Abstract: An automatic fluid replacement device is adapted to be mounted on an opening of a storage barrel. The automatic fluid replacement device includes a robotic arm, at least one fluid convey joint and a controller. The robotic arm has a gripper. The fluid convey joint includes a convey pipe, a sleeve and a sealing bag. The convey pipe is configured to deliver a fluid. The sleeve is sleeved on the convey pipe. The gripper clamps the sleeve. The sealing bag is sleeved on the sleeve. The controller is configured for automatically controlling the robotic arm to move the fluid convey joint into the opening and controlling the sealing bag to be inflated to seal the opening.

Abstract: A method for determining the energy consumption of a production system such that the production system can be planned and operated more efficiently in terms of energy, where a load profile of the production system is determined, an energy requirement of the production system is estimated, an energy model of the production system is determined and the energy consumption of the production system is determined.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for a filling line for filling containers of pharmaceutical, medical, food products and the like includes a weighing unit and a suction unit designed to generate a suction air flow directed and adjusted in such a way as to affect in a controllable manner the value of a weight detected by the weighing unit.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a distributing unit that distributes articles supplied from above, a plurality of radiation units that conveys the articles distributed from the distributing unit, a plurality of detection sensors disposed above the radiation units to detect the articles conveyed by the radiation units, a plurality of weighing units disposed below the radiation units on a downstream side in an article conveying direction to accumulate and weigh the articles, a controller that controls the distributing unit or the radiation units based on detection by the detection sensors, and a sensor cover that incorporates the plurality of detection sensors, and the sensor cover is disposed at a different position from an end portion of each of the radiation units on the downstream side when viewed in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Multiple-batch train loading systems and methods, for example for loading coal, which are capable of accommodating railcars of a wide range of capacities and designs. Each railcar is loaded with at least a relatively large initial weighed batch having a weight at least approximately equal to the maximum available capacity of a weigh bin, and a relatively small final weighed batch. The initial weighed batch and the final weighed batch are both made up with precision. If required, one or more intermediate weighed batches are loaded into the railcar. The intermediate batches, if required, are made up rapidly, but not necessarily with precision.

Abstract: A combination weighing and counting apparatus includes a plurality of vibrating feeders (1) arranged and mounted on a support frame and adapted to be electrically powered from an alternating current source to transport articles, a plurality of weighing hoppers (28) for measuring respective weights of the articles (M) supplied from the vibrating feeders (1), and a combination selecting device for combining weights or numbers of the articles supplied to the weighing hoppers and for selecting a combination of the articles (M) which falls within a tolerance range. To minimize vibration of the support frame so that any undesirable reduction in weighing accuracy can be suppressed, there is provided a feeder drive control device (42) for driving the neighboring vibrating feeders (1) at a driving phase opposite to each other.

Abstract: A gravimetric blender including a frame, a weigh bin, a device connected to the frame for sensing weight of the bin and any material contained therein, a mix chamber below the bin, connected to the frame, a piston for selectably releasing material in the bin downwardly into the mix chamber and an elastomer connecting a sensor device to the frame and damping transfer of vibration and shock motion therebetween. The method includes metering solid resinous materials until preselected weight of the respective materials are at the weigh station, metering liquid color until a pre-selected weight of color is at the weigh station, and providing the metered solid resinous materials and metered liquid color material to a mixing station for manufacturing processing via molding or extrusion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter.

Abstract: The conveyor (1) includes a telescoping conveyor (2) with a boxlike basic body (9), above which a separating conveyor (3) and a weighing device (4) are located, thereby saving space which would be necessary if the separating conveyor (3) and the weighing device (4) were set up separately.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are shown for controlling a weighing machine in which product is fed into one end a vibratable pan of a vibratory feeder and is discharged from the other end, for example into a weigh bucket. In a first embodiment, the amplitude of vibration of a pan is measured and is compared to a desired amplitude. The measured amplitude is compared to a desired amplitude, and the amplitude of vibration is adjusted by modifying an input signal to a vibrator attached to the pan until the measured amplitude equals the desired amplitude. In a second embodiment, a mechanism is included to stop the loading of product into a pan when a predetermined amount of product has been discharged from a pan into a weigh bucket, and the weight of product in the pan is monitored as additional product is discharged into the weigh bucket. Only a preselected additional weight of product is subsequently discharged into the weigh bucket.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of:controlling the flow of substance by means of the filler member;measuring, over successive time intervals, the instantaneous flow rate of substance filled into the receptacle;calculating the total weight of substance filled into the receptacle on the basis of the instantaneous flow rate over each time interval; andcausing the flow of substance to stop when the calculated total weight reaches the reference net weight minus a tail-back weight for the substance.

