Abstract: A device for dispensing dosed quantifies of bulk material such as confection, wherein bridge forming is effectively prevented and mutually adhering particles of the bulk material can be loosened from each other, the device including at least one dispenser chute containing the bulk material, the chute having a filling opening and a dispensing opening and being formed by a transparent front wall, a rear wall and two side walls, and a dispensing mechanism arranged therein for dispensing a measured quantity of bulk material at a time through the dispensing opening, the chute further including guide surfaces preferably arranged alternatively in the longitudinal direction of the chute on at least two walls thereof.

Abstract: A pressure-tight sluice includes a housing having an inside wall shaped substantially as a torus with a superelliptical cross section. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. A rotor includes an axle rotatable within the housing and a plurality of lamellae extending outwardly therefrom. Each lamella has a superelliptical shape complementary with the inside wall on an outer edge of each lamella is mounted a gasket to seal against the inside wall. Each gasket includes an air hose one end of which communicates via a hole connection in the axle with a compressed air distributor.

Abstract: A confection dispenser for dispensing confectionery pieces in a visually interesting and unique manner. The confection dispenser includes a confection chamber which holds the confectionery pieces and further includes a conveyance mechanism which transports the confectionery pieces from the confection chamber to an opening in the dispenser in a unique and interesting way. The confectionery dispenser may be sized such that it is portable and/or can include a bank wherein a user deposits a coin into the dispenser to activate the dispenser thereby obtaining confectionery pieces and further saving money for further use.

Abstract: A rotary airlock valve is provided with a ring seal. The airlock includes a tapered tubular housing formed about a longitudinal axis. The housing includes inlet and outlet ports to receive and discharge the material. The housing further includes end plates at opposite ends thereof which rotatably support opposite ends of a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly rotates within the housing about the longitudinal axis. The rotor includes multiple vanes with shrouds on opposite ends thereof. Seal rings are mounted upon inner surfaces of the end plates and biased towards outer surfaces of the shrouds to maintain a sealed relation between the shrouds and end plates. An expandable biasing tube is mounted proximate the seal rings to bias each seal ring toward and against the shroud. Each biasing tube is hollow to receive a predetermined amount of pressurized air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary vane gate for free-flowing bulk material and Comprises a housing provided with housing covers on the end faces as well as with an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a compartmentalised wheel disposed in the housing with a rotatably mounted drive shaft, the wheel having compartments which are axially delimited by limiting plates 11. With a view to a construction which is particularly resistant to pressure shocks and is safe against penetration of flames, a sealed wear plate is provided between each limiting plate of the wheel and the neighbouring housing cover and at least one bypass chamber is provided between this wear plate and the limiting plate. The axial internal width of the inlet opening corresponds at most to the axial internal width of the compartments and the axial internal width of the outlet corresponds approximately to the overall length of the wheel including the bypass chambers.

Abstract: An improved powder particle supply and transport apparatus and method include a hopper filled with powder particles, an ejection chamber spaced from the hopper and a movable conveying member with a plurality of cavities formed therein. During operation, the conveying member moves the cavities between the hopper and the chamber, and the cavities are filled with powder particles at the hopper and emptied of powder particles at the chamber. An ejector nozzle sprays pressurized air into the chamber toward an aligned outlet, thereby to: 1) create negative pressure in the chamber to draw powder particles from the cavities as the cavities are moved therethrough; and 2) transport powder particles through the outlet to a spray gun. Additional structure may be used to assure complete powder filling of the cavities at the hopper and/or complete powder emptying of the cavities in the chamber.

Abstract: A relatively hygienic dispenser is provided for dispensing particulate matter such as bulk foods, gum drops or even hardware such as nuts and bolts. A dispenser mechanism is attached to a storage bin or receptacle. The material, typically food or sticky candy, falls toward dispenser module due to gravity. The dispenser has a four sided roughly rectangular, variable geometry passageway. Two opposed sides of the passageway are rigid, and the other two opposed sides are flexible. A scoop is pivotally mounted to the two rigid walls and extends across the passageway between them. The two lobed scoop accepts material from the receptacle, is turned either clockwise or counter-clockwise, and discharges material, presumably to a waiting container. The scoop turns between, and in contact with, the two spring-loaded sides, or skirts, and two flexible scraper walls.

Abstract: A rotary valve apparatus comprises a rotor housing having an inlet and an outlet, a rotor rotatably fitted in the rotor housing, a plurality of pockets arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and adapted to be connected successively to the inlet and the outlet of the rotor housing as the rotor rotates, two communication ports arranged in separate regions extending from the inlet to the outlet of the rotor housing and from the outlet to the inlet, respectively, with respect to the rotating direction of the rotor, and pressure equalizing pipes for connecting one communication port in one region with the corresponding communication port in the other region. As the rotor rotates, the pockets moving from the inlet toward the outlet and the pockets moving from the outlet toward the inlet are subjected to two cycles of pressure equalization by means of one and the same equalizing pipe.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a sealed rotary feeder for use in an apparatus which continuously processes chips made of synthetic resin with a coating under high pressure and temperature without degrading its material strength. The sealed rotary feeder according to this invention consists of a cylindrical casing having a chip inlet on the upper side of the cylindrical casing and a chip outlet on the low side of the cylindrical casing, a rotor in the cylindrical casing, plural blades which are movably inserted into channels radially formed around the rotor, and divide the cylindrical casing into plural baskets, pressing apparatus which press the plural blades against the inner surface of the cylindrical casing, and walls which form the channels are extended at the vicinity of the inner surface of the cylindrical casing.

Abstract: A bulk material measuring and dispensing system includes a hopper assembly containing a bulk material coupled to a volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for measuring a predetermined volume of the bulk material and dispensing the predetermined volume of the bulk material. A dispensing mechanism is coupled to the volumetric measuring and dispensing device, for receiving and measuring a predetermined volume of bulk material in one position, and for dispensing the bulk material into a bulk material dispensing passageway another position. The volumetric measuring and dispensing device may include a rotatably mounted cylindrical member having a measuring chamber which receives and measure a predetermined volume of the bulk material and rotates to dispense the predetermined volume of bulk material.

Abstract: A rotary airlock feeder is connected to transfer particulate material between a storage bin and a pneumatic convey line. The pneumatic convey line includes a pressure reducing orifice plate which produces a pressure differential in the convey line between the upstream and downstream sides of the orifice plate. Air from the upstream side flows into respective specially designed end plates of the feeder and the pressure differential between opposite sides of the orifice assures a steady purge air flow circumferentially around a pair of rotary shrouds and into the feeder. This steady air flow prevents particulate material or debris from entering cavities between the shrouds and the end plates and between the rotary shrouds and the housing walls and thus prevents such material from reaching the seals, shaft area, and bearings of the feeder and protects the rotary shrouds from premature abrasive wear.

Abstract: An improved, rapid clean-out valve assembly (36) is provided which is especially adapted for use on a food pump (10) or similar device. The assembly (36) includes a stationary valve body (38) presenting a pair of inlets (44, 46) as well as an outlet (50) and adapted to receive a pivotal valve rotor (52) therein; the rotor (52) is selectively pivotal via an actuator (60) between alternate flow-directing positions respectively communicating each inlet (44 or 46) with outlet (50). Rapid clean-up of the assembly (36) is afforded by means of structure (42) permitting manual translational movement of the internal valve rotor (52) from its operational position within housing (48) to a lowered, clean-out position outside of the confines of the housing (48). The structure (42) includes apertured slider blocks (76, 78) secured to an actuator housing (68), with the blocks (76, 78) receiving corresponding stationary guides (80, 82).

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a sealed rotary feeder for use in an apparatus which continuously processes chips made of synthetic resin with a coating under high pressure and temperature without degrading its material strength. The sealed rotary feeder according to this invention consists of a cylindrical casing having a chip inlet on the upper side of said cylindrical casing and a chip outlet on the low side of said cylindrical casing, a rotor in said cylindrical casing, plural blades which are movably inserted into channels radially formed around said rotor, and divide said cylindrical casing into plural baskets, pressing means which press said plural blades against the inner surface of said cylindrical casing, and walls which form said channels are extended at the vicinity of the inner surface of said cylindrical casing.

Abstract: A vaneless rotor airlock valve using a single seat. In the preferred embodiment a hollow rotor is supported by two bearings to rotate within a first bore of the valve housing, which includes intersecting transverse bores. The rotor includes an opening which extends a selected distance along the axis of the rotor and a distance of less than 90 degrees in a plane perpendicular to the axis. The ends of the second bore terminate at the input port and the output port of the valve. Sealing contact is maintained between the outer surface of the rotor and a non-metallic seat member to maintain pressure isolation between the input port and the output port as the rotor is rotated to alternately position the rotor in a fill and a discharge position. All portions of the interior of the valve are free draining under the force of gravity.

Abstract: In a rotary valve including a housing having a rotor chamber and a drive shaft journaled in the housing and having an end portion thereof projecting into the rotor chamber, a rotor mountable on the drive shaft within the rotor chamber comprising a solitary body of plastic material having a cylindrical wall provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets machined-out therein, means for detachably mounting the body on the drive shaft and means for securing the body to the drive shaft when mounted thereon.

Abstract: A rotary valve generally consisting of a housing having a rotor chamber provided with inlet and outlet openings and an end access opening, a drive shaft journaled in the housing having an end section extending into the rotor chamber toward the end access opening, such shaft end section having a plane, torque transmitting surface, a rotor having an axial, cylindrical opening receiving the shaft end section, a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets for receiving material from the inlet opening and discharging such material through the outlet opening and a plane, torque transmitting surface cooperable with the torque transmitting surface of the drive shaft end section, when the rotor is inserted through the end access opening into the rotor chamber, the rotor being freely slidable onto and off of the drive shaft end section, in the rotor chamber and through the end access opening, and a cover plate for the end access opening detachably secured to the housing.

Abstract: A rotary distributor for the supply and discharge of products has a rotor member having a recessed cell compartment and is mounted rotatably in a casing. The casing has two sleeve members which are positioned slidably in two bore openings in the casing to provide, upon rotation of the rotor member, a product inlet to the rotor cell compartment and a product outlet from the compartment. Each inlet and outlet sleeve member is formed by a coupling flange member and a seal member which are positioned so that the seal member is positioned between the coupling flange member and rotor member, and each seal member has a portion configured and positioned for bearing on the rotor member. The coupling flange member of each sleeve member is mounted to the casing adjustably for mounting each sleeve member slidably towards and away from the rotor member for adjusting a frictional force between each seal member and the rotor member.

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 rotary feeder wherein a housing defines a cylindrical internal chamber with an inlet for a flowable material and an outlet spaced from the inlet in the circumferential direction of the chamber. The chamber receives a rotor with a shaft having stubs journalled in pairs of adjustable antifriction bearings in the housing, two spaced-apart end walls on the shaft in the chamber, and a set of vanes extending from the shaft radially outwardly between the two end walls. The internal surface of the housing has a radial groove surrounding the peripheral surface of each end wall, an elastomeric seat in the bottom portion of each groove, and an annular seal disposed in each groove radially inwardly of the seat and biased by the seat against the peripheral surface of the adjacent end wall. The seats are in sealing engagement with the surfaces bounding the respective grooves as well as in sealing engagement with the respective seals which are biased into requisite sealing engagement with the adjacent end walls.

Abstract: A rotary feeder for jam-free operation over a wide speed range has a housing with a feed inlet provided with a roof-shaped baffle plate which, in the running direction of the rotor, includes double-arrowed stripping edges. Each compartment of the rotor includes two radial partitions which extend beneath the baffle plate and are spaced from each other by the width of the baffle plate to define an initially bulk material free space. This space between the partitions of each compartment is connected via circumferential openings with the respectively lateral areas of the rotor compartment to allow granulate particles to enter the space after traveling along the stripping edges.

Abstract: A rotary valve which is particularly useful in handling foodstuff or materials which will not tolerate cross-batch contamination, the valve including a housing having an inlet and an outlet which may be connected to a pneumatic conveying duct or the like, and having an access open end, a detachable closure means mounted on the housing for closing the opening and, a drive shaft journalled in the housing having a free end disposed between said inlet and outlet, adjacent the closure, a rotor mounted on the free end of the shaft having an annular surface engageable with the housing, the annular surface having at least one recess communicable with the inlet and outlet by rotating the drive shaft for conveying material from the inlet to the outlet, a first axial seal disposed between the housing and the rotor, and a second axial seal disposed between the rotor and the closure in substantial longitudinal alignment with the first axial seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotary feeder device for transporting bulk shearable material. The rotary feeder comprises a main housing with a cylindrical passage therethrough, and an inlet port and a discharge outlet each communicating with the cylindrical passage of the main housing. There is a rotor disposed within the cylindrical passage that includes a plurality of pockets spaced peripherally thereabout which rotate successively past the inlet port and discharge outlet which are each defined by a pair of radially-extending rotor blades. The inlet port feeds material directly into the rotating pockets. At the very end of inlet port that is located directly above the rotating pocket area there is located anti-shearing edges that come in close communication with the outer free edges of the rotor blade as the latter rotate.

Abstract: An improved powder feeder having a hopper with an opening in its bottom. A resiliently deformable element is positioned in the opening of the hopper. The element has a flexible exterior dimension and is suitably positioned in relation to the opening to prevent the free flow of material through the opening. The element is mounted on an axle having an axis of rotation. The element is capable of carrying a metered volume of material through the opening as it is rotated. The axle is connected to a variable speed motor. As the element turns, the material flows into the element and moves through the hopper opening in precisely metered amounts relative to the volume and the speed of rotation of the element.

Abstract: A rotor for a rotary valve of the type including a housing providing a rotor chamber with a material inlet and a material outlet and a drive shaft journaled in said housing for supporting said rotor in said rotor chamber. The rotor includes a rotor shaft operatively connectable to the drive shaft and disposable in said rotor chamber. The rotor shaft has a plurality of longitudinally disposed, circumferentially spaced between recesses in which an edge of a plurality of vanes are received. The recesses include a slot preferably with a dovetail cross-sectional configuration, with the edge of the vanes having a comparable cross-sectional configuration. A pair of shrouds are included on either side of the vanes.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing both ice and chilled beverages, and more particularly an improved chilled beverage dispenser which has larger ice storage capacity and which incorporates an improved system of dispensing ice. The improved ice storage and dispensing system utilizes a circular rotating tray and a paddle wheel positioned in an intermediate cone chute to dispense ice efficiently and in a regulated flow in combination with chilled beverages.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the injection quantity of pulverized coal by measuring the flow rate of the pulverized coal in a conveying pipe, through which the pulverized coal is injected into tuyeres of a blast furnace, in order to regulate the opening of a valve installed between a feed tank and the conveying pipe based on the measured flow rate, and also by regulating the internal pressure of the feed tank so as to maintain the difference in the internal pressure between the feed tank and the conveying pipe within a predetermined range. The thus configured apparatus provides rapid-response and high-accuracy in control, wide-range controllability, and allows to control the injection quantity of the pulverized coal even when supplying the pulverized coal to the feed tank.

Abstract: A suction type coal feeder provided with a rear cleanout opening normally closed by a pivotally mounted cleanout door. A quick release mechanism normally clamps the door in its closed position with this mechanism including a pair of brackets mounted on each side of the housing of the feeder. These brackets are secured in place by the mounting bolts for the feed roll plugs that form a part of the feeder and are located at each end of the feed roll that is mounted at this rear portion of the feeder. Studs extend from these brackets in a rearward direction and a clamp bar is pivotally mounted on one of these studs and extends to the other stud which is received in an upwardly extending slot in the clamp bar. The position of the clamp bar is such that it extends across the upper region of the cleanout door and is effective to clamp the door closed by means of handle nuts threaded onto the studs. Loosening of the nuts permits the pivotal removal of the clamp bar and opening of the cleanout door.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for continuously deaerating and compacting flowable materials for transportation and storage in containers includes a first rotatable chamber valve for receiving the flowable materials. Attached to the rotatable chamber valve is a fixed position chamber connected to a vacuum source for receiving the flowable materials from the first rotatable chamber and for deaerating the flowable materials. The fixed position chamber is in turn connected to a second rotatable chamber valve for receiving the deaerated flowable materials from the fixed position chamber, maintaining the materials in a vacuum, then returning the materials to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously as the valve rotates to compact the deaerated materials into a substantially solid mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for the direct fluorination of solid particles of polymeric resins capable of being fluorinated in which the solid particles are contacted by a flow of a mixture of fluorine and carrier fluid in a solid-gas reactor. In the solid-gas reactor, the fluid flow continuously agitates or fluidizes the solid particles to maintain the solid particles in motion. The degree of motion of the solid particles is a function of the linear velocity of the fluid and of the physical properties of the solid particles such as the solid bulk density, particle size, geometry of the solid particle, and adhesion or agglomeration of solid particles. The solid-gas reactor can be arranged with single or multi-reactors in batch or continous mode.

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: Multi-chamber devices of collecting particles in aquatic environments including an upper chamber serving as a particle interceptor chamber, a lower chamber serving as a particle accumulator chamber, and a valve assembly interposed between the upper and lower chambers are disclosed. Upon rotation of an indented valve body, particles in the upper chamber are transferred to the lower chamber and preserved for analysis. The valve assembly substantially reduces the presence of living organisms in particle samples and enhances the accuracy of passive vertical particle flux sampling techniques. A plurality of sample collection chambers may be provided to facilitate temporal resolution of vertical particle flux measurements during a single deployment period.

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: In a rotary feeder of the type including a housing provided with a top inlet and a bottom outlet and accommodating a cellular rotor which includes a plurality of radial blades supported on a horizontal shaft and axially defined by respective lateral disks which are spaced from pertaining bearing covers, a seal arrangement is provided between each lateral disk and pertaining bearing cover of the housing and includes a plastic filler ring which is floatingly arranged between the bearing cover and the disk and is spring-loaded in axial and radial direction.

Abstract: A granular materials applicator is disclosed in which controlled metering rolls rotating at a preselected angular velocity provides volumetric displacement of the granular material irrespective of varying operating conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a metered amount of ground coffee. The apparatus comprises a housing and a rotatable metering assembly. The housing has a storage chamber for the coffee and an isolated passageway terminating in a spout. The storage chamber has an outlet at its bottom. The metering assembly includes plural metering chambers located below the outlet of the storage chambers and which, when the assembly is rotated, brings a number of them under the outlet, whereupon the particulate material flows therein. The housing also has a wiper disposed at the outlet to wipe extra particulate material from the filled metering chambers as the metering assembly is rotated so that they do not overflow. The rotation of the metering assembly to selected rotational positions brings a selected number, i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a single silicon wafer. A quartz drum having a slotted opening pours measured amounts of granulated or powdered silicon into a crucible. Heaters then melt the solid silicon to provide a molten silicon in the crucible. Utilizing controlled gas pressure, the molten silicon is poured from the crucible onto a wafer chuck in order to cast a single silicon wafer.

Abstract: The new invention proposes a rotary receptacle scale, wherein the weighing receptacle 2 is moved with a rotating drive by 180.degree. from the filling position into the emptying position. The weighing receptacle 2 is enclosed by a casing 1. The weighing receptacle 2 and the casing 1 are constructed in a manner similar to a lock rotor and lock wheel housing with respect to the movement function. The receptacle scale itself accordingly corresponds to increased hygienic requirements and can also be provided with a pressure-resistant casing at low cost.

Abstract: A catch-in prevention rotary valve includes a rotor case having an inlet port and an outlet port and a rotor having a plurality of blades. The rotor is supported in the rotor case such that it can be rotatably driven about a horizontal shaft. Each of the blades has a blade end, and each blade end as viewed in elevation has a V-shape which is open to a front side in a predetermined rotation direction of each blade. A member is disposed above the inlet port having a shielding part and two inclining walls which have respective scratcxh-off edges, the two inclining walls opening into a V-shape toward a rear side in the predetermined rotation direction of each the blade, and the shielding part having a V-shape including a rear trip end. The rear tip end of the shielding part protrudes between the two inclining walls toward the rear side from a front central part of the two inclining walls. A bottom surface of the shielding part has a concave portion having a depth through which plural granules can pass.

Abstract: An adjustable measuring apparatus for repeatably measuring a selected volume. The adjustable measuring apparatus includes a hollow sleeve having two sleeve apertures formed through opposed spaced apart surfaces of said sleeve. A first sleeve aperture formed on a top side of the sleeve is formed for receiving material therethrough. A second sleeve aperture formed on a bottom surface of the sleeve is formed for dispensing material therethrough. A cylinder is rotatably retained in the sleeve and has a cylinder aperture formed therethrough for selectively communicating with the first and second sleeve apertures. A piston is adjustably retained in the cylinder for adjustably controlling a volume of the cylinder. An adjustment member is provided and attached to the piston for adjustably positioning said piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: A rotary feeder for granulated bulk material includes a housing with a rotor by which the bulk material is transported from the supply well to the discharge well via a plurality of compartments. Arranged at the inner wall of the housing is a pocket-like recess which is defined by a pre-stripping edge and by a V-shaped stripping edge extending from the pre-stripping edge. The pocket-like recess is V-shaped, with its tip pointing in rotational direction of the rotor. A deflector partly fills the recess to substantially free the tip of the recess from bulk material grains and includes a tip pointing opposite to the rotational direction of the rotor, sides converging in this tip and ending at a distance from the stripping edge by about the means grain diameter of the bulk material, and a base extending in the generated cylindrical surface defined by the radial end faces of the rotor.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable material includes a cylindrical container partitioned into a plurality of chambers which rotate sequentially and which are connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material. The flowable material deaerates and compacts when atmospheric pressure is subsequently restored.

Abstract: A device for weighing free-flowing or strewable solid material, in particular granular or powdered material, during throughflow, includes an enclosed housing a rotor which is essentially freely rotatable about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation and has at least two adjacent compartments viewed in the direction of rotation, an inlet in the housing for feeding material to be weighed to one of the compartments of the rotor an outlet in the housing for discharging weighed material from the compartments of the rotor, and retaining devices acting on the rotor. The retaining devices includes a magnetic system which is designed to exert on the rotor a retaining force of a predetermined maximum magnitude acting in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: In a rotary valve having a housing, a drive shaft journaled in the housing and having an end portion thereof projecting into a rotor chamber in the housing, a rotor mounted on a drive shaft and axially displaceable thereon and means for accessing the rotor to permit axial removal of the rotor from the rotor chamber, a rotor handling system comprising, a support means mounted on the housing, an assembly including a mandrel supported in the support means operable to axially register the mandrel with the drive shaft to permit the axial displacement of the rotor onto the mandrel, a carrier means mounted on the mandrel and axially displaceable thereon, a locking means mounted on the carrier member and selectively engageable with the rotor when the mandrel is disposed in axial alignment with the drive shaft for selectively locking the rotor to the carrier member and means operable for axially displacing the carrier means whereby upon the mandrel being axially registered with the drive shaft, the carrier member bein

Abstract: Several embodiments of apparatus for producing disposable absorbent personal articles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, apparatus is disclosed for depositing superabsorbent polymer powder on a portion of a fluff mat in a given concentration greater than zero and a second, different concentration of superabsorbent polymer powder on another portion of a fluff layer, so that there is a heavier concentration of super absorbent polymer in a target area than in areas adjacent the target area. Such apparatus has a dosing cylinder with a discontinuous outer cylindrical surface which has a pattern of first dosing depressions adjacent to a pattern of second dosing depressions. The dosing cylinder is rotated through a polymer powder hopper and powder received in the first and second depressions is sequentially discharged from the hopper and deposited on a fluff substrate in alternating areas of high powder concentration and low powder concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, transporting and dispensing hardware to workers at workstations on an assembly line. Specifically, this invention relates to a transportable rotatable dispensing apparatus. Thus, the apparatus can be loaded with supplies, hardware or articles, then transported to a multiplicity of workstations for workers to use in an assembly of a product. The apparatus has a base support and at least one storage unit mounted on top of the support. The storage unit is made up of a number of containers rotatably mounted on the support. Each container has a discharging device which is operator actuated. The discharged articles will drop into a chute that directs the articles to a receiving device mounted on the support. On top of the storage unit is a covering that has a loading device for allowing the containers to be loaded with articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for fertilizing soil includes a frame, a fertilizer storage canister and an earth drilling assembly which is movable relative to the frame and has a fluted, substantially vertical auger element. According to one aspect of the invention, a guide tube is provided to perform the dual function of guiding the auger element during drilling and guiding fertilizer into the hole once the auger element has been withdrawn. A second aspect of the invention regards a pre-measuring device which meters a predetermined amount of fertilizer into the guide tube upon actuation by an operator.

Abstract: A dispenser for granulated or powdered materials which includes at least one container having an opening at the top thereof, a bottom to such container having a means for removing the contents of said container through said bottom, means for receiving said materials such as a receptacle which can be rotated to dump a predetermined amount of its contents to be mixed within said container, means for mixing said materials within said container, said mixing means further comprising an axle rotatably attached to said container having a plurality of vanes spaced apart from each other, extending radially outward from said axle and disposed such that the plane of each vane is not perpendicular to the axis of the axle, and a sieve in juxtaposition with said sleeve and a cover for said container whereby rotation of said vanes causes a mixing of the materials within the container and urges said mixtures through the sieve.

Abstract: A food product dispensing apparatus and method which prevents the product from being damaged when the product is dispensed. A food product cooking apparatus and method which preserves the cooking oil such that the oil needs only be changed at two to four week intervals. The present apparatus and method relates to vending-frying machines for dispensing and cooking food products. The instant invention extends the intervals between when such vending machines need be serviced.

Abstract: An impeller for metering material from an input to an output is mounted on a central shaft. The impeller is formed by a hub, a disc formed with the central hub and extending normal to the rotational axis of the hub. A plurality of spaced first vanes is formed with the disc and extends from the periphery of the disc to the hub. A second plurality of spaced vanes is attached intermediate the first vanes to the disc and extends from the periphery of the disc to a location intermediate the periphery and the hub. The back of the disc has a plurality of slots which will mate with both the first and second vanes of a preceding impeller. An adapter disc is also provided which has a plurality of radial slots on both surfaces of the disc which mate with the vanes of the previously described impeller.