Abstract: The scales include a tray (1) placed on a base (3) and lifted by an air cushion, with no mechanical connection with the base (3). The weight of an object (21) laid on the tray (1) varies the air cushion pressure, and the measurement of this pressure by an external sensor (19) is straightforward and gives the weight of the object (21) once a law of correlation has been determined. Lateral pipes enable gas to be blown against a flange (2) of the tray (1) and thus horizontal displacements of the tray and friction to be avoided. Several vertical pipes are generally provided so as to reduce tray (1) tipping after the object (21) has been thrown off centre, the weight being then given by the sum of the measurements of each vertical pipe.

Abstract: A method of determining the thickness of a layer on a substrate where the layer is deposited during a semiconductor manufacturing process. The substrate is weighed a first time. The layer is deposited on the substrate and the substrate is weighed a second time. The thickness of the layer is calculated using the difference between the second weighing and the first weighing.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of Chemical vapor infiltration and Chemical vapor deposition (CVI/CVD). More specifically, this invention is directed to method and apparatus for weighing parts being subjected to the CVI/CVD process, during the process itself to indicate a weight change thereof. The process may be terminated or altered as desired based upon the weight gain information.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring an apparent weight of a substance, while concurrently measuring a surface temperature of the substance and an ambient air temperature surrounding the substance, then predicting buoyancy forces acting upon the substance based on these temperature measurements. Thereafter, the true weight of the substance can be determined by correcting the apparent weight by the predicted buoyancy forces acting upon the substance.

Abstract: A rear axle which supports rear wheels is attached to the body of a vehicle in such a way as to be swingable up and down around a center pin. A controller detects the running state from detection values &thgr; and V of a sensor for detecting the tire angle of the rear wheels and a sensor for detecting a vehicle speed, and detects the load state from detection values H and w of a height sensor and a pressure sensor. When a determination value derived from the detection values &thgr; and V becomes equal to or greater than a set value which is determined in accordance with the detection values H and w, an electromagnetic changeover valve of a dumper is switched to carry out control to lock the rear axle. When a sensor is diagnoses as failing, maximum values &thgr;max and Vmax or the like are selected as most severe detection values.

Abstract: Based on a non-orderly flow of supplied articles, which may also be sticky articles of food, there is effected in a compulsory manner an isolation of mutually separated small article portions, which are moved through a weighing station (20) and thereafter brought together selectively into larger portions, e..g, with a predetermined weight. In a preferred system according to the invention use is made of an endless row of carrier trays (12) which, in two straight runs, pass along a number of receiver containers (22), into which they are selectively emptied after having passed the weighing station. In front of this station distributor means (14, 18) are provided above a horizontal reversing path of the tray chain for ensuring that the supplied articles are distributed to the trays without overlapping therebetween. Various advantageous embodiments of the single parts of the system to work with a desirably high capacity.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of weighing powder/chip, in which the powder/chip can be fed from the conduit into the weighing vessel accurately and efficiently without being affected by the state of the conduit, that of the weighing vessel and that of ambient air. With the method, the powder/chip is weighed by means of the conduit arranged below a storage section and adapted to be tilted around a pivot according to a command sent from a weighing section to let the powder/chip fall through a discharge port at an end of the conduit into a weighing vessel placed on the weighing section. The conduit is tilted sequentially at least by three different feeding angles from large, small to minute to let the powder/chip fall by a large volume, a small volume and a minute volume respectively.

Abstract: A mass determination device includes a combination of an elastic element connected with a mass holder. The combination has a normalized temperature coefficient of frequency substantially equal to zero over a temperature range of intended use for the mass determination device, whereby mass determination accuracy of the device during temperature change in the range is enhanced. The elastic element has a first normalized temperature coefficient of frequency over the temperature range. A second normalized temperature coefficient of frequency over the temperature range attributable to the mass holder is determined. The first normalized temperature coefficient and the second normalized temperature coefficient are substantially counterbalanced over the temperature range, for example, through material selection and/or heat treatment of the elastic element and/or material or geometry variation of the mass holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accurately weighing a rail car coupled to other rail cars without uncoupling the rail car to be weighed includes a hydraulically operated positioning device assembly with opposed pushers that can be elevated to hold the axle of a rail car uptrack of the car to be weighed, a scale mounted downtrack of the rail car positioning device, and a car stop mounted downtrack of the scale that can be elevated to block the wheels of a car downtrack of the car being weighed.The rail car positioning device engages the car uptrack of the car to be weighed, moves the car to be weighed over the scale, and, by reversibly moving the car, centers the car over the scale. The car stop then engages the downtrack car to maintain it and other cars coupled to it downtrack in a fixed position during weighing and filling of the car on the scale. The carriage assembly then releases the car on the scale and moves uptrack where it acquires a hold on the next empty car.

