Abstract: The present invention relates to a base insert device for crossed base valve bags for the formation of crossed bases in paper bags, by means of folding devices which introduce folds at the ends of the tubular sections from which the bags are produced, with one or more gluing stations, which apply glue to the regions of the folds for gluing and/or the sheets (5) provided for gluing to the base, in the gluing stations and at least one pressing station in which the folded bases and the sheets (5) are brought into contact and glued. The novelty of the present patent application is that at least one gluing station for the sheets and/or bases is provided, comprising glue outlet openings (22) which may be selectively supplied with glue, whereby the selection of the glue outlet openings (22) defines the format of the glue application (6, 7, 8, 9).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valveless cartridge assembly that has a housing with an opening at a proximal end and an outlet port for dispensing the liquid at a distal end, with the opening being configured to accept a cartridge of the liquid therethrough and communicating with an interior space of the housing. A metered dispensing device is coupled to the valveless cartridge assembly and includes a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the interior space and the outlet port for selectively dispensing the liquid through the outlet port. The apparatus may be such that at least a portion of the metered dispensing device is disposed within the housing or it may alternatively be coupled to an exterior of the housing. The positive displacement pump may be a gear pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive displacement rotary vane mixing pump with an air inlet and an inlet for foamable fluid and an outlet from a discharge sector of the pump for discharging a mixture of air and liquid to a foam generator.

Abstract: A hot melt adhesive metering pump assembly, and an integral reservoir tank fluidically connected thereto and the hot melt adhesive metering pump assembly comprises a plurality of rotary, gear-type metering pumps which are arranged in a compact, longitudinally spaced manner upon a drive gear manifold. All of the driven gears of pumps are respectively driven by manifold pump drive gears which are rotatably mounted upon a common motor-driven rotary drive shaft rotatably disposed within the drive gear manifold, and a first side wall member of a base portion of the reservoir tank is integrally connected to a side wall portion of the drive gear manifold, while a second side wall member of the base portion of the reservoir tank is provided with a plurality of hose connections to which hot melt adhesive delivery hoses are to be connected so as to respectively convey the precisely metered amounts of the hot melt adhesive material toward the applicator heads.

Abstract: An automated biological growth and dispensing system utilizing a modular growing tank which is removable for replacement by another growing tank. Mechanisms for the delivery of air, water and/or nutrients are adapted to permit the growing tank to be readily coupled and uncoupled for easy and inexpensive replacement. Mechanisms for agitation may be integral and removable with the growing tank or may be adapted for a quick connection and disconnection with the growing tank. The growing tank may be disposable and each new growing tank may be provided as a sealed container including a starting amount of a biomass and/or nutrient.

Abstract: A household liquid dispenser has a spout fitment with discontinuous beads or screw threads which define axial channels to interface with a pump inlet in a lock and key arrangement so as to maintain consistent quality of liquids dispensed by preventing the substitution of product refills of uncertain quality. Refills may be readily manufactured and at low cost. Mechanical and motorized dispensers may be used with the inventive spout fitment.

Abstract: A vacuum pump for a seed planter includes a housing, an impeller rotated within the housing, and a motor or other drive. The housing has a central inlet and a circumferentially arranged outlet passage. The impeller vanes define air paths that are open to the outlet passage. The impeller has a central aperture for coupling to the output shaft of the drive and an impeller center cap screwed into the central aperture. The impeller has a curved conical center hub that surrounds the central aperture. The center hub and the center cap are configured to smoothly direct air flow to the passages between the vanes to reduce or eliminate a stagnant air region in a center of the impeller. The center cap can also be used as a tool to remove the impeller from the output shaft.

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

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.

