Abstract:
An automated granule portioning system includes at least one volumetric measuring chamber capable of adjusting the volume of the chamber automatically to a programmed target volume and arranged to receive a first portion of granules into the chamber to fill the target volume. A transport system automatically delivers the target volume of granules from the chamber to a weighing device. A granule metering device dispenses granules and, depending on a signal from the weighing device that the first portion of granules is below a programmed target weight, dispenses granules to the first portion to increase the weight to achieve a second portion having the target weight.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/464,405 filed Aug. 20, 2014 which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/947,274, filed Mar. 3, 2014. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the precise automatic measurement of granules by weight; and more particularly to the precise automatic high speed portioning of dry granular chemicals and compounds, such as in the mass production of ammunition cartridges. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The measurement of portions of granulated compounds is a critical process in a wide range of manufacturing processes. As an example, without limiting the application of the present disclosure, in the manufacture of small arms ammunition cartridges, precise propellant loads are required to ensure that projectiles (bullets) are accelerated consistently. The prior art discloses various methods to measure the volume of propellant prior to being loaded into cartridge cases. Although the prior art also teaches several different methods of measuring the weight of portions of granules, the methods are either too slow or too inaccurate to be practically applied to the high speed mass production of precision small arms ammunition. 
         [0004]    The size and density of propellant granules vary with each manufactured batch or “lot” of propellant. At present the density of each granule of propellant can vary by as much as 16%. Contributing factors to the variability of propellant lots include the temperature and humidity of the environment at the time propellant granules are manufactured, shipped, and handled; minute variations in the calibration of the equipment that determines the size of each granule; statistically anomalous granulation; and other factors. While volumetric measurement of spherically shaped propellant can be accurate to within one tenth of a grain (0.000229 ounces) of propellant granules of the same lot, because the size and specific density of granules in different lots is inconsistent, portions of measured propellant, and the specific impulse imparted when the propellant is fired, is significantly inconsistent from lot to lot. Moreover, ammunition propellant granules are designed in several different varieties of shapes and sizes for use with various types of cartridges and in various types of firearms. Non-spherical shapes and larger sizes are less accurately measured by volumetric means alone. 
         [0005]    Additionally, the metering system should be capable of feeding the cartridge loading process at a rate consistent with the speed with which automatic cartridge loading apparatus are capable of assembly. Depending on the size and shape of cartridges being loaded, the speed with which modern cartridge loading systems operate can exceed 240 units per minute. Generally, the speed of production is constrained by the speed with which propellant can be apportioned and deposited into ammunition cartridge cases during assembly. 
         [0006]    The prior art teaches various means of mechanically producing portions of granules. Whereas these processes may be reasonably accurate in the uniform portioning of spherical granules, volumetric measurement of granules that are not spherical in shape produce inconsistent results because the volume such granules occupy is affected by the position of the granules within the volume. As an example, granule flakes, as well as elongated cylindrical forms called “stick” granules, may either be randomly oriented or stacked. The density, and therefore the weight, of a small volume of flake or stick granules can significantly vary depending on the orientation of the granules within the volume of measurement. 
         [0007]    Additionally, the most accurate methods of mechanically producing portions of granules by volume disclosed in prior art involve techniques such as worm screws and various methods of volume isolation by means of the movement of hard-edged volumetric capsules relative to hard-edged granule feed source tubes or troughs. These mechanical methods have a tendency to crush or slice non-spherical granules such as flake and stick shaped granules. Crushing and slicing propellant granules results with burn rate variations and inconsistency in the rate of acceleration of projectiles. This results with undesirable and inconsistent barrel pressure, projectile acceleration, muzzle velocity, and thereby accuracy, when ammunition is fired. 
         [0008]    Military personnel are trained to select ammunition of the same lot where accuracy of fired projectiles is considered mission critical. By selecting ammunition of the same lot, it is assumed that each lot of ammunition contains the same lot of manufactured propellant material. Using a particular manufactured lot of spherical propellant material, the prior art can obtain volumetric measurement accuracy to within ten percent (10%) of a grain (0.000229 ounces) of each successively measured portion of granules. Since the specific density of a volume of propellant varies widely by manufactured lot, using the same volume to measure a different lot of propellant results with significant deviation between manufactured cartridges. However, volumetric measurement of various shapes of granules can be widely inconsistent. The volumetric measurement of flat or “flake” propellant, or elongated cylindrical forms, called “stick” propellants, are significantly less accurate by volume than spherical granules, called “ball” propellants. The shape of propellant granules is a critical design attribute of the propellant affecting the rate of burn and thereby the internal ballistics of ammunition when fired. The physical shape of propellant granules is a preferred means of regulating the internal pressure and the specific impulse imparted by during the propellant burn. 
