Abstract: A drain for a compressed air system which drains the condensate without losing compressed air. The drain has a valve member with a cavity rotatable from a condensate receiving position to a condensate emptying position and a standpipe with its lower end communicating with the cavity in both positions and its upper end closed so that the compressed air which accumulates in the upper end of the standpipe expels the liquid from the cavity in the emptying position.

Abstract: A fluid metering device is provided including a chambered rotor for metering correctly proportioned mixtures of air and a vaporized fuel to an internal combustion engine. The rotor includes radially disposed chambers and is enclosed in a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. Upon rotation of the rotor the chambers are alternately biased into flow communication with the inlet port and the outlet port. The inlet port is in flow communication with a gaseous fuel supply and the outlet is in flow communication with an intake to the internal combustion engine. The speed of the rotation of the rotor is adjustable to vary the amount of gaseous fuel presented to the engine for selectively varying the output of the engine.

Abstract: A material-feeding apparatus having a casing provided with inlet and outlet openings. The casing encloses a rotor provided with circumferentially-arranged cylinders each fitted with a free piston. The cylinders progressively register with the inlet opening which is at or near atmospheric pressure and the outlet opening which is exposed to high pressure as the rotor is rotated intermittently by a drive mechanism. The casing and rotor are provided with a network of conduits which interconnect selected cylinders as the motor moves through one complete revolution and balances the pressure between the two extremes existing within the inlet and outlet openings. Fluid pressure slightly in excess of the pressure present within the outlet opening is fed to each cylinder is register with that opening to move the piston and discharge the material from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and injecting solid fuel in particulate form into a combustion chamber (10) in measured quantities and at variable rates and intermittencies is described. The apparatus (30) is comprised of a fuel hopper (31), at least one circular disk (50) rotatably mounted with at least a portion of its circumference in communication with the fuel hopper (31). A plurality of pockets (51) are spaced apart around the circumferential periphery of disk (50) for receiving and dispensing fuel from fuel hopper (31) at rates and intermittencies corresponding to the speed of rotation of circular disk (50) and the volumetric capacity and spacing of pockets (51). Circular disks (50) are mounted on a common drive shaft (52) which is driven by a variable speed motor (54). A venturi (80) is provided for dispersing fuel into combustion chamber (10).

Abstract: A rotary valve adapted to be used in regulating the flow of a particulate material comprises a casing with inlet and outlet conduits and a rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in the casing. The rotor has a ring of partially closed pockets to meter the particulate material passing through the valve and its periphery is spaced inwardly from the interior of the casing an amount sufficient to prevent squeezing and disintegration of the particulate material between the rotor and inlet conduit. A baffle prevents particulate material from flowing downwardly in the space between the rotor and casing at the up-turning of the rotor.

Abstract: A rotary valve adapted to be used in regulating the flow of a particulate material comprises a casing with inlet and outlet conduits and a rotor mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis in the casing. The rotor has a ring of open and closed pockets to meter the particulate material passing through the valve and its periphery is spaced inwardly from the interior of the casing an amount sufficient to prevent squeezing and disintegration of the particulate material between the rotor and inlet conduit. A baffle structure is provided to prevent particulate material from flowing downwardly in the space between the rotor and casing at the up-turning of the rotor.

Abstract: An adjustable and flexible metering gate for a fluted feed cup assembly on a grain drill. The metering gate is fabricated from a flexible material, and the adjusting lever for the gate is located on the side of the cup opposite the portion of the fluted feed roll which is exposed to the grain so that the gate can flex and pass foreign objects without damage and then return to its original position. The feed cup is fabricated from plastic.

Abstract: An improvement on U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,240 in which the condensate is collected in cavities in the valve member having open ends on opposite sides of a plane normal to the valve member and perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The inner ends of the cavities intersect a vent opening extending along the axis of the valve member. The material of the valve member between the cavities provides better support for the valve seals. The vent provides more rapid drainage of the cavities so the cavities are substantially completely emptied each revolution, thereby increasing the drainage capacity of the device. The ball valve member could be hollow, in which case the entire interior of the ball would be available for collecting condensate.

