With Weighing Patents (Class 366/141)
  • Patent number: 5240324
    Abstract: A system for combining, mixing, and further processing ingredients to produce a specified weight of a composition in accordance with a specified recipe. The ingredients are discharged from hoppers into a central conveyor. Each hopper operates under control of a hopper controller that regulates the discharge rate and controls refilling of its associated hopper. The ingredients are mixed in the central conveyor as they are transferred to a processing device, such as a mill or roaster, and then discharged from the processing device into a network of conveyors for transfer to another location for further handling. The system operates under the control of a central controller which regulates the discharge rates of the various ingredients to optimize the feedrate to the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Bluffton AGRI/Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Donald G. Phillips, Garold W. Pfeifer, Michael E. Zeedyk, Johann G. Hasslbeck
  • Patent number: 5219224
    Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Micro Chemical, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5213724
    Abstract: A process of determining the rate at which plastic granules are received by an extruder form a feed container having an outlet which opens into the inlet of the extruder, in which process granules are continuously fed to a supply container and consecutive charges of granules are intermittently fed to the feed container, the feed container is weighed before or at the beginning of or after or at the end of its filling operation, the time is measured which between the filling operations is required to withdraw the material in the amount which has been determined by the weighing operations, and the flow rate of the material is calculated from the amounts of material which have been received from the feed container in the measured intervals of time. A uniform feeding of material into the extruder will be ensured if granules and marginal strip material are supplied to the cyclone like container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Windmoller & Holscher
    Inventor: Richard Saatkamp
  • Patent number: 5145253
    Abstract: An integrated process blending apparatus which blends particulate material and also automatically controls the flow of material into the blender and out to the associated processing equipment. Load cells attached to the blender vessel are used to control the entry of material into the blender, while the pressure drop in the blender output pipe is used to control an output deflector to either remove or recycle material within the blender. The blender is also made more effective by dividing it into vertical compartments with separators which have angled portions preferably in their lower regions to cause different downward flow velocities in each compartment, and by creating a multistage blender by stacking sets of offset compartments one on top of another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Fuller Company
    Inventors: Kermit D. Paul, Leslie C. Bartholomew, John S. Szazdi, Jr., Gerald J. Labelle
  • Patent number: 5122315
    Abstract: In a gear pump assisted thermoplastic extrusion system, the speed of operation of the gear pump is adjusted in relation to fluctuations in both the rate of product output from the system and the rate of material input to the system to precisely maintain a desired weight per unit length of the extruded product within close tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Luwa Corporation
    Inventor: Dana G. Darley
  • Patent number: 5110521
    Abstract: A blender for plastic materials weighs a charge of virgin plastic pellets as they are added to a hopper, similarly weighs plastics regrind material as it is added to the hopper, calculates the weight of color material (or other additive) on the basis of the actual virgin material weight and the desired color percentage, calculates from the weight of color material and a calibration of a volumetric feeder the volumetric amount of color material needed and then dispenses the calculated volume of color material. The apparatus is hybrid, using weight ratio measuring devices for the primary components and a volumetric feeder for dispensing the additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Hydreclaim Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Moller
  • Patent number: 5102228
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the production of foamed material in which the material and foam are delivered to a mixer (12) in predetermined relative proportions. The apparatus comprises a mixer (23) for mixing a foam solution and air together, and a foam generator (26) for conditioning the air and foam solution mixture and delivering the resultant foam to the mixer. The foam generator (26) comprises a plurality of foam generating chambers connected in parallel, valves (28) being provided to control the flow of air and foam solution mixture through each of the generator chambers. The volume flow rate at which foam is delivered to the mixer (12) is monitored, and the valves are controlled to direct the air and foam solution mixture through one or more of the generator chambers in dependence upon the volume flow rate such that the flow velocity of the air and foam solution mixture within the chamber or chambers is within predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Thermal Structures Limited
    Inventor: Keith Vine-Lott
  • Patent number: 5087128
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and simultaneously weighing and integrating various nutritional supplements for subsequent blending with livestock feed grain. The apparatus includes a housing formed with a plurality of upper inlet openings and a lower outlet opening. A plurality of augers convey nutritional supplements from a storage area into the inlet openings. A plurality of weigh hoppers are pivotally mounted below the inlet openings on load cells. Weight indicators are electrically connected to the load cells and augers, and are interfaced with a computer, for controlling and coordinating the deposit of supplements from the augers, load cell weighing, and the pivotal dumping movement of the weigh hoppers. A funnel containing a plurality of deflectors is mounted within the housing below the weigh hoppers, and communicates at its lower end with a motor-driven flighted drum rotatably mounted within the housing, which in turn communicates with the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Robert J. Matthews Co.
