Abstract: A filling apparatus includes a container, a conveyor system for transporting the container and a fill nozzle for filling the container. The fill nozzle includes a product inlet for receiving an edible liquid and a chamber fluidly connected to the product inlet. The fill nozzle also includes an elastomeric seal located within the chamber and a piston located at least partially within the chamber. The piston has a capillary tube selectively fluidly connected to the chamber. The capillary tube includes a capillary tube inlet and a capillary tube outlet. In a static state, the elastomeric seal seals the capillary tube inlet to prevent the edible liquid from flowing into the capillary tube inlet. In a filling state, the elastomeric seal does not seal the capillary tube inlet, allowing the edible liquid to flow into the capillary tube inlet, out of the capillary tube outlet and into the container.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed towards systems and methods for dispensing feed. In one example embodiment, the system may include a feed cup configured to receive feed and a feed roll having helical flutes. In an example embodiment, the feed roll is configured to be disposed in different positions to adjust a size of an orifice within the feed cup, wherein a flow of dispensing feed is adjusted based on the positioning of the feed roll and an angle of the helical flutes.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a fluid reservoir containing fluid; a fluid suction chamber of variable volume comprising an extraction and application space that that varies between a minimum volume and a maximum volume; a dip tube that connects the reservoir to the suction chamber at an orifice; suction means for sucking, during a suction stage, fluid from the reservoir into the chamber through the orifice; and an extractor and applicator member that defines, in part, the suction chamber and the suction means, and further the extraction and application space; wherein the sliding of the slidable sleeve over the stationary stem does not involve any resilient driving force.

Abstract: The dispenser dispenses premeasured quantities of a granular or powdered material when a lever on the dispenser housing is pressed inwardly. The quantity dispensed with each stroke of the lever can be adjusted easily by turning a dial on the outside of the housing. This adjusts the effective volume of a pair of telescoping tubes inside the dispenser. The dispenser is easily refilled merely by removing the top cap and pouring in the material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device 1000 comprises a piston assembly 1100, a translatable pivot guide system 1200, and a pneumatic aspirator 1300; the piston assembly 1100 functionally acting as the fluid handler, admitting and ejecting fluid from an inlet 1133 to an outlet 1135; the translatable pivot guide system 1200 is a user controllable system adapted to cooperate with the piston assembly 1100 for allowing a user to selectively set the volume of fluid ejected by the piston assembly 1100; and the pneumatic aspirator 1300 is a pressure control system, adapted to cooperate with the piston assembly 1100 and the translatable pivot guide system 1200, for regulating pressure within the piston assembly 1100, effective to allow the piston assembly 1100 to eject fluid during dispensing and to admit fluid during reset; wherein two or more instances of the present invention fluid delivery device 1000 are used together to effect metered fluid mixing applications.

Abstract: A powder dispensing apparatus is disclosed in which the apparatus includes a drum assembly 2. The drum assembly includes a support portion 10 and a foil 14 which are linearly movable relative to one another. The foil 14 has a plurality of through-apertures 25, and the support portion 10 includes a corresponding number of apertures 20. The base of each aperture 20 in the support portion is closed off by a piston 24. The apertures 25, 20 are aligned at a filling position where powder can fill a compartment. The foil 14 is then translated relative to the support portion 10 in order to close the compartments. The drum 2 can be rotated through 180° to a dispensing position. The foil 14 is moved so that the apertures 25, 20 are aligned and the pistons 24 can be used to dispense powder into a receptacle.

Abstract: The dispenser dispenses premeasured quantities of a granular or powdered material when a lever on the dispenser housing is pressed inwardly. The quantity dispensed with each stroke of the lever can be adjusted easily by turning a dial on the outside of the housing. This adjusts the effective volume of a pair of telescoping tubes inside the dispenser. The dispenser is easily refilled merely by removing the top cap and pouring in the material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, dispensing, and measuring dry granular and powdered materials with an adjustable measuring cup device to which the apparatus may be removably attached for separate use, the measuring cup device capable of accurately measuring a desired volume of the materials dispensed from the apparatus, a main housing having a container reservoir for storing the materials to be dispensed, a housing compartment for housing the measuring cup device therein; a dispensing hole in between the container reservoir and the housing compartment, and a dispensing disc with an outwardly extending lever for opening and closing the dispensing hole for filling the measuring cup device. A preferred embodiment includes the filling hole of the top wall includes a removably attached air-tight lid for covering the container reservoir and to help preserve the freshness of the materials stored in the container cavity.

