Abstract: An apparatus for unloading heat meltable material from a container including a vertically moveable platen assembly having a platen supported by a platen carriage. The weight of the platen assembly is trapped between a balance spring which urges the platen assembly upwardly and a pressure spring which exerts a downward pressure on the platen assembly. The springs are fixed about a motor driven lead screw retaining the balance spring against the platen assembly from below and a pressure adjusting nut retaining the pressure spring against the platen assembly from above. Descent of the lead screw without an equivalent movement by the platen assembly will cause a disequilibrium in spring tensions as the balance spring expands and the pressure spring compresses. A limiting switch restricts the amount the lead screw can move after platen contact with the heat meltable material prevents further platen carriage movement.

Abstract: A control for loss-in-weight feeders which decreases flow error during refill of the feeder hopper. The weight range (empty to full capacity) of the hopper is divided into weight increments. Samples are taken of the hopper weight during discharge and refill, and each sample is assigned to a weight increment. During discharge, a scale factor related to the density of material in the hopper is computed, assigned to a weight increment and stored in memory; and the hopper feed screw is driven at a speed proportional to the computed scale factor. During refill, the stored scale factors are retrieved from memory and the hopper feed screw is driven at a speed proportional to the stored scale factors; but no additional scale factors are calculated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatability stabilizer for maintaining properly carbonated water in an electrically powered postmix fountain drink dispensing system when a supply of pressurized carbon dioxide is depleted. A carbon dioxide pressure sensor is connected between the carbon dioxide supply and the fountain drink dispensing system to sense the carbon dioxide supply pressure. A switch is connected to the carbon dioxide pressure sensor and coupled between the electrical power and the fountain drink dispensing system for disconnecting power to the fountain drink dispensing system when the carbon dioxide pressure is below a predetermined pressure. This is done so that water is not improperly carbonated with low pressure carbon dioxide and so that properly carbonated water and other drink components within the fountain drink system are maintained in the system by not dispensing fountain drinks until the pressurized carbon dioxide supply is replenished.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a first circuit for measuring a flow quantity of fuel which passes through a fuel supplying hose, a single mode setting switch provided on the hose at a position in a vicinity of a nozzle, a second circuit for discriminating the state of the apparatus based on the existence of an output of the first circuit, and a third circuit for controlling the supply of fuel. The second circuit discriminates that the apparatus is set to a preset quantity supplying mode when the switch is manipulated in a state before a fuel supplying operation is started, and discriminates that the apparatus is set to an integral quantity supplying mode when the switch is manipulated in a state during the fuel supplying operation.

Abstract: A developer replacing and supplying device for a small-size electrophotographic copier is disclosed which removes used developer from a developing unit and supplies a fresh developer instead. After the used developer which is a mixture of carrier and toner has been discharged, fresh carrier is introduced into the developing unit and, then, fresh toner to be mixed with the fresh carrier. The fresh carrier and the fresh toner are stored in physically independent cylindrical cartridges, which are selectively mounted in a cartridge casing. The cartridge casing is mounted in a hopper casing, which is provided integrally with the developing unit, and driven in a rotational motion together with the cartridge.

Abstract: An improved vending machine power switching apparatus in which a single power switching circuit is associated with a plurality of load selecting relay switches and a switching control circuit, in which the control circuit controls the order of switching of the power switch and relay switches, such that any relay switch is always closed before power is delivered to its associated load and is always opened after power is removed from the load, and the power is applied and removed by the power switching means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for continuously dispensing from a bulk storage bin or silo at a precise weight per unit time nonfree-flowing particulate material. A feeder capable of discharging from the back storage bin or silo a precise volume per unit time of the particulate material is positioned to deposit the material onto the conveyor of a continuous weigh scale which, like the feeder, is driven by variable speed drive motor under the control of a control circuit responsive to changes in bulk density of the particulate material sensed by the weigh scale. There is an adjustable speed ratio driving connection between the feeder and conveyor for causing the conveyor to be driven at a predetermined constant speed with respect to the speed of the feeder, and the control circuit is effective to cause shut off of the apparatus in the event that the bulk density of the particulate material exceeds predetermined minimum or maximum limits.

Abstract: In a thermo-cementing and folding machine which has a suck-back facility, by which at the end of an adhesive-applying operation adhesive supplied through the nozzle (22) is sucked back into the nozzle so as to prevent `drooling`, auxiliary suck-back steps are introduced at timed intervals following the primary suck-back operation, through controlled amounts, in order to counter further risk of `drooling` caused by thermal expansion of the adhesive in the nozzle (22). The number of auxiliary suck-back steps is variable according to the adhesive supply rate at the time of termination of the adhesive-applying operation.

