Abstract: A food products container is disclosed having a cover with two integrally formed flaps for covering a plurality of cover openings, in particular a spooning opening and shaker openings. Skirts extending downward from the flaps engage their respective openings in the cover to seal them. The skirts that engage the openings extend downward and outward from the flaps at an angle. By extending outward and downward, the skirts engage and lock into the holes. A lip is provided at an outer edge of the cover on the flaps and on the non-rotating part of the cover to retain a second, identical container placed on top by engaging an outer indent in the bottom of the second container.

Abstract: A snap-on closure prevents flaps from coming unsnapped or popping open during assembly of the closure onto the neck of a container. The snap-on connection between the container and the closure includes a circular groove and a circular rib projecting into the groove. The closure includes dispensing ports such as sifter holes, a pouring hole, and/or a spooning hole which are closed by hinged flaps which snap-on the horizontal platform of the closure. The flaps may include plugs which project into their respective dispensing openings and provide a seal against the wall of the opening. The closure also includes a resilient crush seal which engages the neck of the container to provide a seal between the closure and the container.

Abstract: A food products container is disclosed having a cover with two integrally formed flaps for covering a plurality of cover openings, in particular a spooning opening and shaker openings. Skirts extending downward from the flaps engage their respective openings in the cover to seal them. The skirts that engage the openings extend downward and outward from the flaps at an angle. By extending outward and downward, the skirts engage and lock into the holes. A lip is provided at an outer edge of the cover on the flaps and on the non-rotating part of the cover to retain a second, identical container placed on top by engaging an outer indent in the bottom of the second container.

Abstract: A food products container is disclosed having a cover with two integrally formed flaps for covering a plurality of cover openings, in particular a spooning opening and shaker openings. Skirts extending downward from the flaps engage their respective openings in the cover to seal them. The skirts that engage the openings extend downward and outward from the flaps at an angle. By extending outward and downward, the skirts engage and lock into the holes. A lip is provided at an outer edge of the cover on the flaps and on the non-rotating part of the cover to retain a second, identical container placed on top by engaging an outer indent in the bottom of the second container.

Abstract: A sifter cap for continuous thread containers of the type adapted to dispense a granular product. There is provided a screw cap adapted for securement to the container, and a sifter member disposed atop the screw cap and adapted for rotation with respect thereto. The screw cap has an annular, upwardly-facing bearing shoulder, and the sifter member has at least three downwardly-faced bearing nibs which slidably engage the bearing shoulder of the screw cap at relatively small areas of contact. The arrangement is such that the the sliding engagement between the screw cap and sifter member is characterized by reduced friction. In addition, in the event that granular product from the container strays onto the bearing shoulder of the screw cap, little resistance against rotation is encountered. As a consequence, there is thus enabled relatively smooth turning of the sifter member on the screw cap.

Abstract: A condiment shaker includes a wiper unit with multiple wiping blades releasably thread mounted to the upper end of a container and in turn overlaid by a removable perforated sprinkler top which rotates relative to the joined container and wiper unit. The wiping blades extend radially outward from a solid central hub, and pipingly engage the perforated top panel of the sprinkler top.

Abstract: A limited pour neck finish bottle wherein a plurality of radially inwardly extending flexible fingers are integral with the peripheral edge portion of the open end of the neck of a bottle and extend across the open end of the neck to restrict or interfere with the flow of liquid from the bottle if an attempt is made to pour the liquid from the bottle rather than employing an exact dose dispensing device. The bottle is made by molding a plurality of axially extending flexible fingers on the peripheral edge portion at the open end of the neck simultaneously with the molding of the bottle, and then bending the fingers downwardly to the radially inwardly extending position.

Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for a container that has an opening from which a product can be dispensed. The structure includes a body for extending around the container opening. The body is provided with a plurality of dispensing apertures. A lid is provided for sealingly occluding the foraminous member and for moving between a closed position and an open position. The lid has two spaced-apart sealing walls for sealing the sides of the body channel over the dispensing apertures.

