With Weigher Loading Or Unloading Means Patents (Class 177/145)
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Patent number: 6683262Abstract: The system comprises a lower frame, an upper frame coupled to the lower frame, and wheels coupled to the lower frame for engagement with a base for supporting the upper and lower frames and for moving the two frames. A conveyor belt is supported by the upper frame for supporting and moving baggage placed on the belt. A load sensor is coupled to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame for determining the weight of the baggage placed on the belt. A frame drive is coupled to the lower frame for moving the two frames between loading and unloading positions. In addition, a belt drive is provided for moving the belt and baggage thereon off of the belt when the apparatus is located at the unloading position.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: William M. Scott
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Publication number: 20040011571Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring the force (GL) applied by an elastically flexible element (5;71,71′) undergoing a pre-set elastic deformation, more specifically an element that carries a slider (3) and includes a thrust device that applies a force to the flexible element. The thrust device includes, for instance, a pneumatic nozzle (27;57,57′;28) for applying a force (R) to an intermediate portion (4) of the thin plate, at a thrust section (K). A position sensor (30;80) detects the height (z) of the slider—indicative of the deformation of the flexible element. The value (MF) of the moment of the applied torque when the height (ZF) of the slider indicates the pre-set elastic deformation of the flexible element, is utilized for calculating the force to be measured according to the formula GL=MF/L where L is the distance separating the slider from the section of weakness.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Riccardo Cipriani
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Patent number: 6674022Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.Inventors: Adam M. Fermier, John Troisi, James V. Weber
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Publication number: 20030230435Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Walter S. Conard, Patrick R. Casher, John O'Callaghan, Daniel Gibbons, Frederick Hegland, Roy Schoon, George Rabindran
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Publication number: 20030230437Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing by a conveyor-type weighing unit is disclosed, where a conveyor belt forming an endless loop is transported along a guiding unit, defining a first conveying direction and extending in-between the top sides of opposite arranged rollers. The guiding unit is tilted upwardly from the horizontal plane and thereby forming an upwardly inclined path for the belt. The conveyor belt is equipped with dividers forming a number of object receiving slots. Thereby, it is possible to conduct weighing of a single object without disturbance from the next object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventor: Jon Thor Olafsson
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Patent number: 6651821Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.Inventor: Edward Ratesic
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Publication number: 20030205414Abstract: A vibrating tray scale capable of detecting small amounts of loose particulate matter contained within a mail piece is disclosed. The scale is provided with a clamping device having a plurality of clamping positions. Utilizing different clamping positions, the mass of a mail piece is determined two times, one not including the mass of any loose particulate matter within the mail piece and one including the mass of any loose particulate matter within the mail piece. A determination of whether or not the mail piece contains any loose particulate matter can be made based on a comparison of the results for the two mass determinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: Pitney Bowes IncorporatedInventor: Ronald P. Sansone
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Patent number: 6640158Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Robert O. Brandt, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030196838Abstract: A scale includes a base plate, a load plate, and at least one weighing cell, wherein the base plate and the load plate extend in planar fashion, and the at least one weighing cell is joined directly by non-positive engagement to the base plate and load plate. The weighing cell may be disposed between the base plate and load plate, and connected to the base plate and load plate by fastening plates which are provided on opposite sides of the weighing cell, or the weighing cell may be disposed above the load plate, and connected to the base plate and load plate by fastening plates which are provided at opposite ends on a same side of the weighing cell. Alternatively, shoulders may be provided on the base plate and load plate, or on the weighing cell, for directly joining the weighing cell to the base plate and load plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Soehnle-Waagen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Klaus Gutzy, Michael Schurr, Albrecht Stahl, Wolfgang Kuhnel
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Patent number: 6635830Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Formax, Inc.Inventor: Timothy W. Ring