Abstract: A dispensing system for dispensing a viscous, flowable food product such, for example, as a condiment, comprises an axially extending container that defines an opening and an interior chamber for receiving and storing the food product. A discharge assembly is coupled to the container, the discharge assembly being dimensioned and arranged to spin, relative to the container, as it receives the viscous food product from the interior chamber. The spinning motion of the discharge assembly, accompanied by a linear movement of the container itself relative to a target food item, allows the user to cleanly and evenly distribute the flowable food material onto the target item in an attractive, curvilinear deposit pattern. Optionally, the discharge assembly may be configured with a pivoting nozzle that can be moved from a position for obtaining a helical (curvilinear) deposit pattern to a position for obtaining a rectilinear deposit pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of a screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201). According to the invention, the bending load on the screw (2, 12, 102, 202) of the screw discharger is measured by means of one or more transducers (112, 212) which generate a loading signal on the basis of which the drive system (110, 210) controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of the screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201) is controlled.

Abstract: The cement hopper attachment includes a raised hopper supported atop two uprights extending from a rectangular base. The hopper has a forward mounted gate and cement chute. A hydraulic cylinder operatively connected to the skid steer's auxiliary hydraulic controls actuates the gate of the hopper. The shape and configuration of the hopper is design to provide an unobstructed view from the skid steer of the cement dispensed from hopper. The hopper attachment also includes a pair of retractable support wheels, which support the weight of the loaded hopper attachment and prevent rocking and tipping forward under the weight of the loaded hopper attachment.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir of a hand-held, air-assisted spray apparatus is characterized by a plurality (i.e., two or more) of liquid-holding compartments. Each liquid-holding compartment is connected through an outlet port into fluid communication with the flow channel of the hand-held spraying apparatus. The liquid-holding compartments are isolated from fluid communication with each other such that a liquid introduced into one of the compartments is held apart from a liquid introduced into the other compartment. A rotatable element is associated with each liquid-holding compartment. Each rotatable element has a predetermined displacement. The rotatable elements are coupled together for rotation by a common shaft, so that, in use, the relative volumes of liquids dispensed from the respective liquid-holding compartments into the flow channel remain in a predetermined ratio regardless of the rate at which the liquids flow from their respective compartments.

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

Abstract: A vacuum pump for a seed planter includes a housing, an impeller rotated within the housing, and a motor or other drive. The housing has a central inlet and a circumferentially arranged outlet passage. The impeller vanes define air paths that are open to the outlet passage. The impeller has a central aperture for coupling to the output shaft of the drive and an impeller center cap screwed into the central aperture. The impeller has a curved conical center hub that surrounds the central aperture. The center hub and the center cap are configured to smoothly direct air flow to the passages between the vanes to reduce or eliminate a stagnant air region in a center of the impeller. The center cap can also be used as a tool to remove the impeller from the output shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a free-flowing material comprising a container for receiving the material, a pump connected to the container for conveying the material to a port from which free-flowing material can be dispensed. The pump includes at least one rotatable pump element and a rotatable drive shaft coupled to the pump element, a drive motor, and a coupling attached between the drive shaft and the drive motor. The coupling is radially detachable from the drive shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material to a substrate includes a housing having an inlet passage, a plurality of exit openings, and a recess in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the exit openings. A valve element is disposed in the recess wherein the valve element includes a first portion and a second portion axially displaced from the first portion. Means are provided for moving the valve element in the recess such that the first portion provides continuous fluid communication between the inlet passage and one of the exit openings during movement of the valve element and the second portion provides intermittent fluid communication between the inlet passage and another of the exit openings during movement of the valve element. A method of applying a material to a substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for dosed dispensing of flowable material components comprises supply containers receiving the material components and having an outlet and with at least one removal element having an inlet. Each material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw with controllable drive. The removal element can be docked to the outlet of the supply container, wherein the screw is disposed without drive, but rotatable in the region of the outlet and within the supply container and has an outlet-side coupling element. A controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal element whose drive shaft has a terminal coupling element which can be connected to the coupling element of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith, and also having a closing piece sealing the outlet of the supply container. The closing piece for the outlet of the supply container is loaded with an axial spring force to hold the closing piece in sealing abutment on the outlet.