Abstract: A dispenser or shaker is used to store and dispense powdery or granular substances, and a sealing device for the shaker forms a seal against the escape of the substance between the lid and the shaker body. The lid can be placed around the mouth of the shaker body, and they can be rotated relative to one another to "lock" the lid onto the shaker body. The lid contains a number of dispensing holes through which the powdery or granular substance contained within the container body may be dispensed. The sealing device is located within the sealing lid, and provides a seal between the lid and the container body to prevent the powdery or granular substance from being ejected from the space between the sealing lid and the container body. The sealing device includes an inner and an outer ring made of materials that allow effective mounting of the device within the lid and formation of an effective seal, yet that provide for easy removal of the sealing device for cleaning.

Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for a container that has an opening from which a product can be dispensed. The structure includes a body for extending around the container opening. A foraminous member is provided with a plurality of dispensing holes and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A lid is provided for sealingly occluding the foraminous member and for moving between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A method of producing rolls of ribbons including printing indica at a plurality of locations on at least one of two webs; applying peelable adhesive at a plurality of locations on at least one of the two webs; bonding the two webs together using the adhesive where the indicia and the adhesive are registered with each other; die cutting only one of the webs after bonding to form a plurality of peelable lid shapes, having lift tabs for each peelable lid shape, on the other web; die cutting the other non-cut web to form a plurality of parallel ribbons of interconnected lid shapes with each one of the interconnected lid shapes associated with one of the peelable lid shapes; bending the lift tabs onto their respective peelable lid shape; and winding each of the ribbons into a roll on a central core.

Abstract: A food products container is disclosed having a cover with two integrally formed flaps for covering a plurality of cover openings, in particular a spooning opening and shaker openings. Skirts extending downward from the flaps engage their respective openings in the cover to seal them. The skirts that engage the openings extend downward and outward from the flaps at an angle. By extending outward and downward, the skirts engage and lock into the holes. A lip is provided at an outer edge of the cover on the flaps and on the non-rotating part of the cover to retain a second, identical container placed on top by engaging an outer indent in the bottom of the second container.

Abstract: A mobile asphalt dispenser for applying strips of asphalt having prescribed widths to a roof. The dispenser has a frame including an asphalt container for holding the asphalt. At least one wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame. A valve assembly is provided in fluid communication with the asphalt container and is operable to control flow of the asphalt from the container to the roof. The dispenser has a valve assembly selectively positionable into at least three prescribed positions, each of the prescribed positions corresponding to a respective one of the prescribed widths of the asphalt strips. In addition to or as an alternative to the valve assembly, the dispenser may include a side dispensing arm for applying asphalt to a cant of the roof. Preferably, the dispenser is provided with a swivellable wheel.

Abstract: A shaker cap having a cover which can be opened easily and is adapted to close automatically. The cap includes a cylindrical cap body having a top wall formed with holes and a threaded portion threaded onto the mouth of a shaker. The holes of the cap body are opened and closed by a cover. The cover is coupled to a control piece through gear engagement so that when the control piece is pressed, the cover pivots open. As soon as the pressure on the control piece is removed, the control piece spontaneously moves back to the original rest position biased by a spring piece. The cover thus pivots shut.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a predetermined amount of solid materials in powder or granular form allows a predetermined quantity, say for example a spoonful of sugar, to be dispensed into a coffee cup. The dispensing device allows measured quantities to be dispensed which avoids having to use a teaspoon or other measuring device. The device has a container, a body member below the container having a longitudinal passage therein, a top opening from the container to the longitudinal passage, a sliding member with a substantially rectangular cross-section, the sliding member having a sliding fit within the longitudinal passage, movable from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A container for dispensing granular, flaked or powdered substances. The container has a container body, an adapter or neck, and a closure. The adapter is a hollow tube and has an adapter end connected to the container body. The adapter has an open end opposite the adapter end connected to the container body. The closure is adjustably coupled to the adapter at the adapter open end. The closure has a plurality of apertures in its closure wall. The closure is adjustable along an axis of the adapter by rotating the closure. The closure can be rotated to adjust the closure to an open position so that the apertures in the closure are at least partially unobstructed by the adapter and form a passageway into an interior hollow of the container. The closure can be rotated to adjust the closure to a closed position so that the closure apertures are completely obstructed by the adapter.

