Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an agitating system having a sub-hopper configured to receive particulate material, an agitator disposed within the sub-hopper and configured to promote movement of the particulate material through the sub-hopper, and a deflector configured to block a portion of the particulate material from exerting a force onto the agitator as the particulate material flows through the sub-hopper. The deflector is positioned such that the agitator extends beyond a first distal edge and a second distal edge of the deflector along a lateral axis.

Abstract: An ice cube dispensing unit comprising a housing suitable for containing at least two ice cubes, and a dispensing mechanism arranged at one end of the housing. The dispensing mechanism comprises an opening which is large enough for the ice cubes to pass through, a wall arranged near an edge of the opening, and an ice cube displacing mechanism suitable for displacing the ice cubes out of the housing through said opening. The ice cube displacing mechanism and the wall are arranged such that the ice cubes pass between the wall and the ice cube displacing mechanism on their way out of the housing. The ice cube displacing mechanism is arranged at a distance from the wall such that the minimum distance A between the wall and an outer periphery of the ice cube displacing mechanism is less than the minimum dimension of the ice cubes and either the wall and/or the outer periphery of the ice cube displacing mechanism is displaceable to allow the distance A to increase to allow ice cubes to leave the housing.

Abstract: A refrigerator having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, the refrigerator including an icemaker provided at the freezer compartment door configured to open/close the freezer compartment, a dispenser provided at a refrigerator compartment door configured to open/close the refrigerator compartment, and a water tank provided at the refrigerator compartment door, the water tank having an inlet through which water is introduced into the water tank, a first outlet for supplying water to the dispenser, and a second outlet for supplying water to a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from the water tank to the icemaker.

Abstract: A powder feeder for a cold spray system includes a rotatable drum body, a housing surrounding the drum body, and a support structure. The support structure couples to the housing and supports the housing such that the drum body rotates about a rotation axis to provide in-situ blending of powder disposed within an interior of the drum body.

Abstract: A machine for distributing loosefill insulation material from a package of compressed loosefill insulation material is provided. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is configured to receive compressed loosefill insulation material. The machine also includes a lower unit. The lower unit has a shredding chamber with a plurality of shredders configured to condition the loosefill insulation material thereby forming conditioned loosefill insulation material. The plurality of shredders is driven by one or more motors. A discharge mechanism is mounted to receive the loosefill insulation material. The discharge mechanism is configured to distribute the conditioned loosefill insulation material into an airstream. A blower is configured to provide the airstream flowing through the discharge mechanism. A sound chamber is configured to receive the one or more motors and further configured to reduce the sound rating emanating from the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a mixing system for mixing a dry material with a liquid. The mixing system includes a supply of dry material and a supply of liquid. An infinitely variable metering device meters the dry material into the liquid. A sensor senses the ratio of dry material to liquid. The sensor is operatively connected to the metering device to control the metering device to obtain a desired ratio of dry material to liquid. The dry material is dispensed volumetrically by volume of liquid to form the desired ratio of dry material to liquid.

Abstract: A road finishing machine comprises a chassis, a screw bearing arrangement for receiving a spreading screw, and first and second perforated supports at the chassis to fix the screw bearing arrangement to the chassis. The first and the second perforated supports each comprise first and second hole patterns to fix different screw bearing arrangements to the road finishing machine by means of the first hole pattern or by means of the second hole pattern.

Abstract: An Archimedean screw apparatus for use either in power generation or for the pumping or conveying of fluid material includes a screw body formed by a shaft and at least one helical flight that is located in a close-fitting channel structure. The screw body is rotatably mounted such that the flight is in frictional contact with in inner surface of the channel. The weight of the screw body is borne at least partially by the channel structure and is dissipated fully or partially along the length of channel structure. Hence, preferably the Screw both is either provided with only a single bearing located at one end of the shaft, the other end being left floating within the channel structure, or the screw body is not provided with any bearings and the shaft is connected directly to a drive mechanism or to part of a power generating apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing baby milk from water and dry formula includes a formula supply system having a reservoir for holding formula and a feeder for feeding formula out off the reservoir through an outlet opening in the reservoir. The apparatus further includes a scraper for guiding formula towards and through the outlet opening into the feeder. The scraper is arranged to move closely along an inner wall portion of the reservoir that borders on the outlet opening.

