Method and system for controlling a solid product release mechanism
US5922030A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 13, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D9/12
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and system for controlling a solid product release mechanism to control the level of solid products in a storage bin. An acoustical wave is transmitted across either a passage of a delivery chute or a cavity of the storage bin. The strength of the transmitted acoustical wave is sensed. As the solid products fall from the release mechanism into the delivery chute or storage bin, a change in the strength of the acoustical wave signal is sensed. A control signal is generated to control the release mechanism when the change in the strength of the transmitted acoustical wave exceeds a predetermined threshold for more than a predetermined amount of time. A method and system is also provided for controlling an ice release mechanism in an automatic ice-making machine. A method and system is provided for automatically calibrating an ultrasonic ranging sensor used in determining the level of solid products in a storage bin. An apparatus is also provided for controlling a solid product release mechanism to control the level of solid products in a storage bin.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.