Abstract: An automatically controlled combination weighing machine, which is generally used for packing a plurality of articles in each bag or the like so that each bag contains a predetermined weight of articles, comprising a plurality of weighing units for weighing a plurality of articles each at the same time to produce corresponding weight indicative signals, respectively, artihmetic means for selecting some of these weighing units so that the total weight of the articles on the selected weighing units meets a predetermined qualification, and means for unloading and loading the selected weighing units with articles automatically; an improvement of which is a provision of automatic control means for the loading means for controlling the feeding rate or amount of articles to the unloaded weighing units on the basis of the total weight of the articles in the all weighing units so that this total weight is maintained at or close to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A hopper for an automatic weighing apparatus has a link mechanism for opening and closing a hopper gate and an attachment mechanism for attaching a hopper body to the automatic weighing apparatus. The link mechanism includes a drive link pivotably mounted on a bracket, a follower link angularly movable in unison with the gate, and an intermediate link interconnected between the movable ends of the drive and follower links. When the gate is closed, the drive and intermediate links are aligned along a substantially straight line to prevent the weight of articles in the hopper from opening the gate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming latent images in which all channel heads are used in different line density scanning. In the case of a multi-channel head having at least three channels which are positioned with a constant distance, the order of the arrangement of loci of the respective channels is made to correspond to two normal and reverse sets of line densities, so that recording at two different line densities can be made by one multi-channel head.

Abstract: A weighing and packaging system operates by combining weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, obtaining a combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value equal to a target value or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits, discharging articles from those weighing machines belonging to the combination obtained, and packaging the discharged articles. In performing combinatorial weighing, the articles discharged from the combinatorial weighing machine are temporarily retained in a cylinder, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged to detect the level of the retained articles, thereby making it possible to detect the volume of the articles charged into a package.

Abstract: An electronic coupled-in-motion railroad track scale is disclosed and comprises four track logic switches for detecting forward or backward train axle movement, a programmable digital voltmeter connected to load cells for effecting the weighing of the train cars, and a computer (CPU) for controlling the voltmeter as well as the track logic switches, and for correlating the axle numbers to the weight determined for each particular car. The four track switches are situated such that two switches are located in close proximity on either end of the weighbridge and the train track interface. Together with the logic circuits, the switches indicate when an axle comes on or goes off the weighbridge, and in which direction the axle is moving. In this manner, if reweighing is desired, the train may be backed up or forwarded to the particular car in question without reweighing the entire train.

Abstract: In a combinatorial weighing system in which weight data from a plurality of weighing machines containing articles are combined to obtain an optimum combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value of articles equal to a target value or closet to the target value within preset allowable limits, and in which the articles are discharged from the obtained optimum combination of weighing machines, the number of weighing machines is increased over that provided in the conventional apparatus, and the number of weighing machines that participate in combinations is varied in accordance with the target value. Further, a limit value for a number of combinations giving at least one total combined weight value within the preset allowable limits is predicted, and it is determined after a combinatorial computation, whether a number of combinations in excess of the limit value remain.

Abstract: This portable weighing system for aircraft includes a plurality of individual load cells which are connected to a central computing and display unit capable of storing dimensional characteristics of commonly encountered aircraft. The computer within the central unit compensates by its programming for nonlinearities in the response of the load cells. The output display can include aircraft gross weight, center of gravity (optionally displayed as percentage of the mean aerodynamic chord). Interactive capability is also provided to facilitate input of aircraft dimensional characteristics which are not already contained within the memory of the central unit.

Abstract: A fluid reservoir with a fluid-level sensor includes a manual testing device consisting of two separate but cooperative rods. The fluid-level sensor consists of a float within the reservoir and a reed switch which is closed to cause a low fluid-level alarm when the float is lower than a predetermined level. The testing device serves to depress the float to below that level to ensure that the switch and the alarm are working. A first rod is supported by a filter mounted at the top of the reservoir. A second rod is supported by a flexible cover which fits over the top of the reservoir. The rods are coaxial and free to move downward far enough to push the float to below the above level. Having the two rods separable allows the cover to be removed easily without damaging the manual testing device.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus of the short-stroke type is disclosed including a resilient parallel guidance arrangement (3) connecting a load-receiving member (2) for vertical movement relative to a console member (1), characterized by the provision of a pivotally movable lever (14) connected between the console and load-receiving members and including a resilient arm (18) for transmitting to the measuring device--for example, a vibratory string (23)--a force corresponding with the load applied to the load-receiving member. A stop device (20) is provided for limiting the extent of pivotal movement of the lever, the force introduced into the parallel guidance arrangement being only a fraction of the load to be measured, whereby the deleterious influences disturbing the measurement force are eliminated, whereby a relatively simple and inexpensive parallel guidance arrangement of less expensive materials may be achieved.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus is disclosed of the short-stroke vibratory string type including a housing (3, 5) in which is arranged a load cell device including a stationary member (1) and a vertically movable load receiving member (2), characterized by the provision of a vertically collapsible overload protection device (F) arranged within the housing around the stationary load cell member for connecting a weighing platform or pan (6) arranged above the housing with the movable load receiver member. The overload protection device includes a horizontal open rectangular frame having relatively vertically movable upper (7) and lower (8) frame sections, stop lugs (23) being provided on the housing for limiting the extent of downward travel of the upper frame member. A snap spring arrangement (14, 18) is provided for biasing the upper and lower frame members vertically apart.