Weighing Patents (Class 222/77)
  • Patent number: 11959794
    Abstract: A combination weighing device is provided that includes a plurality of article suppliers disposed in juxtaposition with each other and adapted to transport and supply articles to a plurality of weighing units. The combination weighing device further includes an article transporter adapted to drop and supply the transported articles from a direction intersecting with a direction of transport of the articles by the article suppliers, and an article split-and-guide member adapted to split, drop and guide the articles in a direction of juxtaposition of the article suppliers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: YAMATO SCALE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryo Suemichi
  • Patent number: 11911733
    Abstract: A hair dye dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having an opening hole formed on one side of which a hair dye is provided, a plurality of cartridges disposed inside the housing and accommodating at least one dyeing material, a main body in which the plurality of cartridges are rotatably disposed, a main motor for rotating the main body so that a first cartridge of the plurality of cartridges is located adjacent to the opening hole, a discharge module for discharging the dyeing material contained in the first cartridge, and an accommodating body in which a basket accommodating the dyeing material discharged by the discharge module is placed, wherein the discharge module may include an elevating body that pressurizes the first cartridge when moving up and is separated from the first cartridge when moving down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: LG FAROUK CO.
    Inventors: Kyung Sik Jang, Jeong Ho Lee, Jung Yong Lee, Seong Lok Hwang, Sang Min Lee, Joong Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 11904286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated solution dispenser for dispensing a solution having a defined list of characteristics. In particular, the automated solution dispenser according to the present invention is provided with one or more of the following, modules: Central Mixing Chamber (CMC), Flush and Verification System (FVS), Liquid Handling System (LHS), Control System (CS), Pivot Pipe System (PPS), Solid Handling System (SHS) (which includes a Delivery mechanism and a Measuring mechanism), a Bottle Handling System (BHS), a Water Purification System (WPS) and Bottle Marking/Label (BM). The combination of one or more of these modules enables the automation of the creation of solution having the required characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: accroma labtec Ltd.
    Inventors: Ville Lehtonen, Michal Wozny, Jochen Klingelhoefer, Camilla Oxley
  • Patent number: 11707864
    Abstract: A system and process for producing a variety of dry mix construction and ancillary construction materials (DMC) with improved structural properties. The system and process employs a material classification unit (204) that classifies at least one of plurality of raw materials (A, B, . . . N) based on their particle size and physical properties. These classified raw materials are stored separately in material handling compartments (260) and are selected according to the construction grade requirements of the end user. The invention further involves the use of a material selection unit (210) which controls the functioning of various components of present invention. The system and process also provides reutilization of industrial waste products like fly ash, blast furnace slag to produce a variety of construction and ancillary construction materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: SAROJ VANIJYA PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventor: Binod Kumar Bawri
  • Patent number: 11674506
    Abstract: A viscous fluid is dispensed precisely using a fluid pump, control valves configured to control both the air inlet and outlet of the fluid pump, an optional adjustable regulator further controlling the air outlet, and a control circuit that opens and closes the control valves. To further increase the precision, additional control valves can be used to control liquid inlet and outlet of the fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Cleland Sales Corporation
    Inventors: James Cleland, Adam Cleland
  • Patent number: 10722078
    Abstract: A food processing system has a wheel-shaped assembly having a stationary sub-assembly and a movable sub-assembly. The movable sub-assembly has three or more arms extending away from the stationary sub-assembly; three or more connecting rods; three or more pivoters; three or more rotators; and three or more food processing devices. The three or more food processing devices comprise a plurality of cooking chambers and a plurality of blenders. The three or more arms are rotatable about a first direction. A horizontal diameter of each connecting rod stays in a respective horizontal position parallel to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction during rotation of the respective arm about the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Tony Kahn Vong
  • Patent number: 10316456
    Abstract: An example laundry treating appliance includes a tub, a rotatable drum disposed in the tub and defining a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser having an outlet and a cup having a siphon, configured to dispense a treating chemistry into at least one of the tub or the drum, a sensor, and a controller configured to at least: introduce a predetermined amount of liquid into the cup sufficient to activate the siphon if a predetermined amount of the treating chemistry is present in the cup; detect whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid based on an output of the sensor; and modify cycle of operation based on whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Goshgarian, Karl David McAllister
