Pumping apparatus comprises a granular material pump assembly and a distributor having a distribution end for distributing granular material. The granular material pump assembly is configured to pump granular material through the distributor towards the distribution end. The distributor is configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when an amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds a threshold, for example wherein the distributor comprises a valve assembly configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold, optionally wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve configured to open to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold.

Dispensing device for granular or powdered materials, comprising: a dispensing channel (2a), provided with a longitudinal axis (X), an inlet opening (21) and an outlet opening (22); suction means, arranged to retain, on command, at least a portion of granular or powdered material in contact with an inner surface of the dispensing channel (2a), so as to form an accumulation which obstructs the dispensing channel (2a) and prevents the flow of material.

A multiple stage pinch valve generally includes a pinch valve body, a manifold top head connected to a proximal end of the pinch valve body and a nozzle head connected to a distal end of the pinch valve body. In one embodiment, the pinch valve body includes a first pinch valve section and a second pinch valve section disposed downstream of the first pinch valve section. In another embodiment, the pinch valve body includes an inner pinch valve section and an outer pinch valve section disposed coaxially around the inner pinch valve section.

Pumping apparatus comprises a granular material pump assembly and a distributor having a distribution end for distributing granular material. The granular material pump assembly is configured to pump granular material through the distributor towards the distribution end. The distributor is configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when an amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds a threshold, for example wherein the distributor comprises a valve assembly configured to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold, optionally wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve configured to open to permit granular material to exit the distributor at the distribution end when the amount of granular material pumped towards the distribution end exceeds the threshold.