Abstract: A method of detecting breakage or breakage of a continuous bead of fluid material, for example, a coating material, during the discharge thereof from an applicator nozzle, which comprises the steps of providing the applicator nozzle with a vibration sensor operable to detect vibrations occuring in the applicator nozzle and to generate a vibration signal, indicative of the detected vibration. The vibration signal undergoes a change in level when the vibrations are actually detected by the vibration sensor and the change in level of the vibration signal is compared with a reference amplitude level. Only when the amplitude level of the vibration signal exceeds the reference amplitude level, the change in amplitude level of the vibration signal provides an indication of the actual occurrence of the vibrations in the applicator nozzle.

Abstract: A message display boot is provided for a fuel dispensing nozzle. The display boot comprises a flexible plastic boot in close conforming fit over at least the front valve housing of the nozzle. At the top of the boot in a message platform upon which rests a message placard. The placard is removable held on the platform by an optically clear skirted cover conforming to the contour of the platform, such that the cover is held on the platform by the close conforming fit of the skirt along the sides of the platform, but can be easily pried off the platform to change the placard. A bellow portion at the bottom of the boot provides a conforming fit over nozzles of various height. A resilient bumper shields the message platform and cover from contact with the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the boot, platform, bellows and bumper are integrally molded of plastisol vinyl.

Abstract: Bottle mounted liquid metering apparatus including a helical fastener band self-adapting to a thread pitch. In alternative embodiments, collars rotatively supported relative to a pour tube and a plug portion control the size of a vent aperture and/or a fill window within the interior of the bottle along the pour tube and thereby the volume dispensed; a bottle vent integrally extends from the body of a threaded cap or a plug in radial relation thereto; and electronically timed annunciator means sequentially, uniformly meter a dispensed volume.

Abstract: A tester, temporarily connectable to a tap in the input line for a gasoline dispenser, tests the integrity of the delivery line from a submerged pump within a gasoline storage tank to the tap, including a leak detector, whether piston or diaphragm operated, normally mounted at the storage tank downstream of the submerged pump. An in line isolator is installed between the submerged pump output line and the leak detector to make a field test of the integrity and operability of the leak detector.

Abstract: A humidifier comprising a trough adapted to contain water, a mechanism for transferring water from the trough to the atmosphere, first and second containers adapted to contain water, and an arrangement for substantially emptying the first container into the trough before permitting water flow from the second container into the trough.

Abstract: A reagent storage and delivery apparatus comprises a reagent cartridge having a plurality of fluidic chambers and includes a flange means for receiving a label to define a code indicating information concerning the contents of the cartridge. Preferably, a binary code is defined through use of windows formed in an extending portion of the cartridge which cooperate with a formed portion of the label applied to the cartridge. The binary code is optically read and translated to a digital information signal for instructional use with an analytical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to deformable beverage containers for minimizing empty space in the container, to which CO.sub.2 can escape, and for increasing pressure in the container for stopping evaporation of CO.sub.2 from the beverage. With the container cap off or loose, the deformable portion of the container is compressed until the beverage reaches the top of the container. The cap is then secured and further compression applied until a desired pressure is reached. One embodiment covers regular bottles with a special bottle cap, comprising a check valve connected to inflatable bladder, and valve/spout arrangement for dispensing the beverage without opening the bottle. Another embodiment covers special internally deformable containers to which the beverage is transferred for preservation. A third embodiment covers plastic bottles with an external compressing mechanism for deforming the bottle and increasing pressure for maintaining the beverage during further storage.

Abstract: A gun for dispensing pasty products which includes a piston seal member mounted between a cylinder and a cartridge and through which gas under pressure passes from the cylinder to a supply container in communication with the cartridge wherein the piston seal member includes a pair of annular lips of differing diameters and an inner skirt which provide for selective sealing between the cylinder and the cartridge whenever pressure is applied to the cylinder.

