Abstract: A container of liquid color material has a diaphragm liquid color pump located therewithin for providing liquid color from the container and non-drip apparatus for releaseably connecting the container with a blender for supply of liquid color thereto and methods for pumping and supplying liquid color incorporating the same. In some embodiments a volumetric controller is utilized for driving and regulating the pump.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically feeding and transporting food products from an in-feed device to a combination weigher, which automatically selects from a number of portions of known weight the optimum combination of portions to create a batch of fixed weight with minimum give-away The method consists mainly of ensuring that the raw material being processed, which typically consists of fresh and unfrozen food products of various kinds that are fragile and have the tendency to stick to the equipment underlay, especially fresh fish, poultry and meat products, fruit and vegetable products and other unfrozen food products of this type, is fed onto at least one or an unlimited number (n) of independent, endless movable conveyors (14a , 14b, . 14n) or (53) and (54-58) which are movable as a whole in both directions along their longitudinal plane independently and transport the product evenly, accurately and securely by means of these conveyors to a combination weigher (16) or (52).

Abstract: A Vacuum conveying apparatus with a weighing and metering device, comprises a separation container (10), acted on by a vacuum, for intermittent intermediate storage of material conveyed in a suction gas flow, a force isolation means for entry of conveyed material into the separation container (working side), a weighing device (50) for, in particular, continuous weighing of the separation container, as well as a vacuum pump (70) and a controller. In order to create a vacuum conveying apparatus that can guarantee a more precise weighing and/or a more accurate stipulation of the timepoint for turning off the vacuum pump or for interrupting the suction process during the ongoing conveyance process, the vacuum pump (70) is isolated in terms of force from the separation container (10) and is also situated such that it is not weighed.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, comprises a plurality of pumps, having a connector for releasably connecting, to the respective pump, a container, which holds a fluid and comprises a connector-counterpart, and at least one actuator for releasing a container from a connector, which the actuator is adapted to operatively engage the connector-counterpart and, upon engaging this counterpart, pull the same onto the connector and establish a fluid connection between the respective pump and the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of scale units 10 that constitute a combination weigher is provided with a cut gate 11 attached to a lower portion of a powdery- or granular-material hopper 12, a feeding hopper 13 for temporarily retaining a powdery or granular material supplied from the cut gate 11, a gate-type weighing hopper 14 for weighing the powdery or granular material supplied from the feeding hopper 13, and a collecting chute 16 for collecting the powdery or granular material discharged from each weighing hopper 14 and supplying it to a wrapping machine or the like. A load cell 15 is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the load cell 15 measures the weight of the powdery or granular material for performing combinatorial computing between the weighing hoppers 14. A dust-preventing bellow 18 is provided in between the respective constituting components: the cut gate 11, the feeding hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the collecting chute 16.

Abstract: A chute assembly to be positioned between a weigher and a former of a packaging machine. The chute assembly includes a timing gate device including a plurality of timing gates that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher to the former. The gates are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders, a plurality of metering powder pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective powder pump, wherein the capacity of the metering powder pump is selectable.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveying product material to a weighing system includes an infeed for product material to be weighed and at least one dosing mechanism for controlled conveyor of product material portions from the infeed to a weighing system. The dosing mechanism includes a motor-driven transport screw formed as a helically-shaped rod positioned in an open trough for conveying the product material from the infeed to the weighing system, and a control unit for controlling the motor in order to deliver a desired portion of product material to the weighing system. This arrangement provides a gentle, well-defined conveyance of product materials that are not suited for vibrational conveyance or conveyance by a screw conveyor in a tubular housing.

Abstract: A system for weighing items sequentially delivered by a feeder subsystem in order to discharge batches of items having a desired target weight; and more particularly to a method and apparatus particularly configured to handle fragile items, e.g. strawberries, cherries, etc., to reduce bruising such items during the weighing process. The invention includes a container for receiving discrete items sequentially delivered by an item feeder together with means for measuring the weight of items accumulated in the container. The weighing container is located for movement between a first position at which a product receiving surface is oriented substantially horizontally in close proximity to the output location, for receiving product items from the output location, and a second position at which the container is oriented to accommodate an increased volume of items. The weighing apparatus includes means for moving the container from the first position to the second position and discharging the target weight of items.

