Lars T Marmsater

US Patent:

61683051, Jan 2, 2001

Filed:

Feb 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/032331

Inventors:

Lars T. Marmsater - Lynn Haven FL

Assignee:

Merrick Industries, Inc. - Lynn Haven FL

International Classification:

G06F 1700

US Classification:

3644791

Abstract:

System for controlling the discharge rate of a material feeder. A weight scale connected to the material is sampled and the samples input to a digital processor. The digital processor determines for consecutive time intervals during discharge of said material, a weight loss over the time interval. The weight loss for the interval is compared with a desired weight loss which is calculated from a desired setpoint material discharge rate obtained only when the weight loss is constant and stable. The resulting error is averaged with subsequent errors to form a control signal for the material feeder. The calculation of errors over each subsequent interval increases the resolution of the control signal, increasing the ability to control discharge rates to compensate for changes in material density which otherwise affect discharge rates.