Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a powder includes a container body for storing a powder and a rotatable disc shaped member arranged at a bottom side of the container body. The disc shaped member includes an axial side surface configured for engagement with the powder and wherein the axial side surface is provided with one or more radially extending storage slots each terminating at a corresponding radial side opening in a radial side surface of the disc shaped member. The dispensing device further comprises a rake member movably arranged along the axial side surface and configured for raking a predetermined amount of powder from one of the one or more storage slots through the corresponding radial side opening in a dispensing configuration of the dispensing device.

Abstract: An automated particulate contaminant injection and control module that controls the level of contamination in the hydraulic fluid passing to a component, system or sub-system under test and removes the injected particulates upon return to the parent test stand. Using the pressure and flow of clean hydraulic fluid from the parent test stand, the contamination module prepares a concentrated contaminant slurry and injects it at a rate determined by a feedback signal from an in-line contamination sensor and an internal control algorithm.

Abstract: An ice dispensing assembly includes a hopper, a metering disk, a shelf member, and a separating wall. The hopper includes an outlet opening defined in a bottom end of the hopper, and an ice inlet defined in a top end of the hopper. The metering disk is positioned in the hopper and includes a plurality of cavities. The shelf member is arranged to at least partially shield the cavities from a supply of ice held in the hopper. The metering disk is rotatable relative to the hopper between a first position wherein at least one cavity is exposed to the supply of ice to be filled with ice, and a second position wherein the cavity is separated from the supply of ice by the separating wall and ice in the cavity is dispensed through the outlet opening.

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 powder dispensing apparatus for dispensing a powder either with or without a liquid is presented. The apparatus includes a base, a dispenser, and a tower. The base is adapted for receiving a container. The dispenser includes a rotatable carriage contacting a support element with an opening. The carriage includes a plurality of compartments horizontally disposed above an optional funnel and rotatable about a central axis. A hopper is disposed above the carriage and communicates with less than all compartments. Each compartment is capable of separately dispensing a powder from the hopper through the opening into the funnel and thereafter into the container resting on the base. The tower is disposed between and attached at opposing ends to the base and the dispenser. The apparatus is useful, for example, in preparing baby formula and other food for infants, as well as in preparing food and drink for children and adults.

Abstract: A device for discharging granular material, has a receptacle into which the granular material may be introduced, with a separation grid, which is disposed in the receptacle, and an intermediate plate, which is disposed beneath the separation grid. The intermediate plate is equipped with a through-opening for the granular material, and with an aperture, which is provided beneath the intermediate plate and through which the granular material may be removed from the receptacle. The intermediate plate is disposed to be rotatable relative to the separation grid and the separation grid is disposed to be stationary relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A beverage and dessert dispenser for making beverages or frozen desserts includes an auger driven to rotate and a cone displaceable with respect to the auger such that at least a portion of the auger may be positioned inside the cone for mixing ingredients. A flow control valve, connected to a bottom, exit, end of the cone, includes a housing and a gate operatively connected thereto. The gate is linearly translatable with respect to the housing along a fore-aft axis between closed and open positions of the flow control valve. The flow control valve seals the bottom opening of the cone when in the closed position, and permits fluid flow through the bottom opening of the cone when in the open position. The beverage and dessert dispenser is actuatable between a blending state, where the auger rotates, and a non-blending state, where the auger does not rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered removal of bulk material from a bin, the apparatus having a top bulk-material-filling opening, bottom bulk-material-removal opening, and a rotor that is connected in a driven manner to at least one sweeping arm disposed inside the bin near the bin's rotationally symmetrical floor and directed towards the removal opening. In order to create an apparatus for the removal of bulk material from a bin in which the mass of the removed bulk material not only can be metered very precisely, but which is also of simple design and easy to maintain, provision is made whereby the sweeping arm is attached on the bottom side of a separating element connected in a driven manner to the rotor, and whereby a settling zone is provided below the separating element in front of the sweeping arm, this zone only being open on one side to the bulk material through a feed opening, and on the other side to the removal opening.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and which has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A table feeder 1 has a bottom assembly 3 of a particulate material processing vessel 2, a discharger 4 provided in the bottom assembly 3 to discharge a particulate material P kept in the vessel 2, a bottom plate 5 included in the bottom assembly 3, a rotating shaft 6 provided vertically to a main face 5a of the bottom plate 5 to rotate on the center of the bottom plate 5, rotary vanes 7 to discharge the particulate material P kept in the particulate material processing vessel 2 via the discharger 4 and a drive device 8 configured to drive and rotate the rotary vanes 7. A cone 10 having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the rotary vanes 7 is provided in the space above the rotary vanes 7 coaxially with the rotary vanes 7 to extend over a central area of the rotary vane 7.

