Abstract: An apparatus comprising a conveyor (1) having article holders for conveying vulnerable articles (V), such as for instance fruits, in the article holders (2), the artices (V) during conveyance being subjected to a treatment for the purpose of the classification of the products, such as for instance a weighing treatment, the article holders being grippers (2) adapted to assume two stable positions, i.e. a gripping position wherein the articles (V) are grippingly receivable in the gripper, and a release position wherein articles (V) received in the gripper (2) are released in downward direction, the grippers (2) being designed so that in the gripping position articles (V) of different dimensions are receivable therein.

Abstract: A scale for weighing material as it is transported along a movable conveyor is disclosed as including a pair of wheatstone bridge load cell assemblies which are mounted subjacent and across a roller assembly forming a part of the conveyor. The entire scale assembly is mounted between the framework stringers of the conveyor by a pair of inexpensive IPS pipes. In accordance with the invention, the entire scale assembly is mountable on differing width conveyor systems simply by changing the lengths of the IPS pipe portions of the scale framework so as to fit the frame on the respective stringers. Input into the dual wheatstone bridge circuits is fed into a computer, along with input relating to the speed (displacement) of conveyor movement to provide data needed for calculating a number of potential output figures. Remote display and monitoring of numerous such conveyor scales provides for ease of monitoring multiple conveyor systems.

Abstract: A conveyor scale assembly for use in combination with a conveyor belt for weighing an article on the moving conveyor belt. The conveyor scale assembly is comprised of a slider bed which contacts the underside of the moving conveyor belt which generates a friction force between the conveyor belt and the slider bed. Attached to the slider bed is a sensor which continuously measures the friction force and transmits data representing the measured friction force. A CPU receives and processes the representative data and provides a weight for the article on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyorized system for weighing and labeling products in packages and having multiple conveyor sections each of which is driven by an individual variable speed motor. A computer is supplied and connected to each of the variable speed motors. The computer contains data relating speed of operating each motor for a particular package style in the computer memory. An operator inputs a package code to the computer, which locates the package information stored in memory and signals the variable speed motors as to the desired speed for each conveyor. Similar information is maintained in the computer memory for each package as to dimensions, such that the computer signal output includes commands to several servo motors which are connected to adjust spacing between vertical control belts to accommodate the package and the positioning of a label applicator to suit.

Abstract: Weighing and sorting apparatus for articles such as fruit or the like, and an improved weigh cup for use therewith. The weigh cups move along a predetermined path including a scale that weighs each cup and its contents. The cups are supported on the weigh scale only along a line coincident with the lateral center of gravity of the cup, allowing each weighing operation to commence as soon as that single support for the cup moves onto a weigh platform. Each cup includes a stabilizer arm to maintain the cup in an upright attitude notwithstanding the single support at the lateral center of gravity.

Abstract: In a weighing conveyor, a driving roller includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The outer cylinder is rotatably supported on the inner cylinder. An endless belt is laid over the outer cylinder. An electric motor and a load cell are built in the inner cylinder. The motor drives the outer cylinder through a reduction gear mechanism.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus with pneumatic cylinder and piston assemblies for lifting a hinged platform includes a self-deploying mechanism to secure the platform in the raised position, a mechanism for remotely repositioning the self-deploying securing mechanism to enable lowering of the platform, and a control mechanism to remotely activate the lifting and securing of the platform and the unsecuring and lowering of the platform and to prevent unauthorized operation. The self-deploying securing mechanism includes an arm pivotally connected to the underside of the platform and arranged so that the other, free end of the arm pivots to a position to secure the platform when the platform is raised to a pre-determined height. The repositioning mechanism includes a pneumatic cylinder and piston assembly mounted perpendicular to the cylinder and piston assembly used to lift the platform.

