Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing having an upper and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a storage compartment having a floor and retaining a granular substance. The lower portion includes a spout. A first outlet extends through the floor. A manually rotatable upper disc is disposed below the floor, and has a second outlet therethrough. A manually rotatable lower disc is disposed between the upper disc and the lower portion. The lower disc includes a third outlet therethrough. Rotation of the upper disc aligns the second outlet with the first outlet and the granular substance passes through the first to the second outlet. Rotation of the lower disc through one or more positions permits a variable amount of the granular substance to pass from the second to the third outlet. Further rotation of the lower disc aligns the third outlet with the spout to dispense the granular substance.

Abstract: A container and container closures are provided as well as methods of dispensing product from the container are provided. The container closure includes a pair of cover members. One cover member includes sifting apertures and the other cover member is imperforate to prevent dispensing product. The container closure may also include a measuring volume that can be used to measure a predetermined amount of product to be dispensed. Sifting and bulk dispensing may occur for either product dispensed directly from the container or when dispensing the predetermined volume of product.

Abstract: A portion distribution device for portioning substances from a container in pre-defined increments is disclosed. The portion distribution device includes a portion divider having a portion opening, and a measurement chamber body rotatively coupled to the portion divider. The measurement chamber body includes a plurality of chambers equal in volume and a base joined to the plurality of chambers, with the base constructed to be selectively connected to the container. The portion distribution device also includes a lid rotatively coupled to the measurement chamber body, with the lid further including a top surface having at least one lid opening formed therethrough, at least one flap operative to close the at least one lid opening, and a rod extending downward from the top surface, through the measurement chamber body, and coupled to the portion divider.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage includes a sub-chamber (12) that communicates with a main container (11). In use, prior to filling the sub-chamber (12) it is pressurised to greater than or equal to the equilibrium pressure required to keep the dissolved gas in solution. This has the effect that the beverage does not froth out of a dispenser nozzle. It also has the effect of keeping beverage in the main container (11) from losing carbonation. The invention has particular application to “Optic” devices for dispensing carbonated spirit drinks.

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 foam pump including a pump housing with a liquid chamber in fluid communication with a foamable liquid filled container and an air chamber in fluid communication with a high pressure air source through an air inlet. The foam pump also includes a dispensing tube having a wiper seal post with a closed distal end positioned within the pump housing, and an outlet tube with an open distal end positioned outside the pump housing. The wiper seal post includes at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and a check valve near the second open end. The foam pump further includes at least one foam screen in the open end of the outlet tube, a wiper seal slidably positioned around the wiper seal post and in sealing contact with the pump housing and the wiper seal post, and a spring bias to bias the wiper seal in an unactuated position.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser member comprising a body (1), an actuator element (2), and a return spring (3), said actuator element comprising a portion disposed inside the body and a top portion (21, 23) that projects out from the body, said actuator element being axially displaceable, downwards and upwards, inside said body between a rest position and a depressed position, said actuator element being urged towards the rest position by the return spring (3), the dispenser member being characterized in that it further comprises blocking means (14, 24, 3) for preventing the actuator element (2) from turning relative to said body (1).

Abstract: A fluid supply container that can continuously apply pressure to a fluid stored therein and enhance the supply rate of the fluid to a liquid acceptor is provided. Also, a fuel cell system including the fluid supply container is provided. A fluid supply container 1 includes a fluid storage unit 20 and a pressurizing mechanism 30 for pressurizing the fluid storage unit 20 and supplies a fluid stored in the fluid storage unit 20 to a fluid acceptor. The fluid storage unit 20 includes a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22 defined by a flexible member 23 and connected to the first storage chamber 21 so as to allow the fluid to flow to/from the first storage chamber 21. The flexible member 23 is reversed by means of pressurization by the pressurizing mechanism 30 so that the flexible member 23 enters the first storage chamber 21, thereby reducing the volume of the fluid storage unit 20 storing the fluid. The fuel cell system uses this fluid supply container 1.

