Abstract: A control assembly for continuously dispensing material from a pressurizable hopper utilizing multiple control schemes. The multiple control schemes include a first phase for dispensing material from a pressurized hopper using a loss-in-weight feed control scheme and a second phase for dispensing material from a vented hopper using a volumetric feed rate control scheme. During the first phase a pressure valve coupled to the hopper is opened to pressurize the hopper and a fill valve and vent valve are closed. The controller receives feedback from one or more load cells to control a mass flow rate of material dispensed from the feed device during the first phase. During the second phase, the pressure valve is closed and the fill and vent valves are opened. The controller uses input from a feed rate or speed sensor to control a feed rate or speed of the feed device during the second phase.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed for dispensing material from multiple hoppers to a convey line. As disclosed, material is dispensed from the hoppers via operation of a variable rate feed device. The application discloses a controller device configured to utilize input from a first load cell for a first hopper and a second load cell for a second hopper to determine a mass flow rate to increase or decrease the feed rate so that the flow rate of material dispensed into the convey line matches a set mass flow rate of material. In the embodiments disclosed, the hoppers include hoppers connected in series to the convey line and hoppers connected in parallel to the convey line. The controller device determines the mass flow rate based upon input from one of the first or second load cells during a first time period and both the first and second loads cells during a second time period for different operating phases of the system.

Abstract: A conveying system for injecting material at a convey line pressure is disclosed. Material is injected into the convey line through a feed device from a pressurized vessel pressurized at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments, the vessel is pressurized at the convey line pressure through connection to the convey line. As described, the vessel is connected to the convey line through a pressurization line to pressurize the vessel at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments described the pressurization line is opened and closed via a valve to control pressurization of the vessel at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments, convey line pressure is applied to multiple vessels of a conveying system through one or more pressurization lines to inject material into the convey line.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed for dispensing material from multiple hoppers to a convey line. As disclosed, material is dispensed from the hoppers via operation of a variable rate feed device. The application discloses a controller device configured to utilize input from a first load cell for a first hopper and a second load cell for a second hopper to determine a mass flow rate to increase or decrease the feed rate so that the flow rate of material dispensed into the convey line matches a set mass flow rate of material. In the embodiments disclosed, the hoppers include hoppers connected in series to the convey line and hoppers connected in parallel to the convey line. The controller device determines the mass flow rate based upon input from one of the first or second load cells during a first time period and both the first and second loads cells during a second time period for different operating phases of the system.

Abstract: A conveying system for injecting material at a convey line pressure is disclosed. Material is injected into the convey line through a feed device from a pressurized vessel pressurized at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments, the vessel is pressurized at the convey line pressure through connection to the convey line. As described, the vessel is connected to the convey line through a pressurization line to pressurize the vessel at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments described the pressurization line is opened and closed via a valve to control pressurization of the vessel at the convey line pressure. In illustrated embodiments, convey line pressure is applied to multiple vessels of a conveying system through one or more pressurization lines to inject material into the convey line.

Abstract: A system for utilizing a first vessel connected to a material source and a second vessel connected to a convey line to continuously inject material from the material source into the convey line is disclosed. In illustrated embodiments, the first vessel is connected to the convey line through the second vessel. During a first phase, the first vessel is filled with material from the material source while the second vessels inject material into the convey line. During a second phase, material from the first vessel is injected into the convey line through the second vessel to provide continuous material injection into the convey line.

Abstract: A system for pointing a device at a given target has a sensor for sensing a number of positional information points of the target with the sensor relaying the positional information points to a controller. The controller is for computing a directional control information based on the relayed positional information points. The system also has an adjustment device for moving the device in a direction that bears a predetermined relationship to the target in response to the computed direction control information. The target moves and the sensor senses the positional information of the target and the sensor relays the positional information to the controller with the controller computing the directional control information to control the adjustment device. The adjustment device points the device at the target.