Abstract: A working machine such as a wheel loader for moving a load measures the weight of the load accurately. While the load is lifted by a boom of the working machine, a boom angle (?) and a pressure value (P) of a boom cylinder are measured and a boom angular speed (?) is calculated. A corrected factor (?) is determined according to the boom angular speed (?), and a corrected pressure value (P?) is calculated from “P?=P???.” A predetermined table is referred to and the weight (W) of the load is determined based on the boom angle (?) and the corrected pressure value (P) of the boom cylinder. Further, calibrations are performed as needed, and each time when a calibration is made, the average value of the calibrated value and the preceding calibrated value is calculated and data is rewritten to this average value.

Abstract: A vacuum transfer system having a weighing hopper mounted via at least one load cell to a frame. The weighing hopper is provided with an inlet connected via a product line to a product inlet hopper and a sliding outlet gate. An actuator valve is operatively connected to the weighing hopper and to a vacuum source. A controller is operatively connected to the actuator valve and also controls the opening and closing of the sliding gate. The product line comprises a flexible pipe section and a rigid pipe section pivotally mounted to the frame at a pivot disposed substantially vertically below the center of the flexible pipe section. In operation, the operator keys into the controller a target rate of product transfer and a target weight of product in the weighing hopper. The actuator valve applies vacuum to the weighing hopper in order to transfer the product from the inlet hopper to the weighing hopper.

Abstract: A vertical sensor array is placed along a weighing conveyer in a self-checkout system. Successive products are scanned and then placed on the weighing conveyer. As a product traverses the sensor array, a firmware control sends a measured height of the product to processor software, and also indicates the time taken by the product to pass the array. From the time, conveyer speed, and distance from the array to the end of the weighing conveyer, the software determines the time when the product will be transferred from the weighing conveyer to a location adjacent to the weighing conveyer. Since this transfer time is variable, depending on the product and the particular orientation of the product when it is placed on the weighing conveyer, the software can dynamically enable the scanner input device for the associated system to accept the next following product or item. The software can accurately determine the correct weight of a product, even when multiple products are present on the conveyer simultaneously.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a supply unit, a weighing unit, a stock unit, a discharge unit, a transfer unit, and a revolving mechanism. The supply unit supplies a target object to a container revolving in the weighing unit. The weighing unit weighs the container while revolving the same. The stock unit stocks a plurality of containers while holding the plurality of containers three-dimensionally and revolving them. The discharge unit discharges the target object from the container while revolving the container.

Abstract: Electronic balance with a load carrier, further with a transfer device cooperating with the load carrier, with a draft shield enclosing a weighing compartment that is adapted to the dimension of an object to be weighed and comprises at least one closure element serving to open and close at least one loading access opening, and also with a drive mechanism serving to actuate the closure element, characterized in that the drive mechanism further comprises a position-setting member, wherein the drive mechanism together with the position-setting member and a displacement-transmitting element causes a lifting- and lowering movement of the transfer device relative to the load carrier, and wherein the position-setting member is configured for setting the transfer device and/or the load carrier into several defined positions.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus having a weighing system, a drive system, and a vertical force minimizing system is described. The weighing system may include a load receiving surface and a plurality of load cells. The drive system may be any system which may cause the load receiving surface to rotate about its vertical axis. The vertical force minimizing system may be any system which may reduce the amount of vertical force that may be applied to the load cells through the drive system while effectively transmitting necessary forces in the transverse direction to provide rotational motion.

Abstract: A weighing section includes a plurality of weighing members and a power supply mechanism. The weighing members weigh an object while moving. The power supply mechanism includes a fixed section, a rotatable section moving along the movement of the weighing members, a primary coil provided on the fixed section, and a secondary coil provided on the rotatable section. The power supply mechanism supplies power to the primary coil, retrieves an induced electromotive force from the secondary coil, and supplies power to the weighing members.

Abstract: A conveying device is disclosed that changes the order of containers during conveyance in order to speed up processes, such as a discharging process performed by a combination weighing device and a rank-order sorting process performed by a quality inspection device. With a combination weighing device, a plurality of containers placed on a rotary table are moved by rotatably driving the rotary table. While the containers are being moved, a container arrangement mechanism changes the sequential order of the containers that are specified by a control unit.

