A system for calibrating a weighing apparatus

Abstract

A system for calibrating a weighing apparatus, comprising: a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that a desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder; a first sensor having a first sensor output, the first sensor configured to provide a first measurement that represents a first pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder and / or a first force applied to the weighing apparatus by the at least one cylinder; and a control system coupled to the first sensor and the pump, the control system configured to receive the first sensor output and provide a control output to the pump to maintain a the first force and / or the first pressure at a desired level based on the sensor output.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR CALIBRATING A WEIGHING APPARATUS

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] A system for calibrating a weighing apparatus.

[0004] Description

[0005] Weighing systems are used in a wide range of applications, for example, to accurately determine the amount of material in a tank, container, or vessel. To ensure the accuracy of these weighing systems, calibration processes are often carried out by a tank, vessel, or other container being loaded to a known amount and the output of the weighing system being compared to the known load . In some cases, the load is applied by filling the tank with a known quantity of material (e.g., water) and observing the output of the weighing system. Among other limitations, the process of filling the tank can be costly and time-consuming. To address this, calibration systems have been developed that apply a known load without filling the tank (e.g., by attaching devices that can be controlled to apply a known force to the tank and thus the weighing system).

[0006] Depending on the application to which the weighing systems are applied, there are various regulations and rules that govern the calibration process. For example, certain applications require that the applied force remain constant during a prescribed time period, such as when noting down the value measured by the installed weighing system and that of the calibration system (differing from the target force by no more than an acceptable tolerance). This can create difficulties, for example, with systems that use hydraulic apparatus to apply the known force, as certain factors can cause the applied force to vary unacceptably during the prescribed time periods. For example, leakage in any of the components of the hydraulic system may cause the pressure in the system to drop over time, and this will cause the applied force to drop as well. In addition, expansion and / or contraction of components of the hydraulic system such as hydraulic hoses, due to temperature changes, may also cause unacceptable changes in the applied pressure and the resulting applied force.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus, comprising a first actuator device being configured to provide a desired level of force, where the first actuator device provides a first force to the weighing apparatus; a first

[0008] P3029PC00 sensor having a first sensor output, the first sensor configured to provide a first measurement that represents the first force; and a control system coupled to the first sensor and first actuator device, the control system being configured to receive the first sensor output and provide a control output to the first actuator device to maintain the first force at a desired level based on the sensor output.

[0009] By providing a system having both an actuator device and a first sensor, it is possible to prepare the control system by providing a feedback loop for the calibration system, where the control system is capable of controlling the application of force to the weighing system based on a first sensor input. Thus, if there is a requirement that a calibration system is to maintain a predefined force on a weighing system for a predetermined time period, the system may utilise the sensor input to control the actuator device in order to maintain a constant force applied to the weighing device measured by the first sensor and to stabilise the force at the desired level.

[0010] Thus, if the sensor input indicates that there is a reduction in force being applied to the weighing system, the controller may send a control output signal to the actuation device where the actuation device is used to compensate for the reduction in force by increasing the force applied to the weighing apparatus. This allows the system to maintain a predefined force on the weighing system for a predetermined time period. This may further allow the system to maintain a desired level of force in real time, while calibrating the weighing device. The weighing device may comprise one or more load cells, where the system is used to provide a force to the load cells of the weighing device, where the force applied to the weighing device by the system for calibrating the weighing device is compared to the readouts of the weighing device in order to ensure that the output of the weighing device is correct.

[0011] The above also allows for an automatic control of the system for calibrating a weighing system, where the controller may be utilised to set one or more levels of predefined force applied to the weighing system, so that the user may e.g. use the controller to activate the actuator device, until the sensor registers that the system has reached the level of predefined force. When the sensor registers that the system has reached a predefined level of force, the controller may deactivate or provide input to the actuator device to maintain the applied force at the predefined level of force, and where the controller ensures that the applied force is at a the predefined level for a predefined period of time in order to allow the load cells of the weighing system to be calibrated to the predefined level of force.

[0012] P3029PC00 Within the context of the present disclosure, the term actuator device may be understood as an actuator device or an actuator system comprising one or more elements, such as a hydraulic pump driving a hydraulic cylinder, a mechanical actuator having an electric motor driving the mechanical actuator, a pneumatic actuator system comprising an air compressor and pneumatic cylinder, an electromagnetic actuator utilising a solenoid or voice coil motor, a piezoelectric actuator that generates force through piezoelectric material deformation, a servo motor system with integrated gearing or transmission mechanisms; a linear actuator comprising a stepper motor and lead screw assembly, or other types of actuator devices known by the person skilled in the art.

[0013] Within the context of the present disclosure, the actuator device may be provided with a first valve, where the first valve may be part of the actuator device, and where the control system provides a control input to the valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, the actuator device comprises a pump configured to supply fluid, such as hydraulic fluid or a liquid, to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that the desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder, wherein the first sensor is configured to provide a first measurement that represents a first pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder and / or a first force applied to the weighing apparatus by the at least one cylinder; and wherein the control system is configured to provide a control output to the pump to maintain the first force and / or the first pressure at a desired level based on the sensor output.

[0015] By providing a system having both a pump and a first sensor, it is possible to prepare the control system for providing a feedback loop for the calibration system, where the control system is capable of controlling the application of force to the weighing system based on a first sensor input. Thus, if there is a requirement that a calibration system is to maintain a predefined force on a weighing system for a predetermined time period, the system may utilise the sensor input to control the pump in order to maintain a constant hydraulic pressure for the cylinder measured by a pressure sensor, or to maintain a constant force measured by a force sensor, and to stabilise the force and / or pressure at the desired level.

[0016] P3029PC00 Thus, if the sensor input indicates that there is a reduction in force being applied to the weighing system, the controller may send a control output signal to the pump where the pump is used to compensate for the reduction in force by increasing the hydraulic pressure to the at least one cylinder. This allows the system to maintain a predefined force and / or pressure on the weighing system for a predetermined time period.

[0017] The above also allows for an automatic control of the system for calibrating a weighing system, where the controller may be utilised to set one or more levels of predefined force that is applied to the weighing system, so that the user may e.g. use the controller to activate the pump to apply an increase in hydraulic pressure to the cylinder, until the sensor registers that the system has reached the level of predefined force. When the sensor registers that the system has reached a predefined level of force, the controller may deactivate the pump at the predefined level of force, and where the controller ensures that the applied force is at a predefined level for a predefined period of time in order to allow the load cells of the weighing system to be calibrated to the predefined level of force.

[0018] In one embodiment, the controller is configured to receive a first control input, where the first control input may define a predefined level of force to be applied by the system. The first control input may originate from a user interface and / or from predefined instructions, where the control input may be one predefined level of feree applied to the weighing system, or may be a plurality of predefined levels of force applied to the weighing system.

[0019] Thus, the system may be utilised to apply a series of control inputs to the controller, where the plurality of predefined levels may be arranged at predefined intervals across e.g. the maximum allowed weight of the weighing system. As an example, if a weighing apparatus is configured to have a maximum weight of 10,000 kg, the plurality of control inputs may e.g. be arranged at predefined intervals, such as intervals of 1000 kg, allowing the weighing apparatus to be calibrated in ten different force applications. The intervals may be larger or smaller, where the system may as an example only apply one predefined level of force, or a plurality of levels of force, where the controller may control the pump that applies hydraulic pressure to the cylinder, and the sensor output may be utilised as a feedback loop to control the operations of the pump and allow the system to maintain the target value or desired value.

[0020] P3029PC00 In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a first valve configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the at least one cylinder, and wherein the control system is configured to provide a second control output to the valve to stop a flow of hydraulic fluid to the at least one cylinder to help maintain the first force and / or the first pressure at the desired level. The control system may be configured to open and close the valve.

[0021] Alternatively, the first valve may be part of the actuator device, where the first control output may be the second control output, where the first control output is configured to provide a control signal to the first valve.

[0022] The valve may be utilised to release a predefined or a controlled amount of pressure from the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder, allowing a reduction in hydraulic pressure being applied to the cylinder. Thus, if an increase of pressure is required for the cylinder, the controller may activate the pump to increase the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder, and if a reduction of hydraulic pressure is needed, the controller may activate a valve to reduce the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder.

[0023] In one example, if there is a delay in the application of hydraulic pressure by the pump to the cylinder, where a the pump may provide a slight increase in hydraulic pressure while the pumping activity is being stopped, the valve may be used to release the hydraulic pressure that exceeds the desired level of hydraulic pressure, ensuring that the force applied to the weighing system does not exceed the predefined level.

[0024] In one embodiment, the valve may be positioned between the pump and the first sensor, where the first sensor may be a pressure sensor or a force sensor. This allows the valve to release a predefined amount of hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder, allowing a reduction in pressure without activating the pump.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first sensor may be a pressure sensor that is coupled to a hose positioned between the pump and the at least one cylinder. Alternatively, the sensor may be connected to the hydraulic fluid, so that the first sensor is capable of measuring the pressure of the hydraulic fluid. The first sensor may be positioned in a valve manifold or may be connected to a hydraulic tube containing at least part of the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulicly driven cylinder.

