Abstract: A feeder for an eccentric-worm pump of the type in which breaker shafts with paddles cast bulk material to a feeder worm in a funnel-shaped housing is connected to the eccentric worm pump. To increase the efficiency of the feeder, the paddles are inclined in accordance with the pitch of the feeder worm relative to the axes of the respective breaker shafts so that the material cast by the paddles is directed substantially tangentially to the helical rib of the feeder worm.

Abstract: An ice dispensing apparatus includes an ice dispensing lever which causes an ice dispensing signal to be produced when pressed, whereby an ice dispensing auger is driven for a period during which the ice dispensing signal is produced under the action of a relay (X.sub.5). In response to the ice dispensing signal, a motor for driving an agitator installed within an ice storage chamber is driven for a first period (t.sub.1) and then stopped. The rest state of the agitator driving motor is maintained until an integrated value resulting from integration of periods during which the ice dispensing signal is generated has attained the length of a second period (t.sub.2). After the lapse of the second period (t.sub.2), the agitator can be driven in response to subsequent generation of the ice dispensing signal.

Abstract: An improved metering mechanism for metering highly aerated or fluidized solid materials in a controlled manner is disclosed. The mechanism consists of a bin discharger attached above a rotary feeder assembly. The bin discharger has two augers which rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The augers rotate such that material flow is directed toward the center of the discharger, and down into the inlet of the rotary feeder assembly. The rotary feeder assembly contains 6-12 rotary vanes. Two vanes form a pocket into which material falls as each pocket comes into mating relation with the rotary feeder assembly inlet. A tight clearance between the outer radial edge of the rotary vanes and the inner surface of the housing of the rotary feeder assembly prevents the material from flushing through the rotary feeder assembly in an uncontrolled fashion. The material exits the rotary feeder assembly as each filled pocket comes into mating relation with the outlet of the rotary feeder assembly.

Abstract: A depositor is provided for the feeding or distribution of particulate food pieces, as for example, raisins, nutmeats, etc. The depositor includes a pair of superposed screws positioned in a hopper over an outlet screen member. By oscillating rotational movement of the screws, the particulates are fed from the hopper through the screen onto a dough sheet or the like under the depositor.

Abstract: In a feeder assembly for highly viscous particulate material, a hopper is provided with two pairs of counterrotating agitators, one pair being disposed above the other. Each agitator is provided with a plurality of blades or paddles located in planes extending radially and longitudinally relative to the respective axis of rotation. Each blade or paddle in turn comprises a plurality of transverse rods equispaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the respective agitator, as well as a longitudinally extending rod connected to the outer ends of the transverse rods. The agitators are driven so that the portions thereof at the nips of the respective agitator pairs move upwardly away from the outlet of the hopper.

Abstract: A discharging apparatus for a large diameter, generally vertically walled reaction vessel in which a recessed dish or receiving structure having the same diameter as the reaction vessel is mounted beneath the lower discharge end of the reaction vessel. There is an aperture in the floor of this receiving structure and a rotating impeller urges material received from the reaction vessel through this aperture into a smaller diameter recessed receiving structure which is also equipped with a rotating impeller to remove material to a screw conveyor for removal from the system. This screw conveyor can be significantly smaller than would be required using a conventional screw conveyor reaction vessel discharge.

Abstract: An arrangement for preventing the development of a frozen bond between individual pieces of cubed or crushed ice collected in a storage bin. The arrangement includes an upstanding flexible wall lining a majority of the inwardly facing wall surface of a storage bin. An agitator device is provided for moving the pieces of ice about within the confines defined by the flexible wall. The agitator includes a rotatable shaft, an arm secured to the rotatable shaft and extending radially thereof and a drive arrangement for drivingly rotating the shaft. Structure is provided for effecting a flexing of the flexible wall toward and away from the inwardly facing walls of the storage bin. The agitator device and the additional structure causing a flexing of the flexible wall periodically initiates a movement of the individual pieces of ice to thereby prevent the development of a frozen bond between the individual pieces of ice.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for the accurate volumetric feeding of materials which require agitation to induce flow, the apparatus includes a hopper for containing said materials including a lower horizontally disposed, cylindrically shaped trough portion, an adjustably feed opening for feeding said material from said hopper disposed at a first end of said lower trough portion, a feeder assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending material working tools circumferentially mounted at equal angular displacements along a rotatable shaft and a feed helix longitudinally mounted on said shaft. The feeder assembly is disposed longitudinally in the lower trough portion and the shaft thereof defines the center of said trough portion.

