Weighing Patents (Class 222/77)
  • Patent number: 4982873
    Abstract: A two-stage auger system for filling a valve bag with a particulate material, such as dry powdered or granular material, from a hopper through a valved opening in the bag. The auger system includes a first hollow shaft carrying flights dimensioned and pitched for low speed movement of the particulate material out of the hopper and a second shaft extending through and protruding from the first shaft carrying flights on its protruding portion dimensioned and pitched for higher speed movement of the particulate material from the first mentioned flights. A filling tube is provided to cooperate with the second shaft for higher speed discharge of the particulate material through the filling tube into the bag through the valved opening. Bearings are provided to rotationally seat the second shaft member within the first shaft member on opposite ends of the first shaft member so that the second shaft member can rotate within the first shaft member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Kelley, R. Phillip VanAusdal, Christopher S. Wadium
  • Patent number: 4976378
    Abstract: A metering device for measuring bulk particulate material, such as feed, includes a hollow casing having a paddle gate positioned therein. Rotation of the paddle gate dispenses a predetermined weight of particulate material into the outlet port of the device. A monitoring mechanism monitors the back up of dispensed material in the outlet port stopping the flow of material into the metering device should the backed up material reach a predetermined level, thus avoiding jamming of the paddle gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Hamilton Distributing Company
    Inventor: Jerome J. Bush
  • Patent number: 4974646
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a powder flow control valve comprising a nozzle formed from a material such as high density polythene having an upper frusto-conical section which converges towards the lower end of the nozzle and terminates in a cylindrical section. The nozzle is encircled by a plenum chamber to which sources of vacuum and air pressure are selectively connectable through a pneumatic control system. When vacuum is connected to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure drop across the wall of the porous nozzle causes powder flowing through the nozzle to consolidate in the nozzle and terminate the flow. When air pressure is applied to the plenum chamber, the resulting pressure rise across the boundary surface accelerates powder flow through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Portals Engineering Limited
    Inventors: David Martin, Roderick MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4967811
    Abstract: A device is described for accurately transferring multiple individual fluids from multiple source containers into a single receiving container. Fluid flows from the multiple source containers through individual fluid conduits to a chamber having a single fluid outlet conduit. The fluid outlet conduit is in fluid communication with a single receiving container. A pressure conduit is in communication with the chamber for alternately creating positive and negative pressures in the chamber to cause fluid to flow from the individual source containers into the chamber, and to cause fluid to flow from the chamber into the receiving container in response to commands from a control means in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Clintec Nutrition Company
    Inventors: Aleandro DiGianfilippo, James R. Hitchcock, Robert E. Lewis, Randall A. Zielsdorf, James P. Vos, Rudolph Starai, Michael J. Becker, Donald W. Warner, Leon Huang
  • Patent number: 4961887
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing insulation for metallic rod which includes a mechanism for housing a plurality of ingredients, scales for weighing a predetermined quantity of each ingredient, a blender for blending predetermined amounts of each ingredient into one material, a mixer to mix the dry blend of ingredients, a mill to form the blended material into strips, a dicer to transform the strips into pellets of insulation, an extruder for placing insulation around the metallic rod, a conveyor to transport the ingredients and/or material between each of the above steps, a controller for outputting commands to the blender and receiving inputs from the scales to obtain the predetermined amount of each ingredient, and a computer for verifying that the correct amount of each ingredient has been obtained. The ingredients used in the manufacture of this insulation material include plasticizers, fillers, a resin, and modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Crumpler, George W. Barker, III, Darrell L. Smith, Willard W. Posey, Howard S. Shepard, Steven R. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4957681
    Abstract: Pharmaceutical mixtures are prepared by continuous metering of the components and shaping by a conventional method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roger Klimesch, Gerhard Bleckmann, Lothar Schlemmer
  • Patent number: 4948542
    Abstract: The abstract related herein is a device for continuously weighing a web during formation thereof such that uniformity can be promoted in a continuous process. A method for forming fiber board is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Per A. Asberg
  • Patent number: 4945957