Abstract: A method of converting, on an in-line printing press, two webs of material into a roll including a web and a plurality of peelable lids thereon. Alternatively, a plurality of underlying lids can be formed from the other web of the roll, in registration with the peelable lids, where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lid is printed with selected indicia and/or logos.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a container having an opening. The closure includes a base for mounting to the container around the opening. A dispensing valve is disposed across the base and defines an orifice which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and closes to shut off flow therethrough upon removal of the increased pressure. An outer member is included on the base outwardly of the valve. The outer member defines at least one dispensing aperture and functions as a flow baffle and/or guard for protecting the valve.

Abstract: A method of converting, on a single line printing press, two webs of material into individual rolls of ribbons of dual-layered, peelable-bonded-together lids. Each lid has a peelable, overlying lid formed from one of the webs and an underlying lid formed from the other web where these lids are created by die cutting the two webs while bonded. Also, one of the lids has dispensing holes and the other lids is printed with selected indicia and/or logos. The ribbons are wound in multiple layers around cores for shipment to processors of food particles, such as salt or cheese, to be secured to individual, cup-like containers.

Abstract: A paperboard container having a reclosable shaker pour spout for dispensing granular products. The reclosable shaker pour spout is formed on a wall of the container from first and second minor flaps which are folded inwardly within the container, a first-down major flap which is folded inwardly and overlies the the first and second minor flaps, and a second-down major flap which is folded inwardly and overlies the first-down major flap. Both of the first and second minor flaps have at least one semi-aperture formed on their outer edges which are aligned with corresponding semi-apertures on the other minor flap. The semi-apertures on each of the flaps cooperate to form full apertures in response to the first and second minor flaps being folded inwardly within the container. A detachable plug formed on the first-down major flap overlies the apertures in response to the first-down major flap being folded inwardly on top of the first and second minor flaps.

Abstract: A dispenser for pulverulent materials includes receptacle for receiving a container holding the material to be dispensed. A valve body defining metering cavities is mounted in the valve body. A gate also mounted in the valve body includes a first portion for selectively locking flow into the metering cavities and a second portion for selectively blocking flow exiting the metering cavities, with a desired quantity of material being trapped between the gate portions, for subsequent release.

Abstract: A dispensing fitment has a plurality of angularly spaced discrete retaining bead members extending circumferentially around the internal wall surface of a skirt on the fitment. Thinned wall sections of the skirt between the discrete retaining bead members elastically circumferentially expand to break the hoop strength of the skirt and allow the discrete retaining bead members to snap over and engage an external bead on the container neck. Thin, flexible, radially outwardly extending tabs secure the fitment within a cap for initial application to the container as an assembly with the fitment remaining on the container with subsequent removal of the cap.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a container having an opening. The closure includes a base for mounting to the container around the opening. A dispensing valve is disposed across the base and defines an orifice which opens to permit flow therethrough in response to increased pressure within the container and closes to shut off flow therethrough upon removal of the increased pressure. A dispersion baffle is included on the base outwardly of the valve. The baffle defines a plurality of dispensing apertures.

Abstract: A closure assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with a land surface at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure assembly includes a cap, a liner, and a fitment with a dispensing surface dimensioned to span the mouth of the container. A plurality of liner tabs center the liner in the cap during assembly, and retain the liner and the fitment within the cap prior to placing the cap on a container. One or more tabs may extend through slots in the fitment.

Abstract: A salt and pepper shaker includes a pair of mating body parts joined along a vertical edge. A rotatable top is coupled with the upper part of the body members and includes an opening that is adapted to be sequentially aligned with a filling opening in one of the body members and pour holes in the other body member. Latching means aligns the top hole with either the filling opening, pour holes or intermediate sealing positions.

Abstract: A simple, molded salt or spice shaker is disclosed. The shaker has a cap and an undercap that are rotatable relative to each other. Their rotation also rotates projections that engage the salt or spice material so as to break up lumps that might block the shaker and causes bosses on the undercap to be inserted into dispensing holes in the cap so as to clear the path to the holes and to eject the material from the dispensing holes.