Abstract: A dispenser for delivering different grades of gasoline through a single nozzle at each fueling position, includes a pair of hoses connected to the nozzle, one of which hoses is used for selectively delivering high octane gasoline, and the other of which hoses is for selectively delivering either low octane or mid octane gasoline through the nozzle, whereby a control system is programmed for monitoring the dispensing of low octane gasoline relative to the dispensing of mid octane gasoline, for injecting a sufficient quantity of high octane gasoline through the nozzle at the initiator of a mid octane dispensing cycle for compensating for low octane fuel remaining in the other hose from an immediately prior low octane dispensing cycle relative to a mid octane dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A liquid separator for use as a blood component separator separates a blood component such as blood plasma from centrifugally separated component layers in a flexible blood bag. The blood bag has a liquid discharge tube on its upper end. The liquid separator includes a container holder for holding the blood bag with the liquid discharge tube directed substantially upwardly, and a container presser for pressing the blood bag progressively from the upper end toward a lower end thereof in coaction with the container holder to force the blood component out of the blood bag through the liquid discharge tube. While the blood bag is pressed, a certain thickness is provided at its upper end to allow the blood component to flow out of the blood back through the blood discharge tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing chemical solutions are disclosed. The blending unit (11) includes a manifold (38) having a plurality of chemical inlet ports (39), a water inlet port (45), and an outlet port (46). A plurality of pumps (43) and valves (41) are associated with the chemical inlet ports (39). The outlet port (46) is connected to dispensing outlets (25, 29) for dispensing the chemical solutions and water into a container 16. The apparatus (10) also includes a quality control systems, including a conductivity cell (50), a weight measurement station (26), and a volume flow measurement device. The apparatus (10) also includes an electronic control unit (70) associated with the pumps (43) and valves (41) to operate them in response to a pre-selected volume, sequential combination and concentration of chemicals.

Abstract: In a refrigerant charging apparatus for charging a refrigerant by using a refrigerant can (1), an upper can-opening part (21), a conduit (6) having two ways of inner passages for indication and charging and a lower can-opening part (6A), and a level indicator (4) communicated with the refrigerant can via both can-opening parts are provided in order to correctly indicate remaining quantity of the refrigerant in the can.

Abstract: A last drink sensor and dispensing apparatus for use in beverage dispensing bag-in-box vending machines is disclosed. The sensor and dispensing apparatus is disposed between the pump and dispensing nozzle of the vending machine and operates to sense the cessation of syrup flow from the pump caused by a depletion of syrup within the bag-in-box storage reservoir, and then activate the "sold out" selection light for the depleted fluid reservoir of the vending machine, trigger the coin changer mechanism of the vending machine to refuse coins for the "sold out" fluid selection, and also activate the timer of the vending machine to dispense the last full drink of the selected beverage from the vending machine.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided to distribute specified, premixed quantities of dry mortar mix and cement to a construction site. Bulk bags and a hopper apparatus are transported to the construction site and utilized with a forklift and a mixer device. The hopper apparatus is adjustably assembled and is constructed and arranged to be hand operable to efficiently meter homogeneous predetermined quantities of the mixture out of a discharge chute. The premixed contents in the bulk bags are dumped into the hopper apparatus and discharged in metered quantities into the mixer device. A water dispensing structure is provided to discharge a predetermined volume into the mixer device to form mortar or concrete for use.

Abstract: An inflator according to the present invention comprises a valve body having a replaceable pressure cartridge that is pierced by a piercing pin is operated by an actuating lever to inflate an attached object. The valve body is mounted in a protective housing, and a lanyard carried by the actuating lever extends through an opening in the housing. The lanyard carries an indicia member that emerges from the housing when the handle is pulled to actuate the valve to provide a visible reminder that the cartridge has been discharged and needs replacing. The piercing pin slides in a sleeve slidable in a piercing pin chamber. A spring biases the piercing pin into engagement with the actuating lever. The lever is pivotable from stored to actuated positions to force the pin to pierce the pressure cartridge. An interlock comprising interengageable locking surfaces of the actuator lever and on the pin prevent movement of the lever from actuated position unless the discharged cartridge has been removed.

Abstract: A specially arranged fresh catalyst container is provided to effectively and efficiently transport store, and dispense fresh catalyst into a resid hydrotreating unit in an oil refinery. The fresh catalyst container is equipped with monorail- and bridge crane- grab channels to receive and be carried by the grab hooks of a monorail, as well as by the grab hooks of an overhead bridge crane. The container also has separate forklift channels to accommodate movement of the container by a forklift truck onto railway cars and flatbed trucks for transport to and from the refinery. The container has special electronic and visual indicators for indicating the type of catalyst within the closed interior of the container.

