Abstract: A metering machine comprising a frame receiving a hopper, at least one duct opening out into the hopper in the vicinity of a bottom thereof and receiving firstly a portion of a transfer screw extending at the bottom of the hopper, and at least one metering cylinder which slidably receives a suction and delivery piston and which is connected to the duct via a plug valve, wherein the metering cylinder and the duct have axes forming an angle of approximately at least 90° between them.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides approaches for reducing buildup of particulate-matter in particulate-matter-delivery systems. In some embodiments, a trough-shaped feeder is provided in which a rectangular-to-elliptical conduit extends from the trough-shaped feeder. The trough-shaped feeder has a substantially-rectangular feeder opening. The rectangular-to-elliptical conduit has an elliptical end and a rectangular end. The elliptical end of the rectangular-to-elliptical conduit has a substantially-elliptical conduit opening. Interfacing the storage hopper to the trough-shaped feeder via a elliptical-to-rectangular conduit reduces the particulate-matter-delivery system's susceptibility to bridges and rat holes.

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 method for calculating the average weight of each of a plurality of portions of material fed from a hopper. The method is carried out by: first weighing the hopper; after the first weighing, dispensing a given plurality of portions of material; then, in a second weighing step, again weighing the hopper; calculating the difference between the weight of the hopper determined in the first weighing step and the weight of the hopper determined in the second weighing step, the difference constituting the loss of weight of the hopper; and dividing the loss of weight of the hopper by the given plurality of portions. The weighing steps may be performed with a weighing device having a load cell and the given plurality of portions is equal to at least the number calculated by dividing the sensitivity of the load cell by the estimated weight of each fed portion.

Abstract: An ice maker assembly includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an ice bucket that has a bottom wall, opposing side walls extending from the bottom wall, a front wall, and a back wall. The bottom wall, side walls, front wall, and back wall define an ice collection cavity. The ice bucket also includes a plurality of ribs extending from the bottom wall into the ice collection cavity, and a rotatable auger extending between the front and back walls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for accurately metering and conveying a dry powder or granular material to a blender in a substantially closed system. The apparatus includes a storage tank adapted to hold the dry powder or granular material, a hopper disposed inside of the storage tank; and a conveyor at least partially disposed inside of the storage tank, which delivers the dry powder or granular material to the hopper. The apparatus also includes a metering feeder adapted to deliver the dry powder or granular material at a substantially uniform density from the hopper to a blender located outside of the storage tank. The apparatus is a substantially closed system, thus minimizing the risk that the dry powder or granular material will become airborne.

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 dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: A device for dosed dispensing of flowable material components comprises supply containers receiving the material components and having an outlet and with at least one removal element having an inlet. Each material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw with controllable drive. The removal element can be docked to the outlet of the supply container, wherein the screw is disposed without drive, but rotatable in the region of the outlet and within the supply container and has an outlet-side coupling element. A controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal element whose drive shaft has a terminal coupling element which can be connected to the coupling element of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith, and also having a closing piece sealing the outlet of the supply container. The closing piece for the outlet of the supply container is loaded with an axial spring force to hold the closing piece in sealing abutment on the outlet.

Abstract: An auger apparatus for conveying ice, together with the auger itself and an apparatus for storing ice in a storage bin which uses such an auger apparatus is provided. The auger is disposed in a tube, and does not require cylindrical bearings at its ends. The auger is rotationally molded, of one-piece hollow molded construction, preferably of a plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges.

