Abstract: The present application deals with a grid flap, comprising a multiplicity of vertical and horizontal grid struts, a frame which surrounds the grid struts, wherein a vertical and a horizontal grid strut respectively overlap in a crossing point, characterized in that the crossing points of the grid struts are made of one piece. As the grid is self-supporting because of its topology (made of one piece) and the overlapping of two grid struts can be avoided, double areas or cavities can be avoided, which contributes to a hygienic design of the grid flap.

Abstract: A granule-dosing system for plastics processing machines including a weighing container removably retained in an operating position on a framework; a plurality of supply containers having outlets which are connected to an inlet of the weighing container via dosing mechanisms; a mixer with an inlet which is connected to an outlet of the weighing container; and a safety switch and a control device designed to switch off the dosing mechanisms and/or the mixer when the safety switch emits a switch-off signal, wherein the weighing container is configured such that, in the operating position, it blocks access to the dosing mechanisms and/or to the inlet of the mixer, and the safety switch is arranged on the framework such that it emits the switch-off signal when the weighing container is removed from the operating position.

Abstract: A product output device for a product supply system, in which a first product supply device and a second product supply device provide product amounts in a first collecting container and a second collecting container. Both collecting containers are provided with respective first closure flaps and second closure flaps. As soon as the collecting containers are positioned above the product receiving device, the closure flaps can open in order to drop the product into the product receiving device. The collecting container, comprising the first collecting container and the second collecting container, can be pivoted to an output position of the first collecting container, or to a output position of the second collecting container. Herein, the pivoting movement to the respectively different output positions begins before the first closure flaps have closed.

Abstract: Provided is a dispersion and supply apparatus and a combination weighing apparatus capable of uniformly supplying articles to a plurality of positions from a dispersion table. A dispersion and supply apparatus 20 includes an acquisition unit 64 that acquires a load amount of an article on a dispersion table 22, a calculation unit 104 that calculates a deviation in a loading state of the article based on the load amount acquired by the acquisition unit 64, and a control unit 106 that controls a driving unit 30 such that a conveying direction of the article on the dispersion table 22 is changed based on the deviation in the loading state of the article calculated by the calculation unit 104.

Abstract: A hopper gate opening/closing mechanism for use in a combination weigher (100) includes an actuator (31) for generating a driving force for opening and closing the hopper gate; and a cam mechanism (40A, 21) for opening and closing the hopper gate (14A) based on the driving force applied by the actuator (31); wherein the cam mechanism (40A, 21) inhibits the hopper gate (14A) from being opened in a position at which the hopper gate (14A) is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the weighing one or more objects in a vibratory apparatus comprising the steps of accepting product into an in-line feeder to a discharge feeder without being weighed, determining an angle of decline of a fixed chute and a rotating chute based upon the flowing characteristics of the free flowing material being transferred, generating a sampling signal by a control system, the sampling signal causing the air cylinder to rotate the rotating chute in the position to capture the free flowing material and weighing the in-line sample for comparison purposes with the calculated weight.

Abstract: A device catering for the dietary needs of animals. Feed is stored in a hopper and distributed at intervals to the animal's feeding receptacle via an internal dispensing mechanism using a flexible rotor sealing against the walls of a housing to both meter the feed and seal against contamination. The quantities and delivery times may be set by the user. An optional weighting system can be provided to increase accuracy of delivered feed amounts. Optionally, the device may include a water delivery system. Water is provided by a plumbed domestic connection and is available to the animal at all times, except during the automatic change cycle. A pump is utilized to change the water several times a day, in an attempt to remove any contaminants that may affect the water quality that is required to be dispensed.

Abstract: A storage dispensing unit provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a hermetic storage container. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e., vacuum, an maintains a hermetic seal when not actively dispensing. Optionally, temperature may also be controlled to enhance the shelf life of the stored ingredient.

