Weighing controlling flow rate with taring between weighings

Abstract

A weighpan is controlled by a microprocessor to tare itself between successive weighings and the microprocessor resets the weight at which supply to the weighpan is regulated in accordance with a shortfall or excess delivered on previous weighings.

What we claim is: 
     
       1. A method for regulating the continuous supply of material, comprising the steps of: .Iadd.(a) .Iaddend.taring a weighpan;   .Iadd.(b) .Iaddend.loading a first quantity of material in said weighpan;   .Iadd.(c) .Iaddend.comparing the weight of said first quantity with a desired weight and determining the difference;   .Iadd.(d) .Iaddend.discharging said first quantity to a subsequent process requiring a consistent quantity of said material per unit time;   .[.taring said weighpan;.].   .Iadd.(e) .Iaddend.determining a second quantity based upon comparing said difference and said desired quantity;   .Iadd.(f) .Iaddend.loading said second quantity of material in said weighpan;   .Iadd.(g) .Iaddend.discharging said second quantity to said process; and   .Iadd.(h) .Iaddend.repeating .[.the above.]. steps .Iadd.b through g .Iaddend.whereby a consistent quantity of material is delivered to said subsequent process.   
     
     
       2. A method for regulating the continuous supply of material, comprising the steps of: .Iadd.(a) .Iaddend.taring a weighpan;   .Iadd.(b) .Iaddend.loading a first quantity of material in said weighpan in a first unit of time;   .Iadd.(c) .Iaddend.comparing the weight of said first quantity with a desired weight and determining the difference;   .Iadd.(d) .Iaddend.discharging said first quantity to a subsequent process requiring a consistent quantity of said material per unit time;   .Iadd.(e) .Iaddend.after a second period of time, repeating .[.the above.]. steps .Iadd.b through d .Iaddend.while varying said second period of time based upon said difference, whereby a consistent quantity of material over time is delivered to said subsequent process.