Abstract: A metering and dispensing cap for use with material containers such as spice jars is disclosed. The cap has a housing that extends horizontally across the mouth of the jar and provides a rectangular outer aperture spaced apart from an aperture that communicates with the interior of the jar. A metering rotor having a plurality of compartments of equal volume spaced around its circumference is provided in the housing between the two apertures. Upon turning the rotor, the compartments are sequentially filled by exposure to the contents of an inverted jar and emptied when aligned with the external aperture. The compartments are defined by axially extending, spaced-apart blades on the rotor. Wiping action to obtain precise metering is obtained by movement of the blades past a curved surface of the housing in slight spaced-apart relation. Amounts of dispensed material are obtainable in multiples of the amount contained in one comparment. A detent mechanism enables control and sensing of the amount dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus that enables easy retrieval of mail from a rural mailbox is disclosed. A horizontally disposed mail-supporting member, which may be the bottom of the box itself or an insertable tray, is arranged to be tilted by pivoting around a transverse axis so that the rear of the member may be placed in an elevated position with respect to the front, thus allowing mail located on the member to slide downward and outward. Mail-catching means in the form of a wall around the periphery of and on the inside of the door holds the mail in position for grasping and keeps it from falling to the ground. A stop means such as a limited-motion hinge is provided to limit downward movement of the door. For the tilting mailbox embodiment, the mailbox is pivotally mounted on a platform so as to allow the entire box to be tilted downward and forward.