Sequential Feeding, Plural Ingredients Patents (Class 177/70)
  • Patent number: 11530090
    Abstract: A system for reloading a container with proppant. The system includes a transloader having a conveyer belt and a discharge device. The system includes a reloading system comprising a bulk material storage bin having a proppant receiving area, a funnel having an expandable loading tube, and a gate for controlling flow of the proppant from the funnel into the container. The system comprises a reloader comprising a loading bay having a load cell and the container disposed on the load cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Investor Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Dacar, Daniel R. Pattillo, Joshua Wyrick, Robert C. Dacar
  • Patent number: 10695950
    Abstract: A quality assurance system for mixing a slurry comprising at least water or other liquid and at least one flowable wet or dry mass, such as cement, sand or other suitable component, has computerized control over the loading of ingredients and has an accurate and broadly variable speed control of the loading of the ingredients. The mixing chamber has scales that provide a signal indicating the current weight of an ingredient in the mixing chamber. As the desired weight of an ingredient is added to the mixing chamber, the computer slows and then stops the inflow of the current ingredient being loaded via broadly variable control of the loading of the ingredients. The broadly variable control of the loading rate of the ingredients allows more accurate control of the final weight of each ingredient added. Further, a damping period allows system vibrations to dissipate, allowing highly accurate weights to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: STONE TABLE, LLC
    Inventors: John Igo, Leland Graves, Wesley Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10577170
    Abstract: A paint and coating mixing kit, comprising: a shelf assembly; a plurality of aerosol blank cans disposed on the shelf assembly; a plurality of paint or coating cans or bottles disposed on the shelf assembly; and a filling assembly disposed on the shelf assembly; wherein the filling assembly is operable for selectively delivering a paint or coating from one of the plurality of paint or coating cans or bottles to one of the plurality of aerosol blank cans at a point of service location such that the paint or coating may be delivered in spray form from the aerosol blank can to an object to be painted or coated at the point of service location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: SEM Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Balicki, Andrew Tipton Lewis, Thomas Emanuel Widmer
  • Patent number: 10077764
    Abstract: A moveable scale for weighing containers of liquid color, having a weighing tray that may be moved from a weighing position to a non-weighing position. When in the non-weighing position, the weighing tray is low to the ground, allowing for easy loading and unloading. When in the weighing position, force is sensed by one or more load cells located between the weighing tray and a scale assembly, which allows accurate measurement of the weight container and its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 9289918
    Abstract: An atmospheric storage mechanical weigh batch blend plant is shown with atmospheric storage for providing a dry, pre-blend, oilfield cement ready for mixing at the wellhead for slurry injection into a well head upon adding the proper amount of water and other fluids. The batch blend plant has three separate weighing mechanisms for (a) larger or bulk quantity materials, (b) intermediate quantities of materials, and (c) small amounts of additives to be included to the mixture. The entire weigh batch blend plant can be disassembled and moved. A pneumatic system is used to move the materials and mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Robert W. Ober
  • Patent number: 9177339
    Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a method for preparing a hair dye mixture. The method includes a scale and control system in communication with each other. The control system provides for a memory and a display, wherein the memory contains a formula that defines instructions for blending a hair dye mixture. The method displays the instructions on the display. The stylist may then view the display of instructions and add colorant(s) and dye blending material(s) to a receptacle on the scale, in accordance with the instructions, using current product packaging, such that specialized packaging requirements are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sure Tint Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell H. Saranow, Mark Baran, Michael Wright, Joe Rygiel, Danny S. Creed
  • Patent number: 8656862
    Abstract: A device catering for the dietary needs of animals. Feed is stored in a hopper and distributed at intervals to the animal's feeding receptacle via an internal dispensing mechanism using a flexible rotor sealing against the walls of a housing to both meter the feed and seal against contamination. The quantities and delivery times may be set by the user. An optional weighting system can be provided to increase accuracy of delivered feed amounts. Optionally, the device may include a water delivery system. Water is provided by a plumbed domestic connection and is available to the animal at all times, except during the automatic change cycle. A pump is utilized to change the water several times a day, in an attempt to remove any contaminants that may affect the water quality that is required to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Navin Manickchan, Byron Biswah
  • Patent number: 7390119
    Abstract: A container of liquid color material has a diaphragm liquid color pump located therewithin for providing liquid color from the container and non-drip apparatus for releaseably connecting the container with a blender for supply of liquid color thereto and methods for pumping and supplying liquid color incorporating the same. In some embodiments a volumetric controller is utilized for driving and regulating the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Patent number: 6502013
    Abstract: An enhanced filling/weighing system utilizes first and second weighing stages. The first stage includes a first top container having an associated weighing device, e.g., a load cell. The second stage includes a second bottom container having an associated weighing device, e.g., a load cell. A high speed bulk feed subsystem supplies product to the top cup. A low speed dribble feed subsystem supplies product to the lower cup. In operation, the bulk feed subsystem feeds product to the top cut at a high speed. The top cup fills to its first setpoint (plus overfill, e.g., attributable to feed momentum) once per cycle. When the system controller recognizes that the top cup weight has reached the first setpoint, it pauses th bulk feed, discharges the top cup into the bottom cup, starts the dribble feed into the bottom cup, and starts the next cycle of bulk feed into the top cup. Thus, the top cup fills at high speed during cycle N+1 concurrently with the bottom cup filling at low speed during cycle N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Al Pinhas Sosnik
  • Patent number: 5971037
    Abstract: A method of controlling the weight of granulated products on a multiple metering machine; the method operating on a machine performing a metering cycle in which at least two products are metered into a container; and the method including: a step wherein the dosage of each product is formed in a chamber; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is transferred from the chamber to the container; at least one step wherein one of the metered products is extracted from the chamber; and a step wherein the products inside the container are weighed at the end of the metering cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: MG2 S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Ansaloni
  • Patent number: 5753868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for gravimetric dosing and mixing of at least two components (K1, K2), wherein the parts by weight of the components (K1, K2) are calculated by weighing and both components (K1, K2) are mixed together in a container (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich
    Inventor: Winfried Diem
  • Patent number: 5460209
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing dry ingredient has a plurality of containers, each for a different ingredient. Each has a body having an internal chamber, and a port for dispensing the ingredient, which is arranged gravitationally below the chamber when in use. Each container has at least two baffles adjacent the port. The baffles are inclined and define a passageway through which the ingredient may pass. The passageway is sized and the baffles are inclined such that the ingredient rests upon the baffles. The apparatus also includes a collection stage that is arranged relative to each of the plurality of container ports so that ingredient dispensed from each port is deposited upon the collection stage. The apparatus also includes a vibrator for exciting at least one of the baffles of each container such that the ingredient is urged to pass through the respective passageway and out of the chamber.The apparatus typically further includes a controller for activating and deactivating the vibrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Louise Jandura, Amy B. Smith, Susan D. Ward
  • Patent number: 5413154
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for storing selected quantities of granular materials, for programmable extraction in selected proportions and at selected rates, for delivery to a changeable location through a flexible auger-driven common delivery conduit. Individual containers containing specific granular products are mounted so that they are continually weighed by load cells communicating with a central control system including a microprocessor. Each of the containers is provided with an individual valve which is controllable by the microprocessor pursuant to a user-provided program, so that precisely determined and timed gravity-assisted extraction of the granular materials is effected. Auger mounted immediately below each container to positively transfer the extracted granular material along the delivery conduit. By the addition of a liquid carrier, either from one of the cooperating containers or after delivery of the granular material to the selected location, slurries, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Bulk Tank, Inc.