Abstract: In a dynamic weighing device including a weight signal treating filter for measuring the weight of an article while the article is conveyed by a weighing conveyer, a device and a method of automatically determining an optimum time point for reading the weight signal and/or an optimum characteristic of the filter to be used, wherein the weight signal is read and stored plural times between two predetermined time points with and/or without variation of the filter characteristic, this operation is repeated about the same article or a plurality of articles which are substantially same in weight and, thereafter, the reading time point and filter characteristic corresponding to one of the groups of weight measurements of the respective times which gives a minimum dispersion of the weight measurements are selected as the optimum conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically openable and closable hopper set for a fruit weighing and sorting machine, wherein a hopper having two lower scale plates and a pivotally connected door is used to carry a fruit to be sorted by weight. The door is normally retained to a closed position by means of a hook portion of an arm member disposed at one side of the hopper. When the carried fruit is heavier than a set value of a weighing device passed by the hopper set, the scale plates of the hopper depress a scale rod of the weighing device, causing the hopper to descend and tilt, which further causes the arm member to shift and the hook portion to release the door from the hopper, permitting the fruit to immediately fall out of the hopper and into a collection box.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in weighing products having circular or oval footprint configurations. A conveyor having a pair of parallel conveyor elements arranged to underengage the footprint only adjacent the periphery thereof transports the products one at a time across a planar surface of a weigh pan or scale device. The surface of the weigh pan is shaped and the transverse spacing between the conveyor elements is adjustable in order to permit lengths of the surface of the weigh pan engaged by the conveyor elements to be selected to correspond essentially to dimensions of differently sized products to be weighed.

Abstract: A reader for radio frequency identification tags having at least one magnetic field transmitting and receiving coil which is oriented in a given plane and which is responsive to a received magnetic exciter field of a first frequency to produce and radiate an identifying magnetic field comprised of a carrier at a second different frequency modulated by an identifying code.

Abstract: Improved bulk density sampler is provided for continuous sampling of material flowing in a material processing stream which includes a sampling assembly including a receptacle of known volume mounted on and secured to a load cell configured to selectively measure the assembly weight both when the sampling assembly receptacle is full and empty. Preferably, the bulk density sampler includes a housing for protection of the sampling assembly and receptacle from product stream and other debris which may be present in the operating environment during the weight measurement. The bulk density sampler also preferably includes a programmable controller which controls the operation of the bulk density sampler and provides additional functionalities such as trend chart analysis, alarm functions, and sampling frequencies.

Abstract: A weight sensor generates a load signal representative of the weight of the object as the object approaches, tips over, and leaves the downstream end of a conveyor. A support mechanism preferably provides balancing of the load upon the weight sensor. The weight of the object is determined from the load signal which is preferably adjusted to compensate for various mechanical effects using signals generated by an inclinometer for measuring the angle of inclination of the conveyor, a mechanism for measuring the speed of the object upon the conveyor, and/or an accelerometer for generating signals characteristic of the vibration of the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for regularly weighing groups of cigarettes comprises a suction drum arrangement (4,6) for picking up a predetermined number of cigarettes from a multi-layer flow of cigarettes (2) on a conveyor (3) and for feeding the cigarettes as a row (25) onto a ramp (14) connected to a weighing device (18), and including an arm (20) for arresting the cigarettes on the ramp until weighing has been accomplished, whereupon the arm is arranged to release the cigarettes to allow them to slide or roll down the ramp and back onto the flow of cigarettes on the conveyor (3).

Abstract: A core conveyor system for electric motor manufacturing apparatus, including a core weighing station for improving the accuracy of stock measurement in manufacturing electric motor stator and rotor laminated stacks or cores from sheet stock. Stock is initially measured to determine a measured stack thickness The weight of the manufactured stack is used to calculate the thickness of the stock material used. The calculated thickness is used to recalibrate the measured stock thickness. The weight of the stack, if not between a selected maximum and minimum values, determines if the height of the manufactured stack is acceptable. The core conveyor also includes secondary stations for other core manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A conveyor scale assembly for use in combination with a conveyor belt for weighing an article on the moving conveyor belt. The conveyor scale assembly is comprised of a slider bed which contacts the underside of the moving conveyor belt which generates a friction force between the conveyor belt and the slider bed. Attached to the slider bed is a sensor which continuously measures the friction force and transmits data representing the measured friction force. A CPU receives and processes the representative data and provides a weight for the article on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing full yarn packages which are supported on a transport unit which moves along a trackway in the textile plant. The weighing apparatus includes a weighing station which is positioned at a fixed location along the path of travel of the transport unit, and the weighing station temporarily supports the weight of each package on the transport unit and so as to permit the weight of each package to be sensed.