Abstract: A dosing hopper for producing wood material panels has a feed device (2) that distributes the supplied material flow of glued wood particles continuously over the width of the hopper (1). The dosing hopper supplies elongated flat wood strands for producing oriented structural chip boards or panels (OSB, LSL). The feed device (2) includes a weighing device (23), with which the wood strands are distributable over the entire hopper width in a weight-dosed and oriented manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for transporting and dispensing fibers into an aggregate mix, and more specifically, to a method and system for transporting and dispensing unitized fibrous constructs into a mix without affecting the structural integrity of the unitized construct. The dispensing system will transport and dispense unitized fibrous constructs intact into a cementitious mixture.

Abstract: A dosing device of a pulverulent material uses an oscillating drive mechanism with straight to-and-fro movement to extract and dose a pulverulent material contained in a hopper with a calibrated outlet aperture, and then to transfer the extracted mass to a removal point. The hopper can be fixed or movable. To measure the mass flowrate extracted from the aperture, the hopper is connected to the mechanism by a flexible blade and bears on a table equipped with a weighing cell formed by a weight sensor. The weight variation indicates the mass flowrate, which can be adjusted by acting on the oscillation frequency of the mechanism, or on the opening of the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A method for weighing a crop is disclosed. The method includes (a) loading a crop into a container using a crop transport apparatus, (b) temporarily stopping the crop transport apparatus from loading the crop into the container, (c) weighing the crop using the container, (d) unloading the weighed crop from the container by automatically manipulating the container, and (e) repeating steps (a)–(d).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).

Abstract: A system is disclosed that minimizes the effect of internal pressure upon weight-loss weighing systems. The system can include a flexible gas purge line that pressurizes the system as well as a pressure compensator that negates the adverse effects of internal pressure on weight sensing equipment during normal operation.

Abstract: In order to increase the dosing accuracy of a dosing device, the bulk material is temporarily stored upstream from a reservoir (1) in an intermediate storage container (6) and is transferred only when a compensating pressure value is reached. The invention also relates to a corresponding device with a valve lock (4,5) on the intermediate container (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of powders or flowable materials, such as colorants for paint, caulking or grout or components of cosmetics, comprising a plurality of containers for holding the powders or flowable materials, a plurality of metering pumps, connected to a container or having a connector for releasably connecting a container to the respective pump, wherein the capacity of the metering pump is selectable.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a supply container (10), a reserve hopper (18), a means for connecting said supply container (10) to said reserve hopper (18), a means for weighing said reserve hopper (18) and a means for regulating the weight of said material dispensed from said reserve hopper (18).

Abstract: A method and device for mixing and weighing fibrous material in a weighing cycle includes removing the fibrous material from fiber bales and transporting the fiber material with a feed device into a weighing container. The weighing container is proceeded by a pre-filling chamber that is separated from the weighing container by a controllable flap. After the fibrous material has been weighed, the material is ejected from the weighing container onto a mixing belt. The material feed device is controlled in accordance with a theoretical weight curve that is given for each fibrous material component. Transport speed of the material feed device is varied in accordance with the theoretical weight curve.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic method and apparatus for weighing into portions. Feeding of single units is performed by separating the feeding channels for rough feeding and fine feeding so that the feeding up to the weighing station is separated. When weighed portions are too large compared to a predetermined value, the apparatus rejects the portions and returns them back to the feeding stream. By separating the stream of units into fine weighing and rough weighing, with a rejection of unsatisfied portions, the portions can accurately be weighed with high performance with apparatus that is both inexpensive and space saving.

