Abstract: The present invention is a shot caddy having a cover and a slide valve. Shot is stored in the cylindrical housing until it is needed. The slide valve is opened by the user thereby allowing shot to flow in a controlled manner into another container. A baffle is contained within the cylindrical housing to meter the flow of shot. The shot caddy may be mounted on a wall with a key mounted on the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: An ice access and discharge apparatus for an ice bin including an access opening for access to ice in the bin and a slidably disposed ice baffle for baffling ice within the bin away from the access opening and metering ice flow to an ice discharge spout and to provide ice on a first in-first out basis. The ice discharge spout has a slidably disposed ice discharge gate for manually metering ice into an ice container.

Abstract: A liquid-carrying container of machine, such as a dishwasher, has a detergent metering device disposed in a boundary wall thereof. The device has a housing with at least one container in which the detergent may be placed and which may be closed with a cover. The cover may be opened and closed with a control unit. The cover moves linearly, quietly, and with a minimal space requirement in a plane which extends parallel to the boundary wall of the machine.

Abstract: A Locomotive fuel service truck is disclosed which comprises a motor vehicle having an elongated frame, a crane arm carried on the frame, at least one fuel pump carried by the frame connectable to a fuel oil storage tank and a fuel hose having one end connected to the pump and another end adapted to fit into a railroad diesel locomotive fuel tank, and at least one removable sand hopper carried on the frame connectable to said crane arm. The crane arm is adapted to lift and position the sand hopper over a sand pot on a diesel locomotive while fuel is being dispensed from a fuel storage tank to a locomotive fuel tank. The fuel oil storage tank may be located underground or on a trailer towed by the service truck. Another embodiment of the service truck includes a fuel oil storage tank carried on the truck frame so that the service truck can completely supply all materials and fluids to replenish a diesel locomotive without having to bring additional trucks to the site of the locomotive.

Abstract: A paste-depositing apparatus comprising, a temperature-controlled hopper having an open upper end for receiving a batch of paste material and having a lower perforated end for dispensing the paste material, the lower perforated end including a lever-operated slide valve for opening and closing a plurality of inlet and outlet ports for discharging a row of paste material each time the lever is moved between a first and a second position.

Abstract: A gate for supplying granule to and removing it from the other apparatus, Which comprises: a drive source (2); a fixed gate (6) having multiple feeder holes arranged such that granule can pass through; a movable gate (7) that is attached such that it can slide across the fixed gate (6) and is equipped with multiple openings (71) that have the same pitch as the feeder holes (61) on the fixed gate, and that allow granule to pass through when said openings (71) are aligned with said feeder holes; and a power transmission mechanism.The granule gate lowers the height of the mounds of granule that accumulate in granule weighing machines (1). It can also entirely open and close feeding holes using a short stroke. The granule weighing machine (1) can be designed thin, so that the maximum quantity of granule to be weighed nearly matches the capacity of the weighing container (3).

Abstract: This invention discloses a retail bulk product dispenser for solid, compact food products having rough, texturized or sticky surfaces such as bite-sized chocolates having a spring loaded, hand operable gate and a pressure relieving baffle which prevents bin arching. An opening is provided in the gate in a manner to prevent the formation of ledges which might impede the flow of products.

Abstract: A lid to be used to dose the opening of a cooperative container providing a user with a spout that is selectively closed and opened to permit a user to draw the liquid inside the container and, if accidentally dropped, to avoid spillage and/or leakage of its contents. A slidable door is activated by a user to selectively block the liquid from coming out through the spout. A locking mechanism to keep the lid firmly and removably secured to the container includes a several latching members that extend perpendicularly from the periphery of the lid and engage with a corresponding number of openings formed in a peripheral locking member positioned adjacent to the rim of the container's opening.

Abstract: Loading device, particularly for loading containers carried on a conveyor, including a vertically fixed funnel with a shutter arranged in the area of its delivery aperture. In order to ensure reliable loading of the containers in such a device, it is provided that lateral of the funnel, adjustable covering elements, such as slides, are arranged, which can be positioned close to the upper rims of the containers, which may vary in their vertical dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing cap of the shake and spoon type wherein there are provided slidable members fitting within a groove formed within the cap to covering the openings and which slidable members always remain within the periphery of the cover member even when one of the apertures is opened for access to the container.