         [0009]    Moreover, the mass production of harmonically resonant ammunition, which in the best instance differentiates minutely precise variations in the weight of portions of propellant loads to a resolution of individual granules of propellant, the specific weight of propellant of various classes of harmonic loads necessitates that the granule metering system be capable of adjustment so as to consistently conform production to the specifically desired weight of propellant. It is well known that harmonically resonant or “tuned” ammunition, when matched to specific individual rifles, can more than double the accuracy of fired projectiles. However, because harmonically resonant ammunition requires precise portions of propellant measured to consistently match the rate of projectile acceleration with the harmonic properties of individual rifles, cost effective mass production of such ammunition has not been practicable. The present invention enables the mass production of such harmonically resonant ammunition by providing not only for more accurate measurement of propellant by weight, but also by enabling the automatic adjustment of portions of propellant to accurately differentiate between a range of propellant load classes so that users can reliably select the class that is most accurate when used with a particular rifle. 
         [0010]    The most accurate way to measure granulated compounds is by weight. The accuracy of measurement and portioning by the present invention is consistent regardless of variations in the size, shape, density, and the volume of aggregates of various lots of granules of the same chemical or compound. In the production of ammunition propellant loads, provided that isolated portions of propellant do not contain crushed or sliced granules, the specific impulse, rate of burn, and internal ballistic pressure curves are most consistent. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0011]    The present disclosure applies to the accurate portioning by weight of any granulated chemicals or compounds in industrial materials applications as diverse as, without limitation, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, polymers, composites, ceramics, nanomaterials formulation and synthesis, and ammunition assembly. 
         [0012]    The present disclosure is of a high speed automatic apparatus that precisely measures granular chemicals and compounds by weight and automatically recalibrates and adjusts portions to match desired target weights. Inconsistency in the size, shape, and density of the material both by manufactured lot as well within each lot, does not result with significant variation in the mass of the precisely measured portions. Moreover, the accuracy of portioning of granules by the disclosed apparatus can be to within the weight of an individual granule; and the apparatus avoids crushing and slicing of granules during processing. 
         [0013]    As an example, without limiting applications of the present disclosure, a preferred embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the manufacture of ammunition. The accuracy of conventional ammunition when fired is significantly affected by the accuracy of propellant apportioned to cartridges during manufacture. In addition to precise uniformity of propellant loads, the present invention enables the mass production of harmonically resonant ammunition by providing not only for more accurate high speed measurement of propellant by weight, but also by enabling the automatic adjustment of portions of propellant to accurately differentiate between a range of propellant load classes such that users can reliably select the class of cartridge that is most accurate when used with a particular individual rifle. 
         [0014]    The present disclosure also provides for the portioning by weight of ammunition propellant loads at rates equal to or greater than the nominal production rate of high speed automatic mass production cartridge assembly apparatus and is capable of exceeding 240 portions per minute. 
         [0015]    The present invention also eliminates the need for manual calculation of the specific density of a manufactured lot of propellant. Volumetric measure of propellant requires such calculation to approximate the volume required to produce portions that approximate an intended product weight. 
         [0016]    Additionally, volumetric measurement of non-spherical propellant used in rifle ammunition cartridges is notoriously inaccurate and frequently results with inconsistent cartridge loads. 
         [0017]    According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus effectively improves the accuracy of the measure of portions of granules by weight. The physical shape, size, and weight of each of the granules of the type being processed are not significant to the accuracy of measure or to the speed with which they are processed. The accuracy of weight measurement of a portion of granules are within the weight of an individual granule regardless of the shape, size, physical configuration, or weight of the type of granules being processed. 
         [0018]    According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus effectively avoids crushing or slicing spherical and non-spherical granules as the portions are measured and processed. 
         [0019]    According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus can be entirely computer controlled such that no manual operator is necessary. The apparatus is capable of quick and automatic adjustment of the measure of each portion. The apparatus is capable of automatically purging the type of granules being processed so that another type can be processed. The measurement of the weight of each portion of granules can be accomplished without friction that could otherwise affect the accuracy of said weight measurement. The calibration of measures can be quickly and automatically accomplished. 
         [0020]    According to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus provides for the production of accurately measured portions at a rate comparable to the highest rate of consumption of such portions by subsequent manufacturing processes. The apparatus provides for extensibility to increase the practical production rate of the present invention as needed such that future increased production rates of subsequent manufacturing processes are possible without the replacement of the majority of the existing apparatus. The apparatus design configuration provides for a high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of the apparatus as a whole. The apparatus design configuration provides for ease of maintenance, repair, and replacement of components that comprise the system. 
