Abstract: A device for weighing slender or piece-like objects being conveyed. This device includes a driving means, a fixed stand, a movable stand, a conveyed onto a supporting portion of the movable stand, the movable stand will be lowered thereby putting the object on the weighing scale and enabling the object to be separated from other mechanisms. After the object has been weighed, the movable stand will be restored to its original position and the object will continue to be conveyed. The weighing result can be input to a computer for analysis or control, or the device can be an integral part of a completely automatic operating system.

Abstract: The input station of a mailing machine includes an inclined tray for feeding vertically extending mail pieces. The thickness of the mail pieces is sensed, and a separator is responsive to sensed thickness to control the feed of the lowest mail piece on the tray to a weighing device. The mail pieces are transported vertically upwardly from the weighing device, to an upper roll, with the bottoms of the mail pieces being carried over the roll to start their descent to an output stacker. A postage meter may be provided at the weighing station, or adjacent the top roll. A flap moistener may be provided upstream of the top roll, and the flaps may be sealed adjacent the top roll.

Abstract: A self-cleaning weighing hopper to be used in a weighing apparatus is particularly adaptable for utilization with a sticky product. The hopper has two rotary doors containing a series of tined panels. One tined panel on each of the two doors extend toward each other so as to form a hopper bottom to hold a product charge. The panels on the two doors rotate in unison to release the weighed product charge into a receptacle. The hopper includes a comb scraper through which each tined panel rotates following release of the product charge. The comb scraper removes the sticky remnants of the product charge from the tines of the panels while the weighing apparatus is in operation. The doors are operated by a sliding arm in response to an actuator. A pin on the arm is guided by a spring/linkage mechanism along a slot on a guide plate and a stop is provided on the arm to insure proper actuation.

Abstract: The inking module includes a plurality of first links extending horizontally and parallel. One end of the first links are fixably mounted to an ink pad tray, the other end of the first links having formed thereat a tilting surface. A drive means causes the first links to displace the ink pad tray to and from the first and second position. A guide means guides the first links horizontally along a linear path and including abutting means for causing the first links to tilt vertically when the tilting surface contacts the abutting means to place the ink pad tray in the second position.

Abstract: A weighing system for a refuse truck having lifting means for engaging and lifting a refuse container. The weighing system comprises a transducer which is mounted on the lifting means of the truck for sensing the weight of the refuse container for producing an electrical analog signal. Electrical digitizing means convert the analog signal to a digital signal which is indicative of the weight which is sensed by the transducer. A limit switch is operatively connected to the transducer so that the transducer is energized at a point when a full container is supported by the lifting means and when an empty container is supported by the lifting means for the purpose of determining the weight of the refuse in the container.

Abstract: Transport and drive apparatus and method for use in determining the weight of an article. An article whose mass is to be determined is transported upon the plan of a weighing scale by a combination of rollers attached to the tray and drive rollers received within an opening of the tray. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor rollers for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for withdrawing the rollers upon reverse drive for purposes of weighing.

Abstract: Apparatus for checking the weight of filled containers delivered from a supply conveyor traveling at a predetermined speed and for delivering the weighed pieces to a pick-up conveyor; in which at least one weighing unit provides a guide for receiving a container from the conveyor and for guiding the same to a weigh station at diminishing speeds from the conveyor to the weigh station and a rotatable plow for removing the piece from the weigh station; from a stopped position adjacent the piece at the station at increasing speeds to the pick-up conveyor. The weigh station is disposed intermediate the conveyors and where two units are used, the weigh stations may be positioned along a straight line.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and accurately measuring ignition loss of powder samples without requirement of manual handling. The apparatus comprises a weighing section, a heating section and a cooling section which are integrally arranged and the weighing section including a sample supply device and a crucible and tray transporting device. Each of the sections is automatically operated under controlling by a controlling section.