Abstract: A computerized system for monitoring, diagnosing, operating, and controlling various parameters and processes of basket centrifuges is presented. The computer control system actuates at least one of a plurality of control devices based on input from one or more monitoring sensors so as to provide real time, continuous, operational control of certain parameters. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a basket centrifuge with at least one sensor for providing input which is analyzed to provide information regarding cake moisture at a given time. As a result of the analysis, at least one output may be generated to activate a control device that effects changes or adjustments in the operation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: The mass of stockpiled materials is determined from detailed measurements of the elevation of the pile surface at many points and the measurement of the gravitational field along several profile lines across the surface of the stockpiled material. The elevation measurements allow the calculation of the pile volume. Measured gravity values are adjusted using standard gravity corrections in such a manner as to imply all gravity data are collected along the same reference datum. Variations in the corrected gravity values are assumed to be caused solely by the pile material. The gravity measurements are interpreted using analytical and statistical methods to determine the volume-average bulk density value of the pile material. The pile volume is multiplied by the volume-average bulk density to obtain the weight of the stockpiled material.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the weight of a medical imaging scanner patient. The scanner has a bore portion for receiving and housing the patient during a scan. Initially, a reclining apparatus associated with the scanner is provided, on which the patient can recline during the scan. A hydraulic lift mechanism is then used to position the reclining apparatus and the patient at bore level. The pressure within the hydraulic lift mechanism can then be measured as a function of downward force exerted by the reclining apparatus and the patient surface. Alternatively, the automatic measuring of patient mass, associated with the movement of the reclining apparatus and patient into the bore, can be determined by calculating instantaneous acceleration of the reclining apparatus and patient as the reclining apparatus and patient are slid into the bore.

Abstract: A liquor inventorying method for determining the amount of liquor dispensed during a shift in a restaurant or bar and therefore discouraging theft or overpouring of the liquor is disclosed. The method is implemented with the aid of a weigh scale and a computer program and includes the steps of separating all of the liquor bottles in the bar or restaurant into a plurality of categories based on similar characteristics between the liquor bottles such as liquor costs; determining an approximate average cost of liquor per unit weight in each category; weighing all of the bottles in a category in groups after a shift to determine how much liquor was dispensed from the category; determining the approximate cost of liquor dispensed from all of the liquor bottles within the category, and comparing the approximate total cost of liquor dispensed from the category to the amount of revenue received.

Abstract: A method for determining a total weight supported by the suspension system of a vehicle in motion starts by obtaining information sufficient to calculate a representative value of a spring constant for the suspension system of the vehicle. Measures are then obtained of the vertical acceleration of the center of mass of the vehicle over a period of time, and these are analyzed to identify a frequency of vertical oscillation of the vehicle. This frequency, together with the spring information, is used to determine an estimate of the total weight supported by the suspension system of the vehicle. Preferably, the measure of vertical acceleration is obtained by processing outputs of at least three motion sensors attached to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the motion sensors include one linear sensor deployed to measure vertical motion information for a part of the vehicle and two angular sensors deployed to measure pitch and roll information for the vehicle.

Abstract: A measuring pick-up or load cell shall be made less sensitive against off-center load applications, if necessary. At least it must be made certain that the off-center load sensitivity is within a permissible tolerance range. For this purpose the sensor body (1A, 1', SB) of the detector (1) to which there is applied at least one pick-up element or strain gage (5), is held for each load application in a different fixed position in a mounting (2) in such a way that, spaced from the clamping position a test load can be applied in a direction deviating from the direction and/or position of the axis of symmetry (CA, AS) of the sensor body (1A, 1', SB). The test loads may be uniform or they may differ for one or more load application points. A respective output signal is measured and correlated to the applied test load. At least one additional test load of the same size is applied in a different load application direction, and the respective output signal is again measured and correlated to the second test load.

