Abstract: A chain conveyor for gravimetrically measuring/dosing materials, especially bulk materials. The conveyor includes a housing/trough in which at least two chain conveyors with strip-shaped driving elements attached thereto rotate, wherein a measuring bridge that is supported on at least one force measuring device is arranged between the inlet and an outlet hole. The driving elements are mounted with multiple articulations on the conveyor chains, more particularly, said driving elements are inserted with positive-fit by lateral hinge bolts in the chain links located on the upper edge and configured to be placed flatly in the measuring bridge.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for controlling a dynamic scale, the conveying speed of a conveyor belt for items of mail in the dynamic operating mode is independent of the format of the pieces of mail. During dynamic weighing, a controller of the scale deactivates the normal speed regulation for a DC motor and an unregulated pulsed voltage is applied to the DC motor. By an interaction of the motor with a tensioning device for a defined setting of the conveyor belt tension and due to a vibration-damped structure of the conveying arrangement of the scale, the conveying speed changes dependent on the weight of the piece of mail in a measuring time range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a weighing system that is capable of continually sensing load against a conveyor and a calibration system for the weighing system that is capable of applying a reference load to the weighing system without interrupting the ability of the weighing system to sense load against the conveyor.

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 weighing conveyor having an increased weighing accuracy. This conveyor includes a conveyor apparatus 3 for transporting an article X to be weighed, a load detector 5 for detecting the weight of the article X to be weighed, and a housing 7 for accommodating the load detector 5, in which a fixed end 5b of the load detector is connected with the housing 7 and a free end 5c thereof is connected with a support member 120 for supporting the conveyor apparatus 3, and the support member 120 protrudes outwardly of the housing 7 from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A weighing conveyor having an increased weighing accuracy. This conveyor includes a conveyor apparatus 3 for transporting an article X to be weighed, a load detector 5 for detecting the weight of the article X to be weighed, and a housing 7 for accommodating the load detector 5, in which a fixed end 5b of the load detector is connected with the housing 7 and a free end 5c thereof is connected with a support member 120 for supporting the conveyor apparatus 3, and the support member 120 protrudes outwardly of the housing 7 from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: Automatic scale for bulk products with a feeder mechanism composed of two sets of turning transverse eccentric rollers, with both sets having parallel eccentrics, which are smooth in one set and notched in the other set. The transfer mechanisms have pairs of discs with parallel transverse shafts, with the outside ones having a pin meshed in a fixed toothed wheel, while the central shafts are mounted ungeared. The linear transport mechanisms have rods for supporting the containers with pairs of sliding mechanisms, which are separated by elastic mechanisms and have control mechanisms for varying their distance apart. The weigh station has pairs of parallel, longitudinal endless belts.

Abstract: A combinational measuring device is provided with a radiation feeder transporting objects and a measuring hopper measuring the weight of each group of objects transported by the radiation feeder. As to each measuring hopper performing introduction by a prescribed frequency, an average operation part obtains an average and standard deviation of a transport quantity every group transported by the radiation feeder. On the basis of the obtained standard deviation, a parameter operation part determines whether or not the transport quantity per group transported by the radiation feeder is dispersed.

Abstract: The machine has a regular structure symmetrical with respect to a central axis and provided with limiting end faces, said structure being disposed with its horizontal axis rotatably supported on its axis of symmetry on the frame of the machine, and bearing a plurality of longitudinal frames in the direction of the generatrices, on which are incorporated the “cups” or buckets carrying the pieces of fruit or the like, each of said “cups” or buckets being freely rotatable on a horizontal axis, and the machine having means for the rotatable support on its horizontal axis of said structure carrying the “cups” for the pieces of fruit, and also means for effecting the rotation of said structure on its horizontal axis.

Abstract: A weighing device for the determination of weight of a fiber material is provided. The weighing device includes multiple weighing arms. Each of the weighing arms is pivotably supported on one end. Also, each of the weighing arms is supported on an opposite end by a weighing element. The weighing arms are configured for supporting and transporting the fiber material. The weighing element provides a signal for the determination of weight of the fiber material.

