Abstract: A device and a method for mixing a fluid in a specimen bag is provided herein. In one embodiment, the device includes a mechanism for creating a first vortex and a second vortex. The first vortex is on a first side of a bag containing the fluid, and the second vortex is on a second side of the bag. The mechanism includes a first inflatable airbag and a second inflatable airbag. The first inflatable airbag is configured to create the first vortex when inflated and the second inflatable airbag is deflated. The second inflatable airbag is configured to create the second vortex when inflated and the first inflatable airbag is deflated.

Abstract: The vibration feeder has a drive unit comprising a vibration drive, a carrier arrangement comprising a feeding element for the material to be conveyed and a control for the vibration drive, wherein an acceleration sensor is arranged on the drive unit, which when the vibration feeder is operating, detects the actual acceleration of the drive unit, and wherein the control is configured to use the actual acceleration signal of the acceleration sensor for generating a regulating variable for the vibration drive such that the carrier arrangement vibrates essentially within its resonance frequency (fres). This makes it possible, during operation, to detect the acceleration of a drive unit of the vibration feeder and to generate therefrom a regulating variable for a vibration drive such that a carrier arrangement of the vibration feeder vibrates closer to its resonance frequency (fres) or is brought back again to the same.

Abstract: A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.

Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to a filter for a bin storing agricultural material, the filter comprising; a rigid perimeter frame supporting a grate within the frame; and a plurality of legs spaced about the perimeter frame, wherein the filter, in use, is located within the bin and positioned to substantially cover an outlet of the bin, the plurality of legs in direct contact with the bin so as to transmit vibrations from the bin to the filter, the agricultural material within the bin traversing the grate as it exits the bin.

Abstract: A mouthwash dispensing system including: a bottle with a threaded neck (150) defining an opening (140) and configured to hold a liquid; a dispenser (340) including a receiving orifice (380) and a receiving protrusion (390); and a spring-actuated adapter, including: an adapter orifice (250); a valve stem (220, 260) including a spring (270) and a seal (280), wherein the spring (270) is configured to bias the seal (280) to move the spring-actuated adapter to a closed position; a threaded adapter (230) configured to couple the spring-actuated adapter to the threaded neck (150); and a friction-fit adapter configured to couple the spring-actuated adapter to the dispenser (340); wherein, when the spring-actuated adapter is coupled to the dispenser (340), the receiving protrusion (390) moves the spring-actuated adapter to an open position to allow the liquid to flow from the bottle through the adapter orifice (250) and into the dispenser (340).

Abstract: A weighing system for weighing particulate material such as powders, granules and the like, and particularly particulate foodstuffs. The system includes: a weighing device (9); a vibrator unit (11); a transfer receptacle (7) having an opening; a robotic arm (5) arranged to move the transfer receptacle (7); and a control system (13) arranged to control the robotic arm (5) and the vibrator unit (11); wherein the transfer receptacle (7) is arranged to receive a quantity of the particulate material through the opening; the control system (13) is arranged to actuate the robotic arm (5) to move the transfer receptacle adjacent the weighing device (9), and to actuate the vibrator unit (11) to vibrate the transfer receptacle (7) thereby causing particulate material located in the transfer receptacle (7) to dispense from the transfer receptacle onto the weighing device (9).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling the disgorging of objects. The system includes a container system including a container for containing objects, rotation means for rotating the container to a disgorgement angle, and movement means for moving at least a portion of the container system in a repetitious manner with a net zero distance of travel of the at least the portion of the container system such that the objects are disgorged from the container at a controlled rate of disgorgement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vibratory conveyor comprising a drive unit that generates a vibration movement during operation, and a conveying element arranged on the drive unit, wherein the drive unit comprises a support arrangement for the conveying element, which is mounted on a rear section on the carrier arrangement and has a freely extending section, and a spring-elastic vibration arrangement is provided on the front section of the conveying element, said vibration arrangement being arranged and designed in such a way that it oscillates with respect to the oscillation of the drive arrangement with phase displacement counter to the phase displacement of the conveying element.