  • Patent number: 9587339
    Abstract: An example laundry treating appliance includes a tub, a rotatable drum disposed in the tub and defining a treating chamber in which laundry is received for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser having an outlet and a cup having a siphon, configured to dispense a treating chemistry into at least one of the tub or the drum, a sensor, and a controller configured to at least: introduce a predetermined amount of liquid into the cup sufficient to activate the siphon if a predetermined amount of the treating chemistry is present in the cup; detect whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid based on an output of the sensor; and modify cycle of operation based on whether the siphon activates in response to the predetermined amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Goshgarian, Karl David McAllister
  • Patent number: 8944286
    Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Mehus, Paul R. Kraus, Mihnea A. Popa
  • Patent number: 8905266
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the multiple dosage of one or more liquid products or both liquid and solid products wherein the dosing amount of at least one liquid product is measured by a weight cell. Moreover, dosing apparatus and dosing systems for applying those methods are provided. Additionally, the present invention refers to a method for washing textiles comprising a dosing step in which at least one of the inventive dosing methods, and/or at least one of the inventive dosing apparatus or dosing systems, respectively, are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk De Brabanter
  • Publication number: 20140339255
    Abstract: A dispenser dispenses a consumable product from a container. The container is supported within a housing by a container holder. The container holder is vertically moveable within a movement range in the housing. A biasing structure biases the container holder upwardly. A sign is connected to move up and down with the container holder. An indicator associated with the sign is vertically fixed relative to the housing. When an amount of product remaining in the container reaches a low level, the biasing force of the biasing structure will lift the container holder, causing the indicator to be aligned with a portion of the sign that gives a visual cue to a user that the amount of product remaining is at a low level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Jared R. Freudenberg, Ryan Urban, Ryan Joseph Drake, Ryan A. Chernik, Troy A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8875749
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of samples by means of a dosage-dispensing device, a weighing system with a load receiver, a processor unit, a memory unit, and an exchangeable dosage-dispensing unit. A target container is set on the load receiver. The dosage-dispensing unit and/or the target container includes electrically insulating material. The dosage-dispensing unit has the capability to change positions relative to the load receiver. While the dosage-dispensing unit is in a first position and a target container is on the load receiver, a starting weight value is determined, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into a second position, a dosage-dispensing cycle delivers a dosage material in a predefined amount from the dosage-dispensing unit into the target container by means of the processor unit, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into the first position, and while the dosage-dispensing unit is at rest in the first position, an ending weight value is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Bruno Nufer, Siegfried Gluvakov
  • Patent number: 8816224
    Abstract: A droplet discharge device for discharging a liquid material onto a workpiece includes a droplet discharge head, a guide rail, a stage, a maintenance stage and a weight measurement device. The droplet discharge head discharges the liquid material. The guide rail extends in a prescribed direction. The stage, on which the workpiece is mounted, moves on the guide rail along the prescribed direction. The maintenance stage moves on the guide rail along the prescribed direction. The weight measurement device is disposed on the maintenance stage, the weight measurement device measuring weight of droplets discharged from the droplet discharge head and is able to be disposed at a location opposite the droplet discharge head when the maintenance stage moves along the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Takatoshi Yamamoto, Kenji Kojima
  • Patent number: 8815171
    Abstract: A cast solid product dispenser for controlling the inputs and operating parameters of dissolution of a cast solid product is disclosed. The dispenser (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (18) for removably receiving a container (14) holding a cast solid product. The dispenser (10) includes means for controlling the temperature and pressure of liquid used for dissolution of the cast solid product. The dispenser (10) also includes a pedestal (20) for maintaining a constant distance between the surface of the product and a nozzle (48) during dissolution. The dissolution cycle includes a pulse of spray generally followed by a delay to allow liquid used in the dissolution process to adjust to a desired temperature. A pressure regulator (42) adjusts the pressure variation between various liquid sources so both the pressure and temperature of liquid used in the dissolution process is generally constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8770238
