Abstract: An electromechanical, remotely operated Auxiliary Hoist Control and Precision Load Positioner system and device is disclosed utilizing a Radio Frequency Hand Controller transceiver Unit distal to a Radio Frequency Hoist Controller Transceiver Unit for raising and lowering a large, heavy, bulky, fragile, or expensive piece of equipment by very gradual means to avoid hang ups that might otherwise destroy or seriously damage the equipment.

Abstract: The system is for use in a front loader assembly for refuse vehicles, which include two spaced fork members which are secured to a cross-member, which in turn are supported by lift arms which move the load supported on the forks into the refuse truck. The system includes flexure beams which are formed by cutout portions in a sensing portion of each fork. The flexure beams are located symmetrically about a centerline of a sensing section of each fork, and alternate between two different lengths, with the flexure beams of each length being in alignment. Three sets of long cutout portions and 3 sets of short cutout portions are included, in addition to a central pair of cutout portions on which the strain gauges are mounted. The sensing section of the fork is configured to provide the necessary stiffness with the plurality of flexure beams therein.

Abstract: A fluid power load-clamping system includes at least one fluid valve for variably regulating the maximum fluid pressure causing closure of the clamp. Preferably the valve increases the maximum fluid pressure automatically in relation to the measured magnitude of the weight of the load to regulate the load-gripping force. A controller causes the valve to permit a relatively high maximum fluid pressure as the clamp closes toward the load to enable high initial clamp closure speed. Thereafter the valve automatically reduces the maximum pressure as the clamping surfaces close into a predetermined relationship with the load, and then increases the maximum pressure to regulate the gripping force. Other preferable features include continuous weight-responsive automatic regulation of the gripping pressure while the load is supported by the clamp, and compensation of the weight measurement for the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting mechanism, to maximize the accuracy of the load-weight measurement.

Abstract: A side dump box for dumping the ingredients of a feed ration into a feed mixing truck is provided. A side dump box is pivotally moved on a pair of upwardly and outwardly extending slides to enable the side dump box to be elevated from a lower position to an elevated position and then pivotally moved so that contents of the side dump box may be dumped into the interior of a feed mixing truck. The side dump box includes a plurality of load cells which indicate the amount of ingredients, by weight, placed in the interior of the side dump box.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: Information is exchanged between raw garbage liquefying devices and a central station so that the central station manages the liquefied raw garbage accumulated amounts in the respective raw garbage liquefying devices, selects raw garbage liquefying devices to be visited, and issues instructions for collection to a touring collection vehicle.

Abstract: The multicell apparatus (1) according to the invention is suitable for batchwise and in particular quasi-continuous operation, i.e. for the continuous processing of batches in rapid succession, for example for the preparation of readily free-flowing granules which are suitable for filling in capsules or sachets. The apparatus (1) is in particular a multifunctional system which combines the process steps of batch introduction (2), metering (3), mixing/granulation (4), drying (5), product cooling and product collection (6, 7) with one another in a very compact design. The individual batches are conveyed inside the apparatus through a product path which is hermetically sealed from the outside and in which an internal pressure lower than the ambient pressure may additionally prevail at least in sections. This, together with the cleaning nozzles (30) connected to a central cleaning system, permits contamination-free operation both with aqueous and with organic starting materials.

Abstract: A bulk material feeder is disclosed for improving material flow as the material makes the generally ninety degree (90°) transition from the downcomer to the generally horizontal conveyor. The downcomer presents an innermost divergent surface that extends upwardly from the discharge opening of the downcomer. The divergent surface may be defined by an inlet wall that is fit within the outer casing wall of the downcomer, or by the outer casing wall itself. The present invention also concerns the method of retrofitting an existing feeder with a divergent inlet.