[0026] P3029PC00 In one embodiment, the control system provides a third control output to control the first pump and / or the first valve to restore the desired level of pressure when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

[0027] In one embodiment, the valve is a shut off valve, a directional control valve, or a check valve.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a hose coupling the valve to a reservoir of hydraulic fluid so that fluid can be bled off from the at least one cylinder via the valve when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is above a threshold level.

[0029] In one embodiment, the first sensor may be a first reference load cell; wherein the first reference load cell may provide a first force output, i.e. a first measurement output, to the control system and wherein the control system may be configured to react to changes in the first force output to alter the operation of the pump to maintain a force applied by the at least one cylinder to the weighing apparatus at a desired level.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a plurality of reference load cells, wherein the at least one cylinder may comprise a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders may be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the input / output controls may be configured to control a pressure for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders individually to make sure that a load is distributed equally across the plurality of reference load cells.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one of the reference load cells and / or the force indicator may be coupled to the control system providing the first sensor output, and wherein the control system is configured to monitor the first sensor output and control operation of a valve to maintain a hydraulic pressure of the cylinder at a desired level based on the detected force.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment, the system may comprise a force indicator, wherein the force indicator provides a second force output to the control system and wherein the control system is configured to react to changes in the second force output to alter the operation of the pump to maintain a force applied by the at least one cylinder to the weighing apparatus at a desired level. The force indicator may be any kind of device that is used to quantify force in compression, tension or other states.

[0033] P3029PC00 In one embodiment, the control system comprises a weighing terminal with input / output controls. The weighing terminal may have a user interface and / or a display device, where a user of the system may either provide control input to the system and / or the control system, or monitor the activity of the system while it is being used to calibrate the weighing system.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pump is a manual pump.

[0035] The present disclosure may also relate to a method of calibrating a weighing apparatus, comprising the steps of supplying hydraulic fluid via a pump to at least one cylinder, providing a first sensor output by a first sensor that represents a first pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder and / or a first force applied to the weighing apparatus by the at least one cylinder, and providing a control output to the pump by a control system based on the first sensor output to maintain the first force and / or the first pressure at a desired level.

[0036] The present disclosure may also relate to a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus. The system includes a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that a desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder; a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder; and a control system coupled to the pressure sensor and the pump. The control system is configured to monitor the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and control operation of the pump to maintain the pressure at a desired level based on the detected pressure.

[0037] In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is coupled to a hose positioned between the pump and the at least one cylinder.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system further includes a reference load cell and a force indicator. At least one of the reference load cells and the force indicator are coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to react to changes in an indicated force to alter the operation of the pump to maintain a force applied by the at least one cylinder at a desired level.

[0039] In an embodiment, the system further includes a valve positioned between the pump and the pressure sensor, the valve configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from

[0040] P3029PC00 the pump to the at least one cylinder, wherein the control system is configured to control an operation of the valve to stop a flow of hydraulic fluid to the at least one cylinder to help maintain the pressure at the desired level.

[0041] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to control the pump or the valve or both the pump and the valve to restore the desired level of pressure when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

[0042] In an embodiment, the valve is a shut off valve, a directional control valve, or a check valve.

[0043] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a weighing terminal with input / output controls.

[0044] In an embodiment, the system further includes a plurality of reference load cells, wherein the at least one cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders coupled to a respective one of the plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the input / output controls are configured to control a pressure for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders individually to make sure that a load is distributed equally across the plurality of reference load cells.

[0045] In addition, the present disclosure relates to a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus. The system includes a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that a desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder; at least one reference load cell configured to measure the force applied by the at least one cylinder; and a control system coupled to the at least one reference load cell and the pump, the control system configured to monitor the force measured by the at least one reference load cell and control operation of the pump to maintain a pressure at a desired level based on the detected force.

[0046] In an embodiment, the system further includes a valve positioned between the pump and the at least one cylinder and coupled to the control system, the valve being configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the at least one cylinder, wherein the control system is configured to control the valve to stop a flow of hydraulic fluid to the at least one cylinder.

[0047] P3029PC00 In an embodiment, the control system is configured to control the valve to restore the desired pressure level when a force measured by the at least one reference load cell falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

[0048] In an embodiment, the control system comprises a weighing terminal with input / output controls, wherein the at least one reference load cell comprises a plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the at least one cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders coupled to a respective one of the plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the input / output controls are configured to control a pressure for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders individually to make sure that a load is distributed equally across the plurality of reference load cells.

