Abstract: A novel device to be attached to each weighing hopper of a combination weighing machine is provided for cleaning the hopper by applying an air jet to the inside of the hopper for a short time just after every unloading of the hopper to blow off possible fragments of product weighed sticking to and accumulating on the inner wall of the hopper to affect the tare and, consequently, the combined weight.

Abstract: A timing hopper supporting apparatus in an automatic weighing system includes a pair of frame members constituting a support frame provided on a base, a pair of support pieces attached to respective ones of the frame members so as to form a predetermined clearance with the lower surface thereof, and a pair of supported pieces attached to outer sides of the timing hopper. The supported pieces include insertion tabs which, when inserted into the clearances, enable the timing hopper to be supported in detachable fashion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a movable timing hopper in an automatic weighing apparatus. The timing hopper is movable between an operating position below a chute of the automatic weighing apparatus and a nonoperating position remote from the operating position in which the timing hopper can be inspected or cleaned to remove any deposited articles.

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: An apparatus for selecting between a mechanical or electrical mode for controlling the flow of fibers by motor driven feed lift aprons from a plurality of hoppers to a plurality of weigh pans for producing a predetermined blend of fibers. The mechanical mode utilizes a balance arm assembly which can be set to feed a predetermined amount of fibers into a weigh pan. The electrical mode utilizes thumbwheel switches which can be set for regulating the amount of fibers to be fed into each weigh pan. The electrical mode system also utilizes a comparator for comparing a signal representing the actual weight of fibers in the weigh pan that is produced by a load cell with a signal representing the desired weight of fibers produced by the thumbwheel switches and generates a control signal responsive thereto. The control signal is used for operating a motor driven feed lift apron associated with the hopper.

Abstract: A mass measuring apparatus having a hopper adapted to receive matter the mass of which is to be weighed and having a discharge at its lower end, a load sensing device, and a linkage operatively connected to the load sensing device so that the latter is stressed in accordance with the mass of the hopper and its contents. The linkage applies a force in the horizontal direction to the load sensing device. The hopper is connected by linkage means which are inclined to the vertical.

Abstract: A weight actuated dispensing mechanism including a bracket adapted to be attached to a conveyor system and having an inlet opening therein for receiving material from the conveyor system, and an outlet opening for allowing the material to exit from the bracket by gravity. A valving mechanism is pivotally attached along an axis to the bracket for movement between a first position wherein the valve mechanism closes the outlet opening of the bracket and a second position wherein the valve mechanism is open to allow material to pass from the conveyor system, through the bracket, to a container disposed below the bracket. A projection on the valve mechanism is provided for automatically increasing the closing force on the valve mechanism as it closes. One end of a flexible line is attached to the valve mechanism and extends over the projection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus 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, a first amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal, a first analog-digital converter coupled to said first amplifier and a digital computer coupled to said first analog-digital converter for computing the weight of substance remaining in the container. A second amplifier is coupled to said first amplifier and a ramp off-set circuit which is controlled by the digital computer inputs a second signal to the second amplifier means having a controlled stepping output applied as a second input signal to the second amplifier to maintain the output of the second amplifier within a given selected range of amplitude during one time cycle of operation.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic weighing machine for weighing out a predetermined quantity of fluid materials into a container. The machine includes a fluid material valve of the downward delivery type comprising a closure member having a plurality of selectable positions corresponding to different flow rates through the valve. A weighing control system is adapted to control the valve so as to dispense an appropriate weight of fluid material into the container in accordance with a predetermined program. The control system comprises one or more load cells arranged to provide an electrical output dependent upon the weight of the container plus its contents, and a comparator for comparing the signal from the load cell or cells with a predetermined target weight to be achieved in accordance with the program whereby to provide an electrical error signal instantaneously representative of the additional weight of fluid material to be dispensed.