Abstract: An improved frozen product dispenser wherein a product is placed into a cooled hopper and the product is then fed from the hopper into a freezing and dispensing chamber where it is frozen and dispensed.

Abstract: The invention refers to a soap recycling device that recycles solid soap bar remnants into purified liquid soap or purified reconstituted solid soap bars, depending on a user's selected mode of operation of the device. The soap recycling device includes a heat source that melts the solid soap remnants, a UV emitter that sterilizes the solid soap remnants, and a directional valve that selectively delivers the molten soap fluid to a first receptacle capable of storing the soap in liquid form and delivering it for direct usage, for instance for hand washing, and a second receptacle where the molten soap fluid solidifies and turns into a reconstituted solid soap bar. The device includes a user interface that allows selecting the desired operation mode to either liquid or solid soap formation. The device according to the invention is compact and versatile.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid stirring apparatus of the type using a non-contact drive mechanism (4) where the stirrer is driven through a magnetic drive effect without a mechanical connection member intruding through a wall of a container (2) for receiving a liquid to be stirred. The stirrer is received in use within the container (2). The non-connect driving mechanism (4) is arranged externally of the container (2). A holder is provided for positioning the stirrer within the container (2) where the holder is not integrally formed with the container (2), but is a separate component therefrom. The holder is not affixed to the container (2), but locates within the container (2) such that it positions the stirrer adjacent a wall of the container (2) near to the external location of the non-contact drive mechanism (4). The holder is manually removable from the container (2) and the stirrer is manually removable from the holder for cleaning.

Abstract: A method for generating acetylene from calcium carbide and recovering acetylene that would normally be lost during the process. The method includes putting calcium carbide into the purge bin of an acetylene generator; purging the purge bin with purge gas; transferring the calcium carbide to a hot aqueous bath in an acetylene generation chamber to generate acetylene; allowing a portion of the acetylene to move back into the purge bin where it mixes with the purge gas; passing the acetylene and purge gases through cold absorption water and allowing the absorption water to absorb some of the acetylene gas; transferring the absorption water back to the aqueous bath and allowing at least some of the acetylene to be released from the water as the temperature increases; recovering released acetylene; and using the aqueous bath to hydrolyze a subsequent batch of calcium carbide.

Abstract: Novel systems and apparatuses for conveying particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a conveying tank configured to receive media and push it out to a media distribution valve to be distributed to any desired destination. The media distribution valve is preferably a multi-port, pinch valve having a drain to dump any residual media not distributed through the distribution valve. One or more blast dispensers may be in communication with the media distribution valve. Each blast dispenser may be in communication with a blast chamber, which also may be in communication with the media distribution valve. A screen classifier may be in communication with the media distribution valve to receive and screen media from the blast chamber, for example, before being conveyed, if desired, through one or more conveying tanks through the media distribution valve.

Abstract: Novel systems and apparatuses for conveying particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a conveying tank configured to receive media and push it out to a media distribution valve to be distributed to any desired destination. The media distribution valve is preferably a multi-port, pinch valve having a drain to dump any residual media not distributed through the distribution valve. One or more blast dispensers may be in communication with the media distribution valve. Each blast dispenser may be in communication with a blast chamber, which also may be in communication with the media distribution valve. A screen classifier may be in communication with the media distribution valve to receive and screen media from the blast chamber, for example, before being conveyed, if desired, through one or more conveying tanks through the media distribution valve.

