Abstract: A toner conveying device includes a case storing toner; a conveyance member rotatably supported at both ends by the case, including a spiral blade extending along a rotational axis, and configured to rotate to convey the toner inside the case in a predetermined conveying direction; and a pushing member pushed against an outer peripheral portion of the conveyance member in a first direction intersecting with the rotational axis and configured to slide on the outer peripheral portion as the conveyance member rotates. The pushing member is composed of a flexible sheet member and includes a base portion secured at a securing position inside the case and protruding pieces aligned along the rotational axis and protruding from the base portion toward the conveyance member to abut on the outer peripheral portion. An alignment interval between the protruding pieces is different from a pitch of the spiral blade along the rotational axis.

Abstract: A toner conveying device includes a case that can store therein toner to be conveyed, a conveyance member rotatably supported at both ends thereof by the case and configured to rotate to convey the toner inside the case in a conveying direction set in advance, and a pushing member pushed against the conveyance member and configured to slide on an outer peripheral portion of the conveyance member as the conveyance member rotates. The pushing member includes a first sheet member having flexibility and abutting on the outer peripheral portion in a first direction intersecting with a rotational axis direction of the conveyance member to push the conveyance member and a second sheet member having flexibility and abutting on the outer peripheral portion in a second direction, which is different from the first direction, intersecting with the rotational axis direction to push the conveyance member.

Abstract: A drop spreader apparatus generally includes a hopper configured to hold a spreadable material, the container comprises an opening extending linearly across a bottom of the hopper; a wheel and axle assembly comprise two wheels connected by a wheel axle, the wheels and axle configured to support the hopper; a de-bridging and dispensing assembly positioned above the opening of the hopper, the de-bridging and dispensing assembly comprise a de-bridger mechanism configured to sift the spreadable material and a de-bridging driver mechanically coupled to the wheel and axle assembly, the driver configured to drive the de-bridger mechanism using the rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: A loose material measuring and dispensing system including a container and dispenser. The tea container serves to store the tea leaves or grounds in a storage bin prior to activation of the system. Upon activation, the dispenser measures and loads a selected amount of tea into a hopper for dispensing, such as into a waiting cup or a tea infuser. The amount of tea may be selected based upon user operation of one of a number of quantity indicating/selection buttons provided in a user interface. The container is a sealed canister, such as a bag or jug, which is preferably impermeable to light. Furthermore, the dispenser is able to operate to load a desired amount of tea (e.g. by weight), specified by the user, into the hopper. Once the desired amount of tea is loaded into the hopper, the tea may be dispensed, such as into a waiting cup or infuser below.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser that uses a slurry ice bath to achieve heat transfer from coils containing a beverage. The invention provides a hopper into which a slurry ice bath is created. The hopper receives ice from an ice bin via an ice chute. The ice bin contains a rotating agitator for pushing ice down the ice bin. Coils containing a beverage to be dispensed are submersed in the slurry ice bath. Ice passing through the ice chute and into the hopper floats to the surface of the water in the hopper. As the agitator rotates, it continues to push ice down the ice chute, which in turn raises the water level of the water in the hopper. The water level then reaches an equilibrium level, where the buoyant force of the ice in the water will prevent additional ice from falling through the ice chute.

Abstract: A developer collection container includes: a container body capable of containing collected developer; a developer conveyance member extending into the developer collection container and configured to convey the developer into the container body; and a guide provided in the container body and supporting the developer conveyance member from below the developer conveyance member.

Abstract: A product dispensing system includes a hopper, a housing defining an outlet lumen in communication with the hopper, an exit port, a valve, and a piston. The valve is transitionable between a closed position, wherein the exit port is closed off from the outlet lumen, and an open position, establishing communication between the outlet lumen and the exit port. The piston is movable from a first use position, wherein the piston partially occupies the outlet lumen, to a storage position, wherein the piston fully occupies the outlet lumen to urge any product mixture in the outlet lumen back into the hopper. The piston may further be movable between the first use position and a second use position to draw the product mixture from the hopper into the outlet lumen and to urge the product mixture out of the exit port.