Abstract: A bulk material container comprises a discharge opening defined by a discharge assembly. A sliding gate overlays the discharge opening for preventing bulk material to advance through the discharge assembly. The sliding gate is withdrawn from the position overlaying the discharge opening to discharge material from the bulk material container through the discharge assembly into a hopper. A closure seal surrounds the discharge opening. When the sliding gate is disposed over the discharge opening, cam assemblies raise the sliding gate into compressive sealing engagement with the closure seal. When the cam assemblies lower the sliding gate, the sliding gate is withdrawn from the discharge assembly. Wipers mounted on the discharge assembly remain in contact with the sliding gate to remove bulk material that may remain on the sliding gate while the sliding gate is withdrawn from the discharge assembly.

Abstract: A dispensing container, such as a double-barrel cartridge used in dispensing dental material, matingly receives a sliding cap that maintains a seal between material in the barrels and the atmosphere. The cap includes a body and a gasket within the body, and the cap also includes a cam portion that shifts the body slightly away from an outlet of the container as the cap is moved toward a closed position to seal the container. Once the cap is in a fully closed position, the cam portion enables the body to shift somewhat closer to the container outlet in order to increase the compression of the gasket between the body and the outlet. Optionally, an orienting section is provided for insuring that the cap is coupled to the container in only one certain orientation, so that the likelihood of cross-contamination of material within the barrels due to residual material on the gasket is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A fluid container, for particular use, for example, as a water dispensing bottle carried on the frame of a bicycle, having a valve system incorporated in the cap for provides single handed operation. The valve system includes a sliding member that opens the valve system when pushed to either extreme position. The sliding member also provides an indirect tactile indication that the valve has reached a central or closed position. The sliding member of the valve system, along with the tactile indications provide a single handed device that does not impede the attention of the bicyclist.

Abstract: A packaging, storage and dispensing container particularly useful for agricultural products. The container is constructed of a flexible material such as multi-wall paper or a flexible plastic material. The invention is a flattened tubular bell shaped design having a bottom closed terminal portion. A two part plastic strip with a multiplicity of evenly spaced discharge openings is just above this seam and generally across the same. By adjusting the discharge openings in the two part strip to become partially to fully aligned a variety of different size aperture openings can be achieved in which to dispense the product in the container. If all the product is not used, then the two strips can be manipulated to fully mis-align the discharge openings, thus re-sealing the container.

Abstract: A gate valve assembly and a frame assembly for mounting the gate valve assembly on the discharge opening from a railway hopper car. The gate valve assembly includes an operating assembly for movement of a valve member within the gate valve assembly between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A locking mechanism is mounted on the frame assembly to maintain the gate valve assembly in its first closed position when the associated railway car is subjected to large impact forces. The operating assembly includes a lock striker which may be moved longitudinally relative to the valve member to deactivate the locking mechanism while the valve member remains in its closed position. The frame assembly also provides an enhanced seal or barrier to prevent materials from escaping when the gate valve assembly is in its closed position.

Abstract: A toner cartridge mountable to a cartridge mount of a main assembly of an image forming apparatus comprising an electrostatic latent image bearing member, and a toner container for containing toner for developing an electrostatic latent image on the image bearing member, wherein the cartridge is disposable in a mounting position, where the toner cartridge can be mounted on or dismounted from the cartridge mount, and a toner supply position, where toner can be supplied into the container from the toner cartridge. When toner is to be supplied into the container, the toner cartridge is rotated in a predetermined direction from the mounting position to the supply position, and when the toner cartridge is to be dismounted from the cartridge mount, the toner cartridge is rotated in the opposite direction. The toner cartridge includes a container body for containing the toner, and a toner discharge opening is provided in the container body for discharging toner from the container body.

Abstract: A container for supplying toner includes a containing portion with an opening through which toner is moved into a receiving sump. A cover for the opening is flexible enough to move in an arcuate path from a position coveting the opening to a position of storage alongside a sidewall of the containing portion. The cover is stiff enough to be pushed back to its covering position. The leading edge of the cover in its movement back to its coveting position is made concave to the direction of movement so that it will more easily enter a channel partially defined by a seal around the opening. A protrusion on the cover enters a hole in a cover holding member when the cover is in its coveting position to lock the cover in place when the container is not on a receiving apparatus. The protrusion can be pushed out of the hole, unlocking the cover by an appropriate receiving member.

