Abstract: Systems and apparatus for dispensing edible granular material for a beverage include a hopper. The hopper includes at least a floor defining a bottom of the hopper. An auger includes an auger shaft, is positioned at the bottom of the hopper, and extends horizontally from the hopper. A tube is connected to the hopper and surrounds at least a portion of the auger. The tube extends away from the hopper. An outlet through the tube is located at an end of the tube distal from the hopper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filling cups in which: a cup is brought and held vertically with and opposite a distribution nozzle; next, the blocking rod is brought into the open position and the cup is filled with a product flowing through the distribution nozzle; when a preferred quantity of product is present in a cup, the blocking rod is brought into the closed position and a product flow is stopped; the blocking rod is brought into a contact position in which the blocking rod extends out of the distribution nozzle through the distribution opening such that a lower end of the blocking rod comes in the contact with the product upper-surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant (2) for producing a composition (9), in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising drops (8) of at least one first fluid dispersed in a second fluid substantially immiscible with the first fluid, each drop (8) comprising a core formed of the first fluid, and optionally a shell suitable for retaining the core, the plant (2) comprising: a device (16) for producing the composition (9), a storage module (10) comprising: at least one tank (36) for storing at least one first stock solution (A), and at least one tank (38) for storing at least one first solution of active agent(s), at least one tank (40) for storing at least one second stock solution (B), and a preparation module (12), connected to the storage module (10).

Abstract: A vertical shaft impact crusher feed tube arranged for protecting a rotor feeding opening of a feeding funnel of a vertical shaft impact crusher. The feed tube includes a tube portion via which material may flow from the feeding funnel and vertically downwards into a rotor. The tube portion has a first width at a material inlet, and a second width at a material outlet, wherein the second width is larger than the first width.

Abstract: A cartridge contains a storage chamber for a fluid filler material in which a piston can be movably received, wherein the storage chamber has a filling end and a discharge end and an inner wall extending between the filling end and the discharge end and the piston is displaceable in the storage chamber from the filling end to the discharge end along the inner wall to discharge the filler material from the storage chamber and the filler material can be enclosed in a sealing manner in the storage chamber by the piston. The piston is captively held within the inner wall by a projection provided at the inner wall in the environment of the filling end.

Abstract: A metering product delivery pump system that includes a product accumulator assembly, at least one controlled product dispensing assembly and a rotary gate valve assembly for each controlled product dispensing assembly is provided. The product accumulator assembly is coupled to receive product. The at least one controlled product dispensing assembly outputs product to a product package. Each rotary gate valve assembly is coupled to selectively pass product between the product accumulator system and an associated controlled product dispensing assembly. Each rotary gate valve assembly includes a rotary gate valve and at least one blade configured and arranged to engage the rotary gate valve to cut solid product as the rotary gate valve is rotated.

Abstract: A sequential delivery valve provides sequential delivery of gas propellant and liquid product from a container to a dispensing head for ejecting an atomized spray from the dispensing head. When the dispensing head is depressed, a pusher in the valve passes from a closed position wherein no liquid and no gas is allowed to travel through the valve to a partially open position where only gas is allowed to travel through the valve and eventually to a fully open position wherein both gas and liquid are allowed to travel through the valve into the dispensing head. When the dispensing head is released, the pusher passes from the fully open position back to a partially open position allowing only gas to travel through the valve and eventually to the closed position wherein no gas and no liquid are allowed to travel through the valve into the dispensing head.

Abstract: A wet masking system for applying a maskant to a portion of a workpiece includes one or more pressurized mixing vessels with agitators for continuously blending the ingredients of the maskant, a dispensing system connected to the vessels for supplying metered volumes of maskant to injection valves. An electronic controller operable for controlling the system to coat the portion. A fixture for holding the workpiece with just the portion inside a cavity of the fixture includes one or more inlet ports alignable with injection ports of the injection valves injecting the maskant into the cavity. Heaters are positioned for drying or flash drying the maskant on the portion of the workpiece. Recirculation lines from the injection valves to at least one of the mixing vessels operated by the controller to flow the maskant through the recirculation lines after a period of time when no maskant is flowing through masking system.

