Patent Publication Number: US-6905048-B2

Title: Volumetric solid and liquid dispenser

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to an apparatus for metering and dispensing solid and liquid materials. The invention is particularly useful for metering and dispensing certain volumes of sand and water into a cement mixer for mixing with mortar to form cement. 
     The task of mixing sand, water and mortar mix to form cement is a common activity on construction sites. In order to produce cement of acceptable hardness and quality, the sand, water and mortar must be mixed in specific ratios. The amount of sand and water added to the mixture has a direct impact on the color and hardness of the cement. For example, the amount of sand particularly impacts two important qualities of the cement-color and hardness. Color is particularly important when the cement is being used as a grout, and hardness is critical to virtually every application of cement. As such, masons must take time to accurately measure specific volumes of sand and water to mix with a certain weight of mortar to produce a cement having satisfactory hardness and other desired qualities. A mistake in measuring the sand and water can lead to cement of unacceptable quality causing substantial losses in time and money. In addition, government regulations in recent years have increasingly required cement used in various construction projects to have a certain hardness, making accurate measurement of ingredients all the more critical. 
     Industry-wide construction standards generally require the cement to have a hardness of 1800 pounds per square inch (p.s.i.). Mortar mix is typically packaged and sold in bags containing seventy-two pounds of mortar. In addition, most commercial cement mixers are designed to receive and mix two seventy-two pound bags of mortar mix. According to industry standards, six cubic feet of sand and approximately ten gallons of water are required to be mixed with 144 pounds of mortar mix to produce cement having a hardness of 1800 p.s.i. As such, it is common for masons to have to measure six cubic feet of sand and ten gallons of water to mix with 144 pounds of mortar mix. Generally, workers measure the sand and water by hand using conventional measuring devices, and then pour the sand and water by hand into the cement mixer along with two bags of mortar. This is a time-consuming and inefficient process that is prone to human error, particularly in the hectic environment of the typical construction site. In addition, the quality of the product can vary depending on the training and skills of the workers measuring and mixing the ingredients. Furthermore, there is a risk of injury to the workers due to the fact that workers must position themselves close to the mixer, which has dangerous blades, in order to pour the sand, water and mortar into the mixer. 
     In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, the present invention was conceived. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of efficiently and accurately metering a desired volume of solid and liquid materials. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus for dispensing a certain volume of solid and liquid materials into a receptacle for mixing. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that reduces or eliminates the risk of human error in mixing sand, water and mortar to form cement. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that minimizes the risk of injury to personnel involved in making cement by reducing the number of approaches to the mixer necessary to produce a predetermined amount of cement. 
     These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved by providing a portable apparatus for dispensing a solid material and a liquid material into a mixer, comprising a drum having an opening therein and sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of solid material from a hopper positioned above the drum for allowing free flow of the solid material into the drum. The apparatus includes a discharge assembly for discharging the predetermined volume of solid material from the drum into the mixer, and a container for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid into the mixer for mixing with the solid material. The drum, hopper and container are mounted on a support frame in an elevated position above the mixer. 
     According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the discharge assembly includes a drive apparatus for moving the drum from a receiving position in which the opening in the drum is positioned to receive the solid material, and a dispensing position in which the opening in the drum is inverted to dispense the solid material to the receptacle positioned below the drum. 
