Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing device for a product in powder form, comprising a holder (10) intended to hold a first quantity of the product therein. The holder is provided with dosing means to draw off the product from the holder and move it to an outlet. The dosing means comprise a worm body (20) with a worm thread (21). In a first aspect the worm body comprises at an outer end facing toward the outflow opening at least one further worm thread (22) which runs between the first worm thread (21). In a second aspect the worm thread (21) encloses a smaller volume between successive turns at a base than between successive turns in a part thereof located further toward the outer end.

Abstract: In the field of mixing rubber mixtures, the invention is directed to a rotor (100) for use in an internal mixer having a mixing vessel in which the rotor rotates, the rotor having one or more blades (104), each blade having a tip (104a) with a profile having a predefined curvature; and an anti-wear device detachably fixed to the tip (104a) of at least one blade, the anti-wear device including a plate (110) with a profile defined by a lower surface (112) with a curvature complementary to that of the tip 104a and an upper surface (114) with a curvature complementary to that of a wall of the vessel to define, between them, a zone of minimum distance that allows passage of the mixture between the plate (110) and the wall of the vessel. The invention is also directed to an internal mixer having at least one mixing vessel in which the disclosed rotor (100) rotates.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system for evacuating fluid from a flexible container. The system includes a spout connected to a flexible container. A passageway within the spout is in fluid communication with an inside of the flexible container, and the passageway has a top end and a bottom end. An evacuation facilitating structure is positioned proximate the bottom end of the passageway and has a fluid channel therethrough. The evacuation facilitating structure blocks portions of the wall of the flexible container from entering the bottom end of the passageway and preventing fluid from evacuating the container via the passageway.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system is provided. The system includes multiple sidewalls forming an ice bin cavity configured to store ice. The system further includes an auger drive assembly. The auger drive assembly includes a drive assembly that is coupled to one of the multiple sidewalls and has a motor configured to rotate a drive gear. The auger drive assembly further includes an auger assembly positioned within the ice bin cavity. The auger assembly includes a helical auger coupled to an auger gear. The drive gear is configured to mate with the auger gear to drive rotation of the helical auger and cause ice to be dispensed through an ice chute. The drive assembly is additionally configured to move relative to the auger assembly between a closed position and an opened position. The opened position permits removal of the auger assembly from the ice bin cavity.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing liquid material includes a hollow reservoir for accommodating a syringe and having an elongated nipple at one end of the reservoir, a piston including a shaft disposed therein, and a bracket adapted to receive the nipple of the reservoir and the piston. The reservoir nipple provides a fluid path for liquid material dispensed from the syringe supported in the reservoir. The bracket receives the nipple of the reservoir such that the fluid path for the liquid material is oriented towards a nozzle disposed in the bracket. The nipple also has holes disposed near an end thereof, and the bracket is adapted to receive the piston oriented with respect to the reservoir nipple such that the shaft of the piston is aligned with the holes in the nipple and the nozzle. The shaft is displaceable through the holes in the nipple towards the nozzle.

Abstract: An injection unit for an injection molding machine includes a cylindrical body rotatably supported in a housing interior for rotational coupling with a plasticizing screw. The cylindrical body is fixed to rotate with the plasticizing screw about an injection axis. A gear train in the housing includes a central gear mounted about, and fixed to rotate with, the cylindrical body, the central gear having an uppermost extent vertically above the injection axis and opposed first and second lateral extents on horizontally opposed sides of the injection axis. A rotary drive for powering rotation of the plasticizing screw includes a first motor having a first motor shaft rotatable about a first motor axis, the first motor axis parallel to the injection axis, the first motor axis at a first elevation below the uppermost extent of the central gear, and laterally outboard of the first lateral extent of the central gear.

Abstract: In one example, a detachable adapter to adapt a drive shaft on a printer to a drive mechanism on a toner cartridge and to transmit rotation of the drive shaft to the drive mechanism. The adapter includes a cylindrical part having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end configured to detachably receive and engage an end of the drive shaft so that the part will rotate with the drive shaft when the part is attached to the drive shaft, and a driver mounted to or integral with the second end and configured to drivingly connect the part to the drive mechanism on the toner cartridge when the part is attached to the drive shaft and the toner cartridge is installed in the printer.