Abstract: A volumetric feeder made of a plurality of independent feeder elements 20a, 20b. Each of the feeder elements is provided with a stationary portion 21 and a movable volumetric measure 22 that moves back and forth in the stationary portion 21. Each movable volumetric measure is provided with a measure portion 23 for accommodating a predetermined volume of powdery or granular material. The movable volumetric measure in the feeder elements are capable of moving independently of one another between a charging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with charging apertures 24 of the stationary portion 21, and a discharging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with discharging apertures 26 of the stationary portion 21.

Abstract: A kitchen dispenser for storing and dispensing dry goods is provided. The dispenser includes a canister having a front portion, a back portion and a lid repeatably and releasably coupled together. An open space is defined between the front portion, rear portion and lid. The dispenser includes an aperture in a bottom side of the front portion and a movable dispensing mechanism coupled to the bottom portion of the canister. The dispensing mechanism includes a variable measurement device corresponding to the aperture in the bottom side of the front portion, the dispensing mechanism moveable between a dispensing position and a filling position. The kitchen dispenser further includes a scraper plate coupled to the bottom side of the front portion, the scraper plate in contact with a top side of the dispensing mechanism during movement between filling and dispensing positions.

Abstract: An appliance with a rear wall section, a first side wall section, and a second side wall section, defining an interior. The appliance includes a refrigerator section within the appliance interior and the refrigerator section has the same or a smaller volume than the appliance interior. The appliance also includes a door with an exterior surface and an interior surface with a door liner. Further included is a module removably engaged with the appliance. Yet further included is a resealable comestible dry goods container having a defined interior volume, an exterior, and a bottom portion where the container is removably engaged within the module.

Abstract: A dispensing system comprising a housing having an inlet opening and a channel, and a slide mechanism configured to extend through the channel, where the slide mechanism comprises a first end configured to extend out of a first opening of the channel, a second end that having at least one stop component and being configured to extend out of the second opening of the channel, and a plurality of volume chambers configured to be at least partially accessible to the inlet opening of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device for dosing small-particulate pharmaceutical preparations with at least one chamber for receiving a larger amount of the preparation and a dosing unit, comprising a rotary valve carrying at least one dosing chamber for receiving a defined partial amount (defined dose) of the preparation, whereby the dosing chamber is moveable between a filling position, in which it is to be filled with a preparation from the chamber, and a dispensing position, in which the preparation is to be dispensed from the dosing chamber. The rotary valve is rotable about a substantially horizontal axis, and assigned an adjustment device for setting the volume in the dosing chamber and a twisting device, whereby the twisting device constitutes the actuator for the adjustment device. The plastic material chosen such, that no softening agents or other volatile components will be released, in order to prevent drug contamination.

Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense one of at least two predetermined amounts of particulate materials from a container, the dispenser comprising a container support and at least two dispensing chambers, each being movable from a first position wherein it is located so as receive particulate materials from the container to a second position wherein it is located so as to dispense particulate materials stored therein. A first of the dispensing chambers has a volume equal to that of a first predetermined amount. The first dispensing chamber and at least one other dispensing chamber have a combined volume equal to a second predetermined amount.

Abstract: A kitchen dispenser for storing and dispensing dry goods is provided. The dispenser includes a canister having a front portion, a back portion and a lid repeatably and releasably coupled together. An open space is defined between the front portion, rear portion and lid. The dispenser includes an aperture in a bottom side of the front portion and a movable dispensing mechanism coupled to the bottom portion of the canister. The dispensing mechanism includes a variable measurement device corresponding to the aperture in the bottom side of the front portion, the dispensing mechanism moveable between a dispensing position and a filling position. The kitchen dispenser further includes a scraper plate coupled to the bottom side of the front portion, the scraper plate in contact with a top side of the dispensing mechanism during movement between filling and dispensing positions.

