger stirring or agitating the material to maintain it in contact with the spring. The inner pipe is bottomed on a plate resting on the bottom of the supply container and the outer pipe is carried above the plate by a spider stand on the plate. An inclined chute or tray supported from the outer pipe receives the material to slide it into a tank or apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are moved from one end of a duct to the other end thereof. The particles in the duct are fluidized. A pressure differential is generated which moves the fluidized particles in the duct from one end of the duct to the other end thereof. When the particles pack and cake together, the apparatus automatically moves the toner particles away from the region of the packed and caked toner particles to relieve this condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to machines for manufacturing confectionery products which comprise a solid, gelatinous or pasty core uniformly coated with liquid and/or powdery products. Such machines comprise one or more helicoidal brushes composed of bristles which are implanted radially along helices over one or two shafts which are driven in rotation at a speed of less than 100 rpm in a trough which is open in its upper part and which has a height greater than that of the brushes and a cylindrical bottom.

Abstract: A food peeler which includes an auger having a flexible blade for urging food items transversely across an endless belt which carries the food items. The auger blade has multiple protrusions formed on its surface for abrasively contacting the food items.

Abstract: In a vessel separating apparatus for use in particular in vessel handling machines, the worm conveyor (6) which cooperates with a conveyor belt (1) and a lateral guide means (2) is provided at least in the entrance region thereof with a great number of resiliently yieldable individual elements in the form of bristles (15) which are arranged on a core (13) and define a thread (16) entering between the vessels. Thereby a high degree of damping of shocks exerted on the vessels in the entrance region and, thus, a low-noise, gentle transport of vessels are obtained. The core (13) with the differently long bristles (15) distributed regularly about its circumference and over its length is releasably connected to a worm body (9) made of a solid material so that it can be replaced easily and quickly, if necessary.

Abstract: A rotating helical coiled spring for conveying, extracting, quantity-controlling or mixing particulate products. A supple material such as a brush is attached to the periphery of the spring and brushes against a rigid wall or tube as the spring is rotated thereby propelling the particulate product in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the spring.

Abstract: A cylindrical housing and auger drum assembly is mounted to extend from the side of a cubing machine of the type having an annular die assembly, a circular die cavity on the inner periphery of the die assembly, and at least one press wheel that is received in the die cavity. The auger drum carries a rigid blade that forms an auger flight, and which terminates a short distance from the outer end of the drum. A flexible, resilient tip is mounted on the outer end of the rigid blade, and substantially fills the space provided between the auger drum, the housing and the die cavity, the outer edge of the tip being positioned at the die cavity. The tip functions to supply an optimum flow of feed stock to the die cavity, but will flex to allow bypassing when plugging or jamming conditions exist.

Abstract: The invention is a dust feed device for delivery of a uniform supply of dust for long periods of time to an aerosolizing means for production of a dust suspension. The device utilizes at least two tandem containers having spiral brushes within the containers which transport the dust from a supply to the aerosolizer means.