Storage level monitor
US4219133A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 5, 1978 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01F23/0023
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The storage level of ore, supplied by an overhead loader to a bin or pile in the form of large, dense, hard fragments, up to a foot or more in diameter, is measured and controlled by repetitively lowering a line carrying a weight, having a mass at least as great as the largest ore fragments, from above the stored mass to the surface of the stored mass and measuring the distance traveled by the weight. Feed of ore is automatically stopped when maximum allowable level of stored mass is detected. Measurement of ore level is accomplished by counting, during the lowering of the weight, the pulses generated by a pulse generator operated by the turning of a winch upon which the line is reeled. The contact of the lowered weight with the stored ore mass is detected by the slowing of the rate of pulse generation as the weight ceases falling under the influence of gravity and the winch therefore ceases turning. Burial of the lowered weight so as to prevent its retrieval is detected when the time is exceeded for the full cycle of lowering and retraction of the weight. Such burial automatically disables the ore feed and the measuring device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.