초록 ▼

An automatic rate matching system is provided such that the delivery of bulk material is matched with the quantity of bulk material required by a process. An optical probe is used which determines the depth of material delivered into a hopper, prior to its retrieval for use in the process. The probe

An automatic rate matching system is provided such that the delivery of bulk material is matched with the quantity of bulk material required by a process. An optical probe is used which determines the depth of material delivered into a hopper, prior to its retrieval for use in the process. The probe and associated electronic components output a signal to a CPU which then varies the speed of a belt conveyor based upon the depth of material. As the material depth decreases, belt speed is increased. Conversely, as material depth increases, belt speed is decreased. Therefore, the delivery rate of bulk material is matched to the quantity required in a process by varying the speed of the conveyor belt, based upon the depth of material in the hopper.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of controlling the delivery of bulk material into a vessel from which delivered bulk material moves, comprising steps of: (a) generating a control signal for controlling the speed of a means for delivering bulk material to the vessel at an adjustable rate between a minimum rate and a maximu

A method of controlling the delivery of bulk material into a vessel from which delivered bulk material moves, comprising steps of: (a) generating a control signal for controlling the speed of a means for delivering bulk material to the vessel at an adjustable rate between a minimum rate and a maximum rate; (b) designating a direction of change in the level of bulk material in the vessel; (c) generating, in response to the level of bulk material in the vessel, output signals from a plurality of sensors disposed in the vessel; (d) determining, in response to the output signals, the highest sensor detecting the presence of bulk material in the vessel; and (e) controlling the control signal in response to the highest sensor determined to be detecting the presence of bulk material in the vessel, including: (i) in response to said highest sensor being above a mid-range of the sensors, changing the control signal so that the speed of the means for delivering is decreased a predetermined amount; (ii) in response to said highest sensor being within an upper region of the mid-range of the sensors, changing the control signal to a calculated average control signal in response to a designated increasing level of bulk material in the vessel and maintaining the control signal as is in response to a designated decreasing level of bulk material in the vessel; (iii) in response to said highest sensor being within a lower region of the mid-range of the sensors, changing the control signal to a calculated average control signal in response to a designated decreasing level of bulk material in the vessel and maintaining the control signal as is in response to a designated increasing level of bulk material in the vessel; and (iv) in response to said highest sensor being below the mid-range of the sensors, changing the control signal so that the speed of the means for delivering is increased a predetermined amount.