[0049] In addition, the present disclosure relates to a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus. The system includes a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that a desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder; a valve configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the at least one cylinder; and a control system coupled to the valve. The control system is configured to control operation of the valve to maintain a pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder at a desired level based on data from a pressure sensor coupled to the control system and configured to detect pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder; or data from a force indicator coupled to the control system, the force indicator configured to indicate a force applied to the at least one cylinder as measured by a reference load cell.

[0050] In an embodiment, the pump is a manual pump.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first sensor is at least one reference load cell configured to measure the force applied by the at least one cylinder applied to the weighing apparatus.

[0052] In an embodiment, at least one of the reference load cells and the force indicator are coupled to the control system, wherein the control system is configured to monitor the force measured by the reference load cell and control operation of the valve to maintain a pressure at a desired level based on the detected force.

[0053] P3029PC00 In an embodiment, the valve is positioned between the pump and the pressure sensor, wherein the control system is configured to operate the valve to maintain the desired pressure level indicated by the pressure sensor.

[0054] In an embodiment, the control system is configured to control the valve to restore the desired level of pressure when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

[0055] In an embodiment, the system further includes a plurality of reference load cells, wherein the at least one cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders coupled to a respective one of the plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the control system comprises a weighing terminal with input / output controls are configured to control a pressure for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders individually to make sure that a load is distributed equally across the plurality of reference load cells.

[0056] In an embodiment, the system further includes a hose coupling the valve to a reservoir of hydraulic fluid so that fluid can be bled off from the at least one cylinder via the valve when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is above a threshold level.

[0057] In an embodiment, the pump having a manual control configured to operate based on a user setting to generate a desired output pressure, wherein the control system is configured to maintain the desired pressure within the at least one cylinder by controlling operation of the valve to permit the pressure generated by the pump to increase; opening the valve to permit flow therethrough from the pump to the pressure sensor and the cylinder; or configuring the valve to permit flow from the at least one cylinder to a reservoir of hydraulic fluid; and when the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor is within a desired range, the control system is configured to permit the pump to continue to operate without changing the pressure in the at least one cylinder by configuring the valve so that fluid flows from the pump through a first hose coupled to the pump to the valve and passes from there into a second hose coupling the valve to the reservoir back to the reservoir without passing beyond the valve to the pressure sensor and the at least one cylinder.

[0058] Furthermore, the present disclosure may relate to a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus. The system includes a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that a desired level of force is applied

[0059] P3029PC00 to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder; a valve configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the at least one cylinder; a reference load cell configured to measure the force applied by the at least one cylinder; and a control system coupled to the reference load cell and the valve, the control system configured to monitor the force measured by the reference load cell and control operation of the valve to maintain a pressure at a desired level based on the detected force.

[0060] Brief description of the drawings

[0061] The following is an explanation of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a hydraulic calibration system for a weighing apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0063] Fig. 2A shows a calibration system with an automated hydraulic control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0064] Fig. 2B shows a calibration system with input / output controls on a weighing terminal that are configured to control and regulate a pump and / or valve of the calibration system according to various example embodiments,

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a calibration system with an automated hydraulic control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0066] Fig. 4 shows a calibration system with an automated hydraulic control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,

[0067] Fig. 5 shows a calibration system with an automated hydraulic control apparatus according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and

[0068] Fig. 6 shows a system for calibrating a weighing apparatus having an actuator device and a first sensor according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] P3029PC00 Detailed description

[0070] Various exemplary embodiments and details are described hereinafter, with reference to the figures when relevant. It should be noted that the figures may or may not be drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are represented by like reference numerals throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the disclosure or as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiment even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0071] Fig. 1 shows one example embodiment where a system 10 for controlling a force applied by a calibration system for determining the accuracy of a weighing apparatus (not shown). The system 10 includes a pump 12 (e.g., a manual pump) fed from a reservoir of hydraulic fluid 14. The output from the pump 12 passes through a hose 16 (or pipe) to a hydraulic cylinder 18 pressurised by the pump to apply a known target force to the weighing apparatus via a force transfer unit such as a lug or a bracket.

[0072] The target force may be applied to the weighing apparatus in a downward manner in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the target force may be applied upwardly to the weighing apparatus. The target force is measured by a reference load cell (not shown) and displayed on a force indicator of the reference load cell. The output on the force indicator of the reference load cell is then compared to the value indicated by the weighing apparatus to check the accuracy of the weighing apparatus. A shut off valve 20 is positioned on the hose 16 between the pump 12 and the cylinder 18. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, leakage through the valve 20 or at any other location downstream of the pump 12 or thermal expansion or contraction of the hose 16 can cause the force applied by the cylinder 18 to drift in a manner that impacts the reliability of the calibration system.