Abstract: A toothbrush holder system for positioning a toothbrush in proximity to the dispenser including a toothbrush holder base is secured in the adaptive holder along with the dispenser. The toothbrush is supported by support base and held in proper position by the side rails. As an alternative, the adaptive holder which includes a support rail can be provided with a toothbrush support base and toothbrush guide rails. The adaptive holder can be provided with support arms and an extension handle arm pivotally connected to the support arms. When the extension arm is depressed the pump actuator is also depressed. The extension arm can be adjustable to accommodate various sized dispensers and to dispense different amount of toothpaste. A nozzle closing plug can be located on the extension arm such that the extension arm can be pivoted to insert the closing plug into the nozzle. The adaptive holder can include a toothbrush support base connected to the extension arm.

Abstract: Cutting-off device for viscous stock materials packed in can-like containers, more particularly filler materials and putties and hardener pastes. A device in the form of a disposable article for the simultaneous cutting-off of filler materials and hardener pastes dispensed from can-like containers can be mounted upon the dispensing apertures of the containers and includes a mounting plate (10) with connection pieces (12,32) and with dispensing apertures constructed within the upper region in the mounting plate and of a slider (40) displaceably retained and guided on the mounting plate (10), which, in dependence of the assumed position, closes or unblocks the dispensing apertures, and of two cutters that are moveable into the areas of the dispensing apertures.

Abstract: Each dispenser, which may be used for candy, is identical except for a identically sized top rectangular panel. The back, bottom, front, and a baffle are formed of one piece of thermoplastic material. A right angle bent is adhered to the top of the baffle. The top panels for a top row of dispensers are adhered to the dispensers and each has a hole communicating with a cylindrical reservoir. Those for a bottom row are hinged to the back. All sides are identical. Depending chutes are rectangular and have a sliding door. The sliding doors and the bent each have identical cylinders adhered to them. The walls of each chute have holes aligned with its cylinder. The hinged tops have a hole through which a cylinder protrudes. A locking cable has a large finial at one end and a small finial at the other. Two washers are provided that fit over the large finial, but not the smaller. A washer is threaded against the large finial and the cable passed through aligned cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus for storing and dispensing laundry soap comprising a generally box-like container, the container having an open upper end with a lid secured to one edge of the container by a hinge for adding additional particulate material to the container to be stored and dispensed, the lower end of the container being formed with a lower wall sloping forwardly and downwardly from the rear end of the container to the forward end of the container; an opening formed in the front face adjacent to its lower end for dispensing the stored particulate materials therefrom; a vertically disposed door reciprocal from a closed lower orientation sealing the opening and a raised opened orientation for allowing contents within the container to be dispensed therefrom; guide flanges extending forwardly through the side walls of the container to constrain the door for linear reciprocal movement in a vertical plane; a bracket secured to the front face of the container with a horizontal extension and an aperture located above the do

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus including a material container as a hopper serves to feed a molding material sealably received in the material container to a molding machine via a heating sleeve. The material feeding apparatus includes as essential components a material container molded of a transparent synthetic resin or a translucent synthetic resin so as to enable a quantity of molding material remaining in the material container to be visually confirmed from the outside, and an adapter of which one end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be threadably fitted into an opening portion of the material container and of which the other end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be fitted onto a receiving member of the molding machine. To openably shut the interior of the material container, a shutter is slidably displaceably arranged in the adapter.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus has a tap member and a housing member. The tap member has opposing planar surfaces which extend between opposing sides, and an aperture extends through the tap member from one opposing surface to the other. The housing member has a base plate which has opposing planar surfaces and an opening which extends through the base plate from one opposing base plate surface to the other. Two opposing housing member sidewalls each extend from the base plate and have a groove which slidably engages two opposing sides of the tap member so that the tap member is positioned between the sidewall so that one tap member planar surface faces one base plate planar surface and so that the housing member is slidably reciprocative in two opposing directions along the tap member opposing sides. The tap member aperture and base plate opening are positioned so that upon sliding of the housing member in one direction of reciprocation, the base plate opening is positioned in communication with the tap member aperture.

Abstract: A universal spreader attachment consisting of an inverted triangular hopper hung from the cross-brace support of the handlebars of a lawnmower, with holes drilled in the bottom of the hopper to allow the substance being spread to disperse onto the lawn. The holes are opened and closed by moving a sliding member, which has corresponding holes drilled into it.

