Abstract: A gear pump assembly includes a drive gear having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth, and a driven gear likewise having a plurality of circumferentially spaced teeth positioned for intermeshing engagement between the drive and driven gears via the teeth. A bleed mechanism directs carryover fluid from a discharge side of a bearing dam to an inlet side of the bearing dam in order to supply the carryover fluid to a carryover volume disposed between mating drive gear teeth and driven gear teeth. The bleed mechanism including a passage communicating with at least one of (i) a gear face of the drive gear, (ii) a gear face of the driven gear; or (iii) a bottom of a gear tooth profile adjacent a root region between adjacent gear teeth.

Abstract: A gear pump includes a drive gear with drive gear teeth and a driven gear with driven gear teeth. The drive gear is rotatably disposed about a drive gear axis. The driven gear is rotatably disposed about a driven gear axis and is intermeshed with the drive gear such that a plurality of driven gear teeth are in sliding contact with a plurality of the driven gear teeth. One or more of the drive gear teeth or the driven gear teeth define within the tooth interior a cavity. The cavity is in fluid communication through an orifice with an inter-tooth volume defined between the contacting drive gear teeth and driven gear teeth such that fluid flows through the orifice to reduce cavitation within fluid confined within the inter-tooth volume.

Abstract: A grain sweep assembly having an A-shaped frame, a first and a second panel connected to the frame, and a drive assembly that has a plurality of paddles connected to a continuous chain that extend through a return chamber.

Abstract: A central assembly for a bin sweep apparatus having at least two sweep elements movable substantially independently of each other about the central assembly may comprise a center post and a pair of sweep interface assemblies on the center post. Each sweep interface assembly may be associated with one of the sweep elements of the bin sweep apparatus. In some embodiments, each sweep interface assembly may be configured to sense a position of one of the sweep elements. In some embodiments, each sweep interface assembly may be configured to provide power to one of the sweep elements.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet including an upper cover forming the rear portion of the upper surface of the cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, a detergent dispenser located above the front portion of the tub and exposed by the upper cover, and a dispenser cover opening and closing the upper surface of the detergent dispenser exposed by the upper cover and formed in front of the upper cover.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub provided within the cabinet, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, an air supply device provided on the upper surface of the tub and circulating air to the center of the front portion of the tub, a detergent dispenser located above the front portion of the tub and separating a detergent part to input detergents and a subsidiary detergent part to input subsidiary detergents, and a dispenser cover opening and closing the upper surface of the detergent dispenser.

Abstract: A sweep assembly having a drive system connected to a sweep auger and a backboard. The backboard is connected to support members that are also connected to a mounting plate. The mounting plate has flanges that are connected to pins. The pins are received in elongated slots that are part of a central pivot section.

Abstract: An improved seed metering wheel assembly is provided to deliver a substantially constant flow of seed to a downstream treating device or the like, without any substantial surging of seeds. The seed metering wheel assembly includes an axially rotatable metering wheel having a plurality of strategically sized and arranged seed metering openings therethrough, arranged in circular arrays of differently sized metering openings. In another embodiment, the seed metering wheel includes a central hub section and an outermost rib, with a series of ribs between the hub section and rim, which lie along respective non-diameter chords. Incoming seed is delivered from a seed hopper outlet by gravitation to the metering wheel, which preferably provides a substantially constant open area while preventing wholly unobstructed flow of seeds.

Abstract: An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.

Abstract: An apparatus for aerosol collection and fluid analysis includes a rotary motor, an aerosol-collection disk configured for mounting on the rotary motor, and a fluid-analysis disk that is also configured for mounting on the rotary motor. The aerosol-collection disk includes at least one interior inlet, at least one peripheral outlet and a passage coupling the interior inlet with the peripheral outlet, and a particle collector opposite the peripheral outlet. The fluid-analysis disk includes at least one fluid in each of a first reservoir and in a second reservoir on or in the fluid-analysis disk and offset from a central axis of the disk, wherein each reservoir has an outlet and a stopper in the outlet of each reservoir to seal the reservoirs; and release of the fluids from the reservoirs is spin-induced.