    Inventors: Billy J. Hurst, Jr., Kenneth M. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5306876
    Abstract: A batch weighing apparatus includes a plurality of soft sided bulk bags containing a quantity of bulk dry material which are rack mounted thereon and which have generally U-shaped bracket assemblies mounted thereunder for agitating the material in the bulk bag for free flow therethrough. The plurality of bulk bags are used in place of the rack mounted bins in prior art devices and permit shipment, storage, and dispensing of bulk dry material from the same soft sided bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Beta Raven, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin L. Volk, Joseph A. Volk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5156194
    Abstract: A method and system for dispensing a fluid to provide a predetermined weight percent concentration of a sample material to the fluid. An estimated density value for the fluid is used to determine the volume of fluid to dispense in an initial injection of fluid which is less than the total volume of fluid required to achieve the predetermined weight percent concentration. A working fluid density is then determined from the volume of fluid dispensed and a measurement of the weight of the fluid dispensed. The working density is then used to determine the volume of fluid to dispense in a subsequent injection. Preferably, at least three fluid injections are performed, and the working density is determined after each fluid injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Q. Gordon von Nehring, John O. Beyer
  • Patent number: 5143165
    Abstract: A weigh system having a plurality of weigh hoppers in a housing, the hoppers being removably mounted on a suspension support or platen held on load cells outside of the housing. Each hopper has a ball valve at the outlet spout, seated on an O-ring seat and retained with vertical guide rods. A vertical rod extends up from each ball valve to a rotary lift to be actuated when the load cell detects a predetermined load. Beneath these hoppers are surge hoppers to receive the weighed materials. Float ball valves in the surge hoppers actuate a switch to activate a motor to discharge pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Hough International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Hough
  • Patent number: 5143166
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a plurality of removable ingredient retention and discharge hoppers supported on a frame, each hopper having an integral screw conveyor and each being removable for replacement by another hopper. The screw has a structure to inhibit discharge squirting. Discharge of the ingredients is through a sealed connection to a weighing hopper. This weighing hopper has an enclosure housing and is formed of a pair of flexible webs which extend downwardly and are shiftable between a closed retention condition with lower edges adjacent each other and an open discharge condition with the lower edges spaced from each other. These lower edges are secured to the inner edges of underlying pivotal support pans, such pans being pivotal to shift the webs and to engage the webs to invert them for assured full discharge of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Richard M. Hough
  • Patent number: 5127483
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a plurality of removable ingredient retention and discharge hoppers supported on a frame, each hopper having an integral screw conveyor and each being removable for replacement by another hopper. The screw has a structure to inhibit discharge squirting. Dishcarge of the ingredients is through a sealed connection to a weighing hopper. This weighing hopper has an enclosure housing and is formed of a pair of flexible webs which extend downwardly and are shiftable between a closed retention condition with lower edges adjacent each other and an open discharge condition with the lower edges spaced from each other. These lower edges are secured to the inner edges of underlying pivotal support pans, such pans being pivotal to shift the webs and to engage the webs to invert them for assured full discharge of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Hough International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Hough
  • Patent number: 5115874
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically preparing dyeing solutions, comprising for respectively accommodating dye stock solutions and dye auxiliary solutions; transfer means loaded with the containers; outflow pipes incorporated with a cleaning mechanism and also equipped with a pump and a valve for causing an outflow of the dye stock solutions and the dye auxiliary solutions from the containers; receiving vessels for successively receiving the dye stock solutions and the dye auxiliary solutions from the outflow pipes; weighing means for converting, into electric signals, weight changes of the dye stock solutions and the dye auxiliary solutions which have been received in the receiving vessels; transfer means loaded with the receiving vessels; a control mechanism for continuously or intermittently opening and closing the pump and the valve by making a comparison with a predetermined value in accordance with a level of the electric signal; a dilution water outflow pipe provided with a valve for causing dilution water t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignees: Japan Exlan Company, Limited, Excom Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuro Hayahara, Haruo Katahira, Akiyoshi Nishida, Susumu Fukuda
  • Patent number: 5111855
    Abstract: An automated perfume processing plant for dosing and mixing different substances for the production of perfumes, includes a plurality of reservoirs for different substances, a plurality of outlet dosing valves controlled by a control computer individually arranged on each reservoir, respectively, above a line of mixing vessels on a conveyor belt, whereby the computer is programmed for responding to a perfume code signal from a scanner scanning codes imprinted on each moving vessel, for operating the conveyor belt and dosing valves to deposit a given amount of selected ones of the substances in the mixing vessels for obtaining a desired perfume formulation in each vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Alexander Boeck, Eckhard Niebaum, Walter Sommer, Guenter Sparenberg