     According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive apparatus includes a wheel mounted to the drum for rotating the drum from the receiving position. The drum opening is upwardly directed for receiving the solid material from the hopper and the dispensing position in which the drum opening is downwardly directed to dispense the solid material from the drum to the mixer positioned below the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum includes a cylindrical side wall and two opposed lateral end walls, and the drum opening is formed in the cylindrical side wall. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a containment shield is positioned adjacent to the cylindrical side wall of the drum and adapted to conform to the cylindrical sidewall and cover the drum opening as the drum is rotated between the receiving and dispensing positions. The containment shield prevents escape of the solid material through the drum opening while positioned between the receiving and dispensing positions. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the containment shield includes an arcuate plate extending from a point proximate the drum opening in the receiving position to a point proximate the drum opening in the dispensing position. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum is rotated approximately one hundred eighty degrees from the receiving position to the dispensing position, and the containment shield includes an arcuate plate extending approximately one hundred eighty degrees around the cylindrical sidewall of the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the containment shield includes an inner surface facing the drum, and further comprising an elastic layer affixed to the inner surface for reducing frictional forces resulting from contact between the containment shield and the drum during rotation of the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the containment shield includes first and second ends. The first end is pivotally connected to the support frame, and the second end is releasably connected to the support frame. The containment shield is pivotable away from the drum when the second end is released from the support frame. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the containment shield includes first and second ends. The first end is pivotally connected to the support frame, and the second end is releasably connected to a spring biased latch attached to the support frame for preventing solid material from lodging between the containment shield and the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hopper includes at least one wall defining a relatively large top opening and converging to a relatively small base opening. The base opening is positioned above the drum and aligned with the drum opening when the drum is in the receiving position. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the base opening is not aligned with the drum opening when the drum is rotated out of the receiving position, and solid material stored in the hopper is prevented from entering the drum when the drum is not in the receiving position. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one guide plate is affixed to the hopper proximate the base opening and contacts the drum proximate the drum opening when the drum is in the receiving position. The guide plate defines a pathway for solid material flowing from the hopper into the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide plate includes an elastic material to reduce frictional forces resulting from rotation of the drum against the guide plate. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive apparatus includes a first sprocket mounted on the support frame, and a second sprocket mounted on the drum. A chain connects the first and second sprockets such that rotating the first sprocket rotates the drum from the receiving position in which the drum opening is upwardly directed for receiving the solid material from the hopper, and the dispensing position in which the drum opening is downwardly directed to dispense the solid material from the drum to the receptacle positioned below the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, an enlarged wheel is mounted on the first sprocket to provide mechanical assistance in manual operation of the drive apparatus. Rotation of the enlarged wheel rotates the first sprocket, the second sprocket and the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, an electric motor is connected to the first sprocket to rotate the drum. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the drum includes a cylindrical side wall and two opposed lateral end walls. The drum opening is formed in the cylindrical side wall and the second sprocket is mounted on one of the lateral end walls. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, an elongate member is mounted on the support frame and positioned adjacent to the first lateral end surface. At least two stop blocks are positioned approximately one hundred eighty degrees from each other on the first lateral end surface. Contact between the blocks and the elongate member prevents rotation of the drum beyond approximately one hundred eighty degrees. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes means for metering a predetermined volume of liquid in the container. 
     According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a valve opening in communication with a source for the liquid material. A float is suspended on the liquid material, and is connected to a valve proximate the valve opening such that raising the float to a predetermined level within the container closes the valve over the valve opening to prevent entry of additional liquid material into the container, and lowering the float below the predetermined level opens the valve opening to allow entry of the liquid. The volume of liquid material received in the container is controlled by positioning the float at a corresponding height within the container. 
     An embodiment of the method for dispensing a predetermined volume of solid material and a predetermined volume of liquid material into a mixer according to the invention includes the steps of providing a dispensing apparatus comprising a drum having an opening therein and sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of solid material from a hopper positioned above the drum for allowing free flow of the solid material into the drum. A drive apparatus moves the drum from a receiving position in which the opening in the drum is positioned to receive the solid material from the hopper, and a dispensing position in which the opening in the drum is positioned to dispense the sand to a mixer positioned below the drum, and a container for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid into the mixer for mixing with the solid material. The drum, hopper and container are mounted on a support frame in an elevated position above the mixer. The drum is positioned in the receiving position, and solid material flows into the drum until it is full. The container is filled with the predetermined volume of liquid, and the liquid is dispensed into the mixer. The drum is rotated to the dispensing position to allow the solid material in the drum to flow through the drum opening and enter the mixer. 