    Abstract: A highly accurate weighing, feeding and conditioning apparatus for powders and other fine particulate materials is provided. The material is conditioned in a hopper by pulsating inflatable pads within the hopper, or by ultrasonic transmitters mounted on the hopper walls, in apertures in the hopper walls, or on a body at least partially submerged in the fine particulate material. The material is fed by a double auger, one inside the other. In bulk feed mode, both augers rotate at a first, higher speed. In dribble feed mode, only the inner, smaller auger is rotated, at a second, lower speed. This arrangement provides a turn-down ratio of about 500:1. The entire assembly is coupled to a high resolution balance, such as a magnetic force restoration balance, for accurate control of the weight of material fed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Ohaus Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Kardux, Thomas Kristo-Nagy
  • Patent number: 4944428
    Abstract: An apparatus for the automatic determination of a continuous bulk material throughput through a continuous balance comprises a weighing vessel, an adjustable closure member for adjusting an outlet cross-section of the weighing vessel and an electronic weight difference measuring device. The closure member is connectable to the weighing vessel in the outlet region thereof which is formed as an adjustable wall part and is so arranged that when the closure member is in the open operating position, there is a free mass flow in the weighing vessel. Simultaneously it is ensured that the bulk material flows freely and unhindered from the outlet of the weighing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Inventors: Bruno Gmur, Bernd Kuhnemund
  • Patent number: 4938385
    Abstract: A powder feeding device comprising a metering hopper for metering a powdery material supplied from a holding hopper, a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of the powdery material in the metering hopper, a device for opening and closing a discharge opening formed in the metering hopper and a control device for controlling the action of the opening and closing device. The control device has a timer, a device for setting a discharge interval, and a device for correcting the standard discharge interval set by the discharge interval setting device. The discharge interval correcting device corrects the standard discharge interval on the basis of a measured signal from the weight measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignees: Akatake Engineering Co., Shin-etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsunemi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4883200
    Abstract: A thermoplastic melting apparatus comprises a tank pivotally mounted upon bearings within the interior of a housing having a top cover. An electrical or mechanical level indicator device is mounted exteriorly of the tank which is effective to sense pivotal movement of the tank as it is loaded with and/or emptied of thermoplastic material, and to produce a signal which indicates the quantity of thermoplastic material within the tank. The level indicator device is isolated from dynamic forces produced by drive linkages which operate pumps associated with the tank, by positioning the pivot axis of the bearings in the same plane as the force produced by the drive linkage. The lid of the tank is isolated from downward forces applied to the top cover of the housing to prevent the transmittal of forces to the level indicator devices from objects placed on the top cover of the housing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, Robert A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4865457
    Abstract: A concrete mixing apparatus including a paddle type mixer and a cement and water container mounted on a scale. The cement and water container is divided into separate cement and water compartments mounted above and upon the mixer to permit gravity flow of their contents through an open top portion of the mixer. Aggregate is supplied by a belt conveyor through a side opening. All ingredients are supplied by weight based on the indication of the scale. The scale includes load cells supporting the mixer. The arrangement provides flexibility in the manner of introduction of cement, water, and aggregate into the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Mixer Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Strehlow
  • Patent number: 4863009
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the feed rate of material being loaded onto a conveyor train of variable configuration to prevent overloading. The system involves monitoring the power drawn by the various drive motors of the train to establish which is the limiting conveyor under prevailing operating conditions. The instantaneous weight of feed material loaded onto the conveyor train, at its input end, is continuously measured and the current average feed rate is computed from the instantaneous weights measured over a pre-set time interval. A rolling average of the total load to be carried by the limiting conveyor downstream is computed from the average feed rate, taking into account the length of the limiting conveyor. The feed rate is then adjusted in response to the computed rolling average to thereby avoid overloading the limiting conveyor and optimize loading of the conveyor train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignees: Alberta Energy Company Ltd., Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd., Esso Resources Canada Limited, Gulf Canada Resources Limited, Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Alberta as represented by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, HBOG-Oil Sands Limited Partership, Pan Canadian Petroleum Limited, Petro-Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Winkel, David K. Lamb
  • Patent number: 4852028
    Abstract: Raw material to be expanded is supplied to an expansion chamber (12). The volumetric weight (M) and the moisture content (F) of the expanded material is measured, and signals representing the measured values obtained, are supplied to a microcomputer (27). This is programmed for comparing the volumetric weight as measured with a nominal value of the volumetric weight at the prevailing moisture content of the expanded material and is adapted to supply in dependence of the comparison made a signal for controlling the screw conveyor and drive unit (11, 13) for the supply of raw material to the expansion chamber to control the expansion of the material in dependence of the comparison by increasing or decreasing the amount of raw material supplied per unit of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Inventors: Heikki Korpela, Leif Ampler
