Abstract: Vending machines for rounding-up donations for charities. The machines allow consumers to donate change from transactions, or other amounts, to a charity through a purchase of goods or services from the machines.

Abstract: A method, device and system for metering powder material from a powder material source by a metering device connected to the source. The device is charged from the source with a batch of powder material in a charging configuration. The batch is discharged from the device in a discharging configuration. The source is connected with a metering piston space in the charging configuration via a first channel of a fixed metering channel hub. The volume of the space is controlled between a metering piston and a hub peripheral surface by controlling the piston position in the space, to charge the volume with material by gravity. The metering space is turned around the hub, to the charging configuration. The volume filled with material is enclosed until reaching the discharging configuration. The metering piston space is connected with a discharge opening via a second channel of the hub for discharging the material.

Abstract: A divot fill/repair apparatus for filling and repairing divots in the turf. The divot fill/repair apparatus includes a container assembly capable of being carried on a user's back, and a dispensing assembly being supported by the container assembly for dispensing fill material to fill and/or repair divots.

Abstract: A dispenser for use in dispensing a selected volume of a granulated, dry product. The dispenser includes a main body having an open interior that receives the supply of granulated products to be dispensed. A loading and dispensing member is positioned to receive the granulated product within a receiving cavity formed as part of the loading and dispensing member. A portion control member is selectively positioned within the receiving cavity. The position of the portion control member can be adjusted to vary the portion volume received within the receiving cavity between the portion control member and an open end of the receiving cavity. Once the portion volume has been received within the receiving cavity, the loading and dispensing member is moved to the dispensing position to dispense the portion volume. In this manner, a known, selected portion volume can be dispensed from the dispenser.

Abstract: A powder meter tube includes a metering tube and a metering assembly. The metering assembly is retained in the metering tube. The metering tube includes a nut cutout and a graduated slot. The metering assembly includes a threaded shaft, a micrometer nut, a piston and a bearing. A threaded hole is formed through the micrometer nut to threadably receive the threaded shaft. The bearing includes a base and two spring fingers that extend from the base. The piston is pressed on to one end of the threaded shaft and the bearing pressed on to an opposite end of the threaded shaft. The spring fingers allow the metering assembly to be inserted into the metering tube and the micrometer nut to protrude through the nut cutout. In use, the micrometer nut is rotated in either direction to increase or decrease the powder capacity in the metering tube.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a pump assembly used in connection with metering and dispensing fluid. The assembly includes a valve mechanism that has a first valve disc with a first opening in fluid communication with a fluid inlet of the pump assembly and with a second opening in fluid communication with an interior portion of the pump assembly. The valve mechanism also has a second valve disc with a dispensing opening and an inlet channel. The first and second valve discs are also rotatable with respect to each other between at least a dispensing position in which the second opening and the dispensing opening are aligned making dispensing of fluid possible and at least an inlet position in which the inlet channel brings the first opening in fluid communication with the second opening so that the interior portion of the pump assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of said pump assembly.

Abstract: A powder body metering apparatus for metering a powder body such as a synthetic resin raw material is structured such that a powder body outlet of a metering container of another metering apparatus is connected to a second opening (50), whereby a powder body transport system is constructed, the powder body within the metering container of the other metering apparatus can be transported to a predetermined place via a metering container (32), by finishing a discharge of the powder body within the metering container (32), thereafter keeping a switch valve (36) in a closed state, filling the powder body in the metering container of the other metering apparatus and thereafter generating a gas stream toward a first opening (49) from the second opening (50), thus the metering container (32) being utilized as a part of a transport pipe.

Abstract: In a powder body metering apparatus for metering a powder body such as a synthetic resin raw material or the like, a powder body discharge port (55) is formed in a lower portion of a metering container (17) of a metering apparatus (6) and is freely opened and closed by a case (50) provided with a porous body (19), the powder body metered by the metering container (17) is discharged from the powder body discharge port (55) of a lower tube (22) by horizontally oscillating the case (50) so as to open the powder body discharge port (55), whereby it is possible to easily meter and confirm a weight or the like of the powder body metered by the metering container (17).