    Inventors: James S. Matthews, Robert K. Matthews, Myron M. Martin
  • Patent number: 5087864
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electric motors for driving individual work objects, the apparatus including an electrical switch which is adapted to produce predetermined speed signals for the electric motor selected, a programmable controller disposed in signal receiving relation relative to the electrical switch and which is adapted to generate a predetermined signalling sequence in response to the signal received from the electrical switch, a variable speed motor drive electrically coupled with the programmable controller, and with the electric motor selected, the variable speed motor drive selectively driving the selected electric motor at a predetermined speed in response to the signalling sequence received from the programmable controller, and a sensor adapted to indicate the work performed by the electric motor whereby the electric switch may be selectively adjusted to control the operation of the electric motor selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Abel Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Abel
  • Patent number: 5076704
    Abstract: A material blender includes an inclined, axially rotatable drum which is capable of executing multiple functions related to blending of materials including weighing and conveying the materials. The materials, such as agricultural fertilizers are loaded at a lower end into the drum and are at the same time weighted by weigh cells supporting the apparatus. The materials are then conveyed in an annular space of the drum to an upper end of the drum. An end cover disposed at the upper end of the drum is selectively movable between an open and a closed position. When the end cover is in the closed position the materials are transferred at the upper end from the annular space to a central return tube from where they are distributed and blended with parcels of material moving in turn toward the upper end to also be so distributed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Highway Equipment Company
    Inventor: Richard D. Serbousek
  • Patent number: 5052811
    Abstract: Apparatus for blending a friction material includes a number of hoppers for holding components of the friction material, respectively, each of the hoppers having a discharge port for discharging the component. Screw feeders are connected respectively to the hoppers so as to transfer the components discharged from the discharge ports. Vibration feeders transfer the components, fed from the screw feeders, respectively. A plurality of weighing devices receive the components, fed from the vibration feeders, respectively, and weigh the components. The weighing devices have different weighing capacities. An agitator receives all the components from the weighing devices, and agitates the components. Each of the weighing devices is movable between each of the vibration feeders and the agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yozo Akatsu, Toshiyasu Ichimura
  • Patent number: 4991973
    Abstract: An electronic balance with scale on top having a drive means for a magnetic agitator which integral onto the balance scale. This enables the work steps of agitating and weighing to be performed simultaneously and by the same device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Gunther Maaz, Klaus Dardat, Alfred Klauer
  • Patent number: 4963031
    Abstract: A novel process and apparatus for discharging, on a batch basis, cement and water as a slurry or in the form of separate discharges of slurry and cement, where the materials so discharged contain a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of cement, is disclosed. A major quantity of water and all or a major quantity of the cement is mixed in a slurry mixer to produce a primary slurry. A major portion of the primary slurry is then discharged, and the remaining slurry mixed with the remaining quantity of water for discharge as a second slurry. A minor portion of the cement can optionally be added to a dry chamber for discharge therefrom. The slurry mixer and dry chamber, which are substantially closed systems, can be vented together, and then vented to atmosphere, so that air in the slurry mixer which is displaced during water and cement charging flows through the dry chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Alsur Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald O. Brown
  • 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: 4958934
    Abstract: A melting tank for melting a gelled substance charged therein. The walls of the tank are heating. A first agitating blade agitates the bulk of the gelled substance to promote heat exchange with the walls. A second agitating blade is located closely adjacent a screen separating the gelled substance from a port at the bottom of the tank that is left open during agitation. Thereby, the melt flows down the walls of the tank and flows through the screen to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Saito, Seiichi Yukawa, Takashi Sato, Kiyoyuki Ushirokozi, Nobutoshi Aoyagi, Tomio Suzuki, Minoru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 4947089