Abstract: A flowable granular, powder or flake material storage bin of the type having an inflatable generally cup-shaped bag with a blower for inflating and a blower for deflating the bag has a valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high-volume low-pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles themselves may be automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated. The valve assembly may be adapted for the sequential discharge of a plurality of bins which may, for example, be located on a freight vehicle.

Abstract: A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder gate. In the electronic circuit, a master set point signal is entered and compared with the output signal from the sensors. The output flow to the receiver of the system is continuously adjusted by a deviation controller to reduce the deviation in these two signals. Erratic changes in system output are avoided by a deadband circuit introduced into the electronic circuitry to buffer excessive oscillation, overresponse and even instability caused by transient size change and lumping associated with bulk materials. The electronic circuit also includes an averaging module to average the level/weight of the material being discharged to obviate responding to peak levels.

Abstract: A spout aiming control system for a forage harvester includes a sweep mode wherein the spout is automatically moved to provide even wagon filling under certain conditions. A magnetic pickup senses rotation of the forage harvester feed rolls. A disable system prevents operation of the sweep mode unless the feed rolls are rotating faster than a threshold rotation speed. A warning signal is generated if the pickup signal indicates that the feed rolls are not rotating and the pickup has an open circuit condition.

Abstract: A modular nozzle system for refueling aircraft fuel tanks includes a nozzle valve linkage mechanism which permits the valve body to have a shorter length than previous designs. The nozzle may include a mechanical fuse for releasing the connection between the nozzle body and a fuel tank upon the application of predetermined forces. The nozzle may also include a swivel joint which facilitates positioning the nozzle for connection to a fuel tank. The nozzle may also include a quick disconnect assembly which facilitates connection of the nozzle to various hose end connection. The system also may comprise an assembly fixture for assembling the mechanical fuse and a test fixture for testing the release force of the mechanical fuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing articles by molding of mixtures of at least two flowable reactive components comprises respective metering units for displacing the components to a mixing head from respective storage vessels with the working pistons of these units being displaced by hydraulic fluid from a common pump through servocontrolled valves respectively following the working pistons to maintain the velocities thereof constant.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a hot melt thermoplastic consists of a hopper containing granular thermoplastic, an extruder for melting the molten thermoplastic and delivering it to a manifold and then to an applicator for dispensing the molten thermoplastic. Optionally an accumulator can be attached to allow the molten thermoplastic to accumulate during off-periods of the applicator. Operation of the applicator controls operation of the extruder and the accumulator.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for discriminating between desired and undesired fluids such as kerosene. The apparatus is especially adapted for improving the safety of kerosene heaters by discriminating between kerosene suitable for heater use and more volatile materials such as gasoline. Structure is disclosed to terminate flow of fluid to a kerosene heater in response to the sensed presence of a fluid other than kerosene. According to a preferred form of the apparatus, additional structure is provided to prevent fueling a kerosene heater by structure other than that operatively associated with fluid discriminating structure. According to the more specific aspects of the fluid discriminator, a float including magnetic or light-responsive actuators is calibrated to permit or cease the supply responsive to the position of the float in the fluid. A fluid less dense than kerosene, such as gasoline, will cause the float to sink within the fluid and thereby terminate the flow of fluid to the kerosene heater.

Abstract: A main screw feeder having a main screw housing set at an incline from the base of a bin. The main screw housing has two outlets, the advanced outlet and the recycle outlet. The advance outlet communicates with a metering screw housing in which twin screws of identical pitch are rotated in synchronous, intermeshed revolution. The delivery outlet for the metering screw housing communicates with the processing stages. The recycle outlet is positioned at an elevation higher than the advance outlet and discharges to the bin. A flow measuring device measures the return flow of granulated or powdered material expelled from the recycle outlet. The flow measuring device projects a prestressed cable into the recycle path of the return flow. A device for measuring any deflection of the cable and fluctuations in the tension thereon produce a signal which is a function of the return flow and which is used to control the speed of the main screw feeder.