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 for dispensing a flowable material in a predetermined amount includes a metering wheel member for delivery of the flowable material from a supply reservoir to a dispensing port. The apparatus includes an agitator assembly mounted within the supply reservoir to maintain and promote flow of the material to be dispensed. A motive power source is provided to effect rotation of the metering wheel member and agitator assembly within the supply reservoir. Another embodiment further provides a liquid supply system for introducing liquid for rinsing or mixing. The apparatus may be further contained within a cabinet for security and maintenance.

Abstract: A quantitative powder material dispenser includes a base frame having a center coupling hole and an eccentric dispensing hole, a dispensing wheel rotatably supported on the base frame and having equiangularly spaced through holes and a bottom pivot shaft that is inserted through the center coupling hole of the base frame, a barrel fastened to the base frame around the dispensing wheel to hold a powder material and having an inside scraper blade kept in contact with the dispensing wheel above the through holes, and a driving device connected to the pivot shaft and controlled to rotate the dispensing wheel relative to the base frame for enabling the powder material to be dispensed through the dispensing hole quantitatively at a predetermined time interval subject to the speed of rotation of the dispensing wheel.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling delivery of material from a bin opening includes a movable bin gate for closing the bin opening and providing a high flow rate of material when the movable gate is open, wherein a low flow aperture is formed in the bin gate to provide a low flow rate of material when the bin gate is positioned such that only the low flow aperture is open. A two-stage flow enhancer within the bin includes a first stage for impelling material in the direction of the low flow aperture and a second stage for impelling material to exit through the low flow aperture. A controller controls operation of the bin gate to adjust a flow rate of material from the bin opening.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and which has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A user interactive custom cosmetic powder color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business.

Abstract: Sauerkraut that is free of added vegetable oil or other lubricant is prepared for packaging in small volumes by substantially continuously delivering a supply of the sauerkraut to a hopper (20) with an open top (22), the sauerkraut being delivered to the hopper at a location between a baffle (24) that periodically reciprocates within the hopper and a plurality of openings (28) at a bottom of the hopper. A tube (26) extends substantially vertically downwardly from each of the openings, and sauerkraut in the hopper is positively caused to flow from each of the openings into and through a tube that is aligned with the opening by rotating a rotatable screw (40) with a larger diameter upper portion (40a) that extends downwardly through the hopper and a smaller diameter lower portion (40b) that extends downwardly from the upper portion into and at least substantially through a tube.

Abstract: A powder and grain feeder includes an outer cylinder and upper and lower inner cylinders sharing a centerline, the upper portion of the outer cylinder and the upper inner cylinder are connected by an upper annular plate, the lower portion of the outer cylinder and the lower portion of the lower inner cylinder are connected by a lower annular plate; a material passage is located below the outer periphery of a circular table closing the upper end of the lower inner cylinder, a material discharge gap is located between the outer periphery of the table and the lower end of the upper inner cylinder, routing blades are mounted on a rotation shaft protruding from the center of the table; the forward ends of the rotating blades are connected to the rotary ring in the material passage; a scraper for use in the material passage is mounted on the rotary ring.