Abstract: A dispenser for use in dispensing a selected volume of a granulated, dry product. The dispenser includes a main body having an open interior that receives the supply of granulated products to be dispensed. A loading and dispensing member is positioned to receive the granulated product within a receiving cavity formed as part of the loading and dispensing member. A portion control member is selectively positioned within the receiving cavity. The position of the portion control member can be adjusted to vary the portion volume received within the receiving cavity between the portion control member and an open end of the receiving cavity. Once the portion volume has been received within the receiving cavity, the loading and dispensing member is moved to the dispensing position to dispense the portion volume. In this manner, a known, selected portion volume can be dispensed from the dispenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shaker for sprinkling granules, preferably salt. The shaker (1) comprises a screen-like member (7) which is mounted movable in vertical direction relative to such lower parts (5) of the shaker (1) which define a lower space (8) in which granules (2) are collected or vice versa, for being able to set the screen-like member (7) such that downwardly directed portions (7a) thereof can be set at different distances (e.g. A or B) from the bottom (9) of the lower space (8). Thereby, it is achieved that the lower space (8) can be brought to contain different amounts of granules (2).

Abstract: A piston device for dispensing controlled amounts of pasty substances, such as ice creams, that is connectable to the freezing chamber of an ice cream making machine.

Abstract: A piston device for dispensing controlled amounts of pasty substances, such as ice creams, that is connectable to the freezing chamber of an ice cream making machine.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the volumetric metering of fluid, pasty and/or powdery substances, in particular for separating small amounts of substance from a delivery flow, by means of an adjustable-volume measurement chamber which is connected to a feed conduit and which is provided with an outlet, a capillary measurement conduit (22) is connected as the measurement chamber to a vacuum conduit (33). In particular cases the measurement conduit can be acted upon by conveyor air, but in the normal case it is provided with a metering needle which is displaceable therein and whose free needle end (19) delimits the measurement chamber at one end. In addition a movable sealing body (56) is to be associated as a closure element with the mouth opening (23) of the measurement conduit (22), that serves as the outlet, which sealing body can be connected to a closure device (50) which is limitedly rotatable about a pivot means (52).

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for filling powder which comprises introducing a predetermined amount of powder into each of the receiving holes formed at the peripheral edge portion of a rotary disk from a powder hopper, intermittently rotating the rotary disk, and discharging and filling the powder accommodated in each of the receiving holes into a powder container positioned therebelow when each of the receiving holes reaches a discharging and filling portion. The rotational axis (C) of the rotary disk (1) is inclined. The center axis of each of the receiving holes (8) is arranged on an imaginary conical surface (12) having this rotational axis (C) as its center axis and an apex angle (.theta.) of 60.degree. to 120.degree.. The powder hopper (6) is disposed on the lateral side portion of an opening (8a) of the receiving hole (8) at a vacuum sucking portion (9) and a boss portion (28) supporting the rotational axis (34) of the agitator (7) is arranged above the powder hopper (6).

Abstract: A rotary filling apparatus includes a rotatable drum body having an apex and a base, an outer circumferential wall which defines a drum periphery, and lateral walls which extend from the drum periphery into the drum body to define a plurality of spaced drum chambers. The lateral walls have aligned keyhole slots, positioned away from the drum periphery, and a vessel is slidably positioned in each drum chamber. A key, having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area which increases from a base portion to a head portion, is positioned in the keyhole slots, so that upon longitudinal displacement of the key the vessel is caused to ascend or descend in the chamber, thereby decreasing or increasing the volume of the chamber. A cover plate is positioned adjacent the drum periphery, between the drum apex and base, for retaining material in drum chambers during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring and dispensing granular or powdered materials, such as coffee or powdered detergent. The device includes a body member which defines a hopper for receiving the granular material. The hopper includes a discharge opening and a discharge port disposed below the discharge opening. A dispensing cylinder is rotatably mounted in the body member between the hopper discharge opening and the discharge port. The cylinder is rotatable between a normally shut position and a fill position. The cylinder includes a first non-movable circumferential section which is maintained below the hopper discharge opening and the normally shut position of the cylinder. The cylinder includes a second movable circumferential section which is disposable below the discharge opening and the fill position of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for dispensing predetermined amounts of granular material such as insecticides, fertilizers and the like. The device provides for a valve actioned by a moving a floating cup member that is particularly useful in preventing the jamming of the device by particles of irregular size. A crank handle assembly imparts the rotational movement to a cylindrical member that has a radial through opening wherein one or two cavities are defined to accept the material coming from the feeding tubular port. The material is dispensed every time the crank handle is rotated 180.degree.. A user can use different terminating members that are removable attached to a spout member.

