Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus having weighing buckets to weigh masses of material and subsequently transfer them to auxiliary buckets for temporary storage, the masses in the weighing buckets and/or auxiliary buckets being selected in combination processing and then discharged to forming a batch of predetermined weight, the apparatus comprising: a first detecting means detecting a timing to open outlet gates of the weighing bucket to transfer the mass to the auxiliary buckets; a timer means sequentially measuring, based on the timing, such an additional time length needed to completely transfer the mass remaining in the weighing bucket into the auxiliary bucket; a second detecting means detecting a further timing to open outlet gates of the auxiliary buckets to discharge the mass selected in the combination processing; and a setting means setting, based on the further timing, duration of said outlet gate's opened state of the auxiliary bucket, the duration being given by adding the additional time length t

Abstract: One kind of combination weigher, used for selecting a predetermined number of articles having substantially same weights from a group of articles having substantial variance or inequality in their weights, which is provided with a plurality of independent weigh units and adapted to weigh an article by each unit at the same time, process the resultant weight signals by a computer to select a combination of a predetermined number of weight signals whose variance or inequality satisfies a predetermined condition from various combinations of the weight signals, and indicate those weight units attributable to the selected combination by pilot lamps, for example.

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 weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material and the position of a material discharge actuator are sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight and actuator position signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight and actuator position signals, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise models are modified to account for disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

Abstract: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material is sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight signal, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise model is modified to account for disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

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: A combinatorial weighing apparatus has chutes for distributing articles selected and discharged by combinatorial weighing operation to prescribed discharge positions. At least one means is coupled to the chutes for distributing articles discharged from weighing hoppers in a plurality of directions. A plurality of timing hoppers are provided which are capable of temporarily storing the articles distributed by the distributing means. Article receiving means is disposed for receiving the articles which have passed through paths selected by control means. The timing hoppers may temporarily store the articles to reduce the speed at which the articles pass.

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: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material is sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight signal, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise model is modified to account for severe disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

Abstract: A system for loading predetermined amounts of flowable bulk materials, such as a coal, from a storage area into a conveyance such as a railroad car includes a conveyor for transporting material from the storage area. The conveyor is driven by an adjustable speed drive system while a belt scale provides information as to the weight of material on the conveyor. The conveyor delivers material to a surge bin which feeds it alternately to each of a pair weigh bins. The weigh bins are discharged alternately into the conveyance when a predetermined weight of material has been accumulated in the weigh bin. A programmable controller controls the rate of delivery of material to the surge bin, the loading of each weigh bin and the discharging of material into the conveyance to maintain an efficient throughput of material.

Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus including a rotor provided with laterally closed feeding pockets and tightly arranged in a housing for rotation. The housing is provided with a charging station and a discharging station and is hinged for pivotal movement. A force measuring unit is connected to the housing. The momentary load caused by material contained in feeding pockets of the rotor is measured while rotating from the charging station to the discharging station. The measured momentary load is used for controlling the amount of material to be fed and variations in measured values caused by mechanical and/or thermic influences are compensated.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus wherein a value serving as a target for a combinatorial computation is set so that the mean weight value of batches of articles weighed out selectively by plural weighing cycles becomes equal to a preset weight value within preset allowable limits. Combinatorial computations are performed while diminishing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is greater than the preset weight value, and increasing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is less than the preset weight value.

Abstract: A computerized scale in which each weighing bucket is formed by two side-by-side compartments and by a single door which shuttles back and forth between two positions beneath the compartments. Each time the door changes positions, it closes one compartment to permit product to be dropped into and weighed in such compartment and, at the same time, opens the other compartment to permit previously weighed product to fall therefrom. As a result, one compartment is filled as the other compartment is being emptied so as to significantly increase the cycle rate of the scale.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus includes a plurality of weighing machines for weighing supplied articles, and a plurality of storage hoppers for storing articles weighed and supplied respectively by the weighing machines. A computer determines an optimum weight combination through combinatorial computations based on weight data items corresponding to the articles charged in the storage hoppers respectively from the weighing machines, controls the storage hoppers to discharge the articles, and supplies the weighing machines with new articles.

Abstract: Disclosed in a combinatorial weighing apparatus having a plurality of weighing hoppers, a plurality of weighing machines, associated with respective ones of the weighing hoppers, for weighing or counting articles introduced into each of the weighing hoppers, and a chute for collecting the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers. The apparatus operates by computing combinations based on weight values provided by the weighing machines, and causing weighing hoppers, belonging to a combination selected as a result of the combinatorial computations, to discharge their articles into the chute one hopper at a time with a predetermined time delay intervening between the discharge operations.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus of the type in which the batches of article charged in a plurality of hoppers are weighed and the best combination of hoppers which provides a total weight equal to or most closely approximating a target weight within a predetermined tolerance is selected, the batches of article in the hoppers constituting the best combination being then discharged to a collecting chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging weighed articles from an automatic weighing system, having a plurality of hoppers for discharging batches of articles into a plurality of containers. A movable chute successively introduces batches of weighed articles, discharged from the weighing system, into each of the hoppers. When all of the hoppers have been supplied with batches of articles the hoppers are opened simultaneously.

