Abstract: A header for an agricultural harvester comprising a chassis and an auger having a tube extending in end to end relation with and rotatably supported by the chassis. The header further includes a drive mounted adjacent a mid-portion of the auger and operatively engaged with the mid-portion of the auger for driving rotation thereof. The header thus provides an auger which is driven at its mid-portion, thereby eliminating the hydraulic complexities of augers that are driven at their ends. In addition, when the auger tube is continuous, the mid-portion driven, continuous tube auger eliminates the crop dead spot that typically occurs when split augers are deployed.

Abstract: By swinging a collating chute supplied with items, the items are held in a plurality of holding cells formed in a holding array. After all of the holding cells are filled with the items, a diving funnel array is moved downward to a position so as to contact the upper surface of a container. Then, discharge gates of the holding array are opened to discharge the items from the holding cells into a plurality of pockets formed in the container.

Abstract: A system for weighing containers includes a movable member having a peripheral edge in which a recess forms a seat for drawing a container, the movable member being activatable in a first movement direction such that a first wall of the seat abuts and draws the container; a container-weighing cell comprising a support plane for receiving and supporting the container; a container guide. The weighing cell, the movable member and the guide are reciprocally arranged such that when the container is drawn by the movable member the container can slide on the support plane and be guided by guide externally of the seat. The movable member is further activatable in a second, opposed, movement direction to detach the seat from the container and leave the container on the support plane for weighing.

Abstract: A link apparatus supplies objects discharged from a weighing machine to package bags being conveyed successively at a high speed and comprises plural hopper groups each including n hoppers; and plural arms configured to convey an associated hopper group along a revolving path including a first area where the objects are supplied to the hopper group and a second area under which package bags are conveyed successively. The arms convey the hopper groups from the first area to the second area in a predetermined order, the n hoppers sequentially conveyed to the second area are located above the n package bags conveyed to a region under the second area; the hoppers are located above the package bags in the second area, and the hopper groups are stopped in the first area. The hopper groups discharge the objects, when the hopper groups are conveyed in the second area.

Abstract: A carousel (1) for supporting and weighing containers (2), comprising: a carrier element (6) supporting at least one container (2), rotatable about a respective axis (X) and presenting at least one opening (13) affording access to an enclosure (14) within the selfsame element (6); a plate (15) associated with the underside of the carrier element (6), serving to close the opening (13), and a system (17) for weighing the container (2), installed at least partially within the enclosure (14). The weighing system (17) comprises a load cell (18) associated with the plate (15) and housed in the enclosure (14).

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy rotary carousel scale with a rotary platter. The rotary carousel scale utilizes a plurality of load cells of either planar-beam or single-point type, fitted with a stabilizing structure and wheels to support the rotary platter. The stabilizing structure prevents side forces and moment forces being applied to the load cells, allowing their full accuracy to be maintained, as well as protecting them from damage. The rotary platter provides support for, and weighs, bags of purchased products in the self-checkout and related industries and is rotated to access individual bags during filling. The rotary carousel scale can incorporate devices to prevent damage to the load cells during an overload. Alternatively, the rotary carousel scale can rely for this on overload prevention built-into the load cell mount.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260, 1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Fourier analysis can conveniently be applied for analyzing the acquired current data and comparing to stored calibration data to determine weight. Weight is determined without regard to the actual speed of the moving article.

Abstract: The invention aims at obtaining a simplified and compact construction of a gravimetric metering device (1) for bulk products, comprising a large discharge section per activation zone (A) and transfer zone (F) for supplying the bulk product into a rotor (2) rotated in a horizontal plane, with transfer tools (3) extending mainly in the radial direction, an emptying station (E) offset relative to the transfer zone (F), and a weighing platform (W) arranged therebetween in the peripheral direction, provided with a force measuring device (20) for determining the weight of the bulk product transported. The invention is characterized in that the transfer tools (3) are mounted so as to be uncoupled from one another in at least one degree of freedom.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for precisely weighing and bagging solid particulate materials in which a carousel is mounted on a vertical axis intermediate a material dispenser and a weighing device such as a load cell. A series of sheet metal material collectors, pivotally mounted on the carousel to receive material dispensed thereto, are indexed around to a series of dispensers and then to a bagging station where they are tilted to discharge material thereon.