Abstract: A machine for dividing dough in which a dough supply unit delivers dough under pressure at an outlet end into dividing chambers of a rotatable carrier, the carrier having double measurement pistons in the dividing chambers for selectively delivering larger and smaller dough masses for a given stroke of the pistons. Each of the measurement pistons can be manually adjusted from outside the machine to be placed into first and second operational states in which, for a given stroke of the measurement piston respective larger and smaller volumes of dough mass are discharged from the machine. Each measurement piston includes an external piston slidable in a respective dividing chamber and an internal piston slidable in the external piston and the pistons are coupled for conjoint movement in the first operational state whereas in the second operational state, the external piston is fixed in the dividing chamber and the internal piston is slidable in the external piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for the non-damaging packaging of a product whose consistency can be effected by outside influences, has at least one metering container that is rotatably supported in a housing. The housing has an inlet cross section, through which during the filling operation, the product can slide into the metering container and which after the metering container has been rotated, is turned towards the packaging unit that is to be filled as an outlet cross section. The metering container is of a cross section that is constant throughout its whole length, and which is configured symmetrically to a mid-line axis that extends through the metering container and which extends approximately in a vertical direction during the filling operation. The metering container has a space content that is variable with regard to its size.

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: A coin-operated vending machine and method for dispensing a product which includes a novel dispensing wheel design which prevents bridging of the product. A funnel is used to direct product from the product reservoir into the dispensing cup which has a large cross-sectional area. Front and back antibleed flaps prevent product from bleeding through to the coin drawer and to the dispensing chute. All the seams of the vending machine incorporate a unique overlap design to prevent nondestructive entry into the machine. The coin drawer includes sections to distinguish the revenue generated by each product used in the machine. Additionally, the chute flap eliminates springs by utilizing an eccentric hinge. The present invention also enables the product to be quickly and easily removed from the machine when servicing the machine.

Abstract: An apportioning unit for the filling of food cans with a viscous, pasty or lumpy material, having at least one cylinder unit which is moved past a sealing plate, a lower part which is developed with a first passage hole for the filling material and is provided with an annular key arranged concentrically to the first passage hole, and an upper part which bears the sealing plate and is developed with a second passage hole for the filling material. The upper part has an annular groove which receives the annular key and is arranged concentrically to the second passage hole. The depth of the annular groove is greater than the height of the annular key and the annular groove receives an elastic annular tube.

Abstract: A dispensing valve provided in a chemical dispenser for dispensing predetermined amounts of chemical into a lavatory cistern is disclosed. The dispensing valve seals an opening in and dispenses liquid from the dispenser, the valve having a chamber movable through the opening between a filling position in which the chamber is fillable with chemical from the dispenser and a discharge position in which chemical held in the chamber may be discharged, the chamber being provided with surfaces sealing the opening in both said positions and further having an adjustable filling volume.

Abstract: A rotary volumetric piston dispenser is provided which receives material from a manifold assembly, portions that material while it traverses a path to a dispensing location, and dispenses the portioned material at the dispensing location. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is suitable for timed communication with a movable belt or the like in order to deposit the portioned material according to a predetermined sequence. A camming assembly is also provided which is suitable for use within the rotary volumetric piston dispenser, the camming assembly including a cam track assembly having an adjustable camming pathway in order to vary the radial position of a radially movable element such as a piston while the element moves in a pattern that generally corresponds to the cam track assembly. The rotary volumetric piston dispenser is especially suitable for use in dispensing condiments, whether they be wet or dry, onto a moving surface, such as a plurality of proteinaceous patties spaced along a conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for apportioning powdered material into each of a series of containers is disclosed which includes a powdered material hopper having a dispensing opening and a rotatable filling head contiguous to the dispensing opening. The rotatable filling head includes a plurality of radially situated chambers each having an open outer end for displacement between the material hopper and the series of containers. A conventional pneumatic source is provided for assisting the filling and emptying of the chambers during the apportioning process. Within each chamber, the volume of powdered material received is defined by a piston having a porous surface. The piston engages a threaded stem longitudinally fixed in position yet rotatable about its longitudinal axis to effect displacement of the piston head and support longitudinally within the chamber. A seal is provided at the radially inner end of the threaded stem to ensure positive pneumatic action through the porous piston surface.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for dispensing materials into containers in precise amounts, which includes an adjustment mechanism for precisely controlling the volume of material dispensed. The dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing wheel having a plurality of dispensing chambers arranged in a radial manner on the wheel. Each chamber includes a mechanism for varying its volume and hence the quantity of the substance received and discharged. The adjustment mechanism includes an externally accessible toothed wheel which is rotatable in one direction to increase the volume of the chamber and is rotatable in the opposite direction to decrease the chamber volume. First and second actuators are disposed relative to the dispensing wheel and are selectively operated to engage the toothed wheel on opposite sides of its rotational axis.