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 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: A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associted with each of the hopers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats.

Abstract: A weighing machine is disclosed that accepts product from a source, segregates it into discrete quantities, and combines a number of the discrete quantities into a group that closely approximates a target weight. The machine includes a feeder means that selectively transports product from the source. Accumulator means receive product from the feeder means and discharge discrete quantities of product therefrom. Weighing means accept product from the accumulating means and determine the weights thereof. Divertor means receive product from the weight sensing means and direct it in one of a plurality of directions. Holding means receive product from the divertor means and retain the product until it is selectively discharged. Collecting means receives product from the holding means, consolidates it, and directs it to another location.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for discharging weighed articles in a combinatorial weighing system, weighed articles discharged from a plurality of weighing hoppers are selectively released into first and second collecting routes of a collecting chute. The outlet of each collecting route is provided with a timing hopper having a gate. The gates of the two timing hoppers are opened and closed by respective drive units. The arrangement is such that one of the gates can be opened while the other gate is in the closed state or by the time the other gate is completely closed. Control is effected in such a manner that when weighed articles are released into one of the collecting routes from the weighing hoppers, the timing hopper corresponding to this collecting route is opened to completely discharge weighed articles previously released into the timing hopper. The discharge of previously released weighed articles is accomplished during the time needed for the weighed articles just released to reach the timing hopper.

Abstract: A device for continuous, gravimetric metering and pneumatic conveying of pourable material provides that a material stream is conveyed over a measuring path while charging a load measuring device and the product of moment load and conveying speed is formed. The conveyor is in the form of a rotor having an essentially vertical axis and conveyor pockets in the form of chambers or cells which are moved with the rotor in a circular orbit over the measuring path. A housing surrounds the rotor in a pressure tight manner and includes a charging aperture and an emptying aperture which are rotationally displaced from one another. A load measuring device is connected to the housing and a tachometer is provided for measuring the angular velocity of the rotor. A pneumatic conveying system is provided which has feed lines respectively communicating with an air feed aperture in the housing and the emptying aperture.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus has a distribution table adapted to distribute a material to be weighed and supplied thereto, a plurality of distribution supply devices arranged radially around the distribution table and adapted to receive the material distributed by the distribution table, hoppers disposed below respective distribution supply devices and adapted to receive the material from the distribution supply devices, weight sensors annexed to said hoppers and adapted to weigh the material in respective hoppers, computing means adapted to compute the total weight of the material and to select the best combination of hoppers which provides a total weight most closely approximating a preset target weight, and a hopper drive means adapted to selectively drive the hoppers to make the hoppers constituting the selected best combination discharge the material therefrom. The hopper drive means is disposed so as to be surrounded by the hoppers.

Abstract: A device for preventing sticking of weighed material in an automatic weighing apparatus. The device including a material contacting member which is adapted to reduce the area of contact of the weighed material is detachably secured to the material contacting inner surface of at least one of a trough, hopper and a collecting chute constituting the material path of the automatic weighing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed in a combinatorial weighing apparatus having a plurality of weighing hoppers, a plurality of weighing machines, associated with respective ones of the weighing hoppers, for weighing or counting articles introduced into each of the weighing hoppers, and a chute for collecting the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers. The apparatus operates by computing combinations based on weight values provided by the weighing machines, and causing weighing hoppers, belonging to a combination selected as a result of the combinatorial computations, to discharge their articles into the chute one hopper at a time with a predetermined time delay intervening between the discharge operations.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus of the type in which the batches of article charged in a plurality of hoppers are weighed and the best combination of hoppers which provides a total weight equal to or most closely approximating a target weight within a predetermined tolerance is selected, the batches of article in the hoppers constituting the best combination being then discharged to a collecting chute.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collecting chute into which articles weighed by a plurality of weighing machines are discharged for delivery to a subsequent processing step. The collecting chute comprises an upper chute including a plurality of discrete chute members corresponding to the plurality of weighing machines, and a lower chute disposed below and engaging with the upper chute. A bracket which can be freely attached to and detached from a frame is affixed to each discrete chute member at the central portion thereof, and each chute member is provided at its lower end with a pin for engaging a hole formed in the upper edge of the lower chute.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, which is typically used for packing a plurality of articles in each bag, for example, so that the contents of all bags satisfy a predetermined weight condition, comprising a plurality of weighing units for weighing the articles each at the same time to produce weight indicating signals respectively, arithmetic means for selecting some of these weight signals whose sum satisfies the abovementioned weight condition, and means for unloading and then loading those weighing units which have produced these selected weight signals; the machine also including means for excluding the weighing units which have produced the selected weight signals from the next selecting operation and allowing adjustment of operational speed of the machine by increasing the selection speed or partly superimposing the next selecting operation on the preceding unloading and loading operations.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, which is typically used for packing a plurality of articles in each bag 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 meets with a predetermined condition and means for unloading the selected balances to collect the articles thereof and then loading them with new articles, respectively, to initiate the next cycle of operation; each balance being accompanied with at least two holding hoppers and corresponding memories, and means for distributing each batch of articles weighed by the corresponding balance to each hopper and supplying the weight of each batch to the corresponding memory, thereby subjecting all batches of articles in all holding hoppers to the combination selection of said arithmetic means with the contents of the corresp

Abstract: A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associated with each of the hoppers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats.

