WEIGHT SENSER CALIBRATION FOR GRAVIMETRIC COAL FEEDER

摘要

A device for selectively applying a test load to a weight-sensing control mechanism in an enclosed conveyor unit for feeding particulate material at a controlled rate. The weight-sensing mechanism continuously senses the weight of a variable quantity of material such as coal being conveyed through a predetermined reference zone and one or more load cells generate a voltage signal representative of the weight being sensed. The test load may be supported in the conveyor unit in either of two positions including a first position wherein it is supported independently of the weight-sensing mechanism and a second position wherein it is transferred to the weight-sensing mechanism for the purpose of calibration. The device includes a transverse shaft journaled in the conveyor unit and a pair of eccentric hubs mounted at opposite ends of the shaft, each hub being rotatably received in a connecting head portion of one of a pair of support rods adapted to suspend the test load. Thus, rotation of the shaft and eccentric hubs causes the test load to be transferred between its two positions so as to transfer the weight of the test load to the weight-sensing mechanism for the purpose of calibration. The transfer is accomplished by an operator at a location outside the enclosed conveyor unit.