Abstract: The present invention relates to automated batch making assemblies where various component materials, at least, some in liquid form, are combined. Specifically, the invention provides a dispensing assembly that adds efficiency by increasing dramatically the speed with which a liquid is dispensed from a container and by providing means and methods to automate the addition of and account for the amount of each component.

Abstract: A roll machine for milling includes a tube type supplying unit 16, feed rolls 19, 20, a feeder gate plate 21, and main rolls 4, 5. A load detector 28 for detecting stock level is provided on inlet part 16a of the tube type supplying unit 16, a detection rod 29 for detecting the level is suspended in the tube type supplying unit 16, and one end of the detection rod 29 is connected to the load detector 28.

Abstract: A method for controlling a material flow rate from a metering system, includes determining, via a controller, a change in weight of material in a storage tank. The method further includes determining, via the controller, a swept area of an agricultural implement associated with the change in weight based at least in part on a width of the agricultural implement and a change in position of the agricultural implement. Further, the agricultural implement is configured to receive the material from the storage tank. The method also includes determining, via the controller, a calibration of the metering system based at least in part on the change in weight and the swept area. In addition, the method includes controlling, via the controller, a rotation rate of a meter roller of the metering system based at least in part on the calibration to control the material flow rate.

Abstract: The electromagnetic vibration exciter system with an adjustable electro-viscoelastic suspension device comprises an electromagnetic vibration exciter, a power amplifier and an adjustable electro-viscoelastic suspension device, which acts as the suspension device of the electromagnetic vibration exciter. The adjustable electro-viscoelastic suspension device contains a displacement sensor detecting the displacement of the moving component, a first adjustable amplifier and a second adjustable amplifier, a differentiator, an adjustable phase shifter, an adder and a proportioner. The linearity of the stiffness and damping of the exciter system is excellent, which can be adjusted as need through the adjustment of gain of the adjustable amplifier, the proportioner, the adjustable phase shifter. This invention has adjustable and linear parameters and it is also easy to be realized.

Abstract: The coating-powder-supply apparatus according to the invention comprises a powder-storage container, a powder conveyor, in order to convey powder out of the powder-storage container, and a set of scales, in order to weigh the powder located in the powder-storage container.

Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.

Abstract: A spreader control system digitally filters noisy load cell measurements and inaccurate flow rate measurements to form an optimal estimate of material weight in a spreader bin. This estimate may be combined with spreader swath width and vehicle speed to determine application rate. When actuators for parameters such as apron speed or gate size are available, spreading rates may be controlled with active feedback.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering liquid color to a plastic resin processing machine includes a scale for weighing a container of liquid color, a pump for removing liquid color from the container and a controller for actuating the pump.

Abstract: A powder supply device 1 includes a powder feed pipe, at least part of which is an expansion/contraction part, a load cell, a pressure indicator, and a controller, wherein the controller obtains a powder weight or a rate of change in powder weight in the feed tank by using a value obtained by subtracting a value proportional to the pressure in the expansion/contraction part from the load applied by the feed tank to the load cell and adding a value proportional to a rate of change in pressure in the expansion/contraction part, and controls the flow rate of the powder to be fed to the outside of the feed tank by using the powder weight or the rate of change in powder weight.

Abstract: An integrated material transfer and dispensing system for storing, transferring and dispensing materials, such as fluids and liquids, for example, liquid applied sound deadener (LASD). The system includes at least one vessel having a force transfer device. Each vessel may be removably enclosed in cabinet to form an automated station. Each vessel may be configured with a data logger, cleanout port, a sample valve at least one sight window and an access port for introducing a compound such as a biocide. Each vessel may be configured with instruments including sensors for measuring process variables, such as material volume, level, temperature, pressure and flow. The system may further include a metering device system and a robotic material dispenser system without a pump interface. The robotic system may further include a computer control system connected to flow and pressure sensors. The system may directly feed an applicator without an intervening pump.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A modular blending system is shown and described. The modular blending system may include a storage device capable of storing a plurality of flavoring products, and an ice shaving mechanism removably attached to the storage device, the ice shaving mechanism including an ice dispenser. The modular blending system may also include a fluid dispensing unit in fluid communication with the flavoring products, where the fluid dispensing unit is separate from the ice dispenser.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A method of charging or recharging an air conditioning wherein an initial amount of refrigerant is introduced, followed by additional introductions of refrigerant during injection pulses. The pulse periods are adjusted dynamically during the charging/recharging process based on feedback obtained after each pulse related to how much refrigerant was transferred during the previous pulse. Also, a system for implementing the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: Fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for initial and subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to contain the beverage to be dispensed, an outlet from the chamber to dispense the beverage, at least one inlet to the chamber for the addition of at least one gas and/or liquid, at least one mass measurement means adapted to determine the mass of the chamber with beverage contained therein, and a controller that determines a quantity of gas and/or liquid to be added to the chamber at least partially determined by the measured mass.

