Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a rough-charge weigher and a combination weigher. The rough-charge weigher includes: a feeding device; a lower hopper configured to hold and discharge objects to be weighed that are fed from the feeding device; a feeding adjuster configured to feed the objects to be weighed from the feeding device to the lower hopper, and adjust an amount of the objects to be weighed that are fed to the lower hopper; and a weight sensor provided on either the feeding device or the lower hopper. A controller: continuously measures, by the weight sensor, a weight of the objects to be weighed that are fed by the feeding adjuster from the feeding device to the lower hopper; and at a point when the weight of the objects to be weighed that are fed to the lower hopper has reached the rough-charge weight, stops the feeding adjuster.

Abstract: A forklift bin includes a container affixed to a frame. The container includes a bottom sloped with respect to a swing door. The swing door can be retained via magnets.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a coaxial gasifier for enhanced hydrogen production, comprising: downdraft gasifier comprising a hot zone for converting biomass to synthesis gas; and a coaxial gas converter disposed within the downdraft gasifier, the coaxial gas converter comprising a biochar inlet valve, a coaxial char tube, and a biochar and ash outlet valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a flowable edible product dispensing apparatus, which includes: a programmable controller; a touchscreen interface including an indicator of at least one edible item for selection, the operator interface in communication with the programmable controller, a dispensing system in communication the operator interface. The programmable controller, being wirelessly connected to the internet, is operable to associate the at least one edible item with the least one flowable edible and/or inedible product. The dispensing system dispenses an amount of the at least one flowable edible and/or inedible product associated with the selected edible item when the at least one edible and/or inedible item is selected.

Abstract: An addition system for introducing particulate material into an industrial process is disclosed. The addition system comprises a vessel for holding the particulate material, a weighing device, piping, a controller, and a frame to support the piping. The piping comprises a first valve for transferring the particulate material to the industrial process, and a second valve for transferring a first stream of pressurized gas from a source of pressurized gas to the vessel. The vessel comprises a quick-release hatch located on the top of the vessel.

Abstract: A granular material weighing system intended primarily for weighing gunpowder, but which is not limited to this application. A volumetric powder measure is used to simultaneously dispense a previously weighed batch of granular material into its final container, usually a cartridge case, while also dispensing a volumetrically measured initial batch of material onto a scale. The initial batch is close to but below the desired final weight. A dribbler is used to feed additional granular material until the scale indicates that the desired weight is reached. The powder measure may be a rotary drum or translating bar type, the scale may be a beam balance including a magnetic damping device or an electronic scale, and the dribbler may be any electronic or mechanical dribbler.

Abstract: This invention provides a combined metering apparatus in which the convey efficiency of a target metering object from an upper-stage hopper to a lower-stage hopper is improved. For this purpose, the direction in which a bottom plate 33 of a pool hopper 25 is moved to open the lower open surface of a cylindrical body 26 and the direction in which a bottom plate 43 of a lower-stage metering hopper 35 is moved to close the lower open surface of a cylindrical body 36 are set the same. Also, the direction in which the bottom plate 43 of the metering hopper 35 is moved to open the lower open surface of the cylindrical body 36 and the direction in which a bottom plate 59 of a lower-stage timing hopper 50 is moved to open the lower open surface of a cylindrical body 51 are set the same.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are shown for controlling a weighing machine in which product is fed into one end a vibratable pan of a vibratory feeder and is discharged from the other end, for example into a weigh bucket. In a first embodiment, the amplitude of vibration of a pan is measured and is compared to a desired amplitude. The measured amplitude is compared to a desired amplitude, and the amplitude of vibration is adjusted by modifying an input signal to a vibrator attached to the pan until the measured amplitude equals the desired amplitude. In a second embodiment, a mechanism is included to stop the loading of product into a pan when a predetermined amount of product has been discharged from a pan into a weigh bucket, and the weight of product in the pan is monitored as additional product is discharged into the weigh bucket. Only a preselected additional weight of product is subsequently discharged into the weigh bucket.