Abstract: The metering cup assembly is disclosed for use in combination with a pneumatic seeding or fertilizing device. The assembly includes a casing which is secured to the underside of a hopper carrying seed, fertilizing or other granular material and the assembly is connected into a conduit in the pneumatic system. A metering component is journalled for rotation in the casing and provides a metering passageway for seed or other granular material therefrom the hopper into the pneumatic passageway. The metering device is adjustable to control the quantity of the material being transferred from the hopper into the conduit.

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a doughy substance comprises a container capable of receiving gas under pressure and an outlet through which the doughy substance can be pushed on subjecting it to the pressure of the gas in the container. A rotor is disposed adjacent the outlet of the container and has a cavity in its external periphery. On rotation of the rotor, the cavity is capable of being brought into a position of alignment with the outlet to be filled with doughy substance pushed through the outlet. Further rotation of the rotor moves the cavity away from the outlet to a position at which the doughy substance can be released from the cavity, for example, by application of compressed gas to the base of the cavity through passages provided in the rotor. The container may comprise an arrangement for kneading the dough and may be provided with a blocking member to prevent passage of doughy substance through the outlet during the kneading operation.

Abstract: A high pressure rotary plug valve having at least one groove in the housing to provide a flushing/lubricating flow of innocuous fluid between the housing and rotary plug thus preventing fine solids build-up and decrease wear.

Abstract: A diluting and pouring apparatus for a liquid food such as soup or juice supplied in a raw or condensed state is disclosed which comprises a casing having a circular inner periphery and a rotor supported rotatably in the casing so that while rotating it always provides three discrete chambers, the first chamber being for cleaning, the second chamber being for receiving a constant amount of the raw liquid and the third chamber being for diluting the raw liquid with a diluent and pouring the diluted liquid.

Abstract: A hygienic dispenser cabinet containing a liquid holding space, and an outlet therefrom, a cylinder there above for holding non-liquid matter, being invertibly mounted therein, to cause the non-liquid matter to drop into and mix with the liquid in the liquid holding space, and a hose connected to the outlet of the cabinet, for dispensing of the solution of liquid and non-liquid matter to parts of a living body.

Abstract: The novel gasification reactor comprises a vertically oriented chamber with an upper pyrolysis section, a lower feed opening, and a primary combustion section. A lateral passage on each side and near the top of said primary combustion section each communicates with a separate secondary reaction chamber where a partially reacted feed is further reacted to form the product gas. In each passageway is a venturi nozzle or preferably a plurality of nozzles which accelerates the gas carrying entrained carbonaceous materials to produce a swirling curvilinear motion in the secondary reaction chambers.The reactor is fed by means of a plurality of hoppers and screw conveyors whereby the flow is regulated and positively fed both by gravity and the screw conveyors into rotary valve cavities in which counter rotating valves travel. The valves feed a piston which charges the reactor.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently feeding a solid particulate material, in which a measured quantity of the particulate material is periodically fed into a cavity of predetermined volume and the particulate material is thereafter discharged from the cavity, substantially all of the particulate material is removed from the cavity by scraping the particulate material from the cavity simultaneously with the discharge of the material from the cavity.

Abstract: A salt dispensing accessory mountable on an automotive vehicle so to dispense salt in front of the rear wheels thereof for traction on ice; the device including a salt storage container with a downward spout underneath, and also a unit for moistening the dispensed salt, the unit including a water storage vessel, a tube from the vessel being intercepted by a motor-driven water pump, and an outlet of the line being constructed to form an atomizer and being directed transversely across the falling salt.