Abstract: A coating powder feed method, coating powder feeding device, electrostatic powder spraycoating apparatus containing such a coating powder feeding device. The invention includes a dense phase powder pump fitted with at least one feed chamber. A control signal to create a partial vacuum in the feed chamber is generated no earlier than simultaneously with, preferably by a predetermined delay time after, a control signal opening a powder intake valve of the feed chamber, as a result of which the beginning of partial vacuum buildup in the feed chamber shall take place no earlier than simultaneously with the initial opening of the powder intake valve or by a defined time delay after the opening of the powder intake valve.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid comprises a first pumping device in communication with, and for supplying a first fluid to, a first pump outlet, a first fluid communication dispensing line for communicating the first fluid from the first pump outlet to a dispensing device, a second pumping device in communication with, and for supplying a second fluid to, a second pump outlet, and a second fluid communication dispensing line for communicating the second fluid from the second outlet to a second dispensing device. A supply sub-system causes the first pumping device to supply the first fluid to the first pump outlet and the second pumping device to supply the second fluid to the second pump outlet. The first and second pumping devices are mechanically coupled such that, when one of the pumping device supplies fluid to a pump outlet, fluid is drawn into the other pumping device through an inlet.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system including a parent dispenser and a child dispenser, wherein the parent dispenser has a parent body with a parent reservoir containing fluid, a first magnetic coupling member, a passage, a parent pump mechanism and a parent actuator. The parent actuator has an outlet, a second magnetic coupling member, and actuator inlet tube. The actuator inlet tube is removably received within the passage. The first and second magnetic coupling members cooperate to removably couple the parent actuator and the parent body. The child dispenser has a child body with a child reservoir, a child pump mechanism, and a child inlet tube. The child inlet tube is removably received within the passage when the child dispenser is coupled to the parent body. When the child dispenser is coupled to the parent body, the parent pump is actuated to transfer fluid from the parent to the child reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive displacement rotary vane mixing pump in combination with a positive displacement rotary vane fluid pump. The mixing pump having an air inlet, an inlet for foamable fluid from the fluid pump, and an outlet from a discharge sector of the pump for discharging a mixture of air and liquid to a foam generator.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing pump (1) especially for a product which is to be pumped and dosed and has a more or less pasty, especially heterogeneous and fragile, consistency, comprising, along an axis (6): a cylinder head (7) having a circular cylindrical transfer chamber (10), a suction opening (8) and a discharge opening (9) in the same axial position, radially staggered in relation to each other; a mobile suction and discharge piston (12) that can be axially slid in relation to the cylinder head (7), by driving means (13), between a proximal position and a distal position wherein its head (14) is respectively essentially at least in and at least out of the chamber (10); and a circular cylindrical revolving dosing and transfer valve (15) that can be rotatably displaced in relation to the cylinder head (7), between its functional angular positions, said valve comprising a recess (18) having an end opening (19) adjacent to its free end edge (17) and a peripheral opening (20) that can communicate with th

Abstract: A system for use in association with a container and a pump having an intake for transferring semisolid material from the container. The apparatus includes a first element that is inserted into the container and a second element that is also inserted into the container and moves the semisolid material with respect to the first element. An actuator moves the second element together with the semisolid material towards the intake of the pump. A method for use in transferring semisolid material from the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid pump for dispensing a liquid is provided. The pump comprises a body which defines a plurality of cylinders therein, each cylinder having located therein a respective piston, wherein each cylinder and respective piston is shaped and configured such that the fit between them substantially prevents leakage of the liquid to be dispensed. Such a liquid pump may be used to fill pharmaceutical dosage forms, such as capsules, with liquid pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a fluid comprises providing a container made from flexible material and having an outer surface, a first opening and an interior fluid storage region therein. The method further comprises providing a volume of fluid within interior fluid storage region and providing a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid communication with interior fluid storage region. The method further comprises providing an intake valve disposed between container and flexible metering housing permitting unidirectional fluid flow from interior fluid storage region into metering chamber. The method further comprises providing an exit port in fluid communication with container with an output valve disposed between exit port and metering chamber, depressing and releasing flexible metering housing, and filling the metering chamber with a volume of fluid by vacuum force in an amount by the volume of the metering chamber.

