Abstract: A measuring apparatus, for instance an analytical balance, can set parameter values for performing specific measuring tasks and/or for effecting communication with an operating person. Sets of such parameter values are stored as profiles. The measuring apparatus is equipped with a recognition device, for recognizing an operating person and activating a stored profile assigned to that person.

Abstract: Mass of a payload delivered to a water-borne vessel is provided with high accuracy and without the need for human measurement or the need for personnel to enter the water. The draft of the vessel in an unloaded or empty condition is compared to a loaded or loading condition. A plurality of sensors positioned about the perimeter of the vessel's deck at a height above the waterline produce signals representative of their height above the waterline. These signals are then transmitted to a processor, which calculates the volume and mass of the payload utilizing volumetric equations and the payload's known density. In one embodiment, the sensors are coupled to radio transmitting devices that transmit the signals to the processor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a load includes monitoring an initial state output signal and a current state output signal generated by one or more load sensors positioned about a load storage device. The initial and current state output signals are compared to determine changes in the load positioned upon the load storage device.

Abstract: Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.

Abstract: A vehicle information system has a first load sensor for generating a first load signal based on a first vehicle load. A first position sensor generates a first position signal based on a position of a vehicle axle. A second position sensor generates a second position signal based on a position of a vehicle kingpin. A memory unit stores vehicle optimization data. An evaluation unit is in communication with the first load sensor, the first position sensor, the second position sensor and the memory unit. A general user interface for receiving input is also in communication with the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit makes an evaluation of the first load signal, the first position sensor, the second position signal, and any input and generates a vehicle optimization instruction relating to a distance between the axle and the kingpin.

Abstract: A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting the weight of the useful load of a commercial vehicle, comprising sensors which detect the amount of vehicle load produced by said useful load, in addition to a data memory that records information detected by said sensors. The sensors are designed to detect vertical acceleration. The invention also relates to a method for determining the useful load of a commercial vehicle, whereby the signals from the sensors that register the weight of the load of the commercial vehicle or the weight of a component receiving said useful load are supplied to the data memory either immediately or in a prepared form in order to detect vertical acceleration.

Abstract: The method for determining the mass of a vehicle comprises at least two measurements (6, 8) offset in time within a measuring period by which are determined respectively at least one traction variable (2) and at least one movement variable (4) of the vehicle, one of the two measurements (8) being effected during a traction-free phase and the other of the two measurements (6) during a traction phase. According to the invention, it is proposed that each of the two measurements comprises one data collection period (6, 8) the duration of which is longer than a minimum duration, that the traction variable corresponds to the timed integral of the traction and the movement variable to the change of speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A process for removing a modulation sinusoidal error from signals of a rotating load cell measuring forces and/or moments with respect to a non-rotating orthogonal coordinate system includes mounting the load cell to the rotating object and obtaining a first set of signals from the load cell, wherein at least one signal of the first set of signals is indicative of a load as the object rotates. A characterization of a modulation error is obtained from the first set of signals. The modulation error is a periodic signal having a frequency greater than and proportional to a frequency of revolution of the load cell. A second set of signals is obtained from the load cell pursuant to object loading. A modulation error in the second set of signals is calculated as a function of the characterization of the modulation error from the first set. The calculated modulation error in the second set of signals is subtracted from the second set of signals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for providing for the mass of a payload delivered to a water-borne vessel with high accuracy and without the need for human measurement or the need for personnel to enter the water. The draft of the vessel in an unloaded or empty condition is compared to a loaded or loading condition. A plurality of sensors positioned about the perimeter of the vessel's deck at a height above the waterline produce signals representative of their height above the waterline. These signals are then transmitted to a processor, which calculates the volume and mass of the payload utilizing volumetric equations and the payload's known density. In one embodiment, the sensors are coupled to radio transmitting devices that transmit the signals to the processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method capable of measuring a weight load of an inflamed foot of a lab animal objectively and precisely while the lab animal is walking freely in a non-binding state is provided. A pathway sized depending on a size and a stride of the lab animal is provided in a weight load measuring apparatus, and a weight sensor is attached to a bottom of the pathway. Thus, artificial operations to be applied to the lab animal walking the pathway can be minimized such that the weight load exerted in the inflamed foot can be measured objectively and precisely with time periods.