Abstract: A sifter and liner assembly and method of making the assembly which is configured for use with a container. The sifter is dimensioned to span the mouth of the container and has an upper surface, a lower surface and a least one aperture. The liner is dimensioned to cover at least the aperture of the sifter and includes an integral pull tab. A layer of permanent adhesive material is located on a peripheral edge of the lower surface of the sifter to secure the sifter to the lip of the container. A layer of impermanent adhesive material is located between the sifter and the liner for removably securing the liner to the sifter. The sifter and liner are retained together within the closure cap. The sifter, liner and closure cap form a package which can be stored, transported and applied to the container as a unit.

Abstract: A container for siftable products such as powders, solid particulates, spices, condiments and the like, comprises a bottle having a threaded neck, a screw cap for the bottle, and a sifter member disposed in the cap. The cap and sifter member are yieldably held together to constitute an assemblage which is applied to the bottle after the latter has been filled. The applying of the cap to the bottle forces the sifter to be transferred to and firmly secured on the bottle neck by cooperable configurations thereon, which provide a more aggressive grip or securement than the hold of the cap on the sifter. In consequence, whenever thereafter the cap is removed from the bottle, the sifter will remain operatively secured to the bottle to carry out its function.

Abstract: A linerless closure cap and fitment assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with an annular lip at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure cap and fitment assembly includes a fitment with a dispensing surface having a resealable pour spout and possibly sifting holes dimensioned to span the mouth of the container and a cap with a top panel, an annular skirt and threads for releasable engagement onto the neck of the container. The fitment includes a vertical fin along the sides of the pour spout to dam the product within the container, thereby stopping the product from sifting or "dusting" out of the closure during shipment in an upright or upside down position.

Abstract: A dispenser for powder or granular material which has a hopper for containing the material to be dispensed. The hopper includes an arcuate bottom member having a plurality of discharge openings. A wiper is positioned along the length of the bottom member and mounted to a rotatable shaft. The wiper includes a plurality of wiper elements mounted to the shaft each having at least one radially extending blade. The radial extent of each blade is sufficient to contact the openings during rotation of the shaft. Adjacent blades are mounted so as to be offset from each other. A drive is provided to rotate the shaft.

Abstract: An insect-proof and tamper-evident cover is disclosed for a disposable, metal, one-time use beverage container. A lid, non-rotatably secured to the upper end of the beverage container, includes an opening with bars formed there-across, and with a plurality of cover-supporting bumps and a position-controlling groove. A rotatable cover is secured to said lid in a fluid-tight arrangement. The cover includes an opening with bars there-across, at least one finger-engaging member, a tamper-evident indicator, and a projection arranged to travel in the position-controlling groove of the lid.

Abstract: A dispensing container for granular or powderous materials, The container body has a circular periphery and an upwardly facing opening with an upper edge which is preferably rolled as is known in the art. After the container has been filled with the appropriate contents a sealing disk is secured to the upper edge of the container side walls. The sealing disk includes several circumferentially spaced openings and has a periphery larger than that of the container body such that a peripheral edge extends outwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the container walls. The openings in the sealing disk are initially covered with adhesive labels to maintain the contents within the container. A selector cap is then applied over the sealing disk simply by downward movement thereover. The selector cap includes a downwardly extending skirt having a detent portion which engages with the outwardly extending outer periphery of the sealing disk.

Abstract: An injection molded thermoplastic closure for a container having a generally planar wall and an integrally molded push-in tab within the area of the wall. The push-in tab has its boundary formed by discontinuities in the closure wall and the discontinuities are hermetically closed with a sealant applied locally in an arcuate pattern by rotation of the closure relative to a sealant applicator. A hinge line of the push-in tab has a construction that improves hinge integrity.

Abstract: A twist apply granular spreader comprising a tapered hollow body having an open top end, a closed bottom end, and a wall surface integral with the top and bottom ends for containing and dispersing granular dispersal substances through a multiplicity of apertures in the wall surface. A handle extends from the top end of the spreader body for supporting the body from above during use. A cover lid having a lip rim is detachably coupled to the top end of the spreader body for retaining granular dispersal substances. A channel encompasses the exterior circumference of the top end of the body and accepts the lip rim of the cover lid thus securing the cover lid.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for producing seasoned food products where seasoning is performed at individual packaging lines. The product is conveyed from the preparation area to a packaging area in an unseasoned condition. Upon reaching the packaging lines, which are disposed in packaging departments in the packaging area, the product can be selectively seasoned independent of other packaging lines. After seasoning, the product is packaged and prepared for delivery. At each packaging line, a volumetric feeder includes a feed head that cooperates with a tumbler having helical flights to produce continuous controlled product portions. A seasoning dispenser is positionable within the tumbler and can be adjusted to dispense a given weight of seasoning at a given rate, based on the amount of product passing through the tumbler, to obtain consistent seasoning levels and coverage.

