Abstract: A product distribution system includes a product on demand pick-up assembly including a hopper. The hopper is configured such that an air stream flowing into the pick-up assembly entrains product therein and conveys product downstream through a plurality of conduits. The product distribution system further includes a container for storing product prior to delivery of product to the pick-up assembly and a meter and conveyor assembly configured to move product from the container to the pick-up assembly hopper such that an amount of product greater than a predetermined quantity is maintained in the pick-up assembly hopper during operation of the system.

Abstract: A device dispenses in a metered fashion a pumpable mass into an optionally moving carrier body in a dispensing region. The device includes a pump arrangement for conveying the mass through a dispensing opening which is provided in a dispensing body and which can be closed by positioning with respect to a first body. The dispensing body has an inner chamber and that the pump arrangement is provided in the inner chamber.

Abstract: A feed system and related process are configured to continuously feed measured doses of source material to a vapor deposition apparatus wherein the source material is sublimated and deposited as a thin film on a substrate. The system includes a bulk material hopper, and an upper dose cup disposed to receive source material from the hopper. A lower dose cup is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber to receive a measured dose of source material from the upper dose cup. A transfer mechanism is disposed below the vacuum lock chamber to receive the measured dose of source material from the lower dose cup and to transfer the source material to a downstream deposition head while isolating the deposition conditions and sublimated source material within the deposition head.

Abstract: The invention is directed to semi-solid food product metering devices that typically have two counter rotating feed rollers with ends to entrain the semi-solid food product and has an at least one actuating device. The two feed rollers have two roller end plates at each end of the feed rollers, one being at a distal end of the rollers and the other at a proximal end of the rollers relative to the at least one actuating device with an at least one support bar. The feed rollers make a positive seal with the end plates. The semi-solid food product metering device of the invention has an open position and an operating position where the at least one support bar supports the two roller end plates in position while in the operating position and operating the semi-solid food product metering device, and allowing for lateral movement of the end plates away from the ends of the feed rollers to allow access to the gap between the feed roller ends and the roller end plates in the open position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a semi-solid food product metering device and method of operating a semi-solid food product metering device with at least two counter rotating feed rollers each with two ends, a distal end and a proximal end. An at least two feed rollers end plates contain the rollers with a first of the at least two roller end plates being a distal feed roller end plate at the distal end of the at least two counter rotating feed rollers and a second of the at least two roller end plates being a removable end plate at the proximal end of the counter rotating feed rollers with an at least one fastening device to fasten the at least two feed roller end plates in the operational position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to semi-solid food product metering devices that typically have two counter rotating feed rollers with ends to entrain the semi-solid food product and has an at least one actuating device. The two feed rollers have two roller end plates at each end of the feed rollers, one being at a distal end of the rollers and the other at a proximal end of the rollers relative to the at least one actuating device with an at least one support bar. The feed rollers make a positive seal with the end plates. The semi-solid food product metering device of the invention has an open position and an operating position where the at least one support bar supports the two roller end plates in position while in the operating position and operating the semi-solid food product metering device, and allowing for lateral movement of the end plates away from the ends of the feed rollers to allow access to the gap between the feed roller ends and the roller end plates in the open position.

Abstract: A device that provides better movement of semi solid materials such as but not limited to food products for metered dispensing. The device is able to take bulk semi solid material, entrain or draw the material into the device and add pressure to the semi solid material so that the semi solid material may be passed thru a nozzle or controlled discharge metering device or orifice. The rollers have circumferential grooved profiles and scrapers that are able to actively remove the semi-solid materials from the grooved profiles. The emitted semi solid material can then be more accurately applied or portioned in a metered fashion. Typical applications include but are certainly not limited to the production of cookies from bulk dough, the application of icing to a cake base/body/top or perimeter, metering of dough for bread or rolls so as to allow for a cutting device to cut off into uniform pieces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to semi-solid food product metering devices that typically have two counter rotating feed rollers with ends to entrain the semi-solid food product and has an at least one actuating device. The two feed rollers have two roller end plates at each end of the feed rollers, one being at a distal end of the rollers and the other at a proximal end of the rollers relative to the at least one actuating device with an at least one support bar. The feed rollers make a positive seal with the end plates. The semi-solid food product metering device of the invention has an open position and an operating position where the at least one support bar supports the two roller end plates in position while in the operating position and operating the semi-solid food product metering device, and allowing for lateral movement of the end plates away from the ends of the feed rollers to allow access to the gap between the feed roller ends and the roller end plates in the open position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a semi-solid food product metering device and method of operating a semi-solid food product metering device with at least two counter rotating feed rollers each with two ends, a distal end and a proximal end. An at least two feed rollers end plates contain the rollers with a first of the at least two roller end plates being a distal feed roller end plate at the distal end of the at least two counter rotating feed rollers and a second of the at least two roller end plates being a removable end plate at the proximal end of the counter rotating feed rollers with an at least one fastening device to fasten the at least two feed roller end plates in the operational position.