Abstract: A game feeder utilizes an improved feed dispensing mechanism that allows feed to enter the feed dispensing mechanism from the side. A game feeder utilizing the improved feed dispensing mechanism prevents access to the feed through the feed dispensing mechanism thereby eliminating the need to keep the game feeder out of the reach of wild animals.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A new tuck pointing apparatus for applying cement to joints between bricks. The inventive device includes a cement reservoir for receiving a quantity of cement. The reservoir has an interior, a closed top end, and an open bottom end that forms a bottom opening into the interior of the reservoir. A mixer portion has open upper and lower ends, an interior, a toothed flywheel that is disposed in the interior of the mixer portion, and a mixing shaft that is coupled to the toothed flywheel. The open upper end of the mixer portion is releasably coupled to the bottom end of the reservoir. The mixing shaft mixes cement in the interior of the mixer portion. A motor portion rotates the toothed flywheel thereby rotating the mixing shaft. A first air tube is in communication with a supply of air pressure and is also in communication with the interior of the mixer portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The hopper defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The apparatus includes a conduit rotatably connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The conduit defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The conduit further defines an inlet thereof for receiving the supply of powder from the hopper and an outlet for dispelling the powder therefrom. The inlet has an inlet center thereof and the outlet has an outlet center thereof. At least one of the inlet center and the outlet center is spaced from the longitudinal axis of the hopper so that as the conduit is rotated with respect to the hopper, the position of the outlet center with respect to the hopper changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit flexibly connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The conduit defines a longitudinal axis thereof and the hopper defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The conduit is flexibly connected to the hopper so that the hopper and the conduit may be arranged in a first position with the longitudinal axis of the hopper and the longitudinal axis of said conduit being coincident and may be arranged in a second position with the longitudinal axis of the hopper and the longitudinal axis of the conduit being skewed with respect to each other.

Abstract: A dispenser for products such as dessert toppings includes a reservoir for product to be dispensed, a rotatable drum mounted below the reservoir and including a plurality of compartments to be filled from the reservoir. A knob coupled to the drum moves the compartments from loading to dispensing positions, preferably in a single, uni-directional movement. An agitator may be coupled to the drum for insuring complete filling of the compartments and the compartments remain in communication with the reservoir for a portion of each rotation to insure that product completely fills the compartments, even if product bridging may have occurred between uses. A simplified construction allows the dispenser to be readily assembled, disassembled, repaired and cleaned by unskilled workers.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic adhesives referred to as "hot melt" adhesives. More specifically the apparatus includes a pump support which extends downwardly into a melter tank and which supports a rotary vertical pump shaft driving a pump located near the bottom of the melter tank. The pump support is configured to mount the pump shaft journal in a recess above the top of the melter tank and the rotation of the drive shaft adjacent to vertical columns of the pump support stirs the melted material in the melt tank.

Abstract: A storetank for a powder supply is disclosed which is capable of discharging the powder particles stored therein in a constant amount without the caking and blocking of the powder particles by a method different from the conventional method.

Abstract: A flexible hopper made of rubber or other suitable flexible material which is driven by a motor through an eccentric drive so as to cause the hopper and a drive auger to vibrate to more readily dispense product in the hopper. One or more flexible fingers are attached to the auger and are flexed as the auger rotates so as to further improve the flow characteristics of the materials in the hopper.

Abstract: A vertical auger bottom-fill bag filling machine including a conical auger bowl depending from a cylindrical hopper on rocker arms, with the auger bowl being connected to the cylindrical hopper and a fill tube by flexible gaskets. A vertical auger shaft extends through the cylindrical hopper, auger bowl, and fill tube, with a section of flighting disposed within the auger bowl and fill tube to compress, de-aerate, and dispense the product. An agitator is mounted on the bottom of an agitator drive shaft which circumscribes the auger shaft and rotates independent thereof, the agitator having paddles which move the product and press the product downwardly in the auger bowl. An inverted venting cone is disposed within the auger bowl, with a vent tube extending upwardly and terminating proximate to the top of the cylindrical hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing both ice and chilled beverages, and more particularly an improved chilled beverage dispenser which has larger ice storage capacity and which incorporates an improved system of dispensing ice. The improved ice storage and dispensing system utilizes a circular rotating tray and a paddle wheel positioned in an intermediate cone chute to dispense ice efficiently and in a regulated flow in combination with chilled beverages.