Abstract: An automated ice dispenser (30) decouples the action of agitating ice stored in an ice bin (69) and the action of dispensing the ice and, additionally, uses a controlled action to dispense the ice. Agitation is achieved with a horizontally mounted agitator (91). Ice is dispensed with a horizontally mounted auger (124). The ice dispenser (30) uses the force created by the auger (124) to push the ice through an opening (71) and out of the bin (69), making the dispensing more consistent and providing the ability to overcome clumping. By making the agitation action independent of the dispensing action, the incidence of clumping is reduced. Agitation is controlled by software, whereunder the agitator (91) turns on based on the cumulative run time of the auger (124). Auger run time and agitation time (as well as other configurable parameters) are adjustable by DIP switches (134) on a control board (133).

Abstract: A dispensing system for powdered treating agent for use in a washing machine includes a supply container for the treating agent, a delivery device configured to deliver the treating agent to the washing machine through a connecting hose, and a dosing device for dispensing the treating agent from the supply container to the delivery device. The supply container has an agitator with a first vertical rotatable shaft and rotatable blades. The dosing device includes a cylindrical chamber, with a compartmented wheel having spokes disposed therein. The compartmented wheel is disposed below a bottom of the supply container and is coupled to a second vertical rotatable shaft. The cylindrical chamber has an inlet opening disposed in the bottom of the supply container and an underside of the cylindrical chamber has an outlet opening to the delivery device. The compartmented wheel is also coupled to the vertical shaft of the agitator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film balun includes: an unbalanced transmission line 2 including a first coil portion C1 and a second coil portion C2; a balanced transmission line 3 including a third coil portion C3 and a fourth coil portion C4 that are magnetically coupled to the first coil portion C1 and the second coil portion C2, respectively; a first balanced terminal T1 connected to the third coil portion C3; a second balanced terminal T2 connected to the fourth coil portion C4; and an auxiliary coil portion C5 provided between the third coil portion C3 and the first balanced terminal T1 and/or between the fourth coil portion C4 and the second balanced terminal T2.

Abstract: A fiber blowing and filling machine comprising a hopper, a dispensing assembly located below the hopper, a drive assembly and a blower. The dispensing assembly comprises a housing having two longitudinally opposite apertures, namely, an air inlet aperture connected to the output of the blower and an exit aperture. The housing is equipped with a paddle mounted to a shaft that is above the apertures. The paddle is assembled from individual components, forming a plurality of vanes having flexible edges that contact the surfaces of the housing to create a pocket when the apertures are between a pair of the vanes. The fiber from the hopper flows into the housing and gets collected between a pair of the vanes, which rotate further to form the pocket. The fiber in the pocket is then blown out through the exit aperture by the air from the blower output.

Abstract: A fine powder is reliably dispensed from a hopper into containers on a moving conveyor belt with the assistance of a powder feed system. The hopper serves as a powder inlet that dispenses by gravity into a feed chamber that is form fitted to the sweep of a relatively slow rotating feed wheel with two spaced sets of pins. A relatively fast rotating agitator is located below the feed wheel which has a series of agitating blades that rotate between the span of the feed wheel pins, the blades in at least one embodiment resemble a J-shape. The agitator is located directly above a rotary trap chamber wheel, which has recesses that take doses of powder and dispense them into awaiting containers moving on a conveyor belt below.

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: A powder and granular material feeder constantly feeding powder and granular material with poor fluidity that is discharged to an annular passage between inner and outer tubes through a clearance between a lower end of the inner tube and a bottom plate from a fall opening, outside of the feeder, by scraping plates immediately below the fall opening. The fall opening has an arcuate configuration starting on an outer side of the outer tube to the inner tube or to an inner side of the inner tube. The scraping plates are located on a small cylinder around the center of curvature. The scraping plates and spokes rotate in opposite directions from each other at a portion of the fall opening, and the powder and granular material transferred by the spokes and inward claws into the fall opening is discharged in a direction opposite to the feeding direction and leveled by an lower edge of the outer tube.