Abstract: A crop unloader having a frame, an unloader tube mounted to the frame, a driven gear fixed to the unloader tube and having driven teeth extending radially from a first axis, a drive gear mounted to the frame and having drive teeth extending radially from a second axis and extending to mesh at an engagement location with the driven teeth during rotation of the drive gear about the second axis, and a motor operable to rotate the drive gear to rotate the driven gear to move the unloader tube between a first position about the first axis and a second position about the first axis. The teeth form a tapered gap at the engagement location, the tapered gap extending from an upper end to a lower end and being larger at the lower end than at the upper end. An agricultural combine having the crop unloader is also provided.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester includes an auger assembly including an auger having an auger shaft defining an axis of rotation and a fighting carried by the auger shaft, the auger being configured to rotate the fighting in a sweeping path about the axis of rotation and convey cleaned crop material toward the crop material elevator; an auger trough placed adjacent to the auger to hold crop material in the sweeping path; and an auger cover held above the sweeping path that is configured to direct flung crop material toward the auger and/or the auger trough.

Abstract: An injection device includes a spline supporting member rotatably supporting a spline shaft and attached to a pressure plate, and a nut supporting member rotatably supporting a spline nut and attached to a rear plate. The spline supporting member is provided with a spline positioning mechanism for adjusting the mounting position of the spline supporting member. The nut supporting member is provided with a nut positioning mechanism for adjusting the mounting position of the nut supporting member. The spline supporting member and the nut supporting member are formed with holes for axial-center checking, rods being inserted through the holes.

Abstract: A method for providing material to a gasifier. The method comprises providing a feedstock. A flow of the feedstock is formed. The flow is then delivered to a gasifier such that it provides a substantially airtight seal to the gasifier.

Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.

Abstract: A feed transport trailer with a low center of gravity is particularly useful for transportation of particulate material. A storage vessel is attached to a frame assembly which is lower than the attachment point on a tractor. The storage vessel has a central low conveyor mechanism that extends to the rear of the trailer and is used for unloading. The conveyor extends beyond rear axles that have center depressed areas to allow the vessel and conveyor to be located close to the ground.

Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.

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: An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a thin article or a thin coating on a previously manufactured solid body. At least two reactive polymer materials are mixed together thoroughly and die resultant mixture is discharged via a nozzle in the form of a thin tube. This thin tube is pulverized or atomized by means of the introduction of a controlled flow of pressurized air with the result that die pulverized mixture may be sprayed onto an open mold or onto a surface or onto a previously manufactured solid body which is to be coated.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for gravity feeding of a dispensable product includes containing means and dispensing means. The containing means is adapted to contain the dispensable product and is operatively connected to the dispensing means whereby the dispensing means includes a chute means. Rotation of the chute means can cause the dispensable product to be able to be dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the metered filling of bulk material having a metering screw (16), which is arranged in a hollow cylinder shaped metering tube (12) and which can be slid in a longitudinal axis (L) of the metering tube (12), having a closing head (18) for closing a metering opening (14), wherein the closing head (18) has a substantially conical surface (20) and the metering tube (12) transitions after the metering opening (14) into a hollow cylinder shaped mouthpiece (32) having a larger inner diameter (DMi) compared to the inner diameter (dRi) of the metering tube (12).

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 material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for the delivery of a substance in discrete form comprises a conveying element in which the discharge end thereof is a close fit in a discharge bushing thereby to ensure that the correct dosage of substance is discharged on a consistent basis. At least a portion of the conveying element located adjacent the discharge wall has a sharp edge for an easy breaking of larger particles of the feeding substance to ensure accurate dosage.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.

Abstract: A feeding device, particularly for feeding powdered materials into a device processing the same, in particular an extruder, the feeding device including a housing with a receiving region for receiving the material, which is movable laterally over at least one flexible wall, which is movable by at least one moving mechanical element acting thereon, wherein the element is movable along the wall. The wall exterior has bumps, is moved via the element, and/or the element is non-round in its motion.