Abstract: The loadcell live idler platform scale has an idler to support a conveyor belt and a frame on which the rollers are mounted. The weighbridge has four load cells connected perpendicular to each end of the frame, strain gauges to receive deflections from each pair of load cells, a speed detector for the material passing upon the conveyor, and a controller for converting the signals of the strain gauges and the speed detector to the desired weight and volume data along with calibrating the scale. Beneath the idler, the scale has a calibration weight resting in a tray. Two cables, attached to the idler and its mounts, suspend the calibration weight and an activator raises and lowers the calibration weight. The calibration weight and activator are generally cylindrical and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the idler.

Abstract: A supporting frame for a monitoring scale is constructed, in its basic form, from a longitudinal supporting frame part (1) and at least one transverse supporting part (2, 2?). Each transverse supporting part (2, 2?) may include a flat, plate-shaped transverse part, via which the stand is supported on the ground. Additional supporting frame parts (3, 3?, 3?), transverse supports (13.1 to 13.4), and other associated parts may also be provided for additional reinforcement.

Abstract: A series of products, such as bacon packages each having bacon slices carried by a card, are successively conveyed across an endless conveyor weighing scale to determine the weight of each product, and the products are then conveyed by an endless conveyor along a linear path through an inspection station. An elongated scrolling message display unit extends adjacent the linear path, and information characters corresponding to the weight of each product travel on the display unit in synchronism with the flow of the product on the conveyor to provide an inspection person with sufficient time to correct the weight of each off-weight product by adding or removing items from the product. A photosensor detects the leading edge of each product and cooperates to synchronize the location of weight information characters displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: The weighing apparatus may have a plurality of conveyor belts, a plurality of physical scales, a plurality of logical scales and a master processor. The master processor may receive weight results from the plurality of physical and logical scales and may determine a net weight of said package. The weighing apparatus may also include a plurality of slave processors.

Abstract: A method for weighing and portioning items utilizing a robot device. The robot device includes a grip, e.g., a suction cup, to remove an item from a delivery station to a receiving area for placement into a particular batch. The method involves placing the items at delivery station according their weight and the weight of items already moved to a receiving area, selecting the items for a batch from the combination of items available for movement to the batch, and selective batching of the items in weight-determined and, optionally, type-determined groups.

Abstract: A conveying assembly for fruit handling, comprising a carriage (20) adapted to be attached to a conveying chain arranged to displace the carriage in a conveying direction, a cup (30) adapted to support a single piece of fruit, the cup being secured to the carriage via a parallelogram linkage (41, 42, 22, 35) extending transversely to the conveying direction, the cup being pivotally secured to the linkage to be moveable from a conveying position to a discharge position, the linkage having release means (60) to cause the cup to pivot relative to the linkage transversely of the conveying direction to the discharge position to effect discharge of the fruit, the linkage allowing the cup to be vertically displaceable to effect weighting of the fruit.

Abstract: A method for weighing a crop is disclosed. The method includes (a) loading a crop into a container using a crop transport apparatus, (b) temporarily stopping the crop transport apparatus from loading the crop into the container, (c) weighing the crop using the container, (d) unloading the weighed crop from the container by automatically manipulating the container, and (e) repeating steps (a)–(d).

Abstract: An electronic balance includes a sample plate for placing a sample, a load detecting unit for determining a weight of the sample, a sensitivity calibration mechanism having a calibration weight disposed under the sample plate for applying a load of the calibration weight to the load detecting unit, a weight holding member with a spring property for holding the calibration weight when the load of the calibration weight is not applied to the load detecting unit, and a pressing member disposed above the weight holding member for restricting an upper movement of the weight holding member. The load detecting unit converts a load of the sample placed on the sample plate into an electrical signal according to a sensitivity coefficient to determine the weight of the sample. The sensitivity coefficient is calibrated when the load of the calibration weight is applied to the load detecting unit.

Abstract: An installation for filling receptacles by weight, the installation comprising a platform having secured thereto at least one filler spout and a weighing device which is vertically below the filler spout and which comprises a receptacle support member associated with a weighing member. The installation is distinguished in that the weighing device includes a link member between the support member and the weighing member, the link member enabling the support member to be moved relative to the weighing member between a high position in which the filler spout is engaged in the receptacle, and a low position in which the filler spout is disengaged from the receptacle, and in that the weighing device includes a locking member for locking the link member with the support member in its high position.

