US3643752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for controlling product charge weights
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1968-11-14
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Granted: 1972-02-22
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Expires: 1988-11-14
Abstract
Abstract A method of controlling the weights of product charges and reducing product giveaway is provided wherein a predetermined percentage of charges are deliberately held underweight so that a high percentage of the charges are delivered at a weight near the minimum acceptable level. The underweight charges are then brought up to weight by adding additional product so that all charges are delivered at weights above the minimum. A method for maintaining the predetermined percentage of underweight charges are compared to determine whether the predetermined percentage is being maintained and a resultant control signal produced to increase or decrease the amount fed where the percentage is not maintained.
Inventors
- 👤 Stewart B Blodgett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 20:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G15/00; G01G13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus comprising a first receptacle, first feeder means for feeding product to said first receptacle, weighing means for providing a signal when the weight of the charge in said first receptacle has reached a predetermined value, a second receptacle for receiving the contents of said first receptacle, weighing means for determining the weight of the charge in said second Receptacle, control means responsive to the weight of the charge in said second receptacle for providing a signal when the weight of the charge is below a predetermined level, second feeder means responsive to said control means for bringing the weight of the charge in said second receptacle at least up to said predetermined level, means responsive to the actuation of said first feeder means for counting the total number of charges produced, means responsive to said control means for providing an indication of the number of charges falling below said predetermined level, and means for maintaining a preselected ratio between the total number of charges and the number of charges falling below said predetermined level.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
176 words
An apparatus comprising a first receptacle, first feeder means for feeding product to said first receptacle, weighing means for providing a signal when the weight of the charge in said first receptacle has reached a predetermined value, a second receptacle for receiving the contents of said first receptacle, weighing means for determining the weight of the charge in said second Receptacle, control means responsive to the weight of the charge in said second receptacle for providing a signal when the weight of the charge is below a predetermined level, second feeder means responsive to said control means for bringing the weight of the charge in said second receptacle at least up to said predetermined level, means responsive to the actuation of said first feeder means for counting the total number of charges produced, means responsive to said control means for providing an indication of the number of charges falling below said predetermined level, and means for maintaining a preselected ratio between the total number of charges and the number of charges falling below said predetermined level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
86 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising means responsive to said counting means for producing control signals the frequency of production of which relative to the total number of charges counted corresponds to the preselected ratio between the number of underweight charges produced and the total number of charges produced, and means for comparing the number of said control signals with the number of said underweight charges produced and for controlling the production of the charges in accordance with the results of that comparison.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
78 words
An apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said last-named means includes a ratchet wheel, a first electromagnet responsive to said control signals for controlling rotation of said ratchet wheel in a first direction, a second electromagnet responsive to a signal corresponding to the number of underweight charges for controlling rotation of said ratchet wheel in an opposite direction, and a potentiometer responsive to the rotation of said ratchet wheel for controlling the setting of said first feeder.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus comprising a first receptacle, first feeder means for feeding product to said first receptacle, weighing means for providing a signal when the weight of the charge in said first receptacle has reached a predetermined value, a second receptacle for receiving the contents of said first receptacle, weighing means for determining the weight of the charge in said second receptacle, second feeder means for bringing up the weight of the charge in said second receptacle, and means operatively associated with said second weighing means for providing a feedback signal to said first weighing means to adjust said first weighing means to produce charge weights in accordance with a predetermined point on a distribution curve corresponding to the range of weights of the charges.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
124 words
An apparatus comprising a first receptacle, first feeder means for feeding product to said first receptacle, weighing means for providing a signal when the weight of the charge in said first receptacle has reached a predetermined value, a second receptacle for receiving the contents of said first receptacle, weighing means for determining the weight of the charge in said second receptacle, second feeder means for bringing up the weight of the charge in said second receptacle, and means operatively associated with said second weighing means for providing a feedback signal to said first weighing means to adjust said first weighing means to produce charge weights in accordance with a predetermined point on a distribution curve corresponding to the range of weights of the charges.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-21 | 1975-08-23 | 1976-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-21 | 1979-08-23 | 1980-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-21 | 1983-08-23 | 1984-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |