Abstract: A device for feeding or pressing plastics material to an extruder includes a conically shaped housing with its apex directed downwardly and with a similarly conically shaped feeding member within the housing. The outer surface of the feeding member is parallel to and spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the housing. A screw blade is secured to and extends helically around the outer surface of the feed member. A partition wall divides the interior of the housing into an upper storage chamber and a lower material conveying chamber. The partition wall is constructed to provide variable openings for admitting material from the storage chamber into the conveying chamber.

Abstract: A rotary tabletting press, including a die table rotatable about an axis, has improved apparatus for feeding powder to the table. The improved feed apparatus includes a rotatably sliding valve at a discharge orifice at the bottom of a powder storage hopper, a conduit conveying powder from the hopper to the die table and apparatus which adjustably maintains the discharge end of the conduit a preselected distance above the die table.