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

Abstract: A pet feeder for dispensing a supply of pet food includes a food dish and a food storage reservoir. The food storage reservoir is disposed adjacent the food dish and is adapted for holding a supply of the food. A top wall and a floor define the reservoir. The food dish is defined by a sidewall and a floor and has an open top to allow pets access to the food dish. The reservoir floor and the food dish floor form a continuous and downwardly sloping floor to gravitally direct pet food from the storage reservoir into the food dish. An agitator is disposed inside the reservoir. The agitator includes an arm secured to a disc for stirring the food to reduce food stagnation inside said reservoir. A food level sensor is further included in the reservoir to alert the user when the food level in the reservoir is empty or is approaching empty.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus is provided for dispensing the contents of a soft tube, e.g. a toothpaste tube, and includes a base member. A bearing assembly is attached to the base top. A handle assembly includes a manually turnable handle and a reel support axle, and the reel support axle is received in the bearing assembly. A non-slotted end of a reel member is attached to the reel support axle. The reel member includes a tube reception slot. The base member can include a hollow interior filled with a dense, weight ballast material. The base floor can have a bottom exterior surface coated with a non-slip plastic material. A tube supporter member, which includes a tube reception portion, is connected to the base member. The handle and reel member are used to wind the toothpaste tube on the reel member, causing toothpaste to be dispensed from the tube.

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: An apparatus for feeding a particulate material. There is a drum having a peripheral surface and a central axis which is rotatable about its central axis. There is a first particulate material retaining wall which has an inner and outer edge. This wall is positioned such that said outer edge is remote from the peripheral surface of the drum and the inner edge is adjacent the peripheral surface of the drum. The inner edge is moveable from said peripheral surface of said drum. A second particulate material retaining wall having an inner and outer end and positioned such that said outer end is remote from the peripheral surface of the drum and the outer end is remote from the peripheral surface with the drum. The first particulate retaining wall is preferably spaced from the peripheral surface of the drum by a distance which corresponds to the angle of repose of the particulate material being used.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dispensing dry particles into a body of water using a direct current power source delivering about six volts or less. The present invention further relates to an irrigation process using the device for the delivery of an erosion control agent.

Abstract: A material feeder having a flexible rotary dispensing member allows precise control over quantity and flow character of material being dispensed. Also, provided are a flexible dispensing member for a rotary material feeder, and a method of adjusting a dispensing amount on a rotary material feeder by adjusting a curvature of the rotating dispensing member.

Abstract: A portable device for dispensing a particulate salt material upon a ground surface having a body with a substantially hollow interior, a forwardly located and open end and a reclosable end cap engaged with a rearwardly located end for permitting the hollow interior to be filled holding a volume of the particulate material. A rotor element is mounted in communication with the first open end and includes a plurality of individual and arcuately arrayed dispensing portions arranged around a central cross wise extending and rotatable shaft. A driving mechanism is associated with the body for actuating the rotor element to dispense volumes of the held particulate and may include the provision of either a hand-operated crank or an electric motor operatively connected to the rotatable shaft and powered by at least one battery contained within the hollow interior of the body and electrically communicable with the motor.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for granular or powdery bulk materials includes a balance (15) to weigh the doses of material being dispensed, a reservoir container (1), and a cover (2) to close the downward-facing opening of the storage container (1). Integrated in the cover (2) is a conveying and delivering device with a vertically movable, rotary conveyor body (5) designed so that it can substantially close off the dispensing outlet (14) for the bulk material. The conveyor body has a ring-shaped bottom (6) sweeping a ring-shaped conveyor channel (7) that is recessed in the cover (2). The outlet (14) is arranged in the ring-shaped channel (7) and is designed to deliver a directed and locally concentrated stream of bulk material.

Abstract: A precision dispenser comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis, a chamber therein and an outlet from which a controlled amount of fluid leaves the chamber to be deposited on a surface. An impeller is mounted within the housing about the longitudinal axis thereof and is provided with a plurality of parabolic shaped impeller blades located within the chamber. Fluid is supplied from a source to the spaces between the impeller blades, preferably by a passage extending longitudinally along the impeller to one or more orifices located in the impeller between the blades. The impeller is rotated by a controlled drive motor to rotate the blades within the chamber to force fluid from the chamber through the outlet for delivery to the surface.