         [0021]    Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic, sectional diagram of a volumetric portioning part of an apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the volumetric portioning part of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the portion shown in  FIG. 2  in an assembled state; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a schematic, sectional diagram of a weighing apparatus for a portion of the an apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a schematic, sectional diagram of the weighing apparatus of  FIG. 3  in a further stage of operation; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a schematic, sectional view of a weight portioning part of the apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the apparatus part shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a schematic, sectional diagram of a dispensing part of the apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is a schematic, sectional diagram of the dispensing part of  FIG. 7  in a further stage of operation; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a front view of the apparatus according to the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a plan view of a combination of four apparatus according to  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a front view of the apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a schematic, sectional view of a granule source hopper for the apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  is a schematic, sectional view of a granule consolidation assembly to be fed by the apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  is a schematic, sectional view of a tube consolidation and reject container to be fed by the apparatus of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram for the apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 18  is a schematic sectional view of an alternate dispensing conveyor to that shown in  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 18A  is a sectional view taken generally along line  18 A- 18 A in  FIG. 18 . n  end view 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0043]    This application incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Application 61/947,274, filed Mar. 3, 2014, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/464,339, filed on the same day as the present application, naming the same inventor, and identified as attorney docket number AIN 0001 PA2. 
         [0044]    The present invention comprises a number of unique innovations in the measurement and portioning of granular chemicals and compounds by mass. The application of the methods herein disclosed pertain to the accurate automated measurement and portioning of dry granulated chemicals and compounds in industrial materials applications as diverse as, without limitation, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, polymers, coatings, composites, ceramics, and nanomaterials formulation and synthesis. Variation in the physical shape of the granules has no effect on the accuracy of granule portioning. 
         [0045]    One advantageous use for the present invention is to precisely load ammunition to tune ammunition to the utilized rifle for shooting accuracy as described in U.S. Provisional Application 61/947,274, filed Mar. 3, 2014, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/464,339, filed on the same day as the present application, naming the same inventor, and identified as attorney docket number AIN 0001 PA2, herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0046]    An exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1-18A  operates as follows 
         [0047]    Granular material  10  is retained by a granule source hopper  12  that releases small quantities of free flowing granular material so as to limit the weight of material bearing down on the volumetric metering system or volumetric assembly  14 . A photo sensor  16  detects when the small portion of granules being fed into a chamber  18  of the volumetric assembly  14  requires replenishment. Granular material from the small portion of granules is fed by gravity into the volumetric assembly  14  comprised of a multiplicity of spring-loaded telescoping chambers  18 , the compression of which, and thereby the interior volume of which, may be modified as needed by a gear mechanism  26  ( FIG. 9 ) and stepper motor assembly  28  under the control of a computer. The material  10  is then acted on by a screed  32  on a screed plate  33 . The screed includes a flexible steel and rubber mesh immediately followed by a round or angular surface to remove excess material from the top of the telescoping chamber  18  without slicing or crushing the granules as they are isolated in the chamber. The resulting volumetrically measured portion of the subject material is transferred to a container of a granule cup assembly  36  as the volumetric assembly  14  rotates under the control of a further gear mechanism  44  and stepper motor  48  assembly under the control of the computer ( FIG. 10 ). The granule cup assembly  36  is itself located in a position on a rotational plate or platform  50  holding a plurality of additional granule cup assemblies  36 . As the rotational platform  50  rotates, it delivers the subject granule cup assembly  36  containing the granular portion to a scale  56 . The granule cup assembly  36  is installed on the rotational platform  50  such that it rests through a hole in the rotational platform and is able to move vertically without obstruction, held axially in position by two positioning pins  60  that also pass through the rotational platform  50 . When the granule cup assembly  36  is positioned in the center of the scale  56 , the rotational platform rotates minutely backward so that the granule cup assembly  36  and positioning pins  60  are free standing on the scale  56  with preferably no point whatsoever in contact with the rotational platform  50 ; thus eliminating any possible friction between the rotational platform  50  and the granule cup assembly  36  that might otherwise adversely affect the accuracy of weight measurement. The granule cup assembly  36  and subject material portion  10  are then weighed to determine, less the weight of the container, an exact weight measurement of the subject material  10 . 
         [0048]    If the material  10  is overweight, the computer causes the retention of the material as the rotational platform  50 , under computer control, causes the granule cup assembly  36  to pass over other stations until the subject granule cup assembly is positioned where the overweight portion may be dumped. Preferably, the granule cup assembly  36  is emptied of all granules during the dump. The subject material is dumped into a chute  66  that directs the material  10  into a container  70  for rejected granule portions so that the material  10  may be reprocessed. Simultaneously, the computer causes the interior volumes of the volumetric assembly&#39;s  14  volumetric measurement chambers  18  to be automatically incrementally reduced, thus reducing the weight of subsequent granule portions. 