Abstract: The present invention is configured to determine the weight of a payload of a mobile machine. When the machine is in motion, a force characteristic of the machine is compared with a force characteristic threshold, or range. The payload determination is based upon the force characteristic comparison, and the pressures sensed in at least one of the struts.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for achieving accurate measurement of true weight of a load by use of a weight measuring device which has the ability to be tilted by the operator about an axis, such as, but not limited to, a scale which is built into a forklift vehicle. The accurate measurement of true weight is achieved by tilting the load through a range of angles of inclination that includes horizontal, about an axis running transverse to the forklift truck. Load force data from the weight measuring device is sent to a processor as the load is tilted. The processor filters out “noise” and uses the highest load force reading to calculate the true weight of the load. The present invention is further able to use the information obtained from the weight measuring device to determine the angle of inclination of the load at any given time.

Abstract: A method is provided for promoting compliance by a vehicle operator with a payload standard for a vehicle. The payload weight of the vehicle is determined. The payload weight is compared with the payload standard to determine if the payload weight is compliant with the payload standard. The operation of the vehicle is then limited if the payload weight is not in compliance.

Abstract: Data processing systems and methods for recommending vehicles for transporting defined sets of items such as furniture or other property. A user interface allows a user to define characteristics of a transport load. Characteristics include, for example, volume, weight, and quantity of items to be loaded. Defined load characteristics are used in conjunction with additional factors such as, for example, local vehicle availability and/or predicted user packing efficiency, by the data processing system to determine a recommended vehicle or vehicle capacity, and to designate a preferred vehicle from an available inventory. Optionally items may be designated as constituting part of a vehicle load through user selection of system-defined or user-defined graphical representations of the items through using a computer interface controller, and “dragging and dropping” into a load designation field on a graphical interface.

Abstract: A system for measuring payload is integrated into the cargo carrying bed of a vehicle. The vehicle bed is formed from a plastic material and includes a body member that is supported on a vehicle frame. At least one sensor assembly is molded within the body member. The sensor is positioned over the vehicle frame and generates a weight signal representative of weight of the payload supported on the body member. A central processor receives the weight signal and transmits the weight signal to a vehicle driver. The weight signal can be used to activate a warning device if the payload exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus for interfacing a statistical process control system with a manufacturing control system. A manufacturing model is defined. A processing run of semiconductor devices is processed in a manufacturing facility as defined by the manufacturing model. An advanced process control analysis is performed on the processed semiconductor devices. A statistical process control analysis is performed on the processed semiconductor devices. The manufacturing facility is modified in response to the advanced process control analysis and the statistical process control analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to perform viscosity compensation for a payload measurement system of a machine. The machine has at least one cylinder for elevating a payload carrier. The cylinder is connected to a fluid circuit having an actuating fluid. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a first payload. Then a plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a second payload. In addition a parameter indicative of the fluid viscosity associated with the first and second lift is established. A plurality of pressure values of the actuating fluid are sensed during a lifting of a third payload, and a parameter indicative of the viscosity of the actuating fluid associated with the third lift is established. A payload weight of the third payload is then determined in response to the viscosity indicative parameters, and the sensed plurality of actuating fluid pressure values.

Abstract: The multiple load sensing multi-load cell scale is described that provides improved utility to scales with multiple decks that share load cells near supports so that more than one load may be determined at the same time on a single scale. In more detail, the scale uses the sectional sensitivities to load movement on the scale decks, load position and individual normalized load cell outputs to provide separate load magnitude measurements on these individual decks. According to the present invention, more than two load cells associated to form a single scale provide outputs that are converted to individual digital representations of the relative force magnitude on each. These magnitudes are related to the effective location of each load cell to provide the load centroid location on the scale when the sum of the products of the effective location and magnitude of each is divided by the sum of the magnitudes.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a load in a container (16) being towed or carried by a tractor or other vehicle. The device comprises a top link (30) connecting a part (28) of the container to a tool frame (26) or the like of a tractor or other towing vehicle. The tension in the link is dependent on the weight of the load in the container, and a load cell (36) comprising an array of strain gauges is provided to measure the tension in the link and provide an indication of the tension at a position remote from the link, for example in a tractor cab.