Abstract: A material feeder having a flexible rotary dispensing member allows precise control over quantity and flow character of material being dispensed. Also, provided are a flexible dispensing member for a rotary material feeder, and a method of adjusting a dispensing amount on a rotary material feeder by adjusting a curvature of the rotating dispensing member.

Abstract: A pushbutton for actuating a dispenser member, the dispenser member having a moving element that is movable between two positions, the pushbutton having a base, a head defining both a bearing surface for a user and a dispensing orifice, and an elastically-deformable portion interconnecting the base and the head, the head being suitable for being secured to the moving element. The elastically-deformable portion is arranged so as to deform in the sense of rolling onto itself when the head is depressed and is suitable for returning the moving element into an initial position by resilient return.

Abstract: A dispensing device is adapted for one-handed operation, and for release of a measured quantity of granular material. A base is generally disk-shaped. A stop is carried by an upper surface of the base, and is adjustably positionable so that when a container to be filled is moved into contact with the stop, that container is correctly positioned. A body 40 is attached to a support ledge defined about the perimeter of the base. The body is generally cylindrical, and defines an interior cavity with access through a front opening and a circular top having an off-center hole. A slide is supported by the top, and is manually movable between a loading position wherein a spring arm biasing the slide is relaxed, and a dispensing position wherein the spring arm is stressed. A slide enclosure is attached to the upper rim of the body portion.

Abstract: A metering dispenser for a bulk material container, wherein the metering dispenser includes an adapter which is connected to the bulk material container. The adapter has an inlet opening which is in communication with a delivery conduit. A rotary slider having a metering chamber is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis which is disposed through the adapter and/or the delivery conduit. A tang is mounted on the rotary slider, eccentrically with respect to the rotational axis. The tang is used to engage the rotary slider between a first position wherein communication is open between the inlet opening and the metering chamber and wherein communication is closed between the metering chamber and the delivery conduit, and a second position wherein communication is closed between the inlet opening and the metering chamber and wherein communication is open between the metering chamber and the delivery conduit.

Abstract: A dispenser for granular material or liquid includes a dispenser housing attached to a granular material/liquid-holding container. The housing has a hemispherical distal end including an exit port and a curved linear slot. A spherical casing having a common inlet/outlet port and an attached lever arm riding in the slot is positioned in the distal end of the housing so that in a fill position a measured quantity of the granular material/liquid passes from the container and fills a predetermined volume or two incremental volumes within the casing. Upon hand and finger movement of the lever arm to a first or second position the casing is sealingly rotated to a dispense position with cessation of access of material from the container and with the casing inlet/outlet port then aligned for at least partially aligned with the housing exit port. The measured volume or volumes then flow from the casing by gravity.

Abstract: An air blast generator is provided in the form of a pressure accumulator with a spring-loaded bellows. Air pressure expands the bellows, compressing the spring to store energy. When a valve is opened the spring aids in expulsion of the air such that a high pressure discharge of air is provided for a larger duration than would be possible without the spring.

Abstract: A granular food dispensing machine capable of being operated by a domestic animal and having a housing with a faceplate and a discharge chute having an entrance adjacent to the interior of the faceplate, and a food supply reservoir mounted upon the housing to create a gravity flow of food into the chute is provided with a metering device for controlling the flow of food into the chute. The metering device has a hopper portion coextensive with the chute entrance and mounted to the faceplate interior at the entrance for axial rotation between a first holding position and a second discharge position. A spring-biased, animal-operated reciprocating actuator is engaged to the hopper through the faceplate to control the amount of food which is discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a predetermined amount of material into a predetermined position on each of a series of moving trays while avoiding spillage of the product onto other portions of the trays. A conveyor lifts the material from a supply bin and deposits the material onto a shaker pan. The shaker pan delivers the material in an even flow on to a rotating turntable having a plurality of radially extending gutters thereon. The turntable directs the material to flow along the gutters and into a plurality of hoppers disposed at the periphery of the turntable. The hoppers are rocked to distribute the product evenly within each hopper. Once a hopper is full, any excess material falls onto a drip tray which returns the material back to the supply bin. The filled hoppers are rotated above the trays, which are moving on a conveyor, and release the material onto a predetermined area of the trays by means of funnels mounted adjacent to each hopper.

Abstract: A dispenser of a granular material having a hopper containing the product and, at the base of the hopper, a device for measuring and distributing the product as well as a support to hold the device in elevated position. The device comprises a hollow cylinder and a drum rotatably mounted in the cylinder, the drum being provided with a first and a second cavity defining, at the periphery, two openings disposed side by side and extending transversely of the drum, the opening of the first cavity extending forwardly past the opening of the second cavity in one of the directions of rotation of the drum. Two feed apertures are provided side by side through the drum cylinder and in communication with the inside of the hopper, the cavities being arranged so that their openings be, in feeding position, simultaneously in registry with the feed aperture.

Abstract: A container which includes a dispensing element for dispensing granular materials e.g., peanuts or almonds, wherein the container includes a dispensing opening in its side wall adjacent its lower end, wherein, an outwardly projecting curved roof part is arranged along the upper part of the dispensing opening and an inwardly projecting bottom part is provided along the lower part of the dispensing opening, and wherein the dispensing element is pivotally supported between the roof part and the bottom part and the upper surface of the dispensing element extends generally from the rear part of the bottom part to the front part of the roof part, the dispensing element including a handle for pivoting the dispensing element from a generally horizontal position to a downwardly and outwardly tilting position, the dispensing element being, moreover, provided with a skirt which in all positions of the dispensing element overlaps the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A dispenser for granular material includes a casing having an outlet for holding the material, a cap rockably mounted on top of the casing, and a spring for biasing the cap in a clockwise direction. The cap is formed with a groove into which a predetermined or desired amount of the material rolls when the dispenser is turned upside down. By returning it to its normal position and pressing down the front end of the cap, the groove will communicate with the outlet so that the predetermined amount of the material feeds out through the outlet.

Abstract: A manually operable dispenser for delivering predetermined quantities of material such as sugar is disclosed. The dispenser is adapted to receive a bulk sugar container and to retain the container in an inverted position to prevent foreign materials such as moisture, dirt, dust and the like from entering the dispenser or container. The unit includes a divider wall in which is mounted a rotatable transfer drum having a receptacle with an opening on the surface of the drum. The drum is normally oriented so that the receptacle is in communication with the sugar container so that the receptacle is filled and ready for use. A drive mechanism is provided for rotating the drum to position the receptacle below the divider wall to dump a predetermined quantity of sugar out of the receptacle, the quantity depending upon the volume of the receptacle. The drum is biased to return to its initial position upon release of the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: There is disclosed a powder dispenser having a support for retaining an inverted opened rigid container of powdered material, such as powdered soap or detergent. The dispenser has a funnel-like arrangement terminating in a downwardly facing opening. Positioned thereunder is a trap chamber into which an amount of the powdered material is accumulated. The trap chamber is suitably journalled whereby it may rotate through a relatively small angle and also has a downwardly extending lever to manipulate the trap chamber whereby the powdered material therein may be discharged therefrom a leaf spring is provided to urge the trap chamber to its normal position to receive the powdered material.

Abstract: A dispenser for granular material such as sugar and coffee or other beverage ingredients, having a bucket-type valve assembly which assures accurate dispensing of predetermined amounts of the desired material through a quick-acting spring device. A coin operated latch mechanism can be used for actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a pre-measured amount of a particulate solid such as instant coffee utilizing a rotatable hollow cylinder having an opening in the side wall extending radially for between 45.degree. and 135.degree. along a portion of the cylinder. The cylinder is positioned in a jar attachment member which holds an inverted jar above the hollow cylinder. As the cylinder is rotated, the hollow opening therein is filled and when the opening is oriented downwardly the particulate matter is ejected. Piston means are positioned within the hollow cylinder to adjust the volume of the opening to permit pre-measuring the amount which will be released.