369,450. Delivering measured quantities of powder. GILLERN, (GEB. POLTE), KATHARINA, FREIFRAU v., GILLERN, ARNULF, FREIHERR v., NATHUSUIS, (GEB. POLTE), M., and NATHUSUIS, M., (trading as POLTE, [Firm of]), Poltestrasse, and OESTERLIN, H., both in Magdeburg, Germany. April 29, 1931, No. 12620. [Class 106 (v).] Preliminary main and subsequent small additional supplies of powder are fed into cartridges by a device comprising a container which retains the powder under vacuum and which, on the pressure rising, delivers the powder to the cartridge case. According to one construction, powder from a supply passage is delivered to a container 26, Fig. 8, the capacity of which is equal to the quantity of powder to be delivered to one cartridge. Above the passage and container, and separated therefrom by sieves 34a, 34, are respectively provided chambers 31, 32, each connected, through openings 36, with a pipe 37 leading to a suction pump. An opening 41, in another chamber above the container, is in communication with the atmosphere or with a supply of gas. The openings 36 are fitted with spring- controlled valves 38, 39, which are actuated by cams 40. When the valve 38 is open and the valve 39 is closed the powder is prevented from flowing through the narrow inlet 29 of the container by the vacuum in the chamber 31. When the positions of the valves are reversed the container fills, but the vacuum in the chamber 32 prevents the powder from escaping through the narrow outlet 28. The measured quantity is delivered through this outlet when the positions of the valves are again reversed. The outlet 28 is covered by a perforated flap 44 during the initial stages of the filling operation. The capacity of the container may be varied by operating a non-circular disc 45. In a modification, the quantity of powder delivered by a container 3, Fig. 1, is regulated by the time during which the pressure therein is increased. To the container is secured a pipe 9 in which slides a pipe 10, the pipes being provided with slots 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b which, when in register, admit air under atmospheric pressure to the container. The pipe 10 is spring-controlled and is connected to one arm of a pivoted lever 11 the other arm of which is actuated by cam surfaces provided on a rotating disc 12. The slots 14a, 14b are relatively large and are brought into register at every half-revolution of the disc 12. The slots 15a, 15b are small and are brought into register several times during a half-revolution of the disc. Each time that air is admitted, the pressure in the container 3 rises and a quantity of powder is expelled through the outlet 7. Adjustable slotted rings are arranged around the slots whereby their effective area, and thus the quantity of powder delivered, may be adjusted. The Specification also describes other constructions embodying the same principle.