Abstract: An article collecting device comprising: feed unit 5 for feeding a set of articles smaller in quantity than a target quantity for collection; a recirculating conveyer 2 for conveying a set of articles fed by the feed unit 5; an operation unit 14 for combining at least two sets of articles fed during conveyance of the set of articles by the conveyer and determining whether a target quantity of articles as a preset collection unit is obtained; and an opening unit 12 for discharging the sets of articles combined as the target quantity from the conveyer to a bagging and packaging unit 13 as the result of the combination by the operation unit.

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

Abstract: In a weighing scale including a load receiving member (2) being elastically deflectably guided by virtue of a parallel guide mechanism (3, 4) is provided an electromagnetic compensating system (12, 13, 16) for detecting the deflection which is proportional to the load. In order to achieve high precision and a simple construction, a lever (6) being located between said compensating system and said load receiving member (2) is supported on an elastic member (11), thereby preventing any positional changes in the compensating system or any non-homogeneity errors associated therewith (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The invention is a load cell for the measurement of force, independent of displacement, created by means such as weight, acceleration, pressure, and the like. The load cell has a beam structure with beams positioned parallel to each other in at least one plane. Generally, these parallel beams are attached to a stationary substrate and have sensing means attached between the two beams. In operation, deflection of one beam creates a response in the sensing means due to the relative action or deflection in the second beam.

Abstract: A load cell adapted to be positioned between a foundation and each of several support members for a storage vessel. The load cell includes a circular flex plate having a pair of concentric cylindrical members of different diameters secured to opposite surfaces. A mounting pad adapted to be fastened to the foundation is secured to one of the cylindrical members. A mounting plate is secured to the other cylindrical member. The mounting plate has either a single threaded bore or a threaded stud positioned at the common axis of the cylindrical members for securing the mounting plate to a vessel support member. A strain sensor mounted on the flex plate measures the load-induced deflection of the flex plate.

Abstract: A torque bar suspension scale having a platform for supporting objects to be weighed and a pair of torque bars with each torque bar being disposed at an opposite end of the platform. Strap assemblies are connected to the platform, the torque bars and a frame whereby the torque bars are rotated in response to a weight being disposed on the platform. Each strap assembly comprises a strap having a rectangularly shaped cross section.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a mounting device for a load cell scale that is a component of a high speed sheet processing system. The invention has particular utility in a mail processing machines which include the step of weighing mailpieces. The mounting device of the instant invention is one that provides reliability, ease of manufacture, and ease of assembly. In addition, isolation members are included that isolate the scale platform from vibrations caused by the scale's environment.

Abstract: A digital scale is compensated for hysteresis by characterizing an envelope pattern of increasing and decreasing linearity attributes thereof defining the limits of hysteresis error. Polynomial expressions define this envelope pattern and a correction procedure is developed which is based upon offsets from the envelope pattern as well as the merging characteristics of deviations evidenced from complex loading histories. The latter historical data are used to identify loading progression transitions necessary for the generation of correction values.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for verifying that the correct postage has been paid includes a mail processing machine which is adapted to receive properly oriented mail via a transport from a facer apparatus. The mail processing machine includes a scale for weighing a mailpiece having postage affixed thereto for the purpose of cancelling it with a mark which includes the actual postage which should be affixed. In a further embodiment other information necessary to calculate the necessary postage is obtained by reading the information from the mailpiece. Any discrepancies between the postage affixed and the amount of postage which should actually be paid may be noted at acceptance or seen by the carrier as the mail is delivered. A batch of mail may be sampled to select representative mailpieces in a random manner and verified to compare the calculated total of postage required based on the sample to the postal amount paid for the batch by the sender.

Abstract: An imaging system (12) for a printing press (10) having an imaging cylinder (44) having a magnetically addressable outer surface (46), a magnetically permeable film (48), a device (50) for passing the film (48) over at least a portion of the outer surface (46) of the imaging cylinder (44), a device (52) for writing magnetic information through the film (48) onto the outer surface (46) of the imaging cylinder (44), a device (56) for passing a magnetic particulate material (58) onto the film (48) over the magnetic information on the cylinder (44) to form an image (80) of the particulate material (58) on the film (48), and a device (62) for bonding the particulate material (58) onto the film (48).

