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A sensor for measuring the level of free-flowing particulate material in a storage bin comprises an electronic load cell fixedly positionable at the upper end of the storage bin and having a cable suspended therefrom in the storage bin. The lower end of the cable is adjacent the lower end of the sto

A sensor for measuring the level of free-flowing particulate material in a storage bin comprises an electronic load cell fixedly positionable at the upper end of the storage bin and having a cable suspended therefrom in the storage bin. The lower end of the cable is adjacent the lower end of the storage bin so that the load of the cable alone causes of the electronic load cell to provide a first signal to a process controller indicative of an empty storage bin. The load of the cable plus the downward force of any particulate material in the storage bin on the cable causes the electronic load cell to provide a second output signal to the process controller proportional to the amount of particulate material in the storage bin. The process controller provides a low level output signal to a conveyor system for filling the storage bin when the level of the particulate material in the storage bin matches a predetermined low level and discontinues the low level output signal when the level of the particulate material in the storage bin matches a predetermined high level. The process controller, which includes a clock, also can provide a real time readout of the rate of discharge of the particulate material from the storage bin. Since the process controller can be located at any remote location, this discharge rate can be monitored anywhere.

대표청구항 ▼

A sensor for measuring the level of free-flowing particulate material in a storage bin comprises an electronic load cell fixedly positionable at the upper end of the storage bin and having a cable suspended therefrom in the storage bin. The lower end of the cable is adjacent the lower end of the sto

A sensor for measuring the level of free-flowing particulate material in a storage bin comprises an electronic load cell fixedly positionable at the upper end of the storage bin and having a cable suspended therefrom in the storage bin. The lower end of the cable is adjacent the lower end of the storage bin so that the load of the cable alone causes of the electronic load cell to provide a first signal to a process controller indicative of an empty storage bin. The load of the cable plus the downward force of any particulate material in the storage bin on the cable causes the electronic load cell to provide a second output signal to the process controller proportional to the amount of particulate material in the storage bin. The process controller provides a low level output signal to a conveyor system for filling the storage bin when the level of the particulate material in the storage bin matches a predetermined low level and discontinues the low level output signal when the level of the particulate material in the storage bin matches a predetermined high level. The process controller, which includes a clock, also can provide a real time readout of the rate of discharge of the particulate material from the storage bin. Since the process controller can be located at any remote location, this discharge rate can be monitored anywhere. (P) and supporting said pocket (9); and a linear electric motor (24) comprising a primary or stator (25) located along at least one portion of said path (P), and a secondary or cursor (26) carried by said carriage (8).19. A cigarette packing machine comprising a conveyor ( 6) having at least one pocket (9) for forming and conveying a respective group (4) of cigarettes (2); said conveyor (6) comprising a fixed guide (10), at least one carriage (8) running along said guide (10) and supporting said pocket (9), a linear electric motor (24) having a stator or primary (25) located along at least a portion of the guide (10), and a cursor or secondary (26) carried by said carriage (8), sensor means (30) for determining the position of said carriage (8) along at least one portion of said guide (10); said sensor means (30) comprising a reference member (31) carried by said carriage (8), and a fixed reading system (32) connected to said reference member (31); said reference member (31) comprising generating means (31) for generating a magnetic field, in particular a permanent magnet; and said reading system (32) comprising a bar (33) of magnetostrictive material parallel to at least one portion of said guide (10) and facing said generating means (31).20. A cigarette packing machine comprising a conveyor ( 6) having at least one pocket (9) for forming and conveying a respective group (4) of cigarettes (2); said conveyor (6) comprising a fixed guide (10), at least one carriage (8) running along said guide (10) and supporting said pocket (9), a linear electric motor (24) having a stator or primary (25) located along at least a portion of the guide (10), and a cursor or secondary (26) carried by said carriage (8), sensor means (30) for determining the position of said carriage (8) along at least one portion of said guide (10); said sensor means (30) comprising a reference member (31) carried by said carriage (8), and a fixed reading system (32) connected to said reference member (31); said reference member (31) comprising generating means (31) for generating a magnetic field, in particular a permanent magnet; and said reading system (32) comprising a bar (33) having magnetoresistors and located parallel to at least one portion of said guide (10) and facing said generating means (31).21. A cigarette packing machine comprising a conveyor ( 6) having at least one pocket (9) for forming and conveying a respective group (4) of cigarettes (2