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: 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: 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 dispensing system for powdered treating agent for use in a washing machine. The dispensing system includes at least one supply container for the treating agent, a delivery device configured to deliver the treating agent to the washing machine through a connecting hose and a dosing device for dispensing the treating agent from the supply container to the delivery device. The supply container has an agitator with a first vertical rotatable shaft and blades configured to be rotated by the first vertical rotatable shaft. The agitator is drivable by an electric drive. The dosing device includes a cylindrical chamber and a compartmented wheel disposed therein. The compartmented wheel has a plurality of compartments separated by spokes. The compartmented wheel is disposed below a bottom of the supply container and is coupled to a second vertical rotatable shaft. The cylindrical chamber has an inlet opening disposed in the bottom of the supply container and is configured to fill the compartments therethrough.

Abstract: A powder feed system includes a housing that defines a feed chamber to hold powder, the feed chamber having a powder inlet and a powder outlet, at least one feed wheel in the feed chamber, the feed wheel rotating about a feed wheel axis, at least one agitator in the feed chamber positioned to move the powder from the feed wheel to the powder outlet of the feed chamber, the agitator rotating about an agitator axis, and a drive mechanism to rotate the feed wheel about the feed wheel axis and to rotate the agitator about the agitator 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: Example embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for intermittent agitation of particulate matter. In some embodiments, a mechanical agitator is intermittently activated within in a particulate-matter-delivery system.

Abstract: The seasoning applicator applies seasoning onto snack food products such as potato chips, corn chips, tortilla chips, and the like in a two-dimensional seasoning pattern. A two compartment sifting assembly has a first top layer having a screen where seasoning is initially deposited. Upon vibration, the seasoning is passed through the top layer screen into a lower compartment. Therein, the seasoning is further distributed across the surface of the lower layer screen, which generally has a screen with smaller openings than the top layer screen. This promotes the even distribution of seasoning through the lower screen. Thereby, a two-dimensional seasoning pattern is created for depositing on a moving bed of snack food products.

Abstract: A dispenser with features for enhanced maintainability generally comprises a lower unit having therein an ice bin; an upper unit atop the lower unit for providing an interface for dispensing ice from the ice bin to the public; a conveyor having and inlet in the ice bin and an outlet in the upper unit; an ice distributor in a lower portion of the ice bin for conveying ice within the ice bin to the inlet; and a drive motor operably associated with the ice distributor, the drive motor being located in a space above the lower unit for ready access. A plurality of optical emitter assemblies are disposed upon a wall of the ice bin and a plurality of optical receiver assemblies are oppositely disposed upon a second wall of the ice bin. Each optical emitter assembly comprises an emitter housing and a selectively removable emitter body comprising an optical source. Each optical receiver assembly comprises a receiver housing and a selectively removable receiver body comprising an optical receiver.

Abstract: A bypass chute is included with a bulk ingredient beverage brewer/dispenser such that bypass chute accepts an alternative ingredient directly from a user. In conventional operation, a bulk ingredient is moved through a guide and into a brew device chamber for brewing. However, in a bypass mode, an alternative ingredient is introduced into the bypass chute by the user and the bulk ingredient is not used.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of conditioning and dispensing high volumes of loose fill insulation material includes a hopper for receiving unconditioned insulation material and for conditioning the insulation material, and an air lock for receiving the conditioned insulation material from the hopper and for discharging the insulation material. The hopper has an upper conditioning compartment and a lower conditioning compartment which are in open communication with each other. At least one upper shaft, which has a plurality of spikes extending radially therefrom in a helical pattern, is supported in the upper conditioning compartment of the hopper. A set of lower shafts including at least three shafts, each with a plurality of spikes extending radially therefrom, are supported in the lower conditioning compartment of the hopper. A drive assembly is operatively connected to the upper and lower a shafts to provide rotational movement to each of the upper and lower shafts.

Abstract: The multi bagging machine comprises: a framework including four, spaced apart upright legs arranged in a generally rectangular configuration; a generally rectangular hopper mounted to an upper end of the framework; the hopper including a sharply inclined front wall and a lesser inclined back wall extending between two end walls; an auger located adjacent the bottom of the hopper and having an auger shaft extending between the end walls; an agitator including an agitator shaft located above the auger and a short distance toward the rear of the hopper; a plurality of discharge chutes connected to the bottom of the hopper for discharging fluent particulate material from the hopper into a container or bag; and a slide gate movable from one wall of each discharge chute into and across the discharge chute to an opposite wall of each discharge chute and back for blocking and unblocking the flow of fluent particular material through the discharge chute into a bag or container.

