Abstract: The invention relates to a smoothing tool (3) configured for smoothing glass frit in a radioactive environment, in an induction-melting cold crucible. Smoothing tool (3) comprising a rod (30), a grid (50) configured to be in contact with glass frit (7) to be smoothed, and at least one vibrator (37, 55, 56) configured to make the grid (50) vibrate. The grid (50) is mechanically connected to the rod (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a 3D printing method and, in particular, a device and a method for setting an overfeed.

Abstract: A system for forming an implant to stabilize an interior of a vertebral body is provided. The system includes a delivery cannula. A plurality of elements are disposed adjacent to one another in the delivery cannula with void spaces defined between the elements. A fluent material, capable of setting to a hardened condition, is disposed within at least a portion of the void space in the delivery cannula. A push rod is movably disposed within the delivery cannula to apply a force to move the elements through the delivery cannula and into the interior of the vertebral body. Upon application of the force, the elements simultaneously carry the fluent material through the delivery cannula and into vertebral body to delivery the fluent material at a low pressure. The fluent material sets to the hardened condition to secure the elements and form the implant.

Abstract: A containment vessel bladder for retaining material to be stored within a containment vessel. The bladder comprises a flexible enclosure and a drain facilitating element. The enclosure has a sealed interior, a floor portion connected to an enclosed top by one or more wall portions, and an opening for the delivery of material to the sealed interior. The drain facilitating element is positioned on the floor portion the enclosure and is expandable from a deflated position to an expanded position. When deflated the drain facilitating element is foldable with the enclosure to facilitate storage and transport of the containment vessel bladder. When expanded the drain facilitating element has one or more sloped surfaces aiding in the direction of material stored within the sealed interior toward a pre-determined location within the sealed interior to help facilitate the removal of material from the containment vessel bladder.

Abstract: A developing device includes a developer bearer the surface of which moves with a developer thereon, a development housing including the developer in an inner space thereof and an opening through which the surface of the developer bearer is partially exposed in a direction of surface movement thereof to face a latent image bearer a surface of which moves with a latent image thereon, a drive assembly disposed in the development housing, configured to drive members in the development housing driven by a driven force of the drive assembly, and a collision assembly including a collision member, the collision assembly being configured to move the collision member away from the development housing and toward the development housing to collide the collision member with the development housing, utilizing the drive force of the drive assembly.

Abstract: A micro particle flow facilitator, includes: (a) a bourdon tube having a flexible duct capable of expanding and contracting in response to pulsations of a pressurized fluid, the duct being hollow, closed-ended and having an inlet port; and (b) a fluid pulsator for providing the pulsations of a pressurized fluid to the inlet port of the bourdon tube, the pulsator being in fluid-tight communication with the inlet port of the bourdon tube and having a fluid inlet port for connection to a source of pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A metering device for powdery substances, particularly for preparing dental and dental laboratory powder compounds. The powder compounds can be filled into a storage container (1) and fed from the storage container (1) to a vessel (9) using a discharge device. The lower region (3) of the storage container (1) is tapered, and in the storage container (1) an insert (4) is arranged, which has at least one upwardly tapering section (5), wherein the insert (4) is arranged in the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). A through-passage (7) remains clear between the lower edge (6) of the tapering section (5) of the insert (4) and the tapered lower region (3) of the storage container (1). The insert (4) and/or the storage container (1) is associated with a vibration unit (8). The vessel (9) receiving the metered powder can be placed on a weighing unit (10), wherein the weighing unit (10) and the vibration unit (8) are operatively connected to each other.

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 food topping device for dispensing a food toppings. The food topping device includes a hopper that receives a food topping. The hopper directs the supply of the food topping onto the base plate of a discharge pan. The angle of the discharge pan relative to horizontal can be selectively adjusted. A vibration device is coupled to the discharge pan. When the vibration device is activated, the vibration of the discharge pan helps the food topping to overcome the angle of repose and flow down the base plate toward a discharge end. A screen positioned at the discharge end of the discharge pan further controls the flow of food topping from the device. The angle of the screen can be adjusted to control the discharge rate. A flow plate is positioned between the hopper and the discharge end to further control the amount of topping reaching the discharge end.

