Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous weighing system and more specifically to a combination of a "wild-flow" flow of material and a loss-in-weight monitoring system. An uncontrolled flow of material from a wild-flow stream is accurately weighed and discharged by the loss-in-weight system.

Abstract: An improved metering mechanism for metering highly aerated or fluidized solid materials in a controlled manner is disclosed. The mechanism consists of a bin discharger attached above a rotary feeder assembly. The bin discharger has two augers which rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The augers rotate such that material flow is directed toward the center of the discharger, and down into the inlet of the rotary feeder assembly. The rotary feeder assembly contains 6-12 rotary vanes. Two vanes form a pocket into which material falls as each pocket comes into mating relation with the rotary feeder assembly inlet. A tight clearance between the outer radial edge of the rotary vanes and the inner surface of the housing of the rotary feeder assembly prevents the material from flushing through the rotary feeder assembly in an uncontrolled fashion. The material exits the rotary feeder assembly as each filled pocket comes into mating relation with the outlet of the rotary feeder assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a loss-in-weight feeding system including an accelerometer for detecting extraneous disturbances impinging on the system and preventing the disturbance from adversely affecting the feed rate. A split-beam weighing assembly senses the weight of the material in the container and produces a first signal to control the feed rate. The accelerometer is mounted on the split beam assembly and produces an acceleration signal. The acceleration signal is compared with a predetermined limit, and if the comparison shows a difference beyond a predetermined size, the action of the first signal is inhibited.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new wetting chamber for a metering and wetting system typically for polyelectrolyte polymer. Atmospheric air is used to disperse the polymer fed into the chamber by a suitable feeder and to generate air/water turbulence in the wetting chamber in which the polymer is wetted. Suction draws the metered polymer into the wetting chamber and increases the downward velocity of the polymer as it enters the turbulent section of the wetting chamber. When wetted, the polymer is transferred to a mixing tank for aging. It is then ready for use in various industries.

Abstract: An ingredient spreader which may be readily coupled to existing feeder mechanisms so as to provide a uniform output which is dispersed in a sifting or dusting fashion over a defined area. The ingredient spreader includes a housing having an inlet at its top and an outlet at its bottom, a baffle connected centrally within the housing, a mesh screen located across the outlet of the housing, a plurality of balls which rest on the mesh screen when the ingredient spreader is not in operation, and a drive mechanism for oscillating the housing when the ingredient spreader is in operation. In operation, the drive mechanism oscillates the ingredient spreader. Ingredient is fed through the inlet at the top of the housing, passes through the housing being dispersed by the baffle, and is sifted by the balls and the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding system including a container prefilled with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the container and its contents and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, apparatus actuated by the electrical signal for controlling the discharge of the substance from the container, and a detector circuit actuated by the electrical signal for producing an output which is responsive to predetermined excessive excursions of the electrical signal for locking the discharge control apparatus against deviation during the time of the excessive excursion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding system including a container prefilled with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the container and its contents and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, apparatus actuated by the electrical signal for controlling the discharge of the substance from the container, and a detector circuit actuated by the electrical signal for producing an output which is responsive to predetermined excessive excursions of the electrical signal for locking the discharge control apparatus against deviation during the time of the excessive excursion. .Iadd.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.