Abstract: A mechanism for transporting flat articles, such as envelopes, onto and across the tray of a scale. A belt is trained about a combination of rollers received within slots of the tray which in combination with clamps supported by the tray are used to transport a flat onto the weighing scale. When a flat is to be weighed, it is transported onto the tray, the rollers are withdrawn below the tray by the belt and the clamps hold the flat securely against the tray. The tray is then oscillated and the weight of the flat is determined from the harmonic period of oscillation. Upon completion of weighing, the belt is placed into contact with the flat and rotated to remove the flat from the tray.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing the tray of a scale during the transporting of flat articles, such as envelopes, onto and across the tray of the scale. When a flat has been placed in a position for weighing, the conveying mechanism is put into an inoperative mode and causes the locking mechanism to release the tray. After the article is weighed, the conveying mechanism is placed into the operating mode and acts upon the locking mechanism to cause it to once more secure the tray.

Abstract: Oscillating and alternatively locking apparatus and method of determining the mass of an article by the shift of the period of oscillation of a flexibly mounted platform. An article whose mass is to be determined is placed upon the platform. The platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is calibrated. This period is compared against the period of harmonic motion when there is no article upon the platform, and the difference, or shift, in frequency, allows a determination of the mass of the article. A reversible motor is used to provide drive to a conveyor for transporting mail pieces onto the tray and for causing oscillation of the tray for purposes of weighing.

Abstract: An automatic method and associated apparatus for weighing material and in particular for determining signature counts in association with a printing press. The system provides for the automatic registration of tare weight and for automatic removal detection and automatic registration of the last weight prior to removal. Also, in one embodiment described herein there is displayed a time signal representative of the time to go with regard to obtaining a desired full complement of good signatures.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for weighing product, such as fruits and vegetables, with a separate, simple yet effective method and apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables having the same characteristics. The weighing apparatus includes a pair of chains having inwardly extending pins engaging vertically elongated slots in lubricating plastic hour glass shaped roller segments. A flat bottom portion of each roller segment engages three rails of a stationary track while the pins engage the elongated slots and move the roller segments over the weighing mechanism. Two or more roller segments engage a fruit or vegetable at the same time, and the stationary track is notched at a load cell so that all of the roller segments supporting a fruit or vegetable operatively engage the load cell at the same time. The product sorter includes a contoured supporting base with a flexible belt on the base and in sliding engagement with it.

Abstract: The scale for weighing bed-ridden patients includes two assemblies each of which has a pair of rollers mounted on a load frame upon which the entire bed can be elevated. The bed frame has two pairs of ramps mounted on an underside whereby the bed can be rolled onto the rollers. Each ramp has inclined surfaces to cause lifting of the bed onto the rollers of the scale assemblies.

Abstract: An improved metering mechanism for metering highly aerated or fluidized solid materials in a controlled manner is disclosed. The mechanism consists of a bin discharger attached above a rotary feeder assembly. The bin discharger has two augers which rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The augers rotate such that material flow is directed toward the center of the discharger, and down into the inlet of the rotary feeder assembly. The rotary feeder assembly contains 6-12 rotary vanes. Two vanes form a pocket into which material falls as each pocket comes into mating relation with the rotary feeder assembly inlet. A tight clearance between the outer radial edge of the rotary vanes and the inner surface of the housing of the rotary feeder assembly prevents the material from flushing through the rotary feeder assembly in an uncontrolled fashion. The material exits the rotary feeder assembly as each filled pocket comes into mating relation with the outlet of the rotary feeder assembly.

Abstract: A weigher is provided for weighing drums, barrels and the like in which a point around the periphery of the bottom edge of the drum is rested on a low-level, weighing capsule, the diametrically opposite point remaining on the floor. The capsule is a disc with a central blind bore open downwardly, the blind upper end being spanned by a diaphragm which sustains the load to be weighed and has a pattern of electrical strain gauges on its underside. A sloping back-stop ensures proper location of the drum to be weighed on the weighing capsule.