  • Patent number: 4836685
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for blending substances in a highly accurate manner. The process consists of delivering an amount of a first substance into a mixing vessel and determining the weight of the amount of the first substance actually delivered. From the weight measured and the proportion of a second substance in the final blend an amount of the second substance is calculated and discharged in the mixing vessel, and same for each additional substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Le Groupe Laperriere & Verreault, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurent Verreault
  • Patent number: 4834546
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of and a system for mixing batches of a flowable medium, especially of hydrocarbons used as base materials for said media and of additives to be admixed thereto. In the mixing operation, the base materials and optionally additives are weighed in a primary weighing section capable of holding a complete batch to form the base medium. Independently thereof, additives, amounting to minor fractions of the batch, are weighed out in at least one precision weighing section. The weighed-out additive fractions are then admixed to the weighed-out base medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Edeleanu Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Joachim E. Putz
  • Patent number: 4821922
    Abstract: A thermoplastic melting apparatus comprises a tank pivotally mounted upon bearings within the interior of a housing having a top cover. A load cell is mounted beneath the tank opposite the bearings which is effective to sense pivotal movement of the tank as it is loaded with and/or emptied of thermoplastic material, and to produce a signal which indicates the quantity of thermoplastic material within the tank. The load cell is isolated from dynamic forces produced by drive linkages which operate pumps associated with the tank, by positioning the pivot axis of the bearings in the same plane as the force produced by the drive linkage. The lid of the tank is isolated from the top cover of the housing to prevent the transmittal of forces to the tank from objects placed on the top cover of the housing or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Scott R. Miller, Robert A. Dunn
  • Patent number: 4812047
    Abstract: An apparatus for the gravimetric dosing of flowable components, whereof at least one is a liquid, e.g. for producing mixtures, has a storage container and a weighing container for each component, together with a feed line connecting said container, as well as a weighing frame with a balance for all the weighing containers and a discharge line for each weighing container leading to a mixing device. Each discharge line contains a shutoff valve near the mixing device. The weighing containers are filled with the individual components up to a predetermined level and then each component is discharged from the weighing container into the mixing device in the subtraction process. This permits an accurate dosing of components with different physical characteristics and different flow behaviors, even in the case of high viscosity liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Azo-Maschinenefabrik Adolf Zimmermann GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Baumann
  • Patent number: 4804111
    Abstract: An improved metering mechanism for metering highly aerated or fluidized solid materials in a controlled manner is disclosed. The mechanism consists of a bin discharger attached above a rotary feeder assembly. The bin discharger has two augers which rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The augers rotate such that material flow is directed toward the center of the discharger, and down into the inlet of the rotary feeder assembly. The rotary feeder assembly contains 6-12 rotary vanes. Two vanes form a pocket into which material falls as each pocket comes into mating relation with the rotary feeder assembly inlet. A tight clearance between the outer radial edge of the rotary vanes and the inner surface of the housing of the rotary feeder assembly prevents the material from flushing through the rotary feeder assembly in an uncontrolled fashion. The material exits the rotary feeder assembly as each filled pocket comes into mating relation with the outlet of the rotary feeder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, Mark Bober
  • Patent number: 4793512
    Abstract: A batch scale weighs the particulate material and delivers it periodically to a volumetric feeder through a hooper. A computer controller responsive to a feeding rate demand signal, the length of the period during which each batch is delivered from the scale, and the speed of the volumetric feeder, provides outputs indicating the feed rate produced by the volumetric feeder and can control the speed of the feeder to obtain the demanded feed rate. The result is that the material is fed at a feed rate in terms of units of weight per units of time, and the volumetric feeder is converted, by the addition of the batch scale and the computer controller, into a gravimetric feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Stock Equipment Copy
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Krauss
  • Patent number: 4789014
