Abstract: A device for testing heavy capacity scales by providing a means for accurately loading such scale platforms by using a simple load cell incorporating column thruster reacting against the scale deck or platform said column being restrained by the scale baseplate supports or from the foundation footings. The column is kept vertical and the load cell output gives an accurate readout of the load applied to the platform. The procedure consists of loading locally over each platform support point to a loading value equal to the maximum load that each support point would experience under the worst condition of full capacity loading. By using this system electronic scales can be calibrated and subsequently checked for accuracy and recalibrated by adjusting the individual support load cell outputs. Mechanical scales can be also tested using this device and procedure and are adjusted as if the said column thruster were stacked dead weight test weights.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations is selected, of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles, is discharged so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.

Abstract: A package fill height detector comprises a probe for abutting a batch of product in a package, means for inserting the probe into an opening in the top of the package so that the probe rests on the product, and a sensor for sensing the height of the probe when it rests on the product in the package to determine the fill height of the package. The means for inserting the probe into the package comprises an arm which supports the probe, a motor for rotating the arm and a cam for guiding the arm downwardly into the package until the probe rests on the product within the package and then upwardly out of the package.An associated weighing and packaging system includes a control coupled to the sensor for decreasing the delivered weight of subsequent batches of product when the fill height is below a target level and vice versa.

Abstract: In order to be able to simultaneously fill with a liquid, gaseous or solid flowable medium, without it being necessary to measure and monitor the filling volume or weight of each container, the filling plant has a pipeline system (10) for conveying the medium to be filled with a plurality of drawing-off lines (13, 113, 213) leading to the filling valves (20, 120, 220) and in which are arranged volume chambers (40, 140, 240) with rotors rotated by the medium flowing through the same, arranged jointly on a shaft (40) with a system pressure-dependent controlled brake (45). A balance (50) is only associated with a single filling valve (20) of the valves controlled by a control cylinder (25) and is used for controlling said cylinder (25). A feed pump (15) connected upstream of the filling valve (120) associated with balance (50) ensure a uniform exit velocity of the medium in the container when pressure fluctuations occur in the pipeline system (11, 13, 113, 213).

Abstract: The infusion of intravenous fluid into a patient is indirectly measured by monitoring the decreasing weight of an intravenous fluid receptacle as fluid flows from the receptacle to the patient. The method hereof includes the steps of taking a plurality of samples of the weight of the receptacle, calculating the difference between succeeding weight samples, comparing the weight difference against predetermined quality control criteria, taking additional samples if the criteria are not met, and converting the weight loss difference into volume of fluid infused into a patient. The apparatus hereof includes a transducer for sensing the weight of the fluid containing receptacle, circuitry for converting the analog signal generated by the transducer into a digital electronic electrical signal, and a processor for calculating the volume infused into a patient as a function of the sensed weight of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method for maintaining zero calibration values representative of average tare, or average empty cup weight, in an article sorting machine of the type employing cups to sort articles by weight comprises the steps of measuring the weight of each cup, and if the cup is carrying an article, the weight of the cup and the article, passing over an electronic scale, and determining whether the cup is carrying an article based upon the value of a weight signal provided by the electronic scale. A running sum of the values of the weight signals for the cups determined not to be carrying articles is maintained. A count of the number of cups determined not to be carrying articles is also maintained. After a selected interval, the running sum is divided by the count to arrive at an updated average tare, or updated average empty cup weight.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coin counter, and more particularly to a coin counter using a weighing scale to count and display the total sum of coins and to print out the sum at need, the counter also being capable of checking whether or not the total sum of coins placed on the weighing scale is included within a range between preset upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus wherein a value serving as a target for a combinatorial computation is set so that the mean weight value of batches of articles weighed out selectively by plural weighing cycles becomes equal to a preset weight value within preset allowable limits. Combinatorial computations are performed while diminishing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is greater than the preset weight value, and increasing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is less than the preset weight value.

Abstract: A device for testing the weight of individual tablets which are filled into containers. Random samples are selected by a pivotable arm with a cage and dropped into a container that has been tared.

Abstract: A fiber blending system includes a number of feeders which dump fibers onto a conveyor. Each feeder includes a weigh pan into which fibers are fed. The weigh pan is pivotally mounted to the feeder and counterbalanced. Also connected to the weigh pan is a single load cell which monitors the weight of fibers in the pan. The load cell is connected to the weigh pan by a single wire about which vibration damping is disposed. Once a set weight of fibers has collected in the pan, feeding stops until a dump command is given related to the position of the conveyor. When the conveyor is in the appropriate position, all feeders then dump fibers at their respective set weights. The blending system is controllled by a programmable controller which monitors for three malfunctions. If fibers fail to dump after a dump command is given, if an excessive time occurs during which the pans are filling without reaching the set weight and when a predetermined number of heavy dumps occur, an alarm is generated.