Abstract: A handling and weighing machine for fruits and the like, characterized by a feed entry having various channels terminating in structure for retaining the product to be weighed and allowing it to rest there, followed by a horizontal transport device for carrying the product from the retention structure to a weighing device and, following this, from the weighing device to a vertical transport which carries the product to a number of ramps which are superposed at differing heights, which ramps discharge into respective storage areas.

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, the weighing hopper may have two discharge ports so as to discharge articles toward different discharge paths defined in a chute.

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: An apparatus for monitoring the blend of fibers being dropped onto a receiver by a plurality of weigh pans responsive to predetermined weights of the fibers being accumulated in the respective weigh pans. An electrical signal is produced when predetermined weights of fibers are loaded into the weigh pans. Each of the weigh pans is equipped with a monitoring circuit which includes load cells operably connected to respective weigh pans which generate an analog signal indicating the weight of the fibers accumulated in the weigh pan. An analog to digital converter converts the analog signal and responsive to being triggered is fed into a latch circuit that is triggered by the electrical signal produced when all of the hoppers are full. A digital to analog converter is connected to the latch circuit and converts the digital signal back to an analog signal that is recorded on a chart recorder.

Abstract: An automatic weighing machine, used for dividing articles having substantial variance in their weights into groups, each group consisting of a plurality of said articles and having a total weight within a predetermined allowable range, wherein the articles are weighed one by one or group by group by a single weighing device and, then, retained one by one or group by group in retaining hoppers arranged in a circle and, at the same time, the measured weights are stored in separate memories, respectively, the contents of these memories are read out in accordance with predetermined combinations and summed up, the sum is compared with the predetermined allowable range and, when it is within said range, the gates of the retaining hoppers corresponding to the instant combination are opened to collect the contents thereof.

Abstract: A method of weight determination of the amount of a substance possessing fluidity quality, carried out in a continuous flow of the substance, which method comprises the steps as follows: periodically loading a number of reservoirs with the substance being fed therein continuously until a preset upper range is reached which is determined by at least one of the characteristics including the volume and weight of the substance and load time; weighing each of the reservoirs for the preset upper range after a time interval corresponding to the setup time for the reservoir with the substance; unloading each of the reservoirs to obtain the preset lower range and weighing each of the reservoirs for the preset lower range after a time interval corresponding to the setup time for the reservoir with the substance; unloading each of the reservoirs in coincidence with loading one of the remaining reservoirs and with unloading at least one of the remaining reservoirs; and determining the total amount of the substance using

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bagging bruisable discrete articles, such as apples. The apples are fed single file to a weighing device, and the feed of articles is terminated just before the desired predetermined weight of apples to be bagged. The weighing device is allowed to reach equilibrium, and then the weight of the apples is compared to the desired predetermined weight. If the weight is less than the desired amount, the apples are fed one by one to the weighing device until the predetermined weight is reached or exceeded, at which time the apples in the weighing device are dumped onto a pair of spiral brushes which convey the apples to a bagging station. At the bagging station, a bag is clamped and blown open, and is filled with apples being fed one at a time. The bag full condition is automatically sensed, at which point one of the clamps is released, and an arm supporting the other clamp is pivoted to swing the bag into operative association with an automatic tying machine.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus including a supporting stand, a balance scale disposed on the supporting stand, the balance scale having a beam pivotally supported on a fulcrum and a weighing receptacle suspended from the beam adjacent one end thereof, powder-supplying means disposed on the supporting stand above the weighing receptacle, unit dispensing means associated with the powder-supplying means, and powder delivery means disposed on the supporting stand below the weighing receptacle; the weighing receptacle including a conical portion tapering to a bottom opening, a conical plug disposed within the opening with the point of the plug extending upwardly toward the powder-supplying means, the powder delivery means including a conical portion tapering downwardly into a cylindrical portion, actuating means disposed adjacent the cylindrical portion and extending upwardly through the conical portion with the upper end thereof bearing against the underside of the conical plug, stop means associated with the actuating means

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful apparatus that incorporates the precision and accuracy of net weight fillers with the speed and economy of volumetric fillers. The invention comprises means for receiving a flowable product, said means being connected to a scale. When the product within the receiving means reaches a predetermined weight, it is deposited into a cavity having a plurality of equal chambers and is evenly distributed therein by rotary motion means. A plurality of containers are positioned relative to the cavity to receive the product from the chambers.

Abstract: An analog electrical system utilizes a signal from a coke weighing system and a signal from a coke moisture gauge to correct for prior errors in hopper weighings due to delivery overshoot as well as moisture variations in prior batches of coke.

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.