         [0049]    If the weight of the subject portion  10  is more than a small number of granules underweight, the computer causes the retention of the material as the rotational platform  50 , under computer control, causes the granule cup assembly  36  to pass over other stations until the subject granule cup assembly  36  is positioned where the underweight portion may be dumped. Preferably, the granule cup assembly  36  is emptied of all granules during the dump. The subject material  10  is dumped into a chute that directs the material into a container for rejected granule portions so that the material may be reprocessed. Simultaneously, the computer causes the interior volumes of the volumetric assembly&#39;s  14  volumetric measurement chambers  18  to be automatically incrementally increased, thus increasing the weight of subsequent granule portions. 
         [0050]    When the weight of the subject volumetric measure is equal to or slightly less than, but never over, the target weight specification, the automatic volumetric calibration is complete. However, automatic volumetric calibration is reinitiated whenever this said condition is no longer valid. 
         [0051]    With the subject granule cup assembly  36  is in position on the scale  56 , a granule meter assembly  80  that can be computer controlled, adds a small number of additional individual granules  10  until the target weight of the portion is achieved to within the weight of an individual granule  10 . Any error causing an overweight portion in this instance does not initiate volumetric calibration, but the computer causes the retention of the material as the rotational platform, under computer control, rotates the granule cup assembly  36  to pass it over other stations until the subject granule cup assembly  36  is positioned where the overweight portion may be dumped. Preferably, the granule cup assembly  36  is emptied of all granules during the dump. The subject material is dumped into the chute  66  that directs the material into the container  70  for rejected granule portions so that the material may be reprocessed. 
         [0052]    When a weighed portion of granules meets the target weight specification, the computer causes the rotational platform  50  to move the subject granule cup assembly  36  to where the portion may be delivered by means of a chute  88  to a granule consolidation assembly  92  to time the release of the portion for further processing depending on the intended application of the subject material. Preferably, the granule cup assembly  36  is emptied of all granules during the delivery to the chute  88 . 
         [0053]    The operation of the granule meter assembly  80  is as follows: granular material is retained by a second granule source hopper  96  that releases small quantities of free flowing granular material  10  so as to limit the weight of material bearing down into the internal working of the granule meter assembly  80 ; a horizontal conveyor  106  limits the flow and regulates the feed rate of granular material  10  into the assembly  80 ; a narrow inclined conveyor  110  with compartments, cups, indentations, or depressions  116  such that only one granule of the type being processed may be situated within a compartment  116  at one time and moves and isolates individual granules in preparation for release from the assembly; a gear mechanism  122  drives the action of both conveyors  106 ,  110  where the horizontal conveyor  106  is slower than the inclined conveyor  110 ; a computer controlled stepper motor  128  drives the gear mechanism  122 ; a V-shaped trough  134  directs the flow of granules  10  onto the inclined conveyor  110  when they fall from the horizontal conveyor  106 ; an electric motor  140  with an off-axis weight, or a transducer, vibrates the V-shaped trough  134 ; a brush  144  prohibits back spilling granules  10  as they are fed to the V-shaped trough  134  from the horizontal conveyor  106 ; a brush  148  at the apex  152  of the inclined conveyor  110  clears granules  10  not properly seated within a compartment  116  of the inclined conveyor  110 ; a photo sensor  160  at the apex  152  of the inclined conveyor  110  verifies the presence of an individual granule  10 ; a chute  166  directs individual granules  10  as they fall from the end of the inclined conveyor  110  to an exit port  288  of the granule meter assembly  80 ; a photo sensor  176  at the exit port  288  of the granule meter assembly  80  verifies the release of an individual granule  10 ; and a computer controlled solenoid  182  closes an exit port hatch  172  of the granule meter assembly whenever a granule cup assembly  36  is not at rest in position on the scale. 
         [0054]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing the granule metering process whereby the interior volume of a telescoping cylinder  18  controls the volume of granules to be weighed. Also indicated is a cross section of a portion of a rotational platform containing a granule cup assembly  36  into which metered granules are deposited. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  shows the granule feed hopper  12 .  FIG. 1  shows the photo sensor  16  that triggers the computer controlled release of granules from the granule source hopper  12  when the chamber  18  is low. Granules  10  are gravity fed into the granule feed hopper  12  in small quantities to reduce pressure as granules  10  are fed into the volumetric chamber  18 . The screed  32  then divides feed source granules  10  from the granules  10  that have been portioned in a chamber  18  of the volumetric assembly  14  as the chamber moves relative to a Base Plate  173  and the Screed Plate  33 .  FIG. 1  shows the side view of a flexible steel and rubber mesh embedded into the screed  32  of the volumetric assembly  14 . The flexible steel and rubber mesh, together with a rounded or angular leading edge, pushes granules as the volumetric assembly is rotated relative to and between the screed plate  33  and the base plate  173  while avoiding slicing or crushing granules of any shape as the screed  32  divides an initial volumetric measurement of granules from the feed source.  FIG. 1  shows a detachable feed tube  190  that carries granules from a hopper meter ( FIG. 14 ) to the hopper  12 . 