Abstract: A provided powder/granular material feeding device fully satisfies the function of sufficiently preventing bridges and ratholes and the function of favorably stabilizing the filling rate of an outlet portion. Moreover, the powder/granular material feeding device does not require consumable items such as a flexible chute or leave a large amount of powder/granular material in a specific region inside a chute. The powder/granular material feeding device includes: a hopper 1 that receives powder/granular material; an outlet portion 2 that discharges powder/granular material; a chute 3 that guides, into the outlet portion 2, powder/granular material dropped from the hopper 1; and a stirring part 4 that rotates stirring members 4b about a shaft 4a protruding so as to tilt diagonally upward from the lower part of the interior of the chute 3.

Abstract: The present invention regards a hopper structure for containing and treating loose material, which includes a tubular section, upper in use, a lower tapered section equipped with a suitable discharge mouth, a support device for at least the upper tubular section, and a guide device designed to allow the lower section to move between a closed position against the upper section and an open position removed from the upper section.

Abstract: A chemical applicator for use in a farm implement including a hopper, an auger, at least one agitator disc mounted to the hopper and a proportional rate device. The chemical applicator is configured to store material in the hopper and discharge the material from the auger on to seed or grain discharged from the farm implement. The at least one agitator disc is positioned such that it is driven by the auger. Therefore, the agitator disc does not need a separate motor to drive it. The proportional rate device controls the rate of the auger relative to the rate at which seed or grain is discharged from the farm implement.

Abstract: A powder dispensing assembly is provided for evenly and efficiently metering and dispensing a powder for a desired purpose such as coating a plurality of items with the powder. The assembly includes a container configured for holding a powder. The container has a dispensing aperture. A conduit is coupled to the container and has a receiving aperture in environmental communication with the dispensing aperture of the container. Thus, the conduit is configured to receive the powder dispensed through the dispensing aperture. The conduit includes a dispensing opening configured for passing the powder from the conduit. An auger is positioned in the conduit and a motor is operationally coupled to the auger for moving the powder to the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill.

Abstract: A provided powder/granular material feeding device fully satisfies the function of sufficiently preventing bridges and ratholes and the function of favorably stabilizing the filling rate of an outlet portion. Moreover, the powder/granular material feeding device does not require consumable items such as a flexible chute or leave a large amount of powder/granular material in a specific region inside a chute. The powder/granular material feeding device includes: a hopper 1 that receives powder/granular material; an outlet portion 2 that discharges powder/granular material; a chute 3 that guides, into the outlet portion 2, powder/granular material dropped from the hopper 1; and a stirring part 4 that rotates stirring members 4b about a shaft 4a protruding so as to tilt diagonally upward from the lower part of the interior of the chute 3.

Abstract: A bridge breaker includes a casing and an inner ring. Balls are provided between the casing and the inner ring for rotatably supporting the inner ring, without independent ball bearings, so as to make for easy and cost-effective machining. Seal rings having a square shape section are laid on same horizontal level surfaces of the casing and the inner ring, and are depressed by air pressure for preventing powder from entering into the device and to avoid frequent exchange of packing. A blade having a shaft is fixed to the inner ring through a hole of the inner ring, to prevent problems caused by looseness or releasing of connecting bolts.

Abstract: An ice storage container is provided that is capable of separating ice cubes that have been frozen together and maintaining the separated state for dispensing through a dispensing apparatus provided in a refrigerator or a water purifier. The ice storage container may include a case main body forming an ice storage space therein and having an ice discharge port formed at a lower portion thereof, an ice ejector rotatably installed in the case main body and having a motor rotation shaft, a blade mounting shaft, and a plurality of blades protruding radially from the blade mounting shaft, and an ice separating device coupled to the ice ejector to separate ice cubes that have been frozen together in the ice storage bin due to an extended storage period, and/or to maintain the separated state of the ice cubes in the ice storage container.

Abstract: A device for metering bulk material includes a drive unit as well as a metering unit encompassing a metering module, a receptacle, and a stirring apparatus. A gear can be provided between the metering module and a wheel. The metering module is provided with an outlet. A quick coupling element is disposed on an axis in order for the metering unit to be designed as a replaceable unit. The metering unit can be swiveled about the axis when the quick coupling element is engaged such that the wheel can be non-positively contacted with driving means. A plate is used as a cover.