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: An apparatus for selectively dispensing liquids, such as paint colorants. The apparatus comprises container assemblies with a container and a pump. A pump conduit connects the pump to a valve assembly. A recirculation conduit connects the container to the valve assembly bypassing the pump. The valve assembly is configured to be switched between a dispensing position and a recirculation position closing off the dispense conduit. Method of preventing segregation of a multiphase liquid in a pump conduit between a container and a dispense conduit. A valve assembly between the pump conduit and the dispense conduit closes off the dispense conduit while it opens a recirculation conduit between the container and the valve assembly. The liquid is circulated via a circuit formed by the container, the pump conduit, the valve assembly and the recirculation unit.

Abstract: A frozen treat dispenser (11) dispenses a snow cone and/or a slushy, and has at least an ice storage bin (14) for storing ice (10), a cup de-nesting mechanism (49) to separate a cup from a stack having a plurality of cups, an ice grinder (21) to grind ice from the ice storage bin to produce snow (82), a flavor dispenser (25), a cup transport mechanism (23) to move the cup to a first position (40A) whereby the ice grinder can at least partially fill the cup with the snow and to a second position (40B) whereby the flavor dispenser can dispense at least one flavor onto the snow in the cup, and a processor (152) to control the operation of at least one of the cup de-nesting mechanism, the ice grinder, the flavor dispenser, or the indexer.

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

Abstract: A three-dimensional object-forming apparatus is disclosed, which includes an in-batches powder-rationing tank system, a construction tank system, a printing powder-applying system, a rapid drying heating system, a printing maintenance device, a dust-proof device, a successive liquid-supplying device, a powder auto-filtrating and recycling device, and a print quality detection device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a quantitative powder-providing module, adaptive to a 3D prototyping mechanism, at least includes: a powder-providing tank, which is used for storing a constructive powder and having a powder-dropping opening; and a powder-propelling roller located inside the powder-providing tank and having a plurality of recesses for receiving the constructive powder; when one of the plurality of recesses corresponds to the powder-dropping opening, the constructive powder received in the corresponding recess is output through the powder-dropping opening; wherein each of the plurality of recesses has plural sections, and the amount of powder received in each of the plural sections of the recess is increased from the center of the recess, toward the two sides of the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, includes a support, such as a turntable or a linear table, a plurality of containers for holding a fluid and mounted on the support, pumps and valves connected to respective containers, at least one common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves to dispense fluid and a drive mechanism for moving the support, and thus the containers, pumps, and valves on the one hand and the actuator on the other relative to each other. The common actuator for sequentially operating the pumps and valves and the drive mechanism for relative motion of the support are integrated in a module, the module is releasably mounted in the apparatus.

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 three-dimensional object forming apparatus for forming a three-dimensional object includes: a base platform; a transmission portion; a detachable construction tank; a movable powder supplying tank provided for driving to supply construction powder above the detachable construction tank; a print module including at least a print cartridge with at least a nozzle; a heating portion; an lifting portion arranged below the detachable construction tank; a nozzle cleaning module; a nozzle sealing module having a holder, at least a sealing portion and a moisture portion; and a stretchable dust-proof cover connected to a side of the powder supplying tank, which is provided for moving together with the powder supplying tank to cover the construction powder in the construction tank.

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: The present invention is related to a quantitative powder-providing module, adaptive to a 3D prototyping mechanism, at least includes: a powder-providing tank, which is used for storing a constructive powder and having a powder-dropping opening; and a powder-propelling roller located inside the powder-providing tank and having a plurality of recesses for receiving the constructive powder; when one of the plurality of recesses corresponds to the powder-dropping opening, the constructive powder received in the corresponding recess is output through the powder-dropping opening; wherein each of the plurality of recesses has plural sections, and the amount of powder received in each of the plural sections of the recess is increased from the center of the recess, toward the two sides of the recess.

Abstract: An integrated filler system to transfer a filler product from a filler product source to a product receptacle is provided. The integrated filler system includes a cylinder housing, a pallet valve disposed within the cylinder housing that contains a product flow aperture, and a piston inserted in a valve bore of the pallet valve. A linear actuator is connected to the piston to selectively actuate a linear travel of the piston within the valve bore. A rotary actuator is connected to the pallet valve to selectively position the product flow aperture to fluidly communicate with either a product input port or a product output port formed in the cylinder housing.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: In a cleaning station for removing residual toner from a photoreceptor in a xerographic printing apparatus, the residual toner accumulates in a hopper, and an auger at the bottom of the hopper removes the accumulated toner. A thin, flexible member forming an agitator extends nearly vertically from the top of the hopper to the auger. Fingers at the end of the agitator contact the flights of the auger. There are between one and three more fingers than there are flights of the auger: the discrepancy causes an undulation of the agitator when the auger rotates.

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 particle flow enhancer for a bulk bin flex or rigid auger system having a boot and an unloader with a rotating shaft extending through the unloader. The particle flow enhancer including a frame, a drive axle and a striker arm. The frame is attached to the boot of the bulk bin auger system, preferably using some of the same holes used to attach the unloader to the boot. The drive axle is supported by the frame and is driven by the rotating shaft of the bulk bin auger system; the bulk bin auger system providing the power for the particle flow enhancer. The drive axle periodically actuates the striker arm which causes the striker arm to tap the boot of the bulk bin auger system and enhance the flow of particles.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus includes canisters mounted on a turntable, the canisters including dispense pumps and valves. Actuators for operating the dispense pumps and valves are located on a service door mounted alongside the turntable. The dispense apparatus is mounted on modular framework to improve serviceability of the components employed.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing measured amounts of powder for use in automated sample handling. The dispenser includes a cylindrical housing having a central cavity with an axial opening into the cavity at one end of the housing and a relatively narrow passage from the cavity leading out of the cylindrical housing through a nozzle at the opposite end thereof. A powder containing vial is removably mounted on the cylindrical housing. A radial passage through the cylindrical housing connects the vial with the narrow passage to discharge powder out through the nozzle. The cylindrical housing is rotatable supported on a mount through which extends a driven shaft. The driven shaft includes a worm drive located in the relatively narrow passage. A drive belt is provided to oscillate the cylindrical housing and the powder reservoir.

Abstract: A bulk material measuring and dispensing system includes a hopper assembly containing a bulk material coupled to a volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for measuring a predetermined volume of the bulk material and dispensing the predetermined volume of the bulk material. A dispensing mechanism is coupled to the volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for receiving and measuring a predetermined volume of bulk material in one position, and for dispensing the bulk material into a bulk material dispensing passageway another position. The volumetric measuring and dispensing device may include a rotatably mounted cylindrical member having a measuring chamber which receives and measure a predetermined volume of the bulk material and rotates to dispense the predetermined volume of bulk material.

Abstract: A device for discharging particulate material from a container with a table to support the particulate material includes a feed unit which is movable on the table for discharging the material through a peripheral outlet opening, and a drive for driving the feed unit; the feed unit includes at least two spaced feeding elements disposed to successively move the material in a direction from the center of the table towards the outlet opening; the feeding elements are arranged, during a full cycle of movement of the feed unit, to be alternately active within an arbitrary section of the table extending between the center part and outlet opening for feeding a layer of particulate material in front of them in the direction toward the outlet opening and inactive while returning to a starting position.

Abstract: Device for quickly variable and high precision metering of powder, granulated or micropearl dyeing material including a container 1 for the dyeing material that is put under vacuum by means of a suction tube 7 from the outside, and a mesh-sieve 5 fixed on the base of tile container 1. A scraper 2 rotates on the sieve 5 with a changeable speed. A scraper 2 rotates on the sieve 5 with a changeable speed. A compass-type shutter, with a changeable port, is mounted under the sieve 5, and a precision balance 20 is mounted below the shutter 6. An electronic computer 30 is programmed for checking and con trolling the rotation speed of the scraper 2, the opening/closing of the shutter 6 and the weight value of the balance 20.

Abstract: A volumetric dry solids materials feeder comprises a supply hopper, a feed trough disposed below the hopper, and an auger disposed in the feed trough to feed out the material. The trough is anchored to a vibration base, on which is mounted a vibratory mechanism. A vibration transfer spring connects the vibration base to a bracket secured to the hopper. Upon activation, the vibratory mechanism vibrates the vibration base and thus the trough at a predetermined frequency, while the spring transfers the vibration to the hopper. The spring lessens the amplitude of the transferred vibration and changes the frequency thereof, so as to minimize interference (primarily harmonic problems) between the vibration of the hopper and trough.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser for a washing machine includes a detergent container for containing a certain amount of powdered detergent, a detergent discharger for discharging a necessary amount of powdered detergent from the container to a detergent receiver of the washing machine, a shaft rotated upon operation of the detergent discharger, a crank mechanism for changing the rotational movement of the shaft to the reciprocal movement, a reciprocating member reciprocally moved by the crank mechanism in the detergent container in the direction of one of end walls of the detergent container and in the direction opposite to the end wall so that the powdered detergent adherent to the inside surface of each end wall of the detergent container is removed.

Abstract: A sugar and cream dispenser for an automatic coffee machine which prevents coffee or sugar from being dispensed into cups where the customer does not desire cream or sugar. The cream and sugar chutes are provided with moveable doors which are closed except when cream or sugar is to be dispensed into a cup. When the customer selects cream or sugar such doors open so that the cream or sugar can be dispensed into the coffee cup and at other times such doors are closed. The doors also prevent moisture and steam from passing up into the cream and sugar chutes so as to cause clogging of the machine. The machine also provides an easily removeable chute structure which can be quickly cleaned and replaced on the machine.

Abstract: Provided is a bulk storage silo defined by a frame and having a flexible fabric liner, internal load distribution control, vibratory discharge and helicopter-type content spreaders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particle dispensing apparatus comprising, an elongate transport guide apertured along its length; a transport device within the guide for transporting particles introduced through an entrance port into the guide and along the guide until they fall through the apertures to the outside of the guide; an elastic plate is secured to the guide, has a shaped edge portion partially covered with the opening area of the aperture in the guide and the guide is supported so as to be free to move in response to vibratory forces.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid snack foods and the like comprises a closed container defining a chamber adapted to be at least partially filled with a snack food. A measuring cup is mounted on the container for receiving a measured quantity of the snack food. A dispensing tray is pivotally mounted on the measuring cup to normally close an open bottom thereof and is moveable to an open position for discharging the measured quantity of foodstuff. An elongated screw is mounted in the container, between the chamber and measuring cup, and is adapted to be manually turned to convey the measured quantity of foodstuff into the measuring cup.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering dusting powder comprises a powder supply container, a stirring mechanism arranged in the supply container, a powder outlet opening at the bottom of the supply container, and an oscillating plate for metered delivery of the powder, which is provided at the outlet opening and to which an oscillatory motion is imparted by means of a shaking device. The stirring mechanism comprises a stirring blade rotating immediately above the bottom and the outlet opening of the supply container, and the oscillating plate of the shaking device executes an inharmonic oscillation consisting of a slow motion to and a quick motion fro.

Abstract: A heating system for producing heat by the gasification of solid, organic biomass materials. A mass of such materials is maintained on a grate in a primary oxidation chamber of the catalytic type, and materials in such mass are gradually heated in a deficiency of oxidation for full oxidation of such materials to produce a gaseous, combustible effluent. The gaseous combustible effluent is transferred to a secondary oxidation chamber where it is further oxidized to a fully oxidized state by burning. The gaseous effluent from the secondary oxidation chamber is used as a heat source for a water tube boiler. A storage hopper is provided to store the biomass feed materials for delivery to the primary oxidation chamber. The bottom of the storage hopper is inverted and reciprocating plates are provided along the bottom of the storage hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a first granular material which is disposed in a first container to a second granular material is provided and includes a conveyor conduit connected to a conveyor means, and a feed conduit communicating with the conveyor conduit for the feed of the first granular material which is to be added.In order to be able more easily to mix substances in powder or granular form, wherein the mixing ratio is to be continuously adjustable, the invention provides that disposed below the outlet opening of the first container containing the granular material to be added is a gap which is formed between two rollers. A communicating passage is provided between the gap and the feed conduit to provide the first granular material. By varying the width of the gap, the amount of the first granular material added may be quantitatively controlled.

Abstract: A bulk meat feeding machine including a head member attached to the support base of a main feeding machine has a main feeding channel therein, the improved head member having a cavity therein connected to the outlet end of the main feeding channel, a sweeping blade rotatably mounted in the cavity, two outlet openings in the cavity connected with two spaced linear passageways having plungers therein which push the product through a bell-shaped cover attached to the head member and into alveolate form containers sealingly connectable to the bell-shaped cover. A pushing plunger is provided in the main feeding channel to push the product into the cavity and is thereafter alternately pushed through the two openings by the sweeping action of the blade driven by a rotating drive member.

Abstract: A particulate material dispenser comprising an elongate, vertically extending body defining an upwardly opening material holding compartment, an elongate, laterally extending semi-cylindrical chamber at the bottom of the body and opening upwardly into the compartment and an elongate, laterally extending vertical discharge opening with front, rear and end edges at the bottom of said chamber, an elongate rotor with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinally extending, radially outwardly projecting webs with outside edges and defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly opening material receiving and transporting pockets of predetermined volume, is positioned in and extends longitudinally of the chamber with the outside edges of two adjacent webs at the lower half of the rotor in sliding sealing engagement with the inside surface of the chamber adjacent the front and rear edges of the opening and with the pocket therebetween communicating with the opening, a spring is position

Abstract: Device in a container for bulk material including a main part with mainly vertical walls and a converging feed-out part. In the feed-out part (3) an upwards vault mantle (7) is placed, and the mantle having a large number of openings (9) distributed over its surface, the openings permitting bulk material to pass through. The vault mantle is arranged in such a way that it can carry out oscillating movements in the container, whereby tendencies of bridge building in the container may be avoided and at the same time it is secured that the bulk material will reach the feed-out opening (4) adjacent to the feed-out zone in loose form. The vault mantle may have different configurations, e.g. the form of a lying cylinder, half-cylinder, an upwards vault dome or the form of an upwards pointing cone. The vault bottom and specially when it has the form of a cone may also be provided with projecting parts, e.g. in form of a separate rotatable tube with feed-in openings for bulk material.

Abstract: In a refiner for treating cellulose pulp or similar material of the type comprising two intermeshing rotary screws operating in a housing having a material inlet and a material outlet, the surface of each screw comprises a feeding thread section merging into a feed-resisting surface section, the outlet being provided in a side-wall of the housing near the zone where the feeding thread sections on both screws end and the feed-reversing surface sections begin. The outlet opens into an outwardly flaring collar having a plane mouth opening oblique in relation to the direction of material discharge through the material outlet. The mouth opening cooperates with a closure element to restrict the outlet area to control working pressure conditions within the housing.

Abstract: A grain cake breaker device is provided for placement within a storage bin to facilitate the removal of grain therefrom. The device includes a support structure having a number of legs which are connected to the storage bin floor at their lower ends. The legs converge together at their upper ends where they are joined with a hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a shaft which extends downwardly toward the bottom of the storage bin. A plurality of nonrotatable, rigid cutting arms extend outwardly and upwardly from the shaft. When the hydraulic cylinder is powered, the shaft moves in a substantially vertical reciprocal direction so that the cutting arms loosen caked grain when contacted by the cutting arms. The grain then flows to the bottom of the storage bin where it is carried from the storage bin by a conveyor.

Abstract: A hopper and feed wheel assembly for a fertilizer or pesticide spreader is described. This assembly includes an open topped storage bin or hopper having a concave or "V"-shaped bottom with a flat center plat being disposed along the center or lower most point of the base, the center plate being movable according to calibrated settings to provide a gate opening for discharge of fertilizer or pesticide.

Abstract: A Dry Chemical Applicator apparatus, comprising a storage bin hopper adapted to store dry chemicals therein and having a lower dispensing tube, with an operable auger in the tube to deliver such chemicals falling down into the tube in relatively small adjustable predetermined quantities, with the auger operated by a motor controlled by an adjustable timer, and with an operable pivoted hangar shaker bar in the hopper over the auger connected for simultaneous operation with and upon auger operation, for delivery of the dry chemical by the auger for mixing thereof with small grain or ensilage.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are dispensed from an open-ended chamber. An oscillatory magnetic field vibrates a magnetic member at least partially immersed in the particles. This prevents bridging and caking of the particles to facilitate flow of the particles from the open end of the chamber.

Abstract: The ice making and vending machine of the present invention will be seen to minimize to the extreme any ice bridging or fusing within the ice storage bin by virtue of the unique design and relationship of the bin rotor to the configuration of the bin. Additionally, the ice making and vending machine of the present invention will be seen to be extremely positive in operation in assuring that ice cubes are not delivered to the dispensing cavity of the machine housing except during such time as the vend switch is actuated, with the brake arrangement associated with the drive motor functioning to positively position the rotor at the termination of each vend cycle. It will be noted that the brake mechanism will function in two directions so as to not only prevent forward rotation of the rotor at the termination of a vend cycle but will also prevent rearward rotation as might occur when the rotor is subjected to certain loading conditions due to the quantity and orientation of the cubes within the bin.

Abstract: A bin having an essentially round or polygonal cross section with a discharge device, especially for flour, shaving or chip-type goods, such as wood shavings, sawdust, wood chips or the like, including a bin floor with at least one discharge opening channel underneath it for a conveyor worm or the like conveyor element in the channel and a drivable supporting body situated above the bin floor including pusher type discharge elements, at least some of which are limited on one longitudinal side by a carrier edge directed steeply to the bin floor, which pusher type discharge elements and supporting body form an essentially rigid unit of an outline conforming to the cross section of the bin, and a reversing drive for the rigid unit for alternately driving it in opposite directions.

Abstract: A grain drill having a plurality of closely spaced seeding units is modified to change the pattern of seed flow through one of the seeding units so that when the plants emerge, the one row will be visibly different from the other rows. The visibly different row can then be used as a marker for weed control spraying or the like.

Abstract: A portable pneumatic dispenser wherein a bulk of finely divided dry substance, such as powdered or granulated industrial and agricultural chemicals, is deposited in a funnel-shaped hopper from which it flows downwardly to a suitable distribution outlet under concurrently acting forces of gravity, suction and agitation.

Abstract: A measuring dispenser wherein a generally cylindrical drum having a transverse wall is positioned at the bottom of a canister, and a forwardly extending longitudinally movable partition with a transverse rear wall is inserted within the drum so that variable volume measuring chambers are provided by longitudinally moving the partition within the cylindrical drum. A one-piece cylindrical adjuster is inserted within the drum and is provided with inclined slots for longitudinally adjusting the partition.