         [0056]    The metered volume of granules is variable as required to most closely yield the target weight  194  of granules, equal to or less than the target weight parameter, as measured by the scale  56 . This is accomplish as the screed plate  33  is moved vertically relative to the base plate  173  which changes the relative vertical position of the top and bottom chamber plates  202 ,  204  of the volumetric assembly  14 . The vertical position of the screed plate  33  is automatically adjusted by means of computer control of a stepper motor  28  and gear configuration  26 ; an example of which configuration is provided in  FIGS. 10-12 . The top chamber plate  202  is separated from the screed plate  32  by means of a bearing ring (not shown) which maintains the relative vertical position of each plate  202 ,  33  while permitting the top chamber plate  202  to rotate in unison with the bottom chamber plate  204 . The bottom chamber plate  204  is separated from the Base Plate  173  by means of a bearing ring (not shown) which maintains the relative vertical position of each plate  173 ,  204  while permitting the bottom plate  204  to rotate under computer control of a gear mechanism  230 , and stepper motor assembly  234  ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0057]    When a granule filled chamber  18  moves into position, the granules  10  drop, through a slosh ring  240 , which is a part of each granule cup assembly  36 , that inhibits the loss of any granules as the granule cup assembly  36  is rotated rapidly, and which sits on a rotational platform  50  that transports one or more granule cup assemblies  36 . Preferably, the chamber  18  is emptied of all granules during the drop. The orientation of the granule cup assembly  36  is maintained by the positioning pins  60  that guide each granule cup assembly to freely move vertically as needed in the next process. Two or more pins  60  are provided which protrude through respective holes  61  through the plate  50 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 2 and 2A  are three dimensional drawings showing the relationship of the top and bottom portion of a rotational volume assembly that enables variable volumetric measurement of granules as in  FIG. 1 . The components are also shown in an assembled position ( FIG. 2A ). 
         [0059]    The top and bottom plates  202 ,  204  incorporate top and bottom nesting or telescoping chamber tubes  250 ,  254 . Openings  251 ,  252  in the chamber tubes  250 ,  254  permit the tubes to nest, thus providing a variable interior volume with variation in the proximity of the top and bottom plates  202 ,  204 . Apertures  256 ,  258  through the top and bottom plates permit granules to enter each of the chambers  18  from above, and exit from below. 
         [0060]      FIG. 3  is a diagram of a section of the rotational platform with a granule cup assembly  36  containing a metered portion of granules deposited by the volumetric measurement process of  FIG. 1  as it encounters a scale platform so that the specific weight of the portion of granular aggregate may be measured. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  shows a section of the rotational platform  50  with a granule cup assembly  36  being moved into position for weight measurement. A replaceable steel platform cover  262  is depicted that fits on the top of the scale  56  with an incline leading edge  262   a  that lifts the granule cup assembly  36  permitting it to be centered on the scale  56  to be weighed thereby. As the platform cover  262  wears from continuous use it can be easily replaced as can worn granule cup assemblies  36 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing a granule cup assembly sitting on the scale as the rotational platform  50  is halted and the granule cup assembly  36  is able to freely rise and fall in relation to the rotational platform as its weight is measured by the scale  56 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 4  shows the granule cup assembly  36  containing a portion of granules being weighed. The granule cup assembly  36  can freely move vertically so that the weight of the assembly together with the portion of granules can be sampled. The total weight, less the weight of the granule cup assembly  36 , yields the weight of the portion of granules. 
         [0064]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a granule meter assembly that can release individual granules, as needed, so that the weight of each granule cup assembly with the granular aggregate matches the target specification while the granule cup assembly is on the scale depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 5  shows a simplified side view of a granule meter assembly  80 , a device that isolates and releases individual granules  10  to a waiting granule cup assembly  36  as it is being weighed as in  FIG. 4 . Granules may be added until the precise target weight specification is achieved. Granules are fed to the apparatus by means of a tube  272  and retained in the small hopper  96 . The horizontal conveyor  106  drops small quantities of granules into a V-shaped inclined trough  134  ( FIG. 6 ) vibrated by an electric motor  140  with an off-axis weight, or a transducer, so that an inclined conveyor  110  can capture individual granules  10 . The V-shaped inclined trough  134  is vibrated by the electric motor  140  ( FIG. 6 ) with an off-axis weight, or a transducer, to assist the movement of individual granules  10  onto the inclined conveyor  110 . The surface  110   a  of the inclined conveyor  110  has nubs  116  sized and spaced to accommodate no more than one individual granule of the approximate shape and size being processed. A brush  141  prohibits granules from falling backward as the conveyor enters the V-shaped trough. A brush  148  near the apex  152  of the inclined trough  110  prohibits the release of more than one individual granule at a time. A photo detector  160  confirms the presence of each granule at the apex of the inclined conveyor  110 . When each individual granule  10  is released (see arrow  54 ), the photo detector  176  confirms the release. A gate  172  is open during release, but closed during the movement of granule cup assemblies  36 , actuated by a computer controlled solenoid  182 . The inclined conveyor  110  is actuated by a stepper motor  128 . A gear mechanism  122  advances the horizontal conveyor  106  via a gear mechanism  123  at a slower rate than the inclined conveyor  110  so that granules are not accumulated as they are fed to the inclined conveyor. 