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Publication number: 20030192723Abstract: A powder-weighing apparatus and a powder-weighing method having a high weighing speed and a high weighing accuracy are provided. For weighing powder within a predetermined allowable range of a target weight Wt, the powder-weighing apparatus may be configured to have a primary-charge weighing portion for weighing and retaining a weight W1 of primary-charge powder smaller than the target weight Wt and at least two auxiliary-charge weighing portions each for weighing and retaining a weight W2 of auxiliary-charge powder within a predetermined range of an auxiliary-charge weight Ws. When a weight W1 of the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion is smaller than a lower limit of the predetermined allowable range of the target weight Wt, one of the two weights W2 may be selected so that a sum (W1+W2) becomes closest to the target weight Wt, and the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion and the powder retained in the selected auxiliary-charge weighing portion are discharged.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: Yamato Scale Co. Ltd.Inventors: Shozo Kawanishi, Kazuo Usui, Atsushi Watanabe
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Publication number: 20030188897Abstract: A balance includes a weighing cell with a vertically movable load receiver, a weighing pan to receive a weighing load, and a support element to couple the weighing pan to the vertically movable load receiver of the weighing cell. A cantilever arm with a seat for at least one calibration weight is solidly connected to the support element. The balance has a coupling arrangement that constrains the support element with low-friction mobility to the load receiver at three points forming a triangle in a plane that extends orthogonal to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell, wherein the triangle is symmetric to the symmetry plane of the weighing cell. Under the coupling arrangement, the support element is solidly supported on the load receiver in the direction in which the weighing load is acting.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: October 9, 2003Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Beat Ludi, Eduard Fringeli, Paul Luchinger
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Patent number: 6630633Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Hi-Speed Checkweigher Co., Inc.Inventors: John E. Uber, Peter R. Braun, Eric A. Inglin
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Patent number: 6627826Abstract: An operative unit (1) advances containers (2) along a conveying line (3) and transfers the containers from the conveying line to one weighing station (4) and vice-versa. An endless conveyor (6) of the operative unit passes through the weighing station (4) and a sliding track (S), on which the containers (2) move, is disposed parallel to the conveyor (6). Moving modules (70) are removably fastened to the conveyor and move the containers (2) on the sliding track (S) A platform (8) forms a portion of the sliding track (S) and is situated in correspondence to the weighing station (4). The containers (2) supported by the platform (8) are temporarily disengaged from the moving means (70) and placed in the weighing station (4).Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.Inventors: Luigi Cavina, Paolo Tacchini, Gianfranco Salmi
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Patent number: 6580038Abstract: A system for weighing and sorting poultry parts based upon the weight of the poultry parts is disclosed. An infeed conveyor module receives delivers poultry parts to a scale module and also produces a part position signal to a control module. The scale module diverts successive poultry parts to successive ones of a plurality of scale units where the parts are statically weighed and weight signals are transmitted to the control module. The weighed parts are successively discharged from the scale units to a sorter module where the parts are sorted according to their weights. The sorter module comprises a conveyor that carries parts away from the scale module and sweeper elements that sweep parts off of lateral edges of the conveyor into appropriate receptacles depending on the part weight. The sweeper elements can move in either direction along a loop path adjacent the conveyor as determined by the control module to sweep the parts from the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Gainco Inc.Inventor: Joseph C. Mooney
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Publication number: 20030102169Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Gianni Balboni, Claudio Trebbi
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Publication number: 20030102168Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventor: Ari Manniko
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Publication number: 20030098184Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventor: Rene Weber
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Publication number: 20030098183Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Rene Weber, Bruno Nufer, Pascal Desponds, Roland Nater
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Patent number: 6567008Abstract: A method and system for determining if a mail piece contains a loose particulate matter is disclosed. The mass of each mail piece is determined twice utilizing a vibrating tray scale. During one determination, the mass of everything contained within the mail piece, including any type of loose particulate matter, is included. During the other determination, the mass of any loose particulate matter contained within the mail piece is not included. If the mail piece contains any type of loose particulate matter, there will be a difference in the masses of the mail piece as determined by the vibrating tray scale, indicating the mail piece may contain a lose particulate matter. The mail piece can then be diverted from the normal processing path for further inspection, thereby preventing cross-contamination of other mail pieces and processing equipment.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Ronald P. Sansone