Abstract: Bales of filamentary material are separated into weighed charges of the material by disintegrating the bales in a rotating drum to produce tufts that are passed to a picking chamber wherein a toothed roll strips individual filaments from a supply roll formed from the tufts and passing the filaments to scales upon which the charges are accumulated. Each time a charge is accumulated on a scale, air is blown across the scale to discharge the scale. The charges are delivered to a magazine having a plurality of vertically stacked chambers, each chamber underlain by a movable gate, through which the charges are passed sequentially to be discharged at a fixed schedule from the lowermost chamber. Spikes mounted on the interior of the drum are shaped to loosen portions of bales entering the drum, tear tufts from such portions, and finally deposit the tufts into an air stream passing through the drum to expel the tufts.

Abstract: A weighing system for a refuse truck having lifting means for engaging and lifting a refuse container. The weighing system comprises a transducer which is mounted on the lifting means of the truck for sensing the weight of the refuse container for producing an electrical analog signal. Electrical digitizing means convert and analog signal to a digital signal which is indicative of the weight which is sensed by the transducer. A limit switch is operatively connected to the transducer so that the transducer is energized at a point when a full container is supported by the lifting means and when an empty container is supported by the lifting means for the purpose of determining the weight of the refuse in the container.

Abstract: Data from weighing devices of a combinational weighing system are transmitted through a multiplexer and sample-and-hold circuits and are converted into digital signals by an analog-to-digital converter. Values of these digital signals are constantly monitored and a specified number of these values are used to determine stability conditions of the weighing devices. Only the weight data from stabilized weighing devices are used for combinational calculation.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a plurality of article carriers 5 interconnected for movement in succession along a predetermined path 1, and weight sensing means 7a, 7b positioned at two or more weighing stations in the path such that each article carrier passes through one weighing station, the weight of the article carrier, together with that of any article carried thereby, being applied to the weight sensing means. The use of two weighing stations, to which articles can be diverted alternatively, means that ample time can be allowed for accurate weighing, even if the speed of the article carriers is greater than that with prior art devices.

Abstract: A high speed weighing system for weighing articles moving along a conveyor or the like wherein the article to be weighed is dropped onto a weighing platform and weighed during a predetermined time period as it traverses the weighing platform. The weighing platform is secured to a structural transducer having electrical strain gauges in connection with fast-summing amplification and integration circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing of reference weights in an electronic scale consisting of two levers swivelable around vertical axes, one end of each lever is always in contact with a cam disc attached on a vertically disposed shaft and the other end of which is developed as a gliding shoe which may be pushed below the lifting tray. By rotating the cam shaft, the lifting trays cause the reference weights to be deposited by the cam discs at first each individually one after the other and then jointly onto the carriers.

Abstract: A continuously moving load is conveyed through a plurality of weighing load cell assemblies during a weighing operation to obtain a predetermined number of repetitive weight measurements fed to a data processor for providing an error corrected readout. Individual weight measurements are monitored to identify load cell assemblies from which erroneous readings are derived and to remove such erroneous readings from the data processing operation.

Abstract: A mailing system for metering batches of mixed weight mail. The system includes a demand feed for singulating mailpieces, a weighing module for weighing the singulated mailpieces and determining the appropriate postage amount and a postage meter responsive to the weighing module for metering each singulated mailpiece with the appropriate postage amount. A transport system sequentially transports singulated mailpieces from the feeder to the weighing module when the postage meter is set then stops during the weighing period. The postage meter is set for the next sequential mailpiece only after weighing and metering are both completed. In another embodiment a mechanical buffer is provided between the weighing module and the meter to allow overlapping of weighing time with meter setting time.

