Abstract: A device for promoting gravity flow of zirconium tetrachloride and other non-free-flowing solids has a rotatable shaft. At least two flexible lengths have first ends attached to and axially spaced on the shaft and also distal second ends. A collar is slidably mounted on the shaft between the spaced first ends of the flexible lengths for slidable axial and circumferential movement on the shaft. At least one sweep arm has a first end pivotally attached to the collar and a second distal end attached to the second distal ends of the flexible lengths. The collar slides relative to the shaft as the sweep arm encounters resistance from bridged solids. The relative movement of the collar and shaft causes the flexible lengths to wrap around the shaft and the arms to collapse toward the shaft. A device with collapsible arms will have a minimal torque requirement. When the solids dislodge from the collapsed sweep arms, the arms extend to sweep outwardly to a maximum extent.

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 pulverulent material feeder apparatus includes a bottom plate extending horizontally and inner and outer cylinders disposed on the bottom plate in a coaxial relation. These cylinders define therebeween a material transporting space. A material extruding gap is formed between a lower edge of the inner cylinder and the bottom plate. The apparatus further includes a rotatable annular member connected to a rotatable shaft mounted at the coaxial center by means of spokes so that the annular member is disposed along the inner periphery of the outer cylinder and a gap adjusting cylinder which is disposed along the outer periphery of the inner cylinder and adapted to be adjusted with respect to the vertical position thereof for thereby making it possible to adjust the size of the extruding gap.

Abstract: Device for quickly variable and high precision metering of powder, granulated or micropearl dyeing material including a container 1 for the dyeing material that is put under vacuum by means of a suction tube 7 from the outside, and a mesh-sieve 5 fixed on the base of tile container 1. A scraper 2 rotates on the sieve 5 with a changeable speed. A scraper 2 rotates on the sieve 5 with a changeable speed. A compass-type shutter, with a changeable port, is mounted under the sieve 5, and a precision balance 20 is mounted below the shutter 6. An electronic computer 30 is programmed for checking and con trolling the rotation speed of the scraper 2, the opening/closing of the shutter 6 and the weight value of the balance 20.

Abstract: An automatic animal food feeding apparatus includes a base member having a top recess, a rotary table revolvably supported within the top recess of the base member by steel balls and having a conical center shaft with axial blades, a food container covered with a top cover and a bottom cap and supported on the base member above the rotary table, whereby the rotary table is turned as the animal passes its tongue over it, causing the blades to propel a grained food out of the food container through a food outlet on the bottom cap.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to move granular materials in an even flow by centrifugal force from a rotating surface to a plurality of circumferentially arranged receiving points includes a rotatable inverted cone provided with a peripheral base flange and having an angle of inclination of the cone surface matching the angle of repose for the material to be distributed. Material delivered to the apex of the cone flows by gravity down the cone surface to establish the angle of repose for such material with a toe point at the flange where it comes to rest when the cone is stationary. A cylindrical hopper, to accumulate material from the cone, is vertically adjustably secured to the flange so that the bottom of the hopper is spaced above the flange to define a flow passageway which can be enlarged or reduced by vertical adjustment of the hopper relative to the flange.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading granular material having a pre-calibrated material gauge removably located in the bottom of a hopper. The granular material is forcibly pressed through discharge apertures formed in the material gauge under the rotatory action of an auger mounted in the hopper. The discharge apertures are sized to inhibit the free flow of granular material therethrough when the auger is not rotating. A clutch mechanism is provided for permitting selective control of the rotary movement of the auger. Since the material gauge is interchangeable, the apparatus can be quickly converted for spreading a variety of differently sized granular materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a receptacle with a divided solid product, comprises a feeder hopper and a dispersion head. The dispersion head includes a series of parallel and coaxial plates superimposed on one another wherein the surface area of the plates diminishes from the top plate down to the bottom plate. The whole assembly is devised such that each plate includes an aperture which allows gravity feed to the plate situated immediately underneath. The lower plate may include an aperture in order to feed the center of the receptacle. The plates are rotated to permit ejection of divided solids by centrifugal force. At least one of the plates has apertures and is placed at the exit of the hopper and in front of the particle distribution plates.