  • Patent number: 5113350
    Abstract: A material handling system (10) for storage, recording and display of information required to aid in the filling, mixing, loading, and recording of complex mixtures of materials such as fertilizer; wherein a computer (12), a key board (20), and a load cell (28) provide input to a central unit (16) which processes the inputs and activates a board (18) which displays information required to sequentially load several ingredients into a hopper (24) to form mixture batches which are sequentially transported by a conveyor (30) to a mixer (32) and then by a loading tube (34) to a hauling vehicle (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Beowulf Corporation
    Inventor: Michael P. Sargent
  • Patent number: 5087864
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electric motors for driving individual work objects, the apparatus including an electrical switch which is adapted to produce predetermined speed signals for the electric motor selected, a programmable controller disposed in signal receiving relation relative to the electrical switch and which is adapted to generate a predetermined signalling sequence in response to the signal received from the electrical switch, a variable speed motor drive electrically coupled with the programmable controller, and with the electric motor selected, the variable speed motor drive selectively driving the selected electric motor at a predetermined speed in response to the signalling sequence received from the programmable controller, and a sensor adapted to indicate the work performed by the electric motor whereby the electric switch may be selectively adjusted to control the operation of the electric motor selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Abel Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Abel
  • Patent number: 5080184
    Abstract: A method which enables a dye to be weighted and taken out quickly at a high accuracy regardless of the required quantity of the dye by taking out the greater part of the required quantity of the dye in a powdery state and the remaining quantity of the dye in the state of a diluted solution, upon taking out the required quantity of the powdered dye, and an apparatus suitable for carrying out the above-mentioned method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Yamakita, Mitsugu Umino, Hisayoshi Mizuhara, Hiroshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 5035294
    Abstract: A bin weighing device for the individual bins of a batch weigher includes a plurality of flexures oriented in one or more horizontal planes to stabilize the bin and restrict its movement as the bin is supported at one end with a single load cell in a vertical direction in order to ascertain the weight of the bin and material contained therein. With the arrangement shown, a single load cell can be used along with the supporting flexures to accurately weigh a bin and its contents while the bin remains in place along with other bins mounted in a rack configuration on the batch weigher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Beta Raven Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. Volk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4947089
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electric motors for driving individual work objects, the apparatus including an electrical switch which is adapted to produce predetermined speed signals for the electric motor selected, a programmable controller disposed in signal receiving relation relative to the electrical switch and which is adapted to generate a predetermined signalling sequence in response to the signal received from the electrical switch, a variable speed motor drive electrically coupled with the programmable controller, and with the electric motor selected, the variable speed motor drive selectively driving the selected electric motor at a predetermined speed in response to the signalling sequence received from the programmable controller, and a sensor adapted to indicate the work performed by the electric motor whereby the electric switch may be selectively adjusted to control the operation of the electric motor selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Abel Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Abel
  • Patent number: 4867258
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and accurately weighing powder materials comprising powder containers containing powder materials, respectively, to be weighed, powder cups for directly receiving powder material from the powder containers, respectively, and means for automatically feeding the powder material from one of the powder containers to one of the weighing cups through a feeder is disclosed. Each of the powder containers is integrally provided with the feeder so that one powder material fed into the weighing cup through the feeder is prevented from contaminating with other powder materials and therefore, the powder material can be accurately weighed. The powder container includes means for improving the accuracy of weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Narukawa, Yoshimoto Kosegawa
  • Patent number: 4840239
    Abstract: A scale adapted for performing recipes in which the ingredients are given in customary volumetric measures such as cups, tablespoons and teaspoons. The user enters the name or code number of an ingredient which is displayed by the scale. The amount of the ingredient is displayed in volumetric terms or in terms of weight if desired. A processor in the scale accesses the volume-to-weight (V/W) ratio or weight-to-volume (W/V) ratio of the ingredient from nonvolatile memory and calculates the weight of the ingredient and stores it temporarily. The ingredient is added gradually to a mixing bowl on the scale after the tare weight of the bowl is cancelled. The processor continuously compares the stored weight with the increasing weight of the ingredient and notifies the user by means of the display when a comparison is read and, hence, when the desired volumetric amount of the ingredient has been entered. Other operating modes can also be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: James E. Slagg
