A metering system includes a frame, first and second gates, and an actuator. The frame defines a chute configured to receive a supply of fasteners and maintain the fasteners in a line. The first and second gates are each mounted to the frame and movable to advance into the chute and retract away from the chute. The actuator is mechanically coupled to the first gate and configured to advance and retract the first gate relative to the chute. The second gate is configured to move based on the movement of the first gate so that as the first gate advances into the chute to block movement of the fasteners in the chute the second gate retracts, and as the first gate retracts away from the chute the second gate advances into the chute to block the movement of the fasteners in the chute.

A stackable container system configured to carry material includes at least one container having a first end and a second end, a holding area for the material, the holding area extending from the first end to the second end, a first opening at the second end, the material controllably releasable from the holding area through the first opening, and a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end, a first end of the chute including a receiving portion having a larger area than a combined area of the first opening and a second end of the chute.

A stackable container system configured to carry material includes at least one container having a first end and a second end, a holding area for the material, the holding area extending from the first end to the second end, a first opening at the second end, the material controllably releasable from the holding area through the first opening, and a chute that passes through the holding area, the chute extending from the first end to the second end, a first end of the chute including a receiving portion having a larger area than a combined area of the first opening and a second end of the chute.

A multi-blade dosing valve comprising the following elements: a valve body provided with a central opening; a plurality of shafts, each provided with a respective blade, which extend transversely to the central opening; the blades being able to close, at least partially, the central opening; a motor unit which causes the opening/closing of the blades; and vibrators to set in vibration the shafts and the blades. The multi-blade dosing valve comprises an independent vibrator for each shaft.

A multi-blade dosing valve comprising the following elements: a valve body provided with a central opening; a plurality of shafts, each provided with a respective blade, which extend transversely to the central opening; the blades being able to close, at least partially, the central opening; a motor unit which causes the opening/closing of the blades; and vibrators to set in vibration the shafts and the blades. The multi-blade dosing valve comprises an independent vibrator for each shaft.

An article storage device, includes: a luggage cargo having a plurality of storage chambers; an outer door; an outer door drive device; a plurality of inner doors; and a switching device, wherein the inner doors are slidable together with the outer door if coupled to the outer door, the plurality of inner doors include a first inner door and a second inner door, the plurality of storage chambers include a first storage chamber having a first opening and a second storage chamber having a second opening, the first opening is opened and closed by the first inner door sliding together with the outer door while being coupled to the outer door, and the second opening is opened and closed by the second inner door sliding together with the outer door while being coupled to the outer door.

A gate assembly for a bulk feeder includes a gate housing and a plurality of paddles. The gate housing defines a product feed path therein extending between intake and dispensing ends. The plurality of paddles are mounted to the gate housing and pivotable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the product feed path is blocked by the plurality of paddles, and unblocked in the open position. In the closed position, the plurality of paddles collectively forms a polyhedron, open facing the intake end and tapering to a closed apex toward the dispensing end.