Abstract: A shaker closure generally comprising a skirt and a shaker lid, a portion of which is adapted to pivot from a closed position to an open dispensing position. A well deck having a plurality of orifices extends across a portion of the closure top and is covered when the pivotable lid portion is in the closed position. A releasable lock is provided to securely and releasably lock the shaker lid in the closed position. The lock is an eccentric detent formed on the periphery of the pivotable lid portion and an undercut formed on the skirt adapted to releasably engage the detent. A second lock may be provided to hold a generally semi-circular lid in a fully open position, the second lock comprising a pair of arcuate latch projections formed on the periphery of the pivotable lid above the detent and a pair of arcuate locking walls formed on the skirt adapted to releasably engage the latch projections.

Abstract: A soft plastic container for dispensing liquid soap through a permeable and porous wall of the container, wherein the outer surface of the permeable wall forms a scrubbing surface. A closure is provided for refilling the container with liquid soap so it may be reused.

Abstract: A condiment shaker including a hollow body with an enlarged opening therethrough receiving a pivotally mounted lid for rocking between a closed position and a dispensing position. In the dispensing position, slots through the lid flange are open and provide transverse dispensing passages. Lugs on the container body align with the slots and move through the length thereof as the lid is closed. The lid is positively positioned and releasably retained in each of the two positions by cooperating abutment areas and a complementary protuberance and recess respectively on the container body and the lid.

Abstract: A container closure is mounted within a spout portion of an associated container, including a cylindrical head arranged for positioning upon a torroidal seat portion of the spout in a first position and displaced from the seat in a second position permitting fluid to flow thereabout, wherein the closure further includes a plurality of pairs of lobes mounted below the head portion of the closure preventing inadvertent removal of the closure from the container. A cap member is arranged for mounting to the spout to position the closure in the first position.

Abstract: Material dispensing apparatus includes an elongate hopper having a flexible apertured bottom, and an agitator bar mounted for rotation within the hopper having a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending rods supported on a rotating stabilizer shaft for material dispensing contact with the apertured bottom. The contact between the longitudinally extending rods and the flexible apertured bottom moves the bottom of the hopper in both an up-and-down and side-to-side direction such that the holes in the bottom change shape and material contained within the hopper is both vibrated and pushed through the apertures in the bottom of the hopper onto a product underlying the hopper. The apparatus is designed to dispense moist pre-sized powder-like materials that tend to agglomerate and adhere together.

Abstract: A closure cap and fitment assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with an annular lip at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure cap and fitment assembly includes a fitment with a dispensing surface dimensioned to span the mouth of the container and a liner. The assembly further includes a cap with a top panel, an annular skirt and threads for releasable engagement onto the neck of the container. The inner portion of the cap defines a retaining structure which is designed to retain the fitment and liner within the cap.

Abstract: A plastic dispensing fitment and a plastic screw-on cap are connected in nested relation by an ultrasonic weld. When the cap is initially screwed onto the neck of a jar, the fitment is forced over the neck with a snap fit. When the cap is first unscrewed, the weld breaks to separate the cap from the fitment and enable removal of the cap from the jar while leaving the fitment attached to the jar.

Abstract: A cylindrical body having a countersunk wall defining a trough around the internal periphery thereof, a removable cover assembly comprising a circular bottom member and a pair of semicircular plates disposed over the bottom member. The plates are supported and rotatable in a groove extending around the internal wall of the body member and are provided with a spring for urging the plates apart. A syphon tube forming an integral part of the bottle extends internally from the bottom of the trough to the cover.