Abstract: A powder-weighing apparatus and a powder-weighing method having a high weighing speed and a high weighing accuracy are provided. For weighing powder within a predetermined allowable range of a target weight Wt, the powder-weighing apparatus may be configured to have a primary-charge weighing portion for weighing and retaining a weight W1 of primary-charge powder smaller than the target weight Wt and at least two auxiliary-charge weighing portions each for weighing and retaining a weight W2 of auxiliary-charge powder within a predetermined range of an auxiliary-charge weight Ws. When a weight W1 of the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion is smaller than a lower limit of the predetermined allowable range of the target weight Wt, one of the two weights W2 may be selected so that a sum (W1+W2) becomes closest to the target weight Wt, and the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion and the powder retained in the selected auxiliary-charge weighing portion are discharged.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method which is capable of dispensing very small (typically less than 5 mg) quantities of particles to a high accuracy in a repeatable way and without undue wastage. Also, the need for advanced particle formulation is reduced. The apparatus comprises a closed loop control system which uses an electro-mechanical actuator to deliver impact energy to a supply of particles initially held on a sieve in a hopper. The impact energy causes a small number of particles to fall through the sieve and onto a weight measuring balance. The weight obtained is scrutinized by a processor to see if further actuations are required. In preferred embodiments, the energy of actuation is varied in accordance with the rate of dispensation calculated by the processor. Also, a correction amount can be obtained to take account of the fact that the balance can take a considerable amount of time to settle to its final value.

Abstract: A method for calculating the average weight of each of a plurality of portions of material fed from a hopper. The method is carried out by: first weighing the hopper; after the first weighing, dispensing a given plurality of portions of material; then, in a second weighing step, again weighing the hopper; calculating the difference between the weight of the hopper determined in the first weighing step and the weight of the hopper determined in the second weighing step, the difference constituting the loss of weight of the hopper; and dividing the loss of weight of the hopper by the given plurality of portions. The weighing steps may be performed with a weighing device having a load cell and the given plurality of portions is equal to at least the number calculated by dividing the sensitivity of the load cell by the estimated weight of each fed portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for rapidly and accurately dispensing fluids, in which at least one component is dispensed into the reaction vessel in two or three stages. In this process, the amount of fluid dispensed in the second and third stages is determined on the basis of the mass flow rate calculated in the preceding sub-step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing device for mixing additive into a basic flow, comprising: a passage for the basic flow; an inlet for the additive in the passage; a container for the additive connected to the inlet via a dosing mechanism and having a controllable drive for discharge of the additive into the inlet; weighing means for determining the weight of at least the container with the additive; and a control for the drive which is connected to the weighting means for setting a dosed discharge, wherein the dosing mechanism is arranged on the inlet via the weighing means.

Abstract: A method and system for food preparation and processing that determines the bulk density of food particulate matter input into particulate packaging machinery and performs bulk density feedback of packaged food particulate matter. The feedback mechanism inputs bulk density values into a controller that are referred against acceptable values. Where the input values of bulk density are outside the acceptable range the controller automatically alters the food preparation and packaging process to obtain acceptable bulk density values. The method system are applicable to any food manufacturing process, although they are particularly well suited to the manufacture of food in flake, chip, puffed or extruded form.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216d) for contacting the cam surface (201a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).

Abstract: A device for dispensing particulate matter may include a gravimetric sensor to measure the weight of particulate matter mixed with a fluid carrier. In an illustrative embodiment, a dry chemical inductor includes a bin for containing particulate matter, a conduit for transporting a stream of liquid carrier, and a valve for controllably releasing a particulate matter from the bin into the conduit. The device may further include a gravimetric sensor, such as an electronic scale or a load cell, for measuring the weight of particulate matter released from the bin. A controller may receive signals from the gravimetric sensor and actuate the valve to interrupt the flow of particulate matter when the desired amount of particulate matter has been released.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fast and simultaneously an accurate method and apparatus for generating at least one batch by using at least one batch by using at least one coarse flow and one fine flow of items, wherein the items is the fine flow form a sequence of n-items. The weight of the n-number of items is registered and stored with one or more weighing means. This gives a weight distribution for the items that is utilized in selecting one or more items from the sequence so that a batch weight with a minimum overweight is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing of a product based on weight as a load cell (22) which supports a structure holding the product (20a) to be dispensed. The weight of the product (20a) that is dispensed is determined by use of a controller (23).