Abstract: A tube device for emptying powdery substance from a container in which an air connection pipe is arranged. The air exit opening of the air connection pipe is located coaxially to the tube in the direction of the interior of the tube. The opening of the tube is cut open on a slant to form an angle of less than 90.degree. with the horizontal axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A closure unit for a container for storing and handling flowable products is made from at least two different thermoplastic materials, the different materials fulfilling different functions. A basic thermoplastic material (A.2) is used for sealing against the container (G.2), and an area made of another different thermoplastic material (B.2,C) is provided to fulfill additional sealing functions, to increase mechanical stability, to have a reduced permeability, and to provide increased elasticity for additional opening and closing and/or absorption characteristics. The closure unit is produced by a multimaterial injection molding process, so that contact surfaces between the different thermoplastic materials can be interconnected by reversible or irreversible positive engagement and/or by more or less pronounced melting into one another. The closure unit is in two parts and comprises a pouring part (1.2) and a closure part (2.2), or is in one part.

Abstract: A dispensing cap for use with a vessel or container includes a base adapted for mounting on a threaded neck discharge end of the container. The cap includes a slide valve which is longitudinally movable within a guide channel between a position preventing discharge of a flowable product from the vessel and either of two dispensing positions enabling dispensing of product. The cap is configured to enable stable support of the vessel in an inverted position so that product is always ready for substantially immediate dispensing from the vessel. The vessel is preferable squeezable and, in an alternative embodiment, may have similar opposite ends with a dispensing cap mounted on each end.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a valve assembly to include a cap which is removably secured to a spout of a water bottle. The cap further includes an aperture for receiving a hollow shank having an opened top and an opened bottom. A shaft is received in the opened bottom of the shank for permitting the shaft to slide freely and vertically within the shank. The shaft further includes at least one hole encompassing the side wall of the top area and a stop extending outwardly from an enclosed top. This stop contacts the opened top of the shank to maintain for the assembly to be in a closed position, accordingly, providing the hole to be covered by the shank. Located at the bottom of the shank is a first flange and located at the bottom of the shaft is a second flange. A locking ring is releasably attached to the shaft for maintaining the valve assembly to be in a closed position. In order to activate the valve assembly, the cap is attached to the spout of a bottle.

Abstract: An actuator for a railway car gate assembly unit of the type having doors slidably carried by door guides provided in the gate assembly unit. Pressure fluid actuated motors are coupled between the doors and fixed points on the railway car for effecting sliding movement of the doors.

Abstract: A dispensing closure is provided for a squeezable container. The closure has a body with a top wall and an upwardly projecting discharge tube defining a discharge passage in communication with said container opening. A cap defines a dispensing conduit extending between an inlet aperture and a dispensing aperture, and the cap is slidable on the body top wall between open and closed positions. A hollow fitment has a first portion slidably disposed on the discharge tube and has a second portion that projects into the cap inlet aperture and that is disposed in the cap dispensing conduit to accommodate sliding movement of the cap relative to the fitment. The fitment defines an intermediate passage for communicating between the body discharge tube discharge passage and the cap dispensing conduit.

Abstract: A resealable liquid container is provided which consists of a cylindrical body to hold liquid therein. A top end is affixed on the cylindrical body, with the top end having an aperture therein. A structure is built-in the top end of the aperture, for opening and reclosing the aperture. When the aperture is opened the liquid can be poured therefrom. When the aperture is closed the liquid will be retained therein, so that the liquid can be maintained in a sanitary condition.

Abstract: A cap adapted to be secured to an open end of a container employs a vertical hollow cylinder provided with an open lower end adapted to be secured to the open end of the container and a closed upper end with a small centrally disposed first opening therein surrounded by a raised peripheral first lip. The cylinder upper end has a second peripheral lip extending upwardly above the first lip, the second lip having first and second oppositely disposed cut out regions communicating with the cylinder upper end. A first horizontally elongated flexible member has first and second opposite ends each of which is aligned with the corresponding one of the first and second regions and is disposed between the first and second lips. The first member has a flat top surface and a downwardly depending extension which slidably engages the first lip. The extension in a horizontal plane defines a FIG. 8 with left hand and right hand sections.

Abstract: An opener of the door of a gravity flow vehicle which allows a mechanical advantage in initially raising the door. After the material within the vehicle begins to flow and decrease the effort required to raise the door, the mechanical advantage is bypassed so that the door may be quickly raised and lowered.