Abstract: A weighing system for a refuse truck having lifting means for engaging and lifting a refuse container. The weighing system comprises a transducer which is mounted on the lifting means of the truck for sensing the weight of the refuse container for producing an electrical analog signal. Electrical digitizing means convert the analog signal to a digital signal which is indicative of the weight which is sensed by the transducer. A limit switch is operatively connected to the transducer so that the transducer is energized at a point when a full container is supported by the lifting means and when an empty container is supported by the lifting means for the purpose of determining the weight of the refuse in the container.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for handling cheese, including a base and a turntable mounted on the base. The turntable has cutout recesses in the periphery thereof for moving molds in a circular locus. A platform is provided on the base for supporting the molds as they are being moved in a circular locus. The base includes stations. A filling and weighing station is provided on the base whereby curd is filled into the molds and weighed to a predetermined level. A compacting station is also provided on the base whereby the curd in the molds will be pressed to remove the air therefrom and packs the cheese within the molds. The recesses and the turntable are in registry with the stations on the base.

Abstract: A container filler and weighing system is disclosed. The weighing system is made up of a scale with a support for a container supported on the scale. A vibrator connected to the support so that the material fed into the container from a feeder is packed and settled in the container. An electronic readout is connected to the scale and a digital readout connected to the electronic circuit whereby the readings can be recorded and an annunciator is connected to the electronic circuit to signal when the container is full. The vibrator connected to the container support delivers a vertical component of force that has an especially good and efficient packing reaction on the material in the container.

Abstract: To weigh objects in quick succession, the objects are projected with a known horizontal velocity onto a ramp which has a surface which curves down through 90.degree.. The ramp can move horizontally in response to the impulse corresponding to the change in horizontal momentum of the object. A transducer senses the movement of the ramp and the output horizontal velocity of the object is sensed, enabling the change in horizontal velocity to be calculated. The mass of the object is calculated from the horizontal movement of the ramp and the change in horizontal velocity of the object. In order to obtain accurate sensing of the movement of the ramp, the transducer is a linear variable differential transformer having a primary winding energized by a cyclical carrier signal and two matched secondary windings in series; the secondary winding output signal is rectified to a corresponding DC voltage having ripple components, and a sample is taken of the signal at the zero voltage of the principal ripple component.

Abstract: A product handling and weighing apparatus having a rotary paddle wheel with vanes forming product pockets therebetween to hold the product and transfer the product through a weighing bucket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for accurate weighing of fruit or like product while continuously conveying the product in a first direction. During weight sizing of the fruit, the fruit is continuously conveyed in the first direction utilizing a fruit cup supporting the fruit. The fruit cup is mounted for pivotal movement with respect to a yoke about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first direction. The yoke preferably is connected to a tow rod which effects conveyance of the product container. The amount of pivotal movement of the cup about the axis is limited. Support structures extend downwardly from the cup into operative engagement with weighing mechanism tracks on only one side of a line extending in the first direction through the center of gravity of the cup. The leading and trailing edges of the weighing mechanism track segments are spaced (in conjunction with the support structures) so that the entire weight of the cup and product are transferred instantaneously to the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a method and device for recording the weight of refuse material emptied from a container into a collecting vehicle by means of an unloading device. The gross weight of the filled container and the dead weight of the emptied container are determined while the container is being emptied by the unloading device of a refuse collecting vehicle. Each container is identified and the identification and weight data are supplied to a recording and control system. The device for carrying out this process is adapted to be integrated in the unloading devices of the collecting vehicle.

Abstract: A batch weighing apparatus for receiving a flow of material such as feedstuff and discharging the material in successive weight determined portions is provided with a dischargeable weighing container and a real weighing system. The weighing system is used both for causing the material flow to stop, when the container has received, approximately, a predetermined weight of material, and to thereafter weigh the material portion with high accuracy. The material flow is not restarted until the container has been emptied. For high accuracy the weighing results are differential, the container being weighed both before and after emptying. A simple and cheap electronic weighing system of high accuracy contributes to a low cost apparatus, which is then an advantageous alternative to the more primitive traditional batch weighing apparatus.

Abstract: Weighbelt apparatus of the kind described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,609 is improved by having the planar support cantilevered to both sides of a central transverse crossbeam which rests on six cantilever arms carrying strain gauges in cutouts. Two calibrating weights can be hung independently off the bottom of the beam when the belt is lifted off the planar support. This configuration avoids spurious reading when the load on the belt is unevenly distributed.