Abstract: An automatic dental amalgam dispenser-mixer comprising a first reservoir for silver powder and a second reservoir for mercury, dispensing and metering means for each material, and a mixer equipped with a recovery cup at its outlet. The dispensing and metering means includes a pair of separate conveyors--one for the silver powder and one for the mercury--each rotationally mounted in a sleeve having an inlet in communication with the associated reservoir and an outlet leading to the mixer. The rotational movement of each of the conveyors is separately controlled through stepping motors. An electronic control unit has a stored program for controlling the actuation of each of the conveyors and the mixer, and a keyboard and display for entry of the parameters of the desired mixture.

Abstract: A control for loss-in-weight feeders which decreases flow error during refill of the feeder hopper. The weight range (empty to full capacity) of the hopper is divided into weight increments. Samples are taken of the hopper weight during discharge and refill, and each sample is assigned to a weight increment. During discharge, a scale factor related to the density of material in the hopper is computed, assigned to a weight increment and stored in memory; and the hopper feed screw is driven at a speed proportional to the computed scale factor. During refill, the stored scale factors are retrieved from memory and the hopper feed screw is driven at a speed proportional to the stored scale factors; but no additional scale factors are calculated.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for filling a cavity with a flowable reaction mixture through an inlet opening located at the bottom of the cavity. The process broadly comprises injecting a relatively small amount of reaction mixture into the cavity to cover the inlet opening with reaction mixture. The injection process is then briefly interrupted. Thereafter, the remaining amount of reaction mixture is injected into the cavity. The invention also relates to apparatus useful in performing the above-described process.

Abstract: A particulate product is transported on at least one tray vibrated at a pre-determined basic frequency. A product overload on the tray is avoided by monitoring its vibrations and detecting whether the amplitude of at least one harmonic sensitive to the load does or does not exceed a predetermined critical threshold.

Abstract: An infusion monitor for feeding liquids to patients which is light weight so that it may be easily hung on a liquid dripper and which is provided with means for pre-setting the volume infused and the rate of infusion. Means are also provided for automatically varying the rate of infusion, for automatically cutting-off the infusion and for sounding an alarm to alert an attendant if any variation from pre-set limits occur.

Abstract: A reservoir and chute cooperate to deliver mollusks such as clams, oysters, scallops and the like, oriented in a row to a conveyor forming a part of an apparatus for removing their shells. The reservoir in which an appropriate supply of mollusks is stored and from which they are delivered to the chute is provided with an elevator mechanism for maintaining the top of the supply above the upper end of the chute so that mollusks are supplied from the top of the supply to the chute in which they are advanced toward the lower discharge end by a combination of gravity and controlled vibration.

Abstract: An unloading apparatus comprises a housing vertically spaced from the port in the bin containing the material to be unloaded, a shaft defining and rotatable about an upright axis generally at the port, at least one arm extending at least generally radially from the shaft and being sweepable through the material and over the port on rotation of the shaft, a toothed drive wheel centered on the axis and fixed on the shaft, and first and second pairs of actuators each having an outer end pivoted on the housing and an inner end constituted as a pusher engageable tangentially with the teeth of the wheel. These actuators are generally angularly equispaced around the axis and the actuators of the first pair alternate with those of the second pair.

Abstract: A system for controlling and synchronizing the operation of a conveyor system and an article supply system. An encoder monitors the operation of a standard reference or dispensing device along with a rate detecting device. This information is fed into a computer employing a microprocessor. The microprocessor provides an output to a drive system for a conveyor or the like to be synchronized with a supplying or dispensing system.

Abstract: The apparatus consists of a plurality of piston pumps having preset displacement ratios. A motor mechanism is connected to each of the pumps. In addition, there is a control mechanism connected to each pump ensuring that all pistons execute their previous stroke completely before being reversed and that they all start their following stroke at exactly the same moment. Furthermore there is another control mechanism controlling the speed of each piston so that all pistons complete their respective strokes simultaneously. A mechanism for adjusting and varying the pump displacement is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an accurate volume of fluid from supply vessel to a mixing vessel in which a piston pump or gear pump is driven by a motor controlled by a motor controller amplifier coupled to a computer which allows the pump to be driven an exact number of strokes or revolutions to move the desired amount of liquid from the supply vessel to a mixing vessel. The apparatus is particularly useful in mixing paints wherein accurate amounts of mill bases are required to be added to achieve a desired paint color.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular material storage bin of the type having an inflatable dual-walled, cup-shaped bag with a fan for inflating and deflating the bag has a single valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high volume low pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles are themselves automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated.