Abstract: Introduced here is a soap dispenser that uses gravitational force to dispense soap from a liquid soap bottle into a tray. The soap dispenser includes the tray and a socket. The socket is attached to the soap bottle socket, which is then securely held by an interlocking mechanism of the socket. The interlocking mechanism can be, for example, a threaded locking system. Once the soap bottle is secured by the socket, the soap dispenser and bottle are inverted together, such that the bottom surface of the tray is resting on a flat surface and the soap bottle is upside-down. The socket also includes an outlet that opens towards the tray. When inverted, the soap from the soap bottle is dispensed from the outlet into the tray.

Abstract: A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.

Abstract: A plant pollination bag including a bag made of a flexible material, a pouch formed out of one or more additional pieces of material fixed to the wall of the bag, where a space is created between the at least one additional piece of material and the wall of the bag; at least one of a releasable closure and a tear line fixed to the one or more additional pieces of material and the wall of the bag, where the one or more of a releaseable closure and a tear line is adapted to seal the space between the one or more additional pieces of material and the wall of the bag; an elongated piece of material attached to the at least one of a releasable closure and a tear line, where the elongated piece of material is designed to extend from the interior of the bag to a location outside of the bag, where the elongated piece of material is further adapted to allow a user to at least one of A) open the releasable closure and B) tear the tear line from outside of the bag.

Abstract: A sanitary liquid dispenser having a spherical housing with a discharge port and a fluid reservoir positioned within the dispenser. The fluid reservoir includes a disposable deformable bag with a nozzle projecting downwardly from the bag. The dispenser includes a proximity detector for activating a discharge mechanism when detecting the proximity of an object beneath the dispenser. The discharge mechanism includes a valve within the nozzle.

Abstract: An environmental testing system for environmental testing with particulate matter, such as sand and dust, is disclosed. The testing system uses a feeder to feed precise amounts of particulate matter into an injector, which injects the particulate matter into the airflow leading to a test chamber with approximately the same velocity as the surrounding airflow. The feeder may be a loss-in-weight gravimetric feeder, and the injector may be a Venturi valve actuated by compressed air. The system also includes operator protection features, such as an exhaust fan that creates negative pressure when the door to the test chamber is opened, and when particulate matter is dumped into the system. A temperature control system heats and cools the airflow during tests, a pneumatic conveying system moves fluidized particulate matter into and out of the system, and a controller provides automatic control over the system.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly (40) comprises a container (4), a support assembly (42) on which the container (4) is mounted and fixed and a rotary electric vibrator device (44) coupled to the support assembly (42). The container holds a shear thinning additive for a plastics material. The reservoir assembly is arranged so that on operation of the device (44), an appropriate frequency and amplitude of vibration is applied to the container (4) and, therefore, its contents. As a result, a liquid dispersion in the container is shear thinned and recovery of dispersion from the container is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying coating powder from a powder container. The powder conveying device has a powder conveying pipe having a powder inlet, by means of which coating powder can be fed from a powder container to the powder conveying pipe, in particular by means of suction. Furthermore, a powder conveying pipe retainer is provided in order to retain the powder conveying pipe. The powder conveying pipe can be preferably optionally moved in relation to the powder conveying pipe retainer in the longitudinal direction of the powder conveying pipe, wherein in order to clean the powder conveying pipe, the powder inlet of the powder conveying pipe can be closed and a compressed air line can be connected to the powder pipe.

Abstract: A capillary metering device for a powder product has a vibration body with a capillary formed within the vibration body for receiving and conveying the powder product. The vibration body is formed of at least two adjoining body parts, wherein the capillary is formed as a channel with at least one open side in the demounted state in at least one of the body parts. The open side of the channel in the mounted state is closed off by the adjoining body part. The vibration body is caused to vibrate with such an amplitude and frequency that a powder flow of the powder product passes through the capillary formed in the vibration body into a target container and that upon reaching a target quantity of the powder product in the target container the powder flow to the target container is interrupted.