Abstract: The combination weighing apparatus is an apparatus that conducts combination weighing of articles based upon weight data from a plurality of weight hoppers, and is comprised of a plurality of supply buckets that supply articles to any of a plurality of weighing hoppers, a rotation mechanism that rotates the supply buckets so that they move along an arrangement of the weighing hoppers in a weighing area, and a control computer. The control computer controls the supply of articles from the supply buckets inside the weighing area to the weighing buckets, and from amongst the plurality of weighing hoppers that request a supply of articles, priority is given to the weighing buckets that are downstream in the direction of rotation, and article supply takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device for mixing additive into a basic flow, comprising: a passage for the basic flow; an inlet for the additive in the passage; a container for the additive connected to the inlet via a dosing mechanism and having a controllable drive for discharge of the additive into the inlet; weighing means for determining the weight of at least the container with the additive; and a control for the drive which is connected to the weighting means for setting a dosed discharge, wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged on the inlet via the weighing means.

Abstract: The scale comprises: a rough weighing section with at least one rough weighing head (9, 11) and a weighing means (25, 27) for weighing individual rough weight amounts of a loose product; a finishing section (2) with a plurality of weighing means (35, 37) for weighing individual amounts of the loose product; a control unit (41) determining, for each rough amount, a combination of said individual amounts of product weighed in the finishing section which sum is a finishing amount that added to the respective rough amount optimally approximates a predetermined nominal amount.

Abstract: An apron weigh feeder for use in the heavy bulk materials industry includes a feeder frame, a head drive shaft, a pair of tail traction wheels, and a plurality of carry and return rollers. A pair of drive sprockets is mounted on the head drive shaft. The tail traction wheels are aligned with the drive sprockets, respectively. A pair of endless crawler chains is reeved about the drive sprockets and tail traction wheels, respectively. A plurality of flights is fixed to the crawler chains to define a carrying surface of the apron weigh feeder. The carry rollers support the crawler chains and carrying surface. The carry rollers are supported rotatably by a plurality of carry roller support frames, which are mounted on the feeder frame. The weigh scale assembly is substituted in place of at least one of the carry roller support frames.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging solid particulate material is described that includes a deflectable, curved weigh pan with a given radius of curvature to receive a continuous flow of material and discharge the material along a first discharge pathway, the radius of curvature at the inlet end being substantially perpendicular to the feed pathway; a pivotal material flow diverter adjacent having an inlet end adjacent the pan outlet end, the diverter having a lowered position beneath the first discharge pathway, and a raised position intersecting the first discharge pathway; a transducer for continually measuring pan deflection; a controller to receive deflection measurements from the transducer and transmit an actuation signal when a target weight of material has crossed the pan; and an actuator to pivot the diverter between the first and second positions upon receipt of an actuation signal from the controller.

Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.

Abstract: A weight checking apparatus is provided to prevent items that have not been properly checked from slipping through the weight checker. A weight checker includes a weight conveyor, a loading sensor, a weighing portion, a weighing conveyor weight change monitoring means, an item weight calculation means, and a controller. The loading sensor detects the loading of an item on the weighing conveyor. The weighing portion detects the weight of the weighing conveyor. The controller switches between the weighing conveyor weight change monitoring process and the item weight calculation process based on a detection signal from the loading sensor. The weighing conveyor weight change monitoring process monitors a change in the weight value of the weighing conveyor. The item weight calculation process calculates the weight of the item from the weight value detected by the weighing portion.

Abstract: A chain conveyor is provided having a more precise measuring/metering capacity and simpler construction. At least one measuring section, preferably a measuring bridge, is located between the inlet opening and outlet opening of the housing, and is supported by at least one force measuring device. The conveyor chain is guided along the measuring bridge on guiding elements which are fixed at the sides. The measuring bridge may be arranged with flexible intermediate elements such that the bridge is decoupled, resulting in the chain forces being compensated as the force measuring device is impinged upon.