     An embodiment of the method for making a predetermined amount of cement according to the invention includes the steps of providing a dispensing apparatus comprising a drum having an opening therein and sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of sand from a hopper positioned above the drum for allowing free flow of the sand into the drum, a drive apparatus for moving the drum from a receiving position in which the opening in the drum is positioned to receive the sand from the hopper and a dispensing position in which the opening in the drum is positioned to dispense the sand to a mixer positioned below the drum, and a container for dispensing a predetermined volume of water into the mixer for mixing with the sand. The drum, hopper and container are mounted on a support frame in an elevated position above the cement mixer. The drum is positioned in the receiving position to fill the drum with sand from the hopper. The container is filled with the predetermined volume of water, and the water is dispensed into the mixer. The drum is rotated to the dispensing position to allow the sand in the drum to flow through the drum opening and enter the cement mixer. A predetermined volume of mortar mix is added to the cement mixer, and the sand, water and mortar mix are mixed together to form cement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear as the invention proceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation of a preferred embodiment of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser according to the invention, shown with a cement mixer; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is another side elevation of the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the drum of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is another perspective view of the drum of  FIG. 5 , showing the containment shield pivoted upward; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the hopper of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial cross-sectional view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial enlarged view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is another partial enlarged view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a schematic view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 , showing the drum rotating towards the receiving position; 
         FIG. 11B  is a schematic view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 , showing the drum in position to receive sand from the hopper; 
         FIG. 11C  is a schematic view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 , showing the drum rotating from the receiving position toward the dispensing position; 
         FIG. 11D  is a schematic view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 , showing the drum in position to dispense sand into the cement mixer; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial enlarged view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is another partial enlarged view of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the liquid metering and dispensing container of the volumetric solid and liquid according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE 
     Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the volumetric solid and liquid dispenser according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The dispenser  10  comprises a drum  11  and a liquid metering and dispensing container  12  mounted on a support frame  13 . The drum  11  holds a predetermined volume of solid material and has an opening  14  through which the solid material enters and exits the drum  11 , as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The container  12  stores and delivers a predetermined volume of a liquid. 
     While the dispenser  10  can be used to deliver measured volumes of a variety of solids and liquids, the dispenser  10  is preferably used to dispense sand and water in an appropriate volumetric ratio for mixing with mortar to make cement. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-4 , the dispenser  10  includes a hopper  15  mounted on the support frame  13  above the drum  11 . The hopper  15  preferably comprises four walls  15 A-D defining a relatively large top opening  16  and converging into a relatively small base opening  17 , as shown in FIG.  7 . The base opening  17  is positioned directly above the drum  11 . The hopper  15  preferably holds approximately forty cubic feet of sand, which can supply the typical crew of eight masons for one full day of work. The sand can be poured into the hopper  15  by a forklift or other suitable equipment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the drum  11  preferably comprises a cylindrical sidewall  11 A and two opposed lateral end walls  11 B,  11 C. The drum  11  can be of any volume but is preferably sized to hold six cubic feet of sand. 
     The drum opening  14  is formed within the cylindrical side wall  11 A as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , and is shaped similarly to and sized slightly smaller than the base opening  17  of the hopper  15 , as shown in FIG.  8 . The drum  11  is rotatably mounted to the support frame  13  such that the drum  11  can be rotated relative to the hopper  15  thereby moving the drum opening  14  in and out of alignment with the hopper base opening  17 . 