Abstract: A new device and method for measuring large production flows of e.g., one to fifty tons per hour with products such as mill products having unfavorable flow behavior. The production flow is directed intermittently into an upright weighing container for a brief time and is compulsorily discharged from the latter substantially horizontally so as to be controlled with respect to speed. The production flow is periodically monitored volumetrically and gravimetrically by means of differential weighing.The use of the method suggests that the production flow in a mill be measured by means of differential weighing for the purpose of controlling, e.g., monitoring the work process prior to wetting, e.g. as mill input capacity, e.g. for monitoring in the milling process, e.g. for the flour weigher.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. The dispenser can include one or more inclined ramps for allowing containers to be slidably conveyed within the dispenser to and away from a basket filling station. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations. A container especially suited for use in the dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. The dispenser can include one or more inclined ramps for allowing containers to be slidably conveyed within the dispenser to and away from a basket filling station. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations. A container especially suited for use in the dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portioning dispenser for bulk food items is disclosed which receives bulk food items in a storage bin, portions food items from the storage bin, and dispenses measured portions of food items for further processing. The dispenser can include a rotary drum for conveying food items from the storage bin and a load cell for weighing the quantity of items conveyed from the storage bin into a secondary bin. The dispenser can also include a conveyor system for sequentially accepting, filling and returning a plurality of portion containers. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is disclosed for dispensing measured portions of bulk food items which includes several of the above-discussed operations.

Abstract: The invention proposes a novel weighing method and a device for exactly determining the weight of a continuous stream of bulk material. The stream is conveyed without interruption into a tubular weighing machine (1). A blocking slide valve (4) is cyclically closed and opened and the weight increase per unit time is measured, the slide valve (4) being closed in each case, and an average is obtained from a very large number of weighing operations repeated in the same manner, and is used by computer means (5) for calculating the entire amount of bulk material. The weighing cycle is very short, in some cases less than 10 seconds, and is continuously repeated. The large number of measurements gives high statistical accuracy of about .+-.0.02%, i.e. of the same order as for a container-type weigher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering particulate material while minimizing the release of dust. The apparatus comprises a vertical conduit, and movable flap adapted to close the lower end of the conduit and a counterwieght or linear actuator for moving the flap to close the conduit whenever the quantity of material within the conduit drops to be predetermined level. The device operates so that a column of solid particulate material is maintained in the lower end of the tube at all times to prevent escape of dust.

Abstract: A process for accurately determining the consumption of a raw material in a processing machine or machines, especially plastic processing machines, in which the raw material is stored in a central storage container, comprises weighing or gravimetrically determining only a portion of the raw material stored in the storage container and feeding it to an intermediate storage vessel, from which it is delivered to the processing machine. The apparatus for performing this process comprises a storage container, means for gravimetric determination of a portion of the raw material which comprise a weighing housing which is supported on weighing sensors and an intermediate storage vessel, and supply means for feeding the raw material from the intermediate storage vessel to the processing machine. The weight determination means and the intermediate storage vessel can be suitably disposed in the vicinity of the central raw material storage container.

Abstract: A double-gated pool hopper is disposed above a pair of single-gated weigh hoppers such that articles in the pool hopper can be selectably discharged into either of the weigh hoppers by opening and closing the corresponding one of the two gates of the pool hopper. A single stepping motor controls the selective opening and closing of the two gates of the pool hopper by rotating in one direction or the other and another single stepping motor controls the selective opening and closing of the gates of the pair of weigh hoppers by rotating in one direction or the other.

Abstract: A powder measuring device and powder measuring mixer in which powder is supplied from a supply hopper to a measuring hopper with its flow rate controlled by a flow regulator associated with the hopper. The weight of the measuring hopper is monitored. A controller compares the measured weight with a target rate to produce a deviation therebetween and a time variation of the deviation. The controller operates according to fuzzy inference to produce a desired flow rate for the next control cycle. This desired flow rate is then supplied to the flow regulator. Several supply hoppers with associated flow regulators can be used. Then the output of the controller is switched between the different flow regulators at different phases of the mixing measurement. Additionally, the measuring hopper can be movable between the different supply hoppers so as to avoid complicated piping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accumulating a load having a desired weight, and then transferring the load to a reversible conveyor. The reversible conveyor extends between a pair of unloading stations, and is capable of delivering the load to either one of the unloading stations, depending upon the direction in which it is driven. In one class of preferred embodiments, the inventive apparatus is portable, and is capable of weighing out selected amounts of any of a variety of products (for example, frozen fish or other foods). In one such embodiment, the invention includes a single gated bin which feeds a single weighing hopper, and a vibrating conveyor mounted on a vibration-absorbing frame assembly for feeding the gated bin. The weighing hopper (which does not vibrate) feeds as reversible conveyor, and the reversible conveyor in turn feeds two unloading stations.