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering composition in a container filler installation, the device comprising a tube having at least an end provided with a nozzle and an opposite end provided with means for fastening to a feed line of the filler installation, and the device further including a plate fastened to the tube and provided with a support having a portion extending in register with the nozzle to support a container. The invention also provides a filler installation including at least one such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Graffin
  • Patent number: 8735746
    Abstract: A method for operating a weighing apparatus and system contemplates that the system is operated in a ratio of two modes of operation, including a first, non-sampling mode, and a second, sampling mode. Operating in the first mode, wherein verification of a dose weight is not effected, promotes high cycle rates. Operation in the second, sampling mode requires operation at a slower cycle rate, but permits optimization of the accuracy of the overall weighing process. Operation in the two modes of operation, and adjustment of the ratio of the modes of operation, promotes optimization of weighing accuracy and cycle speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Campbell Wrapper Corporation
    Inventors: Thornton Russell Davis, Jr., James Xuong Gia Nguyen, Glenn Hayes
  • Patent number: 8733582
    Abstract: A cup (22) includes a base (26) and a wall (30) with an integral straw (36). A lid (24) includes a flange (52) for mating with the cup (22) to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly (20). The lid (24) defines an orifice (66) aligned with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position, and a flexible straw (68) is disposed within the orifice (66). The flexible straw (68) has a nipple portion (70) extending to an inlet end (72) disposed in abutting relationship with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position to establish a compression fit between the flexible straw (68) and the integral straw (36). The lid (24) is also stackable with identical lids (24) and includes a cavity (60) extending between first and second ends (62, 64). The orifice (66) is disposed about one of the ends (64) and the cavity (60) has an open portion (90) disposed about the other of the ends (62) for receiving a nipple portion (70) of the identical lid (24) being stacked in alternating relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Fioritto, Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 8698013
    Abstract: A feed weighing assembly includes an assembly scale, a display screen interfacing with the assembly scale and an insert body carried by the assembly scale and sized and configured for placement in a game feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: James C. Hall, James F. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8641830
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for continually measuring and dispensing precise amounts of bulk chemical in a car wash application. A gravimetric dispensing assembly can include a load cell and a syringe dosing pump that is suspended below the load cell such that an entire mass of the syringe dosing pump is communicated to the load cell. In this manner, the load cell can measure the actual mass of chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump on a continuous basis without solely relying on the rated volumetric capacity of the syringe dosing pump. The syringe dosing pump can be driven by a stepper motor that can be pulsed as directed by a controller so as to maintain, increase or decrease an amount of bulk chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hydra-Flex, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Molitor, David Kensinger, Karl J. Fritze, Jaime L. Harris
  • Patent number: 8616250
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a stationary platform configured to support a blender cup. The blender cup is displaceable via a mechanically actuated movement arm between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Co., Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Herbert
  • Patent number: 8616249
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup. The platform is reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor is mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Herbert
  • Patent number: 8616248
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for preparing frozen drinks. In one example, the apparatus includes a platform configured to support a blender cup, the platform reversibly translatable between a first position beneath an ice shaver and a second position beneath a flavoring dispenser. A weight sensor mechanically coupled to the platform. The weight sensor is configured to produce an output signal indicative of a weight of an object present on the platform. The apparatus further includes a safety circuit configured receive a sensor input and to facilitate safe operation of the apparatus responsive to the sensor input being indicative of a safe condition of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail Co., Inc.