Abstract: A device that provides better movement of semi solid materials such as but not limited to food products for metered dispensing. The device is able to take bulk semi solid material, entrain or draw the material into the device and add pressure to the semi solid material so that the semi solid material may be passed thru a nozzle or controlled discharge metering device or orifice. The rollers have circumferential grooved profiles and scrapers that are able to actively remove the semi-solid materials from the grooved profiles. The emitted semi solid material can then be more accurately applied or portioned in a metered fashion. Typical applications include but are certainly not limited to the production of cookies from bulk dough, the application of icing to a cake base/body/top or perimeter, metering of dough for bread or rolls so as to allow for a cutting device to cut off into uniform pieces.

Abstract: A self-cleaning hairbrush system has a housing with a wall formed with apertures and with a hollow interior with an open end and a closed end. A core has an interior end positionable adjacent to the closed end and an exterior exposed end extending through the open end of the housing. A plurality of resilient bristles have fixed ends extending radially outward from the core and free ends extending through the apertures of the housing. A handle is operatively coupled to the closed end of the housing.

Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to packages as the packages are formed is disclosed. The system includes a dunnage forming machine having a work station for inflating and sealing plastic pouches to form dunnage units. An accumulator is positioned below the station for receiving and collecting such units as they are formed. The accumulator includes an outlet opening laterally offset from the station. A pair of counter rotating brushes having axes journaled in spaced relationship are mounted at the outlet. Each of the brushes includes circumferentially spaced bristle sets defining unit receiving spaces between adjacent sets. A motor drive is operably connected to the brushes for causing counter rotation. A unit volume sensor is provided for emitting a machine start signal when the volume of units in the accumulator reaches a predetermined low volume. A process for providing dunnage in packages being formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for wiping the surfaces or rotors used to portion mixed materials. The device removes adhering materials, such as cookie dough, from the cutting or metering surfaces. Typical application is for use in large automated bakeries or cookie manufacturers wishing to transport larger slabs or chunks of cookie dough from a mixer to machines which portion the dough prior for baking or freezing. The device has a wiper located proximate to the rotors. The device then moves the wiper along the rotors to release the adhering materials.

Abstract: A feed hopper for a bulk food proportioning machine includes a pair of horizontally disposed counterrotating feed screws in the bottom of the hopper which provide a uniform and continuous gentle flow of product to the hopper outlet which is positioned to feed directly downwardly into the fill inlet of the proportioning machine.

Abstract: A material spreader comprising a mobile tank for receiving and discharging waste material, such as manure. The spreader includes a conveying assembly comprising one or more augers rotatably mounted in the tank for conveying material received in the tank to a discharge area. An opening in the vicinity of the discharge area permits material to be dispensed to a slinger assembly mounted outside the tank adjacent the opening. Material is distributed by the slinger in a controlled pattern as the tank is transported over a field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel granular material metering and dispensing system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel adjustable-rate apparatus for metering and dispensing granular chemicals, seeds and fertilizers. A metering dispenser for granular materials comprising: (a) a metering assembly for affixing to a resevoir of granular materials; and (b) at least one roller comprised of two opposed, truncated cones rotationally mounted on a metering shaft in the metering assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that can always and continuously cut and discharge a constant amount of bread dough, regardless of its properties, from a mass of bread dough in a hopper. The apparatus is characterized by projections (5,6) mounted on pairs of opposing rotating cutting blades (4,4') disposed in a bottom opening of the hopper (1).

Abstract: A sweep arm assembly and cleanout port are provided for a dry bulk materials feeding system. A supply hopper having an outlet is disposed above a chamber such that material may flow from the hopper to the chamber. The chamber has a flat bottom surface. A feed trough is disposed below a slot in the bottom surface of the chamber such that material may flow from the chamber to the feed trough. A sweep arm is disposed in the chamber and located adjacent to the bottom surface. The sweep arm is rotated to "sweep" the material in the chamber to the slot in the bottom surface. Further, a method is provided for feeding dry bulk materials. Material to be fed is loaded into a supply hopper. Material is permitted to flow from the supply hopper into a chamber, which chamber has a flat bottom surface. Material in the chamber is swept into the feed trough. The material is swept into the feed trough by a sweep arm that is rotated in the chamber adjacent to the bottom surface of the chamber.