Abstract: The fluent material dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluent material comprises: a hopper for receiving and holding, subsequent to discharge, a quantity of fluent material and having an open top and a closed bottom; at least one fluent material discharge chute which is connected to the bottom of the hopper, which extends downwardly from the bottom and which has an upper material receiving opening and a lower material discharge opening; support structure for supporting the hopper above ground; a mechanism for blocking and unblocking the at least one discharge chute including a plate reciprocal in a path which contains the plate and which extends laterally, transversely across the at least one discharge chute, in a generally horizontal direction across the chute, between a chute blocking position and a chute unblocking position; engageable structure coupled to the plate and being constructed and arranged for being engaged for reciprocating the plate in the path extending generally horizontally across the chut

Abstract: A portable seed spreader for distribution of bulky and irregular size seeds over a local area. The spreader includes a U-shaped frame that carries a housing having a first seed bin and a second seed bin. A first transverse shaft is mounted to legs of the frame and extends through the first seed bin. The first shaft carries agitators for mixing and stirring the seeds in the first seed bin. Discharge slots are located in a bottom wall of the first seed bin. A second transverse shaft is mounted on the frame and extends beneath the bottom wall of the first seed bin. The second transverse shaft carries picker wheels that extend through the discharge slots into the first seed bin to pick seeds therefrom and draw them through the discharge slot. The shafts are connected so that rotation of one transverse shaft as by a hand crank, an electric motor or a wheeled mechanism, results in rotation of the other.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning and dispensing loose fill insulation material, such as cellulosic insulation, fiber glass insulation and rock wool insulation. The machine includes a hopper, a conditioning chamber, an air lock and a blower for pneumatically dispensing the material. The conditioning chamber is equipped with three rotating shafts with helically arranged spikes which serve as conveyors as well as dispersers. A lower conveyor shaft moves the material toward the opening into the air lock, while the two uppermost conveyor shafts move the material in the opposite direction. Thus, the same assembly which conveys the material to the air lock also conditions the material. Moreover, the counter current flow pattern churns or agitates the insulation material while the individual spikes disperse it. A single motor drives the rotation of the conveyor shafts and the rotation of the vanes in the air lock.

Abstract: A fluent material dispensing apparatus for filing containers with fluent material comprising a hopper for receiving and holding fluent material, the hopper's having a safety grid attached thereto and the hopper converging downwardly towards the hopper's bottom, wherein multiple discharge openings are located at the hopper's bottom, the top end of the discharge openings, a support frame for supporting the hopper, the support frame comprising base members and a plurality of vertical legs extending between the hopper and the base members, a foot-operated swing gate pivotally mounted to each discharge chute, the swing gates being individually movable from a closed position over the bottom of the discharge chutes to an open position to control the discharge of fluent material from the hopper, a foot-operated swing gate actuating mechanism for selectively moving the swing gate between and open and a closed position, a rotatable auger mounted transversely in the hopper for moving fluent material over the discharge o

Abstract: A specified-quantity supply apparatus of the invention transfers a specified amount of a cooking material. The apparatus is formed of a material stocker for retaining the cooking material therein, a pair of blade rollers disposed in the material stocker to be parallel to each other, and a screw disposed below the blade rollers and rotating around a shaft extending parallel to shafts of the blade rollers to transfer the cooking material falling from the blade rollers toward a discharge port. A material detection sensor may be disposed above the screw to detect the cooking material on the screw, and a rotational speed of the blade rollers may be controlled based on a detection result of the material detection sensor. A control device may control rotation of the blade rollers for a specified period of time after number of rotation of the screw reaches a set value. Thus, a required amount of the cooking material is constantly supplied on the screw.

Abstract: A portable vessel for containment of environmentally sensitive materials during transportation thereof, and during discharge thereof, comprising a sealable vessel having capability of holding a negative pressure, and including a filter system for drawing out gasses contained in said vessel, and a dual auger vessel discharge system to remove the material from the vessel without the necessity of human contact therewith.