Abstract: An arrangement for continuous feeding of an extruder of plastics, in which a casing receives a weighing container and has an upper part and a lower part. A weighing bar is located in the upper part of the casing. The lower part is closed and has a hopper shape. A casing cover plate carries the weighing container with the weighing bar. A material feed nozzle is mounted on the casing cover plate, and an outlet chute is connected to the lower part of the casing. A level switch in the chute signals when the next batch to be fed to the extruder is to be weighed. Distance spacing elements support the casing cover plate on the lower part of the casing. Vibration dampers are provided under the casing cover plate. An elastic hose element surrounds the weighing container and has secured sealed ends. The elastic hose element extends betwee the casing cover plate and the lower part of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding sprouting beans or the like which are raked-up by a conveying belt arranged standing slantwise from a lower resevoir for the sprouting beans, with a plurality of needlelike projections planted thereon, and fed into a weighing bucket so as to weigh the same in fixed quantities. The conveyor belt serves to increase the weighing accuracy in such a manner that after the sprouting beans are fed into the weighing bucket in a predetermined desired quantity, the raking-up speed is lowered and, as a result, the sprouting beans are conveyed little by little until such reach a given quantity.

Abstract: A product handling and weighing apparatus having a rotary paddle wheel with vanes forming product pockets therebetween to hold the product and transfer the product through a weighing bucket.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding sprouting beans or the like which are raked-up by a conveying belt arranged standingly slantwise from a lower reservoir for the sprouting beans, with a plurality of needlelike projections planted thereon, and fed into a weighing bucket so as to weigh the same in fixed quantities. The conveyor belt serves to increase weighing accuracy in such a manner that after the sprouting beans are fed into the weighing bucket in a predetermined desired quantity, the raking-up speed is lowered and, as a result, the sprouting beans are conveyed little by little until they reach a given quantity.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the metering of predetermined quantities of at least one product to be delivered to at least one mobile receiver by means of a distribution station which comprises means effecting the discharge of a product from a container, a device effecting simultaneously the preliminary storage, homogeneization and the transfer of the product to a weighing assembly comprising a metering feeder equipped with means to deliver the product to a mobile receiver, means to effect static weighings and dynamic weighings, means to conduct automatically the operations of weighing and the delivery of the product to the mobile receiver, means to effect the transfer of the product to the mobile receiver and to obturate the outlet of the weighing assembly, and the elements of the distributor station are further equipped with means to create and to maintain the impermeability of the apparatus with respect to the product involved and the elements of the environment.

Abstract: A fiber blending system includes a number of feeders which dump fibers onto a conveyor. Each feeder includes a weigh pan into which fibers are fed. The weigh pan is pivotally mounted to the feeder and counterbalanced. Also connected to the weigh pan is a single load cell which monitors the weight of fibers in the pan. The load cell is connected to the weigh pan by a single wire about which vibration damping is disposed. Once a set weight of fibers has collected in the pan, feeding stops until a dump command is given related to the position of the conveyor. When the conveyor is in the appropriate position, all feeders then dump fibers at their respective set weights. The blending system is controllled by a programmable controller which monitors for three malfunctions. If fibers fail to dump after a dump command is given, if an excessive time occurs during which the pans are filling without reaching the set weight and when a predetermined number of heavy dumps occur, an alarm is generated.

Abstract: An improved method of taking tare weights is provided for automatic weighing machines. Periodically, the sequence of weighing cycles is interrupted in order that a tare cycle may be executed. During the tare cycle, all the weighing buckets of the weighing machine which were emptied in the last weighing cycle are weighed in their empty state. The new values for the tare weights are stored and the old values are discarded. By introducing a tare cycle between successive weighing cycles, all weighing buckets are available in each weighing cycle for finding the best combination.

Abstract: A loss-in-weight gravimetric feeding system is disclosed which includes a prefeeder for receiving and discharging material and at least first and second feeders for receiving material from the prefeeder and discharging the received material to a common collector. The system includes a device for alternately diverting material discharged from the prefeeder to the first and second feeders, circuits for generating a first and second weight signal representative of the weight of material in the first and second feeders respectively, and structure for generating a reference signal representative of a desired mass flow rate of material from a feeder. The system further includes a circuit for alternately comparing the reference signal to the first and second weight signals in synchronism with the diverting device for controlling each of the feeders based on the comparison between the reference signal and the weight signal associated with the feeder.

Abstract: A controlled chute device, including a ramp chute having an entrance gate at the upstream and an exit gate at the downstream, for letting groups of product fed from the entrance gate slip down along it by gravity and discharging them from the exit gate, wherein the both entrance and exit gates are controlled sophisticatedly so that two or more groups of product sequentially fed from the entrance gate can exist on the chute at the same time without fear of contact and intermixture of the adjoining groups, which device is especially suitable for use in a combination weighing machine.