Abstract: A sewage sludge silo is provided, having a central discharge arm for discharging sludge via a central discharge opening, by means of the discharge arm sweeping across a preferably sloped silo floor, with the discharge arm having upper and lower ends, with the lower end extending forward of the upper end in transverse generally vertical cross-section, as the discharge arm moves in a forward direction across the silo floor. The silo floor can be of multi-layer construction, with one of the layers being molded to facilitate a sloped configuration for the silo floor. The movement of a silo discharge arm can be computer controlled to adjust the speed of the discharge arm to maintain a predetermined or substantially constant rate of discharge of sludge from the silo, with such control being facilitated by appropriate sensor mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of forming a dilute water slurry for water felting a basemat for an acoustical ceiling tile comprising delivering a bale of compressed mineral wool with a density of at least 8 lbs. per cubic foot at an unbaling station, releasing a binding holding the bale in compression, mechanically separating the fibers of a mineral wool bale with mechanical instrumentalities arranged to disperse the fibers to a generally uniform density of less than 2 lbs. per cubic foot prior to passage of the fibers through the tank inlet, and causing the separated mineral fibers to pass into the mixing tank for contact with water suspended binder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary agitation beverage dispenser in which an agitator impeller is mechanically rotated when a user operates a beverage discharge valve to agitate a beverage in a container, the dispenser being usable everywhere without requiring electricity. The dispenser includes a container in which a beverage is received, an agitator impeller mounted in the container and adapted to agitate the beverage by rotation thereof about a rotating shaft that is rotatably mounted on a surface of the container, a discharge valve mounted to one side of the container so as to communicate with the interior of the container and adapted to discharge the beverage out of the container when operated by a user, and an agitator drive unit connected to the discharge valve and the rotating shaft of the agitator impeller and adapted to rotate the agitator impeller in linkage with operation of the discharge valve.

Abstract: A gravity-feed bin includes a generally hollow main bin that has a storage reservoir and an open end. A first generally hollow extension section is selectably coupled to the open end of the main bin. The first extension section is in communication with the reservoir, and the storage capacity of the reservoir is increased by the first extension section. In some embodiments a seal element is intermediate the open end of the main bin and the first extension section, the seal element providing a substantially air-tight seal between the main bin and the first extension section. A plurality of extension sections and seal elements may be selectably coupled together in a stacked arrangement upon the main bin to increase the storage capacity of the reservoir.

Abstract: A provided powder/granular material feeding device fully satisfies the function of sufficiently preventing bridges and ratholes and the function of favorably stabilizing the filling rate of an outlet portion. Moreover, the powder/granular material feeding device does not require consumable items such as a flexible chute or leave a large amount of powder/granular material in a specific region inside a chute. The powder/granular material feeding device includes: a hopper 1 that receives powder/granular material; an outlet portion 2 that discharges powder/granular material; a chute 3 that guides, into the outlet portion 2, powder/granular material dropped from the hopper 1; and a stirring part 4 that rotates stirring members 4b about a shaft 4a protruding so as to tilt diagonally upward from the lower part of the interior of the chute 3.

Abstract: A granular spreader assembly may include a hopper, a granular material moving mechanism, a material guide that is positioned within the hopper and a vibrator. One end of the material guide may extend toward the vibrator and may be separated from the inner surface of the hopper by an empty space.

Abstract: A container for dispensing food products can include a clump decimator portion for breaking up food clumps. In one embodiment, a container comprises a container portion having an open interior and an open top and a cover for selectively covering the open top. The cover can include a cover base portion and a rotatable top portion configured to be coupled on top of the base portion. The cover base portion can include a plurality of dispensing apertures for allowing a food product to be dispensed therethrough. The rotatable top portion can be selectively rotatable relative to the cover base portion and the container portion. The clump decimator portion can extend downwardly and radially from the top portion through the cover base portion and into the container portion. The clump decimator can rotate as the rotatable top portion is rotated to agitate the contents of the container portion while they are being dispensed.

Abstract: A metering mechanism is configured for transferring measured doses of a granular material from a first location to a second location, and is particularly suited for metering source material in a vapor deposition apparatus. A receiver is disposed to receive the granular material from the first location. A discharge port is axially offset from an outlet of the receiver. A reciprocating delivery member having a passage defined therethrough is moved in a reciprocating path by a controllable drive device between a load position wherein the passage is aligned with the receiver outlet and a discharge position wherein the passage is aligned with the discharge port. The amount of granular material transferred from the first location to the second location is a function of the volume of the passage and the reciprocating rate of the delivery member.