Abstract: A powder feed rate sensor includes a surface or diaphragm configured to detect powder feed rate.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing unit with an interior space, delimited by a lateral wall and a bottom portion. The bottom portion further includes an outlet orifice. The dosage-dispensing unit can be connected to a holder device of a dosage-dispensing device. The holder device is supported by constraints that allow movement in a prescribed direction. The outlet orifice has a central longitudinal axis that is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to this prescribed direction of movement. The internal surface of the bottom portion facing towards the interior space includes a surface region having at least a line segment that starts at the outlet orifice and extends in the prescribed direction of movement.

Abstract: A device that dispense dosages of a free-flowing substance has a support column with a horizontal support arm (10) cantilevered thereon. The device includes a holder unit (20) on which at least one movably supported receiving unit (30) is arranged. The receiving unit is designed so that at least one dosage unit (70) can be set into, as well as taken out of, it. The holder unit contains at least one agitation actuator (50) that acts on the receiving unit. The dosage unit can be fastened to the receiving unit by means of a pre-tensioned clamping module (60). For the insertion and/or removal of the dosage unit, the clamping module can be spread apart from a dispensing position into a loading position by means of an opener module that is based on the holder unit. In the dispensing position, the opener module is uncoupled from the receiving unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include: (a) a dosing head comprising a support body with a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port; (b) a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head; and (c) at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal, wherein, when the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels.

Abstract: A unit for dispensing a dosage material of a powdery or granular consistency has a housing and at least one dispensing head. At least one reservoir cavity is formed inside the housing and serves to receive dosage material. The at least one dispensing head is formed of an elastomeric material. The dispensing head has an outlet which is slit-shaped in its non-deformed state and is delimited by a first outlet lip and a second outlet lip. The outlet can be opened to a variable width by the application of a lateral compressive force. The arrangement further includes at least a first motion-transmitting means designed to impart an oscillatory movement to the first outlet lip relative to, and in the lengthwise direction of, the second outlet lip.

Abstract: A device (110, 10) dispenses dosages of a free-flowing substance from a source unit (70) containing the substance. The device has a base unit (120, 20) and a receiving unit (130, 30), so that the source unit can be set into, and removed from, the receiving unit. An actuator (150, 50) generates repeated bidirectional pivoting movements of the receiving unit about the base unit. A connector unit (140, 40), arranged between the base unit and the receiving unit, pivotally supports the receiving unit, providing rotational mobility about a pivoting axis. The connector unit is slidably supported with translatory mobility relative to the base unit. The actuator generates repeated bidirectional translatory movements of the base unit. In this way, the receiving unit is subjected to repeated bidirectional pivoting movements and, superimposed on the latter, repeated bidirectional translatory movements.

Abstract: A gyrator feeder that gyrates a dispensing member to uniformly and circumnavigating dispense material by generating a true circular orbital vibratory motion in the dispensing member by either rotating an offset weight along a vertical central axis of the dispensing member or by positioning vibratory motors diametrical opposite from each other on a gyrator housing and synchronizing the vibratory motors with each other to thereby dispense material.

Abstract: The invention proposes a dosing device (1) for the preparation of a food composition comprising supply means (2) for providing a soluble powder, a dosing member (3) which is rotatably mounted and which comprises at least one recessed portion (4) for receiving powder supplied by the supply means (2) in a first rotational position and discharging powder in a second rotational position, and tapping means (5) driven by the rotation of the dosing member (3) and designed to induce a reciprocating force on the supply means (2).

Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.

Abstract: A tongue and groove arrangement guides an outer cap in an axial direction with respect to an inner cap. When a cap is fixed to a mouth of a container body, the outer cap is located in a direction of separating from the inner cap in the axial direction, and an inner face of a top wall of the outer cap is separated from a valve to urge the valve in a direction of projecting from a discharge hole of an inside plug, causing the discharge hole to close. When the cap is detached and removed from the mouth, the outer cap is moved in a direction of approaching the inner cap in the axial direction, and the inner face abuts the valve urged in a direction of separating from the discharge hole while resisting against an urging member, causing the discharge hole to open.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device includes a drive device and a source container that can be set into the drive device, wherein a dosage-dispensing head is connected to a closure shaft which is movably constrained in the source container. The closure shaft has a coupler part configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a drive shaft of the drive device. The source container has a first form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a first counterpart element formed on the drive device and serves to precisely position the coupler part in relation to the drive shaft. The source container further has a second form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a second counterpart element formed on the drive device and which, when in operating position, serves to precisely position the dosage-dispensing head in relation to a target container.