Abstract: Continuous belt weighing machine for fibre tufts. The fibre tufts are opened by an opening unit and drop onto a transport belt with weighing cells. The speed of the transport belt is constant, the speed of the feed cylinders is varied in accordance with the measurements.

Abstract: In order to improve the metering accuracy of a pipe chain conveyor it is proposed that at least one section of a pipe loop, disposed between the filling and discharge openings, is movably resiliently mounted and is supported on at least one force measuring device. The at least one section of the pipe loop supported by the at least one measuring device can be in the form of a pipe bend or a straight pipe section, and can be mounted to a remaining, stationary portion of the pipe loop in yielding manner by means of flexible intermediate elements in order to act on the force measuring device arranged at a distance therefrom.

Abstract: An adapting frame for a scale for weighing an individual in a wheelchair. The adapting frame permits the weighing of an individual in a wheelchair by allowing the chassis of the wheelchair to rest entirely upon the frame. The occupied wheelchair is positioned onto the frame through a series of steps in which the wheelchair first engages the frame and is then pivoted entirely onto the adapting frame about the wheelchair chassis. The frame evenly distributes the weight across the scale to obtain an accurate reading.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in weighing products having circular or oval footprint configuration. A conveyor having a pair of parallel conveyor elements arranged to underengage the footprint only adjacent the periphery thereof transports the products one at a time across a weigh pan or scale device, whose length in the direction of conveyor movement is selected as the lowest value required to achieve a desired settle time for the weigh pan. Preferably, the length of the weigh pan is chosen to be essentially equal to the diameter of products to be weighed.

Abstract: A data gathering system including a scanner and scale including one or more of the following features: a construction of compact dimensions with a low profile; integrated construction of the locations of the scanner and scale, and their associated components; modular components that are easily detachable and serviced; a rigid casing which is integrated into the overall data gathering system and which prevents a countertop from contacting the scale; and diagnostic capability incorporated into the data gathering system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing an object in which the object is moved to, and tipped over, a tip point. A signal representative of the weight of the object is generated as the object is tipped over the tip point. The apparatus may include a conveyor for moving the object toward the tip point, which may be supported by a load sensor that generates the signals representative of the object weight.

Abstract: Method for on-line process control of yarns wound upon reels intended for yarn package classification and sorting into homogeneous classes of predetermined quality standards. This method consists in the determination of the specific weight of the yarn bundling on the reel. This value is utilized to check the yarn package compliance with preset standard values of the technological properties, in particular of the dyeing affinity.

Abstract: A control system for a bi-directional shuttlecar having a loading end and a discharge end. A conveyor extends along the shuttlecar from the loading end to the discharge end, and a pressure sensing transducer is located at the loading end and an independent pressure sensing transducer is located at the discharge end. The pressure sensing transducers are connected in an electric circuit with programmable logic controller which also includes a drive motor for the conveyor and a controller for the drive motor. The weight of mined material supported on the conveyor at the loading end of the vehicle is sensed by the pressure sensing transducer at the loading end and creates a signal for transmission to the programmable logic controller to start the movement of the conveyor and the weight of the mined material at the discharge end of the vehicle is sensed by the pressure transducer at the discharge end and creates a signal for transmission to the programmable logic controller to stop the movement of the conveyor.

