Abstract: A dispensing apparatus adapted to be mounted over a can line for dispensing metered amounts of particulate material into cans in a high speed canning operation. The dispenser utilizes a metering unit which includes a reciprocating slide bar having a pair of spaced chambers, one of which is moved into a loading position and the other of which is moved into a discharge position during each reciprocation of the slide bar. A can detecting device and an air pressure operated actuating valve are provided to control reciprocating movement of the slide bar in response to the presence and speed of cans carried on the can line beneath the dispenser. Lubricating conduits are provided in the metering unit to ensure free movement of the slide bar.