[0073] In use, the user operates the pump 12 until the output pressure (e.g., a pressure which, when supplied to the cylinder 18 will generate a known target force) reaches a desired level. For example, a user can simply operate the pump 12 until the force indicated on the force indicator is the target force. At this point, the user shuts the shut off valve 20

[0074] P3029PC00 so that the cylinder 18 continues to apply the target force to the weighing apparatus. However, even a small leak in, for example, the shut off valve 20 or the cylinder 18 can cause the pressure applied to the cylinder 18 and, consequently, the force applied to the weighing apparatus to decrease over time. This may impact the reliability of the calibration and, in some cases, may render the calibration process void if the applied force deviates by more than a maximum allowed tolerance during a prescribed time period.

[0075] In another example embodiment shown in Fig. 2A, a calibration system 100 according to a disclosed embodiment includes an automated pump 120 fed by a reservoir 140 of hydraulic fluid. Fig. 2A shows a calibration system based on an automated hydraulic system with an automated pump controlled by a control system. The output of the pump is fed via a hose 160 to a hydraulic cylinder 180. A pressure sensor 170 is coupled to the hose 160 between the pump 120 and the cylinder 180 and the output of the pressure sensor 170 is fed to a control system 130. The control system 130 includes, for example, a computer 150 or other processing apparatus.

[0076] The control system 130 is configured to control operation of the pump 120 and is connected to the pump 120 so that the control system 130 can control operation of the pump 120 to maintain a level of fluid pressure supplied to the cylinder 180 to maintain the force applied by the cylinder 180 to the weighing apparatus (e.g., by applying a force to a device such as a tank or container being weighed by the weighing apparatus).

[0077] The calibration system 100 may also include a reference load cell 135 and / or a force indicator 137. The reference load cell 135 and the force indicator 137 operate in a manner similar to that described above in regard to the system 10. That is, the target force is measured by the reference load cell 135 and displayed on the force indicator 137 of the reference load cell 135. The output on the force indicator 137 of the reference load cell 135 is then compared to the value indicated by the weighing apparatus to check the accuracy of the weighing apparatus.

[0078] The control system 130 can react to any changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 170 to alter the operation of the pump 120 to counteract the pressure changes and keep the pressure supplied to the cylinder 180 relatively constant. This enables the system 100 to consistently apply via the cylinder 180 a desired target force to the weighing apparatus so that this force can be maintained consistently during a required time period. The target force may be applied in a downward manner or in an

[0079] P3029PC00 upward manner. The output of the weighing apparatus can then be compared to the targe force to calibrate the weighing apparatus in the same manner described above.

[0080] In addition, as shown in Fig. 2A, the reference load cell 135 and / or the force indicator 137 may be coupled to the control system 130 so that the control system 130 may react to changes in the force indicated by the force indicator 137 in the same manner described above in regard to reactions to changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 170 to alter the operation of the pump 120 to counteract changes in the force indicated by the force indicator 137 to maintain the force applied by the cylinder 180 at the target level during the required time period. Those skilled in the art will recognise that, in this arrangement with a connection between the control system 130 and the reference load cell 135 and / or the force indicator 137, the pressure sensor 170 may optionally be omitted from the system 100.

[0081] In another example embodiment, Fig. 2B shows a calibration system with input / output controls on a weighing terminal that are configured to control and regulate a pump of the calibration system according to various example embodiments. The calibration system 100' of Fig. 2B includes a weighing terminal 190 (or weighing indicator) with input / output controls 195. The weighing terminal 190 with input / output controls 195 may include a computer, processor, or other processing apparatus for performing the functions described herein. The input / output controls 195 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The calibration system 100' of Fig. 2B operates in a manner similar to the system 100 in Fig. 2A, with the exception that the weighing terminal 190 (or weighing indicator) may be used to control and regulate the pump 120' through input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190. In this manner, the weighing terminal 190 with input / output controls 195 may replace the separate control system 130 of Fig. 2A. In addition, the input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190 of the calibration system may be used to control the pressure for each cylinder 180' individually and independently to make sure that the load is distributed equally across the load cells in the weighing system being calibrated. This will allow an operator to ensure that the load cells being calibrated, the reference load cells, and the mechanical structure of the vessel or machine are not being overloaded. One of the benefits of controlling the pressure for each cylinder individually is to avoid the risk of a non-balanced force on the machine / system to be calibrated, which could damage the structure of a machine being calibrated, such as a bioreactor.