Abstract: A squeezing and dispersing device comprising an lateral gear disposed along the end portion of a winding key and a gear holder for engaging in the teeth of the gear for progressively advancing the contents within the collapsible tube longitudinally along a usable portion thereof toward an opening provided through an one end of the tube. The flattened, spent portion of the collapsible tube is tightly wound to the winding key, which is arranged proximate the other end thereof, for easily removing the evacuated tube without unrolling of the tube from the top of the squeezing device.

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: An apparatus (1) for metering dry and pulverulent pourable material, for example dye powder in a laboratory dyeing line for textiles, the apparatus (1) having a discharge container (8) which has a closable outlet (9) in its lower region, scales (10) for metering the amount of material that is to be conveyed from the outlet (9) of the container (8), with outlet (9) being arranged on the underside of the container (8) and having as closure a valve body (12) that tapers towards the top and can be displaced vertically downwards, the valve body (12) being drivable in rotation and rotating while it is in its open position and having the capability for conveying the material in the direction towards the outlet opening (14), therefore performing a dual function.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and spraying a slurry. The apparatus comprises a housing including a channel. The channel is in fluid communication with an inlet at its upstream end and curves to an outlet at its downstream end. The outlet is in fluid communication with an air atomization nozzle. A mixing surface is capable of rotation with respect to the housing and the channel is open to the mixing surface.

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.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus and a rotor are provided for metering, conveying and dispensing granular materials and/or liquids. The systems, apparatus and rotor can be used for metering, conveying and dispensing granular materials onto a plurality of zones and/or liquids onto a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A powder feeding apparatus comprising a holding hopper for holding a powder, a metering hopper for metering the powder from the holding hopper, a mechanism for opening and closing a discharge opening in the metering hopper, a controller for controlling the hopper opening-closing mechanism, and a trough where the powder discharged in a heap from the metering hopper is smoothed into a layer.

Abstract: A cotton basket unloading regulator is provided for transporting cotton from a conventional cotton basket into a trailer or the like. The regulator comprises a rotatable shaft having a plurality of fingers mounted thereon with a motor for rotating the shaft at variable speed. By varying the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft, the cotton being delivered from the cotton basket to the trailer may be regulated and the rotation of the shaft also serves to break up chunks and wads of cotton as well as stopping the discharge of the cotton from the basket. The present invention provides a regulator for regulating the unloading of cotton from a cotton basket into a trailer.

Abstract: A developer dispensing apparatus includes a coiled spring auger which is rotated through a developer bed in a direction to dispense developer through a dispensing opening. The spring auger has an unsupported free end which is non-fixedly placed over a hold down mechanism attached to one end of the developer housing and which projects inwardly into the toner bed. As the spring auger rotates a tendency of the free end to vertically rise from the developer is inhibited by making contact with the hold down mechanism. By proper configuration of the contacting surface of the hold down mechanism, a thumping or antibridging action is imparted to the toner by periodically causing the coiled end to wind and unwind storing and releasing energy along the developer bed length.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering product into a feed tube including a tip over drum which has a tray supported between two side walls. The tray has a convex hump near the axis of rotation for dividing product fed by a gravitational feed into two portions.