Abstract: A weighing bucket receives product dumped from an overlying holding bucket and causes an underlying load cell to produce an electrical signal representative of the weight of the product in the weighing bucket. After being weighed, the product is swept out of the weighing bucket by a high volume blast of low pressure air produced by an air entraining nozzle. As a result of using air to empty the weighing bucket, the weighing bucket requires no doors or other moving parts and thus may be constructed with high stiffness and with a high natural frequency to reduce low frequency disturbances of the weight signal and to improve the accuracy of such signal as well as to reduce the time required for the weighing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for roll wrapping articles with stretchable netting material and simultaneously weighing the articles. The apparatus includes horizontal article support rollers supported on a rotatable table, the support rollers being quickly adjustably movable equidistantly toward and away from each other to accomodate articles of numerous sizes and weights while maintaining the center of gravity of the article generally centrally positioned with respect to the support rollers and the rotatable table.

Abstract: A device for weight classification of crops comprising and endless conveying member, pick-up members for the products to be weight pivotally coupled with the conveying member and a mechanism for assessing the weight of the products located in and/or on the pick-up members, whereby a pick-up member is pivoted with the aid of a first pivotal shaft to a tie member, which is coupled with the aid of a second pivotal shaft extending at least substantially parallel to the first pivotal shaft with the endless conveying member in a manner such that the center of the pick-up member is located between the two pivotal shafts.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a succession of articles comprises a plurality of article carriers, for example poultry carcass carrying hooks 19, interconnected, for example by a chain 16, for movement in succession along a path. A weighing device is positioned at a weighing station 22 and means are provided to lower each article carrier at the weighing station to apply load to the weighing device. The article carriers may for example be lowered as a result of being pressed downwardly by means of a dipping portion of rail 26. By lowering each article carrier during weighing, it is possible to weigh the article carried by the carrier without significantly changing the vertical position of the article with respect to adjacent articles, thus reducing the risk that the weight recorded will be inaccurate because of any drag applied by adjacent articles.

Abstract: There is disclosed a machine for transporting and weighing or checkweighing articles passing in succession thereon at high speeds, such as for use in conjunction with a rapid article feeding and take-away conveyor system or the like and with weight-signal transmitting/converting/calculating printout devices for visual display and price labeling operations or the like. The machine includes a stationary machine base and a vertically flexible weight-measuring means supported by said base. A rigid cage-like structure encompasses and is supported by said weight-measuring means, and an article conveying device and a power supply means therefor is carried by said cage-like structure and comprises in combination therewith the minusculely vertically shifting tare weight component of the machine.

Abstract: An improved motorized, articles-in-succession conveying and weighing (or checkweighing) machine for use such as intermediate of in-line article feeding and take-away conveyors, or the like, comprises essentially a frame-like support structure; a strain gage load cell suspended therefrom, which carries suspended therefrom a cage-like bracket, the opposite sides of which support spaced apart parallel article transport conveyors. Each of such conveyors comprises an endless belt training about driving and idler rollers which rotate about vertical axes. These conveyors define therebetween an article-to-be-weighed conveying passageway extending in longitudinal alignment with article feeding and take-away conveyor. The motor driving the conveyors is also mounted on the bracket suspended from the load cell; and therefore the motor and the conveyor form parts of the tare load on the load cell.

Abstract: An improved motorized conveying and weighing or checkweighing machine is disclosed for use such as in between article feeding and take-away conveyors. The machine comprises essentially a machine support member; a compression type strain gage transducer mounted upon said support member; an angularly configured structure including a vertically standing side wall portion and a bottom sidewise extending bracket portion which is so fixed upon the top portion of said transducer as to dispose said side wall portion to extend in parallel offset relation to the plan view longitudinal profile of said transducer. Conveyor belt driving rollers are rotatably mounted upon and extend in cantilever relation away from said side wall portion and an endless conveyor belt trains about said rollers.