Abstract: A weight filler 6 is provided which allows a bottle 16 to be conveyed while gripping its neck 16a. Load cell 58 is mounted around the outer periphery of a revolving body 54 in order to detect a vertical load. A horizontal rod or load applicator 64 projects radially outward from the load cell 58. A gripper 50 which grips the bottle 16 under the resilience of tension springs 82 is mounted on the free end 64a of the rod 64. As the bottle 16 is urged into the gripper 50 in a direction opposite from the direction in which, the rod 64 projects, the gripper 50 is once opened against the tension springs 82 and then closed to grip the neck 16a of the bottle 16. A filling nozzle 52 is disposed above the bottle 16 which is gripped by the gripper 50, and fills the bottle 16 with liquid. During the filling operation, the load cell 58 detects a load applied, thus allowing a filling of a given amount in accordance with the detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering a plurality of different liquid or pasty masses to a receiving container including: first support for supporting containers for the masses in fixed positions; a fixedly disposed annular frame bearing a number of dispensing nozzles controllable by a fixedly disposed control device and each individually connectable to said containers via respective conduits; a second support controllable by the control device for supporting a receiving container such that this receiving container is displaceable in an annular path corresponding with the annular form of the frame and can be placed temporarily beneath a chosen dispensing nozzle for receiving mass dispensed by this dispensing nozzle; a weighing device on which a receiving container can be placed, which weighing device can supply weight signals to the control device; wherein the weighing device is disposed fixedly and supports the second support.

Abstract: A lot control and part handling apparatus having a base adapted to support the apparatus and a plurality of containers. Each of the containers is shaped to be filled with and retain therein multiple parts having a predetermined cumulative weight. A container support table is mounted on the base for rotation about a generally vertical axis and has a plurality of container support stations on which the containers are removably supported. A motor selectively rotates the container support table to sequentially position each of the container support stations at a fill position at which the parts are loaded into one of the containers. A weighing apparatus is positioned in vertical registry with the fill position and includes a scale with a vertically reciprocating lift member thereon which selectively and sequentially engages an associated one of the containers.

Abstract: A weighing device dedicated for use on a rotary table of rotary machine such as a rotary fluid filling machine. The weighing device includes a load cell arranged perpendicular to a radial line emanating from the center of rotation, in tangential orientation to the direction of table rotation. Due to this orientation, deflection of the load cell beam under load will not produce errors resulting from centrifugal forces acting on the rotary machine, so that an accurate weight reading is provided.

Abstract: A drug weighing method presenting the steps of feeding an orderly succession of drugs to a capacitive sensor; determining the weight of each drug by means of the capacitive sensor;periodically weighing a number of drugs in the succession by means of a precision scale;and periodically calibrating the capacitive sensoron the basis of the directly determined drug weights.

Abstract: A weighing device which is dedicated for use on a rotary table of a rotary machine such as a rotary fluid filling machine. The weighing device includes a symmetrical load cell. The symmetry of the load cell when installed in place on the rotary table is such that it is symmetrical about a line which is perpendicular to a radius line emanating from the center of rotation. The load is applied directly or indirectly at the center point of the load cell. It is then understood that this load point is also on the line of symmetry.

Abstract: A weighing device which is dedicated for use on a rotary table of rotary machine such as a rotary fluid filling machine. The weighing device includes a pair of load cells arranged in reverse symmetry with respect to a radial line emanating from the center of rotation. Due to the reverse symmetry, the deflection of each of the load cells will produce errors resulting from the centrifugal forces that will cancel each other, providing accurate weighing.

Abstract: Successive rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry are conveyed transversely of their length along an arcuate path while advancing through a testing station wherein they are urged to impinge upon one or more sensors under the action of centrifugal force. The sensor or sensors transmit corresponding signals to one or more transducers which, in turn transmit signals to a processor wherein the signals are converted into signals denoting the actual weight of the tested articles. The apparatus can utilize piezoelectric transducers or other types of transducers, e.g., one or more extensometers.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing materials including a receptacle for containing and processing fluid materials such as animal feed. A frame supports the receptacle on a base surface. A weighing mechanism supports the frame and includes at least one member yieldable proportionally in response to the weight of materials contained in the receptacle. An arm connected to the yieldable member is movable in response to its movement. An enclosed collapsible container or bellows having circumferentially corrugated cylindrically-shaped sidewalls and first and second closed ends has a first end being supported by a fixed support. The second end is aligned with, and movable in response to, movement of the arm. A conduit in fluid flow communication with the interior of the collapsible container is at its other end visually transparent, vertically aligned, open to the atmosphere, and contains a liquid.