Abstract: The coating-powder-supply apparatus according to the invention comprises a powder-storage container, a powder conveyor, in order to convey powder out of the powder-storage container, and a set of scales, in order to weigh the powder located in the powder-storage container.

Abstract: A product distributing apparatus is described as well as a system and method of automatically calibrating the meter of the apparatus which does not require the operator to leave the operator station of the towing vehicle. One application of such an apparatus and method is in an agricultural air seeder and it is in this context that the apparatus is described.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spill resistant container for dispensing liquid doses wherein the container includes a body of generally hollow form about a center vertical axis with open ends, comprising: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a liquid withdrawal chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a detachable base cap having a cavity in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.

Abstract: A paint formulation and dispensing apparatus for mixing paint from a can having an open top and to a receiving can. The apparatus includes a dispensing lid attached to the paint can so that the lid overlies the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout and a reservoir having a plunger slidably disposed in it such that the position of the plunger determines the volume of the reservoir. A valve is disposed in a passageway in the lid and is movable between a first position in which the valve fluidly connects the passageway to the reservoir, and a second position in which the valve fluidly connects the reservoir to the spout. A weight scale is positioned below the spout and the receiving can is positioned on the weight scale. The weight scale generates an electronic signal to a programmed processor which generates output signals to control both the position of the valve as well as the position of an actuator which engages the plunger.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes the step of dosing into at least one extruder at least one ingredient by means of a dosing device, wherein the dosing step is regulated on the basis of: i) actual weight values of the at least one ingredient measured at dosing instants of an evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding a given dosing instant; ii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for corresponding dosing instants of the evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding the dosing instant; and iii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for a prediction time period of predetermined duration following the dosing instant; so as to minimize a prediction weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction time period and the expected weight values calculated for the prediction time period, and a model weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction tim

Abstract: A dosage system for feeding a fluid (A) to a static mixer (1), said system comprising a tank (2) containing said fluid (A) at a predetermined pressure, a fluid passage (3) connecting said container (1) and tank (2), a control valve (4) provided within said fluid passage (3) to control the flow of said fluid (A) from said tank into said container; and a controller (6) for receiving a target flow rate (SP_Q) of said fluid (A), and an actual flow rate (PV_Q) of said fluid (A), and for outputting a control signal (MV_L) to said control valve (4) indicating a valve position to adjust the flow rate. Further provided is a method for controlling said dosage system.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: An assembly for removing a medium from a pressurized container, the assembly having a cut-off valve that is located on an outlet line for the container and a sensor for detecting the pressure prevailing in the container. The assembly is also provided with a control unit that controls the cut-off valve on the basis of the pressure determined by the sensor in order to remove the desired quantity of medium.

Abstract: A manufacturing system for making paints from prepaints, along with a method related thereto.

Abstract: A system for controlling the unloading of grains from a cart, which has a grain container and an unloading duct for unloading the grains, having an inlet communicating with the container and an adjusting device for closing or opening the inlet. The control system has load cells for detecting the weight of the container, an electric actuator for driving the adjusting device, a keyboard for acquiring a target weight of grains to be unloaded, and an electronic control unit configured to determine a weight threshold as a function of the target weight, to real-time determine, while unloading, the weight of the grains unloaded as a function of the weight detected by the load cells, and to control the actuator so that the adjusting device closes the inlet as soon as the weight of the grains unloaded reaches the weight threshold.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser comprising a chamber adapted to contain the beverage to be dispensed, an outlet from the chamber to dispense the beverage, at least one inlet to the chamber for the addition of at least one gas and/or liquid, at least one mass measurement means adapted to determine the mass of the chamber with beverage contained therein, and a controller that determines a quantity of gas and/or liquid to be added to the chamber at least partially determined by the measured mass.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.