Abstract: An emptying balance contains a product flow setting device, which contains a rotary slide valve. The angle between a rotary slide valve wall and the facing fixed wall is consequently dependent on the opening position of the rotary slide valve. A fine blocking flap is also provided which is opened by means of two pressure cylinders arranged in series, and which are individually controllable. For subsequent metering of small product quantities only one of the two pressure cylinders is operated and this only leads to a limited opening of the fine blocking flap.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and control system having dispensing nozzles positioned for dispensing into a receptacle on a weight-sensing device, where all dispensing nozzles are respectively coupled to liquid pumps for delivering liquids from different containers to the nozzles, and a control computer connected to the weight-sensing device and to the pumps and dispensing nozzles to control the flow rate and delivery of liquids.

Abstract: In a method of dosing fibers, such as steel fibers to be mixed in concrete, a supply of fibers (5) is stored in first vibration feeder (2) and is moved from this by means of a second vibration feeder (3). For each dosing operation, a proportioned quantity of fibers (5) is transferred at a stepless rate or a stepwise declining rate from the first to the second vibration feeder (2, 3) while the second vibration feeder (3) stands still. This vibration feeder (3) then transports the transferred fiber quantity further on to the subsequent process while the first vibration feeder (2) stands still. The fibers can hereby be dosed more accurately and uniformly than known before.

Abstract: This invention relates to process and apparatus for recovering and cleaning lead shot, bullets and slugs of various sizes from shooting range backstops and similar sites. The process involves excavating the site material and delivering same to a surge hopper from which the material is metered substantially uniformly to a vibratory feeder. The material is delivered by the feeder to a shredder which serves to condition and de-agglomerate the material for uniform flowability and separation. The shredded material is delivered to a trommel screen for initial separation into two major fractions, returning the larger particle fraction to the excavation site and delivering the smaller particle fraction to a sizing screen.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a barrel for transferring powder from a first retainer to a second retainer. The barrel is vibrated to cause the powder to translate on a surface thereof. The vibration is controlled to cause a measured amount of powder to be dispensed. In a specific embodiment, two barrels are included to provide coarse and fine rates of powder dispensation. A specific embodiment includes a scale for weighing the discharged powder. The scale is equipped with a sensor, the output of which is used to control and limit the rate of powder flow up to a preselected amount. A additional novel feature of the invention is the use of a mechanism to assist in overcoming the inertia of the scale.The invention provides an inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus. As the need to rotate barrels of the prior art is eliminated, the likelihood of occasional jamming is minimized.

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 system for loading coal (particles) into railroad cars 16 wherein a control weight of a railroad car 16 loaded with coal (particles) is established and a maximum permissible weight of a railroad car 16 loaded with coal (particles) is known, the control weight being less than the maximum permissible weight, The system utilizes a continuous loading system 12 and a batch loading system 14. Coal (particles) first is loaded into each of the railroad cars 16 utilizing the continuous loading system 12 and the continuous loading system 12 is designed such that the continuous loading system 12 loads an amount of coal (particles) into each of the railroad cars 16 having a weight less than the predetermined control weight.

Abstract: A weight-operated filling system of rotary type is disclosed which is adapted to detect the weight of a vessel and content thereof by means of Roberval weigher. In such system, the centrifugal force which is applied to the vessel and the content thereof causes a metering error, and accordingly the invention provides a rotation detector which detects the rotation of a rotatable member in which Roberval weigher is mounted. A detection signal from the detector is used to correct for the error to derive a true weight. A filling valve is closed to terminate the filling operation when the true weight reaches a given value.

Abstract: Drum filling apparatus and method enabling liquid to be introduced into a container automatically. The apparatus includes a filling lance and a mechanism for gradually raising the filling lance to ensure that only a relatively small portion of the lance remains submerged in the liquid. The apparatus also includes a control mechanism for ensuring that the lance is properly positioned within the container as it is being withdrawn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material from multiple streams, such materials typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is loaded into receptacles or the like for temporary storage thereof and is subsequently and sequentially released into a storage bin or the like associated with the common scale. An increase in measured weight associated with each respective material release or discharge is then determined. From each weight increment associated with one of the multiple streams, is added to provide a total count corresponding to weight and associated with each, one of the individual streams of the multiple streams of material. In this way, separate count totals are maintained and continuously updated for a plurality of different corresponding deliveries but using a common scale and associated storage bin or container.