Abstract: An on-board weigh scale for a vehicle is disclosed. The weigh scale has a transport configuration wherein the weigh scale is substantially protected from damage during transport, and a weighing configuration wherein the weigh scale is in an operative condition for measuring the weight of a material. The weigh scale includes a support-frame capable of being mounted on a frame of a vehicle; a weight-frame mounted above the support-frame, and capable of supporting a quantity of a material. Structural supports are mounted on the support-frame for securely supporting the weigh-frame in the transport configuration. Hydraulic jacks are used to lift the weigh-frame off of the structural supports when said weigh scale is in transition between the transport and the weighing configurations. The weight of material is detected by load cells, via load transfer elements which are installed when the weigh scale is in the weighing configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the weight of an object such as a letter, magazine or parcel, while the object is in motion, without using a weighing scale. The apparatus and method disclosed make use of moving, preferably vertically-oriented transport belts driven by a constant velocity, closed-loop feedback system which includes an electric motor. An object to be weighed is engaged and lifted upwards by the moving belts, increasing the load on the motor as a function of the weight of the object. The increased motor current evoked by the lifted object can be processed to extract the object's weight.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for weighing bales on an electronic scale in a field. Fixedly supported on the rear end of a mobile crop baler are two load cells from which is pivotably suspended the inboard end of a bale-receiving-structure. The outboard end of the bale-receiving-structure is adjustably supported by a tether from at least one other load cell fixed to a rearwardly extended portion of the baler which allows the outboard end to swing upwardly as the underside of the bale-receiving-structure encounters berms in the field thereby preventing damage to the electronic scale components. The weight of each bale produced by the baler is digitally readout in the baler cabin where, by comparison to a predetermined weight, real time adjustments are automatically or manually made to adjust bale weight to the predetermined weight, thereby achieving greater weighing accuracy and enhanced overall output from the field. The scale may be used on original equipment balers or made to retrofit existing balers.

Abstract: An in bed infant scale for use with an infant care center and which may be slid underneath the infant platform of the infant care center while the infant is positioned within the center and which causes little disruption to the infant. The infant scale is thus movable from infant care center to infant care center conveniently. The infant scale is easily slid into the infant care center and raises the infant platform on which the infant is positioned such that the infant platform is raised off of its position on its supporting frame and becomes fully supported on the infant scale. Thus the infant scale can weigh the infant platform and the infant resting on that infant platform.

Abstract: A food weight detecting device for a microwave oven which can detect food weight exactly according to the speed variation of the rotating roller rolling on a base plate having a protrusion formed thereon with predetermined ascending and descending angles. According to the device, the possibility of incorrect weight detection due to such defects as corrosion or secular change of a parallel plate capacitor in the conventional capacitance- detection type device can be eliminated. Thus, reliability of automatic heating control is increased and an inexpensive motor which needs not be heat-resistant can be employed.

Abstract: An inverter controlled conveying/measuring apparatus according to the invention includes a conveyor (3) for conveying an object (W) of measurement. The conveyor (3) is driven by an AC motor (M2). Inverter (20) controls and operates the conveyor (3) at a given speed by supplying the AC motor (M2) with frequency converting signals according to a specified frequency. A measuring section (4) is arranged on a conveying path of the conveyor (3) in order to measure an attribute of the object (W) being conveyed by the conveyor (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring products, including at least one hopper for feeding the product, at least one cell intended to receive the product and provided with a means for opening and closing for arbitrary evacuation of the product after measurement, and a weighing sensor.

