Abstract: Machine vision inspection devices and machine vision methods for inspecting objects, such as objects with shiny surfaces. Device embodiments include an illumination housing with a central aperture and a specialized aperture cover. Use of the claimed device embodiments to inspect objects eliminates the void (dark spot) common to known machine vision inspection methods.

Abstract: Machine vision inspection systems and methods for inspecting objects, such as objects with shiny surfaces, as well as illuminators with aperture covers for use therewith. Use of such an aperture cover eliminates the void (dark spot) in the illumination field that inherently results from the presence of an aperture through which an associated camera views an object to be inspected.

Abstract: A combination of a hardware-secured reject bin and a programmed controller that together function to create an interlock that limits access to a reject bin to only those users with specific access rights. Access is gained by entering a user ID or some other authorized reject bin user access information into the user interface of a checkweigher controller or another controller in communication with a checkweigher controller. Access attempts and events may be tracked and the removal of objects from an interlocked bin may be recorded to provide for improved object traceability.

Abstract: Methods of determining vehicle scale health and suitability for use via weight transfer pattern analysis. Dynamically changing patterns of measurement values are seen at each load cell of a vehicle weighing scale as a vehicle enters, remains on, and leaves the scale platform thereof during a normal vehicle weighing operation. These patterns may be analyzed to provide an indication of whether a given load cell is operating properly and/or being manipulated to produce a false weight reading.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to conveyor belt tracking mechanisms with a single adjusting element and to conveyors having conveyor belts whose tracking may be adjusted in both directions using such conveyor belt tracking mechanisms. One exemplary conveyor belt tracking mechanism embodiment employs a pulley support yoke coupled to a specialized angular linkage having a linkage flexure pivot that translates linear motion into angular motion.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to conveyor belt tracking mechanisms with a single adjusting element and to conveyors having conveyor belts whose tracking may be adjusted in both directions using such conveyor belt tracking mechanisms. One exemplary conveyor belt tracking mechanism embodiment employs a pulley support yoke coupled to a specialized angular linkage having a linkage flexure pivot that translates linear motion into angular motion.

Abstract: Methods of determining vehicle scale health and suitability for use via weight transfer pattern analysis. Dynamically changing patterns of measurement values are seen at each load cell of a vehicle weighing scale as a vehicle enters, remains on, and leaves the scale platform thereof during a normal vehicle weighing operation. These patterns may be analyzed to provide an indication of whether a given load cell is operating properly and/or being manipulated to produce a false weight reading.

Abstract: Machine vision inspection systems and methods for inspecting objects, such as objects with shiny surfaces, as well as illuminators with aperture covers for use therewith. Use of such an aperture cover eliminates the void (dark spot) in the illumination field that inherently results from the presence of an aperture through which an associated camera views an object to be inspected.

Abstract: A combination of a hardware-secured reject bin and a programmed controller that together function to create an interlock that limits access to a reject bin to only those users with specific access rights. Access is gained by entering a user ID or some other authorized reject bin user access information into the user interface of a checkweigher controller or another controller in communication with a checkweigher controller. Access attempts and events may be tracked and the removal of objects from an interlocked bin may be recorded to provide for improved object traceability.

Abstract: Batch conversion systems and methods by which residual ingredients from a previous product batch can be used in a subsequent product batch, with the required amount of ingredients in the subsequent batch being adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using 2-D barcodes to provide information responsive to a particular error condition/event of, or need for operational or configuration assistance with respect to, a weighing device that is adapted to generate and display such 2-D barcode. The 2-D barcode contains a hyperlink to a context-sensitive web page that contains information relevant to the 2-D barcode. An image of the 2-D barcode is captured with a scanning device and the 2-D barcode is decoded by an appropriate scanning application of the scanning device. The scanning device is subsequently caused to request the web page as directed by the hyperlink in the 2-D barcode. The web page request is received at a server or similar location, and the requested web page is sent to the scanning device for viewing and use by a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the accurate weighing of coupled-in-motion railcars carrying a flowable or otherwise displaceable material. Systems of the invention employ a scale having a pair of independent scale platforms, each of which captures weight readings while a wheel carriage of a given railcar is isolated thereon. Weight data captured by the scale platforms is analyzed and combined to determine an accurate weight for the associated railcar.

Abstract: A differential weighing method for determining the weight of an item or a group of like items that must be weighed, and a reusable container for use in the differential weighing process. The reusable container may be, for example, a reusable basket or bag. The reusable container is sized to fit on the load receiving surface of the differential weighing scale or is equipped with a series of bottom locating projections that contact the load receiving surface and transfer the weight of the container and its contents thereto when the container sits on the scale. The scale is adapted for differential weighing, whereby the scale will report the weight of an item or group of like items that are removed from the reusable container as a positive net weight.

Abstract: A method for selecting and presenting selected media content to a consumer via a consumer display screen of a PC-based weighing scale. A scale operator is able to call up desired media content and is then permitted to select a particular portion(s) of the media content from a list of available media content responsive to the request. Upon selection, the selected media content is pushed to the consumer display screen where it replaces the content currently appearing thereon. As a transaction takes place on the scale, relevant/necessary information is presented on the consumer display screen without interruption or a reduction in size of the selected media content display. The information is presented in a built-up fashion that maximizes the amount of the consumer display screen available for presenting the selected media content.

Abstract: A system and method of validating checkweigher performance (weighing accuracy). The invention involves removing an object to be weighed from a conveyor prior to the object reaching a checkweigher to be validated, weighing the object on a static scale, reintroducing the object to the conveyor upstream of the checkweigher, weighing the object with the checkweigher, and comparing the two weight readings of the object to determine if the checkweigher is accurately weighing objects. Validation objects may be automatically removed from the conveyor by a transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A 3-point suspension forklift scale adapted for quick and easy attachment/detachment to/from a forklift—without the need for leveling or other pre-operation setup procedures. Further, due to the single lower reaction point of the forklift scale, there is no concern that the initially installed position of the forklift scale will change during use as a result of a loose adjuster, repositioning due to impact, etc. The forklift scale is designed to accurately determine the weight of a load placed on the forks or other lifting elements of the forklift, regardless of the position of the load thereon. Preferably, a forklift scale of the present invention includes a central viewing window that allows an operator see through the forklift scale when operating an associated forklift.

Abstract: A Scale Integration Framework that allows secondary applications installed on a PC-based scale or at a remote location to interact with a Scale Application that controls the scale equipment in accordance with applicable requirements. The scale integration framework comprises a plurality of Integration Points within the Scale Application such that other value added applications can interact with the Scale Application at these Integration Points.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus for weighing and conveying items of various shape and size. The weighing apparatus apparatus includes at least two oppositely rotating wheels that engage an item to be weighed. A force measurement element, such as a load cell, is provided to weigh the item to be weighed while the item is conveyed by the wheels in a suspended position. More than one pair of wheels may be employed.

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: A checkweigher for the in-motion weighing of objects being transported along a conveyor line. A checkweigher of the present invention employs a plurality of scales each having its own set of weighing conveyor elements. For example, a first scale may be associated with a set of lighter weight chains to convey and weigh smaller objects, while a second scale may be associated with a set of heavier weight chains to convey and weigh larger objects. This design essentially allows the incorporation of a lightweight and heavyweight checkweigher within one common checkweigher frame. The problem of noise caused by one set of conveyor elements associated with one scale affecting the accuracy of the other scale(s) is eliminated by locating the conveying surfaces of the conveyor elements associated with the individual scales in different planes. Thus, objects transported by one weighing conveyor exert no load on the conveyor elements of the other weighing conveyor(s).