Abstract: A stirrer for stirring dry goods is provided. This stirrer has a plurality of sides for stirring a mass of normally free-flowing, dry, particulate material in a container. The stirrer includes a rotatable shaft, two sets of end blades, and two spaced-apart sets of intermediate blades affixed to the shaft. Each set of end blades is proximate to a different end of the shaft and each end blade of each such set is inclined toward the other set of end blades. The two spaced-apart sets of intermediate blades are affixed on the shaft between the sets of end blades, one set of intermediate blades on each side of a mid point of the shaft. Each set of intermediate blades includes at least one pair of blades extending outwardly in opposite direction at an oblique angle from the same general location on the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous flow weighing of a flowable material includes a pair of sequential conveyors. A first, control conveyor moves material from an inlet to a discharge point. A second, weighing conveyor is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis at its inlet end. The pivot point is positioned below the discharge of the control conveyor. The outlet end of the weighing conveyor is suspended from and weighed by a load cell. Electronic control circuitry monitors the material transport rate of the weighing conveyor which, in combination with the output of the loadcell, is used to determine the weight flow rate of material being discharged from the weighing conveyor. The material transport rate of the weighing auger is adjusted to result in a preselected weight flow rate.

Abstract: An ink handling apparatus includes an ink handling module and a base for receiving and supporting the ink handling module. The ink handling module includes a container having a discharge aperture, a moveable member with paddles for moving ink through the discharge aperture, and an ink pump connected to the discharge aperture for receiving and pumping the discharged ink through a supply hose to a desired location. The base includes a pair of motors each having releasably engageable drive connectors for releasably engaging drives on the moveable member and the ink pump. The releasable engageable drive connectors are configured so that the ink handling module can be set on the base with the releasably engageable drive connectors engaged with the drives, whereafter interlocking connectors on the base and the ink handling module can be fastened to secure the assembly together.

Abstract: A new powder mixing apparatus can mix a plurality of materials in a limited area of installment of apparatus by providing a plurality of container devices on both sides of a movement device so that the movement device carrying a mixing vessel can move reciprocally between the container devices of the both sides.

Abstract: A foodstuff flavoring apparatus includes a screw conveyor for transporting flavoring axially thereof. A downwardly directed outlet is located in the region of the outlet end of the screw conveyor. An independently driven rotor unit is located below the outlet of the conveyor and is supported from the housing of the screw conveyor unit by a rotatable transfer conduit through which flavouring, which is discharged from the outlet end of the screw conveyor, is delivered to the interior of the rotor housing and which is dispensed by the rotor toward a foodstuff. The rotor is driven by an independent variable-speed drive motor. An electrostatic charging head is located near the rotor housing in the path of the flavouring being dispensed therefrom for facilitating adhesion of the flavouring to the foodstuff. The orientation of the rotor relative to the screw conveyor is adjustable in a range of 360 degrees by rotation of the transfer conduit and is further rotatably adjustable about the axis of the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A feeder for controllably discharging a flowable substance and having a hemispherically shaped hopper for holding a flowable substance, a rotatable agitator for sweeping the hopper and agitating the substance, a trough for receiving the substance from the hopper, a rotatable feed screw for removing the substance from the hopper and controllably discharging the substance from the feeder, and a driving mechanism for driving the feed screw and agitator. The agitator is horizontally driven along an axis which is parallel to axis of the feed screw and is removable from the feeder.

Abstract: A screw feeder for particulate solids comprises a trough section including a first chamber with a trough shaped side wall downwardly converging to a longitudinally tapered aperture. A screw chamber encloses a space below and connecting with the aperture. The screw chamber houses a feed screw which enters a feeder section in a transition region at the front wall of the agitator chamber. An agitator draws material away from the transition region of the agitator chamber.

Abstract: The material pack opening apparatus of the invention comprises: a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart teeth shaped sting edges arranged in an front-to-end (longitudinal) direction; a transverse sting edges arranged perpendicular to, and at substantially intermediate position of, said paired sting edges; and a platform for holding thereon said sting edges, said apparatus enabling a material pack at the bottom of multiple packs each containing powder material and stacked on an article stock rack, to be cut open the bottom of the lowest material pack widely along two cut lines by pressing from above said packs, and, by vibrating said platform, enabling the bottom pack unpacked, freeing the powder material almost completely into a material accommodation unit in a short time.