Abstract: A plastic molded tamper-evident dispensing closure with a tamper-evident seal. The seal is integrally molded with the closure lid and projects downwardly from a peripheral edge of the lid into interlocking engagement with the body. A seal segment is disposed in a peripheral notch in the lid to evidence access to the contents of an associated container.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the high viscosity fluid to be metered and dispensed is oil that is pumped at a low flow rate, in the range of one quart per minute. A positive displacement pump obtains the oil from a tank and pumps the oil to an air eliminator. A volumetric meter is downstream of the air eliminator and receives the oil therefrom via a hydraulic system line. An electronic detector/pulser produces signals based upon the flow of oil through the meter. In a working embodiment, 1,000 pulses represent one quart of oil. These pulses are applied to a controller which includes an adjustable calibration circuit that corrects for system characteristics in order to dispense a "legal" quart of oil to a customer. The controller has an input device and a comparator that enables the controller, after being programmed, to dispense, for example, two quarts of oil.

Abstract: An inflator for automatically inflating an inflatable article, such as a personal flotation vest, upon immersion in water. A plunger is mounted in a housing and is movable with respect to a pressurized gas canister attached to the housing. An actuator mechanism, mounted within the housing, acts on the plunger to move the plunger to pierce the canistor to release the pressurized gas through the housing to the inflatable article attached to the housing. A pair of spaced water sensor probes provide a signal to a control device mounted within the housing when immersed in water. The control device automatically activates the actuator to drive the piercing end of the plunger into the canister. A manual lanyard is extensibly mounted within the housing and is connected to a link and lever to drive the plunger into the canister when the lanyard is pulled outward from the housing.

Abstract: A disposable liquid dispensing module in the form of a hollow plastic container for holding liquid, such as a cleaning solution or soap, has at least one liquid level sensing probe permanently mounted in it. The module is made to be inserted into a lavage machine or similar apparatus and includes a connector to which a connection plug having a liquid withdrawal pipe and connectors to the liquid level sensing probe is attached. The pipe is connected to an elongated flexible tube and the connectors for the liquid level sensing probe are connected to flexible wires, so that the plug including these components may be attached to the container outside the lavage machine in which it is used. When the level of liquid falls below a predetermined threshold, a signal is provided to the apparatus indicating that replacement of the container is to be made. The entire module then is withdrawn and the plug to the apparatus is disconnected.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for receiving fluid components from a proportioning device and delivering the components to a mixing tube for chemical reaction of the components. The device comprises a housing having two inlet chambers and an outlet chamber. One of the fluids is connected to the first inlet chamber while the other fluid is connected to the second inlet chamber and both inlet chambers are fluidly connected to the outlet chamber by separate fluid passageways. A valve assembly is operable to simultaneously open both fluid passageways so that the fluids from the inlet chambers flow into the outlet chamber and then out from the device housing to the mixing tube. The device housing comprises two housing parts which are detachably secured together and, when separated, provide open access to the valve members and outlet chamber for cleaning and to enable a ratio check to be performed at a point in the system close to the mixing tube.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor is provided in a fluid dispensing system, primarily in a photoresist dispensing system used in a semiconductor manufacturing process. A bubble is introduced into the fluid shortly before fluid supply is emptied, said bubble being used to detect a low fluid level. The invention uses a snap-on combination cap and pickup tube, the pickup tube having a small hole near its lower tip, and the cap containing an optical bubble detector.

Abstract: An aerosol spray dispenser of flowable pharmaceutical product is provided with a flotation stabilizing arrangement such that it will float in water in a stabilized erect position even when empty of product; a scale is associated with the dispenser so that the depth at which it floats can be read by comparing the position of the surface of the water in which it floats with graduations on the scale. The stabilizing action may be obtained by placing the dispenser in a floatable bottom-weighted vial, with the scale located in the exterior of the vial, and the combination of vial and dispenser then floated in water. In other embodiments the vial need not be used, in which case the dispenser itself may be bottom-weighted to assure its stabilized erect flotation and the scale placed on the exterior of the dispenser; or, a cap may be provided for the dispenser which is positioned on the dispenser while both are floated in the water, the cap being top-weighted so that the assembly floats stably upside-down.