    Inventor: J. Michael Herbert
  • Publication number: 20130334247
    Abstract: A precision measurement dispenser provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a storage container that is preferably airtight. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section that is preferably positioned within the storage container. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient by gravity to a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control, temperature control, and/or humidity control on the storage container. The dispensing section uses screw, roll, vibration, or shuttle mechanisms for precise dispensing of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Nicole Sollazzo Lee
  • Patent number: 8584714
    Abstract: A dispensing system for granular materials, in particular agricultural products, capable of dispensing multiple products that comprises a control means for entering a product formula, hoppers that contain material for formulating the product each having a dispensing means controlled by the control means, material is fed from each hopper through a tube and fed into a housing having a rotatable structure that allows the material to be dispensed into a receptacle connected to a weighing means and weighed and feedback means connected to the weighing means and to the control means feeds weight information to the control means which adjusts the dispensing of the material from each of the hoppers as necessary to accurately formulate a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: E I du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Lawrence Doka Gaultney
  • Patent number: 8551421
    Abstract: A laboratory instrument for the preparation of samples includes a base housing with a work compartment enclosed by protective walls, at least one multifunctional work head having the ability to turn about a rotary axis pivotally supported on the base housing. At least two defined functional positions that can be aligned with at least one container platform which is arranged in the work compartment. The first functional position contains a receiving device which serves to hold a dosage-dispensing device with free-flowing dosage material, and each of the other functional positions contains an additional device. At least one of the protective walls has a cutout opening, and the at least one multifunctional work head is arranged partially in the cutout, so that portions of the at least one multifunctional work head lies both inside and outside of the work compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 8540119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Click Candy AB
    Inventors: Frida Gunstad, Mikael Gunstad, Fredrik Junkell
  • Patent number: 8540937
    Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Lark, Darren M. Jahnke, Eric Willman, Warren Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 8523014
    Abstract: A storage dispensing unit provides for storage of a granular bulk material in a hermetic storage container. The granular material is held in a storage container which feeds a dispensing section. The dispensing section selectively dispenses the ingredient downward to a base, which optionally includes a weighting tray of a scale. The ingredient is dispensed by weight. The storage dispensing unit may also include a display and keypad for entry of a desired quantity of ingredient to be dispensed, and optionally which of plural ingredients to be dispensed. A controller can convert a requested volumetric measure to an equivalent weight measure, and dispense by weight in place of volume. The storage dispensing unit further optionally includes pressure control on the storage container, i.e., vacuum, an maintains a hermetic seal when not actively dispensing. Optionally, temperature may also be controlled to enhance the shelf life of the stored ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Nicole Sollazzo
  • Patent number: 8511512
    Abstract: A chemical product dispenser that controls dispensation of a chemical product based on a change in weight of the chemical product remaining in the dispenser includes an isolation mechanism. The dispenser includes a weight measurement instrument, such as one or more load cells, that measure the weight of the chemical product remaining the dispenser. The isolation mechanism is configured to lift the chemical product from a lowered position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the load cell(s) to a raised position in which the weight of the chemical product is fully supported by the isolation mechanism. When in the raised position, the dispenser may be loaded with a supply of chemical product with a reduced risk of damage to the weight measurement instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Carlson, Scott R. Limback, Joshua J. Lanz
  • Publication number: 20130199663
    Abstract: An exemplary system for dispensing liquid and solid materials can comprise a tank; one or more liquid feeders configured to dispense one or more liquids into the tank; a powder hopper comprising a powder inlet, a powder outlet, and a valve configured to open and close the powder outlet, the powder outlet being coupled to the tank; one or more powder feeders coupled to the powder inlet of the powder hopper; a first scale configured to measure the mass of powder dispensed into the powder hopper; a second scale configured to measure the mass of the liquids dispensed into the tank; and a control system configured to control the dispensing of liquids and powders based at least in part on the mass measurements from the first and second scales.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Bend Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Bend Research, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8496135
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Animal Health International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Greg Moore
  • Publication number: 20130134184
    Abstract: A liquid metering system for a commercial or industrial laundry operation includes a dosing tank supported by a weight sensor that can measure the weight of cleaning solution transferred into the dosing tank. A valve assembly is operable to transfer the measured cleaning solution from the dosing tank to a transport tank, and a discharge pump is operable to pump the measured cleaning solution from the transport tank to downstream equipment. Measured quantities of different cleaning solutions can also be mixed in the transport tank before being delivered to downstream equipment. A control system regulates operation of the various pumps, valves, and manifolds, and monitors the readings from the weight sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Gurtler Industries