Abstract: A method for measuring the masses of objects in any gravity environment, including microgravity or zero gravity. An object is placed on or attached to a platform that is movable back and forth along a single axis of motion. An actuator is used to oscillate the platform and is controlled to provide a variable spring force. Instantaneous displacement values are obtained and used to calculate the period of oscillation. Values representing the period, the tare mass of the platform, and the spring constant are then used to calculate the mass of the object. The method may use active damping, and may be varied so that the oscillations are angular rather than linear.

Abstract: A method for measuring the masses of objects in any gravity environment, including microgravity or zero gravity. An object is placed on or attached to a platform or holder having a motor for rotating the platform. The object is rotated at an angular velocity and its centrifugal force is measured. Values representing the centrifugal force, the angular velocity, the tare mass of the platform, as well as a radial distance, are used to calculate the mass of the object. Three different variations of the method use different radial distance values.

Abstract: A device and method are described for measuring the weight of objects using a pneumatically sealed bellows which contains a pair of spaced apart capacitor plates. In accordance with the invention, the pneumatic pressure within the bellows is varied to maintain constant dimensions for the bellows and a constant distance between the electric capacitor plates. This pressure is therefore a function of the weight placed upon the bellows which exerts a pressure tending to force the walls of the bellows and the capacitor plates closer together thereby changing the electric capacitance between the capacitor plates. By adjusting the pneumatic pressure to maintain a constant electric capacitance and constant dimensions for the bellows, a convenient parameter is obtained from which the weight of objects placed on the bellows can be measured. The invention has particular application in the meteorological sciences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving accurate positioning of freight in a freight receptacle, without requiring skill on the part of the material handling equipment operator. The method and apparatus uses specially marked forms, a Freight Placement Index, and can be used in conjunction with a computer software program, computer, and a scale/scanner. The computer program identifies the correct load position, with respect to the Freight Placement Index inside the freight container after the load description has been entered into the computer. The scanner/scale enter the height, width, length, and weight of load materials. One method is for the load planner or material handling equipment, operator to input information about freight i.e. by use of a computer program and the scale/scanner unit. This program instructs the operator to position the load respective to the Freight Placement Index inside of the freight container or receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine the payload in a mobile machine by measuring the total weight of the mobile machine, the fuel in a fuel tank on the mobile machine, and the payload. The weight of the fuel is determined as the machine operates, and the actual weight of the payload is determined by subtracting the weight of the fuel and the weight of the mobile machine.

Abstract: A system for determining the weight of a vehicle includes a first axle subject to a relatively fixed axle weight. Typically, this axle is a front steering axle for a tractor-trailer combination vehicle. The load on this axle is considered known as the load does not vary significantly during the operation of the vehicle. A first accelerometer is supported on the first axle and measures the vertical acceleration of the first axle producing a first signal. Each additional axle on the vehicle, including any single rear or tandem drive axles and any trailer axles, also supports an accelerometer. The accelerometers on each of these additional axles measure the vertical acceleration of its respective axle. Each of these additional accelerometers produces a signal representative of its respective axle accelerations and these signals are combined to produce a second signal. A processor determines the vehicle weight by comparing the second signal to the first signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a weight of load on a vehicle or a vehicle weight capable of easily compensating changes in load sensor outputs caused by temperature changes. When changes in load sensors outputs are so small such changes are determined as caused by temperature change, and a compensation process is made to output computed load values which were taken before occurrence of temperature change against the up-dated sensor detection outputs. On the other hand, when the changes are greater, the computed load values are up-dated to the up-date sensor detection outputs, thereby an accurate information of the change in the load is detected.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling of packages containing goods in a warehouse and for verifying contents of the packages includes conveying the packages through consecutive stations; performing a plausibility check on the packages by generating and outputting signals which are indicative of respective plausibility parameters, and inputting the electrical signals to the computer for effecting a plausibility determination, the plausibility check being composed of weighing the packages and outputting a signal indicative of weight; measuring volume of the packages and outputting a signal indicative of volume; and measuring at least one property of the goods contained in the packages and outputting a signal indicative of the at least one property; and inputting electrical signals outputted from the identifying and performing steps to the computer; comparing the respective signals inputted to the computer with respective predetermined data stored in the computer and generating a plausibility determination including