Abstract: A beverage powder mixing drink dispenser (10, 10?) having a hopper (12) for containing a supply of powder, a source of water (14) and a controller (16), all contained within a housing (60) has a mixing assembly (52) with an electrical motor (42) with an annular stator (40) mounted to the housing (60) and an annular rotor (44) mounted to rotate around a motor axis (46) within the annular stator (40) when the stator is energized, a mixing chamber (34) with a hollow body (48) and at least one mixing member within the hollow body (48), mounting structure (49,50) for releasably mounting the hollow body (48) of the mixing chamber (34) to the rotor (44) to rotate with the rotor relative to the stator about the motor axis, the controller selectively passing powder and water into the mixing chamber to be mixed together in the mixing chamber (34) during rotation of the mixing chamber and the mixing member when the stator is energized, and means (16, 38) and controlling energizing of the stator (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing canister that improves dosing consistency and powder evacuation, particularly when dry powdered beverage-forming or food-forming material having poor intrinsic flowing properties are to be dispensed. The canister includes a reservoir having two terminal walls and two side walls, a rotatable volumetric dosing device longitudinally extending in the reservoir, and a main agitating wheel arranged to gear on the rotatable volumetric dosing device to rotate in the reservoir upon actuation of the rotatable dosing device. The secondary agitating wheel is arranged to gear on the main agitating wheel and the two wheels are vertically offset so that the main wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to a first terminal wall whereas the secondary wheel is arranged to act in a downward rotation closer to the second terminal wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from finely divided particulate material comprises a housing including a vent; an inlet to the housing; an outlet from the housing; a helix, rotatably mounted in the housing, the helix being adapted upon rotation to feed a particulate material from the inlet to the outlet; a motor mounted to the helix for the purpose of rotating the helix; and a compression assembly mounted to the outlet for compressing the particulate material passing through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device. The purpose of the device is to store and dose material, kept inside a container part, and to make it possible for an operator to refill the container with material. The automatic dosing device therefore comprises a refilling container (1), a dosing screw (5), a control system, a driving motor and a guiding mechanism (14-16, 19). The container (1) stores the material, the screw (5) doses it out of the container (1), the system controls the dosing and the mechanism (14-16, 19) guides the container between an inner position where the device can dose material and an outer position where an operator is allowed to refill it with material. The automatic dosing device could preferably be used with a laundry washing machine but there is also possibilities to use the automatic dosing device in another machine that requires an easy handle automatic dosing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from finely divided particulate material comprises a housing including a vent; an inlet to the housing; an outlet from the housing; a helix, rotatably mounted in the housing, the helix being adapted upon rotation to feed a particulate material from the inlet to the outlet; a motor mounted to the helix for the purpose of rotating the helix; and a compression assembly mounted to the outlet for compressing the particulate material passing through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a dosing screw unit for an automatic dosing device The purpose of the automatic dosing device is to control the dosing of stored material, kept inside (29) a container (27), out of the storage. The object of the dosing screw unit according to the invention is to achieve a dosing, closing and cleaning arrangement for the automatic dosing device. The screw unit therefore comprises parts that interact with the thread of the dosing screw (1), which parts constitutes an attacher (14) that interacts with the thread and scratches of material clogged on the screw, closer that closes the outlet of the dosing unit and a director that prevents the parts from rotating around the dosing screw (1).

Abstract: A device for dosed allocation of a flowable material component with at least one supply container for receiving the material component has an outlet and an associated removal device having an inlet via which the material component can be removed from the supply container in dosed charges by a screw and a controllable drive. The supply container and the removal device can be moved relative to each other to connect the outlet of the supply container to the inlet of the removal. The screw is disposed, without drive, in the region of the outlet of each supply container and comprises an outlet-side coupling means. The controllable drive is disposed in the region of the inlet of the removal device and comprises a drive shaft with a terminal coupling which can be connected to a coupling of the screw for secure mutual rotation therewith. A supply container and a removal means for such a device as well as container scales with a removal means of the above-mentioned type are also proposed.

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 liquid dispenser has an augering screw that serves both a metering function and a valving function. The augering screw is axially movable between a position in which fluid can flow and a sealing position in which liquid flow through the nozzle is substantially prevented. The screw is preferably designed with a curved contour between the threads and with a plurality of thread-defining channels to allow liquid to fill more completely around the screw and to dispense more liquid with fewer screw turns than prior screw designs.

Abstract: A highly-viscous-fluid applying apparatus including a fluid supply device operable to supply a highly viscous fluid, a delivery nozzle from which the highly viscous fluid is delivered, a pump disposed between the fluid supply device and the delivery nozzle and operable to feed the highly viscous fluid received from the fluid supply device, to the delivery nozzle, and a pump control device operable to control the pump, for controlling an amount of delivery of the highly viscous fluid to be delivered from the delivery nozzle.