Abstract: A hopper is provided with which damages of articles can be suppressed without lowering the processing speed. A hopper (4) includes a first hopper main body (40), and a first gate (G1). A first inner surface (41) of the first gate (G1) forms a collecting space (A1) for holding articles with the first hopper main body (40), and stores articles in the interior of the collecting space (A1) when in the closed state and discharges articles by turning to open. The first inner surface (41) includes a first upper slanted surface (S2) and a first lower slanted surface (S3) that are continuous. An angle formed by the first lower slanted surface (S3) and the horizontal plane is smaller than an angle formed by the first upper slanted surface (S2) and the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for accurately measuring the weight of a moving stream of particulate material at different flow volumes. The apparatus includes a dynamic measurement device with a deflectable curved pan for measuring the amount of material flowing along a pathway; a supply source for discharging material along the pathway; and a gate valve having an inclined gate member with a leading edge controlling the volume of material discharged from the supply source, the valve reducing the height of discharge of the material above the dynamic measurement device proportional to the increase in the flow volume of material being discharged. A gate valve is also described that includes a gate member with a fully open position and a fully closed position, the valve aperture being open a width determined by the bridging characteristics of the particulate material being discharged when the gate member is in the fully closed position.

Abstract: A first gate opens obliquely downward, and maintains the posture, rendering the slope angle of the bottom surface thereof steeper than that of the bottom surface of the second gate. Thus, the bottom surface of the second gate forms a gentle slope sliding surface, and the bottom surface of the first gate forms a steep slope sliding surface. Then articles drop following the shape of a parabola toward the bottom surface of the first gate on the steep slope side, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the second gate on the gentle slope side, and then change the sliding trajectory inward upon bumping into the bottom surface of the first gate. The articles then drop following the shape of a parabola toward the center area of a dispersal table, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the first gate.

Abstract: A molding resin tablet feeding apparatus may have a tablet weighing unit for weighing a molding resin tablet to sort out a faulty molding resin tablet. The weighing unit may be elastically deformed according to the weight of the molding resin tablet, and may further include a strain gauge for outputting an electric change caused by the elastic deformation. A controller may compare the electric change to tablet weight information to determine the validity of the molding resin tablet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of scale units 10 that constitute a combination weigher is provided with a cut gate 11 attached to a lower portion of a powdery- or granular-material hopper 12, a feeding hopper 13 for temporarily retaining a powdery or granular material supplied from the cut gate 11, a gate-type weighing hopper 14 for weighing the powdery or granular material supplied from the feeding hopper 13, and a collecting chute 16 for collecting the powdery or granular material discharged from each weighing hopper 14 and supplying it to a wrapping machine or the like. A load cell 15 is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the load cell 15 measures the weight of the powdery or granular material for performing combinatorial computing between the weighing hoppers 14. A dust-preventing bellow 18 is provided in between the respective constituting components: the cut gate 11, the feeding hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the collecting chute 16.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing constant weight portions of semi-solid matter, such as bread dough, from a large mass through a dividing mechanism whereby portions are formed on a receptacle which receives the portion so that an accurate weight indication of the portion can be taken. By separating portions of the mass with the divider, when the weight of the mass on the receptacle reaches a predetermined shutoff weight, constant weight portions are achieved. A drive motor may power the receptacle through a selectively disengageable motor drive connection, which can be disengaged to allow accurate weight indications. Variations in the weight of portions from a target portion weight may be minimized by automatically adjusting the shutoff weight at which the portion is separated by the dividing mechanism, according to the difference between the portion weight and the target weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a supply container (10), a reserve hopper (18), a means for connecting said supply container (10) to said reserve hopper (18), a means for weighing said reserve hopper (18) and a means for regulating the weight of said material dispensed from said reserve hopper (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination weighing apparatus that can rapidly supply articles to the weighing units side by rapidly supplying articles to a plurality of supply units. Combination weighing apparatus (1) is provided with a plurality of weigh hoppers (71), a conveyor (2), and a plurality of individual supply apparatuses (3). The weigh hoppers (71) measure the weight of the articles. The conveyor (2) is arranged alone the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and conveys articles. An individual supply apparatus (3) is provided for each of the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and supplies articles conveyed by the conveyor (2) to the weigh hooper (71).