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 in-line mail weighing system and scale comprises a mail piece transport mounted atop a load cell. The mail piece transport includes a drive assembly and a pressure assembly defining a transport path. Mail pieces are moved through the mail piece transport, on edge. The load cell takes a series of weight measurements for each mail piece in a stream of mail pieces as each mail piece moves through the mail piece transport at a constant high speed, and then accurately calculates the weight of each mail piece.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a measuring conveyor measuring a weight of an article during transportation, a feed conveyor, a discharge conveyor, and a central conveyor extending in a transporting direction through the measuring conveyor. In a first transfer area where the article is transferred from the feed conveyor to the measuring conveyor and in a second transfer area where the article is transferred from the measuring conveyor to the discharge conveyor, level portions of a transporting surface of the central conveyor are located at the same level as that of the measuring conveyor. In a measuring area where the measuring conveyor is located, the lower portion of the transporting surface of the central conveyor is shifted downward from that of the measuring conveyor. The measuring apparatus can stably transport the article, suppress vibrations during transfer to and from a measuring conveyor, and improve the measuring accuracy.

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 filler head (1) carried by the carousel of a rotary powder filling machine comprises a dispensing element (3) by which a predetermined quantity of powder material is directed into a container (2) positioned on a platform assembly (7, 5) carried by a hollow frame (13); the dispensing element (3) is interlocked to a dynamometer (15) housed in the cavity (14) of the frame (13) and controllable thus during the step of filling the container (2). The platform support (5) is associated with a first actuator (18) mounted at the bottom of the frame (13) and designed to separate the selfsame support (5) from the dynamometer (15), also with a second actuator (21) by which the container (2) is caused to shake in a direction (B) that causes the powder material to settle in the container (2) during the filling operation.

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: A belt weighing apparatus for maintaining high accuracy in weighing by way of maintaining a fixed tension in the belt and preventing the belt from oscillating. The belt conveyor is comprised of a supporting frame, an upper guiding unit arranged on the supporting frame, a first and a second end-supporting device arranged on the supporting frame in proximity to the opposite ends of the upper guiding unit, a motor unit, at least one weighing platform arranged in-between the first and a second end-supporting devices, a lower guiding unit having a first property arranged on the supporting frame, and an endless conveyor belt having a second property is extended between said first and a second end supporting devices.

Abstract: The weight detecting apparatus includes a weight detecting load cell having a fixed end fixed to a fixed base arranged on a floor and a free end bearing a weight of an object, a first vibration detecting load cell arranged on the fixed end side of the weight detecting load cell for detecting a vibration component on the fixed end side, i.e., a floor vibration component, and a second vibration detecting load cell arranged on the free end side of the weight detecting load cell for detecting a motor vibration component on the free end side, i.e., the motor vibration component. The weight detecting apparatus precisely detects the weight of the object by removing the vibration component from the detection signal of the weight detecting load cell based on the detection signals of the respective 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: An apparatus and method to individually weigh continuously fed mail pieces wherein each mail piece is configured in a vertical orientation and fed through the weighing system in seriatim. The apparatus contains a scale transport assembly for transporting mail pieces seriatim, a mail piece channel pathway assembly for maintaining the vertical orientation of individual mail pieces, a load cell assembly for measuring the mail piece weight, an x-y table assembly for allowing position adjustments of the weighing system, data collection circuitry, and a support module. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with bulk mail processing systems or it can be used independently.

Abstract: A method of determining the mass of an article using a load cell. An article whose mass is to be determined is transported across a platform without stopping or slowing the article. A load cell measures the horizontal force applied to the load cell by the transported article. This horizontal force, along with the acceleration of the article, allows a determination of the mass of the article.

Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.

Abstract: Method and system for the weighing of sheets (6) of wood material on a sheet forming line, on which line the sheets are carried on a conveyor from a sheet forming apparatus and cooled down in a cooling turn gear comprising a cooling wheel (3) provided with radial supporters (5). The sheets (6) are weighed using a weighing system (8) which has been fitted in the cooling turn gear and which weights the sheets (6) when they are turned to an upright position or at least to a nearly upright position. The invention makes it possible to leave out the conveyor weight meter from the press line, thus allowing the press line to be made shorter. The weighing accuracy is substantially better than in a conventional conveyor weight meter solution because only the sheet itself is weighed instead of weighing the relatively heavy conveyor together with the light sheets on it.