Abstract: An optical display is provided to guide the operator during metering of a substance to a desired value. The desired value is entered into a computer and the substance to be metered is applied to a balance. The display is in the form of a clock having a coarse and fine indicator hand. During the coarse metering at the start of the metering cycle, the coarse metering hand is rotated at a first rotational speed relative to the metering rate, i.e. the rate at which the substance is being applied to the balance. During the fine metering phase, namely when the weight on the balance approaches the desired weight, either the same or another hand moves at a rotational speed relative to the metering rate which exceeds the first rotational speed, thereby expanding the sector over which the hand moves while a given amount of the substance is being applied. This greatly facilitates the operator's control over the process and decreases the possibilities that excess weight is added.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for metering liquid colorant from a primary color reservoir having a valve for controlling the liquid flow into a collecting container. The process comprises the steps of disposing the valve into required position, operating a drive member to open and close the valve, permitting the liquid colorant to flow into the container, preparing three stages of successive metering controls, and automatically metering the liquid colorant through one or more stages. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoir bases, tilting device, operating member of the valve and balance for measuring the weight.

Abstract: A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder gate. In the electronic circuit, a master set point signal is entered and compared with the output signal from the sensors. The output flow to the receiver of the system is continuously adjusted by a deviation controller to reduce the deviation in these two signals. Erratic changes in system output are avoided by a deadband circuit introduced into the electronic circuitry to buffer excessive oscillation, overresponse and even instability caused by transient size change and lumping associated with bulk materials. The electronic circuit also includes an averaging module to average the level/weight of the material being discharged to obviate responding to peak levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of articles in the supply troughs of a combinatorial weighing apparatus. A plurality of flow regulating plates or baffle plates are disposed in respective or selected supply troughs arranged to extend radially from a dispersing table. An operating mechanism is provided for moving the baffle plates so that they move within the supply troughs by rotating about the center of the dispersing table.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus has a plurality of pool hoppers associated with automatic weighing units, respectively, for weighing batches of articles which have been supplied from a supply unit into the pool hoppers. After the batches of articles have weight, which is close to preset weights, the batches of articles are fed into weighing hoppers. Weight values obtained by the weighing hoppers are computed in various combinations by a computer to find the combination of weights which is equal or closest to a preset weight.

Abstract: There is herein disclosed an improved system for rapidly filling containers precisely to prescribed load weights with articles of the so-called pellet/pill/tablet type; employing in combination, a high speed bulk-loading means and supplementary loading means operable to "polish off" the finalizing loading operation. Incidental thereto, the supplementary loading means is operated to contribute to the bulk-loading operation.

Abstract: A weigh scale machine for automatically filling bags/containers including an infeed chute, a weigh bucket, a scale mechanism, and a discharge hopper. Initially, the flow gate located between the infeed chute and the weigh bucket is open and product is permitted to flow through the infeed chute into the weigh bucket. When the prescribed weight is attained, as determined by the setting of the scale mechanism, a weigh complete sensor is triggered and the flow gate is closed. The dump doors located at the bottom of the weigh bucket are then opened and the product is discharged through the hopper into the bag/container. Operation of the machine is controlled by a solid-state controller which includes a plurality of sensors for monitoring the actual positions of the flow gate, scale beam, and dump doors.

Abstract: Flowable food is fed by a vibrator unit to a weighing platform which is carried by a weighing support which moves downwardly as the food builds up on the platform, the weighing support and vibrator being temporarily stopped by stops at a location prior to a point corresponding to a preselected weight and thereafter being allowed to continue its weighing movement or discharge food therefrom as the case may be.

Abstract: Large capacity sacks are successively suspended from holding devices by their mouths and filled with pourable material through a conduit equipped with a dispensing mechanism. During filling, the sack comes to rest on a support which is part of weighing apparatus for controlling the dispensing mechanism. Before the sack contents have reached a predetermined final weight, the holding devices are lowered to relax the sack wall above the level of the contents, whereupon filling is completed at a trickle rate.

Abstract: An improved system and method is disclosed for compounding batches of a plurality of constituents in accordance with a predetermined formula. The individual batch constituents are sequentially fed into a batch receiving hopper. Feeding of each constituent is controlled in response to the current weight of the constituent in the hopper and the current rate at which the constituent is being fed. Preferably, feeding is accomplished at a plurality of decreasing rates with the fastest rate maintained for a maximum time to minimize the total time required to compound the batch.

Abstract: A liquid filler apparatus useful in connection with the filling of a container with a predetermined weight of liquid at a first and a second fill rate is characterized by a single control valve having either a ball-type or a butterfly-type valve element interposed in a flow control relationship between a source of liquid and a conduit insertable into the container to be filled. The control valve responds to signals functionally related to the weight (and therefore the volume) of the liquid within the container generated from a scale element to fill the container at different fill rates. An interface arrangement responsive to the signals generated by the scale is operatively associated with the control valve actuator to impose an actuating force on the valve element sufficient to open the valve element to define a first and a second flow cross-section to thereby permit liquid flow therethrough at the first and the second fill rates, respectively.