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Patent number: 6559391Abstract: In a method for the control of a fast dynamic scale a first operating mode controls the transport device for transport of postal matter to a further processing station, a measurement with a weighing cell during the transport is made and an evaluation of the measured values with the letter format microprocessor for the weight determination given dynamic weighing, and weighed values are supplied to the further processing station. An automatic switching into a second operating mode for the semi-dynamic operation of the scale with static weighing ensues dependent on the result of a determination of the dimensions of the following piece of mail in a first processing station arranged upstream in the mail stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia AG & Co. KGInventors: Uwe Huebler, Christoph Kunde
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Patent number: 6553331Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiaki Sakagami
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Patent number: 6545231Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Pfister GmbHInventor: Hans Wilhelm Häfner
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Patent number: 6538216Abstract: A scale with sideways ramp (10) having a bottom conveyor (12A) which has a bottom conveyor belt (12AA) rotatably mounted on at least one bottom conveyor bottom spindle (12AB) and on at least one bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC). The bottom conveyor (12A) further has a bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and a bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) each securely connected at a top end thereto. A bottom end of each of the bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and the bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) are connected to opposite sides of a bottom conveyor (16). A top conveyor (12B) which has a top conveyor belt (12BA) rotatably mounted on at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) and on at least one top conveyor top spindle (12BC). The at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) is rotatably connected to the bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC) by a second motor connector (14B).Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventors: Alexis Batista, Jonathan Batista, Juan Batista
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Publication number: 20030051925Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventor: Jerry L. Ostermann
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Publication number: 20030034184Abstract: A scale is disclosed for weighing moving loads. The scale includes a weighing platform having entrance and exit ends. The platform is connected to a tipping member mounted to pivot about a fulcrum. A weighing device is operatively connected to the fulcrum. Downward movement of the platform entrance end causes the tipping member to pivot in a first direction and downward movement of the platform exit end causes the tipping member to pivot in a second direction. First and second stops limit movement of the tipping member in the first and second directions, respectively. As a load enters the platform, the tipping member pivots against the first stop such that the weight is distributed between the fulcrum and the stop. As the load approaches the center of the platform, the tipping member pivots off of the first stop such that the weight is measurable by the weighing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2001Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventor: Jerry L. Ostermann
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Patent number: 6521847Abstract: A scale is disclosed for weighing moving loads. The scale includes a weighing platform having entrance and exit ends. The platform is connected to a tipping member mounted to pivot about a fulcrum. A weighing device is operatively connected to the fulcrum. Downward movement of the platform entrance end causes the tipping member to pivot in a first direction and downward movement of the platform exit end causes the tipping member to pivot in a second direction. First and second stops limit movement of the tipping member in the first and second directions, respectively. As a load enters the platform, the tipping member pivots against the first stop such that the weight is distributed between the fulcrum and the stop. As the load approaches the center of the platform, the tipping member pivots off of the first stop such that the weight is measurable by the weighing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Jerry L. Ostermann
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Patent number: 6509533Abstract: There is provided a conveyor capable of carrying out attachment and detachment of a portion of carrying an article easily and safely by a simple constitution in cleaning or the like and preventing parts from falling in attaching and detaching thereof. A support unit is provided with a carry unit and a motor unit respectively attachably and detachably. The carry unit is attachable to and detachable from the support unit in an upward direction. An output shaft of the motor unit can be connected to and detached from a drive roller of the carry unit by first and second connecting pieces. When a fixed state of the motor unit is released by releasing clamps, connection between the connecting peices is released and a state of fixing the carry unit to the support unit is released by releasing clamps, so that the carry unit can be removed in the upward direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Anritsu CorporationInventors: Osamu Tanaka, Hiroyuki Sekiguchi, Norikazu Murata
