Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for injecting one or more agents into tissue within a patient's body. In one embodiment, an injection device is provided that includes an outer tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; a relatively small cross-section needle tip extending distally beyond the distal end, and an internal pressure release member slidably disposed within the lumen between a distal position and a proximal position to prevent viscous injectate from expressing from the distal tip.

Abstract: In a bone cement mixing and delivery device, a plug can be removably disposable in an injection passage of a cylindrical container. A mixing screw can rotate in a chamber of the container and has a screw thread extending along an outer surface of the mixing screw as well as a return passage extending through the mixing screw from the proximal end to the distal end thereof. In a mixing mode of the device, a mixing rod engages and rotates the mixing screw about a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical container causing material disposed in the chamber to be moved distally and return to the proximal end of the chamber through the return passage of the mixing screw. In an injection mode of the device, the plug can be removed from the injection passage and an injection rod occludes the return passage of the mixing screw.

Abstract: A manual mixer serves to facilitate mixing and agitating materials for use during surgery. The manual mixer includes a mixing assembly and an actuation assembly for actuating the mixing assembly. The mixing assembly includes at least a paddle portion and a plunger portion. The plunger portion is simultaneously capable of rotational movement with the paddle portion and movement upwardly or downwardly along the paddle portion. Rotation of the paddle portion serves to facilitate mixing and agitating of the materials, and downward movement of the plunger portion serves to facilitate dispensing of the materials from the manual mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous material comprising: a) a first container capable of containing a viscous material; b) a transfer piston insertable in the first container so that the piston forms a circumferential seal with respect to the container, the transfer piston including a hole; and c) a mechanism for attaching an aperture of a second container to the hole in the transfer piston wherein insertion of the transfer piston into the first container causes the viscous material to pass through the aperture into the second container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-lumen mixing device that includes a first and second lumen constructed and arranged to separately pass a first and second reagent to a mixing chamber in the device, where the mixing chamber includes a mixing feature that mixes the first and second reagents. The disclosed multi-lumen mixing device may also include a port in fluid communication with the reaction mixing to permit the product of the combined reagents to be injected into a patent.

Abstract: Described is a syringe housing at least one removable carpule containing at least two injectable solutions and having a mixing chamber for mixing two injectable solutions during administration of the solutions, and methods of using the syringe.

Abstract: The present application describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device includes an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber includes a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided comprising a cabinet, a door for providing access within the cabinet, an ice maker for making ice operably connected to the cabinet, an ice bin comprising a pair of opposite-facing walls and a bottom wall, disposed within the cabinet and located adjacent the ice maker, and a stir assembly positioned within the ice bin, comprising a stir stick, a cam rod, and a pair of breaker walls; wherein the stir stick is configured to oscillate about an axis of rotation, the cam rod is coupled to the stir stick; and the pair of breaker walls are engaged with the cam rod near the bottom of the breaker walls, and hingedly attached to the pair of opposite-facing walls.

Abstract: A device for placement in an environment, particularly a humid environment, for delivery of medication to said environment. The device comprises a reservoir (103) having an orifice (104), a conveying unit for conveying a reservoir's content (106) through the orifice (104) and an actuator arrangement for driving the conveying unit. In order to provide a reliable delivery of medication in a humid environment, the conveying unit comprises an auger (110) extending in the reservoir (103).

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 device for mixing and applying a substance includes a syringe barrel, a plunger, a shaft, a mixing surface, and a locking device. The syringe barrel is preloaded with one or more components of the substance and is enclosed by a seal. The plunger has a plunger body that is displaceable within the syringe barrel, and a dispensing surface. The shaft within the plunger body has a first end and a second end, and is positioned to extend through and from the plunger body. The mixing surface is attached to the first end of the shaft. The locking device enables the mixing surface to alternate between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the mixing surface projects from the dispensing surface to promote mixing of the substance. In the retracted position, the mixing surface is retracted through the dispensing surface into the plunger body.