Abstract: A pyrolysis system is provided for use in the pyrolytic distillation of various feedstock materials, such system including an elongate reaction chamber with an upstream end, a downstream end, an infeed port near the upstream end and a discharge port near the downstream end. An auger is disposed in the reaction chamber to convey feedstock from the infeed port to the discharge port through the reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the auger includes a reverse section downstream from the discharge port to create an accumulation zone. An input airlock coupled to the reaction chamber near the upstream end delivers charges of feedstock through the input port into the reaction chamber and an output airlock coupled to the discharge port of the reaction chamber receives therefrom pyrolyzed material. Heat is supplied by a furnace disposed around the reaction chamber to supply heat thereto.

Abstract: A chip bin construction, ideally suited for bins having a maximum diameter of twelve feet or more, uniformly discharges chips, after steaming, without the necessity of a vibratory discharge. A hollow transition portion is provided between a hollow substantially right circular cylindrical main body and a rectangular discharge. The hollow transition may have a substantially circular cross-section open top and a substantially rectangular cross-section open bottom and opposite non-vertical gradually tapering side walls. At least one feed screw may be mounted at the open bottom of the transition for cooperation with the discharge, and the feed screw(s)--or the equivalent--may provide for metering of the chips. Alternatively, the hollow transition portion may provide one dimensional convergence and side relief, and no screw feeders need be provided, in which case a conventional chip meter is used.

Abstract: In an apparatus for supplying a predetermined amount of cooking materials, a pair of conveyer belt mechanisms 2 synchronously running along both sides of a material supply path is provided in a storage 1 for accommodating cooking materials, such as chopped vegetables. The cooking materials 6 filled in the material supply path between the belts are conveyed to the exit side of the path corresponding to movement of the conveyer belts by a predetermined pitch whenever a supply command is made, and then dropped onto a stand-by cooking plate 5 through the exit.

Abstract: A portable vessel for containment of environmentally sensitive materials during transportation thereof, and during discharge thereof, comprising a sealable vessel having capability of holding a negative pressure, and including a filter system for drawing out gasses contained in said vessel, and a dual auger vessel discharge system to remove the material from the vessel without the necessity of human contact therewith.

Abstract: A material feeder for dispensing batches of material which includes a refrigerated enclosure, a material feeder, a feeder drive arrangement, a scale and a controller. The feeder is housed within the refrigerated enclosure, and is removably coupled to the drive arrangement such that the complete feeder arrangement which is exposed to the material (e.g., foodstuffs such as shredded cheese) may be removed from the enclosure for cleaning at a location separate from the enclosure such as a dishwasher. The scale is connected to a container which catches the material dispensed by the feeder and produces a weight signal such is applied to the control unit. The control unit operates the drive unit which rotates a plurality of feed screws in the feeder at two speeds.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring apparatus for repeatably measuring a selected volume. The adjustable measuring apparatus includes a hollow sleeve having two sleeve apertures formed through opposed spaced apart surfaces of said sleeve. A first sleeve aperture formed on a top side of the sleeve is formed for receiving material therethrough. A second sleeve aperture formed on a bottom surface of the sleeve is formed for dispensing material therethrough. A cylinder is rotatably retained in the sleeve and has a cylinder aperture formed therethrough for selectively communicating with the first and second sleeve apertures. A piston is adjustably retained in the cylinder for adjustably controlling a volume of the cylinder. An adjustment member is provided and attached to the piston for adjustably positioning said piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: A two-cylinder discharge for a storage silo for farinaceous bulk goods. The discharge includes a discharge hopper and at least two discharge cylinders which are supported so as to be rotatable in the discharge hopper. The two discharge cylinders include a plurality of discharge chambers arranged in a circumferential direction of the cylinders. A gap exists between the discharge chambers and guide walls of the silo.

Abstract: A storage bin type ice dispenser includes a storage bin having front and rear walls, opposed side walls, a bottom wall and an inclined wall formed between a lower end of the front wall and a front end of the bottom wall to form a semicylindrical internal surface extending upward from an internal surface of the bottom wall. The bin is formed therein with a guide groove which is located at the center portions of the bottom and inclined walls in a lateral direction and extends upward from the bottom wall to a lower part of the front wall. The guide groove is formed at a front part thereof with a dispensing opening which opens downward through the inclined wall. The ice dispenser further includes an agitator having a rotary shaft rotatably mounted within the bin and positioned laterally in parallel with the semicylindrical internal surface of the inclined wall. A finger assembly is mounted on the center of the shaft to rotate along the guide groove.