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electric motors for driving individual work objects, the apparatus including an electrical switch which is adapted to produce predetermined speed signals for the electric motor selected, a programmable controller disposed in signal receiving relation relative to the electrical switch and which is adapted to generate a predetermined signalling sequence in response to the signal received from the electrical switch, a variable speed motor drive electrically coupled with the programmable controller, and with the electric motor selected, the variable speed motor drive selectively driving the selected electric motor at a predetermined speed in response to the signalling sequence received from the programmable controller, and a sensor adapted to indicate the work performed by the electric motor whereby the electric switch may be selectively adjusted to control the operation of the electric motor selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Abel Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald B. Abel
  • Patent number: 4895450
    Abstract: Cement weighing and measuring apparatus includes a primary mixing chamber into which two different types of material are placed, and the materials are measured separately. The different materials are fed into the primary mixing chamber from two separate hoppers, a wet materials hopper and a dry materials hopper. The material in the wet materials hopper is measured by weight and the material in the dry materials hopper is measured by weight and volume. The wet and the dry materials are mixed together in the primary mixing chamber. In addition, other materials, such as foaming agents, bonding agents, etc., may be mixed in with the wet and dry materials in the primary mixing chamber. From the primary mixing chamber, the mixed materials flow outwardly and are conveyed ultimately into molds for curing before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Karl Holik
  • Patent number: 4889433
    Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Micro Chemical, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4881819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for preparing concrete mortar. In order to regulate the moisture content of the concrete mortar a sand sample is taken of the sand used. This sand sample is dried. The amount of water added to a concrete charge is regulated subject to the weight difference of the sand sample prior to and after drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Deltracon Deventer B.V.
    Inventor: Frederik C. Blees
  • Patent number: 4863277
    Abstract: A system for automated batch blending of materials such as liquid fertilizers is disclosed. Liquid and dry products are supplied to a product mixing holding tank by way of valve-controlled inlet lines. A control panel responsive to the weight of the material added to the holding tank regulates the operation of the valves and of a recycling pump which mixes the product. The system permits small quantities of product to be produced under automatic control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignees: Vigoro Industries, Inc., Junge Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Neal, David Junge
  • Patent number: 4850700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a coal/water mixture for combustion in a fluidized bed unit. To produce a hydraulically transportable coal/water mixture, crushed raw coal is preliminarily mixed with water in a first stage. This mixture is final mixed in a second mixing stage. The fine grain-size fraction required for the hydraulic transport is generated in the first mixing stage. The viscosity of the mixture present in the second mixing stage is determined, and as a function thereof additional water is added to the mixture in the second mixing stage, and/or the mixing process in the first mixing stage is altered in order to alter the fine grain-size fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: L. & C. Steinmuller GmbH
    Inventors: Eugen Markus, Hubert Steven, Raimund Croonenbrock
  • Patent number: 4839093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for continuous manufacture of an emulsion.A first liquid is brought to emulsion temperature and the components in suspension in the first liquid are brought to the state of second liquids able to be introduced into the first liquid. The components are brought in proportion in liquid form by means of a melting pot-dosimeter and maintained at the temperature of emulsion. The emulsion is carried out in an emulsion vat.Application to the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Paul Wenmaekers
  • 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: 4830125
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically weighing and introducing chemicals are intended to automatically weigh the chemicals and introduce the chemicals into a treatment tank; the chemicals are injected into a chemical container and weighted, and then transported to a dissolving tank adjunct to the treatment tank, and then introduced into the dissolving tank. A control means is provided to put under its control the operations of injecting into a chemical container a desired amount of desired chemicals selected from among plural sorts of chemicals and driving a transportments and an introducing means automatically in association with this injecting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignees: Kanebo Ltd., Hisaka Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Aoki, Michinobu Kaimori, Akira Aikawa, Akira Urakami, Gen Nishimura, Tohru Koide, Osamu Ishimaru, Masao Takigawa, Fumio Shirai
