A crust breaker and ore feeder device for electrolytic aluminum smelting employs an in-line three-position pneumatic cylinder capable of moving the plunger shaft between a raised position and a fully lowered position. A dose meter in the form of a cylindrical member rests a small distance above the valve seat of the crust breaker. In the raised position the dose meter fits within the dosing cup and receives the dose of alumina. In the lowered position of the crust breaker, the dose meter slows down the flow of alumina into the electrolytic liquid, with the alumina flowing out through cutouts formed in the lower rim of the dose meter.