초록 ▼

A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder

A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder gate. In the electronic circuit, a master set point signal is entered and compared with the output signal from the sensors. The output flow to the receiver of the system is continuously adjusted by a deviation controller to reduce the deviation in these two signals. Erratic changes in system output are avoided by a deadband circuit introduced into the electronic circuitry to buffer excessive oscillation, overresponse and even instability caused by transient size change and lumping associated with bulk materials. The electronic circuit also includes an averaging module to average the level/weight of the material being discharged to obviate responding to peak levels. Finally, utilization of stepped sequencing and time delay of the solenoid valves also maintains a more accurate profile on the belt while minimizing shock. In the hydraulic circuit, power for opening and closing the feeder gate is provided through the use of power cylinders with pressurized fluid being supplied by a compensating, variable volume pump.

대표청구항 ▼

A continuous feeder system for bulk material, comprising: a. receiving means; b. a flow control gate for feeding bulk material to said receiving means; c. sensor means for sensing the amount of bulk material being discharged to said receiving means, the sensor means including both a weight and a lev

A continuous feeder system for bulk material, comprising: a. receiving means; b. a flow control gate for feeding bulk material to said receiving means; c. sensor means for sensing the amount of bulk material being discharged to said receiving means, the sensor means including both a weight and a level detector so that the output of the system may be monitored by volume and mass; d. means to time average the output levels detected by the sensor means; e. means for generating a master set point representing the desired output of the continuous feeder system; f. comparator means for comparing the amount of bulk material being discharged with the master set point; g. deviation control means for establishing the desired output of bulk material in response to said comparator means; h. actuator means for operating said flow control gate in response to said deviation control means; and i. sequence stepper means responsive to said deviation control means for operating said actuator means at a sequentially stepped variable rate to provide smooth operation of said flow control gate and minimizing shock and hunting of said continuous feeder system.