Abstract: The present invention relates to an autonomous dispensing effector unit for a robotic arm, comprising an effector body, a fluid container attached to the effector body, a dispensing actuator unit attached to the effector body, a controlling means for controlling the dispensing from the effector unit, and an interface to the controlling means providing power to the autonomous dispensing effector unit, wherein the dispensing actuator unit and/or the effector body is in fluid communication with the fluid container.

Abstract: A refrigerator utilizes in some instances an icemaker having a tandem arrangement of storage bins. A first storage bin receives ice produced by an icemaker and includes a reversible ice mover that when operated in a first direction feeds an ice dispenser, and when operated in a second direction feeds a second storage bin disposed below the first storage bin. A refrigerator may also in another aspect include an externally-accessible ice dispenser having a dispenser recess portion that is removable from the refrigerator when the doors of the refrigerator are closed, e.g., for the purpose of accessing an ice storage bin.

Abstract: A developer cartridge including a housing to contain a developer and including a developer outlet from which the developer is dischargeable. A transport member is arranged inside the housing to rotate to transport the developer to the developer outlet. A volume adjustment member is insertable inside the transport member opposite to the developer outlet to adjust an inside volume of the housing.

Abstract: A delivering device (1) is described, in particular for pasty or creamy products preferably for domestic use, comprising at least one delivery duct (3) which puts in fluid communication at least one internal volume (5) of at least one container (7), the internal volume (5) containing therein at least one product, and at least one delivery nozzle (9) for exiting the product by interposing pumping means (11) actuated by at least one actuating motor (13) to transfer amounts of the product from the internal volume (5) to the delivery nozzle (5) through the delivery duct (3), and control means (14) actuated by a user and operatively cooperating with the actuating motor (13) to allow or inhibit at will an operation of the actuating motor (13) and perform or stop a delivery of the product through the delivery nozzle (9).

Abstract: A developer container includes a casing having a developer accommodating chamber and a waste-developer accommodating chamber, conveying member, a conveying-member accommodating unit, and a supporting member. The conveying member conveys waste developer in a longitudinal direction of the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The conveying-member accommodating unit accommodates the conveying member therein and has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is provided in an upstream end portion and allows the waste developer to move from outside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit. The second opening allows the waste-developer to move from the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The supporting member is provided on the casing.

Abstract: A developer container includes a casing having a developer accommodating chamber and a waste-developer accommodating chamber, conveying member, a conveying-member accommodating unit, and a supporting member. The conveying member conveys waste developer in a longitudinal direction of the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The conveying-member accommodating unit accommodates the conveying member therein and has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is provided in an upstream end portion and allows the waste developer to move from outside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit. The second opening allows the waste-developer to move from the inside of the conveying-member accommodating unit to the waste-developer accommodating chamber. The supporting member is provided on the casing.

Abstract: An appliance including a module-receiving cavity disposed in the appliance. Also included is a removable module disposed in the module-receiving cavity, and at least one ice modification member disposed inside the removable module. A motor is operably connected with the removable module and includes an output shaft that extends into the removable module. An impeller is connected with the output shaft proximate to the at least one ice modification member, the impeller being operable between a first ice manipulating condition defined by a first directional rotation of the impeller, and a second ice manipulating condition defined by a second directional rotation of the impeller. An ice chute is located proximate the ice modification member for dispensing ice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning system for coffee machines, comprising a cleaning device for periodically cleaning the coffee- and/or milk-carrying components using a cleaning liquid, which contains cleaning agent in the form of balls or tablets dissolved therein, wherein the cleaning device is provided with a time- and/or product-cycle-dependent controller and a metering apparatus (1) for the cleaning agent (10) that interacts with the controller. Thus, it is possible to program the cleaning process in a customized manner according to the mode of operation and to carry out the cleaning process fully automatically according to the program. The metering of the cleaning agent (10) according to the program ensures an always optimal cleaning effect together with sparing use of cleaning agents. Simple and safe handling is achieved by using ball- or tablet-shaped cleaning agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device (10) for delivery of items of candy, tea, coffee beans, nuts or the like, said dispensing device comprising: a stationary container (20); a conveyor screw (30) and drive means (50). The conveyor screw (30) comprises a downstream (31) and an upstream member (32) arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) and at least two elongated rods (37) extending helically from the outer periphery of the upstream member (32) to the outer periphery of the downstream member (31).