Abstract: An automated yarn creeling method and apparatus for the textile industry. Preferably, the present yarn creeling system is used in the carpet tufting industry to automate, ultimately, the intelligent transfer of packages of yarn from the shipping pallets to the bullhorns of a creeler. The apparatus preferably comprises a service arm assembly, a vertical support, a base support, and automated weighing and control systems.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus and method for a high performance hoist for raising and lowering a load, and control apparatus and method for controlling the hoist such that its operation is responsive and intuitive for a human operator. The mechanical apparatus provides a reel for winding a cable, a ball-screw for translating the reel, and an encoder on the reel with which the height of the payload may be monitored. Also disclosed is an operator's handle comprising a movable sleeve with a damper as well as a spring to return it to its null position. The control apparatus and method provides for a handle-nulling mode in which the payload height is servo-controlled to follow the displacement of the operator's hand grasping the handle. The control apparatus further provides a float-mode in which the payload height is responsive to the operator's forces applied directly to the payload.

Abstract: A three-batch method for the precision loading of coal into the individual railroad cars of a moving train, and a loadout system implementing the method. For each railcar, three successive batches are made up and discharged from a single weigh bin. The loadout rate of a single-batch system is approached, but at a significantly reduced facility cost. The first batch is large enough to fill the front of the railcar and to establish a "plugged flow condition," allowing the second batch to be made up and discharged while maintaining a constant load profile in the railcar. After the weigh bin is emptied of the second batch, the third batch is made up and discharged. The third batch is made up with greater precision than the first and second batches.

Abstract: A fork lift truck includes a body, a drive mechanism supported on the body for effecting movement of the body, and a fork carrying assembly carrying forks which can be moved in height between a lowered position and desired raised positions. A tilt cylinder is provided for tilting the forks through a fork tilt range. The truck further includes a pressure sensor capable of generating signals indicative of the weight of a load on the forks, a fork tilt position sensor capable of being activated when the forks are tilted to extremes of the fork tilt range, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the drive mechanism, the pressure sensor and the fork tilt position sensor.

Abstract: A portable overhead bin comprising a plurality of adjacent frame members pivotally connected such that the frame members form a horizontal transport frame when in the lowered transport position, and further form an elevated overhead frame when the frame members are moved to a raised operating position. A bin is supported by the frame members. A hitch is attached at the front end of the transport frame for attachment to a towing vehicle and wheels are adapted to support the transport frame for movement by the towing vehicle. A transport vehicle may be positioned between two of the frame members and under the bin to receive the contents thereof through a bottom discharge. A force, either external to the invention or included therein, is applied to at least one frame member to raise the bin into the overhead operating position. A conveyor may be provided to convey material into the raised bin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible device for assisting a construction worker in erecting a framed wall. The device includes an elongated telescoping arm having a planar foot member at a first end thereof for vertically securing the arm to a floor. A first end of an elongated nylon strap is attached to a retraction mechanism on the arm. A second end of the nylon strap has a bracket thereon for securing to the top of a wall. The telescoping arm has a weight indication means for indicating to a user the weight of a wall being erected thereby. Accordingly, the strap may be secured to a horizontally oriented wall and the nylon strap is retracted causing the wall to pivot to a vertical position. The telescoping arm allows the device to be easily collapsed for transport or storage.

Abstract: A material supporting apparatus is disclosed for supporting and permitting delivery of the materials. The apparatus includes a chassis having a first and a second end. A container is mounted upon the chassis and a stabilizing device is interconnected between the container and the chassis. The stabilizing device is disposed between the container and the chassis for stabilizing the container relative to the chassis. A restraining mechanism extends between the chassis and the container for permitting limited vertical movement of the container relative to the chassis. Also, a weight sensing arrangement is disposed between the container and the chassis for sensing the weight of the container and the materials added thereto and for determining therefrom the weight of the materials within the container. Additionally, a coupling device is disposed between the chassis and the container and positioned remote from the stabilizing device for assisting the stabilizing of the container relative to the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the loading of flour at a mill having at least one filling nozzle, which communicates by way of at least one substantially stationary storage container, a silo or a hopper, and is so constructed that it can be coupled to several input openings of a vehicle to be loaded. In order to connect the filling nozzles to the various input openings of the vehicle to be loaded in succession (or simultaneously), the weighing assembly, which measures the weight of the vehicle together with its load, is constructed so that it incorporates a transport means, in such a way that by moving the vehicle its input openings can be connected in sequence to the filling nozzle for rapid loading of flour in a simple manner. The flour, in particular in a fluidized state, can be conducted though vertical chutes, increasing the control over the amounts loaded into the vehicle and decreasing the possibility of contamination.