Abstract: A device for receiving and dispensing metered quantities of loose material. The dispenser includes an upright open hopper having a rotatable metering shaft journaled below downwardly converging hopper walls. A helical feed groove or a series of indentations aligned in a helical path along the metering shaft receive material from the hopper upon rotation of the shaft and discharge it in the metered quantities below. Wipers are provided on opposite sides of the metering shaft and extend from the hopper walls to rub against the shaft periphery in order to control the amount of material received and delivered through the helical groove or indentations.

Abstract: A hopper gravity feeds powder into a closeable chute. The outlet of the chute is in wiping contact with the surface of a journaled and partially enclosed roller. One or more grooves are disposed in the roller for receiving gravity discharged powder from the chute. As the exposed part of the roller is rolled across a surface, the powder is transported by the grooves from the chute to the surface and deposited thereon in a configuration commensurate with that of the depositing groove.

Abstract: An improved developing material supplying device for use in a developing apparatus of an electrophotographic copying machine which includes a developing material supplying roller having at least one developing material measuring recess formed by cutting the peripheral surface of the supplying roller into flat shape and rotatably provided at a developing material supplying opening of a developing material storage tank, a driving mechanism for the supplying roller, a developing material measuring regulating member provided where the recess of the supplying roller at the supplying opening is rotated from inside to outside of the storage tank, and a shield member capable of covering the entire surface of the recess and provided where the recess at the supplying opening moves from outside to inside of the storage tank.

Abstract: The invention provides for a rotary valve of the type employed for transporting solid material between zones having a fluid pressure differential, with a minimum fluid leakage between the zones. The valve has a housing with a bore, passages communicating with the bore and designed to be coupled to the respective zones, and a rotor which is housed within the bore. The rotor is defined by an axial drive shaft, a pair of spaced end plates on the shaft and a series of radial vanes disposed between the end plates. The valve is formed with material deflecting formations on the peripheral surfaces of the end plates the formations being adapted for urging material inwardly into the zone intermediate the end plates upon rotation of the rotor in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An economical device for dispensing particulate matter uniformly across a surface which includes a rotating cylinder which has wrapped around the surface thereof in abutting fashion, a conventional small sprocket chain thus providing a series of small receptacles of uniform size which when filled with particulate material passes underneath a restrainer so that each container has a uniform quantity of particulate material therein and then as the cylinder rotates the particulate material is dispensed by gravity.

Abstract: A rotary vane type air lock for feeding granular abrasive materials into a pressurized chamber having means to prevent the abrasive material from coming between ends of the vanes and the air lock housing. A baffle prevents impingement of the material on the vane ends just before they reach an edge of the inlet opening. A thin sheet of high velocity air directed across the vane ends blasts off any material clinging to the end before the vane end comes into pressure sealing relationship with the housing.

Abstract: Mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters. A resilient rotatable roller cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. A slightly raised narrow slow rate band on the roller cooperates sealingly with a pair of removable confinement flanges so that small seeds such as kale can be confined to the slow rate band and dispensed much more slowly than if the whole width of the roller were used.

Abstract: A mechanism for dispensing seed or fertilizer, etc., for agricultural row crop implements such as seed drills and precision planters, comprises a resilient rotatable roller which cooperates with a flat vertical glass dispensing plate to dispense seed or fertilizer from a hopper through a nip between the plate and the roller. The roller is of unfoamed polyurethane formed with a honeycomb of axially extending recesses defining a relatively thin outer deflection band of the roller. The recesses give the roller the uniform and high degree of flexibility needed to accommodate a wide range of seed sizes while retaining the durability, consistency of physical characteristics and suitability for precision moulding, of unfoamed polyurethane.

Abstract: A pair of housing side sections and a pair of circular housing end sections cooperate to define a cylindrical chamber containing a bladed rotary valve element mounted on a shaft that is journaled in the end sections. The side sections have semicylindrical surfaces that cooperate to provide the cylindrical wall surface of the chamber, and respective inlet and outlet passageways between the chamber and the exterior of the housing. The housing end sections have circular edge surfaces of the same diameter as that of the cylindrical chamber, and circumferential flanges projecting radially outwardly from the circular edge surfaces and received in circumferential recesses in the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The side housing sections have interengaging surfaces projecting radially outwardly from the chamber, and a device extending through the interengaging surfaces for securing all of the housing sections together.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a rotary valve including a rotary member having a plurality of pockets opening toward the outer periphery of a rotary member. A casing encloses the outer periphery of the rotary member. Sealing members are provided between the outer periphery of the rotary member and the inner periphery of the casing. The sealing members are adjustably projectable in the radial direction.

Abstract: This relates to a filling apparatus for simultaneously filling plural containers, which apparatus includes a product supply, a dispenser and a conveyor system wherein plural containers are positioned beneath the dispenser and plural products are dispensed by the dispenser from the supply into the plural containers simultaneously. Most specifically, the apparatus includes a container positioner of the vane and screw type and the dispenser is in the form of a turret having a plurality of spaces in accordance with the number of containers to be simultaneously filled, the plurality of spaces being arranged in groups and disposed radially about the axis of the turret. Most particularly, the apparatus is intended for filling cans with tennis balls.

Abstract: A rotary air-lock feeder for a pneumatic conveying line includes the cylindrical housing with a straight bladed rotor mounted therein to propel materials from an upper inlet to a bottom discharge. The edges of the blades are positioned in close association with housing wall to prevent escape of air from the conveying line through feeder. A shear knife is mounted in housing with inner surface conforming to curvature of housing and a flat top surface intersecting inner surface to form a sharp cutting edge so as to shear material projecting beyond outer edge of rotor blades to prevent binding thereof between such outer edge and the housing wall.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a rotary valve including a rotary member having a plurality of pockets opening toward the outer periphery of a rotary member. A casing encloses the outer periphery of the rotary member. Sealing members are provided between the outer periphery of the rotary member and the inner periphery of the casing. The sealing members are adjustably projectable in the radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically making sandwiches consisting of an upper and lower breadpiece with foodstuff disposed therebetween. The apparatus comprises an upper and a lower support with a lower and an upper breadpiece dispenser and a foodstuff dispenser connected to the upper support. A sandwich station is formed on the lower support and the apparatus is movable to a lower breadpiece dispensing station wherein a lower breadpiece is dispensed on the sandwich station. The apparatus also is movable to a foodstuff dispensing station wherein foodstuff is dispensed from the foodstuff dispenser onto the lower breadpiece, movable to an upper breadpiece dispensing wherein an upper breadpiece is disposed on the lower breadpiece with the foodstuff disposed therebetween, and movable to a discharge station wherein the sandwich disposed on the sandwich station is moved to a sandwich discharge position.

Abstract: A spring loaded fluid operated valve for use in sensing the speed or rotation of a rotating member, shaft or collar is disclosed. The valve features fluid inlet, outlet and storage chambers, each of which have openings spaced from and selectively aligned relative to one another. A rotating body whose speed of rotation is to be sensed, slidably engages the chamber openings in a fluid tight manner and defines a slot or recess therein which communicates with each of the openings in a repetitive and sequential manner to alternately transfer a portion of the fluid introduced into the inlet chamber to the storage chamber and, thereafter, from the storage chamber to the outlet chamber. In the particular embodiment of the valve disclosed herein, the openings are disposed on a concave base of a housing containing the chambers so as to conform to the circular periphery of the rotating shaft or collar defining the slot. The slot rotates across each of the openings during each revolution of the shaft or collar.

Abstract: A container provided with a dispensing closure comprising a cavity-containing ball rotatable in the neck of the container, a resilient retaining ring holding the ball in contact with the neck, and a locking ring thereover threadable on the neck.

Abstract: A sealing structure for a rotary valve including a rotary member having a plurality of pockets opening toward the outer periphery of a rotary member. A casing encloses the outer periphery of the rotary member. Sealing members are provided between the outer periphery of the rotary member and the inner periphery of the casing. The sealing members are adjustably projectable in the radial direction.