Abstract: A tamper-evident end closure for dispensers, including a hermetically sea base, a rotor having a normally occurring unrestrained non-flat shape, and a rotatable connection between the rotor and the base to hold the rotor on the base in a substantially flat condition so it can rotate. The rotatable connection is achieved by employing an annular attachment ring, formed on the rotor snap-fit into an annular groove molded into the base. The annular attachment ring is connected to the rotor by a frangible web, which will break or tear when an attempt is made to separate the rotor from the base. Because the rotor is formed with a normally occurring non-flat shape, tearing or breaking of the frangible web will allow a portion of the rotor, normally held by the attachment ring, to spring or bend toward its natural shape. This unrestrained portion provides striking evidence of the tampering attempt.

Abstract: A food seasoning shaker (10) for dispensing salt and the like, is described. The shaker is comprised of a container portion (11) for holding food seasoning (13), a cover portion (15) serving as a closure for the container, a pair of anchor rods (17) and (19) mounted on annular rims (11F) and (15G) on the respective container and cover and a connection spring (21) mounted on and between the rods for holding the cover on the container. The cover has a top wall (15B) with perforations or openings (15D) for dispensing food seasoning from the shaker. The anchor rods and connecting spring enable the cover to rotate about the axis of the shaker with respect to the container portion. The anchor rods and connecting spring also enable the cover to partially separate from the container for filling the shaker with food seasoning.

Abstract: A fitment made of plastic and adapted to be telescoped over the neck of a jar to facilitate dispensing of the contents of the jar. The fitment includes a top wall having a spoon or pour opening adapted to be selectively closed by a flap which is hinged to the top wall to swing between closed and open positions, the flap being formed with sift holes to allow the contents to be sifted from the jar when the flap is closed. The lower sides of the top wall and the flap are flat and, when the flap is closed, lie in a common plane so as to define a flat and planar surface for supporting and backing a paper-like disc for initially sealing the jar. A circumferentially continuous skirt depends from the top wall and engages a bead on the neck of the jar to hold the fitment on the jar. When the flap is closed, a lift tab on the flap fits into a notch in the top wall and overlies an arcuate section of the skirt.

Abstract: This new detergent delivery system involves the formation of a detergent solution from a solid detergent material. The system comprises a container for holding the detergent pellets, and a lid. The container includes a hollow body portion, a base portion, and a passageway. The container has a handle which is pivotally attached to the hollow body portion. The base portion of the container has a recess molded therein, and tabs for retentively engaging the handle in a nested position when the handle is not in use. The lid retentively and disengageably fits securely with a coupling means of the passageway. The lid includes means for retentively and disengageably fitting securely within the passageway of the container. An integral grid is formed within the lid, the grid having a plurality of apertures forming a pattern therein. The grid is divided into four quadrants, and the pattern on each quadrant is similar.

Abstract: An apparatus including a deformable memory retentent container, including a cap member, wherein the cap member includes a series of conduits mounted thereon in fluid communication with contents of the container. Each conduit is defined in a spaced relationship relative to an adjacent conduit, with each conduit including a respective first, second, and third opening of an increasing geometric configuration to accommodate selectively varying flow rates through each of the conduits to permit selective volumetric dispensing of contents within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate dispensing tube and a forward conical dispensing tip is provided, wherein the dispensing tip includes a deformable dispensing portion formed to enable displacement and repositioning of the dispensing tip during use of the apparatus. A modification of the instant invention includes a bellowed dispensing tube body, as well as inclusion of dispensing caps threadedly mounted to a forward end of the dispensing tip to provide various flow characteristics therethrough. The dispensing tip includes reinforcing wires mounted therein to maintain a displaced configuration of the dispensing tip.

Abstract: A scoop or pail shaped container having a plurality of openings surrounding its bottom outer portion and having a bottom cover pivotally secured to the bottom of the container. The cover has a plurality of openings about its circumference and is vertically ribbed on the outer surface to make it easy to grasp and turn in either direction. A pair of spaced semi-circular integral projections are upstanding from the cover and project through a central hole in the bottom portion to form a detachable pivot for the bottom cover. The cover has a vertically upwardly extending pin which engages an arcuate depression underneath the bottom portion, concentric with the arcuate depression to limit rotation of the cover in either direction. By adjustably varying the extent of overlap of the openings of the container and cover, variable amounts of particles in the container are dispersed uniformly.