    Abstract: A device is described for accurately transferring multiple individual fluids from multiple source containers into a single receiving container. Fluid flows from the multiple source containers through individual fluid conduits to a chamber having a single fluid outlet conduit. The fluid outlet conduit is in fluid communication with a single receiving container. A pressure conduit is in communication with the chamber for alternately creating positive and negative pressures in the chamber to cause fluid to flow from the individual source containers into the chamber, and to cause fluid flow from the chamber into the receiving container in response to commands from a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Aleandro DiGianfilippo, James R. Hitchcock, Robert E. Lewis, Randall A. Zielsdorf, James P. Vos, Rudolph Starai, Michael J. Becker, Donald W. Warner, Leon Huang
  • Patent number: 4782865
    Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously vibrating and weighing a bulk container, as it is being filled, and for automatically modulating the intensity of the vibrating motion during the filling operation as is being filled, to insure complete settling and compaction of the product without having product spilled out of the container by excessive vibration, especially during the latter stages of the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: Wayne F. Everman
  • Patent number: 4781308
    Abstract: A product feeding device suitable for use with a combination weighing machine having a plurality of weighing hopper. The device comprises a central vibrating dispersion table for dispersing product fed to the center of the table outwardly toward the periphery of the table, and a plurality of retaining hoppers corresponding to the weighing hoppers disposed at the periphery of the table for receiving product directly from the table. Each retaining hopper is equipped with a suitable mechanism for discharging products therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Yamato Scale Company, Limited
    Inventor: Shoji Yamano
  • Patent number: 4762252
    Abstract: When a weigh feeding system which senses the rate of material feed by weighing the material and automatically controls the actual feed on the basis of a departure of the sensed rate of material feed from a desired rate, thereby to produce an error signal, is subjected to a major or sporadic disturbance such that the sensed rate departs from the desired feed rate by more than a predetermined amount, the system limits the feed rate used to produce the error signal to a synthetic amount no matter by how far the sensed feed rate departs from the desired rate, the values of said predetermined amount and said synthetic amount being selected in accordance with the nature of the system, the degree of accuracy desired, and the nature of the expected disturbances, thereby to improve the overall accuracy of the system when subjected to such disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Hyer Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank S. Hyer, Paul M. Kintner
  • Patent number: 4722456
    Abstract: The present invention is a loss-in-weight feeding system including an accelerometer for detecting extraneous disturbances impinging on the system and preventing the disturbance from adversely affecting the feed rate. A split-beam weighing assembly senses the weight of the material in the container and produces a first signal to control the feed rate. The accelerometer is mounted on the split beam assembly and produces an acceleration signal. The acceleration signal is compared with a predetermined limit, and if the comparison shows a difference beyond a predetermined size, the action of the first signal is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: John Laidlaw, Ronald J. Ricciardi, Stephen D. Kahn
  • Patent number: 4712590
    Abstract: A device for connecting two or more bulk compounding systems for mixing hyperalimentation solutions is described. The device allows electrical signals from each bulk compounding system to be connected to one another so that each bulk compounding system may act in concert with other bulk compounding systems to fill an individual receiving container with minimal modifications to the internal circuitry of an individual bulk compounding system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleandro Di Gianfilippo
  • Patent number: 4703780
    Abstract: Drum filling apparatus and method enabling liquid to be introduced into a container automatically. The apparatus includes a filling lance and a mechanism for gradually raising the filling lance to ensure that only a relatively small portion of the lance remains submerged in the liquid. The apparatus also includes a control mechanism for ensuring that the lance is properly positioned within the container as it is being withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Velasco Scale Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Reeves, Jr., Donald H. Green, Jimmy A. Birdwell, Henry A. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 4702394
    Abstract: A dispersing supply device in an automatic weighing apparatus includes a base plate, a vibrator supported on the base plate by a pair of springs, and a trough supported on the vibrator by groups of leaf springs, the trough being vibrated by the vibrator so as to convey articles from one end to the other thereof. The dispersing supply device, one provided for each of a plurality of weighing machines, is disposed between the corresponding weighing machine and a dispersing table so as to receive articles from the table and supply them to the weighing machine via the trough. The base plate is formed to include a mounting slot having a first portion of prescribed width and an elongate second portion narrower in width than the first portion. A mounting table to which the dispersing supply device is attached is provided with a projecting pin having a head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Koichi Katzoka
  • Patent number: 4688610