Abstract: An atomiser, painting machine, paint cabin, and method of operating an atomizer are disclosed. The atomizer includes a first paint inlet for a first paint system, and at least one additional second paint inlet for a second paint system. Each of the paint inlets are separated from each other, so that the atomiser may optionally apply one of the two different paint systems.

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

Abstract: A discharge container that discharges an appropriated amount of a creamy cosmetic, medical supply, or the like. The discharge container may include a cylindrical body and a cylindrical lid with a top. The lid covers an opening, and is rotatably engaged with the opening. A top wall portion of the top is brought into sliding contact with an upper end surface of a rotatable partitioning plate such that any contents in the discharge container are pressed by relative rotation between the container body and the lid, resulting in the contents being discharged through a discharge opening provided on the top wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supplying liquids comprising heating elements (3) heating up said liquids and an electric drive pumping group (101). The characteristic is that the pumping group (101) comprises an intake (102) and at least a first and second intake duct (8a-8b, 8c-8d, 8e-8f), and is further equipped with an impeller (11a, . . . , 11c), said first and second intake duct (8a-8b, 8c-8d, 8e-8f) being selectively activated according to the direction of rotation of said impeller (11a, . . . , 11c) of the pumping group (4a, . . . , 4c).

Abstract: A closure (10) that is suitable for attachment to a container (20) having an end portion defining an opening of the container. The closure (10) comprises a top portion (11) and a skirt portion (12) depending from the top portion. The closure (10) also has a sealing rib (14) having a first sealing portion (15) which is contiguous with the top portion (11). The first portion (15) has an inner surface made up of at least a first substantially cylindrical surface portion (17) lying radially inwardly of the first surface portion (17). The rib (14) further includes a second sealing portion (16) that is separated from the top portion (11) by the first portion (15) and which, prior to attachment of the closure to the container, extends inwardly to a free edge. The closure (10) further has a continuous nub member (28) extending downwardly and outwardly from the underside of the top portion (11) and positioned radially inwardly of the first sealing portion (15).

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus for discharging a stream of fluid. The apparatus includes a water pump, a trigger mechanism, a ratchet mechanism, a fluid reservoir, and a secondary fluid chamber. A pump handle is used to move a piston that draws the fluid from the fluid reservoir into the secondary fluid chamber before discharge. The pump handle is also used to selectively connect the trigger mechanism to the ratchet mechanism to allow incremental discharge of the fluid from the secondary fluid chamber.

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: A foodstuff feeding apparatus to convey foodstuff to a metering unit from a hopper without masking or kneading the foodstuff. The apparatus includes a piston pump provided between a lower portion of a hopper and an end of a first pipe to draw foodstuff from the hopper and to press out the drawn foodstuff into the first pipe toward a metering unit. A draw-side valve is provided between the lower portion of the hopper and the piston pump, a discharge-side valve is provided between the piston pump and the first pipe, and setting is made such that when the draw-side valve is opened and the discharge-side valve is closed, the piston pump draws the foodstuff, and when the draw-side valve is closed and the discharge-side valve is opened, the piston pump presses out the foodstuff, and that the piston pump presses out the foodstuff into the first pipe.