Abstract: A system for accepting and storing items for subsequent pickup by a commercial carrier includes a storage area which is defined by an outer housing, and a customer interface area that includes a weighing unit and a unit, such as a magnetic card reader, for accepting payment from a customer. The system may also include a control system that accepts address information from the customer through a key pad, and then instructs a printer to print an address label for the item. The system includes safeguards which prevent unauthorized access to the storage area, and will not provide a receipt to the customer until internal sensors verify deposit of the item. A manifest printer may also be provided for the benefit of the commercial carriers who service the system, to print out a summary of the transactions that pertain to each carrier. Alternatively, no storage area is provided.

Abstract: A lifting device that has a carriage supported by a chain which passes over a sprocket-wheel disposed to rotate about an axis and features a sensing device which allows detecting forces on the chain for a predetermined duration so that the weight of a load supported by the carriage may be determined by calculating an average weight during the duration. To further enhance the accuracy of the measurement, the load cell is designed to accurately measure the load placed thereon independent of the position of the load on the cell.

Abstract: A source reduction analysis process of integrating scales to minimize chemical product usage. Based on residuals identified by weight measurements, an economic decision is made to reinstate for consumption, recycling or disposal of the product residual.

Abstract: A method of compensating for load/environment temperature differential-induced measured load weight error comprises the steps of: providing a load having a load temperature T.sub.L ; providing an environment having an environment temperature T.sub.E, different from the load temperature; subjecting the load to the environment at time t.sub.0 ; measuring the weight w.sub.0 of the load at time t.sub.0 ; measuring the weight w.sub.1 of the load at time t.sub.1 ; and calculating the change in weight .DELTA.w.sub.td of the load, between the time t.sub.0 at which the load is subjected to the environment and the time t.sub.2 at which the load and environment temperatures reach equilibrium, induced by the temperature differential between the load and the environment, from the measured load weights w.sub.0 and w.sub.1. The method further comprises the steps of: measuring the weight w.sub.n of the load at time t.sub.n .gtoreq.t.sub.2 ; and subtracting the temperature differential-induced load weight change .DELTA.w.sub.

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of:(a) making a first charge of material into the first bin;(b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car;(c) making a second charge of material into the first bin;(d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight;(e) making a charge of material into the second bin;(f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.

Abstract: A load measuring system specially adapted for installation on the support legs of existing storage vessels. The load measuring system includes an attachment plate that is fastened to each support leg of the vessel, a support plate that is mounted on anchor bolts projecting upwardly from the supporting surface, and a load cell positioned between the attachment plate and the support plate. The support plate is supported by nuts threaded on respective anchor bolts. The nuts are rotated to raise the lower ends of the support legs above the supporting surface, thereby transferring the portion of the vessel's weight carried by the support leg to the load measuring system. The space between the support plate and the supporting surface is then filled with a supporting material such as concrete.

Abstract: A method which determines the axle load of a vehicle consisting of measur the weight of a wheel while the vehicle is at a first angle of inclination, measuring the weight of the wheel while the vehicle is tilted at a second angle of inclination, and then calculating the axle weight from the two weight readings and the two angles. A front and rear wheel is selected in turn in order to determine both front and rear axle weights. Alternatively, there may be two different force measuring scales which detect two different force components of gravity exerted by the wheel due to the fact that the two different scales are set a different angle with respect to the road surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for gravimetric dosing and mixing of at least two components (K1, K2), wherein the parts by weight of the components (K1, K2) are calculated by weighing and both components (K1, K2) are mixed together in a container (21).