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing particulate agglomerating solids in accordance with the invention includes a container for holding the particulate solids to be dispensed having a foraminous discharge disposed at the bottom of the container; apparatus for applying agitation to the particulate solids within the container to break up agglomerations to cause the solid to be free flowing through the foraminous discharge; a transporting mechanism disposed beneath the discharge with a top surface along which the solids flow from a receiving area upon which the solids fall upon the application of agitation to the solids to a discharge area having an end from which the solids are discharged, the top surface being substantially flat at the receiving area and being sloped downward from the receiving area to the discharge area; apparatus for applying vibrations to the transporting mechanism for causing the solids to flow from the receiving area to the discharge area; and a controller for causing the activation of the apparat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Assignee: Spiral Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Jeptha E. Campbell
  • Patent number: 4669634
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the metering of predetermined quantities of at least one product to be delivered to at least one mobile receiver by means of a distribution station which comprises means effecting the discharge of a product from a container, a device effecting simultaneously the preliminary storage, homogeneization and the transfer of the product to a weighing assembly comprising a metering feeder equipped with means to deliver the product to a mobile receiver, means to effect static weighings and dynamic weighings, means to conduct automatically the operations of weighing and the delivery of the product to the mobile receiver, means to effect the transfer of the product to the mobile receiver and to obturate the outlet of the weighing assembly, and the elements of the distributor station are further equipped with means to create and to maintain the impermeability of the apparatus with respect to the product involved and the elements of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Roussel Uclaf
    Inventor: Hugues Leroux
  • Patent number: 4646388
    Abstract: Bales of filamentary material are separated into weighed charges of the material by disintegrating the bales in a rotating drum to produce tufts that are passed to a picking chamber wherein a toothed roll strips individual filaments from a supply roll formed from the tufts and passing the filaments to scales upon which the charges are accumulated. Each time a charge is accumulated on a scale, air is blown across the scale to discharge the scale. The charges are delivered to a magazine having a plurality of vertically stacked chambers, each chamber underlain by a movable gate, through which the charges are passed sequentially to be discharged at a fixed schedule from the lowermost chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Highland Manufacturing & Sales Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Erin H. Weder, Howard M. Ruth, Michael J. King, Franklin J. Craig, Larry J. Jones, Kenton D. Badgley, Harry J. Snider, deceased, Laura Snider, legal representative, S. Owen Dye, Clay R. Wiedner, Bill C. Weder, Robert L. Langenberg
  • Patent number: 4629392
    Abstract: A method for loading particles, such as coal, into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established. Each of the railroad cars is weighed prior to loading particles into the railroad car from a weigh bin to determine an unfilled weight of each railroad car and the unfilled weight of each railroad car is compared with the control weight to determine an unfilled differential weight for each railroad car. The particles are loaded into the weigh bin from a surge bin and the surge bin is weighed as the particles are being loaded into the weigh bin from the surge bin so the loading of particles into the weigh bin can be terminated when a weight of particles has been loaded into the weigh bin about equal to and less than the unfilled differential weight associated with the railroad car to be loaded with the unfilled differential weight of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Kerr-McGee Coal Corporation
    Inventors: John A. L. Campbell, Carl L. Baldwin, David J. Foley, Michael R. McHann
  • Patent number: 4585148
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for metering liquid colorant from a primary color reservoir having a valve for controlling the liquid flow into a collecting container. The process comprises the steps of disposing the valve into required position, operating a drive member to open and close the valve, permitting the liquid colorant to flow into the container, preparing three stages of successive metering controls, and automatically metering the liquid colorant through one or more stages. The apparatus comprises a plurality of reservoir bases, tilting device, operating member of the valve and balance for measuring the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshito Ito
  • Patent number: 4580698
    Abstract: A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder gate. In the electronic circuit, a master set point signal is entered and compared with the output signal from the sensors. The output flow to the receiver of the system is continuously adjusted by a deviation controller to reduce the deviation in these two signals. Erratic changes in system output are avoided by a deadband circuit introduced into the electronic circuitry to buffer excessive oscillation, overresponse and even instability caused by transient size change and lumping associated with bulk materials. The electronic circuit also includes an averaging module to average the level/weight of the material being discharged to obviate responding to peak levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Pebco, Inc.