Abstract: A method for cyclically weighing flowable bulk solid material as part of a dispensing process which includes the steps of supplying the material from a continuously operating controllable delivery feed arrangement to a weigh-pan; generating a signal indicative of the amount of material in the weigh-pan; terminating supply of the material from the feed arrangement when the signal indicates a predetermined amount of material in the weigh-pan; causing the weigh-pan, after receiving and weighing all the materials supplied by the feed arrangement up to such termination of the supply, to deliver its contents; preparing the weigh-pan for the next cycle; predetermining a rate of delivery from the weigh-pan in accordance with the requirements of the dispensing process in terms of the average amount delivered per cycle in a cycling frequency; supplying from the feed arrangement material to the weigh-pan through a valve mechanism in which the material accumulates when the weigh-pan is not receiving material from the val

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous weighing of a fluid material is described, wherein the material is continuously fed to a weighing container and discharged therefrom, the weighing of the material during filling and the estimated weight thereof during discharge being determined, and by means of a computer, used to generate values which will give the total weight of the material during the entire weighing operation.

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, the machine possesses a plurality of weighing units for weighing a plurality of articles each at the same time to produce corresponding weight indicative signals, respectively, arithmetic 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 automatic control device is provided for the loading means for controlling the feeding rate or amount of the articles to the unloaded weighing units on the basis of the average weight of the articles on the remaining non-selected weighing units so that all of the weighing units can uniformly participate in the selected combinations and be unloaded in turn.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for feeding, weighing and releasing a predetermined quantity of fiber in reoccurring cycles for use in a fiber blending operation or the like whereby the quantity of fiber released in each cycle is maintained at an essentially constant and preselected level, which includes means for sensing the actual weight of fiber dumped from a weigh pan or container, comparing such weight with a constant preset desired weight setting, and varying the weight of fiber delivered during the next cycle to compensate for any differences between the preset weight and the actual weight dumped during the preceding cycle.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, which is generally used for packing a plurality of articles in individual bags or the like so that the total weight of each bag becomes nearly equal to a predetermined target weight, including a plurality of weighing balances for weighing the articles at the same time, arithmetic means for selecting some of these balances so that the total weight of the articles thereon satisfies a predetermined condition and means for unloading the selected balances to collect the articles thereon and then loading them with new articles, respectively, to initiate the next cycle of operation; each balance being accompanied with one or more temporary holding hoppers and corresponding memories, and means for distributing the articles on the balance to these hoppers and, at the same time, feed weight information thereof to the corresponding memories, in order to subject the articles in the hoppers to the selection by the arithmetic means together with the articles on the balance, thereby improving

Abstract: A weigh scale machine for automatically filling bags/containers including an infeed chute, a weigh bucket, a scale mechanism, and a discharge hopper. Initially, the flow gate located between the infeed chute and the weigh bucket is open and product is permitted to flow through the infeed chute into the weigh bucket. When the prescribed weight is attained, as determined by the setting of the scale mechanism, a weigh complete sensor is triggered and the flow gate is closed. The dump doors located at the bottom of the weigh bucket are then opened and the product is discharged through the hopper into the bag/container. Operation of the machine is controlled by a solid-state controller which includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring the actual positions of the flow gate, scale beam, and dump doors.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system designed for weighing out a desired number or weight of articles, wherein groups of articles are respectively weighed by a plurality of weighing machines, combinatorial addition is performed on all or a fixed number of possible combinations for weighed values obtained, a particular combination whose combination value is equal or the closest to a set value is selected, and articles are discharged from the weighing hoppers corresponding to the selected combination. It is contemplated to improve performance of this system by ensuring that groups of articles successively discharged from the weighing hoppers are collected separately one from the other without intermingling. To that end, an intermediate shutter is provided in a collecting chute.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the high-speed, cyclic batch weighing of a flowable material in which variations in initial scale weight are automatically compensated for. Measuring cycle time is minimized by overlapping the time required to achieve scale stability prior to tare with the material discharge time. Tare weight is automatically measured during a weighing cycle following material discharge while the weight container is open to provide a residue compensation output signal.

Abstract: A weighpan is controlled by a microprocessor to tare itself between successive weighings and the microprocessor resets the weight at which supply to the weighpan is regulated in accordance with a shortfall or excess delivered on previous weighings.

Abstract: The method of forming accurate charges of rubber composed of different sorts of rubber includes the steps of preparing for each sort a series of bales stored in a ready to feed condition on separate storing conveyors, successively discharging the required number of whole bales from respective series onto a common intermediate feeding conveyor wherefrom the batches of whole bales are supplied via a switching intermediate feeding conveyor to a scaling conveyor of an automatic scale. Part of whole bales is selectively directed to a cutting machine where the bales are successively disintegrated into smaller pieces and distributed according to the rubber sorts on separate storing and dosing conveyors directed to a hopper above the scaling conveyor.