Abstract: An improved metering mechanism for metering highly aerated or fluidized solid materials in a controlled manner is disclosed. The mechanism consists of a bin discharger attached above a rotary feeder assembly. The bin discharger has two augers which rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The augers rotate such that material flow is directed toward the center of the discharger, and down into the inlet of the rotary feeder assembly. The rotary feeder assembly contains 6-12 rotary vanes. Two vanes form a pocket into which material falls as each pocket comes into mating relation with the rotary feeder assembly inlet. A tight clearance between the outer radial edge of the rotary vanes and the inner surface of the housing of the rotary feeder assembly prevents the material from flushing through the rotary feeder assembly in an uncontrolled fashion. The material exits the rotary feeder assembly as each filled pocket comes into mating relation with the outlet of the rotary feeder assembly.

Abstract: A truck mounted particulate material applicator which entrains metered amounts of the particles in a fluid for conveying the material outwardly along tubes forming boom assemblies. The metering assembly and the booms are mounted in the mid portion of the truck wheel base for minimizing bouncing, and excess shock loads on the booms during travel, and also for providing a centrally located distribution point for the metering assembly. The present device includes a unique manifold for entraining particulate materials such as inorganic fertilizer or grains in fluid flow streams within tubes in which they form the boom assemblies. Each tube carries the metered air entrained material a different distance from the center to cover a wide path. Separate tubes are directed toward the rear of the truck to spread the material in the path of the truck.

Abstract: A mini-extruder apparatus for extruding small quantities of material. The apparatus is designed to overcome the problems of excessive heat transfer from the heated portion of the barrel to the feed portion of the extruder barrel and the premature failure of the long thin extruder screws employed in extruders. The mini-extruder includes an extruder barrel having a substantially circumferential, radially extending cavity formed in an isolator portion of the extruder barrel to thermally isolate the feed portion from the heated portion. The mini-extruder also includes a drive system constructed to drive the extruder screw at both ends. The mini-extruder can also be designed as a co-rotating or counter-rotating twin screw extruder where each end of each extruder screw is driven.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for discharging storage bins within which difficult-to-handle materials are stored, the apparatus including a container adapted to be fixed to the bottom of the storage bin or silo, having horizontally spaced apart parallel shafts disposed within the container for counter-rotational movement therebetween. Working tools are attached to the shafts by radially extending arms and extend toward and substantially up to the side walls of the container. The working tools are double wedge shaped having substantially triangularly shaped sides converging toward each other at their connection to the shafts and converging toward each other to define a forward or leading edge in the direction of rotation of the tool. The bottom surfaces of the tools are recessed from the bottom edges of the triangularly shaped sides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the mixing of particulate materials with a given mixing ratio and as part of a plant and process requiring the materials, comprising the steps of metering the materials separately in respective metering units running at least substantially continuously, permitting the materials to fall freely onto a horizontal conveyor belt with a planar surface with a distribution of the materials over the belt, and supplying the materials in a further free fall to a further processing zone as part of the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for feeding a substrate into the cells of a set of growing cells placed underneath the device. The feeding device includes two horizontal feeding rolls parallel to each other. Each feeding roll includes a plurality of pin elements which project radially from the face of the rolls in an outward direction. The pins are placed in the normal planes of the axes of the feeding rolls in an alternating fashion with respect to the rolls. This arrangement allows the pins to interlock with each other in the vertical plane through which the substrate is fed. The substrate, by the effect of the circumferential velocity of the feeding rolls, is introduced into the cells so as to compact any material deposited earlier into the cells.

Abstract: A high-pressure conveyor discharges a powdery or granular material from a pressurization tank through a discharge unit into a conveyor pipe. The discharge unit includes a guide cylinder or trough mounted on the tank, a screw feeder extending through the guide cylinder and having an end extending into the tank in overhanging relation to an aerator in the tank and the other end coupled to a variable-speed drive unit such as a motor. The material as it is fluidized on the aerator under a high pressure is supplied into the discharge cylinder, from which the material is fed by the screw feeder out of a discharge port in the guide cylinder into the conveyor pipe. A plurality of discharge units may be connected to the tank at angularly spaced intervals for uniform or adjusted distribution of the material to a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A toner dispensing device has a toner storage chamber provided in its lower portion with an opening for passing toner therethrough, a roller disposed within the storage chamber close to the opening and rotatable to deliver the toner from the storage chamber outward through the opening, an intermediate toner supply chamber in communication with the storage chamber through the opening and for receiving toner to keep it substantially full, and a feeder provided within the intermediate supply chamber for feeding the toner out of the intermediate supply chamber at a constant rate.