Abstract: A modularly constructed, trailerable, skid mounted, multi-compartmented concrete mixer and cement storage silo having a plurality of longitudinally aligned, bottom mounted, driven feed chains. In a combination construction, a single motor is cooperatively coupled to the feed chains of each mixer compartment and the feed chain of the cement silo to feed the cement/sand/aggregate in metered quantities to a turreted, separately powered auger where water is added and along the length of which the concrete is mixed. A silo vent column includes a plurality of fabric collection filters and means for vibrationally removing and reclaiming the cement. Air infiltration ports mounted along the bottom of the cement silo and one or more vibrators mounted to the mixer adjacent the sand and aggregate bins prevents crusting. Alternatively, the silo may be self-powered, and/or the mixer and silo may be transported independent of one another and/or without the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a vertically extending receiving hopper (1) having a guide funnel (2) in the bottom part thereof. A disk (3) having at least one discharge opening (4) is mounted between them. Above the discharge opening (4) is mounted a cut-off member (9) with a possibility of vertical and horizontal movement and has its surface extending in parallel with the disc (3) surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fan for moving air or transporting loose material. The fan comprises an inlet suction pipe that is bifurcated to form two pieces that then open out into a cone, after which there is a fan-blade wheel. This fan-blade wheel is driven by a drive shaft that passes through the cone and out in the area between the pipes. The drive shaft is driven directly by a motor or through a belt or gear-train drive system.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an additive (70) into a stream (14) of well proppant includes a sealed housing (42), (44), (52) containing a first chamber (102), a second chamber (104), and an additive dispenser (64), (72) operably connected to a motor (92). The upper chamber (102) is adapted to contain the additive (70), and the lower chamber (104) communicated with the pressurized well proppant stream (14). The additive dispensing means (64), (72) is disposed between the upper chamber (102) and the lower chamber (104). Pressure equalizing tubes (98 and 99) within said housing (42), (44), (52) extend from the upper chamber (102) through the additive dispenser (64), (72) to the lower chamber (104) to equalize the fluid pressure existing in the lower chamber (104) with the fluid pressure existing in the upper chamber (102) during the dispensing of the additive ( 70) from the upper chamber (102) to the lower chamber (104).

Abstract: A controlled coupling action between a distributor element and a rotary diaphragm is to be provided in an environment exposed to dust and powder within a dosing apparatus into which all kinds of materials, such as abrasive and chemically aggressive substances, but also materials intensifying sliding or adhesion properties are introduced for dosed delivery. To that end there are provided elastic form-locking coupling elements which, under increasing load, momentarily disengage the rotary connection between the distributor element and the rotary diaphragm. A preferred material pairing for the elastic form-locking coupling elements is metal, such as stainless steel, and polytetrafluoroethylene known as Teflon.

Abstract: An apparatus for emptying silos enables a telescopically retractable vertical empyting pipe to retract downwardly with an overhead material gathering conveyor in continuous controlled motion without undesirable sudden retraction of individual telescopic components. The lower portions of the telescopic pipe are rotatable about their longitudinal axis to reduce frictional contact between the telescopic members and the stored material, and gradually slide downwardly as the overhead material gathering device is lowered in the silo.

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 cylindrical developer storage and dispensing cartridge with a dispensing opening at one end has an integral developer transport mixing and antibridging member rotatably supported within the container which has a first coiled spring element having a cross section substantially the same as the cross section of the container and freely rotatable therein which is wound in the direction to transport developer along its length toward the dispensing opening and a second coiled spring element having a cross section substantially smaller than the first spring element but being substantially concentrically positioned and being attached to the first element but wound in a direction opposite to the first spring element to provide a counter rotating motion relative to the first spring element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sifter having a dispersing plate which has material passage openings therein. The dispersing plate carries guide elements and distributor elements adjacent such openings which are inclined with respect to the radius of the plate. Such a dispersing plate makes it possible to feed the material to be sifted into the sifting chamber very evenly.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an additive (70) into a stream (14) of well proppant includes a sealed housing (42), (44), (52) containing a first chamber (102), a second chamber (104), and an additive dispenser (64), (72) operably connected to a motor (92). The upper chamber (102) is adapted to contain the additive (70), and the lower chamber (104) communicated with the pressurized well proppant stream (14). The additive dispensing means (64), (72) is disposed between the upper chamber (102) and the lower chamber (104). A pressure equalizing tube (98) within said housing (42), (44), (52) extends from the upper chamber (102) through the additive dispenser (64), (72) to the lower chamber (104) to equalize the fluid pressure existing in the lower chamber (104) with the fluid pressure existing in the upper chamber (102) during the dispensing of the additive (70) from the upper chamber (102) to the lower chamber (104).

