Abstract: A multi-purpose controller for controlling the flow rate of material being transported in a suitable conduit for the particular material being transported includes a means for calculating an index of the measured flow rate over a selected period of time. This calculated index, such as the arithmetic mean of a number of sampled values of the flow rate, is then compared with the reference or set point input to the controller. The resulting error signal is used to calculate a correction to the previously determined control signal, which is then used as an updated control signal at the input of the flow rate actuator. The repetitive operations of calculating an up-dated flow rate index, comparing the index with the reference input, calculating an up-dated control signal, and so forth is time-coordinated by means of a wait time interval that is related to the inherent time delay of the material time in transit from the flow rate modulator to the flow rate measurement sensor location.

Abstract: A multi-purpose belt scale for measuring the weight of material being transported on a conveyor belt includes a pair of load cells with their extremities attached to and thereby supporting a weigh idler. The base of each load cell is attached to a crossbar with two mounting feet, each foot having several width-spaced mounting holes, thereby enabling attachment to a limited number of belt-width conveyors. Selection of the capacity of the load cells after the weighing application has been determined completes the multi-purpose applicability of the belt scale for belt widths and load weighing requirements. An alternative embodiment consists of a pair of mounting feet attached to sliding members that mate with the ends of the crossbar, thereby enabling the width spacing of the mounting feet to be attached to a variety of stringer widths.

Abstract: A general purpose belt scale for measuring the weight of material being transported on a conveyor belt includes a pair of load beams, each having a load cell in combination with a force and torque isolator mechanism that isolates the load cell from disturbance forces and torques that would increase the measurement errors. Absence of a crossbar enables the two independent load beams to fit a wide variety of belt widths. Selection of the capacity of the load cells after the weighing application has been determined completes the general applicability of the belt scale for both belt width and load weighing requirements. An alternative embodiment of a selectable mounting location for the load cell within each load beam allows the weight capacity of the belt scale to be varied without changing the load cell's weight capacity.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling vibrational chatter in a machine tool operation wherein a workpiece and a tool are mounted in a manner to permit controlled and forced engagement of the tool and workpiece to remove material from said workpiece. A first transducer is spatially disposed from the tool-workpiece interface and generates an electrical signal representative of the applied cutting forces on the workpiece. This force signal is applied to a workpiece movement synthesis circuit for continuous calculation of the workpiece displacement in response to cutting forces and in accordance with continuously updated static and dynamic characteristics of the machine structure and the workpiece. Simultaneously, another transducer on the machine structure continuously provides a tool acceleration signal for use in deriving an electrical signal representing the actual displacement of the tool.