         [0066]      FIG. 6  shows a simplified top view of a granule meter assembly  80 . The top of the gear mechanism  122  advances the horizontal conveyor  106 . The stepper motor  128  that drives both the horizontal and inclined conveyors is shown. The horizontal conveyor&#39;s  106  unpowered roller  284  positions granules for their fall into the V-shaped trough  134 .  FIG. 6  shows the position of the outlet aperture  288  for individual granules as they exit the granule meter assembly. The granule hopper  96  is the inlet for granules for processing by the granule meter assembly  80 . A V-shapes panel  302 , beneath the horizontal conveyor  106  at the feed end of the V-shaped trough  134  confines granules and directs them onto the inclined conveyor  110 . A relative position of the top surface  106   a  of the horizontal conveyor  106  is shown. A top surface  110   a  of the inclined conveyor  110  isolates and transports individual granules  10  (granules not shown) to the apex  152  of the conveyor  110  where individual granules are released. 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  is a diagram showing the next station as the rotational platform delivers the granule cup assembly for release of granules into a chute. 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  shows one of two granule cup assembly release stations  306 . A granule cup assembly  36  is first positioned by the rotational platform  50  over the fall chute  88  in preparation for release of the granules to the granule consolidation assembly  92  ( FIG. 15 ). At this release station  306 , only if the target weight of the granule aggregate is correct will the granules be released. If the initial volumetric measure exceeds the precise target weight specification, the granules will not be released. Instead, the granular aggregate will proceed to the next identical station where they will be released and accumulated in the overweight container  70  ( FIG. 16 ). In each case, as a granule cup assembly  36  is positioned, a cover  308  stabilizes the granule cup assembly&#39;s vertical position for release. The granule cup assembly&#39;s release tab  320  is positioned so that the release arm  324  can engage the tab  320 . A solenoid actuator  328  is shown in its idle position. 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  is a diagram showing the release of the granular aggregate into the chute as a solenoid is actuated. 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  shows the granule cup assembly  36  releasing its load with its spring loaded hatch  330 , pulled toward closed by the spring  331 , drawn open by the action of the solenoid  328  acting on the tab  320 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 9  is a drawing showing a front view of one complete modular assembly  400  including the location of the drive gear  406  for the spring loaded chamber tubes  18  sandwiched between the screed plate  33  and the base plate  173  of the volumetric assembly  14 . Each tube  18  is surrounded by a coil spring  19 , which is compressed as the plate  33  is adjusted to approach the plate  173 . The chamber tubes  18  may also be advanced using a central shaft directly connected to a stepper motor or solenoid ratchet mechanism.  FIG. 9  depicts the side of the gear mechanism  410  that compresses the spring loaded chamber tubes  18  of the volumetric assembly  14  causing the chamber tube assembly to telescope, uniformly expanding or reducing the interior volume of each chamber  18 , thereby expanding or reducing the volume of initially portioned material as needed.  FIG. 9  shows the granule source inlet  190  to the Volumetric Assembly.  FIG. 9  depicts the granule hopper  96  that is the inlet for granules for processing by the granule meter assembly  80 .  FIG. 9  shows the drive gear  406  and shaft connected to the stepper motor  28  and advances the gear mechanism  26  that compresses the chamber tubes  18 .  FIG. 9  shows the location of the non-moving granule meter assembly  80 , positioned over a granule cup assembly  36  in position on the scale  56 .  FIG. 9  shows a granule cup assembly  36  in position to release its granular aggregate into the feed chute  88  to deliver the granular aggregate to the next process.  FIG. 9  shows a granule cup assembly  36  in position to release its overweight granular aggregate into the feed chute  66  to deliver its granular aggregate to a container for overweight granular aggregates rejected during the automatic portion calibration process and for any overweight granular aggregates produced during production cycles.  FIG. 9  depicts a side view of the drive gear  230  that advances the rotational platform  50  into which the granule cup assemblies  36  are fitted. The rotational platform may also be advanced using a central shaft directly connected to a stepper motor or solenoid ratchet mechanism.  FIG. 9  shows the location of one of four the worm gears (screw)  430  that contracts or expands the distance between the screed plate  33  and the Base Plate  173  of the volumetric assembly. Each of the gears  430  are rotated by a gear  26   a,    26   c,    26   f,    26   h,  respectively ( FIG. 11 ). 