Abstract: A chemical product dispenser dispenses a chemical product having at least one active ingredient during a primary dispense cycle based on time or some other factor. After the chemical product has been dispensed, the dispenser determines the amount of chemical product that was dispensed. The dispenser then determines whether the dispensed amount of chemical product is within a defined threshold of a desired amount. If not, the dispenser proceeds to dispense additional chemical product during one or more make-up dispense cycles until the threshold is satisfied.

Abstract: A process of monitoring the dispensing of process fluids in precision processing operations. A precision measuring instrument measures a cumulative amount of a process fluid dispensed to at least one dispensing station and compares that amount with a predetermined amount. An alarm is provided to an operator when the cumulative actual required amount of process fluid dispensed after a preset number of dispensations differs from the cumulative predetermined dispensed amount of that fluid by more than a preset percentage.

Abstract: A system for precisely controlling a discharge rate of a discharged product is provided that includes a feeder bin having an internal chamber; a product disposed in the internal chamber of the feeder bin; and a discharge device that receives a portion of the product and discharges it at a discharge rate from the feeder The system also includes a control system that continually monitors the discharge rate of the discharged product and automatically adjusts the discharge rate based on measurements of the product.

Abstract: A viscous material metering system comprises a cutting apparatus comprising a tensioning fork having a main body diverging into extending tines; a cutting wire tensioned between the tines of the fork; and a driving mechanism operatively connected to the tensioning fork to drive the fork and tensioned cutting wire; and a controller controllably connected to the driving mechanism and having a set of instructions to control the driving mechanism to drive the fork to cut a continuous viscous material into portions of a predetermined size or weight for metering to a viscous material compounding system.

Abstract: A chemical storage device and a method for monitoring chemical usage are described herein. The device and disclosed method utilize a chemical storage canister and a load cell integrated into one transportable unit. The load cell is capable of compensating for the added weight of attached dispensing devices used in the semiconductor industry. Additionally, the load cell continuously displays the weight of the chemicals as they are withdrawn from the chemical storage device. These functionalities are included in the control logic of the load cell which is incorporated into the load cell itself.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring an amount of a substance depleted from a storage unit, including the steps of: supporting the storage unit on a vehicle, measuring a first weight of the storage unit and any liquid substance contained in the storage unit, allowing a quantity of the liquid substance to be discharged from the storage unit, measuring a second weight of the storage unit and any liquid substance contained in the storage unit, and determining the amount of liquid substance discharged or allowed to be discharged from the storage unit based on the first weight measurement and the second weight measurement.

Abstract: A method for production of hard gelatin capsules (C) having a lid (3) and body (2) containing a quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material including feeding empty capsules along a handling line (L); separating the capsule bodies (2) from the lids (3) to form two separate rows of capsule bodies (2) and lids (3); feeding and dosing the quantities (1) of pharmaceutical material to be filled into the capsule bodies (2); and closing the capsules (C) by placing a lid (3) over each respective body (2). A mechanism (9) for detecting and volumetrically checking the quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material filled into each capsule body (2) is provided and includes a transducer (5) measuring the volume of the quantities (1) before they are filled into the capsule bodies (2).

Abstract: This invention is a material discharge apparatus for controlling the flow rate of flowable material being conveyed through a hopper, the apparatus includes a hopper with an inlet at the top to receive flowable material and a discharge outlet at the base of the hopper, a valve configured and arranged in the hopper, the valve has a lower end portion adjacent the discharge outlet forming a gap between the hopper and the valve for material discharge, with the valve fixedly connected to a fixed support beam, the hopper elastically connected to the same fixed support beam such that as the more material is received by the inlet, the more the hopper sags, the larger the gap formed between the valve and the hopper grows, thereby increasing the rate of flow of material discharge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dispensing unit suitable to precisely dispense material in powdery and/or granular form. The dispensing device comprises an gate valve opening sealingly closed by a blend. A control unit, which is interconnected to a scaling device, controls the opening of the gate valve opening by the position of the blend. The precise amount of the material is adjusted in relation to the signal of the scaling device.