[0083] P3029PC00 Fig. 3 shows another example embodiment, where a system 200 similar to the system 100 except that a shut off valve 290 is positioned on the hose 260 between the pump 220 and the pressure sensor 270. Fig. 3 shows a calibration system based on an automated hydraulic system with an automated pump and shut off valve controlled by a control system. As can be seen in Fig. 3, the shut off valve 290 and the pressure sensor 270 are connected to the control system 230 and the control system 230 is connected to the pump 220. Thus, this system 200 can operate in a manner similar to that of system 100 of Fig. 2A except that, in the system 200, the pump 220 is operated by the control system 230 to pump hydraulic fluid into the cylinder 280 until the pressure sensor 270 indicates to the control system 230 that a desired pressure has been reached. The control system 230 then causes the shut off valve 290 to close and also causes the pump 220 to stop pumping fluid into the hose 260. As the pressure sensor 270 is between the shut off valve 290 and the cylinder 280, the pressure sensor 270 continues to monitor the pressure in the cylinder 280 and forward data regarding this pressure to the control system 230.

[0084] In addition, as shown in Fig. 3, the reference load cell 235 and / or the force indicator 237 may be coupled to the control system 230 so that the control system 230 may react to changes in the force indicated by the force indicator 237 in the same manner described above in regard to reactions to changes in the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 270 to alter the operation of the pump 220 to counteract changes in the force indicated by the force indicator 237 to maintain the force applied by the cylinder 280 at the target level during the required time period. Those skilled in the art will recognise that, in this arrangement with a connection between the control system 230 and the reference load cell 235 and / or the force indicator 237, the pressure sensor 270 may optionally be omitted from the system 200.

[0085] When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 270 falls below a first predetermined level (or increases above a second predetermined level), the control system 230 operates the shut off valve 290 and the pump 220 to restore the desired pressure. If the pressure is above the second threshold, the control system 230 may open the shut off valve 290 (or another bleed off valve (not shown)) to permit the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 270 to drop below the second threshold level. At this point, the control system 230 may operate the shut off valve 290 to close and maintain the pressure in the cylinder 280 at the desired level. In this manner, the system 200 can maintain the pressure in the cylinder 280 (and the force applied thereby

[0086] P3029PC00 to the weighing system being calibrated) at the desired level for the required length of time.

[0087] In one embodiment, the control system 230 in Fig. 3 may be replaced by a weighing terminal (or weighing indicator) with input / output controls like weighing terminal 190 and input / output controls 195 like those shown and described with respect to Fig. 2B, where the weighing terminal 190 may be used to control and regulate the pump through input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190. In this manner, the input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190 of the calibration system may be used to control the pressure for each cylinder individually and independently to make sure that the load is distributed equally across the load cells in the weighing system being calibrated.

[0088] In another example embodiment, Fig. 4 shows an automated calibration solution based on a manual pump and a valve controlled by a control system. Fig. 4 shows a system 300 similar to the systems 100 and 200 except that a control valve 390 is positioned on the hose 360 between the pump 320 and the pressure sensor 370. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the control valve 390 and the pressure sensor 370 are connected to the control system 330. The system 300 can operate in a manner similar to that of systems 100 and 200 except that, in the system 300, the pump 320 is not operated by the control system 330 (e.g., a manual pump). Rather, in the system 300, the control system 330 operates the control valve 390 to maintain a desired pressure within the cylinder 280 as indicated by data from either the pressure sensor 370 or the force indicator 337 that is transmitted to the control system 330.

[0089] In the system 300, the control system 330 operates the control valve 390 to either close or to permit fluid to be drained from the hose 360 to the reservoir 340 to maintain the desired pressure level indicated by the pressure sensor 370 or the target force as indicated by the force indicator 337. Those skilled in the art will recognise that, in this arrangement with a connection between the control system 330 and the reference load cell 335 and / or the force indicator 337, the pressure sensor 370 may optionally be omitted from the system 300.

[0090] As indicated above, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 370 or the force indicated by the force indicator 337 falls below a first predetermined level (or increases above a second predetermined level), the control system 330 operates the control valve 390 to restore the desired pressure. If the pressure is above the second threshold, the

[0091] P3029PC00 control system 330 may open the control valve 390 to permit the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 370 or the force indicated by the force indicator 337 to drop below the second threshold level. At this point, the control system 330 may operate the control valve 390 to close and maintain the pressure in the cylinder 380 at the desired level. If the force is below the desired amount, the control system can operate the control valve 390 to permit the user to pump additional fluid into the cylinder until the desired level of force is achieved.