Abstract: The immersible pneumatic weighing doser for molten metals comprises a measuring vessel communicating with a compressed gas source, and a weighing controller. The weighing controller is provided with a lever cantilevering said measuring vessel, and a stress pick-up acted upon by said lever. According to the invention, the measuring vessel is provided with a filling opening closing device comprising a drive disposed on the weighing controller lever.

Abstract: The operation of a vacuum-conveying hopper feeder is controlled using pneumatic logic circuitry including a leak sensor relay providing improved control accuracy and with a sensor orifice which becomes occluded by a spring-loaded plunger when the feeder body is filled to a predetermined weight. The leak sensor relay connects through a pneumatic logic NOT element to an aspirator or pump control valve and releases the vacuum allowing the contents of the body to be dumped. Time delay elements can be included between the relay, NOT element, and control valve so as to continue the filling for a predetermined interval following occlusion of the sensor orifice and to continue the dumping for a period following unblocking of the orifice.

Abstract: A pneumatic conveyor tube weigh jet assembly comprising a pivotally suspended holding chamber, a load cell for determining the weight of material in the holding chamber and flexible connections which allow for the weigh jet assembly to be permanently connected into a pneumatic conveying system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method to batch-weigh a continuous flow of material. The material flows into a holding container which cyclically drops a load into a weighing container and then continues to receive the flow of material. Before the holding container is again filled, the load in the weighing container is weighed, emptied and, if necessary, again weighed to measure tare weight. The weighing container is then ready to receive another load from the holding container. The material emptied from the weighing container drops into a hopper from whence it continues to flow, as upon a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A check-weighing apparatus is provided wherein a conveyor feeds articles in a discrete manner onto a weighing device, the feeding of the articles being terminated, and the articles being removed from the weighing device, when a predetermined weight is attained. A receptacle receives a batch of articles from the conveyor and when a predetermined batch quantity is attained within the receptacle which is less than the predetermined weight referred to, the batch is released onto the weighing device. The conveyor then tops up the batch to the predetermined weight.

Abstract: An automatically operational net weight filling machine having a plurality of similar but independently adjustable operational stations which conveyably receive from a bulk storage source a loose and flowable dry particulate material, measures out an adjustably predetermined net weight amount of that material into a net weight receptacle enclosed within a chamber provided with a selected atmosphere, and then dispenses the net weight amount of that material from the net weight receptacle into an evacuated container such as a bottle or the like, wherein the respective containers are also automatically delivered to and discharged from the machine after net weight filling thereof with the subject material.

Abstract: A novel automatic apparatus for preparing a sample for analysis and a novel method for preparation of the sample are provided, whereby specified fractions of plural liquid samples can be automatically and successively collected by distillation. The apparatus comprises an inert gas charging means, a multi-way selector liquid sampler means operated by a timer, a liquid sample charging and discharging means operated by a timer, a distillation still, a fraction selector means and fraction receivers, which are connected in that order by pipe lines. The apparatus and method are especially useful, for example, for preparing a sample for analysis of a diacetyl-odor component and a sample for Kjeldahl determination method.

Abstract: A method of and device for feeding into the charging funnel of a worm machine strip-shaped or irregularly formed partial pieces of material, especially rubber, dosed by weight as components of a mixture, according to which the pieces are weighed individually and are conveyed to the worm machine in a cycle sequence time compensating for the difference of the rated value or preselected weight and the actual value of the weight of the individual piece. The device for practicing the method according to the invention has an electric scale preferably connected to an analog converter, which scale feeds a starting voltage proportional to the actual weight of the partial pieces to a rated value -- actual value comparator and to an electric calculator which latter determines the change in the cycle sequence time in conformity with the deviation from the preselected weight of the respective partial piece.

Abstract: A weighpan is controlled by a microprocessor to tare itself between successive weighings and the microprocessor resets the weight at which supply to the weighpan is regulated in accordance with a shortfall or excess delivered on previous weighings.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system designed for weighing out a desired number or weight of articles, wherein groups of articles are respectively weighed by a plurality of weighing machines, combinatorial addition is performed on all or a fixed number of possible combinations for weighed values obtained, a particular combination whose combination value is equal or the closest to a set value is selected, and articles are discharged from the weighing hoppers corresponding to the selected combination. It is contemplated to improve performance of this system by ensuring that groups of articles successively discharged from the weighing hoppers are collected separately one from the other without intermingling. To that end, an intermediate shutter is provided in a collecting chute.