Abstract: The invention relates to batch feeders for furnaces. Heretofore batch feeders have been complex, expensive to construct, use and maintain and have not ensured a uniform deposition of particulate batch material onto the batch cover in the furnace. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for obtaining a uniform layer of batch material by moving a particulate-covering trough 62 over a desired area. Disposed within the trough 62 is a feed means 80 having a cavity at one end with an opening in alignment with a discharge opening in the trough. The sidewalls defining the cavity have a plurality of perforations 87 therein. The other end of the feed means is connected to a vibrator so that as the vibrator is vibrated the one end of the feed means moves back and forth through the particulate material in the trough 62. The particulate material is forced through the perforations 87 in the feed means 80 and falls, under the influence of gravity, towards the desired area.

Abstract: This invention is a handle assembly for luggage. It includes an elongated, hollow, complaint handgrip portion having a pair of parallel grooves on its upper surface. A rigid end member is received in each end of the hollow handgrip and extends away from the same side of the handgrip at a divergent angle. Openings in the distal ends of the rigid end members engage co-operating means on the luggage case. A metal U-shaped member engages the two inserted rigid end members and the parallel grooves to hold the handle parts in proper assembled relation.