Patent ID: 6367336
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: A01D,G01F

Abstract:
A mass flow apparatus for measuring the mass flow rate of a particulate material, comprising:a) a measuring chamber containing a movable element pivotably fixed to an axis of rotation and having an inlet and an outlet, said movable element being pivotable between a rest position, a displaced position and at least one additional position therebetween; b) means associated with said movable element for exerting a restoring force on said movable member to bias said movable element toward said rest position; c) a sensor for determining at least one quantity of position, movement and distance of movement of the movable element corresponding to said rest position, said displaced position and said at least one additional position; and for generating a raw signal related to said at least one quantity; and d) a controller for receiving the raw signal and programmed with a calibration function for determining a corrected material flow rate from said raw signal.