     A drive apparatus communicates with the drum  11  to rotate the drum between a receiving position, shown in  FIG. 9 , in which the drum opening  14  is upwardly directed and aligned with the hopper base opening  17 , and a dispensing position, shown in  FIG. 10 , in which the drum opening  14  is downwardly directed and aligned with a receptacle  19 , shown in FIG.  1 . The receptacle  19  is preferably a standard commercial cement mixer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the drive apparatus comprises a drive sprocket  20  rotatably mounted on the support frame  13  and a relatively larger sprocket  21  mounted on one lateral end wall  11 B of the drum  11 . The sprockets  20 ,  21  are connected by a chain  22  engaging the teeth of the sprockets  20 ,  21  such that rotation of the drive sprocket  20  rotates sprocket  21  thereby rotating the drum  11 . An enlarged wheel  23  is mounted on the drive sprocket  20  to assist the user in manually rotating the drive sprocket  20 . The wheel  23  is preferably twenty inches in diameter and made of stainless steel. Alternatively, an electric motor can be used to rotate the drive sprocket  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the dispenser  10  includes a second enlarged wheel  23 ′ positioned on the opposite side of the support frame  13 . The second wheel  23 ′ is connected to the first wheel  23  by an axle  18 , enabling the user to operate the dispenser  10  from the front or rear to avoid the wind. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , two stop blocks  24 ,  25  are affixed one hundred eighty degrees apart from each other on the lateral end wall  11 B. Contact between the stop blocks  24 ,  25  and an elongate member  26  on the support frame  13  positioned adjacent lateral end wall  11 B prevent the drum  11  from rotating more than one hundred eighty degrees. Similarly, stop blocks  24 ′,  25 ′ are positioned on the other lateral end wall  11 B, and contact elongate member  26 ′. 
     When the drum  11  is positioned in the receiving position, shown in  FIG. 9 , the drum opening  14  is aligned with the hopper base opening  17  to allow sand contained in the hopper  15  to flow by gravity into the drum  11 . Sand flows freely into the drum  11  until it is full with six cubic feet of sand in the drum  11 . As shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , the drum is moved from the receiving position to the dispensing position by rotating the wheel  23  counterclockwise until stop block  25  contacts the elongate member  26 , preventing further rotation of the drum  11 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the drum opening  14  is downwardly directed to allow sand to flow out of the drum  11  by means of gravity and into the cement mixer  19 , thereby providing six cubic feet of sand for mixing in mixer  19 . The drum can be repositioned in the receiving position by rotating the wheel  23  clockwise until stop block  24  contacts elongate member  26 , as shown in FIG.  9 . If the user attempts to rotate the drum  11  from the receiving position to the dispensing position when the drum  11  is only partially full of sand, the resulting unbalanced load will cause the drum  11  to move in the opposite direction back toward the receiving position. As such, the user is alerted when the drum  11  is not filled with the desired volume of sand and can reposition the drum  11  to receive additional sand until completely filled. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a containment shield  27  is positioned adjacent the drum to prevent escape of sand from the drum  11  due to centrifugal forces while it is being rotated from the receiving position to the dispensing position, as demonstrated in  FIGS. 11B-11D . As can best be seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the containment shield  27  is an arcuate plate sized to conform to the curvature of the cylindrical sidewall  11 A. The top end  27 A of the containment shield  27  is pivotally mounted to the support frame  13  proximate the hopper  15 . The containment shield  27  extends approximately one hundred eighty degrees around the drum  11 , and has a terminal end  27 B releasably connected to spring loaded latches  28 ,  29 . The spring loaded latches  28 ,  29  are attached, respectively, to the lateral end walls  11 B,  11 C of the drum  11 . It is common for pebbles, stones and other relatively large errant matter to be present in sand packaged and sold for use in cement. The spring loaded latches  28 ,  29  securely maintain the containment shield  27  adjacent the cylindrical wall  11 A, while providing a resiliency to prevent the permanent lodging of stones, pebbles or other errant material between the containment shield  27  and the drum  11 . In the event a stone or pebble flows into the crevice between the drum  11  and containment shield  27  while the drum  11  is being rotated from the receiving position to the dispensing position, the spring loaded latches  28 ,  29  and the pivotal mounting of the containment shield  26  provide a resilience in