Abstract: A cooler drain assembly includes an outer sleeve member defining an interior passage within. The outer sleeve member is shaped and sized to be received within a drain plug opening of a food and beverage cooler. An inner sleeve member has a body which defines a flow bore within, the body of the inner sleeve member being received within the interior passage of the outer sleeve member and rotatable therewithin.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented.

Abstract: A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser that uses a slurry ice heat transfer approach to achieve a lower cost solution for controlling the temperature of a beverage to be dispensed. A cost effective heat transfer approach can be achieved by replacing the cold plate or refrigeration system of prior art beverage dispensers with a slurry ice bath. The invention provides a hopper into which a slurry ice bath is created. The hopper has an access door for receiving ice and an interior valve for dispensing either carbonated water or still water to form a slurry ice bath. Coils containing a beverage to be dispensed are submersed in the slurry ice bath. The slurry ice causes heat to transfer from the coils, thereby maintaining the coils at a certain temperature.

Abstract: A movable discharge device for use in a particle/bulk material storage silo includes: a travel body configured to travel along a groove provided at a lower portion of a storage silo; a scrape-out unit configured to move integrally with the travel body and including a blade configured to rotate above the groove to rake coals in the storage silo and scrape out the coals to the groove; and a groove closing mechanism configured to close a predetermined region of the groove within a rotation trajectory region of the blade. The discharge device is configured to be able to suppress the change in the discharge amount of coals discharged by the blade from the particle/bulk material storage silo.

Abstract: A feed system and related process are configured to continuously feed measured doses of source material to a vapor deposition apparatus wherein the source material is sublimated and deposited as a thin film on a substrate. The system includes a bulk material hopper, and an upper dose cup disposed to receive source material from the hopper. A lower dose cup is disposed in a vacuum lock chamber to receive a measured dose of source material from the upper dose cup. A transfer mechanism is disposed below the vacuum lock chamber to receive the measured dose of source material from the lower dose cup and to transfer the source material to a downstream deposition head while isolating the deposition conditions and sublimated source material within the deposition head.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, for substances in powder- or paste form, includes a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container. A housing has an outlet orifice of circular cross-section and a delivery- and closure element with a closure portion serving to close off the outlet orifice. The device further has a conveying tool with at least one conveying element that serves to direct the substance to the outlet orifice, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head. The conveying tool is rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and the at least one conveying element is designed to move on a circular path about the central lengthwise axis.

Abstract: A method for dosed dispensing of a pressurized liquid is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the method includes dispensing a liquid in a container via a dispensing opening into a dispensing space, where a difference in pressure between the container and the dispensing space is equalized in stages by using an intermediate dosing chamber. In a first stage the pressure is equalized between the container and the dosing chamber, then a quantity of the liquid is dispensed from the container into the dosing chamber, maintaining the pressure equivalence between the container and the dosing chamber by pressure communication between them. Next, the dosing chamber is isolated both as to gaseous and liquid connection from the container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.

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: In a process for dispensing a powdery product (P) from a container (1) with a dispensing nozzle (4) aimed downwards, a flexible section (3) of the container (1) is deformed at least near the dispensing nozzle (3). This is achieved preferably by a movement of the container relative to the dispensing nozzle, in a direction with a component at a right angle to the dispensing nozzle. The movement of the container (1) and the dispensing of a portion of product from the dispensing nozzle (4) can take place immediately after one another. The invention also comprises a device for dispensing a powdery product (P), with which the process can be carried out and bridge and tunnel formation in the powdery product is opposed effectively.

Abstract: A solids transfer mechanism is described for transferring solid chunks from a sealed chamber to a receiver. The solid chunks are transferred from a sealed cavity into a larger volume dump cavity from which they are dumped into a receiver. By use of a larger volume for the dump cavity, contact between the seals and the solid chunks is minimized, since the chunks are loose inside the larger volume dump cavity.

Abstract: An improved volumetric batcher particularly suitable for a dosed feeding of a dishomogeneous and scarcely slidable as well as extremely fragile product, such as chamomile flowers, to be introduced in filter-bags. Several batching units placed side by side, provide operation with high-speed packing machines. Fed by a single container is the bottom of the container screw-feeders are provided to push the product in to a corresponding vertical loading conduit. A pneumatic piston in the loading conduit compress to a product in the batching chamber which is aligned with a hole passing through a fixed plate which supports the batcher. The batching chamber is located inside a mobile second plate of the batcher.