Abstract: A mixing lid with a pouring device for containers used on stirring machines includes an integral one piece slidable closure for a pouring spout and has a first rearward opened pouring position and a second forward closed sealed position. A removably secured front slide closure plate is provided for closing the spout in the second forward closed position. The slidable closure includes a rear rocker engagement member. An operating lever has front and rear ends and is pivotally mounted on the lid intermediate the ends thereof. The lever includes manual press portion on the rear end and a rocker on the front end engageable with the rocker engagement member. A retaining spring engageable with the integral one piece slidable closure and the removably secured front slidable closure plate is provided for maintaining the removably secured slidable closure plate in contact with the pouring spout when the integral one piece slidable closure is in the first and second positions.

Abstract: An integral beverage can closure embodiment (50) having a sealed position for sealing the contents of an opened beverage can (30) and a dispensing position for dispensing the contents is disclosed. A resilient cap (52) with a skirt (54) closely fits over the can rim. The cap defines a tongue (56) that folds over a hinge (82) and is inserted in a slot (60) of the skirt. Both the tongue and the cap have dispensing apertures (64, 68) and vents (66, 70). When the apertures and vents align, the beverage may be dispensed. The can is sealed when the apertures and vents are displaced. The tongue is caused to move between the sealed and dispensing positions by pressing down, with a finger or thumb of the hand holding the can, on a knurled portion (86) of the tongue. In an embodiment (250), the tongue defines a lever (282) configured to be spaced from the beverage can to facilitate gripping the can and lever together. Applying force to the lever moves the tongue between sealed and dispensing positions.

Abstract: A replaceable liquid application implement is attached to a hand-manipulated fluid reservoir and a thumb-activated plate is disposed between the application implement and the reservoir for selectively controlling the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A sealing and dispensing cap for a carbonated drink container permits the container to be inverted with the cap disposed in a closed position to trap carbonating gases, whereupon the cap is disposed in an open position to dispense the carbonated drink. This cap prevents carbonated drink from going "flat" by preventing the escape of carbonating gases during drink dispensation.

Abstract: A wall plate is arranged for selective reception of a support member having a floor, with an internally threaded cylindrical skirt arranged to receive a mouthwash dispensing fluid container therewithin, with a valve plate reciprocatably mounted relative to a bottom surface of the floor to permit selective fluid flow therethrough. The apparatus is further arranged to include an adapter head arranged to receive a mouthwash bottle thereon having a truncated, conical directional conduit to receive an outlet opening of a fluid bottle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ice storing and dispensing apparatus having drainage means therein for removing melted ice from areas in which ice is to be stored or contained. The apparatus further includes a portable cart having a front actuated draining mechanism which is adapted to discharge any ice melt which may accumulate in the cart into the apparatus drainage means.

Abstract: A method for the facile filling of remotely located forms with cementitious materials. The method uses a transportable bin which is captively coupled to the arms of a skid loader. The bin includes a generally rectangular container having four vertical sides and an accessible interior truncated at a base and having a covered dispensing aperture at the bottom. The covered aperture is adapted to be actuable in situ by the skid loader operator using controls located within reach of the operator when the aperture is vertically disposed over a form to be filled.

Abstract: The present invention is an animal feeder configured to fit in a vehicle such as a small truck so that a single vehicle operator can actuate feed release. The vehicle operator is provided with a lever configuration that controls the opening and closing of a dual door arrangement on the animal feeder. That arrangement is an improvement over prior art systems because it prevents the animal feeder from jamming in an open position which causes a wasteful release of animal feed.

Abstract: A package for granular material, particularly coffee beans, of the type of a metal can (1) with a withdrawable neck (2) of flexible plastic secured by a ring (3) clamped on the opening (4) of the can (1). The can comprises cone (5) at this level, and a protective snap-on cap (7) that snaps on to the metal part of the clamping ring (3) which protects the withdrawable neck (2), itself closed by a screw cap (8) and between the neck (2) and the threaded cap (8) there is an apertured ring (9) of a valve which serves as a cap release valve. The end of the withdrawable neck (2) is screw threaded and receives a device serving as a dispensing connecting closure (12) which comprises, at its first end, an adapter cone (13) followed by a screw-threaded cylindrical portion (14) which permits securement to a screw-threaded end (11) of the neck (2). The adapter cone (13) of the connector closure (12) is sufficiently large that the can (1) will be stable when supported by its cone (5) on the connector closure (12).

Abstract: A slide gate assembly for use in maintaining a dust free environment is disclosed. The assembly includes a slide gate and a dust cover which operate to allow the passage of particulate or other material into or out of a bin or other container. In one embodiment, the gate is slidably mounted in a frame which is formed by a plate member, upper and lower base members and upper and lower gasket members. In one embodiment, some of the components are of neoprene while other components are of UHMW, thus providing resilient properties and also self-lubricating properties for the slide gate assembly. The gate assembly is maintained in a dust tight condition by means of controlled compression obtained through the use of bolts or screws which extend through the plate member, the base members and the gasket members.