Abstract: An apron weigh feeder for use in the heavy bulk materials industry includes a feeder frame, a head drive shaft, a pair of tail traction wheels, and a plurality of carry and return rollers. A pair of drive sprockets is mounted on the head drive shaft. The tail traction wheels are aligned with the drive sprockets, respectively. A pair of endless crawler chains is reeved about the drive sprockets and tail traction wheels, respectively. A plurality of flights is fixed to the crawler chains to define a carrying surface of the apron weigh feeder. The carry rollers support the crawler chains and carrying surface. The carry rollers are supported rotatably by a plurality of carry roller support frames, which are mounted on the feeder frame. The weigh scale assembly is substituted in place of at least one of the carry roller support frames.

Abstract: A control for a weigh scale associated with a continuously moving conveyor which is capable of mathematically positioning the sample period on each product weight waveform. The control first triggers on a predetermined sensed weight. The control determines a first inflection point on the weight waveform defined as the “maximum positive slope.” Once the maximum positive slope is found, the control begins recording weight samples at a sampling rate. The control checks the weight waveform of sampled weights for a slope which is a first pre-selected percentage of the maximum slope but negative in slope value. This point is determined as the “weight-off-scale” point. When the weight-off-scale point is reached, then the control looks backward through the recorded data of weight samples to find another point which has a slope which is a second preselected negative percentage of the maximum positive slope. This point is defined as the “end sample position.

Abstract: A weighing conveyor having an increased weighing accuracy. This conveyor includes a conveyor apparatus 3 for transporting an article X to be weighed, a load detector 5 for detecting the weight of the article X to be weighed, and a housing 7 for accommodating the load detector 5, in which a fixed end 5b of the load detector is connected with the housing 7 and a free end 5c thereof is connected with a support member 120 for supporting the conveyor apparatus 3, and the support member 120 protrudes outwardly of the housing 7 from a bottom surface thereof.

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 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 method for controlling an amount of material delivered during a material transfer. This method includes the steps of inputting a target amount for a material to be delivered from a source location to a target location, updating the target amount during the delivery of the material using a predictive model-based algorithm, and updating the predictive model-based algorithm based on process performance data using a recursive least-squares procedure. An adaptive selection algorithm which is used to determine whether at least one previous predictive model-based algorithm parameter should be replaced with at least one new predictive model-based algorithm parameter in order to adapt the predictive model-based algorithm in response to a process change. A method for overlapping a delivery of at least one independently measured material with a delivery of a main material during a material transfer process.

Abstract: The continuous weighing meter [according to the invention has] having a conveyor belt [(1)] driven by a motor [(3)] and running over a guide roller (4), which is loaded with bulk material via an input funnel [(6)] from a feed arrangement [(9)]. In addition to a first weighing arrangement [(11)], which determines the gross loading of the loaded conveyor belt [(1)], the continuous weighing meter has a second weighing arrangement [(15)], which determines the tare loading of the empty, but possibly dirty and inhomogeneous conveyor belt [(1)]. The weighing distances have the lengths SB [(11)] or ST [(15)] and are separated by a distance L between homologous points. The weighing results are converted to digital form in evaluation [equipments (22, 21)] units and taken to a computer [(25)] which calculates the net loading of the conveyor belt [(1)].

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 check weigher for a bagging system includes a compartmentalized rotatable drum positioned immediately beneath a chute receiving bags from a conveyor system of a bagger. The rotatable drum is maintained upon a scale adapted to determine the tare weight of the bag and its contents. A receptacle is positioned on each side of the rotatable compartmentalized drum. A reversible stepping motor is connected to and is operative to drive the drum. A controller is interposed between the stepping motor and the scale. When the controller determines that the weight indicated by the scale is within an acceptable range of weights, the compartmentalized drum is rotated in a first direction, causing the bag to be deposited in a first acceptable drum, while simultaneously positioning a new compartment beneath the chute.