Abstract: A self propelled scale testing vehicle (20). The vehicle (20) includes a platform (22) supported about the surface of the ground by four wheels (34), the platform including a generally horizontal top surface portion for removably retaining plurality of calibration weights (24, 26). A low, sturdy rail structure (28) is positioned of the perimeter of the platform (22) for retaining the calibration weights (24, 26) thereon. A DC motor (48) is interconnected to the front two wheels of the vehicle (20) by a direct drive mechanism (50). A DC battery power supply (46) is electrically interconnected to the DC motor (48) for providing power thereto. A mechanical brake assembly (44) is interconnected to the direct drive mechanism (50) and includes drum (76) and shoes (80, 82). Mechanical steering mechanism (42) is interconnected to the back two wheels, the steering mechanism including a chain (102) and sprocket (104, 106) assembly. An operator platform (40) is provided proximate the back end of the vehicle (20).

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method for combinatorially weighing out articles supplied to a plurality of weighing machines includes the step of making a comparison between a predetermined percentage of a set target weight value and a sum total of weight values from weighing machines that have participated in a combinatorial weighing operation. This step is performed when an optimum combination is not obtained through a combinatorial calculation. Based on the results of the comparison, weighing machines indicating comparatively low weight values are supplied with additional articles.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for dosing powders by weight. To introduce a weight of powder with a predetermined final value P.sub.3 into a weighing receptacle, the functioning of mechanism for positively feeding the powder to the receptacle is controlled by a continuous comparison between the effective weight of powder received by the receptacle following an initial instant t.sub.0 and a theoretical weight conforming to an ideal evolution of such weight of powder as a function of time; at a final predetermined instant t.sub.2 with reference to the initial instant t.sub.0, the positive feeding mechanism is stopped and the powder remaining is allowed to run into the weighing receptacle in an amount corresponding to the amount of poweder which is lost during its transmission by the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weighing device consisting of a feeder mounted on a framework placed below the discharging end of a conveyor loaded with the object to be weighed, such as peanuts, the feeder being equipped with a feed measurement device, and facing pool hoppers adjacent to the feeder or directly facing measure hoppers supported on load cells mounted on the framework. The present invention relates especially to a weighing device in which the feed measurement device consists of a weight measuring device such as a load cell, which is placed in between the feeder and the framework to support the feeder, and which controls the switching on and off of the drive, such as a motor, for the conveyor through a control unit including an amplifier and a low-pass filter.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the quality of ready-mixed concrete. The present invention enables the water-to-cement ratio in ready-mixed concrete to be measured quickly and precisely through the measurement of the weight and underwater weight of mortar extracted from the ready-mixed concrete whose quality is to be examined.

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 collection receptacle and method of using same to scrape and collect residue from a moving surface, such as a conveyor belt, for a predetermined time period in order to analyze and evaluate both the nature and amount of residue carried by the moving surface. Information derived from the collection procedure is of assistance in determining the type and extent of conveyor belt cleaning equipment required. The receptacle consists of a container with an open upper end and one or more scraper blades extending upwardly above the side walls of the container. A pair of spacer arms also extend upwardly from the container and engage the moving surface.

Abstract: A weighing device having an endless track to which balances are connected, the track having a region for loading the balances with objects, and a region for letting the movement of the balances during weighing of the objects dampen out so that the balances reach an end position. A position detector disposed at a fixed location along the track detects the end position of the balance and provides an indication of the end position in digital form so that the weight of the objects can be determined therefrom. The detector can take a number of forms including the combination of an optical contrast and a camera and, in addition, can, for example, utilize reed switches, Hall generators, Weigand effect detectors or magnetostrictive detectors in measuring the end positions of the balances.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system for combinatorially weighing articles by obtaining an optimum combination of weight values produced by a plurality of weighing machines each of which contains a supply of the articles. The system includes a circuit for detecting a malfunction in any of the weighing machines, and a circuit for excluding weighing machines, detected as having malfunctioned, from participation in combinatorial weighing, and for executing combinatorial weighing using weighing machines other than the excluded weighing machine. When the number of excluded weighing machines exceeds a predetermined number, however, the weighing operation is halted. Even if several of the weighing machines malfunction, therefore, operation is allowed to continue, without terminating the overall weighing operation.