Abstract: A head (5) is associated with a device (1) for dispensing measured dosages of a free-flowing material. The head has housing (3) with an interior space (59) with a fill opening (57) and a discharge orifice (62). A shutter bolt (80) is arranged in the housing to open and close the discharge orifice (62) and to loosen and advance the material. The head (5) has a dispensing position, in which the shutter bolt is oriented substantially vertically and a fill position. In the dispensing position, the material is dispensed through the discharge orifice (62). In the fill position, material is filled through the fill opening (57), which is positioned laterally on the housing when the head is in the dispensing position. A rest surface (51) is diametrically opposite the fill opening, so that the head lies on its rest surface in the fill position.

Abstract: An ice dispenser is disclosed herein. The ice dispenser may include an ice chute and an ice gate mechanism positioned about the ice chute. The ice gate mechanism may include a downwardly opening ice gate operated by a pivoting lever system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for supplying devices such as, for example, extruders, injection molding machines or the like with bulk materials such as pellets, chips, granules, powders, flakes, grains, flour or the like, having a housing. It is demonstrated how an optimally smooth passage of such bulk materials through such a metering device is possible without there being any possibility of nests forming and throughflow being hindered in the feed channel.

Abstract: A powder carrier screw includes a rotation shaft which is provided along a path which carries powder such as toner and is rotatably supported by a container forming the path, the rotation shaft having one end from which a rotation driving force is applied, a coil which is provided in a spiral form along an outer circumference of the rotation axis, the coil having a shaft center of the rotation shaft as a shaft center and having both end portions joined to both end portions of the rotation shaft, and the coil rotating along the rotation of the rotation shaft, a thick portion which is provided in at least one end portion of the coil, the thick portion having a thickness larger than a thickness of a general portion of the coil, and a coil welded portion in which the thick portion and the rotation shaft are welded.

Abstract: A cartridge-type single-screw pump (1) is provided. The pump (1) is adapted to volumetrically batch and deliver a certain amount of a fluid contained inside at least one storage tank and to supply it to a nozzle or delivering head. The pump (1) including an external fixed pump body (10) and a removable pumping cartridge (20), with the removable pumping cartridge (20) being adapted to be inserted in at least one insertion seat (11) of the external fixed pump body (10) in order to operatively cooperate with this latter one. A dye-meter is also provided. The dye-meter includes at least one cartridge-type single-screw pump (1).

Abstract: An under counter storage and dispensing device for dry flowable consumables is disclosed. The storage dispenser is comprised of a mounting plate adapted for attachment to the underside of a wall kitchen cabinet, a central compartment connected to the mounting plate and configured for storage and dispensing of a dry flowable consumable. The storage dispenser is further comprised of compartments adjacent to the central compartment, which are configured for storage and retrieval of condiments and/or accessories for the dry flowable consumable, e.g. sugar packets, stirrers, filters. These adjacent compartments are also connected to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A storage dispensing unit provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a hermetic storage container. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e., vacuum, an maintains a hermetic seal when not actively dispensing. Optionally, temperature may also be controlled to enhance the shelf life of the stored ingredient.

Abstract: The device (1) according to the invention for metering and in particular compressing bulk material (2) comprises a conveyor for metering the bulk material. The device (1) further comprises a measuring device for measuring a measuring variable and a receiving device (20) for receiving a container, in particular a bag (22). The conveyor has an outlet (12) for the bulk material (2). The container has a filling opening (23). The receiving device (20) and the outlet (12) can be positioned relative to each other dependent on the measuring variable during the metering of the bulk material (2) into the filling opening (23). In particular, the outlet (12) and the receiving device (20) can be positioned in a manner that can be controlled and/or regulated.

Abstract: Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material.