Abstract: A water guard system is used in a gravel loadout structure wherein wet bulk material is stored in a bin (12) and released through a gate (14). Runoff water from the bulk material tends to leak through the gate (14) and drip on an underlying scale (22) as well as on trucks which enter the structure (10) for loading. A trough (28) is supported on rails (80, 104) and is driven by an air cylinder (30). The gate (14) is open and closed by operation of an air cylinder (108). In an extended position the trough (28) is positioned beneath the gate (14) to collect runoff water and pass this water into a sump (38) which delivers it through a drain line (40). The trough (28) is retracted by operation of the air cylinder (30) to permit the gate (14) to be opened and load a truck positioned beneath the gate. When the gate (14) is closed the trough (28) is returned to the extended position by operation of the cylinder (30).

Abstract: A soft dessert dispensing arrangement in which a dispenser is responsive to manual actuation by an operator to dispense soft dessert over a given time period, as measured by an electrical timing circuit. Changes in important parameters affecting the pumping rate of the dessert, such as the pressure and temperature of the pumped dessert and the elapsed time since the last dispensing operation, are compensated for by adjusting the given time period to provide for the dispensing of a substantially constant quantity of dessert despite the changed parameters. The electrical timing circuit is responsive to an input resistance to measure the given time period, and the resistance applied to the timing circuit changes in accordance with sensed variations in the aforementioned parameters.

Abstract: A servo controlled actuator for an automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control. The dispenser has at least one reciprocable syringe, valving for it and a syringe actuator driven by a hybrid servo control. The actuator includes a bi-directional variable speed motor and an encoder developing a pulse train which in number is representative of the position of the syringe piston and in repetition rate is representative of piston velocity. A microprocessor controls the piston stroke from the pulse train by comparison to a memory-stored count and controls piston velocity in predetermined relation to the terminal end of piston travel.

Abstract: A control procedure for governing the incremental step operation of a pump stepping motor (74) employed in conjunction with a parenteral fluid metering device (2) is disclosed. The control procedure enables fluid to be pumped from the metering device (2) in non-pulsatile, essentially continuous fashion by suitably adjusting the stepping motor speed to compensate for the interruption of fluid flow which occurs during the refill phase (P.sub.R) of each pumping cycle (C). Adjustment of the stepping motor speed also compensates for non-linearities otherwise introduced into the fluid flow as a result of the camming mechanism (76,78) utilized to convert rotary stepping motor movement into rectilinear pumping movement.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a plurality of colorant reservoirs passing colorants and other ingredients through feed lines to a peristaltic pump which pumps the colorants into the input of three-way valves which are each movable between a dispensing mode and a recirculating made. In the recirculating mode the colorants pumped by the peristaltic pump will travel through the three-way valves and through return lines to the reservoirs from which the material originally emanated. If the three-way valve is in the dispensing mode the colorant will be discharged into a sample container for receiving the colorant mix. The peristaltic pump is driven by a drive motor such as a variable drive DC motor. The system is controlled by a system controller which receives input from a device such as a microprocessor which evaluates the required volume or weight of each particular colorant necessary to make a specific colorant mix.

Abstract: Two measuring cups (5, 6) are alternately filled and emptied. The fill st is determined by an overflow, and the emptying time during which a withdrawal pump (30) is connected to the respective cup is determined by scanning pump revolutions. The scanned pump revolutions for emptying are compared with a desired pumping rate, entered into a counter (50) which decrements in accordance with revolutions of the pump (30), and, if a deviation from commanded pumping rate is sensed, a correction memory (60) is loaded which controls over a control unit (33, 61) change in pumping speed to null any deviation from commanded rate. To associate the commanded rate with actual weight of chips or fibers to be coated, the chips or fibers can be weighed continuously, and the continuously weighed number entered into the control computer (33) to generate a command number for entry into the decrementing counter (50).

Abstract: The invention relates to portable apparatuses for dispensing purified water from conventional five gallon water bottles directly into a spigot mounted on a sink or an ice maker of a refrigerator. The bottle of water does not have to be mounted on any known support or cabinet, but can remain in its upright position. The water is pumped directly from the bottle through a flexible tube upon drop in pressure in the transport line. A sensing mechanism detects this drop in pressure when the spigot is open and activates a motor which drives the pump. Second pressure switch de-activates the pump when the water runs out of the bottle to prevent overheating of the motor. The pump then has to be manually reset. A time release is provided when it is desired to connect the bottle to an ice maker, so that the pump continuously operates for several minutes to fill in the ice maker and then automatically stops.