Abstract: A gumming device wherein two coaxial disks of equal diameter are rotated synchronously at continuous speed, and define in between, a central cavity communicating on one side with a tank of liquid gum under pressure, and on the other side with the outside atmosphere through an opening which extends along at least one portion of the outer circumference of the two disks and is variable in width by varying the distance between the two disks.

Abstract: A metering valve for delivering pasty mediums includes a valve housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with a variable flow restrictor therebetween. The flow restrictor has one or more holes for connecting the inlet opening to the outlet opening. At least one hole can be intermittently placed between the inlet and the outlet to reduce the effective cross section of the hole.

Abstract: A powder atomizer comprises a pan, and an element journaled for rotation about an axis. The pan partially surrounds the element, and therewith defines a venturi into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and a spaced outlet. A motor rotates the element within the pan in excess of the speed required to throw powder from the element by centrifugal force and draws gas through the venturi, so that powder fed into the element is atomized and produces a uniform cloud of particulate material. A nonconductive element minimizes the electrical charge on the pan, and thereby the resulting agglomerization of particulate material at the outlet.

Abstract: An ice storage and dispensing apparatus includes a container (10) defining an inlet aperture (15) for receiving frozen product and an outlet aperture (30) for dispensing frozen product. A platform (16) is movably mounted within a lower end of the container. A rake (18) is rotatably mounted within an upper end of the container. An actuator (26) is mounted within the container between the platform and a support frame at the lower end of the container, and can be activated to selectively move the platform toward or away from the rake. A motor (24) is coupled to the rake for driving rotation of the rake. A torque sensor associated with the motor senses the level of load being applied on the motor as a measure of the proximity of the top layer of stored ice to the rake. A controller controls operation of the actuator in response to the sensor to automatically adjust the position of the platform relative to the rake.

Abstract: A rotary valve with a rotor shroud and a cylinder wall. The rotary valve is sealed by injecting a fluid to compress a packing seal into sealing engagement with the rotor shroud and the cylinder wall.

Abstract: A dispersing system comprises a dispersing apparatus, a storage tank for storing a dispersing medium and a liquid containing a material to be treated, and conduits for connecting the dispersing apparatus in fluid communication with the storage tank. The dispersing apparatus comprises a dispersing chamber, at least one rotationally driven disc, a suction inlet through which the liquid containing the material to be treated and the dispersing medium are drawn from the storage tank into the dispersing chamber by the suction created by rotation of the disc, a discharge outlet, and a medium-separating device for separating the dispersing medium from the liquid containing the dispersed material and selectively discharging the liquid containing the dispersed material but not the dispersing medium from the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A continuously operating reciprocating hopper for continuously supplying feed to an automated feed distribution apparatus of the type having a continuous conveyor which movably traverses through a trough comprises a hopper bin for receiving a supply of feed for distribution wherein a bottom of the hopper bin defines a feed discharge opening. The hopper bin is shaped to direct the supplied feed to the feed discharge opening for delivery of the feed to the feed distribution system. An impeller is rotatably mounted within the hopper bin proximate to the discharge opening. The impeller includes a plurality of blades. A drive rotates the impeller about an axis of rotation in such a manner so that the impeller operates to displace feed away from the discharge area for the prevention of feed compacting in the trough housing.

Abstract: A device for powdering a product arranged on a transport, in particular for powdering new strip-shaped or plate-shaped glass by means of at least one application beam overhanging the transport, the application beam having a storage space supplied with a discharge slot on its bottom along the entire length of the beam and a feed device assigned to it, containing at least one driven roller. Loss of powder can be avoided and a clean operation can be achieved; by supplying several cover hoods near at least one lateral end of the roller, arranged next to each other, each being assigned to a narrow zone of the roller which cover hoods can alternatively be brought in cover position in which the circumference of the roller assigned to the discharge slot is covered.

Abstract: A novel motor controlled microvalve dispenser includes a body section through which fluid, e.g., adhesives, epoxies, fluxes solder pastes, for example, is accurately dispensed as a dot or bead or other shape, all of a predetermined dimension. The housing includes a removable and replaceable insert which prevents any of the fluid from contacting any of the interior walls of the housing or of the infeed passage. The insert includes both an infeed passage which extends out of the housing and an outlet passage also extending out of the housing, the insert including a bore into which a feed screw or auger is sealingly positioned for rotation by the motor. Attached to outlet passage is an applicator or tip dispenser such as a removable and replaceable dispensing needle.

