is visible in fig8 each hinged about a spindle x integral with the container 113 and about a spindle y integral with the moving member 115 the numeral 120 indicates a joint connecting the moving member 115 to a cylinder piston actuator or the like which generates a pivoting movement in the rockers 119 about the spindle x and consequently a translational movement of the moving member 115 which adopts alternately an upper position shown in fig8 and a lower position in which the concave surface 117 is below the level of the glue c in the upper position the concave surface 117 is at a level such that the fraction of glue collected in said concave surface is approximately level with the surface 5 in a dispensing aperture 143 the reel l is rolled along the surface 5 over the dispensing aperture 143 when the moving member 115 is in its raised position after each reel has passed the moving member 115 is lowered in order to collect a fresh load of glue c for application to the next reel by giving the concave surface 117 appropriate dimensions it is possible to alter the quantity of glue available at any particular time the.