Abstract: A coffee dispenser particularly constructed to measure and dispense finely ground powdered coffee by providing an agitator for the lower portion of the hopper including an agitator portion moving through the discharge opening of the hopper to positively prevent bridging and clogging of the powdered coffee in the bottom portion of the hopper.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing powder products into suitable receptacles comprises a rotating container in which is defined a withdrawal zone, a dispensing unit, and a fixed device which levels the produce in the container. The device includes a member located upstream of the withdrawal zone and having a first portion which levels the product into a layer and a second portion which defines a channel which directs the product accumulated on this first portion in excess of the layer, towards a part of the container downstream of the withdrawal zone; and a member positioned downstream of the withdrawal zone, along which the excess product slides. The latter member defines with a central part of the container, a passage which directs the excess product towards a part of the container upstream of the fixed device.

Abstract: A dosing or metering feeding apparatus for precisely feeding a stream of powdered or fine grained loose bulk material includes a cylindrical container (1) for storing the loose material (3). A rotating turntable (4) essentially closing the bottom of the container (1). A discharge groove (6) is located in the turntable around the circumference of the turntable (4), whereby the discharge groove (6) opens radially outwardly. A stripper is arranged to reach into the discharge groove (6) for stripping the dosed material (3) from the discharge groove (6) and for discharging the dosed or metered material. This arrangement provides a clearly defined discharge rate of the loose material. The discharge rate may be simply adjusted to different desired feed rates by varying the rotational speed of the turntable (4). A high dosing or metering precision is achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for dosingly filling pasty or fluid filling material into containers. The arrangement is provided with a rotatably mounted cylinder and an axially slidably mounted piston which moves within the rotatable cylinder and which in its extreme inner position closes at least a third, but preferably about 50% of a window-like through opening, respectively inlet opening in the housing of the device. When retracting the dosing piston it exposes the portion of the through opening which has been closed when the piston is in its innermost position. By filling containers by means of the device of this invention, the filling material is automatically dropped into the rotating cylinder and is thereby subjected to an extraordinarily sparingly sensitive manipulation, which is particularly significant for sensitive products, such as for example salad-like products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary-type metering device making it possible to dispense granular substances consisting of fine particles which are difficult to handle. The metering device consists of a spherical core rotating around a horizontal axis inside a casing comprising a feed orifice and an outlet orifice. The spherical core comprises at least one cavity having an opening at the surface of the core, and sides and bottom within the core. This cavity has the shape of a volume consisting of two volumes of revolution, contiguous and coaxial, V.sub.1 and V.sub.2, with an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the spherical core. The volume V.sub.1 is a truncated cone of revolution or a cylinder of revolution.

Abstract: A rotor (1) of a machine for spraying concrete, mortar or a refractory lining material comprises conveying chambers (11') arranged concentrically around its axis, and delimited by cylindrical walls (11) of a porous, air-permeable material, the inside of the walls (11) being machined smooth. Each cylindrical wall (11) is surrounded by an air chamber (10), each of which is acted upon, between a charging point (26) and a discharge point (27), by the pressure of a compressed air source (32) so as to produce air flows which pass through the porous walls (11) into the conveying chambers (11'). The material to be conveyed by the conveying chambers (11') between the charging point (26) and the discharge point (27) is at least in the regions close to the wall acted upon by these air flows so as to prevent the material from adhering to the chamber walls (11'). The discharge through the discharge opening (27) into a conveying line (30) takes place essentially by gravity and by the action of an injector nozzle (31).

Abstract: Apparatus for repeatedly dispensing measured portions of viscous substances is disclosed. The invention includes a body defining a bore within which is a sleeve defined floating measuring chamber. In the chamber is a sliding piston. Material to be dispensed is forced into the floating measuring chamber under pressure. A three-way, two-position air valve actuates the dispensing apparatus. Shifting of the air valve applies air pressure to one end of the floating measuring chamber, causing it to shift. This closes a material supply port and opens a material discharge port. The floating measuring chamber meters the flow of air to the floating piston so that the discharge velocity of the material being dispensed is controlled. At the end of the dispensing cycle, air under pressure is directed out through the material discharge port clearing it of residual material.

Abstract: A dispensing device is provided herein for dispensing a selected amount of material from a container. The device includes a central disc which rotates to deliver a desired amount of material according to a pre-set adjustment. Total emptying of the container is assured due to the conically shaped hub member and the arcuate interior walls of the dispensing device.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus has a pair of cavities which are put into a charge position to respectively receive precise quantities of resin and hardener from supply sources. The quantities are then transferred to a discharge position wherein the resin and hardener are pushed out of the respective cavities to feed a mixer. The additional material entering the mixer causes the same to eject mixed resin and hardener equal to the unmixed resin and hardener received.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided which is adapted to be used in connection with a hopper for distribution of a granular and/or powdered product, said dispenser having a rotary star-shaped distributor on which is mounted a plurality of crenellated radial blades which upon rotation move between two parallel walls at right angles to the axis of rotation, one wall being an upstream wall and the other a downstream wall, each having at least one cut-out nonaligned with the cut-out in the other, one cut-out being an inlet on the upstream wall and another one an outlet on the downstream wall, the upstream wall having on its inner face at least one stud which is disposed in line with the outlet and the edge of each crenellated radial blade being so crenellated that the recessed surface of the crenellation matches the projecting stud or studs of the upstream wall whereby a constant measured quantity of granular and/or powdered product is dispensed.