         [0072]      FIG. 10  is a drawing showing a side view of one complete modular assembly.  FIG. 10  shows the granule source inlet  190  to the volumetric assembly  14 .  FIG. 10  shows the location of the worm gears (screw)  430  that contracts or expands the distance between the screed plate  33  and the base plate  173  of the volumetric assembly.  FIG. 10  shows the location of the non-moving granule meter assembly  80  and the stepper motor  128  that powers its internal conveyors.  FIG. 10  depicts a side view of the drive gear that advances the rotational platform  50  into which the granule cup assemblies  36  are fitted.  FIG. 10  depicts the granule hopper  96  that is the inlet for granules for processing by the granule meter assembly  80 .  FIG. 10  depicts the side of the gear mechanism  26  that compresses the spring loaded chamber tubes  18  causing the chamber tubes to telescope, uniformly expanding or reducing the interior volume of each chamber  18 , thereby expanding or reducing the volume of initially portioned material as needed.  FIG. 10  depicts the location of the drive gear  44  for rotating the volumetric assembly  14 .  FIG. 10  shows the drive gear and shaft  406  connected to the stepper motor and advances the gear mechanism  26  that compresses the chamber tubes  18 .  FIG. 10  shows the feed chute  88  that delivers the granular aggregate to the next process.  FIG. 10  shows the feed chute  66  that delivers granules to the container for overweight granular aggregates rejected during the automatic portion calibration process and for any overweight loads produced during production cycles. 
         [0073]      FIG. 11  is a drawing showing a top view of one complete modular assembly  400 .  FIG. 11  shows the location of a volumetric chamber  18  positioned to drop its load into a granule cup assembly  36 .  FIG. 11  shows the top of the rotational platform  50  into which the granule cup assemblies are fitted.  FIG. 11  shows a granule cup assembly positioned over the feed chute  88  that delivers the granular aggregate to the next process.  FIG. 11  shows a granule cup assembly in position on the scale where the granule meter assembly  80  deposits individual granules as needed to achieve the target weight specification.  FIG. 11  depicts the location of a granule cup assembly  36  positioned over the feed chute  66  that delivers granules to the container for overweight granular aggregates rejected during the automatic portion calibration process and for any overweight loads produced during production cycles.  FIG. 11  identifies the first of eight gears  26   a - 26   h  in the gear mechanism that compresses the spring loaded chamber tube assembly  18  causing the chamber tube assembly to telescope, uniformly expanding or reducing the interior volume of each chamber  18 , thereby expanding or reducing the volume of initially portioned material as needed. Gears  26   a,    26   c,    26   f,  and  26   h  drive the screws  430  while gears  26   b,    26   d,    26   e  and  26   g  are idler gears that ensure common rotation direction for gears  26   a,    26   c,    26   f,    26   h.    FIG. 11  indicates the chamber plates  202 ,  204 .  FIG. 11  shows one  18   a  of the telescoping chamber tubes  18  in position to receive granules from the granule hopper and that is the inlet to modular assemblies for granule portioning.  FIG. 11  shows the drive gear and shaft  235  connected to the stepper motor and advances the gear mechanism  230  that advances the rotational platform  50  into which the granule cup assemblies  36  are fitted.  FIG. 11  shows the drive gear and shaft  406  connected to the stepper motor  28  and advances the gear mechanism  26   a - 26   h  that compresses the chamber plates  33 ,  173  that thereby expand or reduce the volume of initially portioned material as needed. 
         [0074]      FIG. 12  is a drawing showing a top view of four modular assemblies  400 , arranged in a cross pattern that complete one cycle assembly. Any number of modular assemblies can be combined in this fashion, as needed, to increase the rate of production of precise granule portions to match the feed rate of subsequent processing equipment in any application. 
         [0075]      FIG. 13  is a drawing showing a side view of four modular assemblies that complete one cycle assembly. 
         [0076]      FIG. 14  is a diagram showing a side view of a granule source hopper  500 , one of two for each complete cycle assembly.  FIG. 14  shows a hopper  500  holding granules to be distributed to each of the modular assemblies by means of four solenoid controlled gates  504   a - d  (three shown).  FIG. 14  shows the relative position of the solenoid of one of the solenoid controlled gates  504   a.  An identical gate is on the directly opposite side of the assembly (not shown).  FIG. 14  shows a side view of one of the solenoid gates  504   b  with the solenoid actuated, and the gate  504   f  in the open position to allow granules to fall into the chute that feeds the granule hopper  96  that is the inlet for granules for processing by the granule meter assembly  80 , or alternatively, the granule hopper  12  that is the inlet for granules for processing by the volumetric assembly  14 .  FIG. 14  shows a side view of the solenoid gate  504   c,  opposite the solenoid gate  504   b,  with solenoid in the idle position and the gate in the closed position to restrict the flow of granules. 