Abstract: A peanut combine towed and powered by a tractor during harvesting includes a collection basket having a basket support frame mounted on the top of the combine by four load cells. A respective load cell is located beneath each lower bottom corner of the base of the collection basket between the support frame and a support member, such as a steel support channel, fastened on the top of the combine. The load cells produce analog data signals representative of weight of the collection basket at any given instance as the crop is harvested. The load cells transmit data analog signals to a data acquisition system (DAS) via a summing device and anti-aliasing filter. The DAS includes a CPU and an analog to digital converter to convert the analog load cell data to digital signals and digitally filters the digital signal to reduce signal noise resulting from harmonic vibrations of the combine straw walker mechanism for further processing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining a mass of a payload in a work machine. The work machine has a chassis, a cab coupled with the chassis, and a boom coupled with the cab. A first actuator is coupled with the boom and the cab and moves the boom relative to the cab. The work machine has a stick coupled with the boom, and a second actuator coupled with the stick and the boom that moves the stick relative to the boom. The work machine also has a bucket operable to receive the payload. The bucket is coupled with the stick, and a third actuator is coupled with the bucket and the stick and moves the bucket relative to the stick. A first joint angle of the boom relative to the cab is determined at at least two instances in time. A second joint angle of the stick relative to the boom is determined at at least two instances in time. A third joint angle of the bucket relative to the stick is determined at at least two instances in time.

Abstract: An estimate of the weight of goods within a household is provided without physical inspection of the household by an estimator, based on certain measurable quantities related to the household. A server transmits to a customer a questionnaire requesting specific data items that are predictive of the weight of goods within the customer's household. The server then receives from the customer a completed questionnaire and utilizes this data to estimate the weight of goods within the customer's household. The server may obtain additional data from a local database or a remote database, and use this additional data in conjunction with the data in the completed questionnaire to estimate the weight of goods within the customer's household.

Abstract: Method and system for determining aircraft weight-related data. Strain sensors are affixed to aircraft support struts to generate signals related to strut strain. Tensioning apparatus applies known tension to the struts and computing apparatus calculates a calibration matrix relating loads to the strain sensor signals. The computer calculates the weight-related data from the calibration matrix and strain sensor signals.

Abstract: An inventory control apparatus includes a support and a pressure sensitive device underlying the support, whereby a gross value is provided for the pressure exerted collectively by all inventory positioned on the support. A microprocessor is preprogrammed with an individual value that represents a single unit inventory unit. The microprocessor divides gross value as indicated by the pressure sensitive device by the individual value to determine the number of units of inventory remaining on the support.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of prediction time-series continuous data in which the data is accurately predicted based on measuring points and measured values at the measuring points of the data. From past measuring points t0 to t3 before a prediction point t4, a closest measuring point t3 which is closest to the prediction point t4 is sampled. Past n measuring points before the closest measuring point t3 are also sampled. Subsequently, a predicted value Q4 is determined from an interpolation formula f(t), which can derive a measured value Q3 at the closest measuring point t3 from the closest measuring point t3, i.e., Q3=f(t3) which is prepared from the past n measuring points, the measured values, the prediction point t4 and the predicted value Q4. The method can be implemented in a controller.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the weight distribution on a vehicle includes measuring characteristic values of axles, comparing the measured values with expected values, and when the measured values differ from the expected values, sending warning signals that the vehicle may be experiencing a problem. The method of monitoring the weight distribution on a vehicle is used to determine the weight shift of cargo on the vehicle. The present invention allows the driver to check the weight distribution on the vehicle while operating the vehicle. Characteristic values include any value of the axles that are indicative an effect of weight on the vehicle. Such characteristic values may include acceleration, deceleration, stress, strain, and, of course, weight. Detectors measure the characteristic values on axles of a vehicle and send value signals to a control which receives the value signals, performs computations based on the measured values, and compares the computations with expected values of the axles.

