Abstract: A method for delivering liquid color directly into the screw barrel of a plastic resin process machine including weighing a container of liquid color; pumping liquid color from the container into the plastic resin process machine screw barrel; and continuously comparing actual readings from the scale to expected readings based on a desired predetermined liquid color usage rate and continuously regulating speed of pumping in response to such comparison to supply liquid color directly into the to the plastic resin process machine screw barrel according to a selected recipe of resin material to produce plastic parts having desired color characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.

Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.

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: Vessel balance for bulk material having a tubular balance section for feed therethrough of bulk material. The balance is adapted during feed intervals of the bulk material to enable determination of the weight thereof. The section cooperates with a feed flap adjacent one of its ends to govern entry of the material into the section and has a closing member at an opposite end. The section and member are supported by at least two weight measuring elements carried by a fixed platform.

Abstract: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material and the position of a material discharge actuator are sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight and actuator position signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight and actuator position signals, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise models are modified to account for disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

Abstract: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material is sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight signal, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise model is modified to account for disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous weighing system and more specifically to a combination of a "wild-flow" flow of material and a loss-in-weight monitoring system. An uncontrolled flow of material from a wild-flow stream is accurately weighed and discharged by the loss-in-weight system.

Abstract: A weigh feeding system using a stochastic controller wherein the weight of material is sensed, and an estimate of the mass flow state of the material being discharged is created by use of a Kalman filter process. Plant noise processes and measurement noise processes, which affect the measured weight signal, are modeled as stochastic processes and are used, in combination with the sensed weight signal, to calculate the estimated mass flow state. The noise model is modified to account for severe disturbances. The estimated mass flow state signal is used to calculate a motor feedback signal which, in turn, is used to control the speed of the discharge apparatus. In this manner, the mass flow of the material actually being discharged is driven to a desired mass flow with minimum error variance in the presence of unavoidable plant and measurement noise.