Abstract: A laundry soap dispensing apparatus includes a housing that has a back wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The front wall has a cup opening therein positioned adjacent to the bottom wall and configured for receiving a cup. A trough is mounted within the housing and has a pour opening therein directed toward the bottom wall and a cup extended through the cup opening. Soap poured into the housing is directed into the trough and toward the pour opening. A measuring assembly is mounted in the housing and is in fluid communication with the pour opening. The measuring assembly is configured to dispense one of a plurality of selectable amounts of laundry soap into the cup. Laundry soap positioned within the trough may be poured into the cup by actuating the measuring assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supplying liquid for use in a plasma disinfection system. The apparatus supplies liquid for generating plasma to a reaction chamber (1) to sterilize and disinfect an item wrapped in a packaging material (10) in the reaction chamber (1). The apparatus includes: an automatic feeder (20) for automatically feeding an extremely small fixed amount of liquid via a first discharging pipe (40) by controlling a rotational speed of a DC motor (31); a vaporizer (24) connected to the first discharging pipe (40) of the automatic feeder (20) and having a first heater (26) for vaporizing the fed liquid; a second heater (22) surrounding a second discharging pipe (23) connected between the vaporizer (24) and the reaction chamber (1) to prevent any condensation of the vaporized liquid in the second discharging pipe (23); and a temperature controller (25) electrically connected to the first and second heaters (26 and 22) to control temperatures thereof.

Abstract: The device to store, sift and measure flour has a container that is generally rectangular in cross section, and that is relatively tall in relation to its horizontal dimensions. A sifting mechanism divides the container roughly in half vertically, and a measuring mechanism is disposed just below the sifting mechanism. Flour is stored in the upper portion of the container, and sifted and measured flour is received into the lower portion of the container, preferably into a removable drawer.

Abstract: A product dispenser which includes a main housing and a second housing. The main housing contains a pivot arm that closes an electrical switch via a tension spring for producing a desired sound. The pivot arm is operated by a push button which functions to raise a scissor jack which in turn raises a conveyor tube in which a product has been loaded from a product reservoir. The conveyor tube is provided with a slide door that prevents discharge of a product from the reservoir. The conveyor tube also includes a push rod that contacts a pivotable character when the conveyor tube is raised. The push rod pushes the character over so it appears that the character is pouring a product from a container. At the same time the product moves from the conveyor tube to an exit tube. Then the movements are reversed to a rest position from which they started.

Abstract: According to a method for filling containers (2) with a metered quantity of products (10), the products is supplied to a reservoir (3), inside which there is a metering receptacle (7). In its upper part, the metering receptacle (7) is open and its lower part features a discharge pipe (8), which communicates with a container (2) to be filled. A moving element (13) moves between a filling position in which it causes the raising of level of the products (10) over the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7), so that the latter is filled with the products and a non-filling position, in which the level of the products (10) is lowered below the opening (7a) of the metering receptacle (7). Thus a metered quantity (11) of products is collected inside the metering receptacle (7) The metered quantity (11) of products is delivered to the container (2) through the discharge pipe (8), by opening of valve means (9).

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicine feed unit 1 which can reliably feed a predetermined number of medicine sticks 5 without requiring a work for aligning the medicine sticks. The medicine feed unit 1 is equipped with a medicine housing container 3 for housing a plurality of medicine sticks 5 each obtained by packaging a medicine in a cylindrical bag sealed at both end portions and a medicine feeding section 4, to which the medicine housing container 3 is removably attached and which feeds the medicine sticks 5 one by one.

Abstract: A water supply dipper for a beverage brewer with the dipper mounted for pivotal movement in the hot water tank and is moved by the brewer motor upwardly and forwardly in the tank to discharge hot water into the brewer. One-way valves in the bottom of the dipper allow water to pass into the dipper.

Abstract: A fish feed container includes a plate having an aperture formed in the center. A cover is secured on top of the container and a tube slidably received in the cover. A lid is secured to the tube, and a spring may bias the lid to enclose the aperture of the plate. The lid is caused to be disengaged from the aperture of the plate in order to allow the fish feed to flow into the tube when the tube is depressed inward of the cover. A bolt is threadedly engaged with the lid so as to adjust the inner space of the tube and so as to adjust the quantity of the fish feed received in the tube.

Abstract: A dispenser for smoothly and reliably dispensing flowable or particulate matter such as fish food is provided, in which dynamic gravity of the matter itself is utilized to regulate dispensing of the same in an uncomplicated manner. The dispenser has a container adapted to be mounted upon a rotatable shaft and having a hollow interior with two openings therethrough for communicating with external surroundings. A partition is mounted within the container interior for dividing a portion of the container interior into a plurality of compartments. The partition extends between the openings to limit quantity of matter falling into one of the compartments as the container rotates. A duct is mounted to rotate with the container and communicates with one of these openings. As the container rotates, the partition regulates the quantity of matter falling into the dispensing compartment and directs matter not discharged from the dispensing compartment back into the other compartment.