    Inventor: Gurtler Industries
  • Patent number: 8424572
    Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of material transferred in a system having a plurality of material feeds and concurrent material transfer periods. The method comprising steps of: supplying each of a primary material having a target weight and a secondary material, to a receiving vessel; determining a decision threshold; feeding the primary material to the receiving vessel, feeding the secondary material into the receiving vessel as or after the primary material begins feeding and before the decision threshold, determining a feed status of the primary and secondary materials at the decision threshold; changing the feed status of one of the primary or secondary materials at the decision threshold; and feeding only the primary material within a feed alone time period until the target weight amount is fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Chunsheng C Fu
  • Patent number: 8367946
    Abstract: A micrometering device for metering and weighing free-flowing bulk materials, such as, for example, flour, powder or fine-grain granules, is described. A reliable weighing with small batch sizes may be achieved, by arranging a weighing container for the weighing device separate from a reservoir for the product for weighing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Bühler AG
    Inventors: Claude Inauen, Heinz Brand
  • Patent number: 8348103
    Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: USC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jim Renyer, Greg Renyer
  • Patent number: 8342366
    Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: USC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jim Renyer, Greg Renyer
  • Patent number: 8299374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for accurately measuring the weight of a moving stream of particulate material at different flow volumes. The apparatus includes a dynamic measurement device with a deflectable curved pan for measuring the amount of material flowing along a pathway; a supply source for discharging material along the pathway; and a gate valve having an inclined gate member with a leading edge controlling the volume of material discharged from the supply source, the valve reducing the height of discharge of the material above the dynamic measurement device proportional to the increase in the flow volume of material being discharged. A gate valve is also described that includes a gate member with a fully open position and a fully closed position, the valve aperture being open a width determined by the bridging characteristics of the particulate material being discharged when the gate member is in the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Robert O. Brandt
  • Patent number: 8251108
    Abstract: A food dispensing apparatus includes a refrigerated cabinet having a dispense aperture, a hopper, an accumulator assembly, a weighing system, and a flap door. The hopper is positioned in the cabinet and configured to hold food articles. The accumulator assembly is positioned vertically below the first hopper and includes an accumulator bin and a door assembly. The accumulator door is positioned in the cabinet and arranged to receive food articles dispensed from the first hopper. The door assembly is configured to retain the food articles in the accumulator bin and is actuatable between an open position and a closed position. The weighing system is configured to determine an amount of food articles held in the accumulator bin. The flap door is positioned adjacent to the door assembly and is movable between a closed position substantially sealing closed the cabinet dispense aperture, and an open position. The flap door automatically closes upon actuation of the door assembly into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Automated Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Bruce H. Koerner, Richard J. Curtin, Gordon G. Erickson, Adino S. Quiboloy, Kevin M. Riester
  • Publication number: 20120199606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for dispensing bulk candy. The device 1 comprises a container 3 which at one end 5 of the container 3 has a dispensing opening 14 through which candy/sweets can leave the container 3. The container 3 has an inside that is provided with at least one guide for the candy/the sweets. The guide or guides 17, 18, 19, 27 is/are arranged to guide sweets in a direction towards the dispensing opening when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis. The container 3 is inclined in relation to the horizontal plane by an angle that may be in the range of 10°-25°. The guide or guides is/are arranged in the container 3 in such a way that sweets are guided in a direction towards the dispensing opening 14 when the container 3 rotates about its longitudinal axis but remains at rest when the container is at a standstill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: CLICK CANDY AB
    Inventors: Frida Gunstad, Mikael Gunstad, Fredrik Junkell
  • Publication number: 20120198793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: WACKER CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Matthias VIETZ, Rainer HOELZLWIMMER, Bruno LICHTENEGGER
  • Publication number: 20120138628
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for continually measuring and dispensing precise amounts of bulk chemical in a car wash application. A gravimetric dispensing assembly can include a load cell and a syringe dosing pump that is suspended below the load cell such that an entire mass of the syringe dosing pump is communicated to the load cell. In this manner, the load cell can measure the actual mass of chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump on a continuous basis without solely relying on the rated volumetric capacity of the syringe dosing pump. The syringe dosing pump can be driven by a stepper motor that can be pulsed as directed by a controller so as to maintain, increase or decrease an amount of bulk chemical being dispensed from the syringe dosing pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Molitor, David Kensinger, Karl J. Fritze, Jaime L. Harris
  • Patent number: 8177095
    Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: USC L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jim Renyer, Greg Renyer
  • Publication number: 20120104032