Abstract: A metering method and apparatus is provided for the controlled discharge of powder from a fluidized-bed blender to a material container, which gives accurate material weights while separating powder from fluidizing gas. In this method the material container is filled with a series of short duration discharges at a reduced powder flow rate. This method enables the apparatus to more precisely measure the weight of the container and maintain homogeneity of the blended material in both the bed and the container. The apparatus for carrying out this method includes a flexible pressure-tight sleeve connecting the fluidized bed to the container. When a ball valve located at the bottom of the fluidized bed opens to discharge powder, the sleeve retains the high pressure fluidizing gas inside the sleeve and the container. This causes the pressure to build at the outlet of the valve thus preventing the gas from rapidly exhausting and forcing powder through the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bagging bruisable discrete articles, such as apples. The apples are fed single file to a weighing device, and the feed of articles is terminated just before the desired predetermined weight of apples to be bagged. The weighing device is allowed to reach equilibrium, and then the weight of the apples is compared to the desired predetermined weight. If the weight is less than the desired amount, the apples are fed one by one to the weighing device until the predetermined weight is reached or exceeded, at which time the apples in the weighing device are dumped onto a pair of spiral brushes which convey the apples to a bagging station. At the bagging station, a bag is clamped and blown open, and is filled with apples being fed one at a time. The bag full condition is automatically sensed, at which point one of the clamps is released, and an arm supporting the other clamp is pivoted to swing the bag into operative association with an automatic tying machine.

Abstract: A check-weighing apparatus is provided wherein a conveyor feeds articles in a discrete manner onto a weighing device, the feeding of the articles being terminated, and the articles being removed from the weighing device, when a predetermined weight is attained. A receptacle receives a batch of articles from the conveyor and when a predetermined batch quantity is attained within the receptacle which is less than the predetermined weight referred to, the batch is released onto the weighing device. The conveyor then tops up the batch to the predetermined weight.

Abstract: An improved feeder unit and method for use in a weighing system is disclosed wherein a bulk and a dribble feeder are positioned in close proximity to each other with both feeders being vibratory feeders. Positioned over the vibratory dribble feeder is a movable wiper blade which is utilized for wiping a portion of the bulk objects from the dribble feeder into the bulk feeder with the movable wiper blade allowing a controlled portion of the bulk objects to remain on the dribble feeder. The controlled movement of the wiper is utilized to allow a predetermined amount of the bulk objects being fed by the dribble feeder to pass under the wiper without jamming between the wiper and the dribble feeder thereby providing a much improved feeder unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic weighing machine for weighing out a predetermined quantity of fluid materials into a container. The machine includes a fluid material valve of the downward delivery type comprising a closure member having a plurality of selectable positions corresponding to different flow rates through the valve. A weighing control system is adapted to control the valve so as to dispense an appropriate weight of fluid material into the container in accordance with a predetermined program. The control system comprises one or more load cells arranged to provide an electrical output dependent upon the weight of the container plus its contents, and a comparator for comparing the signal from the load cell or cells with a predetermined target weight to be achieved in accordance with the program whereby to provide an electrical error signal instantaneously representative of the additional weight of fluid material to be dispensed.

Abstract: A mixing plant which is portable and adapted to mix material, such as for on-the-site mixing of concrete and the like, and which mounts on a truck to be readily transported from site to site. This mixing plant includes four transportable units mounted on a truck and each comprising a belt conveyor, a weighing system operatively carrying the conveyor and adapted to weigh material on the top run of the latter, a hopper mounted above the belt conveyor and including a coarse dispensing outlet and a fine dispensing outlet with the latter positioned a predetermined distance from the coarse dispensing outlet and downstream of the latter relative to the displacement of the top run of the conveyor, a levelling bar of adjustable height extending lengthwise transversely of the conveyor between the two dispensing outlets, and with trap doors and actuators to adjust the opening and closing of the outlets.

Abstract: A method of weighing and an apparatus therefor, wherein articles varying in unit weight are continuously weighed by a single weighing machine to classify them into three ranks, one for articles having error weights outside the allowable error limits, another for articles having error weights plus-oriented inside the allowable error limits and the other for articles having error weights minus-oriented inside the allowable error limits, said articles having error weights outside the allowable error limits being rejected, said articles having plus-oriented and minus-oriented error weights inside the allowable error limits being separately pooled and their weights or error weights being allotted to two shift registers and memorized therein in correspondence to the pooling order, and arithmetic operations for combinations of said memorized values are performed to provide a combination of weights equal or most approximate to a predetermined weight. Other merits and details of the construction will be made clear.

Abstract: A feed control system, for controlling the operation of a weighing apparatus including two or more conveyors arranged in flow series and arranged to carry product from a feeder to a hopper whereby the product will be separated into batches of predetermined weight, the control system providing adjustment of the feed rate of the conveyors, and adjustment of the rate of feed of product by each conveyor in relation to the weight of product on a succeeding conveyor in the series.