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for particulate ice and/or ice cooled beverage has an ice bin with upright walls about a substantially vertical axis, a bottom canted rearwardly, a transverse ice discharge chute coplanar with the bin bottom and having a width continually divergent from the bin, a metallic ice dispensing chute point is secured in a resin bin wall on a downstream side of a dispensing rotor sweep and a self-closing dispensing door on an outlet of the chute has a barrier and a limit stop for placing the barrier in the path of ice being dispensed when the door is fully opened, an elongate drainage slot for melt water is in the bin bottom and extends radially outward from an axis of dispensing rotor rotation, a drain port extends from within the drain slot and is at a level below a level of the chute outlet, an ice dispensing rotor is within the bin and is revolvable about an axis canted rearwardly from the axis of the bin; the rotor has a hub, a ring, a plurality of paddlewheels mounted to the ring, entry mean

Abstract: A goods dispensing device including an annular dispensing port formed in a container, an annular shelf located in a position for receiving the goods released through the annular dispensing port, a table rotatably supported in a position for receiving the goods flowing downwardly from the shelf, a ring located along the shelf for rotation independently of the table, a rotary drive unit connected to the table through motive force transmitting mechanism, a rotary drive unit connected to the ring through motive force transmitting mechanism, scrapers fixedly supported on the ring and projecting above the shelf, a guide scraper fixedly supported and projecting above the table, and a goods conveyor arranged below the guide scraper for conveying the goods dispensed from the container through the annular dispensing port. There is a relative difference between the rotary movements of the scraper rotating with the ring as a unit and the table.

Abstract: In the blasting of articles with impact media, the mixture of used media and fragments of material thereby removed from said articles fall to the bottom of the thermally insulated treating chamber. A method is disclosed for discharging such mixture through an opening in the bottom of the chamber, utilizing a rotating sweeping device having a plurality of sweep arms extending outwardly from a central hub each of the arms being formed of segments to approximate the shape of an ogee curve. Heat leakage into the chamber is minimized by driving the sweeping device from below the bottom of the chamber by an enclosed shaft passed through the insulated bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary feeder system having a rotor housing with an intake opening and means for discharging material spaced apart side walls. A rotor is positioned with its radially extending blades disposed within the rotor housing and its two ends of its shaft each extending through an aperture in one of the side walls. The shaft bearing and interconnection to the rotating means are each disposed outwards of the rotor housing and the apertures are sealed about the rotor shaft by a sealing assembly comprising a washer, a seal having a first and second ring wherein the second ring extends inward beyond the inner circumference of the first, said ring merging into a flange pressing upon said washer, and a retaining plate which bears against the second ring, tightening it against the washer. The washer and second ring of the seal are preferably formed of tetrafluoro-ethylene resin, and all joints between components within the rotor housing are welded to fill any crevices.

Abstract: A dispenser for discharging a substance on demand. The dispenser includes a body having an opening for receiving the substance with the body being defined in part by a dispenser plate having an outlet extending therethrough. It also includes a rotatable plate biased against a dispenser surface of the dispenser plate with the rotatable plate having a surface contacting the dispenser surface and an edge confronting the substance. The contacting surface has a tapered channel leading away from the confronting edge with the channel having a maximum depth at the confronting edge and tapering to the contacting surface. The dispenser also features the outlet extending through the dispenser plate so as to lie in the path of travel of the channel during rotation of the plate. With this arrangement, a handle can be provided for rotating the plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing bulk material comprises a supply chute having an outlet; an openable and closable gate in the supply chute for controlling discharge of the bulk material from the outlet; and a downwardly oriented funnel extending below the outlet of the supply chute. The funnel includes an inlet zone for receiving material from the supply chute; a discharge opening situated below the inlet zone for discharging material from the apparatus; a generally planar wall extending from the inlet zone to the discharge opening; and a constricted flow passage area below the inlet zone. A rotor of flat construction is situated in the inlet zone in the vicinity of the funnel wall between the outlet of the supply chute and the constricted flow passage area.