Abstract: Powder feed cylinder assemblies and powder feeders are provided. A powder feed cylinder assembly includes a cylinder, a bit, and bushings. The cylinder has a main passage, a first feed channel, and a second feed channel, each feed channel at two axial locations between the cylinder's two ends. The bit extends through the main passage and has an outer surface including a helical channel formed thereon. A center bushing is disposed in the main passage between the two axial locations and has a first axially-extending passage through which the bit extends. The first end bushing is disposed in the main passage on one side of the center bushing and has a second axially-extending passage through which the bit extends. The second end bushing is disposed in the cylinder on the other side of the center bushing and has a third axially-extending passage through which the bit extends.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, which can be used for dosage materials in the form of powders or pastes, includes a housing with at least one receptacle compartment formed inside the housing for the purpose of holding the dosage material. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one dispensing head that comprises an elastic material and has an outlet for the dosage material. In the non-stressed condition, i.e. when there is no mechanical force or pressure acting on it, the outlet is tightly closed against the outside. When a force or pressure is applied, the outlet opens up, with the aperture width being variable, dependent on the applied force. Furthermore, inside the receptacle compartment and/or the dispensing head, there is at least one mechanical actuator element arranged through which the outlet can be opened.

Abstract: The configuration of a feedstock material is controlled by bringing it into contact with at least a first gas moving against it at a location with an area and thickness of the feedstock liquid that forms drops or fibers of a selected size. In one embodiment, drops of agricultural input materials are formed for spraying on agricultural fields. In another embodiment, nanofibers of materials such as chitosan or metals are formed. In another embodiment seeds are planted with gel. In another embodiment particles carrying desired agricultural inputs with modified release characteristics are delivered.

Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.

Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: An injection system and method is described. In several exemplary embodiments, the injection system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, a system and method for excavating a subterranean formation. In at least one example, an apparatus is provided that includes a source of impactors comprising at least some ferritic material capable of influence by magnetic fields. An injector is coupled to the source and includes a screw extruder, a screw positioned within a barrel, and at least one magnetic circuit is positioned outside of the barrel.

Abstract: A power measure-dispensing cap including a body having a first end face, which is designed to be brought into contact with a powder container, and a second end face which, together with the first end face, defines at least one feed opening which flares out towards the first end face, the feed opening supplying at least one endless screw; and at least one opening. The opening is disposed in the second end face in contact with the endless screw.

Abstract: A soluble-material container for a beverage vending machine, the container having an outlet; and a spout located at the outlet and defined by a coupling body, and by a tubular body which is fitted to the coupling body, has a lateral inlet opening and an outlet opening, and is movable, with respect to the coupling body, between an open position in which the inlet opening communicates with the outlet, and a closed position closing the outlet.

Abstract: An improved system and method for dispensing dehydrated culture media (DCM) powder into containers for preparation as a culture media. The manual and automated systems and methods operate to dispense DCM powder, as well as liquid, into vessels or media preparation instruments in a manner to avoid DCM dust inhalation by persons in the surrounding area and contamination of equipment and surfaces in the surrounding area. The system can further comprise a carousel arrangement that permits dispensing of DCM powder from multiple containers at multiple volumes and rates. In addition, the containers have a particular configuration for use with the system and method, such as the carousel arrangement, to avoid errors, promote repeatability and eliminate dusting. The containers can also include a device, such as an auger, to facilitated measured dispensing of the DCM powder automatically or manually into a flask, automated media sterilizers or other instruments.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting, storing and discharging a granular matter comprising, an upper end with an inlet opening for receiving the granular matter, a lower end with a collection zone, opposite side walls, which are inwardly inclining from the upper end towards the lower end, opposite end walls, where one end wall has a discharge opening, and a transport device located in the collection zone, for transporting the granular matter through the discharge opening, wherein the side walls are inclined at different angles.

Abstract: An improved undercounter ice dispenser is disclosed that has a multiple piece auger made in sections for moving ice from the dispenser bin to its ice chute. The auger ice chute invention includes a sensor to reduce ice jamming and to detect when the ice chute is filled or needs filling and works in conjunction with a paddle on the auger to help make the transition. Proportional size ice quantities may also be selected via an interface and auger control.