Abstract: Each of a plurality of scale units 10 that constitute a combination weigher is provided with a cut gate 11 attached to a lower portion of a powdery- or granular-material hopper 12, a feeding hopper 13 for temporarily retaining a powdery or granular material supplied from the cut gate 11, a gate-type weighing hopper 14 for weighing the powdery or granular material supplied from the feeding hopper 13, and a collecting chute 16 for collecting the powdery or granular material discharged from each weighing hopper 14 and supplying it to a wrapping machine or the like. A load cell 15 is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the load cell 15 measures the weight of the powdery or granular material for performing combinatorial computing between the weighing hoppers 14. A dust-preventing bellow 18 is provided in between the respective constituting components: the cut gate 11, the feeding hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the collecting chute 16.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: A removable material hopper assembly for gravimetric batch blenders including a hopper, a metering assembly and a releasable securing assembly. The hopper is removable from the blender, and includes a metering slide gate that can be used to tightly seal off the bottom of the hopper during the removable operation. The releasable securing assembly incorporates a tongue and groove subassembly and a pin and bracket subassembly to properly align and secure the hopper to the blender during operation, but also enables easy removal of the hopper when necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system with a gravimetric weighing instrument, a network interface, a network, and a computer, wherein the gravimetric weighing instrument can be connected via the network interface to the network. Executable on the computer is a browser application, and the network interface makes available a command application which, via the browser application, causes the representation on the computer of an input mask. Via the input mask on the computer, a program for automatic use of the gravimetric weighing instrument can be defined, the program being executable by the gravimetric weighing instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.

Abstract: The apparatus is for batching different flowable materials, e.g. “small chemicals” in the correct proportions by weight. A plurality of bulk material supply stations 14 are connected to a compact, space filling array of weighing hoppers 18 via relatively short screw 20 and/or vibratory conveyors 22. As shown, two conveyors serve each weighing 10 hopper 18. The weighing hoppers 18 are mounted upon off-centre load cells 24 and discharge into a containment cone 36 and a discharge funnel 37 for leading the weighed material batches into bagging apparatus 38.

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a grain flow path. The grain flow measuring system includes a frame, a load cell, a flow conditioning portion, and a flow measuring portion. The frame is mounted with respect to the grain flow path. The load cell is mounted to the frame. The flow conditioning portion is attached to the frame. The flow conditioning portion has a first baffle located along the grain flow path. The flow measuring portion has a second baffle and a third baffle that are located in series along the grain flow path. The second baffle and the third baffle deflect grain moving along the grain flow path and thereby causes the flow measuring portion to engage the load cell.

Abstract: A metering device comprises a scale barrel, a weight part, and a shut mechanism. The scale barrel is composed of a stationary box plate and a movable box plate pivotally connecting with each other. At least a weighing platform is provided at an inner side of the movable box plate. The weight part is disposed at a lateral side of the scale barrel to measure the weight of weighed substances sent into the scale barrel. The shut mechanism is disposed at an outer side of the movable box plate and has a moving rod to open or close the movable box plate. When the movable box plate is in a state of closing, weighed substances can be received in the scale barrel. When the weight of weighed substances in the scale barrel reaches to a predetermined value, the movable box plate may open pivotally to admit the weighed substances entering a packing bag.

Abstract: A gravity flow sludge load-out system for rapid and accurate loading-out of large volumes of treated biosolids from a wastewater dewatering plant, said system includes a plurality of hoppers 12, 14 supported by a main structure 16 having a plurality of vertical support members 20, each resting on a load cell 28, a sludge inlet at the tip of each hopper, and hydraulically controlled metering gates 40 at the bottom. A PLC 70 controls delivery of sludge from a dewatering facility, including e.g. a dewatering centrifuge 56, into the hoppers and then controls load-out of the sludge to a container truck by providing real-time monitoring of net sludge load-out and tight control of metering gates.

Abstract: A device for metering dosed quantities of pulverulent products having a tank for storing the pulverulent products and a tubular duct extending to the tank. The tubular duct has a metering component for measuring the pulverulent product in the tank. The tubular duct serves to transport the product to a loading opening in the tank to a discharge opening. The outlet opening is combined with a blocking component that can be positioned on command between a blocking position and an open position.

Abstract: An attachment for a feeder conveyor with the attachment comprising an angularly positionable gate that is angularly postionable within the trough of a feeder with the postionable gate having a secondary metering outlet so that when the postionable gate is in the down position it partially close off the material flow path within the feeder while allowing only a portion of the solid materials in the material flow path to pass therethrough to thereby extend the range at which material can be controllable and uniformly delivered from the feeder.