    Inventors: Max A. Ladt, David L. Finke, Mark T. Curtis
  • Patent number: 4579252
    Abstract: A loss-in-weight gravimetric feeding system is disclosed which includes a prefeeder for receiving and discharging material and at least first and second feeders for receiving material from the prefeeder and discharging the received material to a common collector. The system includes a device for alternately diverting material discharged from the prefeeder to the first and second feeders, circuits for generating a first and second weight signal representative of the weight of material in the first and second feeders respectively, and structure for generating a reference signal representative of a desired mass flow rate of material from a feeder. The system further includes a circuit for alternately comparing the reference signal to the first and second weight signals in synchronism with the diverting device for controlling each of the feeders based on the comparison between the reference signal and the weight signal associated with the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: K-Tron International, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Wilson, Kenneth W. Bullivant
  • Patent number: 4569446
    Abstract: This relates to a method of and an apparatus for feeding a product which includes fines to a weigh hopper. In lieu of the usual feeder pan, the last feeder pan in the feeder system is a duplex feeder pan including an upper feeding pan or level and a lower feeding pan or level. The upper feeder pan is provided with selected apertures therein so that fines will be separated from the remainder of the product and directed into the lower feeder pan. During the normal filling of the weigh hopper, both the upper feeder pan and the lower feeder pan will discharge into the weigh hopper. When a pre-selected underweight condition occurs, at least a part of the product from the upper pan will be diverted from immediately entering into the weigh hopper, while the feeding of the fines will continue so as to bring the weight of the product within the weigh hopper up to the pre-selected weight with a minimum of overweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1986
    Assignee: Kelley-Perry, Incorporated
    Inventor: John L. Kelley
  • Patent number: 4531597
    Abstract: For the accurate metering of tobacco portions in the course of the packing of the latter, rough portions (28) are first produced by separation from a strand of tobacco and brought to the desired weight (desired portion 15) by adding difference portions measured in a fine metering device (12, 13). The rough portions (28) are fed in each case by an intermediate conveyor (13), which is in the form of a star feeder, to one of two balance receiver members (32, 33), which are likewise in the form of star feeders and each of which is connected to a precision balance (43, 44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Focke & Co.
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Oskar Balmer
  • Patent number: 4528848
    Abstract: A device for continuous, gravimetric metering and pneumatic conveying of pourable material provides that a material stream is conveyed over a measuring path while charging a load measuring device and the product of moment load and conveying speed is formed. The conveyor is in the form of a rotor having an essentially vertical axis and conveyor pockets in the form of chambers or cells which are moved with the rotor in a circular orbit over the measuring path. A housing surrounds the rotor in a pressure tight manner and includes a charging aperture and an emptying aperture which are rotationally displaced from one another. A load measuring device is connected to the housing and a tachometer is provided for measuring the angular velocity of the rotor. A pneumatic conveying system is provided which has feed lines respectively communicating with an air feed aperture in the housing and the emptying aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Pfister GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Hafner
  • Patent number: 4527647
    Abstract: A hopper for an automatic weighing apparatus has a link mechanism for opening and closing a hopper gate and an attachment mechanism for attaching a hopper body to the automatic weighing apparatus. The link mechanism includes a drive link pivotably mounted on a bracket, a follower link angularly movable in unison with the gate, and an intermediate link interconnected between the movable ends of the drive and follower links. When the gate is closed, the drive and intermediate links are aligned along a substantially straight line to prevent the weight of articles in the hopper from opening the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 4526215
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering required proportions of different fluid ingredients to make a required mixture (e.g. a colored paint) includes a rack of storage containers for the ingredients, each provided with a valve-controlled outlet and a receiving container mounted on a weighing device which is presentable to a chosen sequence of storage containers in turn to receive the required contribution from each. Metering of the necessary ingredient additions is effected automatically by a valve actuator carried by the support for the weighing device. Data processing control to optimize operation is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventors: William J. Harrison, Andrew J. Reynolds, Michael J. Kellaway, Donald B. A. MacMichael, Anne T. Miller
  • Patent number: 4526213
    Abstract: Apparatus for dividing freeflowing particulate matter into aliquots of closely equal weight comprises a weighing receiver and a volumetric dividing receiver. The weighing receiver receives freeflowing particulate matter and includes a weigher for determining when a predetermined weight of the matter has been received therein and a discharger for then discharging the predetermined weight of received matter. The volumetric dividing receiver receives the matter discharged from the weighing receiver and includes a plurality of aliquot receivers of identical effective volumetric capacity, a distributor for distributing on a volumetric basis the matter received by the dividing receiver into the aliquot receivers, and structure for discharging the matter from the aliquot receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Federico Martinez
  • Patent number: 4520883