Abstract: For a weight controlled building up of batches of foodstuff pieces, the pieces are supplied serially with mutual spacing and are weighed-in on a dynamic weigher using a “single weighing algorithm”. Quite similar weighers are known operating for “summation or flow weighing”, which does not require the supplied pieces to be supplied one by one while making use of a special algorithm. With the invention these technics are combined with the aim of handling an unorderly supply flow, in which there are both separated and non-separated pieces, in that by means of a detector it is determined whether the pieces are sufficiently separated for being “single weighed” for batching purposes, while the pieces will otherwise be flow weighed e.g. for the formation of large batches.

Abstract: A weight filler 6 is provided which allows a bottle 16 to be conveyed while gripping its neck 16a. Load cell 58 is mounted around the outer periphery of a revolving body 54 in order to detect a vertical load. A horizontal rod or load applicator 64 projects radially outward from the load cell 58. A gripper 50 which grips the bottle 16 under the resilience of tension springs 82 is mounted on the free end 64a of the rod 64. As the bottle 16 is urged into the gripper 50 in a direction opposite from the direction in which, the rod 64 projects, the gripper 50 is once opened against the tension springs 82 and then closed to grip the neck 16a of the bottle 16. A filling nozzle 52 is disposed above the bottle 16 which is gripped by the gripper 50, and fills the bottle 16 with liquid. During the filling operation, the load cell 58 detects a load applied, thus allowing a filling of a given amount in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the weight of a moving object is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a platform for supporting the moving object to be weighed, means for permitting the object to move smoothly over the platform, a weight sensor for measuring a force applied to the platform by the moving object and generating a weight sample that reflects the measured force value, a detection sensor that generates a signal upon detecting the moving object on the platform, a processor having a memory, which processor receives samples from the weight sensor and stores weight values based on the samples; and means for calculating the weight of the object using a succession of the stored values when the detection sensor generates its signal.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: An attachment for a feeder conveyor with the attachment comprising an angularly postionable 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: The present invention provides a yield monitoring system for a slicing and packaging apparatus. In accordance with one embodiment of the system, the system includes at least one product input scale, a slicing mechanism for slicing the product after the product has been weighed on the at least one product input scale, and at least one product output scale capable of weighing the product after slicing by the slicing mechanism to determine a post-processing weight. A yield monitor is connected to electronically receive weight information corresponding to the weight of product weighed by the at least one product input scale and the at least one product output scale. The yield monitor uses the received weight information to provide system yield data to a user via a screen, print-out, electronic data, etc.. Preferably, the system also includes a makeweight scale that is disposed at a makeweight station. The makeweight scale is connected to electronically communicate makeweight data to the yield monitor.

Abstract: In a dynamic scale, and a method for controlling a dynamic scale, an item to be weighed is transported by a transport device to a weighing cell. The transport device is operable in a number of different operating modes. At the weighing cell, a measured weight value is obtained, and this measured weight value is subsequently interpreted and, based on the interpretation of the measured weight value, the transport device is switched to a different operating mode, which may include reversing the direction of the transport device so as to permit the item to be re-weighed and subsequently discharged from the scale.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder is disclosed for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus that combines articles after aligning same. The articles are input to the apparatus via hoppers, which can be selectively discharged to an alignment tray based upon the weight of the articles within the hoppers. A predetermined weight, or at least a weight within a margin of error of the predetermined weight, is discharged through a chute to an alignment tray. The chute narrows from an inlet position to an outlet position, and aligns the articles as they pass therethrough. Once in the alignment tray, the tray is shaken in an unsymmetrical manner so as to further align the articles. Once the alignment is complete, a gate beneath the tray opens and the aligned articles drop into a receptacle. The present invention is particularly useful in aligning elongate articles, such as bread sticks, and other food stuffs.

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: Method and apparatus for weighing a product being moved by a conveyor. When the product is conveyed to be disposed at a weighing station stationarily positioned relative to the moving conveyor, a weighing platform engages the bottom surface of the product and raises the product upwardly so that the bottom surface of the product is disposed above and spaced apart from the conveyor. After the product is raised above the conveyor, the product is weighed, without any interface with the conveyor, and then lowered back down onto the conveyor. Concurrently, the measured weight of the product is compared to a predetermined weight range. If the weight of the product is properly within a predetermined weight range, the product continues down the production line on the conveyor. If, however, the weight of the product is out of tolerance, the unacceptable product is removed from the conveyor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a height measurement apparatus for determining volume/density of wood chips on a conveyor. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of contacts that ride on top of the pile of wood chips in order to more accurately measure the volume and density of the wood chips.