Abstract: An improved combined weighing apparatus is provided for weighing vegetables and fruits, confectionary articles, secondary products, perishables and other articles having high variations in single weight with high accuracy to produce packages having a predetermined weight. System for measurement of feeded products and for combination of weights which is equal or most approximate to the target value are improved in a way to eliminate the dead time of combining operation during weighing time for increasing the speed of combining operation while maintaining high accuracy.

Abstract: A weight detecting type sensor comprising a roller capable of partly jutting out upwardly from the surface of a body conveying belt, a strut rotatably supporting the roller and having a through-aperture at a portion thereof, a sensor having an optical axis associated with the through-aperture formed in the strut, and a pair of magnets disposed below the bottom of the strut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately determining the rate of dissolution of solid substances with highly reproducible results is disclosed. The method and apparatus are directed to a system wherein a sample of solid, which may be powdery, is placed in a sample holder which is then immersed in a perfusion chamber. The weight of the sample is measured as a function of time as the sample dissolves. The sample holder has a variable internal volume which adjusts to the amount of sample therein so as to maintain a substantially constant liquid/solid interface area during dissolution rate measurements.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus which operates by weighing plural groups of articles of various weighs by a plurality of weighing machines, finding the sums of all conceivable combinations of these weight values or of given combinations thereof, selecting the combination whose sum is equal or closest to a set value, and discharging the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination to obtain articles of a desired weight or number. Between the discharge of the articles from the weighing machines and the following supply of fresh articles to the same weighing machines, an operation of determining the best combination by performing the same combinatorial computations with respect to the weight values of the remaining weighing machines which have not discharged their articles, is performed two or more times to improve weighing capability.

Abstract: A zero-point correction device, which is associated especially with an automatic weighing machine for weighing powdered product repeatedly, for correcting its zero-point deviating from its initial position as the number of weighed batches increases due to accumulation of residual product in the weighing hopper or cradle, without interruption of the machine operation.

Abstract: A weighing machine for filling containers with a particulate material has a load cell for measuring the amount of material in the container as it is being filled, and differential voltage comparator for determining when the indicated weight of material in the container equals a preset value, or cut-off weight. When the voltage comparator shows the two are equal the flow of material is stopped, but additional material continues to dribble into the container to reach a final weight which may be higher than the desired or target weight. The amount of overweight or underweight of the material in the container is determined, and serves to control a source of voltage which is inserted in series with the cut-off set point voltage. This differential voltage is a function of the amount of overweight or underweight of the contents.

Abstract: Pulverized coal feed tanks are emptied in sequence via a transport line into the hot blast of a blast furnace. Each tank is carried by three load cells whose outputs are summed and differentiated to obtain the actual feed rate. Gas pressure in the tank is controlled in dependence on the actual feed rate so as to achieve a desired feed rate. To reduce the possibility of inaccurate feeding of coal, the outputs of the respective load cells are compared, and if deviation from a predetermined weight distribution over the load cells is detected, feed from the tank is stopped. The load cells may be duplicated in series, and the summed outputs of the two sets of load cells compared to detect malfunctioning of a load cell, again resulting in cessation of feeding from that tank.

Abstract: A load cell type weight measuring device includes a load cell which produces an output voltage corresponding to the weight applied thereto, an amplifier circuit for amplifying the output voltage of the load cell, and an A/D converter for converting an output voltage of the amplifier circuit to digital data.

Abstract: Batches of articles are charged randomly into a plurality of weighing heads, respectively, and weighing data items which are generated respectively by the weighing heads, are added in combinations. The weighing data items from those weighing heads fewer than all of the weighing heads, preferably substantially half of the weighing heads, are picked up and repeatedly added together to provide a wide variety of combinations of added weighing data items. One of such combinations which gives the added data items equal or closest to a set value is selected to open the weighing heads for discharging a desired combination of batches of articles.

Abstract: The continuous determination of the weight of a material stream by means of the blow force occurring on a bouncing plate, as used for many applications, is not sufficiently exact. For the determination of the driving torque a rotating impeller wheel which conveys the material stream and is driven at a constant speed of rotation is being proposed, the material stream being supplied to the impeller wheel in the central range thereof and is radially supplied to the guide vanes which lie outside of the central supply range.

Abstract: A load cell type weight-measuring device includes a load cell; a test voltage generator for generating a voltage equal to a rated output voltage of the load cell; a zero-point setting circuit; an amplifying circuit; a switching circuit for selectively coupling the load cell and test voltage generator to the amplifying circuit; and a data processing circuit for generating weight data corresponding to an output signal from the amplifying circuit. The amplifying circuit includes a first amplifier of a gain 1 for amplifying an output voltage from the zero-point setting circuit; first and second resistors; and a second amplifier whose first input terminal is connected to an output terminal of the first amplifier through the first resistor and is connected to its own output terminal through the second resistor and whose second input terminal is connected to the switching circuit.