Abstract: Gravimetric metering apparatus for bulk materials is provided, in which a vertically-compliant horizontal platform is supported above a load cell in an operative relationship therewith for detection of weight on the platform. A thin rotating flexible disk is moveable cyclically from a dispensing location, thence across the upper surface of the platform, and thence to a discharge location. Data logging and processing equipment connected to the load cell tracks and adds periodic signals from the load cell, whereby with appropriate calibration the total mass passing across the load cell may be measured, whereby metering may be effected.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing both ice and chilled beverages, and more particularly an improved chilled beverage dispenser which has large ice storage capacity and which incorporates an improved system of dispensing ice. The improved ice storage and dispensing system utilizes a circular rotating tray and an intermediate cone chute to dispense ice efficiently in combination with chilled beverage dispensing and maximizes all available space that can possibly be used to store ice within an enclosure.

Abstract: In a storage bin-type ice dispenser, an ice delivery mechanism includes a tubular delivery chute coupled with a dispensing opening of a storage bin and extending downward and outward from a front wall of the bin. A vertical discharge duct is detachably mounted to a lower portion of the front wall of the bin and is located just below a lower opening end of the delivery chute to receive ice cubes discharged therefrom. A balance shutter is tiltably mounted on an upper end of the discharge duct in a detachable manner and extends downward into the interior of the discharge duct for engagement with an internal wall surface of the duct when maintained in a closed position. A weight element is detachably assembled with an outwardly extended portion of the balance shutter to maintain the balance shutter in the closed position by its weight. The balance shutter is opened by gravity acting on the weight element when the ice cubes from the delivery chute are received thereon.

Abstract: A dosing or metering feeding apparatus for precisely feeding a stream of powdered or fine grained loose bulk material includes a cylindrical container (1) for storing the loose material (3). A rotating turntable (4) essentially closing the bottom of the container (1). A discharge groove (6) is located in the turntable around the circumference of the turntable (4), whereby the discharge groove (6) opens radially outwardly. A stripper is arranged to reach into the discharge groove (6) for stripping the dosed material (3) from the discharge groove (6) and for discharging the dosed or metered material. This arrangement provides a clearly defined discharge rate of the loose material. The discharge rate may be simply adjusted to different desired feed rates by varying the rotational speed of the turntable (4). A high dosing or metering precision is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vertically extending receiving hopper (1) having a guide funnel (2) in the bottom part thereof. A disk (3) having at least one discharge opening (4) is mounted between them. Above the discharge opening (4) is mounted a cut-off member (9) with a possibility of vertical and horizontal movement and has its surface extending in parallel with the disc (3) surface.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is located in the rear of a tip truck body. When the tipping body of the truck is inclined gravity causes bulk material held in the tipping body at either side of a partition to feed augers. The dispensing apparatus includes at least one tank preferably a central tank holding powdered material such as cement powder dispensed through a chute by virtue of a paddle wheel dispenser. Water tanks which dispense water through an outlet are located at either side of the cement powder tank. A common drive shaft drives the augers and the paddle wheel. The dispensing of material is controlled by controllers such that a predetermined ratio of material can be dispensed into, for example a mixer. The dispenser can be used for dispensing the constituents of concrete and may be removable from the tip truck body so that the tip truck can function as a normal tip truck.

Abstract: An appliance for preparing mayonnaise and similar sauces has a reservoir for oil or otherl iquid mounted above the mixing bowl. A mixing tool is rotatable within the bowl by way of a driven shaft which extends vertically and is also arranged to drive a dispensing device for controlling the flow of liquid from the reservoir to the bowl. The dispensing device includes a gear type proportioning pump having a toothed wheel which transports oil or other liquid from an intake orifice in the bottom of the reservoir to a delivery orifice communicating with the bowl.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a serving of hard ice cream to soft ice cream with additions of fruit, flavoring, nuts, etc. as desired. The apparatus includes a cup having an extrusion nozzle and containing rotatable cutting and mixing means rotated by retractable pins of a rotatable and retractible piston which not only rotates the cutter but also forces the ice cream from the nozzle of the cup.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing pavement joints or seams are disclosed. The apparatus includes a wheeled support platform which serves to mount a cylindrical storage container suitable for holding a selected amount of an asphaltic emulsion sealing composition. An applicator is coupled to the bottom of the storage container and controls are provided to selectively vary the volume of the stream of sealing composition and to permit the stream to be completely extinguished. In order to prevent the asphaltic emulsion sealing composition from breaking down or settling out during application an agitator device is provided which propels the sealing composition upward from the bottom of the storage container and mixes the sealing composition. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the agitator device is gear driven in response to movement of the wheeled support platform.

