Patent ID: 6271486
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: B65D,F16K,G01G

Abstract:
A weighing machine comprising:a weighing device;a hopper suspended from the weighing device and having a tubular body with a body axis, the tubular body having a lower end and a bore;a closing mechanism located adjacent to the lower end of the tubular body, whereinthe closing mechanism selectively opens and closes the lower end of the tubular body,the closing mechanism includes a plurality of plates pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the body axis so that each of the plates moves in a substantially same plane transverse to the body axis between a closed position in which the plates engage one another substantially centrally of the bore of the tubular body, and an open position in which the plates are disposed clear of the bore of the tubular body,the plates being arranged symmetrically with respect to the tubular body,the weighing machine includes a driving device which drives the plates between the open and closed positions so that forces generated by movement of the plates will be balanced in said plane,the plates of the closing mechanism are driven by a belt or chain, in a reciprocating manner, through a movement device which is one of the group consisting of a drive pulley and a sprocket, andthe movement device is driven by an external power source, the external power source being disengaged from the movement device when the plates are in the closed position so that the hopper will be freely suspended for weighing purposes.