    Abstract: A weighing and packaging system operates by combining weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, obtaining a combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value equal to a target value or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits, discharging articles from those weighing machines belonging to the combination obtained, and packaging the discharged articles. In performing combinatorial weighing, the articles discharged from the combinatorial weighing machine are temporarily retained in a cylinder, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged to detect the level of the retained articles, thereby making it possible to detect the volume of the articles charged into a package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Ishida Koki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masao Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4513796
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, efficient, precise method and apparatus for compounding solutions for use in hyperalimentation therapy. The apparatus includes a controller for entering the volume and specific gravity of the solution to be compounded.A load cell monitors the weight of the solutions that have been transferred to a collection vessel and in connection with the controller thereby maintains the precise amount of each therein. The controller also surveys various process conditions and warns of any failure of those conditions. Peristaltic pumps are used for the delivery of the compounding solution to maintain the solutions in a sterile condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Miller, Lawrence R. Hogan
  • Patent number: 4495145
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus for the loading of the spherical nuclear fuel into a fuel rod. The apparatus feeds fuel of three different diameters into a fuel rod so that the three different sized spheres are appropriately packed to achieve sufficient density of fuel to be used in a nuclear reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Exxon Nuclear Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Aime A. Gehri
  • Patent number: 4495146
    Abstract: A system and method for the loading of spherical nuclear fuel in vertical fuel rods. The system includes a fuel rod support, a glovebox, a weighing station system, a means for feeding spherical fuel to the fuel rod and transportation means for moving the fuel between parts of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Exxon Nuclear Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Aime A. Gheri
  • Patent number: 4494678
    Abstract: A system is disclosed which allows a container and material to be weighed in the presence of a pressurized gas and reduces the effects on that weighing caused by variations in the gas flow and pressure. The system includes a container which receives material to be weighed and a structure for discharging material from the system. The container is mounted on a scale for providing weight readings and flexibly coupled by at least one inlet to provide a pressurized gas to the container which isolates gas flow and pressure effects transmitted to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: K-Tron Soder A.G.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Klein
  • Patent number: 4488837
    Abstract: Measurement of an integrated weight of a particulate material being continuously fed to a powder treating system or the like by providing a powder delivery port in a lower portion of a pressurized powder feed container for supplying the particulate material to a blowing port of the treating system, connecting a pressurized powder replenishing container to an upper portion of the powder feed container for replenishing the power feed container with the particulate material under pressure, continuously feeding the particulate material along with part of a pressurized carrier gas introduced into the delivery port of the pressurized powder feed container, communicating the powder replenishing and feed containers with each other with suitable timing for replenishing the particulate material, sequentially measuring the weights of powder contents in the containers to measure the integrated weight of the particulate material fed through the delivery port during a time period of operation; batchwise combining the weigh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Takumi Mizokawa, Fumitaka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 4483462
    Abstract: A water guard system is used in a gravel loadout structure wherein wet bulk material is stored in a bin (12) and released through a gate (14). Runoff water from the bulk material tends to leak through the gate (14) and drip on an underlying scale (22) as well as on trucks which enter the structure (10) for loading. A trough (28) is supported on rails (80, 104) and is driven by an air cylinder (30). The gate (14) is open and closed by operation of an air cylinder (108). In an extended position the trough (28) is positioned beneath the gate (14) to collect runoff water and pass this water into a sump (38) which delivers it through a drain line (40). The trough (28) is retracted by operation of the air cylinder (30) to permit the gate (14) to be opened and load a truck positioned beneath the gate. When the gate (14) is closed the trough (28) is returned to the extended position by operation of the cylinder (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Texas Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence T. Heintz
  • Patent number: RE32101
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, Angelo Ferrara, Joseph L. Hartmann, Gary R. Lauterbach
  • Patent number: RE32102
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatically controlled weigh feeding apparatus including a container for prefilling with a substance, a device for discharging the substance from the container at a controllable rate, apparatus for weighing the substance being discharged and for producing an electrical signal proportional to that weight, a voltage to frequency converter connected to receive the electrical signals, a digital computer, apparatus coupled to an output of the voltage to frequency converter for inputting data signals to the digital computer, the computer being adapted to compute a corrective signal based on the input data signals received, and coupling apparatus coupled between the computer and the device for discharging the substance from the container for controlling the rate of discharge responsive to the corrective signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Ricciardi, Angelo Ferrara, Joseph L. Hartmann