Abstract: The novel gasification reactor comprises a vertically oriented chamber with an upper pyrolysis section, a lower feed opening, and a primary combustion section. A lateral passage on each side and near the top of said primary combustion section each communicates with a separate secondary reaction chamber where a partially reacted feed is further reacted to form the product gas. In each passageway is a venturi nozzle or preferably a plurality of nozzles which accelerates the gas carrying entrained carbonaceous materials to produce a swirling curvilinear motion in the secondary reaction chambers.The reactor is fed by means of a plurality of hoppers and screw conveyors whereby the flow is regulated and positively fed both by gravity and the screw conveyors into rotary valve cavities in which counter rotating valves travel. The valves feed a piston which charges the reactor.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing dust and trash from tufts of opened cotton fiber stock includes entrance and exit ducts for airborne transport of the tufts to and from a housing having passages for the tufts therethrough, a screen disposed therein, a pair of counterrotating rollers with projecting pins for regulating passage of the tufts to the screen, a suction trough for causing high velocity impingements of the tufts against the screen for shaking cotton dust from the tufts and through the screen thereby forming a mat of tufts on the screen and passing air at a high velocity through the screen for removing cotton dust from the mat, and a moving paddle wheel for removal of the tufts from the screen disruptively of the mat and propelling the tufts in a tumbling floccular state farther through the passages toward the exit duct. The housing contains a plenum with a porous impact and filtration panel for receiving tufts from the entrance duct against the panel and directing the tufts toward the screen.

Abstract: Dough to be portioned is filled into a hopper, which leads to a chamber from which the dough is forced by means of a plunger into pocket openings arranged on the circumference of a rotating drum. Two rotary members are arranged in the hopper, each of which carries arms serving for preportioning the dough. Within the hopper and above the rotary members are arranged two sets of feed rollers for the dough. These feed rollers serve as intake rollers for the dough to be preportioned. The direction of rotational movement of the rollers of each set of feet rollers is the same as the direction of rotation of the cooperating rotary member. Rotation of the rotary members is controlled by a sensing means responsive to the quantity of dough in the chamber and also the rotation of the feed rollers may be controlled by these sensing means.

Abstract: A planting machine for potatoes or similar crop comprising a device for feeding the potatoes to the planting foot being formed by a conveyor belt having above it two conical discs with a flat outer rim rotating in opposite senses and located side by side, wherein at the side of the conveyor belt conveying members are movable in opposite direction and extend by their pick-up ends beneath the discs, being provided pick-up members causing the potatoes on the flat rim portion to slide off the disc onto the conveying members, the circumferential speed of the discs exceeding the speed of the conveying members.

Abstract: A bucket wheel charging valve having an outer enclosing housing with first and second counter-rotatable wheels on parallel axes therein with each wheel having cells along the periphery with the cell walls swung on an axis coincident with the opposite wheel and the tip end of the spokes between the cells sweeping the cells of the opposite wheel as each wheel is incrementally advanced while the other cell is stationary.

Abstract: At least one pair of vertically superimposed conveyors are located in the bottom region of a bunker in order to discharge the bulk material. The conveyors are spaced apart to create a void or at least a loosened zone free from horizontal pressures in the bulk material between the conveyors. The void prevents the bulk material from bridging over so that gravity flow is not impeded.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering a measured amount of material to a receiving area includes a dispensing bucket on a carriage assembly that is pivoted about a horizontal axis on the free end of a vehicle-supported boom adapted to scoop up the material from a supply. The bucket has a central, restricted discharge opening with a controlled movable closure and further has an auger that gradually moves controlled amounts of the material out through the discharge opening for the controlled dispensing of the material from the bucket over a limited area. The carriage assembly has a carriage body on which the bucket is mounted so that the bucket is moved up and down relative to a carriage frame to further position the bucket relative to the end of the boom and achieve greater bucket heights above the end of the boom.

Abstract: Steady flow of dry toner from the discharge outlet of a toner tank is produced by inducing vortex-like motion of toner within the tank to inhibit toner bridging. A rotating brush associated with the discharge outlet has a rim in grazing contact with an edge of a fixed, inclined plate to establish the toner motion. In a preferred form of toner-supplying device, two discharge outlets are used, each associated with a brush/plate set.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for separating blocks of dried fruit composed of individual fruit pieces such as raisins which are bonded or cohered to one another. One or more pairs of rotating high friction surfaces, such as rolls having rubber projections on their surfaces, are mounted on a framework such that the fruit pieces pass between the surface pairs, being conducted downward sequentially through the pairs when more than one pair is employed, and are separated into individual fruit pieces by the action of the differential speed of the surfaces.