Abstract: A collapsible tube dispenser is disclosed for use with collapsible tubes that contain highly viscous materials, such as silicone gasket RTV. The dispenser provides two engaging plates for squeezing the sides of a collapsible tube, which causes the contents of the tube to be expressed from its open end. The dispenser also includes two handles which can be gripped by a single hand of a human user. When the handles are kept apart from one another, a collapsible tube can be inserted into the slot formed between the engaging plates of the dispenser. When the handles are squeezed together, the engaging plates apply force to the sides of the tube, thus squeezing out a very controlled amount of highly viscous material. The dispenser is very easy to use, in that it can produce a bead of highly viscous material upon a target having a very narrow line width, and having great positional accuracy.

Abstract: A dispensing device for automatically dispensing measured amounts of particulate material which includes supply means for supplying a quantity of the particulate material and a chute for receiving the particulate material from the supply means. A reciprocating pusher means is positioned in the chute for controlling the amount of particulate material dispensed from the supply means and for discharging the dispense particulate material from the chute. A distribution hopper receives the particulate material from the chute and discharges it to a reciprocating measuring plate having a plurality of removable measuring inserts therein whereby the particulate material is received in cavities in the inserts. As the measuring plate is moved forwardly, the particulate material passes through a control plate having a plurality of slots therein and is deposited in a plurality of mask hoppers for ultimate dispensing.

Abstract: The adjustable measuring device of the present invention has a housing containing an arcuate chamber guide having movable plates attached to it so as to define a metering chamber of variable size. The housing has a housing inlet at the top, communicating with a chamber inlet, and a housing outlet at the bottom, communicating with the metering chamber. An amount, predetermined by the size of the metering chamber, of material to be ground leaves a hopper, and enters the metering chamber through the housing inlet and the chamber inlet. The housing is slid, thereby closing the hopper, until the housing outlet is positioned over a grinding area. Then, the material is discharged into the grinding area to be ground.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for packaging frozen food includes positioning a stationary hopper above a rotating plate having spaced openings receiving frozen food from the hopper and directing same into spaced vertical cylinders of predetermined volume preparatary to discharge, the cylinders and associated parts being constructed of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene and the like to avoid sticking and binding of the frozen food thereon.

Abstract: A dosing device is provided for introducing small doses of a liquid contained in a first chamber into a second liquid flowing in a second chamber. The device includes a body traversed by a bore which fluidly connects the chambers to one another and in which slides a push pin mounted on a sliding member and a follower pin mounted freely between the push pin and an abutment bar attached to the sliding member. The sliding member reciprocates parallel to the axis of the bore whereby the follower pin is pushed in one direction by the abutment bar and in the opposite direction by the push pin. A space separating the follower pin from the push pin constitutes the dosing chamber which is displaced between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A coffee grinder assembly including a housing, a coffee bean hopper, a motorized grinder and at least one bean carrier member containing a chamber having a predetermined volume slidably disposed in the housing between a retracted position wherein the chamber communicates with the hopper and is isolated from the grinder and an extended position wherein the chamber communicates with the grinder and is isolated from the hopper. The member contains an inlet aperture for communication between the chamber and the hopper when in the first position and an outlet aperture for communication between the chamber and the grinder when in the second position. The chamber contains a floor which slopes downwardly toward the outlet aperture at a negative angle which is greater than the angle of repose of coffee beans to promote the flow of coffee beans from the chamber to the grinder.

Abstract: A device and method for holding and delivering a load of particulate material such as wood blocks, wood chips--dry or moist--, and briquettes. A main bin has an open upper end, closed side walls, and a closed bottom wall. A pair of drive shafts are journaled across and in the side walls of the main bin, with a motor therefor. A flexible belt has one end secured to a first such drive shaft on one side of the bin and another end secured to a second such drive shaft on the opposite side of the bin. A continuous chain driven by the motor drives said drive shafts, and there is an idler associated with the chain and one of the drive shafts for reversing the direction of rotation of that drive shaft, so that rotation of the two drive shafts slackens the belt enabling loading. The belt, when tightened and raised, drops the load into said main bin.

Abstract: A package for displaying and dispensing cards, including a front panel and a rear panel forming a recess therebetween in which cards may be placed. The front panel has an opening therein through which the cards may be seen and through which a finger may touch and push on the card. A resilient biasing means is placed in the recess at a position between the cards firmly in the recess. A cam surface is formed along the edge of the recess with the opening so that when the card is pushed toward the opening, a single card engages the cam surface and part of it moves out of the recess so that it may be readily grasped and removed from the recess.