the containment shield  27  that allows stones and pebbles between the drum  11  and the containment shield  27  to fall out as the drum  11  rotates. As such, errant stones and pebbles do not remain lodged between the drum  11  and containment shield  27 , and rotation of the drum  11  continues uninhibited. As shown in  FIG. 6 , an elastic mat  30 , preferably made of rubber, is affixed to the underside of the containment shield  27  proximate the terminal end  27 B to facilitate smooth rotation of the drum  11  by reducing frictional forces generated by contact between the drum  11  and the containment shield  27 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , two elastic segments  31 ,  31 ′, preferably made of rubber, are affixed to the opposite sides  15 B,  15 D, respectively, of the hopper proximate the base opening  17  such that the segments  31 ,  31 ′ extend transversely to the direction of rotation of the drum  11 . Two curved segments  32 ,  32 ′ are affixed to opposite sides  15 A,  15 C of the hopper  15  proximate the base opening  17  such that the curved segments  32 ,  32 ′ extend lengthwise in the same direction as the rotation of the drum  11 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the curved segments  32 ,  32 ′ are curved at an angle corresponding to the curvature of the drum  11  so that the curved segments  32 ,  32 ′ and drum  11  compliment each other. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the elastic segments  31 ,  31 ′ and curved segments  32 ,  32 ′ communicate to define a confined pathway for the sand in the hopper  15  to flow through and into the drum  11 . In addition, the elasticity of the segments  31 ,  31  ′ facilitate smooth rotation of the drum by reducing friction. As shown in  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  12  and  13 , the elastic segment  31  is sandwiched between two connecting panels  33 ,  34  attached to hopper wall  15 B. Elastic segment  31 ′ is similarly positioned between connecting panels  33 ′,  34 ′ attached to hopper wall  15 D. 
     The liquid metering and dispensing container  12  receives and dispenses a desired volume of liquid into the cement mixer  19 . The container  12  preferably holds approximately fifteen gallons of liquid water. Preferably, the container  12  receives and dispenses approximately ten gallons of water into the cement mixer  19  for mixing with six cubic feet of sand and 144 pounds of mortar mix. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , a supply hose  35  is connected to a water supply source (not shown) and supplies water to a receiving pipe  36 . One end of the receiving pipe  36  leads to the container  12 , while the opposite end leads to a faucet  37  that provides an auxiliary water supply for cleaning or other work site duties. A control lever  38  communicates with a control valve  39  that is positioned within the receiving pipe  36  prior to entering the container  12  to control the flow of water into the container  12 . When the control lever  38  is positioned downward, the control valve  39  is closed and no water can enter the container  12 . Moving the control lever  38  upward opens the control valve  39  to allow water to continue to flow through the receiving pipe  36  and ultimately enter the container  12 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG. 14 , a filling mechanism is positioned inside of the container  12  that operates similarly to a toilet. The receiving pipe  36  enters the container  12  and terminates at a lower support member  40  positioned midway in the container  12  on a center support rod  41 . A filler valve  42  is affixed to the terminal end of the receiving pipe  36 . A filler float  43  communicates with the filler valve  42  via a connecting wire  44  to cut off the flow of water into the container  12  once a certain volume of water has been attained. As water fills up the container  12 , the float  43  rises with the water. When the float  43  reaches the upper support member  45 , the filler valve  42  closes to stop further flow of water into the container  12 . As such, the volume of water entering the container can be controlled by positioning of the support members  40 ,  45  at a certain height on the support rod  41 . The lower support member  40  is connected to the base of the container  12  by a spring loaded coil  46  to allow vertical movement of the support members  40 ,  45  along the support rod  41 . In addition, the receiving pipe  36  includes a flexible accordion segment  36 A to allow for sufficient vertical movement. Alternatively, the receiving pipe  36  may comprise an elongate flexible tube that is looped to permit sufficient vertical movement of the pipe  36 , thereby eliminating the need for the accordion segment  36 A. The upper support member  45  is attached to an adjustment cord  47  connected to an adjustment lever  48  mounted on the support frame  13  outside of the container  12 . As such, the adjustment lever controls the placement of the support members  40 ,  45  on the support rod  41 , and the volume of water that