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Publication number: 20020166704Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and weighing articles while in motion including a base structure and a driving mechanism, connected to the base, for contacting an article along a first surface and transporting the article along a transport path. A vertical support baffle, connected to the base, is configured to contact the article along a second surface and guide said article along the transport path. A weighing mechanism is connected to the base, and the driving mechanism is configured to calculate the weight of the article as it is moved along the transport path. The present invention also includes a method for moving and weighing articles including the steps of moving the article along a transport such that the transport is coupled to weighing mechanisms. The weight of the article is then measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: Pitney Bowes IncorporatedInventors: John P. Miller, Sanju Ballurkar, Anthony E. Yap, Steven H. Joyce
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Patent number: 6478162Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Shionogi Qualicaps Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taizo Yamamoto, Masakiyo Inoue, Yoshihisa Kawaguchi
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Patent number: 6479767Abstract: A weighing transducer is secured onto a fixed base. The fixed base is positioned in order to allow the weighing transducer to rest securely over a conveyor belt. An electrically actuated gripper is connected to the weighing transducer allowing the weighing transducer to accurately weigh any item freely suspended from the electrically actuated gripper. The conveyor belt works synchronously with the holding device in order to obtain an accurate weight reading by taking a no load weight reading prior to the weighing of each item to be measured. The conveyor belt delivers an item to be weighed to the electrically actuated gripper which in turn captures the item. When the item is delivered to the electrically actuated gripper, the conveyor belt stops. The item is captured by the electrically actuated gripper and the conveyor belt is lowered to a height sufficient to enable the item to be suspended freely on the electrically actuated gripper.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Heinz P. Zicher
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Publication number: 20020157879Abstract: An operative unit (1) advances containers (2) along a conveying line (3) and transfers the containers from the conveying line to one weighing station (4) and vice-versa. An endless conveyor (6) of the operative unit passes through the weighing station (4) and a sliding track (S), on which the containers (2) move, is disposed parallel to the conveyor (6). Moving modules (70) are removably fastened to the conveyor and move the containers (2) on the sliding track (S) A platform (8) forms a portion of the sliding track (S) and is situated in correspondence to the weighing station (4). The containers (2) supported by the platform (8) are temporarily disengaged from the moving means (70) and placed in the weighing station (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Luigi Cavina, Paolo Tacchini, Gianfranco Salmi
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Publication number: 20020157878Abstract: The system comprises a lower frame, an upper frame coupled to the lower frame, and wheels coupled to the lower frame for engagement with a base for supporting the upper and lower frames and for moving the two frames. A conveyor belt is supported by the upper frame for supporting and moving baggage placed on the belt. A load sensor is coupled to the lower frame for supporting the upper frame for determining the weight of the baggage placed on the belt. A frame drive is coupled to the lower frame for moving the two frames between loading and unloading positions. In addition, a belt drive is provided for moving the belt and baggage thereon off of the belt when the apparatus is located at the unloading position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: William M. Scott
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Publication number: 20020153177Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus having a dispersing device (1) for the distribution of products to be weighed and a plurality of supply troughs (15) arranged alongside one another for feeding the products from the dispersing device (1) to weighing containers (13) are provided, each supply trough (15) having a bottom (16) with a first bottom face (17) and a second bottom face (18) connected thereto along an edge (36) which point towards the dispersing device (1) and are inclined to one another along the edge (36), wherein the first bottom face (17) is of substantially rectangular construction and has a first side edge (19) and the second bottom face (18) is bounded laterally by the edge (36) and a second side edge (37) which converge in the direction of the dispersing device (1) and wherein the first side edge (19) of a supply trough (15) at least partially overlaps in each case the second side edge (37) of a neighbouring supply trough (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Josef Schmidhuber