Abstract: An automatic combination weighing machine, having a plurality of weighing units, weighing batches of product or articles by the respective units at the same time and selecting some of the batches exhibiting the total weight meeting a predetermined condition, is provided, wherein each weighing unit is provided with automatic loading and unloading devices and the weighing units are arranged side by side in a line so that the respective loading and unloading paths are parallel to each other, in contrast to the prior machine wherein the weighing units are arranged circularly. This linear type of machine occupies less area than the circular type and can be cleaned easily, and it is more convenient for use in conjunction with soft small product for food, such as meat cutlets and vegetables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for on-line analysis of a coal sample. Four radial arms (16) extend from the output shaft (28) of an indexing motor (14). Sample cups (12) at the ends of the arms are indexed along a circular path past a filling station (18) where the cup is filled with pulverized coal, an analyzing station (20) where various chemical analyses are performed on the coal sample, a dumping station station (22) where the residue of the coal sample is dumped for disposal, and a cleaning station (24) where the sample cup is cleaned in preparation for another analysis cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the weight of a moving article in which the article moves across a weigh platform connected to at least two load cells spaced apart via the direction of travel of the article, the output signals from the load cells being added to gether to provide a measure of the weight of the article when the center of gravity of the article is central of the load cells as indicated by the difference between the output signals being zero.

Abstract: Food cans are slid across a vertically-oscillating weigh platform while being guided by contacting means bearing against their upstream side surfaces. The contacting means comprise a pair of rollers rotatable about an axis transverse to the direction of sliding motion of the cans, and bearing against the vertical side surfaces of the cans above the bottom bead of the can. This avoids the indentations formed in the lug contactors of the prior art after many contacts with the bead of the can, and thereby improves the weighing accuracy.

Abstract: A combination weighing system searches a plurality of scales for a combination which provides a minimum total weight of product not less than a pre-established target weight. The search for the best combination is performed on the basis of an ordered search sequence of all combinations, and certain steps of the sequence and corresponding combinations are omitted from the sequence if they involve subcombinations previously searched and found to be at or above the target weight. The scales produce signals representative of the product weight, and the signals are calibrated and processed to eliminate measurement errors.

Abstract: An individual nuclear fuel rod weighing system for rods carried on a tray which moves along a materials handling conveyor. At a first tray position on the conveyor, a lifting device raises the rods off the tray and places them on an overhead ramp. A loading mechanism conveys the rods singly from the overhead ramp onto an overhead scale for individual weighing. When the tray is at a second position on the conveyor, a transfer apparatus transports each weighed rod from the scale back onto the tray.

Abstract: A process for recycling containers such as used aluminum beverage cans comprises sensing the presence of an acceptable container inserted into a receiving station in a rotatable carrier and unlatching a latching mechanism to permit the carrier to be rotated if the presence of an acceptable container is sensed. Rotation of the carrier conveys the container to a station where the container is crushed. A receipt is then issued for the crushed container. The process is controlled by a central control unit which may include a computer having a program to monitor and control the process steps.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for receiving and crushing containers consisting essentially of recyclable material comprising an enclosure having a manually operated rotatable carrier with a first station comprising a pocket in the carrier to receive a container. Means are provided for detecting the presence of a container in the pocket and for detecting the type of material comprising the wall of the container. The apparatus also contains latching means to prevent rotation of the rotatable carrier until a container inserted therein has passed all tests performed in the first station. Means are also provided for measuring the weight of the container and for crushing metallic containers having a predetermined acceptable weight.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which allows a container and material to be weighed in the presence of a pressurized gas and reduces the effects on that weighing caused by variations in the gas flow and pressure. The system includes a container which receives material to be weighed and a structure for discharging material from the system. The container is mounted on a scale for providing weight readings and flexibly coupled by at least one inlet to provide a pressurized gas to the container which isolates gas flow and pressure effects transmitted to the container.

Abstract: A shackle supporting the product to be weighed is lifted off the pendant of an overhead conveyor by a chain driven in synchronism with the conveyor, and the chain then carries the shackle and the product which it is supporting across a weighing platform before lowering the shackle back onto the pendant.