Abstract: A hopper for a weighing machine which has a tubular body and a closing valve which is comprised of several plates which are pivotably mounted around the bottom of the hopper for movement in a plane transverse to the axis of the hopper. The plates are simultaneously driven between open and closed positions by a common belt or chain so that the closing forces of the plates are balanced. The belt is coupled to a driving mechanism through a lever mounted on the hopper which disconnects from the driving mechanism when the plates are fully closed so that the hopper is freely suspended for weighing purposes. The plates scrape against the bottom of the hopper when opening so that material clinging to the plates is scraped off.

Abstract: Based on a non-orderly flow of supplied articles, which may also be sticky articles of food, there is effected in a compulsory manner an isolation of mutually separated small article portions, which are moved through a weighing station (20) and thereafter brought together selectively into larger portions, e..g, with a predetermined weight. In a preferred system according to the invention use is made of an endless row of carrier trays (12) which, in two straight runs, pass along a number of receiver containers (22), into which they are selectively emptied after having passed the weighing station. In front of this station distributor means (14, 18) are provided above a horizontal reversing path of the tray chain for ensuring that the supplied articles are distributed to the trays without overlapping therebetween. Various advantageous embodiments of the single parts of the system to work with a desirably high capacity.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for distributing a food product, such as potato chips, which reduces the problem of staling. A plurality of stopper gates are placed adjacent to a plurality of slide doors on the downstream end of a distribution conveyor such that when the gate is closed the product is held over the slide door.

Abstract: To simplify the structure of a hopper side of a weighing apparatus, brackets 24, 34 are fitted to gates 22, 32 of pool hoppers 8 or weighing hoppers 9 and rollers 28, 38 are rotatably provided on extensions 24a, 34a thereof. On a body B side of the weighing apparatus, there are provided operating arms 44, 64 having a forked tip portion, and the rollers 28, 38 fitted to the body B side are engaged so as to be held by the operating arms 44, 64. When the operating arms 44, 64 are rocked about support shafts 43, 63, the gates 22, 32 of the hoppers 8, 9 are rocked about support shafts 25, 35 through the rollers 28, 38 to selectively open and close lower portion discharge openings 21b, 31b.

Abstract: A granular material weighing system intended primarily for weighing gunpowder, but which is not limited to this application. A volumetric powder measure is used to simultaneously dispense a previously weighed batch of granular material into its final container, usually a cartridge case, while also dispensing a volumetrically measured initial batch of material onto a scale. The initial batch is close to but below the desired final weight. A dribbler is used to feed additional granular material until the scale indicates that the desired weight is reached. The powder measure may be a rotary drum or translating bar type, the scale may be a beam balance including a magnetic damping device or an electronic scale, and the dribbler may be any electronic or mechanical dribbler.

Abstract: The capsules or other products (1) are fed by a vertically arranged tube-shaped conveyor (4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 112, 13) in single file and taken up one at a time by a tangential wheel (16) which is fitted with reference teeth (18), with each tooth supporting one product, and has suction holes (19) to retain the products. When the products are about to reach a position above suitably shaped associated weighing heads (24), the suction that holds them against the wheel is cut off and the products fall, positioning themselves correctly on the heads, aided in part by the halting action exerted by the teeth in front. The products deposited on the heads are weighed and are then discharged by the pushing action of the wheel teeth (18) which place the next product on the heads. A chute (25) collects the products ejected from the heads and a deflection plate (26), controlled by the central processing and control system (32), separates products of the correct weight from those to be rejected.