  • Patent number: 4830508
    Abstract: A measuring mixer for use with either liquids or powders in which different supply systems supply different stock liquids or powders to a receiving container from supply containers. A continuously variable flow regulator is associated with each supply container. The cumulative weight of the receiving container is measured and compared with a target weight. Then a computation section calculates a desired flow rate based upon both the deviation from the target weight and a time variation thereof. This calculation is preferably done according to fuzzy inference. The desired flow rate is then used to control a selected one of the flow regulators so that the measurement is sequentially performed between supply systems. Optionally, the receiving container can be movable between the different supply systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Higuchi, Keizo Matsui, Chuzo Kobayashi, Hiroshi Ohnishi, Shigeru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 4815042
    Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Micro Chemical, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pratt
  • 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: 4812048
    Abstract: The invention relates to a material feed device for an extruder. The material feed device has a storage container (4) suspended with provision for free movement on measuring members (3) of a mass throughput weighing device. The outlet (13) of the storage container (4) discharges into an inlet (5) of a feed unit (6) of the extruder. The outlet (13) and the inlet (5) are sealed off on the outside by a seal (16) enabling the storage container (4) to move freely in relation to the inlet (5). The seal comprises a rigid ring bearing via a sealing lip (17) against the outside of the tubular outlet (13) and borne via a sealing lip (18) on a flat sliding surface (15) of the inlet (5). While the sealing lip (17) bearing on the tubular outlet (13) enables the storage container (4) to make a vertical movement, the sealing lip (18) bearing on the flat surface (15) enables the storage container (4) to make a horizontal movement in both axes in relation to the inlet (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Inoex GmbH Innovationen und Austrustungen Fur Die Extrusionstechnik
    Inventors: Ulrich Neumann, Volkmar Wolfl
  • Patent number: 4795264
    Abstract: A concreting train consists of a plurality of wagons supporting a mixer, a multiple conveyor arrangement and separate containers for cement and aggregate. A container for cement has at least one integrated conveyor worm. All container wagons are provided with inclined conveyor belts which extend below the containers and overlap one another. On separate pathes aggregate and cement are supplied into a housing of the mixer wagon. The housing is supported on a weighing frame in order to additively weigh the mixing components. The housing contains a mixing shaft operatively connected with a drive motor. The housing is mounted for reciprocating movement along an inclined angled track in order to lift the housing on a higher level for discharging the concrete into a hopper of a concrete pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Messrs. Stetter GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Riker
  • Patent number: 4793711
    Abstract: In such batchwise production of a paving mix of mineral particles and bituminous binder, in which a coarse-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is first introduced in measured quantity into a container and then discharged through a discharge opening in the container, controlled by a discharge door into an asphalt mixer where the coarse-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is mixed with a batch of binder, whereupon the remaining, fine-grained portion of the mineral aggregate batch is introduced in measured quantity into the container and then discharged through the discharge opening into the mixer the time needed to discharge the fine-grained portion of the mineral material batch is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Karl G. Ohlson
  • Patent number: 4790665
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the quality of bread dough is provided. Instruments such as a strain gauge, a thermometer, a weighing device, and a pH meter are disposed, and values measured with these instruments are indicated on a display for monitoring.By comparing the temperature, weight, and pH values of the dough and strain caused on an agitator with control values stored in a computer, undesirable products can be eliminated and dough temperature can be adjusted during the kneading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Torahiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4786182
    Abstract: In order to produce pellets (22) in a pellet press following a recipe which is constantly being adjusted in order that the physical properties of the pellets are optimized in relation to the total production costs, a method is used where control is effected on the basis of a current sampling of the composition of the raw materials (28, 29) and of the pellets (37, 39), and on the basis of a current recording of the raw materials (30, 4, 5) and of the conditioning means (34, 38).In order to ensure this control a coordinating computer unit (23) is used with subordinate computer units for raw material control (24, 25), economy control (42), pellet manufacturing (26) and stock control (27), which produce signals to the coordinating computer unit (23) in order that same may be adjusted (45, 48) on a constant basis, whereafter the pellets are manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Inventor: Ebbe B. Larsen