Abstract: A liquid soap container comprising of a dispensing pump which incorporates a pressurised air freshener canister or a liquid air freshener container. When a dispensing pump is depressed it also activates the valve of a pressurised air freshener canister or a pump for a liquid air freshener container to refresh the air whilst at the same time dispensing the liquid or gel soap. After the action of depressing the pump has stopped the release of the air freshener also stops. Both systems work simultaneously. An air vent casing helps secure the air freshener canister or the liquid air freshener container, and also temporarily contains the released air freshener before it vaporises or evaporates in to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Parallel semi-continuous or continuous reactors are disclosed. The parallel reactors preferably comprise four or more reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are preferably small volume reaction vessels, preferably pressure reaction vessels, and/or preferably integral with a common reactor block. The reaction vessels can comprise shaft-driven stirrers. At least two, preferably at least three or at least four liquid feed lines can provide selective fluid communication between each of the reaction vessels and one or more liquid reagent sources. Additional features, suitable in connection with parallel reactors or with single reaction vessels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and filtering fluid is disclosed, in which the fluid flow path is substantially vertical from the fluid inlet through fluid dispense. Substantially all wetted surfaces are Teflon® or some similar non-contaminating fluid, for applications such as cleanroom processes. A valve and a filter chamber are incorporated into a pump head to simplify the flow path and reduce potential contamination points. Preferred methods, and chips or other microelectronic devices fabricated from the apparatus or methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food product depositor system utilizes a food product depositor device. Preferably, the food product depositor device includes at least one food product depositor module. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module may include mating features and a plurality of food product depositor modules may be assembled by the mating features to form the food product device. Preferably, the food product depositor module includes a supply port, a rotor positioned within a cavity, at least one sliding vane, and a discharge port. In an embodiment, the food product depositor module includes a cutoff device. Additionally, the present invention is also directed to methods of processing food products by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: A portion control dispensing apparatus for dispensing precise portions of a product in a tightly controlled manner that minimizes waste caused by residual product left undispensed in a container. The device provides a dispenser for fluid products stored in a flexible container, enabling a portion control pump combined with an extrusion apparatus to squeeze the flexible container, thus continuously directing all remaining product in the container towards the dispensing end. A portion control pump removes product from the container by peristaltic action. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a frame with an upwardly spring biased carriage configured to removably hold a flexible container that holds product to be dispensed. A pair of rollers is preferably situated at the top of the frame and is positioned such that the carriage will pull the flexible container upward between the rollers as product is dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A dosing nozzle is intended to be fitted onto a container containing a product. The nozzle comprises a dosing cavity which can move between a first position and a second position in which it occupies a minimum volume, the cavity being delimited by first and second pistons capable of sliding inside a fixed body. The first piston is fixed to a closure member capable, selectively, of closing off/exposing at least one outlet of the dosing cavity. During a first phase of the movement of the dosing cavity, the first piston is driven by through the effect of the pressure of the product being exerted on the second piston and, during a second phase of the movement of the dosing cavity, the first piston is driven by the pressure of the product being exerted on the first piston, the second piston being immobilized in translation during this second phase.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing liquid detergent in dishwashers is provided in which the detergent is fed into the wash area of the dishwasher only after the second actuation of the actuating member. This is achieved by providing: a barrier on the discharge side for the detergent in the operating position, which barrier is sequenced to follow a supply chamber. A return opening is provided to return the retained detergent in the fill position.

Abstract: A dispensing tool according to the present invention includes a dispensing outlet and at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet. The tool also includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube and adapted to dispense material from the first material storage tube through the dispensing outlet. A valve assembly allows the material storage tube to be automatically reloaded when the tool is placed in a reloading station. A clamp may be used to hold the tool at the station.

Abstract: A dispensing tool according to the present invention includes a dispensing outlet and at least a first material storage tube having a material storage chamber and an outlet. The tool also includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the first material storage tube and adapted to dispense material from the first material storage tube through the dispensing outlet. A valve assembly selectively controls the flow of material from the material storage tube to the dispensing outlet. The valve assembly and the drive assembly are linked such that activation of the drive assembly causes the valve to open allowing material to be dispensed. When the drive assembly is stopped, the valve is automatically closed. Material may be reloaded into the material storage tube through an inlet that is selectively connected to a source of bulk material. The selective connection may be provided by a controllable valve, or a selective connection between a pair of coupling elements.