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: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: A silo for storing viscous material such as sludge, the silo comprising a floor and a perimeter wall connected to the floor, is disclosed. The silo further comprises a moveable frame adjacent to the floor wherein the frame defines an area less than the area of the floor, and an opening in the floor. A crosspiece having opposite ends mounted to generally opposing portions of the perimeter wall is provided within the silo adjacent to the moveable frame. The crosspiece contains a surface facing the floor and is positioned adjacent to the frame. The crosspiece further comprises one or more diverter portions connected to the crosspiece which extend from the floor facing surface of the crosspiece towards the floor.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for preparing bulk quantities of dry colorant or pigment for blending with mortar are described. The system mixes the three primary pigments of black, red and yellow to prepare a batch of the dry colorant having a particular color. The pigments or dry colorant are generally a powder of metal oxide crystals. The system includes pigment dispensers, wherein each pigment dispenser includes a tote that is in flowing communication with a slider valve. The slider valve is in flowing communication with a transition piece, and the transition piece is in flowing communication with a vibratory tray having an exit opening. A receptacle receives pigments from the exit opening of the vibratory trays. A control unit serially operates the vibratory trays to dispense the pigment from each tote. A scale measures the weight of the pigments in the receptacle. The scale is in operational communication with the control unit.

Abstract: A carpet cleaning machine for uniformly spreading a dry carpet cleaning powder onto a surface and working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the surface. The cleaning machine includes base having a hopper integrally formed therein, distribution slots on the bottom of the hopper, a rotary powder agitator inside the hopper, wheels for supporting the base over a floor surface and for rotating the powder agitator, a metering gate for controlling the dispensing of the dry carpet cleaning powder, a trigger located on the cleaner handle for controlling the metering gate, and a plurality of motor driven vertical axis rotary brushes for working the dry carpet cleaning powder into the carpet. The dry carpet cleaning powder is dispensed onto the carpet and allowed to sit for a short period of time to allow the dry carpet cleaning powder to absorb the dirt contained in the carpet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electromechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinised by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: A metering device for metering bulk materials comprises a flap and an insert, in which the flap can be pivoted in the insert, and wherein the flap can be subjected to vibrations. The insert is dimensionally stable while the flap vibrates, in which it is possible to prevent deformations of the insert during the vibration of the flap. The design of the flap therefore can be adapted to the insert without risking that parts of the flap, e.g., an edge of a disk rub against the insert. The abrasion of the material of the insert, as well as the contamination of the bulk material, can be prevented in this fashion during the vibration of the flap. Therefore, the insert is also subjected to fewer mechanical stresses such that its service life is relatively long.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dispensing small-scale powders for a variety of applications, including, for example, fabricating a three-dimensional heterogeneous small-scale device, includes using a feed mechanism that causes motion of the powder particles and the steps of depositing fine heterogeneous materials (such as dry powders and biological materials) towards a substrate. The depositing step preferably includes providing a feed mechanism having an input to receive the material, an output, and a source of ultrasonic vibration to impart a torsional force on the material so as to precisely discharge the material from the output. To improve particle flowability, a cooling system is provided to cool the source, generally above a threshold input voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing flowable solids onto articles located on a moving conveyor. A flowable solid is placed on a vibrating trough and dispensed to an article on the moving conveyor through a slot in the trough. A third planar surface placed beneath the slot receives the flowable solid from the slot and provides an even dispersing pattern of the flowable solid onto the articles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products flowably dispense meted amounts of dry powders using a flexing piezoelectric layer to transmit a vibratory signal to the dry powder to facilitate fluidic flow through a flow channel. The apparatus for dispensing dry powders can include: (a) an elongate flow channel having a width, length, and depth, the flow channel having axially spaced apart inlet and outlet ports, wherein the elongate flow channel is configured to extend in an angular orientation of between about 10–75 degrees relative to the axial direction of flow; (b) a flexible piezoelectric layer configured to overlie the flow channel so that, in operation, the piezoelectric layer is able to flex upwardly away from the lowermost portion of the underlying flow channel; and (c) a signal generator operatively associated with the piezoelectric layer, wherein, in operation, the signal generator is configured to output a signal for flexing the piezoelectric layer in the elongate flow channel.