  • Patent number: 4762422
    Abstract: The device provides for intercepting a determined quantity of the abrasive mixture used in cutting granite or hard stones from conduit (2) which introduces the mixture to the sawing machine by means of valve (3). The mixture then is collected in a dosing hopper (1) where the density and the viscosity are determined. Afterwards the mixture is washed with water and is weighed by means of device (11) so that the quantity of the metallic middlings may be determined. Finally, the discharge valve (4) is opened so that the mixture may be recycled to the conduit (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Inventor: Luca Toncelli
  • Patent number: 4747690
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the quality of bread dough is provided. Instruments such as a strain gauge, a thermometer, a weighing device, and a pH meter are disposed, and values measured with these instruments are indicated on a display for monitoring.By comparing the temperature, weight, and pH values of the dough and strain caused on an agitator with control values stored in a computer, undesirable products can be eliminated and dough temperature can be adjusted during the kneading operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Rheon Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Torahiko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4733971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. In one disclosed form, the apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates separately and sequentially into a weigh hopper for sequential, cumulative weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hopper are deposited into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weigh hopper is isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of the additive weights are obtained. A computerized control system controls the operation and sequencing of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: Micro Chemical, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Pratt
  • Patent number: 4725149
    Abstract: An automatic dissolving device for dyes or the like according to the present invention comprises:(1) an electromagnetic valve situated midway in a pipeline from a medium or stock solution tank to a dissolving or mixing vessel,(2) a turntable with a number of holes around the circumference to accept a number of dissolving or mixing vessels,(3) an electronic type balance below the turntable to weigh the dissolving or mixing vessels and one or more magnet-type stirring devices arranged below the turntable so as to stir the solution in the dissolving or mixing vessel, and(4) a mathematical operation control device, so as to enable the solution of dyes or the like accurately and automatically and under a sufficiently stirred state without requiring much time and skill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Kawakami Tekkosho, Nippon Kayauk Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taichi Kawakami, Hiroshi Shintate
  • Patent number: 4669886
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a mixture, such as mortar, with predetermined quantities by weight of the components, such as sand, cement and the like, a supply of which is present in container compartments 4, 5 of e.g. hopper 1. The container compartments are each connectable to a metering conveyor 11, 12 of the apparatus. The apparatus is further provided with a mixing vessel 13 having stirring means, the vessel being supported at least partly on force absorbers 14 of weighing means. The weighting means are coupled with control means 15 for successively putting into operation the metering conveyor means for the various components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: B.M.I. B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter E. van Beek
  • Patent number: 4667503
    Abstract: A calibration method for a volumetric metering and blending device which involves the use of a memory base to calculate and control the speed in which an auger dispenses each quantity of ingredient into a hopper. The method involves operatively connecting the memory base to each of a plurality of ingredient hoppers which include feed dispensing augers, with each ingredient hopper being in flow communication with a central weighing hopper. To pre-calibrate the desired speed for each auger necessary to dispense a premeasured quantity of feed into the central hopper, a premeasured quantity of feed is dispensed from each ingedient hopper into the central hopper with the number of turns of the auger being recorded in the memory base. This value is then converted into a revolutions per minute figure for each auger, and by regulating the speed of the feed dispensing augers, the correct ratio of ingredients is dispensed from each ingredient hopper into the central hopper for producing a feed mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: Monarch Specialty Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce J. Loos