Abstract: An ultrasonic distance measuring system for monitoring railroad car loads. The system includes an ultrasonic transducer, a pulse generation and detection circuit and a measurement circuit. The transducer produces a transmitted ultrasonic pulse beam to be directed at a load in a railroad car and receives a return pulse beam from the load. The pulse generation and detection circuit is coupled to the transducer and causes the transducer to produce the transmitted pulse beam. A return pulse beam is detected by the pulse generation and detection circuit. The measurement circuit is coupled to the pulse generation and detection circuit and generates a measurement signal representative of the load as a function of the time delay between the transmitted and return pulse beams.

Abstract: A weighing material on a moving platform by compensating for acceleration of the material and a variable slope of the platform. The system includes at least one weighing load cell and a reference load cell. The weighing load cell generates an output signal associated with a force applied to the weighing load cell by the material. The reference load cell is coupled with a reference mass, and provides the data from which a compensation multiplier can be calculated. The compensation multiplier is a value that is used to adjust the output of the weighing load cells to compensate for acceleration and variable slope, thereby generating the actual weight of the material. In order to calculate the compensation multiplier, an zero offset value of the reference load cell is determined prior to taking weight measurements of the material. The weighing systems can be used with substantially any moving vehicle that carries a material.

Abstract: A method and device for electronically controlling inventory utilizing multiple modularized integrated load cell weight indicating devices. An inventory monitoring system is provided having a central system controller and one or more modules. Each module includes a master integrated load cell weight indicating device having a microprocessor based controller, a communications controller, a A/D converter, and a weight indicating device. Connected to each master integrated load cell is one or more slave integrated load cell weight indicating devices not utilizing any separate communications controller or microprocessor-based controller. In practice, communications are implemented utilizing a data structure indicating a module address, a individual weight indicating device subaddress and a command and passed between the central system controller and the module. Both the integrated master and slave load cell include only a top platter and a load cell, with no base structure supporting the load cell.

Abstract: A method of pre-planning and loading of aircraft before physically loading pallets on the aircraft is disclosed. An identifier is entered into a processor to identify an aircraft to be loaded. Based on the identifier, a data file relating to the loading limitations of the aircraft to be loaded is retrieved from the database. Data regarding the amount of fuel upon departure is entered, as well as the weights of pallets to be loaded into pallet positions. A user selects a first option for calculating within the processor the optimum location of pallets and pallet positions to obtain the optimum center of gravity balance of the aircraft, or the user selects a second option for determining if the center of gravity of the aircraft based on the entered location of pallets and pallet positions are within the center of gravity limits of the aircraft.

Abstract: A platform scale (10) includes a signal processor (22) operable to perform statistical analyzes such as least squares or other mathematical analyzes such as successive approximation of the load signals from the respective load cells (14) supporting a platform (12) in order to produce load position correction factors used in determining the weight of a load on the scale (10).

Abstract: Square bales are produced by a baler having a pressing passage from which emerges a succession of the bales that travel rearward from the press passage over an output chute and fall off a rear edge of the chute from the baler. The bales are weighed by continuously monitoring the downward force with which the bales bear on the chute rear edge, continuously calculating an average of the monitored force, establishing as an individual bale weight the calculated average each time it peaks before a bale drops from the chute rear edge, and storing the individual bale weights.

Abstract: A control system including a weight sensing mechanism for sensing weight of the material in a bucket of an earth moving machine and a logic mechanism for receiving the weight signals for the material in the bucket from the weight sensing mechanism and then determining a total summed weight of the material for a total number of capture, lift, and dump cycles needed to capture, lift and dump a predetermined weight of the material with the bucket and then generating various command signals based on the weight signal from each capture, lift and dump cycle and the total summed weight for the total number of capture, lift and dump cycles. In addition, there is a hydraulic implement controller for controlling hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic tilt cylinder and the hydraulic lift cylinder in response to the command signals thereby controllably actuating the bucket of the earthmoving machine in order to capture, lift and dump material.