Abstract: A feeding device for an in-line screw machine with a shaft rotating in a feed container. A conveying screw is arranged in the direction toward the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. At least one disk wheel is allocated to each longitudinal side in the feed container. A separate drive is allocated to each disk wheel for purposes of rotational movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for aerating and frothing a product that comprises a fluid component and at least one further component, comprising a rotor (101) having a rotational axis (102) and a surface of revolution (4) defined by the rotor (101) upon rotation around its rotational axis (102), the surface of revolution (4) extending from a first axial (105) end to a second axial end (106), and the first axial end (105) being arranged upstream with respect to the second axial end (106); a motor in driving association with the rotor (101) for rotating the rotor about the rotational axis (102); and a product exit conduit disposed downstream of the rotor and configured for dispensing the aerated and frothed product of the fluid and at least one further component, which rotor (101) comprises a downstream part (108) and an upstream part (107). The invention relates furthermore to a beverage machine provided with the aforementioned mixing device.

Abstract: An ice portion control module includes an ice bin for storing ice. A base in the ice bin has one or more portion control compartments. The one or more portion control compartments has an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice. An actuator moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry product mix with liquid to produce a mixed beverage. The apparatus includes a product canister containing the dry product mix. The product canister includes a dispensing mechanism that dispensed a portion of the mix through an outlet. During dispensing, a plurality of agitators positioned within the product canister and in contact with the product mix displaces the product mix, thereby keeping the product mix loose and lifted and resulting in a more evenly distributed product mix feed for dispensing through the outlet.

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation. A lower unit is associated with the chute and includes a shredder configured to shred the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured to finely condition the loosefill insulation. The lower unit includes a shredder guide shell positioned partially around the shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit. The discharge mechanism has a top inlet positioned below the agitator such that loosefill insulation exiting the agitator is allowed to fall in a substantially vertical direction from the agitator into the top inlet of the discharge mechanism. The position of the shredder guide shell at a passageway is offset in a vertical direction from the position of the agitator guide shell at the passageway.

Abstract: Arrangements are disclosed for sealing and/or retaining a component in a washproof electrical appliance. A heated liquid dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.

Abstract: An applicator bottle allows the reconstitution and dispensing of a re-hydrated powdered product. The bottle has a dispenser apparatus detachably mounted on the dispensing end and a spring-loaded plunger apparatus detachably mounted on the distal end with a movable disk defining the distal end of the internal cavity within the bottle. The plunger apparatus includes a telescoping plunger spring-loaded to extend toward the dispensing end and a locking mechanism that will restrain the plunger apparatus in a compressed configuration until released through an external release button. A rotatable, hand-operated mixing apparatus can be mounted on either end of the bottle to provide an aggressive mixing action when needed. The plunger apparatus exerts a mechanical pressure on the reconstituted product to force the product out of the dispenser apparatus for utilization. Clean-up is facilitated by the ability to disassemble the bottle and the apparatus attached thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a powder dispensing assembly including a housing, a hopper assembly comprising one or more hoppers for containing powders to be dispensed contained within said housing, an outlet passage engaged with the hopper assembly for discharging selected amounts of powder from the hopper assembly and a powder moving assembly contained within each hopper for moving powder within the hopper assembly to the outlet passage. A trigger mechanism is also incorporated which initiates the powder moving assembly for dispensing the powder. A printed circuit board (printed circuit board) is activated by the trigger mechanism and sends a signal to a media content delivery system. The media content delivery system delivers an audio, video, or audiovisual message to the user of the dispensing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for packaging a composition for applying to keratinous materials, the device comprising a container defining an inside space containing the composition; a coating of a biocidal material covering at least part of the container and coming into contact with the composition contained in the inside space of the container; and a member that is movable within the container.

Abstract: System for transport of untreated drill cuttings, comprising a tank (2). The tank (2) is arranged below the deck of a ship (1) and has an output unit (10) at the bottom (6), to feed the drill cuttings towards an output opening (8). A pump (21) is provided below the bottom of the tank (2) to feed the drill cuttings through an unloading line (13). The unloading line (13) has a substantially uniform cross section and is shaped so that the velocity of the flow close to the inner wall is substantially equal in the same cross section. The tank (2) has an upper circular cylindrical part (3) and a lower frustuconical part (4) and a substantially flat bottom (6). In the flat bottom (6) is an output opening (8), which extends from the side wall (5) of the frustuconical part (4) to an inner dome or cone (11).