[0092] The control system 330 may then close the control valve 390 to maintain the desired level. In this manner, the system 300 can maintain the pressure in the cylinder 380 (and the force applied thereby to the weighing system being calibrated) at the desired level for the required length of time. In addition, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, pressure from any of these pumps may be applied to fluid in an accumulator (not shown) which may be used to feed pressurised fluid into any of the hoses 160, 260, 360, 460 under control of a control system and control valve as described above to increase the pressure in the cylinder 180, 280, 380, 480 as needed to maintain the desired target force.

[0093] In one embodiment, the control system 330 in Fig. 4 may be replaced by a weighing terminal (or weighing indicator) with input / output controls like weighing terminal 190 and input / output controls 195 like those shown and described with respect to Fig. 2B, where the weighing terminal 190 may be used to control and regulate the pump through input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190. In this manner, the input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190 of the calibration system may be used to control the pressure for each cylinder individually and independently to make sure that the load is distributed equally across the load cells in the weighing system being calibrated.

[0094] Fig. 5 shows an automated calibration system that includes a manual pump and a valve controlled by a control system. Fig. 5 shows a system 400 that is substantially similar to the systems 200 and 300 including a pump 420 connected to a control valve 490, a pressure sensor 470 and a cylinder 480 via a hose 460 with a control system 430 connected to the control valve 490 and the pressure sensor 470 to control operation of the pump 420 and the control valve 490 as indicated above to maintain a desired pressure within the cylinder 480 based on readings from the pressure sensor 470. The system 400 differs from the systems 200 and 300 in that it also includes a hose 465 connecting the control valve 490 to a reservoir 440 of hydraulic fluid so that fluid can

[0095] P3029PC00 be bled off from the cylinder 480 via the control valve 490 when, for example, the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 470 is above a threshold level.

[0096] In addition, the system 400 may include a pump 420 having a manual control (i.e., which operates based on a user setting to generate the desired output pressure). Thus, the control system 430 can maintain the desired pressure within the cylinder 480 by controlling operation of the control valve 490 to permit the pressure generated by the pump 420 to increase or maintain the pressure in the cylinder 480 by opening the control valve 490 to permit flow therethrough from the pump to the pressure sensor 470 and the cylinder 480 or by configuring the control valve 490 to permit flow from the cylinder 480 to the reservoir 440. Finally, when the pressure indicated by the pressure sensor 470 is within a desired range, the control system 430 can permit the pump 420 to continue to operate without changing the pressure in the cylinder 480 by configuring the valve so that fluid flows from the pump 420 through the hose 460 to the control valve 490 and passes from there into the hose 465 back to the reservoir 440 without passing beyond the control valve 490 to the pressure sensor 470 and the cylinder 480.

[0097] In one embodiment, the control system 430 in Fig. 5 may be replaced by a weighing terminal (or weighing indicator) with input / output controls like weighing terminal 190 and input / output controls 195 like those shown and described with respect to Fig. 2B, where the weighing terminal 190 may be used to control and regulate the pump through input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190. In this manner, the input / output controls 195 on the weighing terminal 190 of the calibration system may be used to control the pressure for each cylinder individually and independently to make sure that the load is distributed equally across the load cells in the weighing system being calibrated.

[0098] Fig. 6 shows a simplistic view of a system 601 for calibrating a weighing apparatus 603, comprising a first actuator device 605 configured to provide a desired level of force, where the first actuator device 605 provides a first force to the weighing apparatus to the weighing apparatus; a first sensor 607 having a first sensor output 609, the first sensor 607 being configured to provide a first measurement that represents the first force. The system is provided with a control system 611 coupled to the first sensor 607 and first actuator device 605, the control system 611 being configured to receive the first sensor output 609 and provide a control output 613 to the first actuator device 605 to maintain the first force Fl and at a desired level based on the sensor output 609.

[0099] P3029PC00 The weighing apparatus 603 may comprise a vessel 615 configured to hold an item 617 to be weighed, where the weighing apparatus 603 may be arranged on a base 619, where the vessel comprises one or more support elements 621, and where the support elements may be provided with load cells 623 configured to register the weight of the item arranged in the vessel.

[0100] The system 601 for calibrating the weighing apparatus 603 may be arranged to provide a force Fl between the base 619 and the vessel 615, so that the force Fl applied by the actuator device 605 may be applied to the vessel 615, where the first sensor 607, e.g. in the form of a load cell, may register the magnitude of the first force Fl, and where the first force Fl may be compared to the force F2 registered by the load cells of the weighing apparatus 603 to calibrate the load cells 623 of the weighing apparatus.

[0101] The control system 611 may be configured to provide a constant control of the actuator device 605, ensuring that the sensor output 609 registered by the sensor 607 may be maintained at a predetermined level.