Abstract: A system for applying mushroom growing materials includes a hopper for the materials. A blower unit creates an air stream which acts as a carrier for blowing the material fed by the hopper through a transport hose wrapped partially around a reel. The hose communicates with and feeds the material to an applicating head which is mounted on a mushroom bed. The material is conveyed through the applicating head by being spread in a transverse direction by a distributor. The material is then fed to an applicating member which is preferably a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt deposits the material onto the mushroom bed.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: A sandbag filling apparatus has an auger within a steel pipe mounted to a wheeled frame for easy positioning. The pipe has a sand receiving end positionable beneath a sand pile, and an elevated end with a sand chute for filling sandbags. The auger flights are substantially spaced from the pipe ID and driven by a motor mounted to the pipe. The pipe has an opening which, when positioned beneath a sandpile, allows sand to enter the pipe and to be delivered by the auger to the sand chute. A vibrator is mounted to the pipe between the opening and the elevated end which vibrates a pair of fins arranged on either side of the opening so that sand cannot form a bridge across the opening. Smaller openings may be positioned beneath the fins on either side of the primary sand opening to ease starting the auger with sand present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder assembly (1) for a powdered ingredient (4) for preparing an instant drink. The assembly comprises a holder, a conveyor screw (6), an outflow channel (7) provided on the holder for dispensing ingredient (1), a threshold plate (9) extending into the outflow channel (7), and also a shut-off valve (10) for shutting off the outflow channel (7). The shut-off valve (10) comprises a shut-off body (11) which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor screw (6) between a release position and a shut-off position. In the release position the shut-off body (11) is located downstream of the threshold plate (9), set apart therefrom. In the shut-off position the shut-off body (11) is located next to the threshold plate (9) in such a way that the shut-off body (11) and the threshold plate (9) together shut off the shut-off channel (7). The invention further relates to a drink preparation means comprising a holder assembly (1) according to the invention.

Abstract: A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of the rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from the screw rotary driving axis.

Abstract: To prevent or minimize bridging of material to be dispersed within a containment vessel, a rotatable auger is positioned in close proximity to a curvilinear inner wall surface of the vessel. The auger has an axis that moves parallel to the curved wall surface in a manner such that the auger flights maintain a close working relationship relative to the curved wall surface as the auger is positioned for movement therealong. A spreader apparatus is positioned to receive material dispensed through the vessel outlet port to broadcast the dispensed material externally of the vessel.

Abstract: A cartridge-type single-screw pump (1) is described, adapted to volumetrically batch and deliver a certain amount of a fluid contained inside storage means and to supply it to distributing means, comprising an external fixed pump body (10) and a removable pumping cartridge (20), such removable pumping cartridge (20) being adapted to be inserted in at least one insertion seat (11) of the external fixed pump body (10) in order to operatively cooperate with this latter one. A dye-meter is further described, equipped with at least one cartridge-type single-screw pump (1).

Abstract: The present invention is an automated ice vending machine for delivering ice to consumers. The machine of the present invention includes an insulated enclosure, an ice manufacturing apparatus, a cooling unit, an ice inventory storage bin, an ice agitating device, an incline ice transport device, and a bagger assembly. The present invention also includes a method of vending ice to a consumer.

Abstract: A fluid-dispensing valve for dispensing pressurized fluid from a chamber employs a spring plate adjacent to the aperture. The spring plate includes a peripheral rim extending about the aperture, a sealing member abutting the aperture, and a plurality of springs extending from the peripheral rim to the sealing member. These springs bias the sealing member to close the aperture when the fluid pressure is less than a predetermined limit and allow the sealing member to open the aperture when the fluid pressure exceeds the limit.

Abstract: The grout placement apparatus has a V-shaped hopper with a flexible-bladed auger mounted therein that can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by an auger motor. The auger has flexible blades to drive the grout material along the bottom of the hopper to a discharge sleeve that extends from the hopper. Coupled to the discharge sleeve is a discharge assembly having a flow control valve that is automatically opened and closed by the forward and reverse rotation of the auger, respectively. The discharge assembly is hingedly movable with respect to the hopper, allowing the discharge assembly to “swing away” from its operating position against the discharge sleeve to a position that uncovers the discharge sleeve for easy cleaning. A flexible discharge conduit or hose coupled to the discharge assembly conveys the grout material to the desired placement location.