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Patent number: 6469262Abstract: A dynamic weighing module including a weighing platform, a vertical, longitudinal registration wall, drive belts for transporting the mailpieces from a position upstream of this platform towards a downstream position, and a support fast with the dynamic weighing module on which is mounted at least one bearing element intended to hold the mailpieces on the weighing platform during transport thereof from the upstream position towards the downstream position. The support element is inclined towards the registration wall by a determined angle &agr; so as to guide the mailpieces against the longitudinal registration wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Neopost IndustrieInventors: Christian Czernysz, Xavier Deshayes, Thierry Le Jaoudour
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Publication number: 20020134591Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: JOHNSON & JOHNSONInventors: Adam M. Fermier, John Troisi, James V. Weber
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Patent number: 6452118Abstract: A weighing apparatus comprising a number of grippers each designed for receiving therein an object to be weighed, each gripper being mounted on a conveyor via a hingeless connection, so that the grippers are arranged for movement along a gripper path, each gripper comprising a first guide element which, over at least a part of the gripper path, moves over a weighing surface of at least one weighing element, the weight of the gripper and the object located therein being transferred vis the first guide element to the at least one weighing element, the hingeless connection between each gripper and the conveyor comprising at least one assembly of flexible members each having a particularly low spring constant in a direction perpendicular to the at least one weighing sruface.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems B.V.Inventors: Ad van Pinxteren, Brand van de Hazel, Willem van Veldhuisen
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Patent number: 6448511Abstract: An automatic product weighing machine, for food products having two buckets radially arranged in two concentric paths on a horizontal plane, with frames having an intermediate cross-member, each of which loosely houses a pair of buckets joined to the frame by pairs of flexible, resilient and parallel straps. Two radially aligned weighing apparatuses are respectively arranged below two buckets at the weighing area. Rollers at the free ends of the frames and on two sides of the buckets, stand on respective track sectors, and the buckets are lifted in the sector of the weighing area. Control metering of products to be delivered into buckets comprise of displaceable laminar belts.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Talleres Daumer, S.A.Inventor: AgustÃn Dauder Guardiola
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Patent number: 6441321Abstract: 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 variations in the weight of each portion are minimized by providing a signal proportional to the weight of a dough portion, or group of dough portions in order to automatically adjust the rate at which dough is fed to the dividing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Creative Automation, Inc.Inventor: Paul Hebenstreit
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Patent number: 6433288Abstract: A conveyor weighing unit is provided for weighing objects transported along a conveyor. The conveyor is driven in a revolving manner over a weighing device. The weighing device includes two or more weighing platforms, each platform having a pre-defined platform length. Each weighing platform continuously weighs the conveyor belt section placed thereover and the object transported thereon. One or more adjacent weighing platforms constitutes a weighing unit having a total platform length equal or greater than the object length to be weighed. The weighing platforms are operatively connected to a data processing unit, which receives and processes data from the weighing platforms, and based thereupon, determines the length and weight of the object. An accordingly appropriate number of adjacent platforms are selected, having an added length at least equal to a length of the object to be weighed to thereby enable minimal spacing between adjacent objects and maximum operational capacity.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Marel HFInventor: Jon Thor Olafsson
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Publication number: 20020096372Abstract: A scale with sideways ramp (10) having a bottom conveyor (12A) which has a bottom conveyor belt (12AA) rotatably mounted on at least one bottom conveyor bottom spindle (12AB) and on at least one bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC). The bottom conveyor (12A) further has a bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and a bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) each securely connected at a top end thereto. A bottom end of each of the bottom conveyor left support (12ADA) and the bottom conveyor right support (12ADB) are connected to opposite sides of a bottom conveyor (16). A top conveyor (12B) which has a top conveyor belt (12BA) rotatably mounted on at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) and on at least one top conveyor top spindle (12BC). The at least one top conveyor bottom spindle (12BB) is rotatably connected to the bottom conveyor top spindle (12AC) by a second motor connector (14B).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Alexis Batista, Jonathan Batista, Juan Batista
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Patent number: 6420666Abstract: In a method of weighing a load on a balance (1), the load is passed between three different locations, i.e., a stationary holding location (17), a load-handling device, and a load-receiver portion of the balance. At least one of the locations has vertically stacked load-receiving positions. The load receiving positions are horizontally cantilevered forks or beams on which the weighing loads are either set down or suspended.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Mettler-Toledo GmbHInventors: Martin Baumeler, Denis Maillard, Roland Nater, Bruno Nufer
