Active electronic damping for an in-line scale
US8481870B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G19/4148
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for weighing an article, such as a mail piece, while the article is moving at high speed, for example along a transport of a sorter machine. An article (900) is received from an intake transport (1200), and gripped in a weighing station (1310), in between a capstan roller and a pinch roller (1316), which are synchronized to minimize slipping. A first precision servo system (1252, 1250) alters the speed of the article, and in the process acquires torque data for storage and analysis (1212, 1282). A second precision servo system (1260,1330) applies a constant force, via a tension arm (1320), urging the pinch roller (1316) against the capstan roller, independently of the thickness of the mail piece. Active electronic damping (FIG. 19) preferably is applied in the second servo system minimize vibration of the tension arm, but only while gripping the article.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.