Abstract: A gravimetric weigh scale blender having a plurality of hoppers 41, 42 and 43 discharging into a weigh chamber 14. The hoppers are funnel-shaped, each terminating in a discharge opening which permits flow of material from the hopper through a metering device 19 or 38 into a weigh chamber 14. Two of the hoppers are mounted for horizontal sliding displacement in the frame of the blender and a valve is provided at the bottom of each hopper to automatically close the hopper when it is moved horizontally. The valve consists of a shoe 53 slidable on the bottom of the funnel of the hopper to be operated by a saddle 51 on the frame so as to allow flow through the opening when the hopper is in its operating position but is displaced to close the opening when the hopper is moved away from the operating position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container with a flexible internal part (6), particularly suitable for weighing bulk material, comprising a closure mechanism within the exit area of the internal part (6) as well as at least two partial exits (18, 19) to be charged, located at the internal part (6) for further processing said bulk material. By means of said locking mechanism, it is practicable to press at least one partial area of the flexible internal part (6) laterally from outside against a sword (14) which is located inside within the exit area of the internal part. This way, said sword (14) separates the partial exits (18, 19) from each other, whereby in each case, one of the partial exits (18, 19) is closable.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for aggregating a desired number of articles without individually counting out each article to achieve the desired number. A stream of the articles is discharged into a weigh hopper until substantially a predetermined weight of articles is in the hopper. The number of articles in the hopper is determined from the total weight of the hopper and the weight of a single article. Additional articles are caused to enter the hopper one-by-one until the desired total number of articles is contained in the hopper. The contents of the hopper are then packaged for distribution.

Abstract: A gate for supplying granule to and removing it from the other apparatus, Which comprises: a drive source (2); a fixed gate (6) having multiple feeder holes arranged such that granule can pass through; a movable gate (7) that is attached such that it can slide across the fixed gate (6) and is equipped with multiple openings (71) that have the same pitch as the feeder holes (61) on the fixed gate, and that allow granule to pass through when said openings (71) are aligned with said feeder holes; and a power transmission mechanism.The granule gate lowers the height of the mounds of granule that accumulate in granule weighing machines (1). It can also entirely open and close feeding holes using a short stroke. The granule weighing machine (1) can be designed thin, so that the maximum quantity of granule to be weighed nearly matches the capacity of the weighing container (3).

Abstract: A combinational weighing machine has not only a plurality of weighing devices for weighing articles and outputting signals indicative of their weight values and a control system for calculating combinations of the weight values, selecting a combination of weighing devices according to a given criterion and causing articles to be discharged from the selected combination of weighing devices, but also a discharge chute for receiving the discharged articles and leading them to a discharge opening and a guide member disposed inside the discharge chute with a sloped outer surface serving to deflect the articles colliding therewith into a vertically downward direction.

Abstract: The first of the in-series hoppers of the system is carried by a scale to determine the weight of the product batch; a transfer hopper being next in line and finally a holding hopper. A computer senses the batch weight and assigns the weight in sequence first to the transfer hopper, and then to the holding hopper. Both the transfer and holding hoppers participate in each computerized weighing/selection cycle. The forming/weighing hopper includes a shell and double-acting clam shell doors; the upper curved portion of each door extending into the hopper when the doors are open, thereby intercepting any late product in flight and initiating formation of the next batch. The transfer and holding hoppers also incorporate pairs of clam shell type doors. The associated method, is characterized by forming and weighing the product in the first in-series hopper and then discharging the batch in sequence to the transfer and holding hoppers.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing a softened solid rapidly and precisely, wherein no excessive force is exerted on, and no shock is given to, the load cell. The apparatus has a simplified structure including 1/4 cylindrical weighing containers so that the apparatus is easy to disassemble and clean.The inventive apparatus comprises a load cell for transmitting signals; a pair of weighing containers each having a cross-section of approximately 1/4 of a cylinder, arranged closely, and installed on the load cell rotatably around center axis of rotation; a scraping member installed closely to the inner surface of the weighing containers; and a driving unit, which is not connected to said load cell, for opening and closing the weighing containers by reversely rotating them around their axes. This apparatus for weighing a softened solid discharges the weighed substance as it is scraped from the sides of the containers by the scraping member.

Abstract: A constant-rate feeding device can weigh out, with high accuracy and at a high rate, a powdery material containing fibrous substances and thus having a high entangling tendency, such as a material for a friction member. A powdery material A supplied from a belt feeder (17) is divided into a plurality of masses by a first vane wheel (3) and dropped onto a damper provided under the vane wheel. The powdery material deposited on the damper is divided into small masses and discharged by moving vanes (5a) of a second vane wheel (5) through openings (4a) of the damper. Thus, the material can be fed and weighed out with high accuracy. The damper (4) is moved out of the feed path of the material except during the final stage of weighing operation for increased weighing speed. The damper (4) may comprise a plurality of movable comb teeth. By moving or turning the comb teeth relative to one another, it is possible to adjust the area of the opening of the damper and thus the feed rate of the material with high accuracy.