Abstract: In order to increase safety of lift trucks, a weight indication for the driver is provided so that the driver may know how heavy a load he is handling,. This weight indication is obtained by measuring the current to the motor of the hydraulic pump. In order to eliminate the risk that monetary variations may result in faulty measurements preferably a mean value of current is taken for a certain time or the value of the measured current is added during a fixed time interval. Obtained values are then multiplied by a conversion factor so that the weight in, for instance, kilograms is obtained and delivered to a suitable display device. Obtained values also may be used to provide a warning by sound or light should the load exceed the maximum allowed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hopper discharging and charging plate conveyor with automatic weighing and apportioning device for bulk materials of all types, there being arranged in the conveying path of the plate conveyor (1) a weighing station (15) which is formed by a weighing bridge which is displaced on load cells (16) or the like and, during conveying operation, determines the bearing weight of the loaded conveying belt by way of repeated measurements. In order to achieve precise weighing results, the horizontal tensile forces of the drawing elements (6), which comprise flat-link chains for example, are isolated from the vertical bearing forces measured at the weighing bridge, this resulting from the fact that the drawing elements (6) are connected to the plate elements (7) of the plate conveyor so as to be freely movable to a limited extent in the vertical direction, and this connection preferably being made via transverse bolts with vertical play in the bolt holes.

Abstract: A method for maximizing the loading capacity of a wagon or wagon train when loading with pourable material from a silo. The method utilizes a computer which determines the type of wagon to be loaded on the basis of values obtained with sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A "corner"-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a "best" package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system for utilizing catalyst from a bulk supply located adjacent but not on the upper tube sheet of a catalytic reactor and for mechanized measuring of multiple identical quantities of catalyst and for mechanized loading of catalyst pellets into the reaction tubes of the reactor to achieve even drop rate, compaction and outage of the reaction tubes. From the bulk supply, multi-compartment catalyst charging hoppers are individually filled in rapid and accurately measured fashion by mechanized filling equipment having a predetermined sequence of operation that ensures accuracy of volumetric catalyst measurement. The charging hoppers are used for delivery of measured volumes of catalyst of a reactor tube loading mechanism which may take the form of a mobile cart framework being selectively positionable relative to the upper tube sheet and reaction tubes of a catalytic reactor to be charged with catalyst pellets.

Abstract: The invention is a harvester which is able to weigh harvested fruit. The harvester transfers the fruit from the harvester by a transfer conveyor. The weighing system is a first shoe and a second shoe supported on the end of the transfer conveyor. A load cell supports the second shoe and is used to determine the weight of the fruit in the second shoe. A linkage system is used to keep the first shoe and second shoe in desired relative positions as the transfer conveyor is moved up or down.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for handling of packages containing goods in a warehouse and for verifying contents of the packages includes conveying the packages through consecutive stations; performing a plausibility check on the packages by generating and outputting signals which are indicative of respective plausibility parameters, and inputting the electrical signals to the computer for effecting a plausibility determination, the plausibility check being composed of weighing the packages and outputting a signal indicative of weight; measuring volume of the packages and outputting a signal indicative of volume; and measuring at least one property of the goods contained in the packages and outputting a signal indicative of the at least one property; and inputting electrical signals outputted from the identifying and performing steps to the computer; comparing the respective signals inputted to the computer with respective predetermined data stored in the computer and generating a plausibility determination including

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of:(a) making a first charge of material into the first bin;(b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car;(c) making a second charge of material into the first bin;(d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight;(e) making a charge of material into the second bin;(f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.

Abstract: A system of modular attachments for a railcar or truck trailer to convert the trailer to various uses is disclosed. A system of compressed air driven locking pins allows the various modules to be readily secured to or removed from the trailer chassis. Air suspension shock absorbers permit the load to be weighed on the car or trailer.