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end configured to receive the loosefill insulation and a lower unit associated with the chute. The lower unit includes a first and second shredder configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation and an agitator configured for final shredding of the loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a first shredder guide shell positioned partially around the first shredder, a second shredder guide shell positioned partially around the second shredder and an agitator guide shell positioned partially around the agitator. A discharge mechanism is positioned in the lower unit and is configured to discharge loosefill insulation from the lower unit. The position of a second end of the first shredder guide shell is offset in a vertical direction from the position of a second end of the second shredder guide shell.

Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.

Abstract: This application discloses a device for urging bulk material to flow from a hopper such as the hopper of a railway car. The device includes a rotating axle that can be rotated by a power wrench, and one or more rotating agitators having auger coils disposed near the bottom outlet of a hopper and which are rotatably connected to the axle. Rotating the axle causes the agitators to rotate, thereby breaking up and urging bulk material to flow downward through the bottom outlet. Also disclosed is a system for emptying a hopper such as the hopper of a railway car, wherein a device with rotatable agitators having auger coils is integrated with a sliding gate assembly situated at the bottom outlet of the hopper. A power wrench can be used both to open and close the gate assembly, and to rotate the agitators in the hopper so as to break up and urge bulk material downward and out of the hopper through the opened gate assembly.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device having motor overrunning absorbing means (36). The automatic dosing device according to the invention comprises a dosing screw (2), guiding means (20), a cursor (24), and a movable sealing member (30). The automatic dosing device is characterized by further comprising overrunning absorbing means (36) configured to be operable for preventing a force acting on the cursor (24) and exceeding a predetermined intensity to be transferred to the sealing member (30) independently of the sealing member position.

Abstract: A particle filling line comprises a vertically-oriented conduit that includes a conduit hollow. The conduit includes a conduit top and a conduit bottom. The conduit bottom defines an outlet. The conduit is arranged so that particles supplied to the conduit top flow through the outlet to be received by one or more containers disposed on a movable conveyor belt. The conduit hollow includes one or more conduit hollow elements disposed therein. The one or more conduit hollow elements include any of a plurality of agitators and an auger. The particle filling line is arranged for determining a resistance that is based on the spacing between the one or more conduit hollow elements and the conduit inner walls. When the resistance is determined to be less than a threshold resistance value, the particle filling process ceases.

Abstract: The invention provides an ingredient dispensing apparatus (100; 200) comprising first and second hoppers (102, 104; 202, 204) for storage of an ingredient, first and second dispensers (120, 124; 214, 224) for dispensing an ingredient from the respective hopper (102, 104; 202, 204) and a drive mechanism (128; 228) for rotatably driving the first and second dispensers (120, 124; 214, 224). The first and second dispensers (120, 124; 214, 224) are arranged such that, in a first direction (D1) of rotation of the drive mechanism (128; 228), the first dispenser (120; 214) dispenses an ingredient from the first hopper (102; 202) and in a second direction (D2) of rotation of the drive mechanism (128; 228), the second dispenser (124; 224) dispenses an ingredient from the second hopper (104; 204).

Abstract: An apparatus for installation of a material having discrete elements. The apparatus includes a supply material having discrete elements and a transporter system downstream of the supply material having discrete elements. In the preferred embodiment, the transporter system includes: (i) a high speed, inline blower (ii) a material agitator upstream of the inline blower and (iii) a planetary transmission connected to the shaft of the blower for providing a lower speed mechanical output to the material agitator. The material agitator may include a plurality of concentric rings with serrations on the upper surface of each ring. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes an applicator assembly connected downstream to the transporter system.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a refill container unit for an automatic dosing device. The purpose of the automatic dosing device is to control the dosing of stored material kept inside the container unit. The object of the container unit according to the invention is to achieve an agitating and transporting, cleanable and switchable storing arrangement for the automatic dosing unit. The refill container unit therefore comprises an agitating part (14) enclosed by a receptacle (1). The agitating part (14) agitates and feeds the material. Shaped as a pot containing the material, the agitating part (14) can also be lifted out of the receptacle (1) and cleaned or replaced by another pot. As an alternative the whole refill container unit can be replaced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-aligning auger drive assembly. The assembly includes a hopper with an auger supported therein. A shaft is connected to and extends from the auger externally from the hopper. A coupling is associated with the shaft and is operatively associated with a biasing device which creates an engaging force to promote engagement of the coupling with a motor assembly driver. A portion of the coupling defines a recess which receives at least a portion of the driver as the driver is rotated.