Abstract: Weight sensors coupled to the bed of a conventional haulage truck measure the weight applied to each tire strut as the truck is being loaded. Based on the weight applied to each strut, the exact position of the center of gravity of the load in the truck's bed is calculated and displayed on a monitor relative to a target position deemed optimal for uniform weight distribution. Based on this information, the operator of the loading machine can complete the loading operation in such a way as to shift the center of gravity toward the chosen target position. In another embodiment of the invention, an automated algorithm calculates and displays where the next bucket load should be dropped, based on its approximate weight, in order to shift the center of gravity toward the target location.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle is provided with means for continuously sensing the weight of an accumulated payload and a GPS navigation system (18). Weight and positional information, and optionally also sensed vehicle speed, are analysed in an analysis/display unit (14) and a map generated of e.g. weight/hectare. The principal application is an agricultural trailer with payload weight sensors (15), towed by a tractor with GPS and analysis systems. A map of yield of e.g. a root crop may be generated as the crop is harvested and continuously deposited into the trailer as it moves along.

Abstract: An indirect suspended load weight measuring system that is suitable for use with an excavator that has a moving load bucket rotating about a swing axis. The load bucket has a load therein, and the excavator has a swing drive motor for rotating the bucket, and a hoist rope for supporting the load bucket. The system comprises a torque determination circuit for determining a torque of the swing drive motor and for outputing a motor torque signal having a parameter representative of an instantaneous motor torque. A radius sensing circuit senses a radius of the load bucket with respect to the swing axis and provides a radius signal. A speed sensing circuit determines an angular speed of the load bucket with respect to the swing axis and provides an angular speed signal. A computation circuit responsive to the instantaneous torque signal, the radius signal and the angular speed signal, computes a weight of the moving load.

Abstract: A carrying weight computing apparatus serves to compute a carrying weight of a vehicle on the basis of the outputs from a plurality of weight sensor arranged apart from each other at least in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle. The carrying weight computing apparatus includes a deflective load setting unit for setting the deflection of load applied to the vehicle, and a carrying weight computing unit for computing the carrying weight on the basis of the deflection of load set by said deflective load setting unit so that the deflection of load and the carrying weight can be computed from the outputs from said weight sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor ton-miles-per-hour on a plurality of tires on a mobile machine as the mobile machine hauls a load by determining the weight of the load on the tires, determining the ground speed of the mobile machine, and compensating for uneven distribution of the load on the tires. The ton-miles-per-hour is calculated for each tire as a function of the load distribution and the ground speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of a load carried by a vehicle is provided wherein the vehicle has a tractor, a trailer, and a fifth wheel assembly attached to the trailer for connecting said trailer to said tractor, the trailer having an axle, and the apparatus comprising a system, located on the trailer, for measuring the weight of the trailer and for generating a weight value, and a system, located within the trailer, for displaying the weight value. The measuring system comprises a first weight sensing means located within the fifth wheel assembly for producing a first weight signal, a second weight sensing means located within a first end of said trailer axle for producing a second weight signal, a third weight sensing means located within a second end of said trailer axle for producing a third weight signal, and means for combining said first, second and third weight signals to produce said weight value. A method for measuring the weight of a load carried by a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for for indicating load weight of a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes a fluid pressure sensor, such as a transducer, associated with a fluid pressure line of a vehicle for producing a plurality of fluid pressure signals representative of a corresponding plurality of load weights and a load weight indicating device responsive to the sensor for indicating a plurality of load weight levels. The load weight indicating device includes a memory for storing a calibration signal representative of a predetermined load weight limit level and a comparator in communication with the memory and the sensor for comparing the calibration signal to the plurality of fluid pressure signals. The device also preferably includes a plurality of indicators responsive to the comparator for indicating at least two load weight levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the die attach material adhesive weight in an in-line manner is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize two weight platforms at pre-dispense and post-dispense positions of an assembly line carrying lead frames. The two platforms weigh the lead frames to obtain pre-dispense and post-dispense weight measurements. These measurements are used by a logic circuit to calculate the weight of the adhesive. The logic circuit upon detection of an inappropriate adhesive weight can sound an alarm, stop the assembly line or automatically adjust a dispenser to administer the appropriate amount of adhesive.