Abstract: A tube holder is disclosed for use in a system for transferring fluid products from a container via a continuous flexible tube. The tube holder is a lightweight, relatively rigid support having a length corresponding to the length of the container, and a substantially C-shaped cross section so that the tube easily snaps into the support. These supports can be produced using extruded PVC. The tube holder also preferably includes a sleeve member at one end for retaining the tube. To facilitate identification of which tubes are to be used with various different chemicals, a multiplicity of differently colored sleeve members may be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the remote control of transfer operations, in which a material to be transferred is taken from a supply tank into tanks to be filled, where a control signal with start and stop function is given by a hand station (1) to a control device at the delivery system for maintaining the transfer operation, while holding the filling valve open and in operation. The hand station (1) is equipped with a separate start and stop signal transmitter (14; 15) and a status indicator is also provided for assisting the operator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to disposable dispensing apparatus having a generally triangular body, for dispensing a material therefrom. A stop is disposed within the body, and has a variable thickness. The stop is positioned so that a user of the apparatus may squeeze opposing sides of the body at varying points to dispense varying amounts of the material. Preferably, indicia, such as frets, are disposed on the exterior of the body, to advise the user of the amount of material dispensed by squeezing the body at varying points along the stop. In a preferred embodiment, the body includes a one-way valve for permitting the influx of ambient air into the body after the dispensing of material therefrom, thereby maintaining the volume within the body at a relatively constant level. In a second preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes a removable nozzle for locating a precise location into which the material is deposited upon exiting the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a cylinder in which a piston may move in an intake stroke and a discharge stroke. A pulse generator responds to any movement of the piston in the discharge direction, whereby a counting and readout device provides a dispensing measurement readout even for inadvertent discharge movements of the piston. Movement of the piston in the discharge direction rotates a wheel in the pulse generator. A ratchet system may be provided to prevent rotation of the wheel in reverse during intake movements of the piston. Alternatively the wheel rotates in both directions, and a discriminator is provided to discriminate between the two directions of movement.

Abstract: A data logger for a post-mix beverage dispensing system in a fast food restaurant includes a data logger control box and drink counting software for operating a microprocessor coupled to the logger control box. The microprocessor can determine the number and size of drinks sold in the restaurant for selected periods during a day or days.

Abstract: A tamper-evident dispenser end closure including an imperforate hermetically sealed base and a rotor pivotally connected to the base by a snap-fit between a female pocket formed in the base and an annular male protrusion formed in the rotor. The protrusion contains an opening for visual detection of tampering with the pocket of the base. The base and rotor are retained in a close superposed relationship by the snap-fit pocket and protrusion. Frangible means are provided which tear or break when an attempt is made to separate the base from the rotor thereby evidencing tampering with the rotor. The base and rotor have webs provided with means defining respective dispensing apertures.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus which incorporates two separate containers. One container is designed to contain one particular type of liquid with the second container to contain a second type of liquid. These containers are connected together into a single unit with therebeing incorporated a manually operated valve member to be moved to either dispense the contents of the first container or the contents of the second container. The valve member is mounted within a housing which includes a spout to direct the contents during dispensing to a particular exterior location. A handle is mounted in conjunction with the dispensing apparatus to facilitate manual carrying and dispensing of the contents of the first and second containers.