  • Patent number: 4830125
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically weighing and introducing chemicals are intended to automatically weigh the chemicals and introduce the chemicals into a treatment tank; the chemicals are injected into a chemical container and weighted, and then transported to a dissolving tank adjunct to the treatment tank, and then introduced into the dissolving tank. A control means is provided to put under its control the operations of injecting into a chemical container a desired amount of desired chemicals selected from among plural sorts of chemicals and driving a transportments and an introducing means automatically in association with this injecting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignees: Kanebo Ltd., Hisaka Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Aoki, Michinobu Kaimori, Akira Aikawa, Akira Urakami, Gen Nishimura, Tohru Koide, Osamu Ishimaru, Masao Takigawa, Fumio Shirai
  • Patent number: 4813503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a blended product charge includes a combinatorial weigher which receives a major product and a fill-to-cutoff weigher which receives a minor product. A controller selects a minor constituent product weight and then combinatorially searches through available major constituent product weighing scales for the combination of major product weighing scales which together with the minor product weighing scale yields a product charge nearest in weight to a target weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Package Machinery Company
    Inventors: Ellwood S. Douglas, Oren A. Mosher
  • Patent number: 4733363
    Abstract: A control system for a combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus includes a main central processing unit for effecting a combinatorial arithmetic operation, and a plurality of individual drive unit central processing units. The drive unit central processing units are associated respectively with driver units of the weighing machines and connected to the main central processing unit for controlling the drive units, respectively. Operation commands delivered from the main central processing unit to the individual drive unit central processing units, are set by interrupt processes of the individual drive unit central processing units at all times.The control system for the combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus includes a main computer for chiefly effecting a combinatorial arithmetic operation on weight data from a plurality of the weighing machines to select a combination of weighing machines including articles having an optimum added value with respect to a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Ishida Scales Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Yamada, Hideo Nobutsugu, Yukio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 4678046
    Abstract: A combination weighing system is disclosed which system is adapted to weigh out quantities of two or more different types of products and mix them together. The system includes a plurality of weighing scales divided into two groups, one group weighing out quantities of a first type of product and the other group weighing out quantities of a second type of product. A computer is provided to search the first group of scales and select a combination which contains a combined quantity of the first type of product near in weight to a predetermined fractional target weight and for searching the second group of scales and select a combination which contains a quantity of the second type of product near in weight to the difference between a target weight for both products and the weight of the product within the combination of scales selected from the first group. The selected scales of both groups empty into a common discharge chute after weighing and searching is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Package Machinery Company
    Inventor: Oren A. Mosher
  • Patent number: 4673046
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of a control system for a combined weighing apparatus which in more detail includes a plurality of measuring hoppers supplied with products to be measured from transfer means for measuring weights of the products to select a weight equal to or near to a set weight from any combinations of the measured weights, and more particularly to an improvement of a condition-setting system and a measuring hopper combination-selecting system capable of remarkably facilitating setting of data of set weight, transfer conditons and the like by means of the condition-setting system when products to be measured are changed and capable of shortening the time for selecting a combination of measured values so as to enable the combination operation to speed up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1987
    Assignee: Teraoka Seiko Company Limited
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Matsuura
  • Patent number: 4669886
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a mixture, such as mortar, with predetermined quantities by weight of the components, such as sand, cement and the like, a supply of which is present in container compartments 4, 5 of e.g. hopper 1. The container compartments are each connectable to a metering conveyor 11, 12 of the apparatus. The apparatus is further provided with a mixing vessel 13 having stirring means, the vessel being supported at least partly on force absorbers 14 of weighing means. The weighting means are coupled with control means 15 for successively putting into operation the metering conveyor means for the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: B.M.I. B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter E. van Beek
