Apparatus for controlling the feed rate and batch size of a material feeder

Abstract

Apparatus for controlling the feed rate and batch size of the material feeder is disclosed. A signal generator computes the weight of material delivered by the material feeder and compares it to first and second presettable values. When the weight of material delivered by the feeder is less than the first presettable value, the signal generator enables a first pulse generator which generates a pulse train having a relatively high pulse repetition frequency. This pulse train is applied to a motor speed controller which causes the feeder to deliver material at a relatively high rate. When the weight of material delivered by the feeder reaches the first presettable value, the signal generator enables a second pulse generator and disenables the first pulse generator. The second pulse generator generates a pulse train having a pulse repetition frequency substantially lower than that of the pulse train generated by the first pulse generator. The second pulse train is also applied to the motor speed controller which then causes the feeder to deliver material at a relatively low rate. Finally, when the weight of material delivered by the feeder reaches the second presettable value, the signal generator generates an end of batch signal which disenables the motor speed controller and causes the material feeder to stop delivering material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.