Abstract: A lift system for effecting a vertical parallel movement of a platform relative to a base, in particular for moving a sample changer platform of a sample changer in a weighing system, has at least three substantially identical and mutually interchangeable mechanical lift units supporting the platform. The lift units occupy an at least triangular flexible layout on the base. The lift system is equipped with a drive system that includes a transmission device and a drive element, wherein the transmission device connects the lift units among each other and to the drive element. The arrangement produces a simultaneous vertical movement of the lift units with the platform always staying aligned in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the gravity force.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: A weight set for an electronic balance has at least two different weights (15, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) and a weight-receiving device (19) with receiving positions for each of the weights (15, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29). The weight set (2) has one lifter unit (17) per weight for the vertical movement of each individual weight (15, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29). The lifter units, which are equipped with a weight-seating device and reach through the weight-receiving device (19), are identical and are arranged parallel to each other in the weight set (2).

Abstract: A load receiver (10) for a balance with arms (11) is designed to support weights of various shapes and sizes (13, 14, 15, 16) by cradling the weights in a depression sloped at a variable slope angle towards the middle of the load receiver. A loading stage (1) arranged to cooperate with the load receiver (10) has one or more weight-placement devices (5) designed so that the load receiver (10) can reach through the weight-placement device (5) without touching the latter. The loading stage (1) and the load receiver (10) are moveable up and down in relation to each other. The weight-placement device (5) is suitably configured to support the different weights (13, 14, 15, 16). The load receiver (10) and loading stage (1) are used in a mass comparator for testing weight standards with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: A method is provided for weighing a series of mail pieces such as letters, flats or a mixture thereof, that are being conveyed through a weighing module. Each mail piece has a length which falls within a range bounded by a maximum length and a minimum length. The mail pieces are conveyed through the weighing module at a substantially constant speed while maintaining a minimum gap between successive mail pieces as the mail pieces pass through the weighing module. The weight of each mail piece is measured during a measurement time when that mail piece is the only mail piece moving on the scale. The scale is sized so that measurement times for mail pieces between the maximum and minimum lengths will vary.

Abstract: A scale 1 for weighing moving loads 17 includes a weighing platform 3 having an entrance end 5 and an exit end 7. The platform 3 is pivotal about a transverse axis 9 between the entrance end 5 and exit end 7. A first limit stop 13 is engageable to limit downward movement of the entrance end 5 and a second limit stop 15 is engageable to limit downward movement of the exit end 7. A weighing device 11 is connected to the platform 3 and is operable to provide an indication of the weight of a load 17 supported on the platform 3 when neither the first limit stop 13 nor the second limit stop 15 is engaged.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus which automates the weight measurement of a payload in conjunction with a roller bed based loading/unloading station. The apparatus is designed as a retrofit for an existing loading station and consists a stationary frame mounted underneath the roller bed loading station. The apparatus includes lifters which are raised by air cylinders or the equivalent upon activation to physically remove the payload temporarily from the roller bar station while the weight is measured through load cells arranged with the lifters. The engagement and release of the lifters as well as the reading of information from the load cells is coordinated and controlled by a microprocessor. Appropriate communication means are provided for, to enable the system to be activated, and to allow the weight readings taken to be incorporated into other payload management functions such as billing, receiving, inventory control, or other functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of the weight force of a bale of crop material after it is formed in a baler. The formed bale is movable in the baler by a conveying device and a weight force measurement device is provided for measuring a measurement parameter which is influenced by the weight force of the formed bale. The measurement device is set up so as to measure the weight force of the bale when the latter is resting on the conveying apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt weighing apparatus and a method so that the weighing accuracy is not affected by temperature fluctuations and wherein the oscillations (vibrations) in the belt are reduced. Furthermore, with the present invention the size of the belt weigher can be increased without affecting the weighing performance.