Abstract: An apparatus for metered filling of toner from a reservoir into the developing station of an electrophotographic printer device comprises a metering drum in the exit region of the reservoir. A hollow conveyor helix is situated in a conveyor tube above the metering drum. The conveyor helix extends parallel along the metering drum into the toner reservoir. The conveyor helix and the metering drum are coupled in terms of drive corresponding to the metering power.

Abstract: The invention is in a pneumatic powder ejector comprising a suction stage and an injection stage. The suction stage includes a suction chamber (16), a venturi (14) communicating a primary gas to the suction chamber and a lateral suction input (18) offset in relation to the downstream and of the venturi. The injection stage includes a nozzle (22), an injection chamber (36) and a diffuser (38). The stages are located within and coaxially of the body of a tubular ejector. The nozzle includes a path for powder and primary gas between the suction chamber and diffuser, and is formed to provide a flow path of reduced dimension to communicate a secondary or entrainment gas between the diffuser and injection station.

Abstract: A vending machine operated by a coin which allows a vendee one of several choices, by providing a plurality of modules each containing a different item to be vended in a single housing. The housing is supported on a turntable which allows the vendee to rotate the vending machine to address the appropriate item to be purchased. The device includes a coin return for returning coins of inappropriate size, and eliminates the necessity of having to invert the machine during the several instances required to replace goods, for hygienic purposes. In addition, structure associated with the instant invention allows greater likelihood that each vendee will receive the intended allotment by providing an agitation paddle just above the gate which dispenses the items to be purchased. A coin safe renders less likely the incidence of pilferage.

Abstract: An implement for seeding "fluffy" grass seed comprising a seed box defining a plurality of seed compartments having a seed dispensing slot in a lower portion thereof. Seed delivery tubes are connected to the seed box so that each of the seed delivery tubes encompasses one of the seed dispensing slots. A picker wheel assembly is rotatably supported on the seed box such that a picker wheel is disposed in each of the seed dispensing slots and a directional flow agitator assembly is rotatably mounted in each of the seed compartments for agitating and directing seed toward the seed dispensing slots and into contact with the picker wheels. A packer assembly, designed to substantially "float" over the surface of the ground, is rotatably connected to the frame assembly so as to support the frame assembly while at the same time firming soil over and around seed dispensed from the seed compartments through the seed delivery tubes.

Abstract: A hopper discharge outlet unit for railroad hopper cars useful for breaking up large chunks of agglomerated material and permits continuous off-loading of the railroad hopper cars including a delumper mounted inside of a pneumatic hopper discharge outlet housing in conjunction with standard pneumatic hoses and an external detachable motor. The apparatus prevents large chunks of material from plugging the pneumatic outlets.

Abstract: A dual hopper coffee cream or product dispenser assembly which has two chambers in which spiral augers are mounted so as to selectively dispense one of two products. Agitators of generally gear-shape configuration are mounted in the hoppers and are driven by the spiral so as to agitate the product for positive and smooth delivery.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particulate ice including a case with an ice hopper therein for storage of ice. The ice hopper is provided with a downwardly sloped floor. An auger assembly is provided for moving ice within the ice hopper upwardly along the sloped floor from the lower end to dispense the ice from an opening at the upper end thereof. The apparatus is also provided with a lever arm, electric circuitry, and a motor mounted within the case in the space inside the walls thereof and under the sloped floor of the ice hopper for selectively activating the auger assembly. The auger assembly includes a rotating shaft which is sealed against the stationary ice hopper in a packing case, the packing case having a hole therethrough for receiving the rotating shaft, a seal cap and a thrust bearing. The sealing cap is provided with a seal for sealing against both the packing case and the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A hopper and agitator assembly for an ice dispenser is characterized by an ice storage hopper having at least two ice dispensing openings and dual rotary agitators in the hopper for urging ice bodies through the openings during dispensing operations. The agitators are mounted side by side for rotation in a common plane and have radially extending arms, the ends of which sweep past the dispensing openings. By using dual agitators, the hopper may have a length considerably greater than its width, so that even when the dispensing openings are toward opposite ends of the hopper, the ends of the agitator arms still sweep closely past the openings to efficiently urge ice through the openings.