Abstract: An improved dressing and food dispenser, adjustable for quantity of portion dispensed, which is driven by an electric motor, and cam operated, to apportion, then dispense.

Abstract: A master control for preventing the operation of a hot melt adhesive pump motor in a hot melt adhesive dispensing system until the adhesive has reached a dispensable molten state. The hot melt adhesive dispensing system includes an adhesive melting tank and a heater for heating the tank, which in turn heats the adhesive. A heater control energizes the heater when the temperature of the tank falls below a predetermined temperature so that, after an initial "on time", the heater control de-energizes the heater for periods of time of increasing length as the temperature of the adhesive increases. The master control enables the operation of the adhesive pump motor when the "off time" of the heater exceeds a predetermined period of time. This predetermined period is selected so that at the corresponding adhesive temperature the adhesive is in a dispensable molten condition.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine having a control circuit for controlling the quantity of ice in an ice storage chamber. A signal generating circuit is provided for producing digital signals in response to ice being supplied to, and discharged from, the ice storage chamber. A counting circuit comprising an up-down counter receives the digital signals and adjusts a count value which represents the quantity of ice in the storage chamber. The counter produces an output signal when sufficient ice is available to supply vending needs, but not when the ice quantity falls below a predetermined value. The vending operation is suspended when the counter output signal is not produced.

Abstract: An apparatus for the precise dispensing of particulate matter either at a uniform flow rate or in repetitious accurately measured discrete batches. The apparatus includes a housing having a hopper with a hopper outlet orientated over an endless conveyor belt. A metering tube is connected to the hopper outlet and is movable toward and away from the upper surface of the forward run of the conveyor belt. The distance of the lower end of the metering tube from the conveyor belt provides one measure of regulation of flow rate of the particulate matter from the hopper to the conveyor belt. The speed of the conveyor belt provides a second measure of regulation of the rate of flow from the hopper to the conveyor belt and eventually to a dispensing station.

Abstract: An automatic weighing apparatus with a dispersion feed apparatus comprising a plurality of feed troughs adapted to be separately vibrated and radially arranged around the outer periphery of a dispersion table which performs spiral reciprocating vibratory motion, the feed troughs being separately vibrated at predetermined times to feed articles to associated weighing units.

Abstract: A granular herbicide or other agricultural chemical is applied using an applicator including a hopper with orifices in its base for discharging the granular material onto metering wheels mounted on a drive shaft beneath the hopper, the wheels feeding the material to a spreader; a motor for driving the shaft to rotate the wheels; and a control circuit which monitors the speed of the motor by constantly monitoring an A.C. feedback from such motor, and controls motor speed by adjusting the current fed to the motor to compensate for speed changes of the motor.

Abstract: An interface circuit for effecting switchover between plural hot melt material delivery systems so that hot melt material can be continuously supplied to applicators or the like. There are two similar relay circuits which are interconnected so that upon depletion of hot melt material from one system, operation is automatically transferred to another system. The relay circuits each include disconnect contacts for disconnecting the depleted system, transfer contacts for activating the new system, lock-out contacts for preventing operation of the system that is not activated and lock-in contacts for activating the new system without attention by the system operator. The coil of the disconnect relay can be connected to a delay circuit so that deactivation of the depleted system can be delayed by delay interval after activation of the new system. The delay circuit affords a fixed delay interval or a variable delay interval.

Abstract: Means and method for automatically controlling a powder bagging machine, said powder bagging machine having a weighing means for measuring the quantity of powder dispensed, and a means for dispensing the powder into a container, said automatic control means comprising a comparator means for sensing deviations in weight as measured by said weighing means, a control means for analyzing said weight deviations and for controlling the dispensing means. The method of the present invention comprises operating said means so as to effect a multi-stage filling cycle, the first stage comprising operating said dispensing means at a predetermined high speed for a predetermined time, the second stage(s) comprising controlled rate(s) of deceleration of said dispensing means, and the optional last stage comprising operating said dispensing means at a predetermined low speed or at a low rate of deceleration from a predetermined low speed until the desired weight of powder is dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for volumetrically feeding dry flowable bulk material. The apparatus comprises a hopper that receives dry flowable bulk material from a storage tank of dry flowable bulk material through a rotary valve located at the top of the hopper. At the bottom of the hopper is a sliding discharge gate for the discharge of dry flowable bulk material from the hopper. Mounted on the hopper in vertically spaced relation is a high level sensor and a lower level sensor. When the height of the dry flowable bulk material in the hopper is above a predetermined height, the high level sensor is activated for the closing of the rotary valve and the opening of the discharge gate. When the height of the dry flowable bulk material in the hopper is below a predetermined height, the low level sensor closes the discharge gate and opens the rotary valve. Thus, the bulk material level in the hopper is maintained within prescribed limits to control the pressure head of the bulk material for improved feed accuracy.