Abstract: A gravity motor using the potential energy of an initial mass located at a relative height. This potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy. This gravity motor comprises a storage bin (26) able to contain a quantity of fragmented material (39) and having a base (28) with a first chute (30) to take the fragmented material (39) out of the base (28), a second chute (34) with an exit (58) and a guiding cylinder (32) of the exit (58), a wheel (60) with vanes (61) that rotate a rotor (46). While rotating, each vane (61) can collect a volume of the fragmented material (39) and act as a torque around a central axis, thus causing the rotation of the wheel around the central axis, at a velocity corresponding to the kinetic energy of the volume of the fragmented material (39). The rotor (46) comprises means for articulated fastening to a machinery part.

Abstract: An essentially non-electric automatic fluid dispensing system is provided wherein a first induced pressure induces flow of a first fluid, which in the preferred embodiment is a liquid sanitizer. The system further divides the first fluid into a first divided fluid and second divided fluid, said first divided fluid inducing flow into a second fluid located in an airtight container for the second fluid, a regulator valve for varying the second divided fluid, a dispensing valve for displacing the second fluid from the said container under pressure and for varying the flow rate of the said displaced second fluid, and connector for impressing the displaced fluid into a receiving line which in the preferred embodiment is a water circulation circuit.

Abstract: An improved depositor apparatus for depositing material from a material source. The depositor apparatus including first and second dispensing assemblies having spaced-apart outlets. The first and second dispensing assemblies are reciprocally operated to alternately dispense material. A feed device is coupled to the first and second dispensing assemblies for supplying material from the material source to the first and second dispensing assemblies for discharge.

Abstract: An adsorption medium reactor has a plurality of removal hoppers for removing flowable adsorption medium from the reactor. Each one of the removal hoppers has at least one removal opening. A common collecting funnel is arranged below the removal openings of the removal hoppers. The common collecting funnel has a removal device for emptying the common collecting funnel. Each one of the removal openings of the removal hoppers is slot-shaped and has two parallel-extending limiting edges. A rotary gate with at least one gate chamber is arranged below each one of the removal openings. The rotary gate is limited by a substantially cylindrical circumferential wall. The cylindrical circumferential wall has a plurality of inlet/outlet openings adapted to a cross-section of the corresponding removal opening. The inlet/outlet openings are arranged in a row axially adjacent to one another parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotary gate.

Abstract: A truck including a container used to transport and dispense loose particulate materials. A moving floor is located on the floor of the container to move loose particulate materials within the container into a feeder and dispensing system. The container includes two opposing augers mounted on the inner surface of a rear door of the container. The augers feed loose particulate material within the container to a mixer. The mixer helps to break up the loose particulate material to keep it from bridging as it drops into a feeder. The feeder regulates the flow of loose particulate material into a mixing chamber. A high volume air blower is connected to the mixing chamber. The blower forces a high volume of air through the mixing chamber and out of the mixing chamber into an attached hose. As loose particulate material drops into the mixing chamber, it mixes with the air flow and is blown out of the attached hose.

Abstract: A device is provided for storing a supply of particles for use in a developer unit of an electrophotographic printing machine. The device comprises an open ended container defining a chamber in communication with the open end thereof. The particles are stored in the chamber of the container. The device further comprises a puncturable seal attached to the open end of the container for sealing the chamber. The container is installable into the developer unit without removal of the seal.

Abstract: A refuel mechanism for refueling solids into a reaction chamber, operating at pressure, is described which is capable of premixing several different solid materials before inserting these premixed materials into the reaction chamber. A number of hoppers, containing the differing solid materials, feed these solids together, via proportioning and transfer apparatus, into premixers. The final premix of the several differing solids is then inserted into the pressurized reactor by a refuel mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing process particularly for a sealing/adhesive product which comprises at least one step of pumping the sealing/adhesive product to allow a step of distribution thereof onto at least one part to be sealed, such as for example a motor vehicle mechanical component; an intermediate step of deaeration of the sealing/adhesive product, so as to optimize its distribution on the part to be sealed, is provided between the pumping step and the distribution step. The apparatus for dispensing the sealing/adhesive product (14) comprises elements (2) for feeding the sealing/adhesive product to elements (4) for distributing it onto at least one part (5) to be sealed and sealing/adhesive product deaeration means (3) which cooperate with the pumping and distribution elements for the uniform deposition of the sealant/adhesive on the part.