Abstract: LEDs in an LED display part are arranged so as to have approximately the same placing form as containers. When a chemical solution in a container is exhausted, a corresponding LED of the LED display part lights up. Prior to an operation of replacing the container, an operator allows a bar code reader to read a bar code of an unused container. A bar code reader collator collates the bar code data of the unused container with the bar code data of a container corresponding to the lighting LED, which is already registered in a data base. When the bar code reader collator judges that the chemical solutions in the both containers are identical, the display of the LED is changed from a lighting-up display to a flashing display. This makes it easy to recognize the disposing position of the empty container to be replaced, thereby effectively preventing incorrect replacement of the container.

Abstract: A supporting device for a packaged water dispenser that is capable of supporting a water bag of packaged water includes a supporting base and a supporting tray. The bottom of the supporting base is provided with a through hole for allowing an inlet conduit protruding from the top of the water dispenser to penetrate therein. The periphery of the supporting base is provided with a plurality of positioning pillars. Each positioning pillar is provided with an elastic element. The supporting tray is accommodated in the supporting base. The bottom of the supporting tray is formed into a funnel and provided with a penetrating hole to correspond to the position of the through hole. The penetrating hole allows the inlet conduit to penetrate therein. The periphery of the supporting tray is provided with a plurality of accommodating troughs for accommodating each positioning pillar and elastic element, so that the elastic element can support the supporting tray.

Abstract: An initial weight of a grease storing cartridge attached to a pump is measured, and the measured value is compared with a reference weight and it is determined whether the initial weight of the cartridge is within an appropriate range or not. The weight of the cartridge is measured before and after execution of one operation cycle of the pump, and it is determined whether the difference therebetween (i.e., weight of grease which is actually supplied during one operation cycle) is within an appropriate range or not.

Abstract: Mass-based dispensing of a powder product includes a system that dispenses a powder product containing an active ingredient from a product container. The system initiates a dispense cycle at a first, higher dispense rate. The system continuously determines, as the powder product is dispensed, the amount or weight of the powder product that has been dispensed. Once a transition criteria has been satisfied, the system adjusts the dispense rate to a second, lower dispense rate. The system dispenses the powder product at the second, lower dispense rate until a requested amount of the powder product has been dispensed.

Abstract: A viscous material feed system, comprises a feed tube that receives material expressed from a container; and a container evacuator comprising a chamber to hold a container to express material from the container to the feed tube and a plunger comprising a platen axially and slidably accommodated within the chamber, the platen comprising an O-ring fitted against a platen driving face; a full ring with tabs extending to secure the O-ring to the platen driving face with a circumferential surface exposed to the chamber and a vacuum breaker valve to the chamber that seals the platen face when in contact with container material and retains residual material adhering to the platen face when the valve is activated at a termination of a driving cycle of the platen through a container content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a tool holder, which can be displaced in an x-direction, in a y-direction that is perpendicular thereto, and in a z-direction that is perpendicular to both the x-direction and the y-direction, and which can rotate about the z-direction A solid matter dosing head, provided as a tool, is automatically attached in a removable manner to the tool holder by means of a permanent magnet. The tool can be easily exchanged for another tool due to this automatic removable attachment of said tool to the tool holder involving the use of a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloader includes a frame, a bag support, a hopper beneath the bag support and an outlet chute beneath the hopper. The hopper and the outlet chute are mounted to the frame for movement substantially in unison relative to the frame. Two vibrators are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the hopper and synchronized to generate vibratory movement substantially along the axis of the outlet chute. Thus, the vibrators function to achieve an efficient and continuous discharge from the bulk bag and employ the outlet chute to regulate or stop the flow in accordance with system requirements.

Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in either bagged form or bulk form to a user. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice which ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. When ice is to be dispensed, a motor rotates the drum such that a fin within the drum cause ice therein to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum into either a bagging system or directly out of the device via a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is relatively empty or relatively full and control operation of the ice maker as a result and/or a proximity sensor measures the volume of ice in the drum and controls the operation of the ice maker.