enters the container  12 . Preferably, the position of support members  40 ,  45  on support rod  41  can be varied such that a volume of four to fourteen gallons of water is received in the container  12 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , two exit spouts  49 ,  50  are positioned at the base of the container  12  and extend downward. The exit spouts  49 ,  50  terminate proximate the drum opening  14  when the drum  11  is in the dispensing position. The control lever  38  communicates with valves positioned within the spouts  49 ,  50  such that the valves are closed when the control lever  38  is positioned upward, and open when the control lever  38  is positioned downward. As such, water flows into the container  12  and is maintained in the container by the closed exit spouts  49 ,  50  when the control lever  38  is positioned upward. Moving the control lever  38  downward stops the flow of water into the container  12  by closing control valve  39  and opens the exit spouts  49 ,  50  to allow the water to flow out of the container  12  and into the cement mixer  19  positioned below the exit spouts  49 ,  50 , as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the support frame  13  comprises an upper section  51  positioned on four lower legs  52 A-D. The upper section  51  includes four hollow legs  51 A-D, each having a hole formed therein. The legs  51 A-D of the upper section  51  are slightly larger than the lower legs  52 A-D. The legs  52 A-D of the lower section include a series of linearly aligned holes  53  that are spaced apart approximately two inches from each other. The upper section legs  51 A-D are telescoped over the lower section legs  52 A-D such that the holes of the upper section legs  52 A-D are aligned with holes  53  of the lower section legs  52 A-D at a desired height. Pins  54  are positioned through the aligned holes to lock the upper section  51  and lower legs  52 A-D in place at a desired height. The height of the support frame  13  can be adjusted by removing the pins  54  and aligning the holes of the upper section  51  with higher or lower holes  53  of the lower legs  52 A-D. 
     A preferred embodiment of the dispenser  10  is comprised of stainless steel and has the following dimensions:
         Drum  11  has a usable volume of six cubic feet.   Cylindrical sidewall  11 A is 24 inches long and has a diameter of 24 inches.   Lateral end walls  11 B,  11 C have a diameter of 26 inches and is ¼ inch thick.   Drum opening  14  is 23 inches by 15 inches.   Hopper base opening  17  is 24 inches by 15 inches.       

     A preferred method for making cement using dispenser  10  includes the following steps. First, the support members  40 ,  45  are positioned on support rod  41  at a height such that the filler valve  42  will close when ten gallons of water is contained within the container  12 . Next, the control lever  38  is turned upward, opening control valve  39  and closing exit spouts  49 ,  50 , to allow water to start flowing into the container  12 . Water continues to flow into the container  12  until there is ten gallons of water contained within container  12 , at which point float  43  reaches upper support member  45  and filler valve  42  closes to stop further flow of water into the container  12 . The control lever  38  is then moved downward to open exit spouts  49 ,  50 . The water exits the container  12  and flows into the cement mixer  19  positioned directly below. 
     Next, one seventy-two pound bag of mortar mix is poured into the cement mixer  19 . The drum  11  is positioned in the receiving position, as shown in FIG.  9 . Sand flows from the hopper  15  through the drum opening  14  into the drum  11  until it is full. The wheel  23  is then rotated counterclockwise to move the drum  11  from the receiving position to the dispensing position as shown in  FIGS. 11C and 11D . Once in the dispensing position, shown in  FIG. 10 , the six cubic feet of sand contained in the drum  11  empties out through drum opening  14  into the cement mixer  19  positioned below. Another seventy-two pound bag of mortar mix is poured into the cement mixer  19 . Finally, the ten gallons of water, six cubic feet of sand and 144 pounds of mortar mix are thoroughly mixed together in the cement mixer  19  to form cement having a compression strength of approximately 1800 p.s.i. The drum  11  can be moved back to the receiving position by rotating the wheel  23  clockwise, as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . The invention substantially reduces the number of times the user must approach the mixer to add ingredients. Prior art methods typically required a worker to approach the mixer ten times to make one batch of cement, while the present invention requires only two approaches. By minimizing the number of approaches, the risk of sustaining an injury by contacting one of the blades of the mixer is reduced. 
     A volumetric solid and liquid dispenser and method of using same is disclosed above. Various embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by the claims.