Abstract: A feeding device having a hopper for storing and feeding a material having a low flowability such as powder, fibers or a mixture thereof. Comb-shaped obstruction plates are provided at the outlet side of the hopper so as to be slidable toward and away from each other to close and open the outlet opening. The slidable obstruction plates may be replaced with a single non-slidable plate having a plurality of openings. When in a stationary state, the material is prevented from dropping due to friction between it and the obstruction plate. The hopper may have its outlet opening elongated in one direction, with the area of the outlet opening being larger than half the area of the inlet opening.

Abstract: This invention is an end closure assembly for a container. The end closure assembly comprises an end wall member for closing the end of the container and at least one flow-through aperture in the end wall member. A closure device operating with the end wall member has a first and second portion. The first portion is slidably operable to cover and uncover the flow-through aperture. The second portion is pivotally operable to lock the closure device in a fixed position.

Abstract: A closure device includes a substantially planar body member having a rectilinear slot receiving a slide element. Provided on one side of the body is an internally threaded flange defining an inlet port and a funnel projects from the opposite side of the body terminating in an externally threaded outlet port. A pusher connects with the slide element through a slot in the planar body to move the slide element between positions occluding the channel between the inlet and outlet ports and opening the channel. The internally threaded flange and externally threaded funnel are complementarily threaded such that the flange may be threaded about the externally threaded opening of a container and the cap normally threaded about the container opening may be threaded to the outlet port of the closure device to seal the closure device when the latter is left on the container.

Abstract: Squeeze bottle pumpless nozzle dispenser has a first lid, a second lid, a dispensing nozzle, a shut off valve and a dip tube. The first lid, located on the top, has a dispensing orifice upper portion and a venting orifice upper portion. Each of these is located in either a track or a track follower formed in the bottom of the first lid and in alignment therewith. It has means for rotatable attachment to the second lid. The second lid has means for attaching to the squeeze bottle and includes the lower portions of a dispensing orifice and a venting orifice. Each of these is located in either a track or track follower and is located on the top of the second lid in alignment with the counterparts located on the bottom of the first lid. A shut off valve is located within the lower or upper portion of the venting orifice, responsive to pressure. When the bottle is squeezed, the shut off valve will close the vent so that fluid material will only exit through the dispensing orifice and thus through the nozzle.

Abstract: A slide unit for use in a sliding closure unit includes two partial movable refractory plates having respective planar surfaces. Each partial plate is surrounded circumferentially by a respective metal band. The two plates are assembled together in a frame to abut along a butt joint so that the two partial plates can be moved together with the planar surfaces thereof contacting a stationary refractory plate of a sliding closure unit. The metal bands at the area of the butt joint between the two partial plates is spanned by a refractory shoulder extending integrally from at least one of the partial plates. Such shoulder thereby extends the planar surfaces of the two plates to the butt joint so that the two planar surfaces form a continuous sealing surface.

Abstract: A hopper which contains loose material, and a door and frame assembly for attachment to the bottom of the hopper, for controlling the flow of the loose material therefrom. The assembly includes a door frame formed of spaced side and end walls, and a cross-piece which, with the side walls and one of the end walls, defines a hopper outlet opening. A door is slidably mounted to the frame so as to be across the outlet opening when in a closed position and to be clear of the opening when in an open position. A door moving device is provided for sliding the door, with respect to the opening, between the closed position and the open position. The frame particularly includes structure for attaching a plurality of different types of door moving devices, including air or hydraulic cylinder arrangements, or rack-and-pinion arrangements operated by an electric motor, or by hand or by means of a chain or cable.

Abstract: A material feeding apparatus including a material container as a hopper serves to feed a molding material sealably received in the material container to a molding machine via a heating sleeve. The material feeding apparatus includes as essential components a material container molded of a transparent synthetic resin or a translucent synthetic resin so as to enable a quantity of molding material remaining in the material container to be visually confirmed from the outside, and an adapter of which one end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be threadably fitted into an opening portion .Iadd.of the outer wall .Iaddend.of the material container and of which the other end is formed in the shape of an open end part to be fitted onto a receiving member of the molding machine. To openably shut the interior of the material container, a shutter is slidably displaceably arranged in the adapter.