Abstract: A pump for pumping viscous mixtures is disclosed. The pump comprises a cylindrical casing having a discharge outlet and a feeding opening at its top and side, for a hopper into which is charged viscous mixtures, a cylindrical tube slidably mounted in the casing for movement toward the discharge outlet for trapping a certain quantity of viscous mixture, and a piston slidably mounted in the tube for discharging such quantity of viscous mixture through the discharge outlet of the casing. The hopper is wider than the casing and tube for ease of filling the tube. The tube is advanced across the feeding opening by an advancing force which is exerted on the tube at a point above its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A viscous products pumping machine meters the volume of product that it dispenses by simultaneously displacing a proportionate amount of fluid through a separate metering circuit. The fluid of the metering circuit also serves as the medium for driving the pumping pistons of the machine, and provision is made for obtaining an accurate measurement notwithstanding any product of fluid leakage that might occur between the pistons during operation. A pneumatic logic control system governs sequencing of the machine operations, including control of a shut-off valve in the product discharge line that can be used to portion the pumped product according to the amount of fluid that has been displaced in the metering circuit.

Abstract: A machine for the distribution of dough or a similar viscous material, comprising a hopper with an end plane along which a distribution head is driven sealingly, its first position causing an open connection with the outlet of the hopper. The distribution head comprises a movable expeller in a pressure chamber, so interacting during a second position of the distribution head, with a storage chamber, comprising a piston under pressure, that an accurately metered portion of dough is received under pressure in said storage chamber, this portion being expelled when the position of the distribution head changes.

Abstract: A batching pump for lime concrete comprising a base, a longitudinal displacement feeder attached to said base, at least one evacuator conduit attached to said base, at least one cylinder for receiving at one end thereof lime concrete and pumping lime concrete from said cylinder from said same end to said conduit, pivotal structure to pivotally move said cylinder between said feeder and said conduit, and conduits to feed pressurized gaseous fluid to said cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for scooping a number of small articles or a small quantity of particulate material from a larger reservoir thereof, the volume of the amount scooped and therefore its quantity being regulated by adjusting the capacity of the scoop. In a preferred example of the invention a number of scoops work simultaneously in separate reservoirs and eject the scoopfuls into a common outlet when they are swept to a packaging point by a swift current of air.

Abstract: A solids feeder for transporting particulated solids from a solids feed supply into the bottom of a solids upflow vessel. The feeder includes a solids feed chute terminating in a bottom outlet spaced apart from and in essentially the same horizontal plane as the bottom solids inlet of the solids upflow vessel. A pair of solids feed cylinders provided with free-floating pistons are vertically mounted on a rotatable carriage positioned below the solids upflow vessel. The carriage is rotated between two stationary positions in which the cylinders are alternately aligned with the bottom solids inlet of the solids upflow vessel and the bottom outlet of the solids feed chute. Stationary hydraulic rams are positioned below both of these stationary positions to effect displacement of the pistons within the cylinders.

Abstract: A housing has a compartment subdivided by a pair of sleeve valves into an input compartment to which is continuously fed a stream of viscous hardenable material and an output compartment arranged adjacent a transport device which step-wise advances a succession of containers. Each of these sleeve valves has a central piston and has a valve port that can be directed either into the input compartment or the output compartment. Thus one of the sleeves is turned with its port toward the input compartment and its piston is retracted to draw into the sleeve a predetermined quantity of the viscous mass. Thereupon the sleeve is rotated through 180.degree. and this portion is discharged into the output compartment and thence into one of the containers.

Abstract: A particle study device includes a sample metering device having an input for receiving a sample of particulate matter, a drain for expelling the sample of particulate matter, an ejection port, and means for trapping a volume of sample within the device. The sample metering device also includes an ejecting device operative to eject a predetermined amount of the trapped sample through the ejecting port. A coupling device coupled to the sample metering device, a source of diluent and the sensing zone in the particle study device, combines the ejected predetermined amount of particulate matter and diluent to form a liquid suspension and couples the liquid suspension to the sensing zone.