Abstract: An ice agitation system includes an adaptor and an ice agitator. The adaptor includes a disk portion and an auger mounting channel. The auger mounting channel is configured to mount to a shaft of an auger such that the adaptor rotates with the shaft of the auger. The auger mounting channel extends in a direction parallel to and offset from a center axis of a disk formed by the disk portion. The ice agitator includes a hook and an arm that extends from the hook away from the center axis of the disk. The hook is mounted to the disk.

Abstract: A provided powder/granular material feeding device fully satisfies the function of sufficiently preventing bridges and ratholes and the function of favorably stabilizing the filling rate of an outlet portion. Moreover, the powder/granular material feeding device does not require consumable items such as a flexible chute or leave a large amount of powder/granular material in a specific region inside a chute. The powder/granular material feeding device includes: a hopper 1 that receives powder/granular material; an outlet portion 2 that discharges powder/granular material; a chute 3 that guides, into the outlet portion 2, powder/granular material dropped from the hopper 1; and a stirring part 4 that rotates stirring members 4b about a shaft 4a protruding so as to tilt diagonally upward from the lower part of the interior of the chute 3.

Abstract: An apparatus that promotes the flow of materials has a body having an inner shape for holding the materials, a wall having a shape that approximates a portion of the inner shape of the body, and a vibrator attached to the wall. The wall may be disposed vertically within the body close to the body's inner shape. The vibrator transfers vibrations to the wall to agitate the material and encourage material flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary agitation beverage dispenser in which an agitator impeller is mechanically rotated when a user operates a beverage discharge valve to agitate a beverage in a container, the dispenser being usable everywhere without requiring electricity. The dispenser includes a container in which a beverage is received, an agitator impeller mounted in the container and adapted to agitate the beverage by rotation thereof about a rotating shaft that is rotatably mounted on a surface of the container, a discharge valve mounted to one side of the container so as to communicate with the interior of the container and adapted to discharge the beverage out of the container when operated by a user, and an agitator drive unit connected to the discharge valve and the rotating shaft of the agitator impeller and adapted to rotate the agitator impeller in linkage with operation of the discharge valve.

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 silo includes a stuffing box forming for use with a reciprocating frame. A push-rod extends from a hydraulic cylinder through a stuffing box and a silo wall to actuate a reciprocating frame. The stuffing box forms a floating seal around the push-rod capable of moving with the push-rod to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: A dispensing head for a powder or paste dosage material has a housing with an outlet opening, a bearing- and passage area, and at least one socket connected to a source container. A feeder chute is formed inside the housing. A closure shaft is in the bearing- and passage area, free to rotate about and to slide along its central longitudinal axis. The closure shaft is connected to a closure element arranged near the outlet opening. Moving the closure shaft in the axial direction controls the volume flow of the dosage material through the outlet opening. A limit stop restricts the displacement of the closure shaft along its central longitudinal axis. In the feeder chute, an opposing stop defines the closed position where the limit stop rests in direct contact against the opposing stop and the outlet opening is closed off by the closure portion of the closure element.

Abstract: A dispenser system for dispensing a highly viscous liquid from a container having a threaded neck. The system utilizes a base that is positioned under the container. The base defines a receptacle that receives the threaded neck of the container. In this manner, gravity biases the contents of the container into the base. A pump is provided that draws some of the highly viscous liquid from the base. The pump is held atop a support. The support holds the pump at a predetermined height above the base. The height of the pump is greater than the length of the container. In this manner, the pump is unobstructed in a full range around the pump. The pump can therefore be accessed from any angle without interference by the inverted container.