  • Patent number: 4664028
    Abstract: A shipping drum containing liquid poloxalene is supported in tilted orientation on a platform scale, and a spigot at the lower end of the drum is operable to cause the poloxalene to flow through piping means and into a pressure vessel. The platform scale provides indication of the amounts of poloxalane received by the vessel. Subsequently, the vessel is sealed and pressurized to approximately 50-60 psi whereupon a valve is opened so that the poloxalene is directed out of the vessel and into a conduit means. A plurality of discharge orifices disposed in the conduit means overlie a dry feed mixer, and the mixer is operable to constantly agitate a quantity of solid carrier such as a vitamin and mineral supplement or, alternatively, a grain such as cracked corn or milo. The mixer provides relative motion between all of the carrier granules and the discharge orifices so that the poloxalene is evenly distributed over substantially all surfaces of the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Farmland Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Mattson
  • Patent number: 4664527
    Abstract: The feed mixing device of the present invention includes a sub-frame, a frame suspended on the sub-frame, and a polygonally-shaped drum rotatably mounted on the frame. A drive system is provided for rotating the drum and an auger assembly axially mounted within the drum. A hopper introduces feed into the drum while an adjustable discharge opening adjacent the end of the auger permits selective removal of feed from the drum. A plurality of rows of elongated mixing paddles are secured to the interior of the side wall of the drum such that the longitudinal axis of the paddles are angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum. The paddles within each row are staggered with respect to the paddles in adjacent rows. Convex, channel-shaped scoop blades are mounted to the rear wall of the drum and carry mixed feed to the auger as the drum rotates. A strain gauge is operatively connected to the suspended frame for sensing the displacement of the frame in response to loading of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: Schuler Mfg. & Equip. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dorland Schuler
  • Patent number: 4660990
    Abstract: Apparatus for weighing out powder and liquid and mixing the powder in the liquid comprising two receptacles (2 and 3, respectively) and a pump (8), which are connected to each other in a unit (1) which is suspended in a weighing machine (4). A desired quantity of liquid, which is determined by the weighing machine (4), is supplied to one (2) of the receptacles and a desired quantity of powder, which also is determined by the weighing machine (4), is supplied to the other receptacle (3). After that, the liquid is caused to circulate through the pump and the powder is let into the suction conduit (7) of the pump (8) and is thereby mixed in the liquid. The unit also includes a heat exchanger (14) which is connected to the pressure side of the pump (8) for thermal treatment of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval AB
    Inventor: Sven H. Svensson
  • Patent number: 4653568
    Abstract: A foundry process and associated apparatus for providing mixing of water, an additive, and a casting (investment) for the automated powder, which once mixed, are to be delivered to molds to form casting molds such as in the fabrication of microwave components (castings). The apparatus comprises a source of water, a source of additive and a source of the casting powder. There is provided a mixing bowl and automatic control means for coupling the water and additive to the mixing bowl and thereafter delivering the investment powder to the mixing bowl to provide for the thorough mixing of all of these components. The mixing bowl has associated therewith a manually operated valve which permits delivery of the mixed material into flasks disposed in a mixing chamber disposed under the mixing bowl. In accordance with the control provided in accordance with the invention, the mixing occurs initially without vacuum over a first predetermined period of time which may be on the order of 1-3 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Fabraze, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Baldelli
  • Patent number: 4544280
    Abstract: A grain handling system comprises a valve device for controlling a flow rate discharged from a downstream end of at least one flow passage. A volumetric weight measuring device measures the weight per unit volume of the grain delivered toward the valve device to generate a volumetric weight signal. A computer generates a control signal on the basis of the volumetric weight signal. A drive device drivingly connected to the valve device is operative in response to the control signal to drive the valve device so as to allow the grain discharged from the valve device to be controlled in terms of weight unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Satake Engineering, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zendo Mitsukawa
  • Patent number: 4544279