         [0077]    Although separate hoppers  12 ,  96  are shown in the drawings, a common hopper could be used to feed both the volumetric assembly  14  and the metering assembly  80  (or  80 ′) though tubes or ducts. Alternatively, a common hopper, such as the hopper  500 , could feed the separate hoppers  12 ,  96  though tubes or ducts. 
         [0078]      FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a side view of a granule consolidation assembly  600  for one complete cycle assembly including timing gates  604   a,    604   b,    604   c  for sequentially feeding subsequent processing equipment such as a cartridge loading machine. The diagram shows a side view of three timing gates with a fourth (not shown) behind the center gate  604   c.  The purpose of the device is to time the release of granular aggregates previously released into each of the four feed chutes  88  into which granule cup assemblies release granular aggregates to the next process. The device is utilized to serially feed granular aggregate at a rate exceeding the processing rate of an individual modular assembly  400  to processing equipment such as, as an example, a high speed automatic cartridge loader.  FIG. 15  shows a solenoid actuated gate  604   a  that releases retained granular aggregate in series with each of the other gates.  FIG. 15  shows the reverse side of a gate  604   b  releasing its granular aggregate.  FIG. 15  shows how serially released granular aggregate product is consolidated to the feed tube  604   f  of an external processor. 
         [0079]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a side view of tubes  66  consolidated to flow into the reject container  70  where overweight granular aggregates rejected during the automatic portion calibration process, and any overweight granular aggregates produced during production cycles from each of four modular assemblies that together comprise one complete cycle assembly, are collected. 
         [0080]      FIG. 17  is a process flow diagram of one complete modular assembly. The steps happen in overlapping time sequences and are not necessarily sequential. The steps and components of the flow diagram are as follows: Step  1  is the operation of the granule source hopper  502 ; Step  2  is the operation of the release solenoid  504   b -granule source hopper for the volumetric assembly; Step  3  is the operation of the stepper motor  48  for the volumetric assembly; Step  4  is the operation of the stepper motor for the volumetric assembly volume adjustment  28 ; Step  5  is the operation of the stepper motor  234  for the rotational platform; Step  6  is the operation of the digital scale  56 ; Step  7  is the operation of the stepper motor  234  for the rotational platform; Step  8  is the operation of the release solenoid  504   b  for the granule source hopper to the granule meter assembly  80 ; Step  9  is the operation of the release solenoid  328  for the overweight chute release; Step  10  is the operation of the photo sensor  160  for the granule meter conveyor apex; Step  11  is the operation of the release solenoid  328  for the consolidation chute; Step  12  is the operation of the stepper motor  128  for the granule meter assembly  80 ; Step  13  is the operation of the photo sensor for the granule meter outlet  176 ; Step  14  is the operation of the release solenoid  604   b  for the granule consolidation assembly; and Step  15  represents the next process depending on the application. 
         [0081]      FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment granule meter assembly  80 ′ to the granule meter assembly  80  shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . An inclined screw conveyor  700  replaces the inclined conveyor  110  detailed in  FIGS. 5 and 6  of the application for Precision Portioning of Granules by Weight. The horizontal conveyor  106  deposits granules  10  in a V-shaped trough  703 . The screw conveyor  700  includes an apex port  708  to release individual granules. The sensor is not shown, but is not deleted. The V-shaped trough  703  is open the entire length of the conveyor to avoid slicing or crushing granules of any shape. The trough  703  has a hemi-cylindrical bottom  712  to contain and escalate granules  10 .  FIG. 18-8  is a side view of the screw conveyor. The V-shaped trough  703  includes a back wall  716  to prohibit back-spill of the granules. 
         [0082]    As described in  FIG. 5 , the horizontal conveyor  106  deposits granules  10  into the V-shaped trough  703  at a rate slower than they are escalated by the screw conveyor. A gear mechanism  724  and motor  726  to drive the two conveyors  106 ,  700  are shown schematically. The brushes in  FIGS. 5 and 6  have been deleted. The V-shaped trough  703  is vibrated by means of a motor  730  with an off-axis weight or transducer. All other aspects of the granule meter assembly  80  remain the same. 
         [0083]    The gates  504   a - 504   c  and  604   a - 604   c  can be spring loaded and configured like the hatch  330 , spring  331  and solenoid  328  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0084]    From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred.