Periodic release mechanism

A mechanism which periodically releases a quantity of material stored in a container at predetermined intervals of time. The container is partially open and hollow, and is mounted pivotally on a first axle. The mechanism includes a counter-weight for the container. The counter-weight is sufficient to maintain the container in an upright position when empty but insufficient to maintain the container in the upright position when full. The mechanism further includes a catcher having first and second plates disposed perpendicularly or obiquely to one another. The first plate includes a closed notch near the center and an open notch at one edge of the first plate. The catcher is pivotally mounted on a second axle which passes through the closed notch. The mechanism further includes a stop member which extends from one side of the container. The stop member is disposed in the open notch of the catcher prior to release, and holds the container in an upright position until released. A rotating arm mounted on a third axle periodially contacts one face of the second plate, thereby releasing the catcher and causing the container to tip forward and discharge its contents.