Abstract: A dual chamber Brix measuring cup which can be used to determine whether a fountain syrup dispenser is dispensing the proper ratio of water to syrup, referred to a a Brix measurement. The cup is basically two abutting cylindrical chambers, one to receive water dispensed from the nozzle and the other adapted to receive the syrup by means of a diverter tube. The cross sectional areas of the water and syrup chambers are in the ratio of the ideal water to syrup ratio in the dispensed product. In a first embodiment, a series of calibrated marks are provided on each of the two chambers, such that the mismatch of column heights can be translated into a reading of acceptability, for example if the syrup and water heights are within two lines of each other, that enable a tolerance band of acceptable mismatches to be easily seen visually. In a second embodiment, a slider element is provided which is vertically slideable on the syrup chamber.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has a cylinder in which a piston may move in an intake stroke and a discharge stroke. A pulse generator responds to any movement of the piston in the discharge direction, whereby a counting and readout device provides a dispensing measurement readout even for inadvertent discharge movements of the piston. Movement of the piston in the discharge direction rotates a wheel in the pulse generator. A ratchet system may be provided to prevent rotation of the wheel in reverse during intake movements of the piston. Alternatively the wheel rotates in both directions, and a discriminator is provided to discriminate between the two directions of movement.

Abstract: A container of flexible material for receiving and apportionately discharging liquid through an outflow opening for the purpose of enteral feeding, has arranged therein a tube of hard material, the tube being connected at one of its ends to the outflow connection of the container and being provided at specified distances with notches serving as intended breaking points.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is disclosed having a hollow wall member closed at one end with a dispensing opening at the other end. A ledge is mounted within the hollow having an aperture therethrough to permit precise pouring through the aperture but with the opening otherwise permitting dispensing of large amounts. Indicia is provided within the hollow to measure a predetermined amount of material, particularly the amount required for a washload within an automatic washing machine. The dispensing apparatus additionally operates as a closure for a container, preferably of a laundry product and has a skirt for matingly engaging a container opening and closing same.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration.

Abstract: A gas cylinder coupling and weighing mechanism useful in a carbonated drink dispenser having a gas cylinder. The coupling and weighing mechanism supports the cylinder rotatably within a hood, the hood forming a lever which is biased upwardly by a spring. A full cylinder will pull the hood all the way down. As the cylinder is emptied, the hood will begin to move upward and when the cylinder is empty the hood will be fully upward. Mounted inside the hood is a fitting engaging with a mating fitting on the gas cylinder. The mating fitting is equipped with a pair of arms which are aligned with locking slots contained within the mating fitting which are used to engage pins on the fitting inside the hood when mounting the gas cylinder.

Abstract: YA tamper indicating dispensing closure for attachment to an originally filled container to indicate prior opening or tampering. The closure has a base cap with a dispensing orifice therethrough and an upstanding retention sleeve. A lid is hinged to the base cap and has a tamper indicating disk attached to it by a pin extending through the lid. In its originally packaged condition, the pin extends into the retention sleeve with the lid closed. A frangible area on the disk around the pin breaks upon initial opening providing evidence of tampering or prior opening.

Abstract: An indicator device for a table dispenser has a first cylindrical rotatable member defining an aperture, a second cylindrical rotatable member arranged concentrically with respect to the first member, a third cylindrical member relatively fixed with respect to and concentric with the first and second members, means coupling the first and second members for rotation together in a first direction of rotation from a first position of the first member in which access through the aperture is not possible to a second position of the first member in which access through the aperture is possible for dispensing a tablet, means coupling the second and third members to prevent the rotation of the second member in the direction of rotation opposite to the first direction during the rotation of the first member from the second position to the first position and means to indicate, upon the restoration of the first member to its first position after it has been rotated to the second position, the time that a tablet is next

Abstract: Processes for continuously dispensing liquid microbicides at extremely low rates into metalworking fluids over predetermined periods for control of microbial activity therein comprising dropping a dispensing device filled with the microbicide into a sump containing a fluid. The filled dispenser sinks to the bottom of the sump and rises to the surface of the fluid as the microbicide in the dispenser approaches depletion whereupon a filled dispenser may again be charged into the sump.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a fueling nozzle vapor collecting apparatus attachable to a standard fuel dispensing nozzle spout. The apparatus includes a rigid plate connected to the spout having an annular resilient cup-shaped hood affixed to the plate periphery having a foam cushion defined on its outer edge for sealingly engaging the surface surrounding a fuel tank inlet. A collecting hose for the vapor is attached to a port defined in the plate for venting the vapor to a location remote from the nozzle, and a sight glass is adjustably positionable within a seal located in the plate providing visual observance of the fuel level.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material including a hopper for receiving solid thermoplastic material, a flow-through grid melter secured to the bottom of the hopper and a heated reservoir mounted beneath the grid melter. The reservoir has a bottom discharge opening through which molten thermoplastic material is supplied to a pump. To control the temperature of molten material supplied to the pump, there is a deflector shield over the bottom discharge opening of the reservoir. This shield has downwardly and outwardly sloping top surfaces operable to force molten material falling onto the shield to flow outwardly over the top surface of the shield and then downwardly and inwardly over the top surface of the bottom wall of the reservoir before flowing into the outlet opening of the reservoir. To input desired temperatures for the grid and reservoir into the apparatus and to read out temperature data, there is a control console mounted atop the housing of the apparatus.