Abstract: Granular material stored in a hopper is dispensed therefrom by a rotatable auger which conveys the material to a discharge port for dropping into an underlying container. The container is supported by pivoted arms which are operably connected to a weighing scale for indicating the weight of the material dispensed into the container. The arms are adapted to be swung by the container between closed positions embracing and holding the container and open positions releasing the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the actuator in a vibratory weigh feeding system, to adjust the discharge rate. The vibratory weigh feeding system has a material containers an actuator for vibrating the container, weighing apparatus for sensing the weight of the material being discharged and apparatus for estimating the material discharge rate. A plurality of drive command values are established. A respective predicted discharge rate and a respective reliability factor are associated with each respective drive command value. The current discharge rate is estimated. A setpoint value is selected. A drive command value associated with the predicted discharge rate that is substantially equal to the setpoint discharge rate is selected. The selected drive command value is reduced according to the two respective reliability factors associated with the two predicted discharge rates closest to the setpoint. This forms a reduced drive command value.

Abstract: A loss-in-weight feeder for discharging a flowable material from a reservoir through a controllable discharge member, including a closed loop controller configured to compare the actual rate at which material is discharged from the reservoir to a desired discharge rate. During operation, a racheting process is used to avoid the use of spurious weight signals to determine the material weight in the feeder for purposes of properly controlling the discharge rate.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a plurality of removable ingredient retention and discharge hoppers supported on a frame, each hopper having an integral screw conveyor and each being removable for replacement by another hopper. The screw has a structure to inhibit discharge squirting. Dishcarge of the ingredients is through a sealed connection to a weighing hopper. This weighing hopper has an enclosure housing and is formed of a pair of flexible webs which extend downwardly and are shiftable between a closed retention condition with lower edges adjacent each other and an open discharge condition with the lower edges spaced from each other. These lower edges are secured to the inner edges of underlying pivotal support pans, such pans being pivotal to shift the webs and to engage the webs to invert them for assured full discharge of the contents.

Abstract: System for controlling the discharge rate of a material feeder. A weight scale connected to the material is sampled and the samples input to a digital processor. The digital processor determines for consecutive time intervals during discharge of said material, a weight loss over the time interval. The weight loss for the interval is compared with a desired weight loss which is calculated from a desired setpoint material discharge rate. The resulting error is averaged with subsequent errors to form a control signal for the material feeder. The calculation of errors over each subsequent interval increases the resolution of the control signal, increasing the ability to control discharge rates to compensate for changes in material density which otherwise affect discharge rates.

Abstract: A loss-in-weight feeder for discharging a flowable material from a reservoir through a controllable discharge member, including a closed loop controller configured to compare the actual rate at which material is discharged from the reservoir to a desired discharge rate. During the "refill" mode of operation, the desired discharge rate is adjusted as a function of both the density of the incoming material and the current weight of material in the reservoir. During steady-state operation, the discharge rate is adjusted in accordance with, inter alia, short term changes in the actual discharge rate which exceed a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a powder flow control valve comprising a nozzle formed from a material such as high density polythene having an upper frusto-conical section which converges towards the lower end of the nozzle and terminates in a cylindrical section. The nozzle is encircled by a plenum chamber to which sources of vacuum and air pressure are selectively connectable through a pneumatic control system. When vacuum is connected to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure drop across the wall of the porous nozzle causes powder flowing through the nozzle to consolidate in the nozzle and terminate the flow. When air pressure is applied to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure rise across the boundary surface accelerates powder flow through the nozzle.

Abstract: A double-gated pool hopper is disposed above a pair of single-gated weigh hoppers such that articles in the pool hopper can be selectably discharged into either of the weigh hoppers by opening and closing the corresponding one of the two gates of the pool hopper. A single stepping motor controls the selective opening and closing of the two gates of the pool hopper by rotating in one direction or the other and another single stepping motor controls the selective opening and closing of the gates of the pair of weigh hoppers by rotating in one direction or the other.