Abstract: Granular material stored in a hopper is dispensed therefrom by a rotatable auger which conveys the material to a discharge port for dropping into an underlying container. The container is supported by pivoted arms which are operably connected to a weighing scale for indicating the weight of the material dispensed into the container. The arms are adapted to be swung by the container between closed positions embracing and holding the container and open positions releasing the container.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus employing dual load cells or dual load cell sets is provided with a hinged weigh frame attachment to transmit only vertical load to one load cell or set of load cells and prevent transmission of moments about the longitudinal axis. A ball and dual cup arrangement is connected between the weigh frame and the other load cell or set of load cells to transmit vertical load but prevent the transmission of moments about either the longitudinal or transverse axes of the load cell. Because of the decoupling arrangements, the weighing apparatus requires only longitudinal shift adjustment for only the load cell(s) connected to the hinge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing an object in which the object is moved to, and tipped over, a tip point. A signal representative of the weight of the object is generated as the object is tipped over the tip point. The apparatus may include a conveyor for moving the object toward the tip point, which may be supported by a load sensor that generates the signals representative of the object weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for the weighing and labelling of products with non-flat bottoms in a high speed processing environment has a first entry section, a second weighing section and a third labelling section. The first and third sections incorporate a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical control belts. The second weighing section incorporates a unique horizontal belt arrangement which is adapted to change its shape and to deform in response to the weight and shape of the product. Products are fed in the first section, weighed in the second section and labelled in the third section and in practicing the method of the invention utilizing the described apparatus, product wobble and oscillation, particularly in the second weighing section, is minimized and more accurate weighing and labelling is achieved.

Abstract: Improvements in automatic weighing machines for food products that exhibit several buckets (6), arranged in a circle and in an overhanging manner, joined radially to a revolving central support (7) in relation to a vertical axis; each bucket is joined to the support by two horizontal, parallel and superimposed elastic bands (12), that allow for its vertical swinging; and these buckets pass successively over a station (13) with a single device for weighing (14) connected with the programming processing unit, and they have at least one of their walls (15) that is movable for the selective unloading of each batch of units of the product contained in the corresponding buckets selected according to the total weight desired, and this unloading is effected onto device (32)-(33) for conveying these batches toward the exit of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting spherical products, comprising an endless conveyor equipped with bearing rollers (2), with a product lifting element (10) arranged between each pair of successive bearing rollers (2), this product lifting element (10) being capable of assuming a first, lowermost position wherein the product (16) is clear of the lifting element (10) and rests on the bearing rollers (2), while in a second, higher position the product (16) is clear of the bearing rollers (2) and rests on the lifting element (10) to be subjected to another operation, for instance a weighing step or another physical evaluation.

Abstract: A meat packing facility has several scales for weighing meat. All of the scales are connected to a central station which serves to display, monitor, store and process weight data from the scales. The central station comprises a personal computer, a monitor and a keyboard which are mounted on a rack. Hardware associated with the scales generates protocols for the latter. The protocol for each scale includes the respective weight data in digital form as well as identifying data for the scale. The protocols are sent to the central station where the identifying data are used to link weight data to a particular scale.

Abstract: A method of recording refuse in a container, where the refuse is poured into a container suspended in weighing cells on a refuse collection truck makes the weighing cells give an input to a computing device which calculates and records the weight of the refuse. The weighing container is then emptied, after which a new quantity of refuse can be weighed. For identification purposes each container is fitted with a transponder signalling to the computing device. The quantity of refuse in each container is hereby recorded thus permitting billing by quantity.

Abstract: A modular checkweigher/grader system is disclosed. A feed conveyor is provided for directing items to be weighed to a weighing conveyor. The entire system is modularly designed using lightweight durable materials, such as plastics and stainless steel. Each conveyor includes a conveyor belt in contact with upper and lower surfaces of a platform. The belts are tightened and loosened with quick release tension clamps and driven by air powered motors. The feed conveyor is attached to a frame by toggle clamps. The weighing conveyor is attached to a load cell which is connected to the frame by toggle clamps. These toggle clamps permit the entire feed and weighing conveyors to be easily removed. All of the air and electrical connector to the conveyors are by quick release connectors. The entire weighing conveyor is used as the weighing platform. A tachometer may be used to regulate the conveyor speed. A modular grading conveyor is disclosed for categorizing objects from the weighing conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an in-motion weighing system which includes a package conveyor, a weigh pan, a package detector positioned adjacent to the conveyor and upstream from the weigh pan, a timer for determining the time required for a package to pass by the package detector, means for storing the time required for a point on the conveyor to transition the weigh pan, means for subtracting the package passing time from the weigh pan transition time for establishing a read scale window, and a means for measuring the average weight of a package on the weigh pan during the read scale window.