Abstract: An order preparation method includes assembling, in a receptacle placed on an autonomous cart, articles listed in an order from a customer and stored in a warehouse. The unit weight of each article in stock is associated with an identification of this article and the receptacle is weighed after each article is deposited and the total weight of the articles deposited is deduced. This total weight is compared with a theoretical weight equal to the unit weight of the article to be picked multiplied by the corresponding quantity of articles, and a warning signal is emitted in the event that the total weight of the articles deposited is different, plus or minus a tolerance error, from the theoretical weight calculated.

Abstract: An apparatus has a transport mechanism for transporting mailpieces to a printing and weighing station. The apparatus also includes a weighing device; a printing mechanism operatively associated with the weighing device to form the printing and weighing station; a carriage assembly moveably mounted in the apparatus, the printing mechanism removeably supported on the carriage assembly to move therewith between the printing and weighing station and at least a second station; and structure to transfer complete support of the printing mechanism from the carriage assembly to the weighing device during movement of the printing mechanism into the printing and weighing station.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for storing objects in a storage block having identical storage places arranged behind, next to or above each other in the X, Y and Z directions and at least one lifting member associated to the storage block. Each storage place is equipped with a driving unit for moving the objects in the Y direction. Further driving units are provided for moving the objects in the X direction between the entrance area and the transfer side of the storage block. All successive rows in the X direction have at least one free storage place and one plane of the storage block is designed as a storage and return plane for empty pallets.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device, such as a forklift, is provided and is capable of dynamically measuring the weight of a load being lifted. A plurality of pressure measurements are taken during the lift for a period of time, which are stored in memory. A computer program is operated on by a microprocessor to process the pressure measurements to filter unwanted signals associated with vibration and other mechanical disturbances. The pressure samples processed by the computer program correspond to a portion of the lift during which acceleration of the forks has ceased, allowing a closer correspondence between the weight lifted and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid sensed.

Abstract: A device for emptying the contents of a bag into a hopper includes an arrangement for lifting the bag to a position higher than the top edge of the hopper, an arrangement for transporting the bag from an intermediate position in a frame to an unloading position including a retractable conveyor as the upper end of the bag is still engaged by the arrangement for lifting, an arrangement of cutters for cutting the lateral sides of the bag and the leading side of the bag to form a flap connected to the bag by the trailing side which flap will be opened by retracting the forward end of the retractable conveyor to allow the flap to open to discharge the contents as the bag is maintained by the arrangement for lifting over the hopper.

Abstract: The universal carrier of the present invention may be used to move and weigh heavy objects, such as drums or coils of metal or wire. This can be done by changing a removable member attached to the lift member of the universal carrier or by replacing both the removable and lift members with a single horizontally adjustable member. The removable members have different attachments which allow different types of objects to be moved. The universal carrier may include an optional force measuring device which allows the object to be weighed at the time it is moved.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, a robotic filter weighing system for weighing filters stored in sample holders which includes a sample cabinet which holds a carousel having a plurality of filter samples contained in a like plurality of sample holders and in which a robotic system is used for removing in turn each of the sample holders and sequentially placing each of the sample holders in a filter extraction station for removing the filter from its respective holder. The robot system then moves the extracted filter to a weighing system which calculates the weight of the particulate matter contained on the filter and then replaces the filter in its sample holder and replaces the sample holder back in the sample cabinet.

Abstract: An ice bagger comprises an ice maker, an ice bagging unit which includes an automatic sanitation system, and a merchandiser. The ice maker delivers particulate ice into a hopper housed within the ice bagging unit. The ice bagging unit includes a bag carrier which retrieves a bag from a bag supply and opens the bag underneath a delivery chute communicating with the hopper via an auger. A scale supports the bag during its filling to measure the weight of the ice delivered into the bag from the hopper. When the scale registers the desired amount of ice, the auger ceases to deliver ice from the hopper into the delivery chute. The ice bagging unit further includes a sealer arm and heating element wherein, after the bag is filled, the sealer arm pivots to detach the bag from the bag carrier and force both sides of the open end of the bag against the heating element. The heating element then activates to seal the bag closed.