Abstract: A liquid discharge device using a peristaltic pump having a depression and delivery system including an elastic tube for introducing compressed air into a liquid reservoir to be maintained in a selective pressurized state. A motor drive circuit is adjusted to vary motor rotation to sequentially squeeze and release one end of the elastic tube thereby varying the rate of pressurization in the reservoir.

Abstract: Mixing equipment includes a mixing compartment and at least one mulling assembly for dispersing therein material, including granular material, such as foundry sand. An agitator is provided for improving the mulling and aerating of the dispersed material within the compartment. The agitator includes a rotor rotated about an upright axis disposed within a cavity opening into the mixing compartment. The rotor includes a hub disposed within the cavity and having a plurality of fingers extending outwardly therefrom. Upon rotation of the rotor, the fingers move forcibly out of the cavity and into the mixing compartment to impact the material moving therepast, for mixing and aerating the material. An overflow discharge opening in a side wall of the compartment permits the prepared material to be discharged continuously from the mixing compartment. The supply of material to the compartment and the discharge of material are under the control of door, material consistency sensing, and timing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing measured amounts of molten metal to a metal casting operation which is automatic in operation and capable of delivering extremely accurately controlled amounts of metal to the casting operation. A positive displacement pump delivers the molten metal from below the surface of the metal to a dispensing point and a pulse generator generates pulses in exact proportion to the displacement of the pump and delivers such pulses to counters, the counters being started in operation when the metal being pumped contacts a probe at the dispensing point, the counters stopping the pump when an exact amount of displacement of the pump has occurred. Rate multipliers are provided between the pulse generator and the counters to compensate for leakage in the pump, variations in volume delivered for a given displacement of the pump or other unanticipated variables.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing material from a container comprising a plate having an aperture therein through which material is caused to flow out of the container when the plate is caused to move vertically within the container. A scraper member is spaced from and coupled to such plate to engage the inside walls of such container to scrape material from the walls as the plate moves vertically relative to the container. A space is formed between the scraper member and the plate to form a cavity which communicates with the aperture and which includes a material entering opening, the level of material in the cavity being controlled during operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A material dispensing apparatus including drive structure for driving a feeder bowl is disclosed. A control circuit for controlling the drive includes a Hall effect amplitude sensing transducer for monitoring the magnitude of bowl vibrations and a braking circuit for controlling the damping of vibratory motion after the requisite amount of material has been fed from the feeder bowl. The braking circuit selectively reverses the current flow through a drive coil which comprises a portion of the drive circuitry of the apparatus. This current reversal disrupts the rhythm of forced oscillations which feed material from the bowl and causes bowl motion to be damped. A mechanical brake coupled to the bowl complements the braking action of braking circuit and locks the bowl in place to prevent accidental dispensing of parts.

Abstract: This device comprises a tank for the product to be spread, a pump inserted in a conduit connecting the tank to a spreader system, a regulating valve actuated by a driver. An electronic system controls the driver as a function, on one hand of the speed of the vehicle and, on the other hand, of reference data. The regulating valve is inserted in a regulating conduit which is connected in parallel with the pump. The electronic system comprises a regulator including a microprocessor which is, on one hand, connected to data encoders for encoding data relating to the amount of product to be spread per unit area and to a parameter relating to the type of spray nozzles to be chosen for said spreader system and, on the other hand, connected to at least one interface circuit connecting the microprocessor to a speed detector and a pressure detector and to an interface circuit connected with said valve.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for driving a rotatable seed drum of a seed planter which includes a fan for supplying air under pressure to the drum. The drum drive system includes an alternator which is mechanically driven, preferably from a drive for the planter fan, and which has output terminals connected to a motor mechanically connected to the seed drum. A ground speed signal generator is mechanically connected to a ground-engaging wheel to develop a signal which has an amplitude proportional to ground speed and which is applied through an adjustable resistance to a field winding of the alternator after passing through a control box. A drum speed signal generator arrangement is provided for developing a drum speed signal having an amplitude inversely proportional to the speed of rotation of the seed drum. This signal is also directed to the control box. Preferably, the signal generators include reluctance generator devices.