Abstract: In the blasting of articles with impact media, the mixture of used media and fragments of material thereby removed from said articles fall to the bottom of the thermally insulated treating chamber. Novel structure is herein disclosed for discharging such mixture through an opening in the bottom of the chamber, utilizing a rotating sweeping device having a plurality of sweep arms extending outwardly from a central hub each of the arms being formed of segments to approximate the shape of an ogee curve. Heat leakage into the chamber is minimized by driving the sweeping device from below the bottom of the chamber by an enclosed shaft passed through the insulated bottom of the chamber.

Abstract: A flaked ice dispenser comprises a hopper for reception of a mass of small particles of ice, the hopper having a circular upper portion and a polygonal shaped lower portion the corners of which extend outwardly of the upper portion, an impeller which is rotatable in the hopper and has a conical body and equally spaced arms extending radially therefrom, and an ice diverting assembly at an outlet from the hopper. The round upper hopper portion allows ice in that portion to rotate without substantial resistance, the corners of the lower portion allow for displacement of ice therein from the main mass thereof, and the diverting assembly facilitates movement of ice through the outlet. The dispenser enables flaked ice to remain in free flowing form without agglomeration and to be readily dispensed.

Abstract: The support apparatus (39) for rotatably supporting an elongated semi-rigid helical (22) having a center longitudinal axis (52), of the type used for dispensing articles (38) from a dispensing machine, above a substantially planar shelf surface (34) having a front edge (36) is disclosed. The support apparatus (39) comprises a first coil support member (40) and a second coil support member (42) each defining a generally planar upper surface (41) and (43) respectively to lie above and generally parallel to a shelf surface (34) and adjacent a front end (36) thereof. The first and second coil support members (40 and 42) are disposed in spaced, generally parallel relationship to one another, and wherein the first and second coil support members (40 and 42) are laterally spaced apart from one another a sufficient distance to cooperatively support a helical coil on and between the first and second upper surfaces (40 and 42).

Abstract: A pnuematic distributing apparatus for seed or other ground receiving particles which has a mobile framework attached to or powered by a vehicle. A large capacity substantially sealed seed bin is disposed on the framework and feeds grain and/or fertilizer into a metering mechanism which deposits seed into a plurality of seed channels which intersect with corresponding pressurized air flow conduits which direct the seeds into outlet tubes adjacent ground furrow openers and deposit the seed into the furrows. Means are provided to block seed channels for selected seeding patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are discharged from the open end of a storage chamber. In the operative mode, a brush mounted movably adjacent the open end of the chamber, is actuated. The brush has at least one row of bristles for dispensing particles from the open end of the storage chamber. In the inoperative mode, the brush is positioned such that the row of bristles seals the open end of the chamber preventing the discharge of particles therefrom.

Abstract: A broadcasting apparatus for pulverant or granular material including a frame supported by wheels, an axle extending between the wheels and connected in driving relationship with at least one of the wheels, a material hopper mounted on the frame and having an opening in its bottom wall, a valve adjustable across the hopper opening to control the flow of material therefrom, a guide for the valve to retain the valve in selected position adjacent the hopper opening, a dial having a cam surface, a member connected to the valve and bearing on the dial cam surface, a mount for the dial connected to the bottom wall of the hopper and guiding the connecting member, a broadcasting plate disposed beneath the valve and connected to the axle to rotate upon movement of the wheels, and an agitator within the hopper connected to rotate with the shaft and broadcasting plate.