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 distributor unit (D) includes a stepwise moving conveying line (L) for conveying containers (C) through one filling unit (G), where the containers (C) are filled with a predetermined filling liquid or powder substance. In a weighing station (15,16), associated to the conveying line (L), two weighing groups (11,12) are situated on opposite sides of the conveying line (L) and have one weighing area (14a,14b) for weighing a container (C). One transfer group (30) is associated to the weighing station (15,16) and moves crosswise to the conveying line (L). The transfer group (30) transfers containers (Ci) to be weighed from the conveying line (L) to the weighing area (14b) of one of the weighing groups (12), and transfers at the same time an already weighed containers (C*i−1) from the area (14a) of the other weighing group (11) to the conveying line (L).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of picking up items from a first location and selectively releasing those items at one of multiple desired second locations are provided in which an item is either pierced, clamped, or stuck to a gripper without using vacuum pressure to maintain the grasp between the item and the pickup device. In several embodiments the items are grasped by piercing probes such as an expandable needle, a barbed needle or a screw. In other embodiments the items are clamped by tweezers or a gear and fingers combination. In a final embodiment, an item is grasped by being frozen to a temperature controllable surface.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a measuring conveyor measuring a weight of an article during transportation, a feed conveyor, a discharge conveyor, and a central conveyor extending in a transporting direction through the measuring conveyor. In a first transfer area where the article is transferred from the feed conveyor to the measuring conveyor and in a second transfer area where the article is transferred from the measuring conveyor to the discharge conveyor, level portions of a transporting surface of the central conveyor are located at the same level as that of the measuring conveyor. In a measuring area where the measuring conveyor is located, the lower portion of the transporting surface of the central conveyor is shifted downward from that of the measuring conveyor. The measuring apparatus can stably transport the article, suppress vibrations during transfer to and from a measuring conveyor, and improve the measuring accuracy.

Abstract: To provide a combination weighing apparatus capable of handling articles of various shapes automatically at a high speed, the combination weighing apparatus includes a supply unit (2) having a plurality of supply buckets (20i) each capable of discharging the article onto hoppers (40i) positioned therebelow. The supply buckets (20i) are drivingly supported by a transport unit including an endless support member (10) so as to circulate along a predetermined transport path. A discharge control is provided so that when some of the supply buckets (20i) are brought to a position corresponding to empty weighing hoppers (40i), the articles M within such supply buckets (20i) can be discharged therefrom onto the weighing hoppers (40i).

Abstract: A sample changer for a balance (1) with a weighing pan (18) has at least two sample carriers (3) that are spaced apart from each other. Each sample carrier is configured to receive at least one weighing-object unit and transport the weighing-object unit to the weighing pan (18). An individual draft-shield element (4) consisting at least in part of a transparent material is arranged above each of the sample carriers (3), closing off a sample space laterally and from above.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining an attribute of an article during the transfer of the article by an article-feeding machine during the transfer of the article from one location to another location.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the weight of patients in a wheelchair are disclosed, including two portable weight measurement devices, wherein the devices measure the weight imposed on two wheels of a four wheel wheelchair, and a receiver that accepts weight measurement data from the portable weight measurement devices. The weight data exchanged between the two portable weight measurement devices and/or with the receiver may be transported over wireless connections.

Abstract: An integrated element scale is provided that can replace an existing support structure within a piece of equipment to achieve a piece of equipment with the integrated scale. The integrated element scale may contain one or more load cells and be configured to replace a standard component used in the assembly of certain types of equipment. The integrated element may include a mechanism to align the load portion and support portion of the element with the load cell or load cells in between them. The integrated element may further include a mechanism for protecting the load cells from damage due to overload or under load as well as side impacts. When higher accuracy is required, the integrated element further may include a mechanism for decoupling the loads within each element from other load cells within the same element or other elements so that horizontal loading between the deflecting load cells does not occur.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing articles moving in succession along a path includes a conveyor device, a splitter device and a weighing device. The conveyor device is arranged to convey a succession of individual articles from and along a single upstream path to and along a first split downstream path and a second split downstream path. The splitter device splits the succession of articles onto the first and second split downstream paths. Also, the splitter device directs alternate ones of the succession articles being conveyed on the single upstream path onto the respective first and second split downstream paths. The weighing device weighs each article while the articles are conveyed along the first and second split downstream paths.

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.