Abstract: A rotary valve apparatus suitable for transporting particulate solid materials from one pressure region to another pressure region, each pressure region may be at different operating temperatures. The apparatus includes a stationary housing defining a generally cylindrical shaped chamber with inlet and outlet openings; end walls enclosing the cylindrical chamber; an elongated shaft journaled centrally within the housing and end walls; and a plurality of vanes affixed to the shaft. The vanes are in communication with the walls of the cylindrical chamber to form a seal. The seal between the vane and cylindrical chamber wall is effectuated by a vane blade which is affixed to each vane. Vane blades are constructed using a metal blade partially sandwiched between an elastomer material, the exposed portion of metal blade is in a sealing engagement with the walls of the cylindrical chamber. At the end of the vanes are shrouds which, in cooperation with the vane, form pockets.

Abstract: Self-cleaning bucket wheel lock comprising several cells or compartments. The apparatus which permits coalescent material to be introduced into a closed apparatus comprises a casing with a material inlet and discharge outlet, and a rotor basket. The rotor basket is mounted in position on a drive shaft passing through the casing and an elastic hose is secured to the rotor basket. The hose enables the volume of each cell to be varied whenever the drive shaft is caused to rotate.

Abstract: A feed cup mechanism, of the type generally used in grain drills, includes interchangeable feed wheels of various seed metering circumferential surfaces, of various tooth sizes or surface irregularities, and of various thicknesses. Interchangeable spacers of various thicknesses and of various peripheral sizes complement respective ones of the feed wheels to provide a metering passage having a suitable radial thickness for a particular type of seed and having a suitable width for metering a suitable quantity of seed. A pivoted seal is provided which cooperates with the various sizes of the feed wheels and with complementary ones of the spacers to prevent seed from passing from a receiving opening to a discharge spout except through the metering passage. Optionally, the pivoted seal is oscillated to agitate the incoming seed and thereby to provide more uniform metering of the seed.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1.

Abstract: The periphery of a bucket wheel sluice is provided with a plurality of vanes forming pockets for the reception and transport of material, the vanes and intervening spaces being shaped and arranged in an involute tooth configuration. A removal unit is provided to facilitate removal of material from the pockets, and comprises at least two spaced discs of involute tooth configuration in mesh engagement with the bucket wheel periphery, and having a plurality of elongated rods or blades extending between corresponding teeth of the spaced discs for passage through each of the bucket wheel pockets to mechanically remove any material entrapped therein.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided for feeding an air containing material in such a way that a constant volume of solid material per unit of time is fed. Said apparatus comprising at a filling station a throwing device by means of which the material is thrown into compartments of a dispensing device whereby air is squeezed out of the material so that a constant volume of solid material is contained in each compartment. The compartments are successively moved to a discharge station wherein the compartments are emptied under influence of gravity and air under pressure blown into the compartment being emptied.

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: Particles of molasses absorbed in diatomaceous earth, blended with powdered additives, are dispensed smoothly, without agglomeration or classification according to particle size, by a gravity-fed dispenser having a slowly rotating paddle wheel at the lower front edge of a hopper having a planar front wall and a steeply sloping bottom.

Abstract: A rotary feeder has a valvular rotor rotating on an axis in a cylindrical cavity. A plurality of rigid, free-floating blades project from a hub of the rotor to delimit several material-receiving pockets circumferentially distributed over the hub. The inner edges of the blades rest in axial recesses in the hub and are supported by fixed projections extending outwardly from the hub along the trailing side of the blades. The recesses permit limited angular movement of the blades relative to the hub. The blades have widths from the hub to the periphery of the cylindrical cavity greater than corresponding radii through the inner edges of the blades at the hub, whereby the blades are angularly inclined relative to such radii. Top portions of the blades are applied to peripheral wall portions of the cylindrical cavity. The recesses, the fixed projections, and peripheral wall portions of the cylindrical cavity cooperate to hold the blades in position.

Abstract: A dial dispenser and canister for holding powdered or granular material. The dispenser attached to the bottom of the canister for receiving a predetermined amount of material stored in the canister. The dispenser, by dialing, will discharge the material into a spoon, cup, or any other container eliminating the need of using a measuring device.

Abstract: A drain device that removes oil, water, sludge and other contaminants from compressed air systems comprising a cylindrical housing for attachment between diametrically opposed compressed air and drain lines, a cylindrical rotor rotatably journalled within the housing, a single port, at least as large as the inside diameter of the air line, through the wall of the rotor, the port being positioned for sequential alignment with the air and drain lines, when the rotor is actuated and a pair of bleeder valves between the interior chamber of the rotor and the atmosphere including respective cam tracks positioned on end walls of the rotor and housing to open the valves when the rotor port is aligned with the discharge line.

Abstract: The powdered fuel is dosed in metered amounts by a pocketed dosing wheel into a fuel-feeding duct which is opened and closed by reciprocally mounted slider. Air is charged into the fuel feeding duct via a compressed air duct above the fuel valve. Upon opening of the fuel valve, a blast of air is charged via a control valve into the compressed air duct to expel the powdered fuel in the fuel-receiving chambers of the fuel valve.

Abstract: A dispensing valve is provided for dispensing metered quantities of liquid and semi-solid food products from a hopper or reservoir.The valve has a piston and piston rod reciprocating in a rotatable sleeve to which it is keyed and the latter being journaled for rotation coaxially within a cylindrical valve housing. By rotating and reciprocating a handle attached to the piston rod a transfer port in the sleeve is selectively positioned in registry with intake and discharge ports in the housing to fill the sleeve with food on the intake stroke of the piston and discharge the food from the sleeve on the discharge stroke of the piston. Bosses are selectively placed on the piston rod between the handle and the housing to vary the stroke of the piston and thus, the measured quantities of food ingested and dispensed by the valve.

Abstract: A dispenser for soap or the like comprising a hopper having a lower discharge outlet and a rotatable metering device within the outlet including a plurality of circumferentially arranged chambers which sequentially communicate with the hopper and the discharge opening as they are rotated. The metering device includes a manually operated knob including a spring loaded detent extending rearwardly therefrom and cooperating with a plurality of recesses on the front panel of the hopper. A holder for a cup or the like is provided beneath the discharge outlet of the hopper so that the dispensed soap may be transferred to the washing machine.

Abstract: A rotary airlock for conveying material has a housing which includes a cylindrical wall and a pair of generally flat end walls which together define a cylindrical chamber. A plurality of vanes are secured to a shaft which extends axially through the housing. A plurality of blades are fixedly secured to each vane and are movable in all directions in the plane of the vane to enable the clearance between the blades and cylindrical wall and the end walls of the housing to be adjusted to maintain a seal between the blades and the housing and to minimize the leakage of air and material from the airlock.

Abstract: A rotary feeder is disclosed for feeding abrasive materials at high temperatures up to about 2300.degree. F. Each of the rotor and stator have preformed refractory inserts removably retained in position without separate fasteners being used. The inserts are preferably preformed with a camber to facilitate spring-like retention thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides vending and dispensing apparatus comprising a housing having a bin section and a dispensing section separated by a belt type conveyor. The conveyor embodies means which in the movement thereof serve not only to influence elements of a conglomerate mass of material stored in the bin section to separate one from the other but to carry elements of the separated material to the dispensing section for their discharge in a relatively individualized form.The invention also features a mobile dispensing unit which may be be backed up to receive the discharge from the dispensing section of the above described housing and moved to deliver measured amounts of the material to a plurality of remote stations. The mobile unit embodies a storage type receiving chamber having a movable bottom wall structure including a pocket which accommodates a measured amount of the material delivered to the storage chamber.