Abstract: Method and device for metering granular materials which comprises a least one dispensing element, driving means arranged to control the dispensing element, sensing means designed to detect the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element, and a program control unit designed to control the control means and disable it as soon as the amount of granules delivered by the dispensing element has reached a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A bifurcated bracket carries two powder dispensing assemblies. Each assembly includes a powder reservoir and a rotatable screw received within a compliant silicone sleeve. The outer diameter of the screw is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve such that the screw blade maintains direct contact with the sleeve wall as the screw is rotated. The bracket is sequentially moved to align each assembly with containers in two arrays. Each array of containers is situated in a tray. The trays are manually positioned on independent scales which generate signals that are a function of the sensed weight of each array. To fill each container, the screw in the aligned assembly is rotated at a high rate for an initial period and then at a slower rate. The scales are operational only during the slower rate period. Assembly movement and screw rotation are computer controlled.

Abstract: A rotary-linear system is configured to operate an associated tool. The system includes a rotary-linear actuator having first and second portions that can move linearly and/or rotationally relative to each other, such as about a central axis extending through the actuator. An elongated drive rod extends axially through at least a portion of the actuator, which is operative to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof generally independently of the actuator. While the rotation of the drive rod can be independent of movement of the actuator, such rotation can be controlled based on the position and/or movement of the actuator. An end of the drive rod near a distal end of the actuator is operative to actuate an associated tool, such as can be mounted at a distal end of the actuator.

Abstract: A dosing device for bulk goods comprises a mounting frame (2) in which a trough (4) with a dosing screw (28) is arranged, a drive motor (30) and at least one first vibrating paddle (48). The trough (4) comprises two opposing sidewalls (14, 16), of which at least one flexible sidewall (14) is flexible and the vibrating paddle (48) is arranged on said flexible sidewall (14). The upper edges of said sidewalls (14, 16) are not parallel to each other. A significant improvement in mass flow may be achieved, with a particularly effective prevention of cavity formation, whereby any bulk goods bridges which are formed are rapidly and effectively broken. Even bulk goods which have a clearly poor flow characteristic and tend to clump or stick to the trough sidewalls can be dosed without problems.

Abstract: A device for the control of dosing of a time dependent mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) for a helical dosing equipment (1) with a weighing machine (9) and a method of operation of such a device. The device includes a modulation detector (31), with which the periodic deviation of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) from a target value can be analyzed. The modulation detector (31) is connected to a speed modulator (32), with which the rotational speed f of the extraction helix (4) can be suitably phase shift modulated according to the curve shape derived by the modulation detector (31), whereby the deviations of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) are reduced to the unavoidable random deviations and the periodic deviation of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) can be eliminated. Both for the analysis of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) and also for the calculation of the modulation function analog or digital integrated electronic components can be applied.

Abstract: A metering machine comprising a frame receiving a hopper, at least one duct opening out into the hopper in the vicinity of a bottom thereof and receiving firstly a portion of a transfer screw extending at the bottom of the hopper, and at least one metering cylinder which slidably receives a suction and delivery piston and which is connected to the duct via a plug valve, wherein the metering cylinder and the duct have axes forming an angle of approximately at least 90° between them.

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 system for feeding portions of material to an injection molding machine including a feeding device that can be a screw feeder, an external container, a material hopper with inclined and parallel walls located inside the container, a load cell that is coupled to the material hopper and a controller. The system dispenses accurate weight portions of material in a given time and for a given duration. The system controls the portion weight by weighing a number of dispensed portions using loss-in-weight of the hopper, divides the weight to the number of portion and, when needed, controls the spin of the screw feeder motor.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser operates automatically when a hand is present. The dispenser has a screw mounted on a bottle cap housing that turns to pump liquid from an inverted bottle. The screw is turned by a sensor activated motor. A valve opens to allow air to enter the bottle to replace the volume of soap dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.

Abstract: A food product cartridge comprising a delivery and dosage member, said cartridge having a base part wherein an endless screw and a delivery opening are housed, characterized in that the endless screw is provided to operate a shutter for opening and closing the delivery opening.

Abstract: Direct sugar dispensing system in automatic hot beverage vending machines, being of the type of automatic hot beverage vending machines, for beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolate, in whose selection a cup (4) is provided which the selected product is poured into. There are also other elements, in such a way that the sugar storage compartment (5) is assembled with its outlet over the receiving point of the cups (4) which the selected product is poured into and close to them. In the sugar outlet for direct dispensing into the corresponding cup (4) which the selected product is poured into, there is a gate (13) operated by a motor or coil (14).