Abstract: A foamed beverage system for creating foamed beverages from a powder, a liquid, and air. The foamed beverage system may include a mixing chamber having a mixing zone and a pressurized zone. An impeller is positioned between the mixing zone and the pressurized zone. The powder and the liquid are added to the mixing chamber and the air is entrained within the mixture of the powder and the liquid within the pressurized zone.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, which can be used for dosage materials in the form of powders or pastes, includes a housing with at least one receptacle compartment formed inside the housing for the purpose of holding the dosage material. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one dispensing head that comprises an elastic material and has an outlet for the dosage material. In the non-stressed condition, i.e. when there is no mechanical force or pressure acting on it, the outlet is tightly closed against the outside. When a force or pressure is applied, the outlet opens up, with the aperture width being variable, dependent on the applied force. Furthermore, inside the receptacle compartment and/or the dispensing head, there is at least one mechanical actuator element arranged through which the outlet can be opened.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device has a drive unit and a receiver for a dosage-dispensing unit. The drive unit has a drive shaft. The dosage-dispensing unit has a delivery orifice with a closure element that is disposed in the delivery orifice. The closure element is coupled to the drive shaft when the device is in an operating state. The closure element provides the delivery orifice with an aperture cross-section that varies between a closed position and a maximally open position. To couple the drive shaft to the closure element and to open the delivery orifice, the drive unit linearly advances towards the dosage-dispensing unit. A closure spring holds the closure element in a closed position up to the point of complete coupling. To prevent premature opening of the delivery orifice during the coupling process, the drive shaft has limited linear mobility in a direction away from the dosage-dispensing unit.

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 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: An apparatus, method and vending system mixes a dry product mix with liquid to produce a mixed beverage. The apparatus includes a product canister containing the dry product mix. The product canister includes a dispensing mechanism that dispensed a portion of the mix through an outlet. During dispensing, a plurality of agitators positioned within the product canister and in contact with the product mix displaces the product mix, thereby keeping the product mix loose and lifted and resulting in a more evenly distributed product mix feed for dispensing through the outlet.

Abstract: An automatic dispenser of ground coffee having: a reservoir having a flow outlet opening and adapted to contain a quantity of ground coffee; at least one paddle mounted to rotate in the bottom of the reservoir to transfer a predetermined quantity of ground coffee from the reservoir through the flow outlet opening; and a motor assembly connected for driving the paddle in rotation. The motor assembly is composed of: a motor having two input terminals via which operating current is supplied to the motor; and a control circuit having at least one component connected to establish a short circuit between the two terminals after the supply of operating current to the motor has been cut off.

Abstract: A beverage whipper, including a whipper disk configured for spinning within the whipper and having a radius is disclosed. The whipper disk further includes a front surface and a plurality of forward-facing concave surfaces that divide the front surface into a plurality of front surface sections. The concave surfaces extend generally radially over more than half the radius and have a circumferential width and a depth, wherein the width is larger than the depth. The front surface sections have a total area that is at least 4-times the total area of the concave surfaces. Also, a beverage dispenser that includes the whipper for forming beverages having crema such as espresso or cappuccino.

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: 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 spill containment system for dispensing a berm of containment material on a support surface around a liquid spill to inhibit the liquid spill from spreading across the support surface includes a container receiving the containment material. The container includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define an interior space of the container. A dispensing assembly is coupled to the container. The dispensing assembly is actuated to dispense the containment material from the container. The dispensing assembly controls flow of the containment material through a dispensing aperture that extends through a rear wall of the perimeter wall.

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: 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 blender has a container body, a push plate, a blade assembly that is mounted on the push plate and a guide rod mounted to the container body and affixed to the push plate limiting the push plate to substantially vertical movement. A variety of well known lifting mechanisms can be mechanically actuated by the handle and can also be actuated by a squeeze mechanism where the handle travels linearly as opposed to rotationally. To overcome the stickiness drawback in blender container bodies, the present invention uses a push plate to push the contents out of the container body.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided novel and unique automatic and manual colorant and hair dye dispensers that are easy to operate and provides precision mixing of a large number of colorants and hair dye to make an almost infinite number of colors. The machines are relatively light in weight, easy to operate and maintain and the various components can be readily and easily replaced. In the colorant dispenser this is principally due to the fact that the colorant canisters are supported by a central column and the conventional use of a massive turntable supporting the canisters have been eliminated. In both the automatic and manual illustrated embodiments there is shown six (6) pie-shaped triangular canister units (dispensing units) each including three (3) separate colorant receptacles. There can be more or less dispensing units as desired.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.

Abstract: A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with an input container that is configured for receiving a product that includes a fluid component and a second component. A whipper with a conical whipper surface has an axis is configured for aerating and frothing the product. The whipper surface extends between first and second end portions, with the first end portion having a smaller diameter than the second end portion. The whipper surface is preferably oriented at a surface angle to the axis of about between 5° and 65°. A motor is in driving association with the whipper for rotating the whipper about the axis at a speed sufficient for aerating and frothing the product. A product exit conduit is disposed downstream of the whipper and is configured for dispensing the product of the fluid and second components.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing ice in a container and dispensing ice from the container is provided in the form of a storage bin, having ice agitating apparatus for engaging ice to loosen the same and to keep ice particles from adhering together in a common mass. An ice dispenser is provided for delivering ice from a lower to an upper end. The ice dispenser and the ice agitator are provided with separate drives.

Abstract: The portable dispenser has individual supply chambers that communicate with a mixing chamber. Each of the supply chambers has a doser to move fluid compositions from the supply chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a mixer to allow it to form a homogeneous mix of the individual compositions. An applicator is used to output the homogeneous mix.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a medium includes at least a first container to hold the medium, a pressurizing device, such as a pump, in fluid connection with the container for pressurizing the medium, and an agitation mechanism or device to maintain the components of the medium in a mixed state. The container and the pressurizing device can be separate units, as in the case of an bag or bottle in fluid connection with a peristaltic or other type of pump. The container and the pump can also be combined in a single unit, as in the case of a syringe, wherein the syringe barrel of the syringe acts to contain the medium and the syringe plunger pressurizes the medium within the syringe barrel. A method of injecting a multi-component medium includes the step of agitating the medium (for example, as described above) before or during an injection procedure to maintain the components of the medium in a mixed state.

Abstract: A kneading device adapted for preparing calcium phosphate-based cement and for applying the cement directly to a required site which comprises a cylinder 1 which includes a hollow cylindrical body portion 11 and a nozzle 12 formed at the distal end of the cylindrical body portion; a plug 2 having an axial through-hole 21 slidably disposed within the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion; a piston assembly 3 which includes a shaft 31 extending through the through-hole 21 of the plug 2 for axial and rotatable movement, a kneading element 32 at the distal end of the shaft 31 within the cylindrical body portion, and a handle 34 formed at the proximal end of the shaft 31 external of the cylindrical body portion; a cover member 4 attached to and forming a closure for the nozzle 12; and a stop member 5 for locating the plug 2 in position at the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion.

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 kneading device adapted for preparing calcium phosphate-based cement and for applying the cement directly to a required site which comprises a cylinder 1 which includes a hollow cylindrical body portion 11 and a nozzle 12 formed at the distal end of the cylindrical body portion; a plug 2 having an axial through-hole 21 slidably disposed within the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion; a piston assembly 3 which includes a shaft 31 extending through the through-hole 21 of the plug 2 for axial and rotatable movement, a kneading element 32 at the distal end of the shaft 31 within the cylindrical body portion, and a handle 34 formed at the proximal end of the shaft 31 external of the cylindrical body portion; a cover member 4 attached to and forming a closure for the nozzle 12; and a stop member 5 for locating the plug 2 in position at the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: A dispensing container which stores two or more separated fluids and blends the fluids when dispensing. The container has two or more liquid receptacles and a cap which threads to the bottle. The receptacles include the open interior of the container, and an interior vessel separate and removable from the container. The cap is connected a mixing circuit which retrieves and blends fluids taken from the receptacles. A pump, which may be either manually or electrically operated, draws fluids from the receptacles and discharges these fluids after they are mixed. The dispensing container has at least one, and optionally a plurality of separate, attachable auxiliary vessels. The auxiliary vessels communicate with the mixing circuit or alternatively with one another. The auxiliary vessels are constructed to hold pressurized propellant, while the dispensing container is formed from plastic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paste container with a follower plate tightly sealing the open side of the container. A multiblade mixing propeller is fitted to the follower plate in such a way that it can be rotated, a short distance beneath the follower plate, around an axle (5) which juts through the middle of the plate. The paste container includes a removal device with an external drive mechanism with which paste can be removed from the container through an opening in the follower plate. The agitator blades and the removal device have the same drive mechanism. The paste container is used in particular for receiving thixotropic pastes.

Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively conveying a measured volume of loose material from a supply hopper and discharging the material at a selected site has a shuttle with a cavity for holding the material. The bottom of the cavity is a slide plate or a pair of slide plates that are retracted to discharge the contents of the cavity. Rapid retraction of the plate or plates is effected by mechanical means such as pneumatic pistons which are reversible to close the bottom of the cavity. The shuttle is moved reciprocatingly on a track extending between the supply and discharge sites by mechanical means such as pneumatic pistons. The shuttling apparatus is preferably combined with a supply hopper having a discharge gate in the form of slide plates like those at the bottom of the cavity.

Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preparing a medical composition including a first member defining a mixing chamber having a predetermined amount of a first medical component contained therein, the first member having first and second openings each in communication with the mixing chamber, and a mixing subassembly operatively connected to the first member so that the mixing subassembly substantially seals the first opening, the mixing subassembly including a mixing member and a second member receivable one within the other. The first member and mixing subassembly are slidable guidingly, one within the other, between first and second relative positions with the first member and mixing subassembly operatively connected. The mixing member is supported for rotation relative to the first member about a first axis and includes a shaft and a plurality of paddles projecting radially from the shaft relative to the first axis and spaced, each from the other, axially relative to the first axis.

Abstract: A dispenser container for a paste is provided. The dispenser container is formed from a cylinder open at one end for holding the paste, a displaceable tightly fitted follower plate means is arranged at the open end of the cylinder and a dispenser for transporting the paste from the container is arranged to cooperate with the follower plate. A motor and transmission are mounted near the center of the follower plate and has a shaft which extends through the follower plate and has mounted thereon a multiple blade stirrer. The stirrer rotates in the paste below the follower plate. The dispenser removes the paste from the container at a position away from the center of the follower plate in an area below which the multiple blade stirrer rotates. The multiple blade stirrer by rotating in the paste lowers the viscosity and permits the paste to be more easily transported from the container by the dispenser.

Abstract: A hole-filling tool designed for compacting a material into holes in wood. The hole-filling tool includes a tube, a plunger, and operating means for aligning and operating the tube and plunger. The tube is thin-walled to allow the user to align the tool properly over the hole. The plunger slides within the tube and forces material therein into the hole to be filled. The hole-filling tool may include a handle and trigger for simplified use of the tool and a loader for packing a sawdust-adhesive-thinner filler material into the tube. The hole-filling tool may also include an automatic filler material feeder, such as an auger.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing particulate-laden liquid or immiscible liquid, samples from a container or vessel. The apparatus is attached to the top of the vessel with a mixing tube extending downwardly into the liquid sample. A valve piston disposed in the tube may be moved from a closed position to an open position while the liquid sample is continuously agitated and circulated through the mixing tube. The agitation system lifts a portion of the liquid sample through the valve piston and out a discharge port for eventual assaying.

Abstract: A drop spreader having a hopper with a series of materials-dispensing apertures therein supported by a pair of wheels, an upper U-shaped frame pivotally connected to a pair of spaced-apart leg members supported on the hopper for use as a handle for the spreader, the hopper further having molded in place a pair of sleeve members adjacent the rim thereof for receiving the respective leg members, a shutoff bar adjacent the apertures being composed of two different materials, plastic enveloping metal, and further the use of a simple pivotal snap connection between the micrometer device used with the spreader and the control lever for controlling the movement of the shutoff bar.

Abstract: A collapsible drop spreader having a hopper for supporting a wheel axle bearing member, an upper U-shaped frame pivotally connected to a pair of parallel leg members supported on the hopper for use as a handle for the spreader, the hopper further having wheel track alignment guide arrows indexed thereon, a series of material exit apertures extending the length thereof, a two-part rotary agitator bar disposed above the material exit apertures of the hopper, a spring washer for biasing the separate members of the agitator bar apart to effect a sealing relationship with the wheel axle bearing supports, a light weight fiber reinforced shut-off bar disposed adjacent the material exit apertures and rotatable about splines on the wheel axle bearing members, and a flexible cable having one end connected to the rotatably journaled shut-off bar and the other end thereof connected to a control lever located on the upper frame for rotating the shut-off bar from a closed position to an open position with respect to the ma

Abstract: Disclosed is a pump device for pastry or paste-like media. The medium is located in a container and within the container a cover is lowered under the influence of a pressure device. The cover has on its underside, inclined surfaces which are inclined in the direction of a suction opening. The pump device allows a dependable conveyance of the medium, even in an unfavorable relationship of the suction pressure and the viscosity of the medium, by using a conveyor device within the container which helps move the medium.

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 toner cartridge dispenses toner for a printing apparatus. The cartridge comprises a housing having an internal cavity and a series of openings through a sidewall of the housing. An axially reciprocating slide includes a series of openings that are selectively aligned with the housing openings to discharge toner from the cavity. An agitating mechanism operates within the cavity and in response to paper advancement through the printing apparatus to facilitate discharge of toner from the cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the feeding of particles includes a hopper having a central axis, walls of the hopper being concentric with the hopper axis above an outlet of the hopper; a sensor for sensing a desired flow of particles from the hopper; a shaft rotatably mounted on the hopper axis; a paddle connected to the shaft and extending from approximately 0.125 inch to approximately 0.250 inch from at least a lower portion of an inside surface wall of the hopper, the shaft being rotated at approximately 1 radian per second in response to a drive signal; the drive signal being momentarily activated in the presence of an external activate signal when the flow of particles falls below the desired rate, the drive signal being active for a period of time sufficient to cause the paddle to move through an angle of about 90.degree. about the hopper axis. The paddle is mechanically agitated during feeding of the particles, the paddle vibrating only during activation of the external signal, with a displacement of from 0.