Abstract: A material spreader for handling both rock and powder-like materials incorporates a hopper assembly with a hydraulically motor driven side discharge as compared to the conventional bottom discharge. The hopper assembly in one embodiment is supported directly above the surface being covered by hydraulically motor driven wheeled frames and in another embodiment is supported by a carriage on a bridge spanning the work surface. A gasoline engine driven hydraulic system mounts on and moves with the hopper assembly during spreading and includes a mechanism for automatically reversing the direction of travel.

Abstract: A combined drop and broadcast spreader for granular material is mountable on the implement of a front end loader. The spreader includes a hopper containing a plurality of discharge openings in the bottom. A rotatable impeller in the bottom forces the granular material from the openings during drop spreadings. A rotatable spreader means is coupled to the rear wall of the hopper for discharging granular material in an arc-like pattern. The rear of the hopper includes a door for selectively supplying granular material from the hopper to the spreader means for broadcast spreading.

Abstract: The specification discloses an applicator (10) for precisely dispensing granular materials, such as herbicides, pesticides and the like, with improved control while compensating for the speed and travel direction of the implement carrying the applicator. The applicator (10) comprises a hopper (14) with an arcuate hopper bottom extension (40) and an internal feed rotor (42). The arcuate hopper bottom extension (40) is preferably inclined, and the openings (44) in the end preferably include straight lowermost sides oriented parallel to the rotational axis of the feed rotor (42) to obtain better flow control in conjunction with a revolving transfer means (54) located beneath and closely adjacent to the bottom end of the hopper. The revolving transfer assembly (54) preferably includes a plurality of rollers (56) for individually receiving material from the openings (44) in the hopper and distributing it for application.

Abstract: Toner dispensing apparatus comprising a toner hopper the walls of which form an elongated opening from which toner is capable of being dispensed and a dispensing roll to dispense toner from the hopper through the elongated opening into the developer chamber. The dispensing roll is a cylindrical resiliently deformable foam roll having a plurality of depressions of predetermined size, shape and volume uniformly disposed on the roll and being capable of holding finely divided toner. The deformable foam roll including the depressions has a thin toner impermeable surface. In a preferred embodiment, the depressions are a plurality of longitudinal surface grooves parallel to the axis of the roll and uniformly spaced around the circumference of the roll. The roll is positioned relative to top and bottom lobe members in the toner hopper such that it provides a seal between the toner hopper and the developer chamber.

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: In a housing for co-rotational twin screw machine for longitudinally conveying non-free flowing materials, the housing having two intersecting cyclindrical bores for receiving two intermeshing screws and means forming at least one port thereover, the improvement wherein the means forms an anti-bridging port comprising one planar longitudinal side wall having the lower edge thereof disposed adjacent the intersecting area of the two bores and wherein the sidewall slopes outwardly from the lower edge above one bore at about 60.degree. to 90.degree. with respect to the horizontal plane and extends approximately tangentially with respect to said one bore.

Abstract: The manure spreader includes a wheeled, V-shaped body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near the bottom of the V-configuration. The impeller blades are positioned on a multi-sided body and are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the outlet gate and a suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are simultaneously rotated by a common drive, which may be a tractor PTO, and an adjustable deflector is provided in effluent path from the spinner to easily vary the spray pattern.

Abstract: A soup dispenser is provided which will dispense liquid, semi-liquid and/or chunky soups, stews, chilis, etc., with equal facility. A motor-driven dial configuration of a plurality of measuring chambers or traps is provided at the bottom of a heated reservoir in which an impeller is constantly driven to preclude settling and scorching. The same motor drive is selectively interconnected to rotate the dial and successively register a measuring chamber with a discharge port beneath which a food container can be placed to receive the discharged product. The measuring chambers are vented to atmosphere as registry with the discharge opening is respectively effected to assure full discharge of the food products therein. A dial configuration further includes a plurality of selectively insertable strainer structures which are removably mounted flush with the upper surface of the dial over one or more of the measuring chambers to control the ratio of garnish to broth in each dispensed container of soup and the like.

Abstract: A magnetic brush developer having a toner dispenser cooperable with a removable toner container of the bottle type so that transfer of toner to the dispenser occurs without spillage or exposure of the toner to the external environment. The bottle and dispenser have mating interfaces which must be properly located, and then rotated, before dumping of toner from the bottle to the dispenser can occur. The dispenser interface is positioned in a slidable cover so that the bottle's toner content can be evenly distributed along the length of the dispenser, this length corresponding substantially to the length of the developer's development zone.