Abstract: A process, a means of transferring mineable material from any number of sources to a number of devices capable of separating out values from that mineable material. See (FIG. 1) the mineable material enters the hose (1), the hose (1) being under vacuum, and is transferred in a flow of air to the upper portion of a hopper (2). The hopper (2) is also under vacuum. The flow of air leaves the upper portion of the hopper (2) through hose (4), which is connected, to a vacuum blower (5). The mineable material, being heavier than air is deposited in the hopper (2). The mineable material is removed from the bottom of the hopper (2) by means of a variable speed drive screw conveyor (3) and is transferred to a separation device (8). The level of heavy mineable material (6) contained in the hopper (2), along with the mineable material contained in the screw conveyor (3) causes a seal against the force of vacuum and allows the mineable material to enter and be removed from hopper (2) simultaneously if desired.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser operates automatically when a hand is present. The dispenser has a screw mounted on a bottle cap housing that turns to pump liquid from an inverted bottle. The screw is turned by a sensor activated motor. A valve open to allow air to enter the bottle to replace the volume of soap dispensed.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A system for feeding portions of material to an injection molding machine including a feeding device that can be a screw feeder, an external container, a material hopper with inclined and parallel walls located inside the container, a load cell that is coupled to the material hopper and a controller. The system dispenses accurate weight portions of material in a given time and for a given duration. The system controls the portion weight by weighing a number of dispensed portions using loss-in-weight of the hopper, divides the weight to the number of portion and, when needed, controls the spin of the screw feeder motor.

Abstract: A bifurcated bracket carries two powder dispensing assemblies. Each assembly includes a powder reservoir and a rotatable screw received within a compliant silicone sleeve. The outer diameter of the screw is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve such that the screw blade maintains direct contact with the sleeve wall as the screw is rotated. The bracket is sequentially moved to align each assembly with containers in two arrays. Each array of containers is situated in a tray. The trays are manually positioned on independent scales which generate signals that are a function of the sensed weight of each array. To fill each container, the screw in the aligned assembly is rotated at a high rate for an initial period and then at a slower rate. The scales are operational only during the slower rate period. Assembly movement and screw rotation are computer controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjustably directing granular material through a container. The apparatus includes a converging transition portion defining an input opening that converges to an output opening having a first transverse opening dimension (x1). The apparatus further includes an elongated chimney portion coupled to the converging transition portion and having a second transverse opening dimension (x2), where the first transverse opening dimension (x1) is smaller than the second transverse opening dimension (x2). This configuration reduces the outlet pressure created in the converging transition portion as the granular material passes through the container to minimize bridging of the granular material within the container.

Abstract: A bulk-solid metering system has a support structure. A feed hopper is mounted with respect to the structure and has an upper edge. In the improvement, the structure includes an upper member and the upper edge is below such upper member. The structure defines a lateral opening sized and shaped to permit the feed hopper to be withdrawn laterally through the opening. The feed hopper includes a spout extending therefrom. In a highly preferred embodiment, the lateral opening is positioned to permit withdrawal of the feed hopper in a direction away from the spout. The feed hopper is configured to promote very good mass flow as well as to permit agitation in that, in one embodiment, it has a body made of flexible material. There is a hopper upper flange and the spout is spaced below such flange. The body has a first cross-sectional shape, e.g., circular, adjacent to the upper flange and has a second cross-sectional shape, e.g., ellipse-like, intermediate the upper flange and the spout.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from finely divided particulate material comprises a housing including a vent; an inlet to the housing; an outlet from the housing; a helix, rotatably mounted in the housing, the helix being adapted upon rotation to feed a particulate material from the inlet to the outlet; a motor mounted to the helix for the purpose of rotating the helix; and a compression assembly mounted to the outlet for compressing the particulate material passing through the outlet.

Abstract: A multiple filling device having a hopper, multiple supply nozzles each having a rotating sleeve for transferring rotational movement to a feeding screw to distribute content material stored in a divided portion of the hopper. The rotating sleeve is motivated by a driving motor. A main driving motor is also rotatably connected to multiple agitating blades each residing inside the divided portion.