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

Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store an elongate solid composition including the active ingredient, such as a filament of tape; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit assembly, providing a water-tight seal wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit assembly; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.

Abstract: An improved powder atomizer comprising a cylindrical pan, a cylindrical resiliently deformable element, which is journaled for rotation about an axis within the pan. The pan is mounted coaxially of the element. The element and pan define a cylindrically shaped venturi therebetween into which powder is fed. The venturi has an inlet and outlet radially spaced apart. Structure is provided for rotating the element within the pan at speeds in excess of that required to throw the powder from the element by centrifugal force. The element draws ambient air through the venturi and atomizes and deagglomerates powder fed into the venturi inlet thereby forming a uniformly flowing cloud of particulate material which is uniform both longitudinally and laterally of said axis. The invention also provides an atomizer feeder and an atomizer feeder combination deagglomerator combination with a feeder such a disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.

Abstract: An ingredient feeder meters a selected amount of ingredient into a flowable food product including an enrobing chamber subtended by a blending tube. The blending tube houses an agitator assembly that moves the continuous flow of ingredient in both axial and radial directions as it mixes the ingredient with the flowable food product.

Abstract: A silo-like container includes an apparatus for discharging material within the container. The container interior bottom member leaves an annular opening with respect to the container walls, through which opening material may fall to be collected. A preferably toothed discharge ring is disposed above the interior bottom member and is rotated by a drive wheel. A retaining element preferably having teeth-like members is mounted adjacent the interior wall of the silo. As the discharge ring is rotated, planetary motion preferably about a silo axis occurs. The retaining element teeth-like members cooperate with the toothed portion of the discharge ring to urge rotational movement of the discharge ring about its own virtual axis. Discharge ring motion urges material within the silo radially outward toward the annular opening. The retaining element is mounted above the discharge ring such that the discharge ring is prevented from rising upward.

Abstract: A rotation driving system drives unitedly and rotatably sprinkle rotors, which the disk sprinkle rotors having plural partitive members extending in predetermined distances in a radial direction to the rotating axis are arranged in multistage state with a predetermined distance in a longitudinal direction. In the aforementioned state, by supplying the catalyst to the center of the sprinkle rotor, the catalyst is fed into a reaction tank while releasing in a radial direction of the sprinkle rotor. When the catalyst is fed, a rotation frequency of the sprinkle rotor is defined to be a speed constituent in a radial direction of over zero when the catalyst settles down and to be periodically changed between a maximum rotation frequency and a minimum rotation frequency.

Abstract: Previously weighed powder is radially scattered by centrifugal force. The scattered powder is introduced into a plurality of powder chambers via a plurality of powder inlets arranged along the circumferential direction. The powder, dispersed almost uniformly with respect to the circumferential direction, is distributed at a given ratio corresponding to the ratio of the areas of the powder inlets. The powder is accurately and efficiently distributed into plural portions of a given weight each without melting, aggregating or crushing.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism for a silo comprising an entry chamber adapted to be in communication with the silo interior and having a directing member mounted in the entry chamber, for rotary movement about a vertical axis, to direct flowable material in the entry chamber through a discharge passage in a bottom wall of the chamber.

Abstract: A disc feeder for delivering material in controlled amounts to utilization equipment. The disc which carries material to a material discharge opening is disposed at an angle to the horizontal and the shearing baffle which controls the amount of material carried to the material discharge opening is movable from its position during normal operation to a position remote from the disc, whereby during unloading of the storage hopper the material discharges freely and quickly to a storage container. A control valve selectively directs material to one delivery conduit which leads to the utilization equipment and a second delivery conduit which leads to the storage container. The apparatus has an interlock mechanism which prevents moving the shearing baffle while material is being conducted to the utilization equipment and prevents moving the control valve to direct material to the utilization equipment while the shearing baffle is at its remote position.