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 method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus, which is capable of delivering precise quantities of a liquid product less than one mm3 in size, includes a drive mechanism, a housing made up of at least two input channels coupled to a chamber made up of a first portion and a second portion. First and second component liquids are delivered via the first and second input channels respectively to the chamber and the first and second input channels are disposed so that interaction is hindered between the first component liquid and the second component liquid in either input channel. At least one feed screw with a helical thread is disposed in the chamber such that when the at least one feed screw is rotated by the drive mechanism the first and second component liquids are mixed to form a liquid product and the feed screw rotation also discharges the liquid product from the chamber.

Abstract: A topping dispenser includes a refrigerated cabinet for storing one or more toppings therein. An automated dispense mechanism operates to dispense predetermined amounts of the topping from the cabinet, using a weighing system to measure the appropriate amount.

Abstract: A viscous liquid material discharging method and apparatus can minimize the problem of wear of a sealing member due to friction, and minimize a rotational force required at the time of starting discharge of a highly-viscous liquid material. The apparatus includes a screw having a helical blade which is axially provided over a surface of a rod-like member, a rotation driving mechanism for rotating the screw, a main body having a screw insertion bore in which the screw is inserted, a liquid material supply port formed in a lateral side of the screw insertion bore, and a liquid material supply flow passage communicating with the liquid material supply port, a sealing member which is disposed in the screw insertion bore and through which the screw penetrates, and a nozzle mounted to the main body and communicating with the screw insertion bore.

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 medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for quantitatively supplying a liquid in a plasma sterilization system. The device includes a quantitative cylinder, a quantitative piston and a quantitative basket. The quantitative cylinder includes a quantitative inlet pipe, which is configured such that the outlet of a liquid container is inserted thereinto, and a liquid in the liquid container is vertically supplied to the quantitative cylinder, and a quantitative outlet pipe, which is configured such that the liquid is vertically drained from the quantitative cylinder. The quantitative piston is configured to rectilinearly reciprocate in the quantitative cylinder, and is provided with a quantitative transfer depression, which is formed in the leading end thereof to a predetermined depth. The quantitative basket is configured to quantitatively receive the liquid according to the rectilinear reciprocation of the quantitative piston.

Abstract: Pneumatic particulate material fill systems and methods are disclosed. A particulate material fill system includes a cyclone separator having an inlet adapted to receive pneumatically conveyed particulate material. The cyclone separator has a first outlet adapted to vent air and a second outlet adapted to discharge solids. The particulate material fill system includes a tank adapted to receive solids discharged from the cyclone separator via the second outlet. The tank is adapted for use at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for the metered filling of bulk material having a metering screw (16), which is arranged in a hollow cylinder shaped metering tube (12) and which can be slid in a longitudinal axis (L) of the metering tube (12), having a closing head (18) for closing a metering opening (14), wherein the closing head (18) has a substantially conical surface (20) and the metering tube (12) transitions after the metering opening (14) into a hollow cylinder shaped mouthpiece (32) having a larger inner diameter (DMi) compared to the inner diameter (dRi) of the metering tube (12).

Abstract: There is provided a paste application device which can solve problems of an increased exclusively occupied space attributed to an arrangement of a syringe and of deterioration of a tube. In a paste application unit 15 (a paste application device) for applying a paste 7 stored in a syringe 16 to an application target material, a configuration is adopted in which a pump mechanism 18 for sending the paste 7 under pressure is formed by causing a discharge thread portion 32b provided at a lower portion of a rotary member 32 to rotate about an axis AX within a discharge space 31b provided in a casing portion 31, in which a discharge port 17a, which communicates with the discharge space 31b, is provided at an end portion of the casing portion 31, and in which the syringe 16 is disposed coaxially with the rotary member 32 for detachable connection thereto.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven powder feeder system which is partly disposed within a municipal sewer for the purpose of providing periodic dispersal of wastewater treatment powder. A pneumatic source apparatus is disposed outside the sewer and provides a pneumatic source regulated by a solenoid valve control system. A pneumatically driven powder feeder apparatus is disposed in the sewer and is connected to the pneumatic source by a feed line. In response to periodic delivery of the pneumatic source to the pneumatically driven powder feeder apparatus, the powder is delivered to the wastewater of the sewer.

Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus for the delivery of a substance in discrete form comprises a conveying element in which the discharge end thereof is a close fit in a discharge bushing thereby to ensure that the correct dosage of substance is discharged on a consistent basis.