Abstract: A truck scale has a weighbridge built with two parallel beams for carrying the wheels of a truck. The beams are laterally interconnected, and are each narrower than half the width of the weighbridge, so there is a gap at the center between the beams. Each beam rests directly on load cell devices supported by foundation members. In very long scales each beam is composed of shorter sections, each supported by a pair of load cell devices. The gap in the center of the weighbridge is covered by removable cover plates or blocks, which may have side walls extending above the beams to limit the lateral travel of truck wheels on the scale.

Abstract: An image-forming device for an electrographic printer, in which a latent electrical charge pattern of electrical signals is produced in an electrode unit having an electrode matrix situated between a particle carrier and a backing electrode. The matrix comprises a screen or grid of electrodes and a plurality of apertures. The apertures are partly opened and closed electrostatically for the controlled transmission of pigment particles of toner to an information carrier (e.g., paper). The electrodes and other surfaces of the device which are contacted by the pigment particles are provided with a layer of antistatic coating of an electrically conductive or semiconductive material. Tribo friction charges which are produced between the pigment particles and the electrodes and other surfaces are transported by the antistatic coating to a control unit which is connected to ground and which conducts the tribo charges from the device.

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

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

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

Abstract: An imaging system (12) for a printing press (10) having an imaging cylinder (44) having a magnetically addressable outer surface (46), a magnetically permeable film (48), a device (50) for passing the film (48) over at least a portion of the outer surface (46) of the imaging cylinder (44), a device (52) for writing magnetic information through the film (48) onto the outer surface (46) of the imaging cylinder (44), a device (56) for passing a magnetic particulate material (58) onto the film (48) over the magnetic information on the cylinder (44) to form an image (80) of the particulate material (58) on the film (48), and a device (62) for bonding the particulate material (58) onto the film (48).

Abstract: A top or side wall of a weighing scale housing includes a plurality of relatively movable segments that are slidably displaceable between closed and open positions, thereby to afford access to a weighing chamber defined within the housing, at least the longitudinal edge portions of the segments being in continuous overlapping relation. The end portions of the segments are guided within guide grooves formed in the housing wall on opposite sides of an access opening contained therein. Catch devices connected with the longitudinal edges of successive segments are engaged upon displacement of a first segment relative to the housing, thereby to effect corresponding displacement of a second segment.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are disclosed for aligning the operation of the ink jet printhead cartridges of a multiple printhead ink jet swath printer that includes a print carriage that is movable along a horizontal carriage scan axis, (b) first and second ink jet printhead cartridges supported by the movable carriage for printing onto a print media that is selectively movable along a vertical media scan axis, and (c) an optical sensor supported by the movable carriage. Alignment of the operation of the printheads along the media scan axis is performed by determining with the optical sensor the relative positions of horizontal test line segments printed by selected nozzles of the printhead cartridges.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a control system for the systematic testing, calibration, and operation of weighting apparatus having multiple inputs. The invention also provides a fault alarm.The system utilizes a summing network of resistors and switches to isolate and test or calibrate selected load cells controlled by the system Additionally, the summing network and the isolation switches of the control system provide a means for continued operation of defective scales having substantially equal load inputs. This is accomplished by electrically isolating those load cells which have become defective.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ions in a solid ion recording head, capable of achieving an improved stability in the generation of high density ions. The apparatus includes: a plurality of ion generation electrodes having a plurality of slit sections; an induction electrode having a width smaller than that of the slit section of the ion generation electrodes; control electrode including a pair of electrodes separated by an insulation layer inserted therebetween; dielectric substrate having an indented portion located on the lower side directly below the induction electrode and facing toward the slit section of the ion generation electrodes; and an insulation layer attached on a lower side of the dielectric substrate.