Abstract: A method of providing information in a directory system comprising a directory for company information, goods and services; a communications network; a directory computer operated by a directory provider; a plurality of search computers operated by enquirers which search computers are connected within the network; and a plurality of active content providers operating active content provider computers, at least some of which are connected to the directory computer. The company information, goods and services are classified by unique identifiers. Lists of goods and services and company information are provided as provider content from both active and passive content providers. These are stored in a provider database with unique identifiers. The directory computer on request downloads to the search computer one or more queries to allow the search computer specify the search correctly and then the directory computer downloads the search result.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a particulate material having an upstream source of particulate material, a delivery device disposed downstream of the upstream source of particulate material and communicable with the source for delivering the particulate material from the source to a discharge conduit, conveying device communicable with the discharge conduit for conveying the particulate material through the discharge conduit, the delivery device and the conveying device being cooperable to form an incremental batch of dischargeable particulate material downstream of the delivery device.