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 feeding device for an in-line screw machine with a shaft rotating in a feed container. A conveying screw is arranged in the direction toward the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft. At least one disk wheel is allocated to each longitudinal side in the feed container. A separate drive is allocated to each disk wheel for purposes of rotational movement.

Abstract: A bag construction is provided comprising a bag, a first conduit sealed to the feed bag, an impeller device secured within the bag and extending from the first conduit in the bag to a second end and a one piece cap that is removably mounted on the first conduit. Optionally, the bag has a second conduit sealed to the interior of the bag for supplying wash reagent such as gas or a liquid to the bag. The impeller device is driven to cause all material in the bag to flow out the first conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held applicator unit for viscous materials having a screw pump disposed in a pump casing which is in communication with a drive, wherein the pump inlet has a product intake with a flexible supply line and the pump outlet contains a shaped mouthpiece.

Abstract: A storage container for granular fuel, comprising a lower, essentially horizontal, limiting surface and at least one adjoining lateral limiting surface, a feeding out device with an axial extension that considerably exceeds its radial extension, the feeding out device being arranged along at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and even more preferred at least 90% of the axial extension of said lower limiting surface, a forward-feeding device arranged to transport said fuel in a direction towards said feeding out device, comprising a flexible bag that via a pressurized air inlet is inflatable and that is arranged in connection with at least a portion of the storage container's lower limiting surface and its adjoining lateral limiting surface, the feeding out device being arranged inside said storage container and the bag also comprising at least one outlet for pressurized air, whereby a flow of pressurized air is allowed through the bag during the inflation thereof.

Abstract: Screw feeder (1) for transporting and/or metering pulverulent or granular material, having a rotatably mounted feeder screw (3) for the transport of material from a storage vessel (2) to a discharge opening (6), and having a variable-speed motor (4) for driving the feeder screw, characterized in that the speed is controlled by a programmable regulating device (7) which regulates the speed of the motor as a function of the respectively determined rotary position of the feeder screw within one full worm revolution.

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: An applicator mixes an additive with a fluid stream and dispenses the resultant mixture. The applicator includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a downstream auger chamber, a downstream mixing chamber, and a flow path fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the mixing chamber. A turbine auger assembly including an auger and a rotor is rotatably connected to the housing to move the additive towards the mixing chamber, help mix the additive with the fluid stream, and then disperse the mixture to the auger chamber, which includes a hopper port and a downstream auger chamber exit exposed to the mixing chamber. The turbine auger assembly is rotatably connected to the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for preheating a batch (12) of glass cullet which is preferably enriched with raw materials for glass production, comprising a bunker (14) preferably having flow ducts for the passage of warm (off)gas. To discharge the preheated batch of glass cullet from the bunker, the apparatus has one or more discharge worms (26), by way of which the batch of glass cullet can be conveyed to at least one outflow opening (28) in the base region of the bunker (14).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a powder dispensing assembly including a housing, a hopper assembly comprising one or more hoppers for containing powders to be dispensed contained within said housing, an outlet passage engaged with the hopper assembly for discharging selected amounts of powder from the hopper assembly and a powder moving assembly contained within each hopper for moving powder within the hopper assembly to the outlet passage. A trigger mechanism is also incorporated which initiates the powder moving assembly for dispensing the powder. A printed circuit board (printed circuit board) is activated by the trigger mechanism and sends a signal to a media content delivery system. The media content delivery system delivers an audio, video, or audiovisual message to the user of the dispensing assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an ice dispensing apparatus. The ice dispenser discharges a predetermined number of ice pieces at a time, and thus malfunctioning or errors caused by bottleneck condition can be prevented. Furthermore, inside a case of the ice dispenser, pieces of ice can be effectively prevented from sticking to each other in a simple way, and thus the reliability of products can be increased. The ice dispensing apparatus includes a case, a driving unit, and a regulator. The case includes an inlet receiving ice and an outlet discharging ice. The driving unit is disposed inside or outside the case. The regulator is disposed in the case at a predetermined side and rotatable by the driving unit. The regulator includes a spiral blade having a predetermined blade interval. A predetermined number of pieces of ice are guided by rotation of the spiral blade to the outlet of the case.