Abstract: Dispenser apparatus for particulate ice and/or ice cooled beverage has an ice bin with upright walls about a substantially vertical axis, a bottom canted rearwardly, a transverse ice discharge chute coplanar with the bin bottom and having a width continually divergent from the bin, a metallic ice dispensing chute point is secured in a resin bin wall on a downstream side of a dispensing rotor sweep and a self-closing dispensing door on an outlet of the chute has a barrier and a limit stop for placing the barrier in the path of ice being dispensed when the door is fully opened, an elongate drainage slot for melt water is in the bin bottom and extends radially outward from an axis of dispensing rotor rotation, a drain port extends from within the drain slot and is at a level below a level of the chute outlet, an ice dispensing rotor is within the bin and is revolvable about an axis canted rearwardly from the axis of the bin; the rotor has a hub, a ring, a plurality of paddlewheels mounted to the ring, entry ring

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly, downwardly moving in a vessel a compact bed of solid particles in contact with a liquid. Within the vessel there is provided a rotatable lower disc which has a radially extending opening for the passage of solids therethrough. The lower disc carries a member adjacent the opening for directing solids through the opening during rotation of the lower disc. This member preferably extends above the lower disc. A system is provided to maintain the liquid within the vessel while the solid particles pass out of the bottom portion of the vessel. A rotatable upper disc having a radially extending opening may be present to distribute solids charged to the vessel onto the upper surface of the bed of solid particles.

Abstract: A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associated with each of the hoppers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats.

Abstract: A round silo for storage of different kinds of grain, especially damp grain, in layers one above the other, in a predetermined ratio, so as to facilitate a desired mixture of different grain kinds. The silo is of the type including a central bottom outlet opening. The central bottom outlet opening is in the shape of a conical deflector having a truncated conical surface, with the point thereof upwardly facing, and an outer peripheral edge disposed at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the silo. Furthermore, the silo is provided at its bottom end with an annular zone defined outwardly by the silo wall and inwardly by the outer peripheral edge of the conical deflector. A rotatable blade is mounted at the bottom of the silo beneath the conical deflector for rotation around the central axis of the silo for conveying grain toward the center of the silo and the conveyor means.

Abstract: A constant feed apparatus in which a straight tubular housing into which a material is fed has provided therein at least one rotary arm which rotates in the proximity of the bottom surface of the tubular housing, and at least one discharging port is provided in the internal surface of the tubular housing which the rotary arm comes to oppose while the rotary arm is rotating, whereby the material in the tubular housing is conveyed to the discharging port by the rotary arm and discharged out through the discharging port.

Abstract: A hopper includes a peripheral side wall having upper and lower open ends, and a conical body provided inside the peripheral side wall to define an annular space for storing solid material therebetween. The lower open end of the peripheral wall is separated from the conical body to define an annular discharge point therebetween.

Abstract: A toner dispensing device has a toner storage chamber provided in its lower portion with an opening for passing toner therethrough, a roller disposed within the storage chamber close to the opening and rotatable to deliver the toner from the storage chamber outward through the opening, an intermediate toner supply chamber in communication with the storage chamber through the opening and for receiving toner to keep it substantially full, and a feeder provided within the intermediate supply chamber for feeding the toner out of the intermediate supply chamber at a constant rate.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for unloading melamine powder from a bulk shipping or transporting containers. The apparatus is comprised of a uniquely designed portable hopper or discharge chute provided at its discharge end with a rotary pump that is removably attachable to a tiltable bulk container. The process of unloading the bulk container involves the creating of a particular shaped flow from the bulk container so that bridging and other flow problems associated with flowing melamine powder does not occur.

Abstract: An apparatus for the uniform, controlled distribution of free flowing material comprising a rotatable, vertically-oriented, hollow delivery tube mounted for rotation about a vertical axis within a fixed housing and driven by means of a motor external of said tube. At its upper end, the tube has an inlet port for receiving material and carrying it for distribution from its lower end by an integral system which includes apertures located in the tube walls, and a deflection member at the base of said tube for impelling the material out of the tube through the said apertures. The lower end of said tube protrudes from and is restrained by said housing.