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: A deadweight calculating apparatus including a deadweight calculating section for calculating deadweight of a vehicle provided with a start assisting unit for urging and pressing drive wheels to a road surface in response to signals output from sensors arranged to measure loads and attached to the vehicle. The apparatus further includes an assisting operation detection section for detecting whether or not the drive wheels are being urged and pressed to the road surface by the start assisting unit, and a calculation interrupting section for causing the deadweight calculating section to interrupt a calculation of the deadweight of the vehicle during a period in which the assisting operation detection section detects a fact that the drive wheels are being urged and pressed to the road surface by the start assisting unit.

Abstract: A method for determining a total weight supported by the suspension system of a vehicle in motion starts by obtaining information sufficient to calculate a representative value of a spring constant for the suspension system of the vehicle. Measures are then obtained of the vertical acceleration of the center of mass of the vehicle over a period of time, and these are analyzed to identify a frequency of vertical oscillation of the vehicle. This frequency, together with the spring information, is used to determine an estimate of the total weight supported by the suspension system of the vehicle. Preferably, the measure of vertical acceleration is obtained by processing outputs of at least three motion sensors attached to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the motion sensors include one linear sensor deployed to measure vertical motion information for a part of the vehicle and two angular sensors deployed to measure pitch and roll information for the vehicle.

Abstract: The device (10) for determining a weight of a load in a working vehicle has a link device (12) including an upper link member (16), a lower link member (17) and a load holder (15) that moves the load up and down by means of a hydraulic cylinder (21) so that a height of the load is variable or adjustable, a pressure sensor for generating a pressure signal depending on the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinder (21) and a position sensor for generating a position signal depending on the position of the link device relative to the working vehicle. From the signals of both sensors and also, optionally, signals from a pitch sensor measuring the pitch angle of the working vehicle, a processor (26) determines the size of the suspended load (11) and its weight change, since it determines measured values sets for three unknown variables, weight (G) and center of gravity position (r.sub.SP, .alpha..sub.SP), advantageously in at least three different measurement configurations or positions of the link device (12).

Abstract: An automatic door system includes a door which id driven to open and close by a motor. A sensor senses an object which approaches or leaves the door. A control section controls the motor in accordance with a signal supplied from the sensor. The control section includes a CPU which examines the motor, the sensor and the control section for failure or malfunction, and also an EEPROM which stores the result of examination made by the CPU. The result of examination stored in the EEPROM is outputted to a Handy Terminal or a personal computer.

Abstract: A load calculated at the time of completion of cargo loading is detected and held to prevent a calculation output from being changed even when an output of load detection means changes due to a temperature change, thereby preventing the calculation output from being changed as far as a load weight is not changed. Further, at the time of reloading, the held calculation value is corrected according to the calculation value corresponding to a difference between the output value of the load detection means immediately before the reloading and the output value thereafter of the load detection means, thereby calculating the load weight at reloading while eliminating effects of temperature changes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving accurate positioning of freight in a freight receptacle, without requiring skill on the part of the material handling equipment operator. The method and apparatus uses specially marked forms, a Freight Placement Index, and can be used in conjunction with a computer software program, computer, and a scale/scanner. The computer program identifies the correct load position, with respect to the Freight Placement Index inside the freight container after the load description has been entered into the computer. The scanner/scale enter the height, width, length, and weight of load materials. One method is for the load planner or material handling equipment, operator to input information about freight i.e. by use of a computer program and the scale/scanner unit. This program instructs the operator to position the load respective to the Freight Placement Index inside of the freight container or receptacle.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus are disclosed for dynamically determining the efficiency of blast design parameters at a mine site from measured machine loader characteristics whereby a microprocessor system receives signals indicative of power train and work implement linkage measurements and develops diggability ratio indices therefrom to ascertain the blast design efficiency.