Abstract: Cyclone separator for separating wood pieces and gas that includes a deagglomerator mechanism that prevents wood piece masses, clumps, wads and the like from plugging or clogging up the system.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising: a fluid reservoir (1); at least one dispensing orifice through which the fluid is dispensed; a fluid feed duct (12) leading from the reservoir (1) towards the dispensing orifice, said duct being provided with an inlet and with an outlet; a valve (31, 61) for selectively closing off the feed duct, said valve comprising a moving valve member (31) mounted to move between a passageway-closure position and a passageway-opening position, the moving valve member being mounted to be moved in translation along a valve axis, the moving valve member (31) coming into leaktight abutment against a fixed valve seat (61), formed at the outlet of the feed duct (12), when in the passageway-closure position, and remaining away from said seat when in the passageway-opening position; said fluid dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises an outlet channel (32) formed by a sleeve (33) connecting the outlet of the duct (12) to the dispensing orifice, said sleeve having an elastically def

Abstract: A device for maintaining material flow that can be mounted on either the inside or outside surface of a material dispensing bin. The device includes a material disrupting slide, attached to a reciprocating piston rod that is actuated by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The reciprocating piston rod may be either circular or non-circular in cross-section, the design defining whether the rod be fixed or non-fixed with respect to longitudinal rotation. To maintain material flow, the device is mounted in a region in the bin where material blockage is likely to occur. The device may be operated in continuous, timed or flow-sensor mode.

Abstract: An instrument for filling cavities in a body, such as a cavity within a reamed out spinal disc, with beads includes a cyclical agitator that functions to prompt the introduction of one bead at a time through the fill tube to prevent clogging and to promote compaction within the cavity.

Abstract: A refresh address is set to a definite state prior to the rise of a clock signal, a refresh instruction is taken-in in synchronization with a clock signal and a refresh operation is performed according to the refresh instruction. Further, in a refresh operation, refresh is performed with a sub-word line being a unit; thereby enabling high speed refresh of memory sell data with a reduced current consumption.

Abstract: A device for maintaining material flow that can be mounted on either the inside or outside surface of a material dispensing bin. The device includes a material disrupting slide, attached to a reciprocating piston rod that is actuated by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The reciprocating piston rod may be either circular or non-circular in cross-section, the design defining whether the rod be fixed or non-fixed with respect to longitudinal rotation. To maintain material flow, the device is mounted in a region in the bin where material blockage is likely to occur. The device may be operated in continuous, timed or flow-sensor mode.

Abstract: An air driven vibrator is attached to a robotic applicator for sealants and adhesives. When the plane of vibration is normal to the axis of the dispenser, the vibration will impart a rotary motion to the applicator. When the plane of vibration is parallel to the axis of the dispenser and normal to the direction of motion of the dispenser (such dispensers are usually robot mounted), a side-to-side or pendulum action is provided. When the dispense tip is provided with a static mixer to mix plural component materials, the vibrator will enhance the mixer's action.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for promoting controlled flow of solid material generally comprises a container for holding the solid material and a number of magnetically hard permanent magnet particles within the solid material near the container outlet. The particles are excited with sufficient oscillating electromagnetic energy to create motion and cause sufficient disturbance to break the structure of the solid material and push it out of the outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the discharge of flowable material from a first compartment having a discharge opening near a lower end thereof comprises a closure member which is movable by an actuator and an adjusting device between a closed position in which it shuts the discharge opening and a raised open position in which it opens a gap of a certain width to said discharge opening to allow the flowable material to flow through the gap and the discharge opening. Adjoining the discharge opening is a conveyor section for providing a predetermined path of conveying the material into a second compartment in communication with the conveyor. The quantity of material is determined by a quantity determining means flown to the second compartment. Furthermore, a control unit controls at least the adjusting device and the width of the gap to achieve a desired degree of filling and concentration within the second compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for delivering powder in a beverage dispenser comprising a hopper for containing a mass of beverage powder. The hopper includes at least one flexible body member and an actuating mechanism coupled with the flexible body member. The actuating mechanism is operatively associated with a mechanical or magnetic driving device which is actuated in an active mode to actuate the actuating mechanism to impart motion to the flexible body member at a frequency that is sufficiently low to correspond to a non-vibrating mode.

Abstract: An atomizing nozzle and fixed clean agent fire suppression system. The system stores gas fire suppressant in a liquefied state separate from propellant gas. Upon demand, the propellant charges the gas fire suppressant to provide a piston flow system that pushes the gas fire suppressant in the liquid state through a pipe network to the protected area of a building. The system includes a plurality of atomizing nozzles for atomizing the gas fire suppressant where it more easily vaporizes. Each atomizing nozzle comprises a nozzle body and a deflector body secured together in fixed relation. A conical flow passage is formed between the nozzle body and deflector body. The conical flow passage extends radially outward to a circumferential outlet slot that spreads the liquid clean agent out into a thin liquid conical fan that breaks up into droplets and atomizes quickly.

Abstract: A method is provided for dosing powdered material from a supply container having a vertically suspending discharge tube of an elastically deformable material, by squeezing said discharge tube at locations, which periodically move along a part of the discharge tube length. In this method, the squeezing of the discharge tube is effected in a similar way as the flexible tube of a peristaltic pump of the type, with which the tube engages a support wall on one side and with which a peristaltic mechanism is provided on the opposite side for squeezing the tube according to a travelling wave, the length of which does not exceed one single wave length.

Abstract: A discharge booster for slow-flowing bulk material, which is to be unloaded from a container, whereby the container comprises a bottom, a discharge port at the bottom that may be sealed by a shutoff valve, a shaking device and a ventilation body. The ventilation body extends upwardly from the discharge port in the to at least the maximum dumping height in the container. The ventilation body is vibratable to beat open a passageway in the bulk material for venting a void above the bulk material in the container, to prevent the creation of a vacuum which could resist the discharge of the bulk material.

Abstract: Currently microfiltration devices use hydrophillic membranes to sterilize liquids. Air locks may develop on the upstream side of the filter membrane within these apparatus. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing an air lock from the upstream side of a microfilter in a device for dispensing a sterile liquid from a storage container by forcing the liquid through a microfilter.

Abstract: A discharge arrangement for discharging bulk material through a discharge opening of a receptacle, such as a bin, includes a closure member that is movable from an open position into a closed position relative to the discharge opening. To this end, an actuator assembly is connected to the closure member for moving it into one of its positions. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder having a inner surface diameter which defines a cavity in which a piston is movable in an axial direction. The piston has an outer surface diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder so as to leave a gap in-between. A rolling membrane between the opposing surfaces of the piston and the cylinder seals this gap and provides rolling friction when the piston moves within the cylinder. A linear guide unit is provided between the cylinder and piston and guides the movement of the latter.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method are provided for the dispensing of particulate material from the gravitationally bottom discharge mouth of a hopper. In a presently preferred form, the particulate material moves downwardly first through a conically sided zone to a toroidally-configured aperture, and, after passage therethrough, moves downwardly through a cavity that preferably has a cross-sectionally circular perimeter. Centrally upstanding in the cavity is a body with preferably conically diverging sides over which the particulate material moves downwardly to a cover plate or deck which has a circumferentially extending discharge opening through which the particulate material is discharged. Most preferably, the body also extends upwardly through the aperture and through the conically sided zone. Particulate material downward movement and discharge is produced by shaking, preferably vibration, of the deck. A presently preferred particulate material is fish feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is the powder feeder in which the duty ratio X.sub.T corresponding to the target feed amount Q.sub.T is calculated on the basis of the calibration curve obtained by the feeder calibration which is conducted before the start of powder feed, and the powder P starts to be fed according to the duty ratio X.sub.T, therefore, the actual feed amount can reach to the target feed amount Q.sub.T in a short time (within the time T.sub.1) from the start of powder feed, and the powder P can be fed while controlling the actual feed amount with high accuracy, and further the powder P can be precisely fed even in case of the short time feed for several seconds.

Abstract: Currently microfiltration devices use hydrophillic membranes to sterilize liquids. Air locks may develop on the upstream side of the filter membrane within these apparatus. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing an air lock from the upstream side of a microfilter in a device for dispensing a sterile liquid from a storage container by forcing the liquid through a microfilter.

Abstract: A nozzle apparatus and method for dispensing powdered material from a container such as a cardboard shipping box. The apparatus has a shaft with a tip in the shape of a slant-cut cylinder which is manually inserted into the container through the container wall and an inner plastic lining of the container. A threaded portion on the shaft in the form of an increasing radius helix thread causes the apparatus to tighten against the wall of the container when the user manually rotates a gripping portion of the apparatus. A passageway extends from the tip to a fitting outside the container which can be connected to a vacuum source such as a powder pump to draw in the powder coating material. The fluidized powder is then carried to a spray gun for powder coating an object. A second passageway may be carried within the shaft and extend from an opening within the container to a fitting outside the container to carry a pressurized gas into the container.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for driving intermittently a vibrator having a resonance frequency with the resonance frequency in which the vibration of the resonance frequency is attenuated promptly after the ending of driving with the resonance frequency and the vibration of the resonance frequency increases promptly after the starting of driving with the resonance frequency. Further, this invention provides a method for driving powder feeders using ultrasonic motors which are easy to control powder feed rates and further provides powder feeders. A powder feed pipe is attached to an ultrasonic motor the end of which is elliptically vibrated with the resonance frequency, and powder P is fed from the hopper body when AC voltages of the resonance frequency and non-resonance frequency are applied alternately to the piezoelectric element 1 of the ultrasonic motor.

Abstract: Noise caused by a mechanical vibration with a vibrator feeder is reduced in a small flow rate powder supplying device. An adverse effect caused by the noise is reduced and a flow rate accuracy is increased. Its responding characteristic is made fast. A powder hopper, a ultrasonic motor, supplying pipes and tube are supported by a supporting member held by a weighing device provided with a weight sensor. A weight signal of a weight sensor is amplified by an amplifier provided with a low pass filter. It is sampled with an A/D converter and converted into a digital value. A flow rate of powder is calculated by a CPU, a motor driving part is controlled and an amplitude of the ultrasonic motor is adjusted in such a way that a flow rate of the powder may become a target value.

Abstract: In order to promote a gravity flow of bulk goods through a discharge opening of a container, a vibratable body is arranged to project into the container through the discharge opening and is vibrated. The vibratable body is sandwiched between a tubular flexible piece and a tubular connecting flange which together define a passage aligned with the discharge opening. A vibrator vibrates the connecting flange, and the vibrations are transmitted therefrom to the vibratable body. Vibration of the vibratable body is permitted by the flexibility of the flexible piece.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism is equipped with a bulk material container such as a silo which has at least one movable or flexible wall portion that is moved to help in the discharge of the bulk material through a discharge device. The motion of the discharge device is transmitted directly to the movable wall portion by rigidly connecting the discharge device directly to the movable wall or wall portion and by movably mounting the discharge device below the silo.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispersing and/or transporting/migrating particles such as toner that may be prone to agglomeration in a particle dispensing system. Movement and/or vibration of the dispersing and migrating plate member serves to break up, clear and prevent particle agglomerations. Perforations, slits or mesh areas in the upper surface of the plate member can prevent oversize particles/agglomerations from passing through the system, while side walls, fins or disposing the plate member at a angle can channelize the dispersion of the particles contacting the upper surface of the plate member.