Abstract: Packaging for a powdered beverage includes a container of powdered beverage, and a dispenser secured to the container. The dispenser includes an outer dispensing member having an exit opening, and an inner dispensing member in opposed relationship with the outer dispensing member and in part defining an interior space of the container. The inner dispensing member has at least one dispensing opening. At least one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member is moveable relative to the other one of the outer dispensing member and the inner dispensing member between a blocked position and a dispensing position of the dispenser in which the at least one opening of the inner dispensing member is at least in part aligned with the exit opening of the outer member to permit powdered beverage to be dispensed from the packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprising a hopper (20) provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper defining a powder-containing zone above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support (25) for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator (30) for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and an element which is adapted to permit controlled vertical movement of the hopper relative to the support.

Abstract: Tubular dry powder feed systems with an in-line actuator that applies a flow vibration signal axially. The flow vibration signal can be a harmonic or non-harmonic signal, such as a sinusoidal, saw tooth, square wave or other signal and may be frequency or amplitude modulated.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper provided with a sieve at a bottom portion thereof, the hopper in use containing powder to be dispensed therefrom through the sieve, a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, and at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, wherein the at least one actuator is arranged to deliver impact energy to the hopper from different directions and/or at different locations on the hopper. There is also provided a method of dispensing small quantities of particles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably process dry powders using a non-linear vibratory signal individualized or customized to a target dry powder undergoing processing to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precisely dispense material in powdery and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises an gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing small quantities of particles, the apparatus comprises a hopper (20) provided with a sieve (21) at a bottom portion thereof, the hoper defining a powder-containing zone (42) above the sieve which in use contains powder to be dispensed therefrom trough the sieve (21), a support for the hopper, the support holding a portion of the hopper so that the hopper can in use be held above a container into which the dispensed powder is to be received, at least one actuator for delivering impact energy to the hopper for causing powder to be dispensed through the sieve when the hopper receives the impact energy, and a deagglomeration device (58) disposed in the powder-containing zone (42).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing fluids, especially particulate matter, from a supply bin. The apparatus includes a plough that is movable at least partially in and out of the bin and which, when retracted, closes a matching aperture in the bin, whereby there is an adequate quantity of fluid above the plough.

Abstract: According to the invention, a mandrel, provided with tabs for holding jars containing powders and for turning the jars upside down in order to empty them through the neck, is equipped with vibration generators for exciting the walls of the jar in order to shake off the powder masses adhering thereto. The method is much more efficient than even more energetic shock applications, and frequency scanning can further be advantageously applied. One application relates to an emptying step in methods for the production of nuclear fuel pellets by powder agglomeration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precisely dispense material in powdery and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises an gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting in a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The hopper has a length extending between a front end and a rear end sized for placing in the bed of the truck to hold material for spreading and has an outlet spout with an opening for discharging material therefrom. The hopper and the frame are each formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A spreader assembly for spreading a material and for mounting to a bed of a truck is disclosed. The assembly includes a hopper and a frame having an upper rail for supporting the hopper in the bed of the truck. The frame includes a pair of front and rear posts extending downwardly from the upper rail and an upper rail extending in a cantilevered fashion from the rear posts to support the outlet spout outside the bed of the truck. A quick-release connector releasably engages the frame for preventing longitudinal movement within the bed of the truck. A spinner is rotatably attached and is moveable between an operating position and a storage position. The hopper includes a lower portion having a bottom with a first slanted portion having a first slope and a second slanted portion having a second slope with the first slope being different than the second slope.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloader includes a frame, a bag support, a hopper beneath the bag support and an outlet chute beneath the hopper. The hopper and the outlet chute are mounted to the frame for movement substantially in unison relative to the frame. Two vibrators are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the hopper and synchronized to generate vibratory movement substantially along the axis of the outlet chute. Thus, the vibrators function to achieve an efficient and continuous discharge from the bulk bag and employ the outlet chute to regulate or stop the flow in accordance with system requirements.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dosing water and dental alginate is disclosed. The machine comprises a pressurized water container and a dental alginate container. In the automatic machine, a predetermined amount of each of those substances is transported from its respective container to a dosing point. During operation of the automatic machine, dental alginate is moved inside the alginate container with the purpose of bringing down residues of alginate adhered to the internal walls of the alginate container. In addition, the automatic machine comprises a control unit with a memory that stores dosing programs, this memory may be programmed in order to handle dental alginate of different manufactures.