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Patent number: 6414251Abstract: A weighing apparatus and a method that features a lifting assembly connected between a calibrated load, having a weight associated therewith, and a frame, to vary an amount of the weight placed on the frame. A load-bearing member is coupled to the frame, and a load sensing system connected to the frame. The load sensing system is connected to sense the variance in the weight of the frame or the load supported by the load-bearing member. The lifting assembly operates to move the calibrated load between first and second positions. In the first position, the calibrated load is positioned spaced-apart from the frame and rests upon a surface to prevent the frame from being subjected to the mass of the calibrated load. Optimally, when placed in the first position, the load sensing system detects no load on the load-bearing member and the frame. In the second position, the calibrated load is positioned proximate to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Breck ColquettInventors: Jody G. Edwards, Brent A. Mattison
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Patent number: 6408223Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Scanvaegt International A/SInventors: Henrik F. Skyum, Ulrich Carlin Nielsen
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Patent number: 6407348Abstract: The apparatus is employed for moving baggage from a scale to a conveyor system. A support member with upper rollers is supported on the scale. Also provided is a bridge base and a bridge having one end pivotally coupled to the forward end of the bridge base. Both the bridge base and bridge have upper rollers. The bridge may be moved to an upward extending position when not in use and to a lower position extending to and supported by the conveyor system such that bags may be placed on the support member, weighed, and then moved by way of the rollers of the support member, the bridge base and the bridge to the conveyor system. In one embodiment, a biasing means is provided for urging the bridge to its upward extending position. A releasable latch is provided for securing the bridge in its lower position. When the latch is released, the biasing means moves the bridge to its upward extending position.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventor: William M. Scott
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Patent number: 6359240Abstract: Container capacity control system, which is comprised of a first horizontal linear guide (3) where there is a clamp head (13), which can move horizontally and rotate on the horizontal plane and which holds a first clamp (1) and a second clamp (2) for the input and output of an empty container (b1) respectively; a second horizontal linear guide (4) where means for the total filling or predetermined partial filling move; some weighing scales (5), which weigh the container (b1) empty and totally full or partially full with the predetermined amount, sending the weight data to a microprocessor, which controls the programmed system, so that it distinguishes between full-to-the-brim containers and containers partially filled, calculating the capacity based on the weighing data.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignees: Vidrala, S.A., Avacon, S.A.Inventors: Ivo Dutto, Alfonso Arechaga, Antonio Aragon, Francisco José Colomino
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Publication number: 20020020568Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Autosystems, Ltd.Inventor: Richard M. Brook
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Patent number: 6329613Abstract: A conveyor system for accurate weighing of a material where all system components are integrated as a single unit and are mounted on either a first or a second frame portion. A trailer hitch and a pair of wheels mounted on the first frame portion provide a portability feature of the conveyor system. The conveyor system consists of the first portion of the frame adjustable to a true horizontal orientation and the second frame portion is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the first frame portion. A continuous conveyor belt is disposed around the second frame portion and is supported by a series of support roller assemblies on the upper portion of the belt, and by a series of return rollers on the lower portion of the belt. The upper and lower portions of the conveyor belt travel in opposite directions with respect to one another around the second frame portion during operation of the conveyor system. A hydraulic drive system is mounted on the first frame portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Bryan Tomlinson
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Publication number: 20010037960Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: November 8, 2001Applicant: Mettler-Toledo, Inc.Inventor: Edward Ratesic
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Patent number: RE38233Abstract: A weighing system for material suspended from a rail or trolley. The system includes a transition track between the regular track and the weighing track to avoid oscillation of pressure on the weighing track which causes difficulty in rapidly arriving at a proper weight. The transition track is biassed away from the weighing track so as not to cause a false weight reading. It also includes a novel trolley moving mechanism for moving the trolley as it passes over the weighing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: VBS, Inc.Inventor: David M. Vande Berg