  • Patent number: 4669634
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Roussel Uclaf
    Inventor: Hugues Leroux
  • Patent number: 4658920
    Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations is selected, of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles, is discharged so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Seishi Matsumoto, Takeo Nakashimizu, Yuji Abe
  • Patent number: 4656600
    Abstract: A special purpose microprocessor based system, comprising weighing element, stored printing ink formulation data, and operator interface designed to aid the process of mixing defined colors and shades of printing inks from a small number of constituent basic color inks. Once the color and quantity of ink have been entered, the system prompts the operator through the mixing process by displaying constituent basic color inks and quantity to be added. The actual amount of constituent basic color ink then added is monitored by the weighing element. Repeated operation for each constituent thus ensures accurate, reproducible and error free mixing to the required formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Cherlyn Electronics Limited
    Inventor: David J. Swann
  • Patent number: 4645021
    Abstract: In order to make it possible to display a consecutive number in a simple manner in an electronic balance having a digital display (10) and a 10-key keyboard (12), the invention provides that a light source (16) be associated with each of the keys of the 10-key keyboard and that the counter for the consecutive number actuates the light source of the 10-key keyboard which corresponds to its counter reading. The counter is actuated by a tare key and other light sources are provided to indicate larger decades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Sartorius GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Knothe, Franz-Josef Melcher, Christian Oldendorf
  • Patent number: 4638875
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Fiber Controls Corp.
    Inventor: William R. Murray
  • Patent number: 4602692
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material for multiple streams, such material typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is delivered by workers or operators along multiple respective routes to the common scale bin. Means are provided which are worker initiated, to provide enabling signals respectively associated with the multiple routes along with means responsive to these enabling signals while providing a plurality of separate counts corresponding to weight for each respective route. Delivery of material along each route may be detected by, for example, a floor mat switch, a actuated push button, or by photo detector means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Langdon Wales, H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 4576243
    Abstract: Bulk materials are supplied on to a conveyor one after another with the supply port filled with the material. Since the pressure applied to the conveyor surface by the material is constant, what is called the fall error is eliminated. In one embodiment the conveyor is moved while in another embodiment the material is carried by scrapers secured to a chain conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Automatic Mechanical System Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Masato Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4549617
    Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination is selected, whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles is discharged, so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Seishi Matsumoto, Takeo Nakashimizu, Yuji Abe
  • Patent number: 4544279
    Abstract: In a process for mixing and proportioning a plurality of mixing components, the latter are supplied in individually weighed manner to a continuous mixing process and the mixture is subsequently continuously removed in a proportioned manner. For this purpose, a mixer, metering feed means positioned upstream of the mixer and a continuously proportioning removal device positioned downstream of the mixer are provided. In order to ensure a troublefree addition and an accurately proportioned removal, the individual mixing components are in each case successively supplied in timed continuous manner to the mixing process, accompanied by the weighing of the total mixing material. During the feed pauses, the mixture is gravimetrically controlled and during addition is removed in volumetrically controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Werner and Pfleiderer
    Inventor: Joachim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 4522274
    Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method for obtaining a mixture of articles of plural categories, wherein the articles in each category are contained in the mixture at a number ratio equal or closest to a target number ratio, and wherein the mixture has a total weight equal or closest to a target weight. The method includes setting a number for each category of articles so as to provide a number ratio closest to a target number ratio, and measuring the total weight of a primary mixture obtained by extracting the set number of articles in each category and mixing these articles. A weight shortfall, which is the difference between the total weight of the primary mixture and the target weight, is computed, and a plurality of weighing machines are supplied with supplemental articles to make up for the shortfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Satoshi Konishi, Takashi Sashiki
  • Patent number: 4508185
    Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method which includes steps of dividing a target weight value, set for articles which are to be weighed out, into a plurality of target values, and executing combinatorial computations with respect to each of the target values on the basis of the weight values of the articles fed into a number of weighing machines, so that weighing hoppers selected with respect to each target value do not include weighing machines selected with respect to the other target values. An error between the total weight value of the combination of articles selected as a result of the previous combinatorial computations and the target value for that particular combinatorial computation is formed. The error is added to the target value for the next combinatorial computation and then the next combinatorial computation is executed. After completing the combinatorial computations with respect to all of the target values, the articles are discharged from the selected weighing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusuo
    Inventors: Kazukiyo Minamida, Setsuo Haze, Seiji Yamada
  • Patent number: 4498783
    Abstract: In a process for mixing and proportioning a plurality of mixing components, the latter are supplied in individually weighed manner to a continuous mixing process and the mixture is subsequently continuously removed in a proportioned manner. For this purpose, a mixer, metering feed means positioned upstream of the mixer and a continuously proportioning removal device positioned downstream of the mixer are provided. In order to ensure a troublefree addition and an accurately proportioned removal, the individual mixing components are in each case successively supplied in timed continuous manner to the mixing process, accompanied by the weighing of the total mixing material. During the feed pauses, the mixture is gravimetrically controlled and during addition is removed in volumetrically controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer
    Inventor: Joachim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 4479559
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material for multiple streams, such material typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is delivered by workers or operators along multiple respective routes to the common scale bin. Means are provided which are worker initiated, to provide enabling signals respectively associated with the multiple routes along with means responsive to these enabling signals while providing a plurality of separate counts corresponding to weight for each respective route. Delivery of material along each route may be detected by, for example, a floor mat switch, a actuated push button, or by photo detector means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventors: R. Langdon Wales, H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 4478301
    Abstract: An apparatus for selecting between a mechanical or electrical mode for controlling the flow of fibers by motor driven feed lift aprons from a plurality of hoppers to a plurality of weigh pans for producing a predetermined blend of fibers. The mechanical mode utilizes a balance arm assembly which can be set to feed a predetermined amount of fibers into a weigh pan. The electrical mode utilizes thumbwheel switches which can be set for regulating the amount of fibers to be fed into each weigh pan. The electrical mode system also utilizes a comparator for comparing a signal representing the actual weight of fibers in the weigh pan that is produced by a load cell with a signal representing the desired weight of fibers produced by the thumbwheel switches and generates a control signal responsive thereto. The control signal is used for operating a motor driven feed lift apron associated with the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Frontier Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Cochran, Jr., Ronald N. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 4473126
    Abstract: A novel type of combination weighing system is provided; wherein two combination weighing devices are provided for weighing two kinds of articles, respectively, the first device and its associated combination selecting circuits are used for obtaining some combinations of the weighing units of the first device which provide total weights of the articles thereon falling within a predetermined range of weight, and the second device and its associated combination selecting circuits are used for obtaining a combination of the weighing units of the second device which provide a total weight of the articles thereon inclusive of the total weight obtained above by the first device, which is nearest to a predetermined target weight; for finally obtaining a combined group of first and second articles wherein the total weight of the first articles falls within the predetermined range of weight and the total weight of the first and second articles is nearest of all to the predetermined target weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Hirano
  • Patent number: 4469146
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for making solutions of chemicals of specified molarity, normality, molality or weight percentage corrected, as necessary, for water of hydration in the solute. By means of an input-output device using a programmed instruction format, the desired chemical, the type of solution wanted, its concentration, and its volume are specified. An electronic balance with TARE capability repeatedly produces an output signal of the weight W of solute plus any solvent within a container in which the solution is to be mixed less the weight of the container. Apparatus are provided for calculating and storing the weight TW which is the total weight of the solute plus solvent which will result in a solution of the type and concentration of solution specified for the amount of solute placed on the balance. If the total volume of solution of the desired type and concentration of solution is specified, apparatus are provided for determining the amount of solute required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Assignee: Spiral Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeptha E. Campbell, James E. Gilchrist
  • Patent number: RE32058
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventors: David Brunnschweiler, Barrie Sedgely