Abstract: An ammunition powder measuring and dispensing apparatus in which a charging chamber rotates and translates in a helical course within a housing between inlet and outlet ports. The powder is gravity loaded and discharged from the chamber from a hopper above the inlet port and to a cartridge or shell below the outlet port. A micrometer-operated disc in the chamber adjusts the amount of the charge. The disc is concave to reduce crevices where powder can build up, and the chamber is tapered to small opening to improve cut-off leveling of powder at the inlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid objects such as, for example, pills or tablets, from a bulk supply into a receptacle containing individual doses of such medication. More particularly, the apparatus includes a series of plates, one of which is movable with respect to the other two, causing solid objects of predetermined shape and configuration to be efficiently and automatically transferred from a bulk supply source to individually accessible unit dose packages.

Abstract: The device consists of a cylindrical body divided into an upper filling chamber and a lower overflow chamber by a moveable component which increases or decreases the size of the filling chamber and determines the amount of liquor to be dispensed. Once the upper chamber is visually determined to be filled a rearward pumping action of the outer body opens the releasing cap and at the same time shuts off the flow of liquor into the filling chamber. The device is attached by insertion into the neck opening of a bottle.

Abstract: A device for use in dispensing flowable materials comprising a container therefor having a dispensing opening on the bottom thereof which is adapted to be in selective alignment with a plurality of measuring tubes in a rotatable member which is rotatably positioned beneath said container, each of said measuring tubes being partitioned at a predetermined point by a removable tab to enable emission of a measured amount of material from such tube by removal of said tab.

Abstract: A nut dispensing machine which includes a nut receptacle mounted onto a base which includes a nut dispensing mechanism which is designed to prevent jamming or binding. The mechanism includes a nut dispensing slide having a dispensing opening reciprocally mounted in the base on a support platform. The platform has an obstruction clearing opening therein through which obstructions fall to clear the dispensing slide. The slide includes a mixing post mounted thereon which extends into the receptacle to assist in dispensing the nuts.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing discrete measured amounts of fluent material. A dispenser body includes a horizontal tubular chamber having an upper inlet port and a lower outlet port in communication with the tubular chamber. A reservoir communicates with the inlet port. A piston having a plurality of vertical and horizontal measuring holes is disposed within the horizontal tubular chamber and configured for rotational and reciprocal linear sliding engagement with the tubular chamber and each of the measuring holes can alternatively communicate with the inlet port and the outlet port when so aligned. The amount of fluent material dispensed is determined by the volume of the measuring hole. Another embodiment involves measuring holes open at one end only, with the piston rotatable to alternatively communicate the measuring hole with the inlet port and the outlet port.

Abstract: A seed dispensing apparatus includes an upper grain flute housing which mounts a grain flute type seed dispensing system, as well as a lower seed plate housing which mounts a seed plate type dispensing system. Both the flute type dispensing system and the seed plate type dispensing system include respective drive shafts. By selecting and rotating the appropriate one of the drive shafts, the disclosed seed dispensing system can be used either to dispense relatively small seeds via the flute type dispensing system, or relatively large seeds via the seed plate type dispensing system.

Abstract: A material metering device having a feed wheel adjustably positioned above the housing discharge orifice. The feed wheel is disposed to rotate on a shaft journalled in an eccentric bearing. The bearing is attached to the meter housing and has a bearing body selectively rotatable to and selectively securable in a plurality of distinct positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a predetermined amount of material into a predetermined position on each of a series of moving trays while avoiding spillage of the product onto other portions of the trays. A conveyor lifts the material from a supply bin and deposits the material onto a shaker pan. The shaker pan delivers the material in an even flow on to a rotating turntable having a plurality of radially extending gutters thereon. The turntable directs the material to flow along the gutters and into a plurality of hoppers disposed at the periphery of the turntable. The hoppers are rocked to distribute the product evenly within each hopper. Once a hopper is full, any excess material falls onto a drip tray which returns the material back to the supply bin. The filled hoppers are rotated above the trays, which are moving on a conveyor, and release the material onto a predetermined area of the trays by means of funnels mounted adjacent to each hopper.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a selectively variable measured quantity of granular material from a container includes a cup-shaped first member and a hollow cylindrical dispensing member having a sidewall disposed concentrically within the first member. The dispensing member includes a handle, an open bottom, a closed top panel, and a pair of radially extending side panels depending from the top panel to define a measuring chamber. The volume of the measuring chamber may be varied by means of an adjustment member having a lateral panel disposed in a recess in the top of the dispensing member and a depending panel which forms a sidewall of the measuring chamber. The dispensing member is rotatable about a tubular projection extending from the first member, so that the measuring chamber may be moved from alignment with an intake port in the bottom panel of a reservoir supported above the first member to alignment with a discharge port in the bottom of the first member.