Abstract: Apparatus and a related method for facilitating and controlling the flow within, and out of a particulate matter bulk storage facility is provided. The apparatus includes a pre-shaped member, preferably in the form of a substantially impermeable plate, held within the storage facility, in a substantially horizontal orientation, above a discharge port. The pre-shaped member is of a predetermined size and shape and is located at a predetermined height above the discharge port. A vibrator unit is attached to the pre-shaped member and preferably supplied with power transmitted through a flexible conduit which does not restrict the motion of the vibrator/pre-shaped member combination. Operation of the vibrator causes the pre-shaped member to oscillate thereby creating moving voids and shock waves within the stored material which promotes an even velocity profile across the storage facility and produces a mass flow unloading pattern.

Abstract: A feeder housing is suspended from a material supply bin and has lower and upper cylindrical members with the upper member isolated from the lower member by a flexible collar which also seals the cavity formed by the members. The lower member is suspended from the upper member and has a concave bottom wall with a discharge port. A first fixed baffle next adjacent the bottom wall is a ring with shape of a segment of a toroid with angularly oriented sides having a central opening. A second conical baffle is over the central opening and is axially displaced toward the first baffle between a closed state and a material flow open state wherein material flow is normally arrested until the housing and baffles are vibrated. In a second embodiment, a single fixed baffle comprises a pair of symmetrical cones secured inverted relative to each other over a feeder housing discharge and inlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily storing and distributing comminuted tobacco to a plurality of consuming machines (particularly for distributing cut tobacco to cigarette rod making machines) has a circular tray which receives batches of comminuted tobacco at regular or irregular intervals and is caused to perform movements resulting in conversion of stored tobacco particles into a fluidized bed. Upwardly extending suction pipes draw tobacco particles from the fluidized bed for delivery to the respective consuming machines. The mechanism for moving the tray comprises at least three identical eccentrics which are rotatable in vertical planes and are installed at the underside of the marginal portion of the bottom wall of the tray substantially in line with the inlets of the suction pipes. The eccentrics have identical throws and are mounted in spherical bearings which are secured to the bottom wall by hinges for pivotal movement about horizontal axes extending tangentially of the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging fine material from a silo with a cylindrical wall 2 and a bottom 3 provided with a central hole 11 and a discharge aperture 4, comprises: a cylindrical skirt 5 suspended from the wall above the bottom and having a crenellated edge formed of projections 6 alternating with spaces 7; a mobile discharge arm 8, having a central connection and two ends trapped in a peripheral zone between the skirt and the periphery of the bottom, for transferring fine material to the discharge aperture; rollers 9, 10 disposed on the ends of the arm for directing the displacement of the arm in cooperation with the skirt; a central revolving shaft 13 passing through the central hole to engage the central connection for rotating the arm; and first and second actuating cylinders 17, 18 acting on the central shaft in substantially perpendicular directions for alternately moving the shaft along the periphery of the central hole such that when a first roller advances on a route outside a projection a correspo

Abstract: A device for dispensing predetermined quantities of, for example, spaghetti, includes a hopper containing a supply of the pasta. An outlet in the hopper deposits the spaghetti at the upper end of a vibrating slide. The vibration causes the spaghetti to move toward a chute at the slide's lower end. An arm hinged to the upper end of the plate carries an axially moveable blade and an end plate. Rocking the arm positions the blade intermittently to interrupt the movement of the spaghetti to the chute and alternately positions the end plate to allow the batch of spaghetti accumulated in the chute to drop into a batch container positioned below it. The position of the blade on the arm determines the quantity of pasta in each batch. An articulated carrier moves the loaded batch container to a dispensing location and discharges its contents.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling dispensing of "dry" powdered compositions particularly carpet cleaning compositions wherein the confined finely divided particles descend in a stream under gravity and have oscillatory movement imparted thereto next before discharge through an orifice leading therefrom so as to agitate, separate and propel the particles therethrough; and in the case of carpet cleaning operations depositing the finely divided discharged particles onto the surface of the fibres in a substantially uniform pattern thereover followed by working same into the fibres through the application thereto of a rotary brush or beater and thereafter recovering the residues by a suitable suction or vacuum unit utilizing a rotary brush or beater and an associated two stage cyclone separator.