Abstract: A method for calculating the change in mass over time of a storage area holding a load, while components of the load are being removed or added, and while the storage area is subjected to changing vertical acceleration, is disclosed. The method uses a computer to compare the measured weight of a load with a known mass to the measured weight of the variable load and calculated the mass of the variable load. Periodic measurements and calculations allow the change of the variable load over time to be determined. Controls influencing the addition and removal of load components maybe controlled in response to the calculated change in mass to maintain targeted rates of change.

Abstract: A vacuum system for a spreader truck takes up dust generated when the spreader truck's payload is deposited and blows it back into the truck where some fraction of the dust is reclaimed as it settles out of the air. Any dust remaining airborne is removed by a filter apparatus before the cleaned air is released.