Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing predetermined quantities of particulate material is disclosed which includes a casing defining a dispensing chamber and an inlet tube for delivering material to the chamber. The inlet tube extends into and is surrounded by the chamber. The chamber has an outlet for discharging material from the chamber. A mechanism is provided for effecting relative movement between the tube and the casing whereby to vary the volume of material introduced into the chamber on opening of an inlet valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing particulate material from the surface of an article of flat or hollow ware comprises spaced endless belt members adapted to engage the opposite edges of the article, mechanism for driving the belt members at the same peripheral speed alternately in the same direction and in opposite directions whereby to deliver the article to a brushing position and rotate the article in the brushing position, and mechanism for brushing the opposite surfaces of the article during rotation of the article in the brushing position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in glazing an article of ceramic flatware or holloware comprises first glazing the undersurface of the article, then turning the article and then glazing the upper surface. Turning is preferably effected by a turning device including upper and lower conveyor members, one of which is adapted to contact the foot of the article and the other the rim of the article, the conveyor members being rotated through 180.degree. while gripping the article and then being moved apart to release the article in the turned position supported on the conveyor member which is then in the lower position.

Abstract: Apparatus for foot cleaning of articles of ceramic ware comprises a conveyor device which includes a pair of belt members independently movable in the same direction at different speeds, the belt members being tilted transversely relative to one another such that their adjacent edges are lower than their outer edges. Preferably there is provided a way for varying the angle of tilt of the belt members.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles from a plurality of input lines to a single independently drive output line includes a device for lifting articles from each input line in turn and transferring them to a position adjacent the output line, and a control mechanism for controlling deposit of the articles on the output line dependent on the rate of movement of the output line, whereby articles transferred from the input lines are placed on the output line in equi-spaced relation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in sensing and correcting wander in a conveyor belt system employed to transport articles of greater width than the width of the belt itself, comprising for sensing deviations from a mean belt edge position at at least one side of the belt, generating a signal in response to such deviations, timing the duration of the signal, and an actuator operable to adjust tracking of the belt when the signal is generated for a period of time greater than that taken for the projecting portion of an article carried on the belt to move past the sensor.