Abstract: A universal belt scale for measuring the weight of material being transported on a conveyor belt includes a pair of independent weigh beams, each having a cantilevered deflection section, the beams being uniquely mounted to extend inwardly of the stringers in such a way that the universal belt scale can be used with a variety of belt widths and belt loading situations. The neutral axis of the deflection section is preferably positioned in substantially the same plane as the roll supporting the belt. Alternative embodiments of a mounting allows the position of the weigh beam to be adjusted relative to the idler assembly. Alternative embodiments of an adjustable pivot allow the full scale capacity of the belt scale to be varied. The universal belt scale may also include varying the sensitivity of the weigh beam, for more accurate weighing.

Abstract: In an article sorting apparatus with two parallel, spaced-apart continuous conveyors which pass through a loading zone, a weighing zone, and a discharge zone, having fabric flaps disposed on spaced-apart rods connected between the two conveyors for gently receiving articles selectively discharged for grouping with other articles having a similar determinable characteristic, an article-holding cup and scale providing such apparatus capability to select by weight. The cup includes an L-shaped arm extending outward and downward from one side and a pin extending outward from an opposite side. The free end of the arm extends to the scale below the horizontal plane in which the rods travel. The rods pass over the scale while the cups travel on rails in the weighing zone so that the weight of the article in each cup may be determined.

Abstract: A gravimetric metering apparatus for pourable material comprises a rotor rotating about vertical axis. The rotor has the form of a disk divided into four sectors. In a four phase measuring process the individual sectors are cyclically charged with pourable material, weighed and discharged. Preferably, an emptied sector is weighed as well and the determined tare weight is deducted from the brutto weight.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatic cooking in a microwave oven capable of an automatic cooking operation even in case of consecutive cooking by discriminating whether the operation mode is an initial operation mode or a consecutive operation mode by receiving an inflow air temperature and an outflow air temperature in the initial operating stage, selecting the initial operation mode or the consecutive operation mode, executing a cooking operation by driving a magnetron and a cooling fan after calculating an arbitrary initial heating time, calculating a difference between the current outflow air temperature and the previous outflow air temperature when the initial heating time has been elapsed, giving a fuzzy membership function and rule for the selected initial operation mode or the consecutive operation mode by the outflow air temperature difference and a weight conversion value, calculating a cooking time by executing a fuzzy operation, calculating an additional heating time by subtracting the initial heati

Abstract: In an installation designed for pneumatically transferring pots (12) between a sampling unit, in which these pots are filled with a radioactive liquid sample and an analysis chain or line protected by an enclosure, with the receptacle (36) by which the pots enter the chain or line, is associated a force transducer (42). In conjunction with an electronic measuring means located outside the said enclosure, said transducer weighs the pots and makes it possible to detect when one of them is empty or inadequately filled. An ejection nozzle (66) connected to a compressed air source discharges the pot when it is weighed.

Abstract: A reproduction apparatus having a logic and control unit (LCU) and selectable copy sheet supply units includes a mechanism for determining the sheet weight of copy sheets to be handled therein. The mechanism includes a platform for supporting one such sheet on a desired surface, and a proximity sensor that is connected to the LCU and mounted at a predetermined height above the sheet supporting surface. The mechanism also includes a variable voltage sheet buckling device for creating a buckle in the supported sheet sufficient to actuate the proximity sensor. Means are provided in the logic and control unit for reading the voltage level of the sheet buckling device at the actuation of the sensor, and for correspondingly reading from a truth table a predetermined sheet weight for the read voltage level.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate weighing and labeling of products with non-flat bottoms including three sections each having a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical controls belts to eliminate product wobble and improve weight are of a relatively thick, resilient material and are adjustable in spacing to accommodate various size products.