Abstract: Applicator tips in accordance with the present disclosure include a body portion and dispensing tip. The body portion includes a proximal end having an inlet adapted for fluid communication with a fluid source, a distal end including an opening, and a mixing chamber disposed therebetween. The mixing chamber includes at least one mixing ball and at least one biologically active agent disposed therein. The dispensing tip defines a lumen therethrough. The lumen is in fluid communication with the opening of the distal end of the body portion and includes an outlet for passage of a fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser for ground coffee composed of a reservoir for grounds, the reservoir having a bottom provided with an outlet opening, rotatable dosing paddles at the bottom of the reservoir for dispensing a predetermined quantity of ground coffee through the outlet opening; a drive cone having rotatable blades disposed above the dosing paddles and adapted to be rotated about a vertical axis by a motor assembly, and a mixer in the form or a pyramid disposed above, and forming an extension of, the drive cone. An automatic coffee maker equipped with this dispenser.

Abstract: A system for introducing an inhibitor into a fluid to be treated, the system having at least one high shear mixing device comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the at least one high shear mixing device is configured to subject a mixture of the inhibitor and the fluid to a shear rate of greater than about 20,000 s?1; and a pump configured to deliver at least one of the fluid, the inhibitor, and combinations thereof, to the high shear mixing device.

Abstract: A powder hopper is provided with a low turbulence zone for supplying powder to a spray gun. The low turbulence zone is defined by a baffle inside the hopper with the low turbulence zone being within a volume of the baffle, and an annular zone between the baffle and the hopper is used to bulk feed powder into the hopper. The low turbulence zone may alternatively be in the annular zone with powder added to the volume of the baffle. One preferred application for this hopper is in connection with the use of fine powder coating materials to coat the interior of small diameter cans.

Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for supplying powder quantitatively and a material supply apparatus including the apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively. The apparatus for supplying powder quantitatively to a place where required includes: a driving part generating a driving force using an external power; a powder supply part connected to the driving part, following the operation of the driving part, and transferring the powder according to a predetermined path; a chamber placed on the sides of the powder supply part and receiving the powder transferred by the powder supply part; a compression part compressing the transferred powder in the chamber; and a quantitative supply part separating a desired amount of powder from the compressed powder and discharging the separated powder from the chamber.

Abstract: A container for dispensing food products can include a clump decimator portion for breaking up food clumps. In one embodiment, a container comprises a container portion having an open interior and an open top and a cover for selectively covering the open top. The cover can include a cover base portion and a rotatable top portion configured to be coupled on top of the base portion. The cover base portion can include a plurality of dispensing apertures for allowing a food product to be dispensed therethrough. The rotatable top portion can be selectively rotatable relative to the cover base portion and the container portion. The clump decimator portion can extend downwardly and radially from the top portion through the cover base portion and into the container portion. The clump decimator can rotate as the rotatable top portion is rotated to agitate the contents of the container portion while they are being dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser with plural dispensing heads from which different beverages are dispensed. The dispenser has an ice bin from which ice is dispensed. A motor drives an agitator internal to the ice bin. The motor is removably attached to the ice bin by locking pins for easy removal and replacement. Waste ice and beverage is collected in a drip pan. The drip pan is insulated to prevent condensate from collecting around the outer surface of the drip pan. A carbonator is mounted to a front of the dispenser to provide carbonated water. Consequently, the carbonator is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Carbonated or non-carbonated water flows through a common manifold to the individual dispensing heads. By setting a manifold valve member associated with each dispensing head, the type of water supplied to the dispensing head, either carbonated or non-carbonated, is selectively set.

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: 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: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.

Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging in an ice storage bin. In one embodiment, a storage bin for ice with an apparatus to reduce or prevent bridging within the ice storage bin is provided. The apparatus can include a probe hole positioned above an access door and opening, and also above an internal baffle. The probe hole can be sized to receive a probe used to break up bridges or clumps of ice within the ice storage bin.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. The improvements further include a wall mounting bracket that reduces tampering with the extinguisher, an automatic fluffing motor and manual fluffing wheel with a chuck for use with a drill. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

Abstract: A kitchen dispenser for storing and dispensing dry goods is provided. The dispenser includes a canister having a front portion, a back portion and a lid repeatably and releasably coupled together. An open space is defined between the front portion, rear portion and lid. The dispenser includes an aperture in a bottom side of the front portion and a movable dispensing mechanism coupled to the bottom portion of the canister. The dispensing mechanism includes a variable measurement device corresponding to the aperture in the bottom side of the front portion, the dispensing mechanism moveable between a dispensing position and a filling position. The kitchen dispenser further includes a scraper plate coupled to the bottom side of the front portion, the scraper plate in contact with a top side of the dispensing mechanism during movement between filling and dispensing positions.

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 method and device for producing a finely divided dispersion of solids having a mean particle size of 10 nm to 10 µm, in which at least two flows of a predispersion are sprayed by means of pumps, preferably high-pressure pumps, through one nozzle each into a grinding chamber enclosed by a reactor housing onto a collision point, wherein the grinding chamber is flooded with the predispersion and the finally divided dispersion is removed from the grinding chamber by the overpressure of the predispersion continuing to flow into the grinding chamber.

Abstract: To meter catalysts into a reactor, the catalyst is firstly suspended in a hydrocarbon in a reservoir and the suspension obtained is kept in motion by stirring and then fed via a three-way metering valve and an ejector into the actual reactor, wherein the suspension containing the catalyst is firstly discharged from the reservoir by means of a pump and continuously circulated by returning the suspension via the three-way metering valve within a closed piping system to the reservoir, subsequently setting a pressure in the reservoir which is from 0.1 to 30 bar higher than the pressure in the reactor and then continuously introducing the suspension into the reactor via a flow meter which controls the three-way metering valve and via a downstream ejector by pulse operation of the now open three-way metering valve.

Abstract: A feeder is configured to dispense particulate material at a desired rate. The feeder can include a discharge system that allows for the particulate material to be removed from the feeder in an efficient manner. The feeder can include a roller that assists in the agitation of the hopper to facilitate dispensing of the particulate material.

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: A method and device for producing a finely divided dispersion of solids having a mean particle size of 10 nm to 10 µm, in which at least two flows of a predispersion are sprayed by means of pumps, preferably high-pressure pumps, through one nozzle each into a grinding chamber enclosed by a reactor housing onto a collision point, wherein the grinding chamber is flooded with the predispersion and the finaly divided dispersion is removed from the grinding chamber by the overpressure of the predispersion continuing to flow into the grinding chamber.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. An external pressurized canister allows easier servicing or replacement of the pressurized canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allowing non-HASMAT shipping. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.

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 metering machine comprising a frame receiving a hopper, at least one duct opening out into the hopper in the vicinity of a bottom thereof and receiving firstly a portion of a transfer screw extending at the bottom of the hopper, and at least one metering cylinder which slidably receives a suction and delivery piston and which is connected to the duct via a plug valve, wherein the metering cylinder and the duct have axes forming an angle of approximately at least 90° between them.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: A metering device for metering dry bulk material contained in a storage container has at least one metering element and a rotary drive connected to the at least one metering element. At least one outlet is provided, and the metering element feeds the dry bulk material to the outlet. The metering element transports the dry bulk material in a direction different from a horizontal direction and comprises at least one helical stay. The outlet has an outlet pipe that extends into the lower area of the storage container. The helical stay interacts with the outlet pipe for effecting transport of the dry bulk material.

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: A medium dispensing apparatus, a stirring and heat-retaining apparatus, and a dispensing method are provided which enable a medium to be surely supplied at an adequate temperature while variation of the dispensation amount of the medium, liquid dripping which produces air bubbles, and pulsated ejection are prevented from occurring, and local gelation of the medium and contamination due to various kinds of bacteria are prevented from occurring.