Abstract: A medicament dispenser including a housing, a medicament container having a dispensing outlet; an agitator for agitating the contents; and a driver for driving the agitator independent of any container movement. The driver includes an energy storeage for storing energy releasable to drive the agitator. The medicament container may be a metered dose inhaler or delivering a suitable inhalable medicament.

Abstract: Particulate material, such as toner, is stored within a hopper (12) which leads to a feed screw (30). The feed screw (30) moves the particulate material through an outlet passageway (24) into a discharge spout (26). The outlet (46) of the discharge spout (26) delivers the toner into the inlet of a funnel (52). The funnel (52) delivers the toner into the inlet (50) of a toner cartridge (48). The toner cartridge (48) and funnel (52) are mounted by a carriage (56) for back and forth movement below the outlet (46). The rate of toner feed is coordinated with the cartridge travel so that the toner is substantially evenly distributed into the cartridge (48).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing particulate matter onto a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material are disclosed. The apparatus has a feed tray that has an inlet for receiving a supply of particulate matter. At least part of a lower pan of the feed tray is a slideable shuttle pan that has an outlet edge located near a supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material that is moving in a machine direction. The supply of particulate matter passes over the outlet edge to exit the feed tray. A mechanism operates the shuttle pan through a range of motion having a forward stroke and a backward stroke. During the forward stroke, the outlet edge follows the supply of absorbent core fibrous substrate material.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a feeder bowl for receiving items to be dispensed, and a first vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl. the dispenser also includes a plurality of dispensing paths positioned around the feeder bowl, and a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths. Moreover, the dispensing paths include a second vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths proportionately to a physical characteristic of each of the items, such that the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: A control system for regulating a dispenser that includes a feeder bowl and a plurality of dispensing paths is disclosed. The control system includes a control unit for controlling a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths, a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl, and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths, such that the feeder bowl receives a plurality of items and supply the items uniformly to each of the dispensing paths, and the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: Methods for flowably dispensing dry powders from a hopper having a dispensing port and a dry powder flow path can include: (a) generating a first non-linear vibration input signal, the first non-linear input signal comprising a plurality of different selected frequencies that correspond to a first dry powder formulation; (b) applying the first non-linear vibration input signal to a dispensing hopper having at least one dispensing port while the first dry powder formulation is flowing therethrough; and (c) dispensing a first meted quantity of the first dry powder through the dispensing port to a receiving member. Related devices and computer program products for dispensing dry powders are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder filling method in which powder is filled in a powder box having a discharging port at its bottom segment, the powder box is moved over a cavity to be targeted while being slid on a die plate, thereafter the powder in the powder box is dropped into the cavity by its own gravitational force and filled there, wherein the powder in the powder box is applied with a mechanical agitation when the powder in the powder box is at least dropped into the cavity in the powder filling method for filling the powder in the powder box while being dropped at least into the cavity.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing pizza by a mechanical, automated system without using baking tins for the dough bases and without using pre-prepared or pre-shaped bases. Dough bases are individually prepared from fresh pre-proportioned dough ingredients by a kneading and extrusion device. The dough base is then passed through a series of processing stations, such as a shaping press, a metering and distribution device for tomato purees or sauces, at least one metering and distribution station for garnishing (topping) ingredients and a baking station. The dough bases pass through the series of stations on a preheated or continuously heated transportation sheet. No pre-produced or pre-cooked, semi-finished products are used in the method. Each dough base is prepared and provided with toppings according to individual orders selected from a list.