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing mercury and tablets comprising:(a) a housing having a main discharge port;(b) a normally closed mercury reservoir extending from the housing, the reservoir including a discharge port;(c) a tablet container extending from the housing, the container having a discharge port;(d) a passageway within the housing, part being below the mercury discharge port and another being above the main discharge port, the passageway being adapted to receive a slidable member, the slidable member being adapted to slide within the passageway between first and second positions;(e) a vent including a passage communicating with the interior of the mercury reservoir near the top and with the passageway when the slidable member is not in the first position, but is sealed from the passageway when the slidable member is in the first position;(f) a mercury metering cavity within the slidable member to receive mercury from the reservoir through the discharge port when the slidable member is in one of the

Abstract: The rotary dispenser of this invention includes a plurality (such as ten) of outer disk-like members of which each is formed with a plurality of like-sized and spaced pockets. Each outer disk is supported and positively positioned by an inner tubular supporting member. This member is carried by a tubular shaft carrying all rotary dispensers. Each pocket in the outer disk is closed by a spring strip having resilient side supports. Pins are carried in guideways and the outer end of each pin engages the bottom spring-like strip and the other end of the pin is carried on and is moved in and out by a conical ring carried by a spine shaft movable within the tubular shaft. This spine shaft is moved longitudinally by a threaded portion rotatably carried by a nut secured to the tubular shaft. The dispenser is rotated with the same peripheral speed as a travelling web of material.

Abstract: A dispensing and measuring device for dry particulate matter includes a container having a downwardly discharging outlet therein and a guideway port extending transversely therethrough beneath the outlet. A measuring scoop having a tapered forward end is adapted for insertion into the guideway port so as to be positioned immediately beneath the discharge outlet. A spring-biased closure plate disposed within the guideway port immediately beneath the outlet is guided by a slide member between guide rails longitudinally on either side of the outlet so that the closure plate is movable longitudinally of the guideway port to open and close the outlet, return springs being connected to the closure plate to maintain the closure plate in a normally closed position beneath the outlet.

Abstract: A measuring-and-dispensing apparatus adapted to be removably secured to a jaw having powdered or granulated material disposed therein, whereby the material can be dispensed in a predetermined, measured quantity, the materials generally being, for example, instant coffee, tea, sugar, etc., the cap comprising a housing having a rotor arranged therein, including an adjustable measuring compartment to receive the materials therein, the rotor being rotatably mounted in the cap housing and said rotor having a selector device and an operating handle attached thereto, whereby the compartment can be moved from a filling position to a dispensing position.

Abstract: A novel dispenser is provided for flowable material. The novel dispenser includes a novel dispensing hopper. The dispenser includes a container provided with an upper closure member, and a lower outlet aperture. Guideways associated with the lower outlet aperture are provided selectively to retain a second vessel (e.g. a coffee brewing vessel) into which a predetermined amount of flowable material (e.g. ground coffee) is to be dispensed. The novel dispensing hopper is disposed between the upper closure and the lower outlet aperture. The novel dispensing hopper includes a hopper having an open top and a discharge aperture. A cylindrical, manually rotatable valve member is detachably, rotatably mounted on the hopper adjacent to its discharge opening. A variable volume chamber, including structure to enable control of the volume, extends transversely of the valve member. The chamber, in one position, is aligned to the hopper discharge aperture, and in another position, is disposed in a dispensing position.

Abstract: A ball having a variable volume cavity therein is integrally machined on a haft which is rotatably supported between two bearings. The ball is maintained in intimate sliding contact with a hopper seal at all times. An air-operated actuator is used to rotate the shaft and ball 180.degree. to place the ball in its load and unload positions. The variable volume cavity allows volumetric adjustments to be safely made even when dispensing sensitive explosive powders, such as lead azide. A hopper containing the explosive powder supply is bearing-mounted above the ball and funnel on two vertical shafts. The weight of the hopper maintains intimate contact between an electrically conductive plastic seal insert in the bottom of the hopper and the surface of the ball on which it rests and prevents leakage of powder during fill and discharge of the ball cavity.

Abstract: A semi-dry material metering unit for tile presses comprises means for separating a material charge from a bulk of the semi-dry material in a manner such as to permit the volume and shape of the charge to be readily changed. The metering unit further comprises an air-permeable mesh which is impermeable to the semi-dry material and against which the separated charge can be held by suction during transfer to a mold. While held against the air-permeable surface, the charge maintains its shape, and thus the distribution of material when discharged into the mold can be controlled.