Abstract: A washing machine having a detergent supply device which is easily installed in a cabinet of the washing machine, and is not exposed to the outside of the cabinet. The detergent supply device includes a detergent container and a handle, and is seated in a reception chamber defined at an upper portion of the cabinet. Locking slots are formed on side mounting parts of the handle, and locking projections are provided on opposite sidewalls of the reception chamber, so as to have the locking projections be inserted into the locking slots where the handle is downwardly rotated. A cover is hinged to an upper portion of the reception chamber so as not to expose the detergent supply device to the outside. At least one hook is provided on a front end of the cover, and at least one hook hole is formed on a front portion of the reception chamber to engage with the hook, so as to have the cover openably cover the upper portion of the reception chamber.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device. The purpose of the device is to store and dose material, kept inside a container part, and to make it possible for an operator to refill the container with material. The automatic dosing device therefore comprises a refilling container (1), a dosing screw (5), a control system, a driving motor and a guiding mechanism (14–16, 19). The container (1) stores the material, the screw (5) doses it out of the container (1), the system controls the dosing and the mechanism (14–16, 19) guides the container between an inner position where the device can dose material and an outer position where an operator is allowed to refill it with material. The automatic dosing device could preferably be used with a laundry washing machine but there is also possibilities to use the automatic dosing device in another machine that requires an easy handle automatic dosing device.

Abstract: A backflow blocker prevents backflow of gas to a lower pressure first stage of a system for processing particles from a downstream higher pressure second stage of the system. The blocker comprises an upright duct connecting the first stage to the second stage. The duct is at least partly filled with a column of particles passing from the first stage to the second stage. By properly selecting the duct dimensions and by controlling the flow rate of particles into and from the duct, the velocity of downwardly moving particles in the duct can be made to exceed the velocity at which the gasses flow through the particles in the duct. This prevents gasses from flowing from the lower pressure downstream stage to the higher pressure upstream stage.

Abstract: A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.

Abstract: A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device containing a supply container (8), a dosing container (30) and a discharge device (12). A separate vertical stirring section (22, 22A) is provided in each container, namely the supply container (8) and the dosing container (30). The vertical stirring section 22A located in the supply container (8) is provided with a drive unit (1) which is also used to drive the lower stirrring section (22) of the dosing container (30). The dosing container (30) can be removed horizontally, sideways. The two stirring sections (22) and (22A) have coupling elements (16, 25) with which they are detachably or releasably interconnected. A coupling arm (25) is provided to this purpose with driving pins (16) which engage in the rotating area of the driven upper stirring section (22A) so that the two stirring sections can be coupled and one stirring section can drive the other stirring section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjustably directing granular material through a container. The apparatus includes a converging transition portion defining an input opening that converges to an output opening having a first transverse opening dimension (x1). The apparatus further includes an elongated chimney portion coupled to the converging transition portion and having a second transverse opening dimension (x2), where the first transverse opening dimension (x1) is smaller than the second transverse opening dimension (x2). This configuration reduces the outlet pressure created in the converging transition portion as the granular material passes through the container to minimize bridging of the granular material within the container.

Abstract: A bulk-solid metering system has a support structure. A feed hopper is mounted with respect to the structure and has an upper edge. In the improvement, the structure includes an upper member and the upper edge is below such upper member. The structure defines a lateral opening sized and shaped to permit the feed hopper to be withdrawn laterally through the opening. The feed hopper includes a spout extending therefrom. In a highly preferred embodiment, the lateral opening is positioned to permit withdrawal of the feed hopper in a direction away from the spout. The feed hopper is configured to promote very good mass flow as well as to permit agitation in that, in one embodiment, it has a body made of flexible material. There is a hopper upper flange and the spout is spaced below such flange. The body has a first cross-sectional shape, e.g., circular, adjacent to the upper flange and has a second cross-sectional shape, e.g., ellipse-like, intermediate the upper flange and the spout.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system having a beverage tower with a first side and a second side. The beverage dispenser system also has an ice elevator and an ice hopper connected to the ice elevator. The ice hopper has a first side exit and a second side exit such that the ice elevator may be positioned on either side of the beverage tower and connected to either side exit of the ice hopper.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser system having a beverage tower with a first side and a second side. The beverage dispenser system also has an ice elevator and an ice hopper connected to the ice elevator. The ice hopper has a first side exit and a second side exit such that the ice elevator may be positioned on either side of the beverage tower and connected to either side exit of the ice hopper.