Abstract: Mechanism for discharging granular material, especially seed and fertilizer, and having a bin and seed-flow regulators that variable amounts of material can be supplied to the ground through, whereby a sensor that detects the amount of material or number of grains of material discharged through that device is positioned in the vicinity of at least one flow regulator. To improve the sensor's detection of the amount or number of grains of material, a flow accelerator (8) accelerates the grains (22) of material toward the sensor (15) between the flow regulator and the sensor (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A pool chemical dispenser is provided that comprises a rotatably adjustable top, a container and a ballast disk cooperative with the top such that the specific gravity of the material of the top and the container is less than 1.0 and the specific gravity of the material of the ballast disk is greater than 1.0 thereby permitting the dispenser to float off the bottom of the skimmer in which it is immersed in water when less than about 10% of the pool chemical remains in the container and invert, remaining on the top of the surface of the water to indicate the pool chemical is exhausted.

Abstract: On operating a fuel metering unit with a fuel feed nozzle through a number of operational stages, the current condition of the metering unit is detected by a detector, and a guide which is provided on or in the vicinity of the metering unit is actuated by a signal from a control system specifying a predetermined form of guidance as to the action to be taken in the next step of operation of the metering unit according to a signal from the detector, thereby guiding the operator step by step with the progress of a fuel filling operation by the metering unit.

Abstract: A container having associated with it at least one memory device in which a record of the contents of the container is stored, the memory device being addressable such that the record of contents may be altered during use of the container to maintain a record of the remaining contents of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser for soluble pool chemicals is provided having a child-resistant rotatably openable top utilizing an angled detent and a deformable stop to resist rotation until a threshold amount of rotative force is applied, the top being adjustably openable to control the amount of pool chemicals dispensed via dispensing openings in a ballast disk that is fixed in place by the interlocking of interlocking recesses with locking tabs on the neck of the dispenser container to permit the top with its dispensing openings to rotate relative to the disk to uncover the dispensing openings in the disk to the desired amount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leaking valves in a volumetric fluid delivery system. The system employs a volumetric chamber divided into two compartments by a moveable membrane, with each compartment having a valved inlet and a valved outlet. In the system, fluid is delivered in discrete increments by alternately opening an inlet and an outlet on opposite sides of the membrane. Between such delivery periods, all valves are closed, and then only a single valve is opened. The membrane is monitored to detect movement while the single valve is opened, indicating a closure failure in one of the supposedly closed valves.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure cap of the type having a pivotable stopper closing a cap top orifice. The stopper has an integral flange overlying portions of the top and extending behind the pivotable member to preclude pivoting of the pivotable member. The flange is removable from the pivotable member and indicia formed in the container top underlying the flange is made visible by removal of the flange.

Abstract: A container having attached to it at least one memory device carrying information relating to the intended contents of the container; the device being operably connectable to apparatus responsive to information communicated from the memory device whereby an operation actively involving the contents of the container may be performed in a manner at least partly determined by the characteristics of the contents.

Abstract: An apparatus in which an auger, coupled to a hopper storing toner particles, dispenses toner particles substantially uniformly into a developer mixture. The auger comprises a tubular member having a plurality of apertures therein for discharging toner particles therefrom. A toner transport is disposed interiorly of the tubular member for advancing the toner particles therealong. The toner transport has a helical tooth for advancing the toner particles along the tubular member. The helical tooth has sections thereof deleted therefrom in the region of the apertures in the tubular member to facilitate discharging of the toner particles from the toner member and to prevent caking and clogging thereof.