A METHOD OF DISCHARGING SPHERICAL ELEMENTS FROM A CONTAINER AND A DISPENSING APPARATUS

摘要

The invention provides a regulating apparatus ( 10 ) for regulating the movement of spherical elements from one location, typically from a container ( 14 ), to another. The apparatus ( 10 ) includes a cylindrical tubular member ( 18 ) and a feed head ( 20 ) mounted in the spherical tubular member ( 18 ) so that it is rotatable relative thereto about an axis of rotation ( 22 ). A feed passage ( 32 ) opens upwardly out of a radially outer edge portion of the feed head ( 20 ). As the feed head ( 20 ) rotates, spherical elements enter the feed passage ( 32 ) and are discharged therefrom.