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a plurality of soiled towels and determining the quantity of the towels comprises removing any foreign objects from the soiled towels, saturating the soiled towels with a liquid that prevents the evaporation of any volatile compounds, compressing the saturated towels to remove unabsorbed liquid, then weighing the compressed towels and calculating the approximate number of towels present by dividing the weight of the soiled compressed towels by the known weight of a soiled compressed towel. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A measuring pick-up or detector shall be made less sensitive against off-center load applications if necessary. At least it must be made certain that the off-center load sensitivity is within a permissible tolerance range. For this purpose the sensor body (1A, 1', SB) of the detector (1) to which there is applied at least one pick-up element or strain gage (5), is held for each load application in a different fixed position in a mounting (2) in such a way that, spaced from the clamping position a test load can be applied in a direction deviating from the direction and/or position of the axis of symmetry (CA, AS) of the sensor body (1A, 1', SB). A respective output signal is measured and correlated to the applied test load. At least one additional test load of the same size is applied in a different load application direction, and the respective output signal is again measured and correlated to the second test load.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of gravimetric metering of bulk materials with a calibration facility thus achieving higher weighing accuracy there is proposed a method wherein the pressure in the weighing container is measured and the weighing signal is only transferred from the weighing electronics to be registered when a limit pressure value is attained, especially atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of recalibrating an electronic scale is disclosed which causes the scale to indicate accurate weight measurements regardless of variations in the physical and/or environmental conditions under which the scale is operating between a site of origin and a site of installation which tend to adversely effect accurate weight. The method utilizes the removable platter of the scale as a fixed weight of indeterminate amount which is used to calibrate the scale at a site of origin under controlled physical and/or environmental conditions and to recalibrate the scale at a site of installation at which the physical and/or environmental conditions may be different from those that prevailed at the site of origin.

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

Abstract: A time delayed differential weighing procedure used with an electronic analytical balance is optimized for samples exhibiting a small change in mass, for example from deposition, etching, plating or corroding, relative to the sample mass to minimize all significant sources of error that could otherwise degrade the measurement results, such as errors resulting from air density and temperature changes that occur during the interval between the first measurement of a sample, before the sample is processed, and a subsequent measurement of the sample, after the sample is processed. A calibration standard having substantially the same density as that of the sample is weighed both times the sample is weighed, i.e. before and after processing, to track the change in the sample balance reading due to air density and temperature changes, and thereby eliminate sample related errors. Balance and weighing procedure accuracy and precision are tested by a gauge study procedure.

Abstract: An improved scale, including bathroom-type scales, is provided by employing markings on the dial for calibrating the scale using photosensor equipment. The adjusting nut of the scale and the calibration stud of the scale are both accessible for automated mechanical calibration after assembly of the scale. As a result, an iterative calibration procedure is employed by machine as opposed to traditional manual methods. Photosensors read the dial and send a signal to mechanical driver or wrench mechanisms for automated calibration. The improved scale and calibration method reduces labor and production costs.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to calculate the gross weight of a moving vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer combination, from measurements acquired exclusively on the tractor. Measurements of force and acceleration are taken from, for example, the engine and or drive shaft. A related object of this invention is to accurately measure the weight distribution on the axles or tandems of a tractor-trailer combination based on measurements taken from either tractor suspension air bags or from tractor fifth wheel load, given the gross weight of the combination. The weight distribution on the axles is determined by combining sensor information taken from the fuel tank with sensor data taken from either the vehicle air springs of the vehicle or, alternatively, from a weight sensor on the fifth wheel with a known gross weight of the vehicle. Another object of the invention is to determine gross vehicle weight, in motion, using a single digital sensor to simultaneously determine force and acceleration.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.

Abstract: A method and system for weighing an object as it is carried on a conveyor past an x-ray source. X-rays from the x-ray source pass through the object, are attenuated in proportion to the mass of the object through which they pass, and impinge upon an x-ray detector array. X-ray detector array includes a layer of scintillating material that produces light in response to the intensity of the x-rays and a plurality of photodiodes to detect the light. The intensity of the x-rays received at the x-ray detector array is indicated by signals produced by the photodiodes, which are periodically scanned by a processor. The photodiode signals are each converted to a value representing the average areal density for a volume element extending above the photodiode into the object. Using the average areal density for each volume element and the size of each volume element, the processor determines the mass of the volume element.