Abstract: An improved feed screw impeller apparatus primarily for use in an impeller bag packing system that is especially suited for filling bags with finely divided and aerated powders. The apparatus comprises an elongated cylindrical shaft having impeller blades extending radially therefrom at about the midpoint thereof and a plurality of feed screw flights of generally helical configuration, at least two such flights connected to said shaft on each side of the impeller blades in substantial coaxial alignment with the shaft. In one alternative embodiment of the invention there are four impeller blades and four helical feed screw flights, two on each side of the impeller blades and each terminating along an edge extending in substantial alignment with a different impeller blade. Another version of the novel impeller is employed in a packing machine also having a novel pre-conditioning hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing liquid compositions. The apparatus includes a reservoir for containing the liquid at a low temperature, a metering device for transferring the liquid to a circulating loop at a higher temperature, a heater/mixer for coincidentally heating and mixing the liquid in the loop and means for dispensing the liquid from the loop. The invention is particularly useful for dispensing liquid adhesive and coating compositions, including thermosetting polymers, heat sensitive polymers or plastisols and other dispersed liquid systems. In addition, mixtures of polymeric liquids with other components such as gases, solvents or liquid blowing agents may be employed with uniformity of composition for dispensing foams or atomizable paints.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery-operated utensil for mixing and pouring drinks and the like. It uses a separate motor to drive a shaft carrying mixer blades, and a separate motor to drive a pump. The motors are turned on one at a time, and drive the respective shafts directly, thus eliminating the use of components such as gears, clutches or ratchets. The design allows ingredients to be poured into the mixing vessel through a filling chute, without removing the housing which caps the vessel, as well as for convenient removal of the housing when necessary, as for cleaning. Various other features are provided to make the utensil particularly inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining polymer particles in readily recoverable, discrete form, and for injecting the particles into a pipeline hydrocarbon by disposing particulate polymer within a storage hopper having a cone bottom and an auger extending upwardly from the bottom, rotating the auger to cause the polymer particles to revolve in the hopper, reversing the rotation of the auger to pass polymer particles downwardly into a mixing chamber below the hopper, the particles passing through a rotary metering valve, or optionally, a bin activator, intermediate storage and rotary metering valve at the upper end of the chamber, simultaneously spraying a liquid such as oil or water tangentially in the chamber optionally agitating the chamber and removing a slurry of particulate polymer and the liquid from the chamber and injecting the slurry into a pipeline hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A series of operatively interconnected fuel flow regulators are adapted to meter and direct the flow of particulate fuel from a fuel conveying system into the burners of a furnace or kiln. Each regulator is fed by a conveying system and includes a feeder housing having a flow metering impeller and feed rotor arrangement. Each housing includes an adjustable fuel orifice communicating with a respective burner.

Abstract: A slush dispenser having a container of flavored slush or the like is provided with first and second blades rotatable in opposite directions within the container by a single motor. The container and blades are removable without the need for tools to facilitate maintenance and cleaning.

Abstract: A copy machine having a decorator for applying toner to a latent image is disclosed. The decorator is fitted with a control for sensing the level of toner in the decorator sump which control automatically maintains the amount of toner in the sump at the desired level. The control includes a toner level sensor which is a vibrating rod driven by a decorator roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging bulk material from a storage tank includes a support shaft; an impeller wheel mounted on the support shaft in the vicinity of the storage tank floor; and a stepping mechanism for intermittently moving the impeller wheel in either direction. The stepping mechanism has a ratchet wheel mounted on the support shaft and connected to the impeller wheel and a pawl mechanism cooperating with the ratchet wheel. A power cylinder, connected to a hydraulic circuit, is provided for moving the pawl mechanism. Further, there are provided a sensor arrangement for sensing the magnitude of the resistance of the bulk material to the motion of the impeller wheel and a control arrangement connected to the sensor arrangement and the pawl mechanism for reversing the direction of rotation of the impeller wheel when the resistance reaches a predetermined magnitude. The impeller wheel has at least one impeller vane associated with a discharge opening in the storage tank floor.