Abstract: A conveying section is engaged with works to be weighed to sequentially convey the works at predetermined intervals along a substantially arcuated path. An engagement releasing section sequentially releases engagement between the conveying section and one of the works at a predetermined region substantially equal to one of the predetermined intervals of convey midway along the arcuated path of the conveying section. A conveyor section is linearly arranged to oppose the predetermined region on the arcuated path on which engagement between the conveying section and the one of the works is released by the engagement releasing section. The conveyor section linearly and sequentially conveys the one of the works released from the conveying section. A weighing section sequentially measures weight of the one of the works while the one the works released from the conveying section is linearly conveyed by the conveyor section.

Abstract: An automatic weighing system comprises at lease one carrier movable along a track device for carrying powder. The carrier has a base plate on which a turn table is rotatably disposed. The turn table has a plurality of cut-out portions each configured to support a container to be filled with powder. A lifting unit is provided on the base plate to support a weighing device for weighing powder. The container is supported by the lifting unit when the weighing device is in an extended position and is supported by the turn table when the lifting unit is in a retracted position. A first driving device is mounted on the base plate for driving the carrier, and a second driving device, also mounted on the base plate, is provided for controlling a rotational movement of the turn table.

Abstract: A device for the determination of dry substance of specimens consists of a microwave heater (10) and of a balance (5) whose balance scale (4) is located within the microwave heating area (7). This device includes a rotary disk (1) located within the microwave heating area (7) which disk can receive several specimen containers (2) and by elevating means which can raise and lower one of the specimen containers (2) from the rotary disk (1) and place it on the balance scale (4). The elevating means consists e.g. of a lifting device (11) for the rotary disk (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically measuring the grain fineness, the gypsum content and the limestone content of a cement sample.A first fraction of the sample is loaded by a vibrating hopper into a crucible resting on an automatic scale. This crucible is handled sequentially by tongs on two revolving arms carried on slidable vertical shafts. The circular paths of the arms intersect at a point just above the scale. Motions of the arms and of the tongs are controlled by a programming unit. The weighed sample is poured into a sieve and the weight of oversize grains is automatically related to the sample weight.Gypsum is measured by heating a second fraction of the sample at 1000.degree. C. plus in an oxygen stream, Fe powder being added from a fixed hopper. The crucible is raised into an induction furnace. Released SO.sub.2 is bubbled in a titration cell to which potassium iodate is gradually added by a burette giving an automatic read-out of the SO.sub.3 (gypsum) titration.

Abstract: An article carrying cup transfers an article along a continuous conveyor from a load zone through a weighing zone to a discharge zone where the article is discharged into areas according to weight. The cup is pulled along by a transverse tow bar loosely pivoted to the cup. At the weighing zone the cup is supported front and rear by weighing pegs which ride on front and rear weigh bars to hold the cup in a horizontal position and with the center of gravity between the weighing pegs to insure accurate weighing of asymmetrical articles. The front and rear weigh bars are positioned so the front and rear pegs transfer onto the corresponding weigh bars at the same time, and transfer off the weigh bars at the same time to maximize the weighing time of a moving cup.

Abstract: An automatic weighing machine, used for dividing articles having substantial variance in their weights into groups, each group consisting of a plurality of said articles and having a total weight within a predetermined allowable range, wherein the articles are weighed one by one or group by group by a single weighing device and, then, retained one by one or group by group in retaining hoppers arranged in a circle and, at the same time, the measured weights are stored in separate memories, respectively, the contents of these memories are read out in accordance with predetermined combinations and summed up, the sum is compared with the predetermined allowable range and, when it is within said range, the gates of the retaining hoppers corresponding to the instant combination are opened to collect the contents thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing fowl hanging from shackles of a continuously moving overhead conveyor, having a plurality of balance arms extending radially outwards from the vertical central axis of the apparatus and being pivotably supported by slide blocks mounted on vertical guide bars rotating about the central axis and driven by the overhead conveyor. The outer ends of the balance arms are adapted, while moving along with the conveyor at the same speed, to catch and lift the shackles so that they are no longer connected with the conveyor, by moving the slide blocks upwards, and the inner ends of the balance arms are adapted to come to bear on a load cell located in the central axis when released by a locking member.

Abstract: The method comprises the steps of sequentially taking containers filled in a multi-station filling machine, of weighing each of said taken containers, of comparing said weighing to a preset value for the filling devices of the filling machine and of establishing a correlation between each taken and weighed filled container and the corresponding filling station of the filling machine. In a filling machine comprising a rotation filling apparatus having n filling stations, the control device comprises at least a rotating transfer apparatus arranged in series with the rotating filling apparatus with interposition of at least an intermediary transfer wheel. The rotating transfer apparatus comprises n.sub.1 stations among which n.sub.1 -1 passive stations and a control weighing station provided with a balance, numbers n and n.sub.1 being incommensurable numbers.