Abstract: An installation for monitoring and controlling a machine for producing items which at the end of production thereof are subjected to quality control with rejection of defective items, comprises a computing means (4), a detector (5) for sensing the number of items produced, a weighing machine for weighing the reject items, a precision weighing means for weighing an item produced, and a display means, the computing means operating on the basis of the data supplied thereto by the sensor, the weighing machine and the precision weighing means to provide the number of items produced, the number of items rejected and the difference therebetween, constituting the number of accepted items.

Abstract: A novel combination weighing system which substantially reduces the necessary time for each cycle of operation as compared with the conventional combination weighing system. The system involves sampling a weight indicative signal at a predetermined time point prior to each weighing unit reading stabilization, calculating from each unstable weight indicative signal an estimated stable weight indicative value, executing a combination operation using the estimated stable weight indication values, storing those combinations obtained which satisfy a predetermined weight condition, and calculating the sum weights of the stored combinations using weight indicative signals obtained after stabilization of the weighing units to select a combination whose sum weight satisfies the predetermined weight condition.

Abstract: A rate measuring device comprises a beam with a plurality of graduated scales and a cup on one end thereof. While a material dispensing machine is moved a certain distance, the material normally applied to the ground is collected in a container and subsequently transferred to the cup. Next, a fulcrum is placed beneath the beam in a position to exclusively carry and horizontally balance the beam. The operator then reads the graduated scale at a location vertically above the fulcrum, the scales being calibrated in terms of pounds per acre or kilograms per hectare. Consequently, the farmer can directly read his application rate of materials dispensed per acre or hectare, while, in actuality, the machine has been driven only a short distance. In one embodiment, the fulcrum is attached to a handle portion which contains a reel adapted to hold a measuring tape or string used to mark the distance the machine must travel.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a plurality of measuring hoppers combined, and measuring means for measuring product to be measured accommodated in the respective measuring hoppers to select a set of a plurality of measured values equal or near to a set weight so as to permit the product of the selected measured values to be exhausted from the hoppers. This invention is intended to improve such a measuring apparatus, particularly a span adjusting mechanism provided at each of a plurality of the measuring hopper by raising or lowering all reference weights at one time. Moreover, the measuring apparatus according to the invention is capable of correcting zero points of the measuring means, while the product to be measured is accommodated in the measuring hoppers and is able to adjust a span which is a ratio of weight to output count of the measuring means in good timing in connection with the hopper selecting operation.

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: A fixed quantity feed apparatus which includes a feeding device for shaping various kinds of articles such as bean sprouts, various cut vegetables, spaghetti and noodles, into the form of belt and conveying them, a weighing device for detecting that the articles which are being conveyed by the feeding device have reached a predetermined weight, and a dividing-feeding device for splitting up the belt-shaped articles when the weighing device has detected the predetermined weight, wherein the articles are divided by the fixed weight and fed to a packing device or the like, while they are continuously conveyed.

Abstract: The load measuring sensitivities of transducers, such as beam type transducers, or the like, are desensitized by connecting a desensitizing resistance in series with the strain gages attached to a transducer so that these desensitizing resistances become part of the respective bridge arm in which the corresponding strain gage is located. In a group of four transducers, each carrying, for example two strain gages, the transducer which has the lowest sensitivity is ascertained. Thereafter, the sensitivities of the other three transducers are reduced by the desensitizing resistors connected directly in series with the strain gages in the other three transducers so that all have substantially the same sensitivity as the mentioned lowest initial sensitivity in the group of transducers. Any influences of these desensitizing resistors from one bridge arm to another bridge arm are considered in the derivation of the correct desensitizing resistances.

Abstract: A method for cyclically weighing flowable bulk solid material as part of a dispensing process which includes the steps of supplying the material from a continuously operating controllable delivery feed arrangement to a weigh-pan; generating a signal indicative of the amount of material in the weigh-pan; terminating supply of the material from the feed arrangement when the signal indicates a predetermined amount of material in the weigh-pan; causing the weigh-pan, after receiving and weighing all the materials supplied by the feed arrangement up to such termination of the supply, to deliver its contents; preparing the weigh-pan for the next cycle; predetermining a rate of delivery from the weigh-pan in accordance with the requirements of the dispensing process in terms of the average amount delivered per cycle in a cycling frequency; supplying from the feed arrangement material to the weigh-pan through a valve mechanism in which the material accumulates when the weigh-pan is not receiving material from the val

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: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for supplying a plurality of weighing machines with articles to be weighed, obtaining a plurality of combinations of the weighing machines, each weighing machine combination giving a combination of articles having a combined weight value equal or closest to a target weight value, and selecting an optimum combination from these plural combinations. The optimum combination is one which provides a combination of articles having a combined weight value having a minimum error with respect to the target weight value and which is within preset allowable limits. The statistical dispersion of the weight values from the weighing machines which do not participate in the combination has a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined tolerance. When an optimum combination is obtained, the articles are discharged from the weighing machines corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination is selected, whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles is discharged, so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.

Abstract: A system having a combinatorial weighing apparatus for obtaining an optimum weight of a batch of articles that exhibit a variable apparent specific gravity, and for packaging the weighed out articles in a packaging vessel. The system includes a volume detecting unit for detecting the volume of the articles supplied, a density detecting unit for detecting the density of the articles based on the volume value obtained from the volume detecting unit and a weight value obtained from the weighing apparatus, and a target weight adjusting unit for adjusting a target weight value within preset allowable limits on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the volume of the articles discharged into the packaging vessel becomes substantially constant. The system is also provided with a crusher for adjusting the size of individual articles on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the density of the articles becomes substantially constant.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for stacking and weighing slices of cold-cuts coming from the discharge end of a slicing machine. The apparatus is initially set to receive slices in stacked form on a stacker. A scale is positioned with respect to the stacker to register the weight after a preselected amount of slices are collected on the stacker. A tare correction control system and a profile compensation control system are provided to assist in maintaining more uniform weight with fewer rejected stacks. The tare correction system is utilized to automatically reset the scale between weighings to compensate for build-up of scrap materials on the weight conveyor. The profile compensation control system is provided to compensate for tapers on the rear and front ends of a load to be sliced and accordingly adjust the slice thickness and obtain uniform and acceptable stack weights.

Abstract: There is provided a system for adjusting the span of an electronic scale having a double-integrating A/D converter for converting a weight signal into a digital signal. The double-integrating A/D converter has a software-implemented timer for controlling a primary integrating time. The operation time of the software-implemented timer is adjusted linearly or in steps so that a digital value at the time a weight is placed on the scalepan of the scale will correspond to the weight. The adjustment of the operation time of the software-implemented timer is utilized to adjust the differences between gravitational accelerations corresponding to different weights in geographical areas on the earth.

Abstract: An electronic weight indicator adapted to convert an analog output of a load cell into a digital display which, after initial calibration, automatically corrects for dead load, drift and other calibration errors introduced by the circuitry. The meter can also be programmed to count for creep. The weight indicator employs a microprocessor to control an analog-to-digital converter which converts the analog signal from the load cell to a digital display. The microprocessor employs a unique algorithm permanently retained in an associated memory to correct for drift and compensate for deadload changes and creep. Once calibrated, no further adjustments by the user are required. All adjustments are made automatically, without operator intervention. The weight indicator can be used with any load cell producing an analog signal in response to a force, e.g. a weight on a weighing platform connected to the load cell.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine for forming a charge of product closely approximating a target amount includes a plurality of weigh scales, each of which receives a quantity of product and produces a signal proportional to the quantity of product received. The quantities are combined according to a combination searching sequence in a search operation, and a combination of scales which closely approximates a target amount is dumped to form the desired charge. The dumped scales are reloaded, and the process is repeated in a cyclic manner. The speed of the cyclic process is improved without significantly sacrificing accuracy by allocating less time than necessary for a complete search of all possible combinations in the search sequence. A search is terminated when the time expires, whether the search sequence is completed or not.

Abstract: A span adjustment method includes applying a known load to a weighing machine and converting an output value from the weighing machine into a digital value by using an analog-to-digital converter. The characteristic of the analog-to-digital converter is sequentially varied automatically by a span adjustment value, which is produced as an output by a control unit, so that the digital value resulting from the analog-to-digital conversion becomes a digital value set in the control unit and conforming to the known load.

Abstract: The machine comprises one or more weighers for producing electrical output signals dependent on the weights of samples weighed thereby, and a plurality of sample holders, greater in number than the weighers, for holding respective samples. The sample holders may include a respective weigher holder associated with each weigher, and two or more storage holders associated with each weigher for holding samples discharged from the associated weigher holder. The machine further comprises memories for storing signals indicative of the weights of the samples in the storage holders as determined by the weighers, and selection circuitry for making a selection from amongst the samples in all the storage holders in dependence on the weights of the samples as indicated by the memories and for discharging the selected samples from the storage holders to form a batch of an appropriate weight.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.