    Abstract: A feed dispensing machine for delivering ready access feed to farmers, horse owners and the equivalent. The feed dispensing machine having a controller, a storage container, a surge container, a first conveyor system, a level sensor, a weighing mechanism, and a second conveyor system. The first conveyor system connects the storage container to the surge container while the level sensor is positioned within the surge container to signal capacity of bulk material within the surge container. The weighing mechanism includes a scale and connects to the controller. The second conveyor system connects the surge container to the weighing mechanism, and is positioned above the scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Craig D. Bahn
  • Patent number: 8168897
    Abstract: A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Südkamp
  • Patent number: 8104521
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device includes a drive device and a source container that can be set into the drive device, wherein a dosage-dispensing head is connected to a closure shaft which is movably constrained in the source container. The closure shaft has a coupler part configured to be coupled to and uncoupled from a drive shaft of the drive device. The source container has a first form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a first counterpart element formed on the drive device and serves to precisely position the coupler part in relation to the drive shaft. The source container further has a second form element which is designed for form-fitting engagement with a second counterpart element formed on the drive device and which, when in operating position, serves to precisely position the dosage-dispensing head in relation to a target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Lüchinger, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Patent number: 8097820
    Abstract: A method of controlling a scale in connection with to a carrier of pourable bulk materials. The scale involved has a control with a display and control buttons. Upon a first press of a first control button, the system is transitioned into a “tare” mode and displays a base, or tare, value. Upon a second press of the first control button, generally after unloading some or all of the load, the difference in weight from the first press is saved to a storage medium, and a value displayed representing the weight of bulk material in the container at that time. The method may also include the pressing of a Zero button to zero the scale before the carrier is first loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Digi-Star, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Klubertanz
  • Patent number: 8028723
    Abstract: A receiving container is filled with a predetermined target mass mz of a free-flowing substance from a reservoir with the help of a dosage-dispensing device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The device has a valve for variably setting the mass flow {dot over (m)} from the reservoir into the receiving container. The device is also able to determine the time t that has elapsed since the beginning of the fill cycle, the mass m of the substance present in the receiving container, and a unit for controlling the valve. The controller unit includes estimating and correction modules. At least once during the fill cycle, the estimating module performs an estimate of the mass {tilde over (m)}(t, t2) that is expected to be present in the receiving container at the end of the fill cycle at the time t2. This estimate is based on the assumptions that from the time t onward the valve is being closed according to a predefined closing-down profile and the fill cycle is completed at the time t2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Marc Blöchlinger
  • Patent number: 8011394
    Abstract: The invention includes a material dispenser that further includes a container containing material, a press plate or puck for exerting pressure on the material, a sensor for detecting the material discharged from the container, and a scale for detecting the amount of material discharged from the container. The sensor and scale provide feedback to a computer which controls the amount of pressure exerted on the material. The computer controls the pulsing of additional material from the container until a targeted amount of material has been discharged from the container. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GFI Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, John Borkovec, Derek P. Pedraza
  • Publication number: 20110204088
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a dosage includes a base frame, at least one device for receiving any dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit that is compatible to be inserted therein, a holder and at least one drive mechanism. The holder has at least one holding position for a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit. A weighing cell arranged on a lower horizontal plane of the base frame includes a load receiver to receive a target container. A changing mechanism enables the receiving device to be moved horizontally relative to the base frame. This horizontal shift allows a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit to be interchanged between the holding position and the receiving device. The changing mechanism also permits the receiving device, together with the drive mechanism, to be moved vertically with regard to the base frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: Paul Lüchinger
  • Patent number: 8003143
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process respectively an apparatus for filling a container with articles such as food, in particular meat, and a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles and is characterised by repeating the following steps: (A) a first portion of the articles is conveyed with a conveying means, in particular a conveyor belt, having a conveyor outlet and is discharged into a container at a lower conveying speed such that a first portion accumulates in the container at the first location closer to the conveyor outlet; and (B) thereafter, a second portion of the articles is conveyed by the conveying means and is discharged into a container at a higher conveying speed, such that the second portion accumulates in the container at the second location further away from the conveyor outlet; as well as a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles using said process and said apparatus for filling; as well as the articles processed by said processes respectively said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Robert Taylor