Abstract: A system for conveying folded web and forming discrete stacks of folded web comprising a conveyor that receives a stack of folded output web from a web folder and separator. The conveyor drives the web from an upstream end, adjacent the web folder and separator, to a downstream end. A supporting surface, which can comprise a plurality of pivoting rails biased by a spring, selectively supports the web remote from and off of the conveyor so that a compressed stack can be formed adjacent the folder and separator. At selected times, the stack is moved by the supporting surface into communication with the folder and separator so that it can be conveyed downstream. An elevator platform can be located at the downstream location for receiving successive stacks thereon. The elevator ascends and descends so that the tops of the successive stacks are aligned with the conveyor for receipt of a further stack thereon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic quantitative filling of powdered or granulated samples for analytic measurement purposes as well as a shaking and holding device for sample substances utilized therefor with which precisely admeasured amounts of the sample substance can be filled into a measuring vessel. The shaking device permits the sample substance to be filled in a continuous, slow and defined flowing stream. The shaking and holding of the sample vessel transpires preferentially pneumatically.

Abstract: An automatic palletizer system loads a random set of different size and weight boxes onto a pallet without a prior knowledge of the boxes to be loaded. As the boxes pass along a conveyor belt on the way to the pallet, a weighing, dimensioning, and scanning station determines the weight, dimensions and contents of each box. A processor uses this information to continuously remap the optimal pallet configuration for the loading of the remaining boxes as the pallet is loaded. A queuing station, under direction of the processor, reshuffles the sequence of a limited number of boxes to improve the final pallet configuration. The pallet is loaded by a robot arm under direction of the processor.

Abstract: The feed device includes a platform (9) adapted to receive at least one mail item (4; 4A, 4B) laid flat on it and a plurality of rollers (10) each having a flat (10B). Said rollers are mounted to rotate under the platform to occupy alternately a first position in which they remain below the platform and a second position in which they project above the platform. A weight sensor (30) is mounted under the platform to carry it, said sensor being responsive to vertical displacement of the platform to deliver a signal (C) indicative of the load applied to it when the rollers are all substantially in said first position.

Abstract: The invention consists of an improvement to a four-wheel device used to lift drums with compressed air stored in an on-board storage tank without special straps, tools or clamps that allows the operator to lift the drum with no physical stress and to roll the drum to another location with minimum effort and allows force measuring (weighing) of the drum.

Abstract: A lifting device makes it possible to manipulate loads within a tight enclosure with an operator remaining outside the enclosure. The device includes a main arm fitted so as to slide in an opening of a wall surrounding the enclosure, by way of a hose or sleeve. An articulated beam is mounted so as to pivot at the end of the main arm. This pivoting action can be controlled by two parallel rods mounted within the arm. The device is applicable to, for example, the handling of heavy loads within tight enclosures in the nuclear field.

Abstract: A load receiving platform and cradle are mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis through approximately ninety degrees. A machine base is spaced upwardly from a floor surface by supports which may be embodied in load cells. A load receiving surface of the platform extends along a cantilever portion of the platform. A hydraulic cylinder, coupled to the cantilever portion of the platform, imparts rotational movement thereto. The hydraulic cylinder is part of a hydraulic system having lines communicating cylinder ends with a pressure source. One of the lines includes a piloted valve with fluid flow through the line being regulated by pilot pressure taken from the remaining line to control platform movement during an unbalanced condition of the platform.

Abstract: A helicopter external cargo suspension system (12) has load sensors (19,20) at each suspension point for sensing the magnitude of a load (32) at each suspension point. A delay period (FIG. 6) is determined based on the magnitude of the load, and a load is released if one of the following failure modes occurs for a period which exceed the delay period: one of the suspension points is unloaded, the magnitude of the load exceeds a maximum threshold magnitude, or if the distribution of the load, as indicated by the difference in magnitude at each suspension point, exceeds a difference threshold magnitude. If the magnitude of the load is below a minimum threshold magnitude, the load will be carried by one of the suspension points in response to a failure of the other suspension points.

Abstract: A flexible connector assembly comprising a flexible material which is substantially resistant to temperature and acid/solvent fumes, and a telescopic assembly comprising first and second upper end flanges, and first and second lower end flanges, wherein an inner sleeve is connected to the first upper end flange, a first outer sleeve is connected to the second upper end flange, and a second outer sleeve is connected to the second lower end flange, wherein the flexible material is disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeves.

Abstract: An unloading facility for receiving a particulate material, such as coal, from a vehicle, and then conveying the particulate material to another location. The unloading facility primarily includes a platform assembly for supporting the vehicle, a bin for receiving the particulate material from the vehicle located beneath the top surface of the platform assembly, a bin door and bumper assembly for covering the open upper end of the bin to permit the vehicle to be driving over the bin and for preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards into the bin, a product sampling assembly, a product analyzer, and a conveying system with divider gates for transporting the particulate material from the bin to one of a plurality of stockpiles based on information obtained regarding the particular material. The platform assembly includes a scale for supporting and weighing the vehicle adjacent the forward and rearward ends of the bin so that the weight of the particulate material can be determined without moving the vehicle.

Abstract: A vertical forage mixer is of a unibody-type construction to provide an especially strong and durable unit. The major components of the vertical forage mixer are secured-together, typically by welding, so that the various components are combined and tied together into a structure in which there is no need to isolate one component from any of the other components. A detachable weigh bar and hub combination assembly can be provided. A discharge conveyor can be included which features an adjustable conveyor run for varying discharge locations. A comb assembly can be associated with the discharge conveyor in order to facilitate even outflow of mixed forage or removal of foreign materials. A scroll assembly is also provided which is of a cantilevered variety and which is especially durable and facilitates aggressive mixing, including cutting when desired.

Abstract: A pallet truck has a rigid frame mounting a plurality of load cells. Ball and socket coupling devices are connected to the load cells and support a platform assembly. The frame and platform assembly are able to be elevated to lift and support an object to be weighed on the platform assembly. The ball and socket coupling devices enable the platform assembly to shift laterally to dissipate lateral forces and then restore the platform assembly to a position wherein the weight of the object is transmitted along associated load axes of the load cells for accurately measuring the weight of the object.

Abstract: An automated system for loading, unloading and storing articles from a roy store, and for transporting them into a work area by a self-powered trolley vehicle provided with gripping members; the self-powered vehicle and the rotary store (10) are each provided with interactive computer units which can communicate with each other by a wireless connecting system comprising directional data receiving and transmitting units to provide the computer unit of the rotary store with article storing data received by the computer unit of the self-powered vehicle from a central control unit.

Abstract: A charging apparatus for finely ground particulate materials such as drugs or vitamin concentrates to supplement animal feed and the like, enabling control of the materials, accounting of the particulate materials being dumped and inhibiting exposure of workers to the materials, comprising an integral assembly having a suction fan above the hopper into which the material is dumped through an inlet opening, and bag filters between the hopper and the suction fan, as well as between the inlet opening and the suction fan. These bag filters collect air-entrained material dust into a layer which is discharged into the hopper by a momentary reverse flow of air through venturi nozzles to reclaim the material. The contents to be dumped can be weighed accurately and dumped in a fashion meeting OSHA standards and FDA requirements. The unit preferably is on tracks movable from one bin to the next.

Abstract: A cable crane system includes a main cable stretched between two points, a transverse trolley traveling along the main cable, a traction cable for driving the trolley, a bucket hung by a hanging cable, a transverse winch for driving the traction cable for driving the trolley between a transportation start position to a transportation end position, a vertical winch for retracting and extracting the hanging cable for lifting the bucket up and down, and driving means for the transverse and vertical winches.

Abstract: A method for loading a moving railroad car from front to back with a target weight of particulate material from a loading unit having a silo and first and second weigh bin, which bin means have a combined material weight capacity of less than the target weight, the method comprising the steps of: (a) making a first charge of material into the first bin; (b) discharging a first quantity of material from the first bin into a forward portion of the car; (c) making a second charge of material into the first bin; (d) discharging a second quantity of material from the first bin into a rearward portion of the car, wherein the weights of the first and second quantities are determined and, as a combined weight, is less than the target weight; (e) making a charge of material into the second bin; (f) discharging from the second bin into the car a topping quantity of material equal in weight, to within about 0.

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.