Abstract: A device for discharging particulate material from a container with a table to support the particulate material includes a feed unit which is movable on the table for discharging the material through a peripheral outlet opening, and a drive for driving the feed unit; the feed unit includes at least two spaced feeding elements disposed to successively move the material in a direction from the center of the table towards the outlet opening; the feeding elements are arranged, during a full cycle of movement of the feed unit, to be alternately active within an arbitrary section of the table extending between the center part and outlet opening for feeding a layer of particulate material in front of them in the direction toward the outlet opening and inactive while returning to a starting position.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning with a mixture of various chemicals. The cleaning apparatus includes a compressor for compressing and transferring a solution medium, at least one jet pipe, one end of which is connected to the compressor and the other end of which is open, and a plurality of suction pipes, connected to the jet pipe at a specified interval, respectively. The apparatus further includes a plurality of chemical tanks with an open end of the suction pipe being inserted into each of the chemical tanks, respectively. The invention permits a number of objects to be cleaned sequentially without being contaminated by making use of the principal of aspiration. In addition, the compressor is used only to pass the solution medium therethrough inside of the compressor and is never corroded by the mixture of chemicals.

Abstract: A chamber that communicates with a viscous material reservoir has a flexible resilient diaphragm which forms an exterior wall thereof. An impact mechanism, which may comprise a solenoid actuated hammer, applies a predetermined momentum to the diaphragm for rapidly metering a predetermined minute blob of the viscous material from the chamber through a nozzle. The reservoir is pressurized with gas to force the viscous material into the chamber to refill the same. The chamber is heated to control the viscosity of the material. Dispensing rates in excess of four blobs per second can be achieved. Variations in the height of the nozzle from the surface of the workpiece are not critical to uniform rapid dispensing. An alternate embodiment eliminates the diaphragm and instead rapidly retracts a nozzle relative to a fluid feed conduit to eject very small blobs of viscous material. A strain gauge detects refill of the chamber inside the nozzle and sends a signal to control refill logic circuitry.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for introducing fibrous material into a continuous flow of concrete. Fibrous material is pushed through an aperture located in the bottom of a container. As the fiber falls from the aperture, it is agitated and spread evenly onto the mixture of concrete. The resulting distribution of fiber within the concrete mixture increases the strength of the concrete while preventing undo grouping of the fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pouring viscous mixtures having solid ingredients including a holder and an exit die rotatably mounted below the holder and having an intake bore through which the mixture passes under pressure. A spiral-shaped stripping element is attached to the holder and has a free end extending downwardly into the intake bore. The exit die rotates with respect to the spiral-shaped stripping element, so that the solid ingredients within the mixture are serially directed through the exit die. The free end of the stripping element extends in the direction of rotation of the exit die.

Abstract: A heater for burning particulate combustible fuel material, and a stoker for transferring the fuel for use in connection with such a heater. The heater includes a burner with a step upward from the stoker onto the burner, for reducing the possibility of the fire burning back into the supply of fuel. The stoker includes a first conveyor and a second conveyor, spaced vertically apart and connected together by a drop box. A drive arrangement for driving the conveyors includes a prime mover connected to the first conveyor by means of a drive shaft and to the second conveyor by an intermittent drive. The intermittent drive includes a second shaft with a plurality of paddles extending radially outwardly therefrom. In one embodiment, one or more paddles are removably affixed to the first shaft and extend radially outward therefrom. Thus rotation of the first shaft causes rotation of the second shaft only when the paddles are in contact.