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: A method and apparatus of supplying material from a storage hopper (12) to a weighing hopper (16) where the material is fed at a controllable rate by a sliding plate member (104) that acts as a shutter for the storage hopper (12), which includes an aperture (154) for receiving material gravity fed from the storage hopper (12). As the plate (104) is reciprocated horizontally at a preselected frequency, material is conveyed at a controlled rate from the storage hopper (12) to the weighing hopper (16).

Abstract: Materials conveying equipment 10 includes a support structure 12. A housing 20 is mounted on the support structure 12, the housing 20 having an inlet opening 26 and a remote discharge opening. A shaftless screw conveyor 18 is arranged rotatably in the housing 20 for conveying materials from the inlet opening 26 of the housing 20 to the discharge opening of the housing 20. A gravimetric unit 16 is mounted at the discharge opening for receiving the materials.

Abstract: A device for automatically determining the weight of items of post comprising a feeding device (1) that contain conveyor belts that grip the postal items and conveys them in single file. A distributor (3) separates the incomming stream of items from the feeding device (1) into parallel conveying paths (TS) where they are weighed. The parallel conveying paths (TS) also contain belts which continue to grasp the postal items even as they are being weighed. Once the items are weighed, they are fed to a channelling device (4) which recombines the multiple streams of postal items from the parallel conveying paths (TS) into a single stream (2).

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus comprises weighing receptacles (5), a distributing device (1) for distributing products to be supplied, a feeding device (2) for feeding the products from the distributing device (1) to a respective one of the weighing receptacles (5), a driving device (3) for oscillating the feeding device (2) and a coupling device (4) for detachably coupling the feeding device (2) to the driving device (3) with a first coupling piece (12) and a second coupling piece (8), a slide (23) which is displaceably connected to the first coupling piece (12), one of the coupling pieces (8, 12) being connected with the feeding device (2) and the other coupling piece (12, 8) being connected to the driving device (3), a tension member (33) connected to the slide (23) for displacing the slide (23) along a displacement direction from a first position into a second position in which the slide (23) can be locked against displacement into the first position, a support bolt (19) having a shaft (20) and a head

Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but it is better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a result is that it is possible to effect batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring weights of articles having different shapes and weights successively transported on a conveyer including first and second weighing conveyers 13 and 14 having load cells 23 and 24 to produce weight signals and photo-sensors 20, 21 and 22 arranged at inlets and outlets of the weighing conveyers 13 and 14 for detecting passage of the articles to produce article detection signals. In a calculating circuit 25, a weigh of an article is calculated by processing weight signals supplied from the first and second weighing conveyers 13 and 14 in accordance with a measuring sequence which is selected from a plurality of measuring sequences in accordance with the article detection signals supplied from the photo-sensors 20, 21 and 22.

Abstract: A weighing system for measuring the weight of a material carried on a conveyor assembly. The weighing system is compatible with conveyor assemblies wherein either the pitch angle, the roll angle, or both, is variable. The weighing system includes a load cell that measures a force borne by the support member of the conveyor assembly. One or more clinometers are used to define the angular position of the conveyor assembly. The number of clinometers is great enough to fully define the pitch angle, the roll angle, and the direction through which the measured force acts. The measured angles, the measured force, and a tare weight of the conveyor are used to calculate the weight of the material. The weighing system may be adapted to measure a flow rate of the material. Furthermore, the conveyor assembly may be mounted on harvesting equipment in order to measure crop yield data and to generate maps depicting the crop yield distribution over a field.

Abstract: A multiple hopper system for improved forming of solid, flowing product into sequential batches or charges, transferring the batches between the hoppers, combination weighing/selection and discharging to a packaging machine is provided. 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 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. A curved transition chute is positioned below the holding hopper. The holding hopper doors slope at an angle in the direction along the closing lips of the door.