    Abstract: In a process for mixing and proportioning a plurality of mixing components, the latter are supplied in individually weighed manner to a continuous mixing process and the mixture is subsequently continuously removed in a proportioned manner. For this purpose, a mixer, metering feed means positioned upstream of the mixer and a continuously proportioning removal device positioned downstream of the mixer are provided. In order to ensure a troublefree addition and an accurately proportioned removal, the individual mixing components are in each case successively supplied in timed continuous manner to the mixing process, accompanied by the weighing of the total mixing material. During the feed pauses, the mixture is gravimetrically controlled and during addition is removed in volumetrically controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Assignee: Werner and Pfleiderer
    Inventor: Joachim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 4498783
    Abstract: In a process for mixing and proportioning a plurality of mixing components, the latter are supplied in individually weighed manner to a continuous mixing process and the mixture is subsequently continuously removed in a proportioned manner. For this purpose, a mixer, metering feed means positioned upstream of the mixer and a continuously proportioning removal device positioned downstream of the mixer are provided. In order to ensure a troublefree addition and an accurately proportioned removal, the individual mixing components are in each case successively supplied in timed continuous manner to the mixing process, accompanied by the weighing of the total mixing material. During the feed pauses, the mixture is gravimetrically controlled and during addition is removed in volumetrically controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer
    Inventor: Joachim Rudolph
  • Patent number: 4459028
    Abstract: The apparatus has a plurality of fluent-material-receiving chambers arrayed about a central, vertical pipe, and each chamber has a load beam extending therefrom. Gusset-type brackets, projecting from the pipe have slotted limbs through which the load beams pass, and opposite end of the load beams are coupled to load cells. Also, steel flexures are interposed between the limbs and the load beams pivotably to support the load beams thereon. Each beam has a counterweight fixed thereto, such counterweights being of weights which counterbalance the summed weight of its associated chamber and such components which are fixed to said chamber. Hence, weights of fluent materials introduced into the chambers can be directly read without there being a need to discount the chamber and components weight. Auger-type conveyors are provided for conducting fluent materials from each of the chambers to a blending tank. The latter has a mixing wand therein which is motor-driven to thoroughly mix the tank contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Lee Heydenreich
    Inventors: Stephen Bruder, Philip Higby, Edgar Roth
  • Patent number: 4435081
    Abstract: The invention relates to concrete mixing plant suitable for weighing and mixing at least two aggregate materials and cement inside a concrete mixer comprising a container to collect aggregate, weighing and/or dosing scale, a worm-screw to deliver cement, a concrete mixer or mixing machine means whereby the whole is borne by a plurality of legs and/or supports possibly to sustain a silo holding cement, and an elevator wheel suitable for receiving and premixing the aggregates, the wheel being located between the container collecting aggregate and the concrete mixer suitable for receiving the aggregates and cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Officine Riunite Udine Spa
    Inventor: Dino Del Fabbro
  • Patent number: 4433917
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically preparing a multi-ingredient mixture in batches in a mixing tank and providing a continuous supply of the mixture to a run tank in response to down stream demand. Gravimetric means provide monitoring signals indicative of the actual weight of the contents of each tank. Deviations from target ingredient ratios are automatically registered and compensated for in preparing each batch by logic control means which compare the actual weight of each ingredient added with a precalculated target weight, calculate target weights for the second and subsequently added ingredients on the basis of the actual amounts of ingredients added earlier and automatically activate the mixing tank outlet valve and the ingredient supply valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Jack M. Mendel, Carl C. Bomgardner, Robert W. Rack, Donald G. Scott, August W. Stritmater
  • Patent number: 4428679
    Abstract: A mixture which is used for the manufacture of electrodes and comprises dry material and electrode binding agent. The mixture is prepared in a system which is at least in part dust and gastight and such that the mixture is simultaneously stirred up or fluidized, degassed and homogenized, and treated thermally. In the course of such treatment further additions can be made to the mixture. The described procedure takes place mainly in mixers operating continuously or discontinuously, various arrangements and designs of mixer being possible.Fundamental to the thermal treatment is that the mixture can be cooled in a mixer such that the coolant vaporizes completely during the mixing.The thermal treatment is regulated by way of given operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: Werner K. Fischer, Felix Keller, Max Hanni