Abstract: A volumetric screw feeder is interchangeably convertible from a twin screw feeder to a single screw feeder without modification of the gearing or drive means. The change from twin screw feeder to single screw feeder is made by interchanging the screws and the feeder hopper. Moreover, the drive shafts for all of the screws are brought out through a unitary seal.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for blowing a chemically treated cellulose insulating material into an attic, wall cavity or wet spraying the material against a surface for insulating it. The apparatus breaks the cellulose material into small particles and, after fluffing the material, the apparatus meters and feeds the material under pressure through a hose and out through a nozzle where an operator can point the nozzle for directing the material to any desired area. Three different nozzles are used: one for attic insulation; a second for filling wall cavities; and a third for wet spraying the material against a surface for causing the material to adhere to the surface.

Abstract: A soup dispenser is provided which will dispense liquid, semi-liquid and/or chunky soups, stews, chilis, etc., with equal facility. A motor-driven dial configuration of a plurality of measuring chambers or traps is provided at the bottom of a heated reservoir in which an impeller is constantly driven to preclude settling and scorching. The same motor drive is selectively interconnected to rotate the dial and successively register a measuring chamber with a discharge port beneath which a food container can be placed to receive the discharged product. The measuring chambers are vented to atmosphere as registry with the discharge opening is respectively effected to assure full discharge of the food product therein. A dial configuration further includes a plurality of selectively insertable strainer structures which are removably mounted flush with the upper surface of the dial over one or more of the measuring chambers to control the ratio of garnish to broth in each dispensed container of soup and the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metering device for metering finely divided material which is capable of handling both free-flowing powders and non-free-flowing powders. The device comprises an upright mixing chamber or reservoir having an axially-disposed stirrer therein. Adjacent thereto is a motor-driven shaft having a metering disc attached thereto with a portion extending into the mixing chamber. The motor-driven axial shaft of the metering disc is connected to the axial shaft of the stirrer by a gear train. Each shaft has replaceable gears attached thereto, adapted to mesh with an idler gear. The idler gear is mounted on an adjustable arm so that the position thereof can be changed when one or both of the replaceable gears is replaced by a gear of different size. In one form of the invention, the stirrer comprises radially-disposed arms projecting from the rotatable shaft, each arm of which is angularly displaced with reference to the arm above or below it and is curved away from the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A soup dispenser is provided which will dispense liquid, semi-liquid and/or chunky soups, stews, chiles, etc., with equal facility. A motor driven dial configuration of a plurality of measuring chambers or traps is provided at the bottom of a heated reservoir in which an impeller is constantly driven to preclude settling and scorching. The same motor drive is selectively interconnected to rotate the dial and successively register a measuring chamber with a discharge port beneath which a food container can be placed to receive the discharged product. The measuring chambers are vented to atmosphere as registry with the discharge opening is respectively effected to assure full discharge of the food product therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus for conditioning and dispensing particulate solid material which includes a conditioning chamber having an upper receiving inlet and a dispensing outlet, a first auger disposed within the chamber and extending towards the outlet and having a helical blade for propelling material towards the outlet in response to rotation thereof, a second larger open spiral auger mounted coaxially with respect to the first auger for feeding the material into the first auger in response to rotation of the second auger, the second auger being disposed concentrically and in overlapping relationship with respect to the first auger, a third open spiral auger mounted in side-by-side parallel relationship with respect to the second auger, the third auger being of substantially the same diameter as the second auger, and a driving mechanism for rotating the three augers at a predetermined ratio of speeds one with respect to the others.

Abstract: At least one pair of vertically superimposed conveyors are located in the bottom region of a bunker in order to discharge the bulk material. The conveyors are spaced apart to create a void or at least a loosened zone free from horizontal pressures in the bulk material between the conveyors. The void prevents the bulk material from bridging over so that gravity flow is not impeded.