Abstract: A storage dispensing unit provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a hermetic storage container. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e., vacuum, an maintains a hermetic seal when not actively dispensing. Optionally, temperature may also be controlled to enhance the shelf life of the stored ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device having motor overrunning absorbing means (36). The automatic dosing device according to the invention comprises a dosing screw (2), guiding means (20), a cursor (24), and a movable sealing member (30). The automatic dosing device is characterized by further comprising overrunning absorbing means (36) configured to be operable for preventing a force acting on the cursor (24) and exceeding a predetermined intensity to be transferred to the sealing member (30) independently of the sealing member position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for distributing solid material such as manure or fertiliser is disclosed. The apparatus (10) has a container body (11) mounted to a chassis and conveying means (17) to move the material from a first end of the container body (11) to a second end. The second end is at least partially open and opens onto one or more rotating augers (14A) the axis of the or each auger (14A) being orientated substantially vertically. Cutter blades (91) are included, orientated radially with respect to the auger axis, which blades (91) can have a trapezoidal shape. The auger (14A) has a helical auger flight (92) of generally circular shape when viewed along the axis of the auger (14A). The circumference of the auger flight (92) has one or more cut-outs (81) whose edge lies on the circumference of a circle or ellipse.

Abstract: A feeder is configured to dispense particulate material at a desired rate. The feeder can include a discharge system that allows for the particulate material to be removed from the feeder in an efficient manner. The feeder can include a roller that assists in the agitation of the hopper to facilitate dispensing of the particulate material.

Abstract: The invention describes a low temperature extrusion process and a respective device for an energy-optimized and viscosity-adapted microstructuring of frozen aerated systems like ice cream. Therewith a very finely dispersed microstructure is reached under optimized balance of viscous friction based mechanical energy dissipation (1) and transfer of dissipation heat and additional phase transition (freezing) heat (2) to a refrigerant up to very high frozen water fraction at very low temperatures. With this new process and device aerated masses are continuously frozen and optimally micro-structured under minimized/optimized mechanical energy input. The microstructure of this-like treated masses supports on the one hand preferred rheological properties which lead to improved shaping, portioning and scooping properties, even at very low temperatures, and on the other hand leads to an improved shelf life (heat shock stability) and mouth feel (e.g. creaminess, melting behavior).

Abstract: A fountain for heating and distributing fluidic material is manufactured using various processes and materials. In one embodiment, the fountain includes a heating element encased in an enclosure. A basin containing a medium, such as chocolate, is removably mounted to the enclosure so that the basin is heated by contact with the enclosure. Additionally, an auger having a spiral flight rotates and lifts the melted chocolate upward to a top end of a cylinder that houses the auger. One or more tiers may be mounted, using various locking mechanisms, onto the cylinder to divert flow of the medium. A smaller chocolate fountain that may advantageously be more suitable for home use is also described herein.

Abstract: A modular fountain assembly for controlling the temperature and flow of viscous fluid with a melting point between ambient and approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit is disclosed. The modular assembly for controlling the heating and flow of fluid includes an enclosed controlling base and an upper recirculation module having a detachable lower basin, one or more modular tubular sections, a small high basin on top of the highest tubular section, an Archimedes screw of a set pitch dimension to facilitate the flow of the fluid from the lower reservoir to the small high reservoir atop the tubular section or sections, and a series of circular tiers atop each tubular section. The lower basin is attached to the controlling base using mechanical or electro mechanical support structures. The controlling base provides rotational force for the Archimedes screw at variable rotational speeds to drive the fluid upward within the modular tubes as well as a heating sub module.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of a screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201). According to the invention, the bending load on the screw (2, 12, 102, 202) of the screw discharger is measured by means of one or more transducers (112, 212) which generate a loading signal on the basis of which the drive system (110, 210) controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of the screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201) is controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying material in a dispenser system is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a centerless auger or helix with one or more helical conveying members having a small cross-sectional diameter, a large outer diameter, and a long pitch.

Abstract: A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.