Abstract: A grain flow measuring system for a flow rate of grain moving along a generally vertical grain flow path. The weight of grain conveyed along the flow path is measured when the grain impinges baffle elements, thereby generating a force corresponding to the grain weight. The force is transmitted to one or more load cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic method and apparatus for weighing into portions. Feeding of single units is performed by separating the feeding channels for rough feeding and fine feeding so that the feeding up to the weighing station is separated. When weighed portions are too large compared to a predetermined value, the apparatus rejects the portions and returns them back to the feeding stream. By separating the stream of units into fine weighing and rough weighing, with a rejection of unsatisfied portions, the portions ccan accurately be weighed with high performance with apparatus that is both inexpensive and space saving.

Abstract: The present invention is a grain drill and a method retrofitting a previously manufactured grain drill to provide accurate weight determination of seed in a seed hopper of the grain drill. A grain drill in accordance with the invention includes a frame having a plurality of wheels for supporting the grain drill during rolling over a surface of ground to be planted with seed grain; a hopper for containing the seed grain to be planted in the ground; a support which is joined to opposed sides of the frame and to spaced apart locations of the hopper to transfer weight of the hopper to the frame, the support including at least one weight sensing device which senses a weight of seed grain in the hopper transferred through the support to the frame and provides an output of the sensed weight of the seed grain in the hopper; and a display, coupled to the output, for displaying the weight of the seed grain contained in the hopper.

Abstract: A bifurcated bracket carries two powder dispensing assemblies. Each assembly includes a powder reservoir and a rotatable screw received within a compliant silicone sleeve. The outer diameter of the screw is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the sleeve such that the screw blade maintains direct contact with the sleeve wall as the screw is rotated. The bracket is sequentially moved to align each assembly with containers in two arrays. Each array of containers is situated in a tray. The trays are manually positioned on independent scales which generate signals that are a function of the sensed weight of each array. To fill each container, the screw in the aligned assembly is rotated at a high rate for an initial period and then at a slower rate. The scales are operational only during the slower rate period. Assembly movement and screw rotation are computer controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder-fluidizing and feeding device for use with coating and spray forming nozzles and guns. The device includes novel provisions for controlling and feeding powder from a hopper to a vibrating bowl, for heating and vibrating powders in the hopper to dissipate agglomeration and clumping of the powder, and for metering powders from a vibrating bowl to the spray nozzles and guns using a feedback control derived from powder mass loss rate measurements. The device is particularly useful for feeding ultra-fine and nanoscale particles, which are difficult to feed uniformly with the prior art of conventional powder feeders.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for displaying bulk items and selectively dispensing a designated quantity of the bulk items from a multiplicity of the bulk items upon demand includes containing a multiplicity of bulk items in a volume of the bulk items within a bin and simultaneously conveying bulk items in a horizontal direction toward one end of the bin, adjacent the bottom of the bin, and in a vertically upward direction, adjacent the one end of the bin, to move bulk items from the volume of bulk items to an elevated dispensing outlet, in response to a demand, while at the same time tumbling the bulk items within the volume to separate the bulk items from one another for delivery of the designated quantity of individual, discrete selected bulk items to the dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A device for the control of dosing of a time dependent mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) for a helical dosing equipment (1) with a weighing machine (9) and a method of operation of such a device. The device includes a modulation detector (31), with which the periodic deviation of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) from a target value can be analyzed. The modulation detector (31) is connected to a speed modulator (32), with which the rotational speed f of the extraction helix (4) can be suitably phase shift modulated according to the curve shape derived by the modulation detector (31), whereby the deviations of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) are reduced to the unavoidable random deviations and the periodic deviation of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) can be eliminated. Both for the analysis of the mass flow {dot over (m)}(t) and also for the calculation of the modulation function analog or digital integrated electronic components can be applied.