Abstract: A toner dispenser including a substantially enclosed dispensing hopper arranged to support a quantity of finely divided particulate material. The hopper is provided with an opening therein through which the material is dispensed by gravity to a developer sump. A cylindrical dispensing roll is rotatably supported in the hopper in or adjacent the opening with the roll surface in biasing contact with the interior wall surface of the container to form a movable seal for retaining particulate material within the hopper. The roll is formed of a resilient foamed elastomeric material having a textured outer surface with a plurality of open-cell cavities adapted to receive and support toner particles. The dispensing roll is rotated sequentially through the material in the hopper to load the open-celled cavities and then past at least one of the biasing surfaces wherein the surface of the roll is deformed sufficiently to cause toner thereon to be dispensed from the roll surface into the developer chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for heating and extruding fluid sealant material onto a work surface which includes a heated feed chamber, a heated hose connected to the outlet of the feed chamber, and a handgun connected to the heated hose for applying the fluid sealant material onto the work surface. The feed chamber is provided with an opening for receiving sealant material is a solid bulk form and an outlet for dispensing sealant material in a fluid state. Heating coils are disposed on the outer walls of the feed chamber for heating the bulk sealant contained therein to a fluid state having a pumpable viscosity. The hose connected to the outlet of the feed chamber receives the fluid sealant material dispensed therefrom, and a heating coil surrounds the hose to maintain the sealant material passing therethrough in a fluid state.

Abstract: A device for dealing with chips and cut ends during the processing of plastics and synthetic resins, comprising a feeding chamber having a front chamber and a rear chamber, the front chamber having a circular portion and the rear chamber having a circularly shaped portion at the central part thereof, the upper portion of the feeding chamber having a feeding inlet. A cutting blade is fixed on the center line of the feeding chamber at the upper end of the circular portion of the front chamber, and a rotary shaft is mounted horizontally on the center line of the circular portion of the front chamber and the circularly shaped portion of the rear chamber. A plurality of wheel blades is fixedly separated on the rotary shaft, and a plurality of stopping materials is positioned respectively between the plurality of wheel blades, the lower portions of the plurality of stopping materials being fixed respectively at the lower portion of the rear chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding pulverulent materials comprising a hopper with an upper vibrating portion mounted on a lower portion in which a screw equipped with a recycling arm and an associated stirring device feeds the pulverulent material at a desired rate through a discharge conduit mounted at the base of the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing solid materials stored in bulk, which have poor flow characteristics, includes a container or hopper having two, opposite walls which are inclined, for example at angles in the range of from about 20 to about 70 degrees to the horizontal. The hopper has two walls which are vertical. The hopper is provided on its inside with at least two rotary screw conveyors with opposite directional material moving effects. For example, at least one extraction screw conveyor and at least one auxiliary screw conveyor is provided so as to simultaneously generate an upward and a downward movement in the mass of solid, bulk material in the hopper during the extraction operation. The apparatus is particularly useful in extracting, mixing and dispensing powdered, fibrous, aggregate, granular materials, miscellaneous pieces of bulk material scrap and the like without formation of gaps or bridges of material within the hopper.

Abstract: An improved sand bag filling apparatus comprising a hopper having rotatable longitudinal members with radially extending arm members that fluff the sand in the hopper as the longitudinal members are rotated. A powered conveyor belt receives sand from the hopper and moves the sand to a conveyor discharge end whereat is disposed a bag chute. The bag chute has a pivotable nozzle that cooperates with a switch to actuate the conveyor belt when the dispensing nozzle is pivoted in a sand delivery direction.

Abstract: A planting machine having a driven agitator mechanism (7) in the seed hopper (10) which has outlet openings (3) for the seeds, is provided with a magazine (12) disposed over the agitator mechanism (7) for holding seed disinfectant. The magazine (12) has outlet openings (15) and is equipped with a stirring mechanism (16).

Abstract: A stuffing pump for handling a food product having a helical gear metering pump with means for removing air from the material moving through the metering pump and a feed conveyor in a hopper continuously feeding material to the metering pump. The feed conveyer includes a pair of counter-rotating augers in the bottom of the hopper. Independent and infinitely variable drive mechanisms are provided for the metering pump and the feed conveyer.

Abstract: A dry toner dispenser for use in an electrostatic or the like copying machine includes a hopper having a bottom opening from which dry toner particles are dispensed. A roll having a plurality of resilient fibers extending generally radially outwardly therefrom is mounted for rotation in the opening. A dispenser bar mounted outside of the hopper engages the resilient fibers of the roll. As the roll turns, the bar momentarily holds the fibers against the direction of rotation and then releases the fibers in a spring action to cause toner particles held between the fibers to be projected therefrom into the developer apparatus of the copying machine. A wheel rotatable in accordance with the operation of the copying machine drives a pivotal member which in turn rotates the dispenser roll incrementally. A manually positionable cam limits the movement of the pivotal member. An agitator included in the hopper is coupled to the drive roll for rotation therewith and maintains the toner particles in a loose condition.