Abstract: A method of determining a load measurement value in dynamic weighing of an object passing over a weighing platform supported by load-sensing means generating a load-dependent weighing signal (S) which rises from a basic level to a peak level, to subsequently fall to the basic level. An at least approximative signal peak value (S.sub.peak) is determined as representing the weighed load. The weighing signal is integrated at least during a time interval (t.sub.1 -t.sub.5) about the point where the signal peak value is determined in order to produce a summation result, the time interval being recorded as a measurement time factor (M). Further, a form factor (F) for the weighing signal is calculated in the form of the ratio of the summation result, i.e., the integrated area under the weighing signal (S) for the time interval (t.sub.1 -t.sub.5), to a corresponding rectangular area that would be obtained in static weighing, i.e., the product of a peak value and the above time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detecting a weight of a food in a microwave oven wherein a weight sensor is used which includes a pair of facing electrodes and an annular spacer interposed between the electrodes and is placed on a turning track of support rollers to be pressed by the support rollers so that the space between the electrodes can be varied when each of the support rollers presses the weight sensor, causing the weight sensor to linearly vary in capacitance and thus in frequency, thereby capable of accurately detecting the food weight by utilizing the frequency variation.

Abstract: An electronic scale is disclosed having a device for recalibrating the scale from time to time after the scale is moved from the factory to a site of installation in order to adjust the scale for physical and/or environmental operating conditions which are different from those which prevailed at the factory when the scale was originally calibrated after the completion of manufacture and which have an adverse effect on the accuracy of the scale if the scale is not recalibrated under these conditions. The scale is provded with a device which adds a predetermined fixed weight to the load cell of the scale at any desired time or interval of time, and an electronic count indicative of this weight at the site of installation is compared with an electronic count of the same weight taken at the factory and stored in a memory, and the digital readout of the scale is then adjusted by an amount which is the same as the ratio of the original count of the weight and the count thereof taken at the site of installation.

Abstract: A conveyor scale assembly for use in combination with a conveyor belt for weighing an article on the moving conveyor belt. The conveyor scale assembly is comprised of a slider bed which contacts the underside of the moving conveyor belt which generates a friction force between the conveyor belt and the slider bed. Attached to the slider bed is a sensor which continuously measures the friction force and transmits data representing the measured friction force. A CPU receives and processes the representative data and provides a weight for the article on the conveyor belt.

Abstract: An improved system and method for gravimetrically feeding material at a controlled rate. The material to be fed, which can be either a dry solid or a liquid, is maintained in a supply vessel. A probe disposed in the supply vessel detects the level of the material, sending a high level signal to a controller. A scale weighs the material in the supply vessel, sending a weight signal to the controller. The controller then calculates the density of the material in the supply vessel based on the weight and density of the material. The calculated density is used to affect the feed rate to achieve an operator-input set rate. During refill of the supply vessel, the probe detects material at a high level, sending a signal to the controller which, in turn, sends a signal to a refill valve, stopping refill.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the prevention of theft in salesrooms. The weight of a customer is measured when he enters and when he leaves the salesrooms, and the two measurements are compared. According to the invention, a zone for placing the goods on a conveyor belt is separated spatially from a zone for paying for the goods. The zone for paying can be reached only after passing of an exit installation having a weighing device.

Abstract: In an elevator hitch load weighing assembly, a load cell provides an analog load signal to a summer 12, where an analog tare compensation signal is subtracted from the load signal prior to a compensated load signal being provided to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 20; the digital load signal is provided to a remaining tare subtractor 26 where tare remaining in the digital load signal is subtracted and a payload provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an in-motion weighing system which includes a package conveyor, a weigh pan, a package detector positioned adjacent to the conveyor and upstream from the weigh pan, a timer for determining the time required for a package to pass by the package detector, means for storing the time required for a point on the conveyor to transition the weigh pan, means for subtracting the package passing time from the weigh pan transition time for establishing a read scale window, and a means for measuring the average weight of a package on the weigh pan during the read scale window.

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of: (a) making a first charge of material into the first bin; (b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car; (c) making a second charge of material into the first bin; (d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight; (e) making a charge of material into the second bin; (f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.