Abstract: A molten metal transfer device for withdrawing a selected quantity of molten metal from a bath includes structure defining a chamber disposed within the bath, the chamber including a first opening through which molten metal can flow from the bath into the chamber and a second opening through which molten metal can flow outwardly from the chamber. A cup-like bucket is disposed within the chamber for vertical reciprocating movement, the bucket having a generally vertically oriented slot included as part of its sidewall. The device includes a displacement mechanism for urging the bucket laterally toward engagement with the surface of the chamber. The device also includes mechanisms for easily removing buckets and chambers and replacing them with new buckets and chambers.

Abstract: A dispenser of a granular material having a hopper containing the product and, at the base of the hopper, a device for measuring and distributing the product as well as a support to hold the device in elevated position. The device comprises a hollow cylinder and a drum rotatably mounted in the cylinder, the drum being provided with a first and a second cavity defining, at the periphery, two openings disposed side by side and extending transversely of the drum, the opening of the first cavity extending forwardly past the opening of the second cavity in one of the directions of rotation of the drum. Two feed apertures are provided side by side through the drum cylinder and in communication with the inside of the hopper, the cavities being arranged so that their openings be, in feeding position, simultaneously in registry with the feed aperture.

Abstract: The metering device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical housing having a circular top wall and a circular bottom wall. The top wall has an inlet opening therein and the bottom wall has an outlet opening therein. The outlet opening and the inlet opening each comprise only a portion of the area of the top and bottom walls, respectively.A metering wheel is rotatably mounted within the housing and includes a plurality of pockets circumferentially spaced around its rotational axis. The pockets include open upper and lower ends. A horizontal cover plate is attached to the housing above the metering wheel so as to close off the portion of the inlet opening which is located directly above the outlet opening. The material to be metered drops through the inlet opening and is carried by the rotating pockets of the metering wheel toward the outlet opening. When the material reaches the outlet opening it drops by gravity out of the metering device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coffee powder metering device for coffee vending machines which, besides ensuring that all the coffee powder is metered out with no residue left behind, is also easy to manufacture.The metering device comprises in a structure: a tubular main part, an end wall for closing off one end of the the tubular main part and a thrust wall in the tubular main part opposite the end wall. The tubular main part, end wall and thrust wall thus form a compartment for receiving a given quantity of coffee powder, through an inlet in one of the sides, and forcing it out through the end by utilizing the thrust wall. On the wall facing the compartment, the thrust wall is fitted with at least one movable lip held firmly by way of an elastic device against the tubular main part so as to scrape it clean.

Abstract: This invention concerns food cooking and dispensing apparatus which includes a container for the foods to be cooked and dispensed, a cooking unit and a food holder. The food holder is movable between a first position in or exposed to the cooking unit. There is also included a metering device which is adapted, when operated, to convey a predetermined quantity of the food from the container to the food holder in its first position. The food holder is such that when moved to its second position it discharges food therein gravitationally to a dispensing unit. The apparatus also includes actuating means for operating the metering device and moving the food holder and also prepaid coin operated means for initiating the action of the actuating means.

Abstract: An animal feeding apparatus has a housing for confining animal food items, such as flake-type fish food, and a mechanism for dispensing the food items from the housing for feeding purposes. The housing has an opening therein communicating with the interior of the housing, and the mechanism has a rotatably mounted member disposed partially within the housing and extending outwardly through the opening. The member has one or more receptacles therein for receiving food items from the interior of the housing, and a motive device, such as a motor, rotates the member about its axis to carry food items in the receptacle from within the housing outwardly through the opening for feeding purposes. The motive device rotates the member periodically, such as once in twenty-four hours, to perform a feeding operation one or more times during each such interval of time.

Abstract: A plug valve adapted to meter precise quantities of material passing therethrough in which a cylindrical valve plug is rotatably mounted in a cylindrically shaped aperture in a valve body. First and second sets of radially extending inlet and outlet passageways are connected to the valve body aperture, with each inlet passageway being radially opposite a corresponding outlet passageway. Two orthogonally oriented, nonintersecting valve ports extend through the valve plug perpendicular to its axis of rotation, the ports being closely spaced from each other along the axis and with the diameter of each valve port being approximately one-half the diameter of the passageways such that one valve port connects one set of inlet and outlet passageways while the orthogonally positioned second port simultaneously connects the second set of inlet and outlet passageways.