Abstract: The total weight of a plurality of resin products is set as a reference value, and a first upper-limit threshold and a first lower-limit threshold are respectively stored in a control circuit 38 on the upper limit side and the lower limit side with respect to the reference value. A second upper-limit threshold which is yet greater than the first upper-limit threshold and a second lower-limit threshold which is yet smaller than the first lower-limit threshold are stored in the control circuit 38. When the total weight of the resin products is greater than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet greater than the second lower-limit threshold. Further, when the total weight of the resin products is less than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet less than the second lower-limit threshold.

Abstract: A system for feeding portions of material to an injection molding machine including a feeding device that can be a screw feeder, an external container, a material hopper with inclined and parallel walls located inside the container, a load cell that is coupled to the material hopper and a controller. The system dispenses accurate weight portions of material in a given time and for a given duration. The system controls the portion weight by weighing a number of dispensed portions using loss-in-weight of the hopper, divides the weight to the number of portion and, when needed, controls the spin of the screw feeder motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.

Abstract: A chute assembly 11 to be positioned between a weigher 10 and a former 12 of a packaging machine. The chute assembly 11 includes a timing gate device 23 including a plurality of timing gates 25 that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher 10 to the former 12. The gates 25 are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former 12, and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former 12.

Abstract: A system for sensing loads and varying the dynamics of mechanical devices to accommodate various load weights is disclosed. The system comprises a load receiving device, a load translocator, a load sensing device, and a control unit for processing information sent to it by the load sensing device. The control unit receives and calculates information corresponding to a load weight and varies the speed of a motor and/or hydraulic drive coupled to the mechanical devices translocating the load. This allows for more efficient and consistent load transfers. The system, as described herein, may be applied to several mechanical devices or systems. Specifically as described herein, the system is applied to a conveyor and sorting apparatus which comprises a hopper having a first and a second end, and further comprising a conveyor for transporting the produce from the first end to the second end, a roller bed, coupled to the second end of the hopper.

Abstract: A metering and packaging device includes several cups fixed to rotate about a shaft. These cups are positioned under hopper outlets during a portion of their rotation to receive bulk material, and over passages through a bottom plate during another portion of their rotation to dump bulk material into weigh buckets. The outlets, cups and passages through the bottom plat are angularly displaced from one another such that the cups drop measured portions of bulk material in an alternating fashion into the weigh buckets, and the weigh buckets drop the portions into a packaging machine in an alternating fashion into a packaging machine which separately packages each successive and alternately dropped portion.

Abstract: An allocating mechanism of a weighing apparatus that temporarily stores objects and allocates the objects to a plurality of hoppers disposed below is provided to reduce the amount of objects that remain without being allocated. The allocating mechanism 21 is included in the weighing apparatus. The allocating mechanism 21 is a mechanism that temporarily stores objects, and allocates the objects to hoppers 24 and 25 disposed below. The allocating mechanism 21 includes a tubular member 61, a bottom plate 62, a driving motor, and a controller. The bottom plate 62 can, together with the tubular member 61, form a storage space S, in which the objects are stored. The driving motor rotates the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62. The controller controls the driving motor to rotate the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62, such that the objects are dropped in one of the hoppers 24 and 25.

Abstract: A system for feeding portions of material to an injection molding machine including a feeding device that can be a screw feeder, an external container, a material hopper with inclined and parallel walls located inside the container, a load cell that is coupled to the material hopper and a controller. The system dispenses accurate weight portions of material in a given time and for a given duration. The system controls the portion weight by weighing a number of dispensed portions using loss-in-weight of the hopper, divides the weight to the number of portion and, when needed, controls the spin of the screw feeder motor.