Abstract: System for controlling the discharge rate of a material feeder. A weight scale connected to the material is sampled and the samples input to a digital processor. The digital processor determines for consecutive time intervals during discharge of said material, a weight loss over the time interval. The weight loss for the interval is compared with a desired weight loss which is calculated from a desired setpoint material discharge rate obtained only when the weight loss is constant and stable. The resulting error is averaged with subsequent errors to form a control signal for the material feeder. The calculation of errors over each subsequent interval increases the resolution of the control signal, increasing the ability to control discharge rates to compensate for changes in material density which otherwise affect discharge rates.

Abstract: The conveyor belt assembly includes links having forward and rearwardly laterally spaced projections with forward and rearward projections of adjacent links being interdigitated and coupled to one another by a shaft passing through the aligned openings of the link projections. The shaft includes a headed end having two retainer sections with projections extending in diametrically opposite directions outside of the peripheral confines of the shaft. Diametrically opposite inset portions at axially spaced locations are also provided. By inserting the non-headed end of the shaft through the aligned openings and pressing the headed end through the first opening, the headed end is deformed laterally, first in one direction and then in an opposite direction, in order to pass through the end opening into a lock cavity. The projections prevent axial movement of the shaft in respective opposite directions.