Abstract: A portable dispensing device includes a hopper, a rotatable auger, a drive unit, and a rigid base. The hopper defines a receptacle including an upper opening for receiving a large quantity of bulk material and a lower opening for dispensing measured quantities of bulk material. The rotatable auger is positioned at the lower opening of the hopper for controlling the amount of bulk material which is dispensed from the hopper. The drive unit controls rotatable movement of the auger. The rigid base carries and provides support for the portable dispensing device during portable movement thereof.

Abstract: A metering unit for dough and related foodstuffs having a dough feeder unit, support structure, dough hopper, effluent housing, drive motor and centerless helix, with the effluent housing including an inlet, center and outlet section. The centerless helix is disposed within the effluent housing, and is rotatably coupled to the drive motor. Dough is fed into an aperture in the input section of the effluent housing, and upon rotation of the centerless helix, is discharged from the outlet section of the effluent housing. The internal flowpath of the effluent housing can include a separate discharge liner to prevent the centerless helix from contacting the flowpath wall. Additional control mechanisms can be included to limit motor power output and protect the system in event of an overpressure condition. The system is portable, and can be coupled to a conventional conveyor system to create an integrated approach to dough metering and transport.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser has an augering screw that serves both a metering function and a valving function. The augering screw is axially movable between a position in which fluid can flow and a sealing position in which liquid flow through the nozzle is substantially prevented. The screw is preferably designed with a curved contour between the threads and with a plurality of thread-defining channels to allow liquid to fill more completely around the screw and to dispense more liquid with fewer screw turns than prior screw designs.

Abstract: A device for metering flowable products, such as products in the form of powder, granules, or microspheres, usable, for example, for the preparation of treatment baths, such as baths for dyeing, comprises at least one passage for the material to be delivered, the passage leading to a diaphragm. The aforesaid diaphragm can be moved according to a vibratory motion produced, for example, by a vibrating member mounted on the device. Preferably, the diaphragm carries, associated to it, a further diaphragm, which, in conditions of fine dispensing, comes up against the first diaphragm, so as to achieve, by the effect of the common vibratory motion, an action antagonistic to the formation of aggregates or micro-aggregates in the material to be delivered.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a particulate material from a fill tube of a container filling system is herein disclosed. The rotary flow control device of the present invention includes a stationary plate having flow openings formed therethrough and a rotating plate having similar flow openings. The stationary plate is secured to a distal end of the fill tube such that particulate materials flow from the fill tube will pass through the flow openings of the stationary plate and become somewhat compacted. The rotating plate is adjacent the stationary plate and rotates with respect to the stationary plate so as to shear off masses of particulate materials extruded through the stationary plate in a controlled manner. Preferably the rotating plate will be coupled to the shaft of an auger where the shaft of the auger extends through the stationary plate.

Abstract: A mobile dispensing apparatus for dispensing flowable material from a plurality of containers is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame having an upper and lower portion connected with a plurality of supports. A wheeled axle connects to the lower portion of the frame to allow for moving the mobile dispensing apparatus. A plurality of container support frames contained within the upper portion of the frame provide support for containers. The apparatus includes a plurality of tapered bins with an open end connected to the upper portion of the frame for receiving the contents of the containers, and a closed end opposite to the open end located adjacent to the lower portion of the frame. A motor is attached to the frame, and an auger powered by the motor moves the contents of the containers from the closed end of the bins through the auger and out of the mobile dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjustably directing granular material through a container. The apparatus includes a converging transition portion defining an input opening that converges to an output opening having a first transverse opening dimension (x1). The apparatus further includes an elongated chimney portion coupled to the converging transition portion and having a second transverse opening dimension (x2), where the first transverse opening dimension (x1) is smaller than the second transverse opening dimension (x2). This configuration reduces the outlet pressure created in the converging transition portion as the granular material passes through the container to minimize bridging of the granular material within the container.

Abstract: A fluent material containing and dispensing apparatus including a hopper having four sidewalls. A tube mounts to one of the sidewalls, and an auger extends from one end of the tube to the opposite end of the hopper, driving material in the hopper through the tube when the auger is rotated. A flexible hose is mounted to the underside of the tube and material in the tube pours into the hose, which can be kinked to slow or stop flow of material. A gap is formed between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall. A radially inwardly extending flange can be mounted to the tube wall to slow the flow of material through the gap. Alternatively, a compressible sleeve can be mounted in the gap between the outer surfaces of the auger and the tube wall extending a substantial length of the tube.