[0102] The calibration systems disclosed herein are automatic systems for applying and maintaining the pressure in the hydraulic system in order to maintain a stable target force to the container or other weighing apparatus. In some embodiments, the calibration systems disclosed herein use a control system (or input / output controls on a weighing terminal) and pressure transmitters / sensors to control an automated pump and / or valves to ensure a stable pressure in the system, which will apply a stable target force to a container or other weighing apparatus.

[0103] The calibration systems disclosed herein can allow for a number of pre-set target forces to be applied automatically to the calibration system. The systems disclosed herein may allow for automatic preparation of the weighing system that is being calibrated and may compare the measured force with the applied force to allow for efficient automated calibration. The solutions disclosed herein may use different types of valves such as, but not limited to, shut off valves, directional control valves, check valves, etc. to ensure the stable pressure in the system. Further, the solutions disclosed herein may control either a pump, a valve, or both the pump and a valve in order to control the pressure in the system to reach a stable pre-set pressure in the system, which will apply a stable target force to the container or weighing apparatus.

[0104] P3029PC00 It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0105] It is also to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0106] It should be noted that any reference signs or numbers do not limit the scope of the claims.

[0107] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described example embodiments may be implemented in any suitable software or hardware configuration or combination thereof. An example hardware platform for implementing the example embodiments may include, for example, an Intel x86 based platform with compatible operating system, a Windows OS, a Mac platform and MAC OS, a mobile device having an operating system such as iOS, Android, etc. In a further example, the example embodiments of the above-described method may be embodied as a program containing lines of code stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium that, when compiled, may be executed on a processor or microprocessor.

[0108] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory memory element) may be configured so that it stores program instructions and / or data, where the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform a method, e.g., any of a method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets.

[0109] In some embodiments, a device may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium (or memory element), where the memory medium stores program instructions, where the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, where the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or, any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or, any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or, any combination of such subsets). The device may be realised in any of various forms.

[0110] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be realised in any of various forms. For

[0111] P3029PC00 example, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may be realised as a computer- implemented method, a computer-readable memory medium, or a computer system. In other embodiments, the present disclosure may be realised using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. In other embodiments, the present disclosure may be realised using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0112] Although this application described various aspects each having different features in various combinations, those skilled in the art will understand that any of the features of one aspect may be combined with the features of the other aspects in any manner not specifically disclaimed or which is not functionally or logically inconsistent with the operation of the device or the stated functions of the disclosed aspects.

[0113] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the present disclosure, without departing from the spirit or the scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0114] The use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. does not imply any particular order but are included to identify individual elements. Moreover, the use of the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. Note that the words "first", "second", "third" and "fourth", "primary", "secondary", "tertiary" etc. are used here and elsewhere for labelling purposes only and are not intended to denote any specific spatial or temporal ordering.

[0115] Furthermore, the labelling of a first element does not imply the presence of a second element and vice versa.

[0116] It is to be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0117] P3029PC00 It is to be noted that the words "a" or "an" preceding an element do not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0118] It should further be noted that any reference signs do not limit the scope of the claims. Although features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0119] P3029PC00

Claims

23Claims1. A system for calibrating a weighing apparatus, comprising : a first actuator device configured to provide a desired level of force, where the first actuator device provides a first force to the weighing apparatus; a first sensor having a first sensor output, the first sensor being configured to provide a first measurement that represents the first force; and a control system coupled to the first sensor and the first actuator device, the control system being configured to receive the first sensor output and provide a control output to the first actuator device to maintain the first force at a desired level based on the sensor output.

2. A system in accordance with claim 1, where the actuator device comprises: a pump configured to supply fluid, such as a hydraulic fluid or a liquid, to at least one cylinder to operate the at least one cylinder so that the desired level of force is applied to the weighing apparatus via the at least one cylinder, wherein the first sensor is configured to provide a first measurement that represents a first pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the at least one cylinder and / or a first force applied to the weighing apparatus by the at least one cylinder; and wherein the control system is configured to provide a control output to the pump to maintain the first force and / or the first pressure at a desired level based on the sensor output.

3. The system in accordance with claim 2, further comprising a first valve configured to control a flow of hydraulic fluid from the pump to the at least one cylinder, wherein the control system is configured to provide a second control output to the valve to stop a flow of hydraulic fluid to the at least one cylinder to help maintain the first force and / or the first pressure at the desired level.

4. The system in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor is a pressure sensor, optionally where the pressure sensor is arranged in a fluid communication between the pump and the cylinder or optionally coupled to a hose and positioned between the pump and the at least one cylinder.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the control system provides a third control output to control the first pump and / or the first valve to restore the desired level of pressureP3029PC00when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

6. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the valve is a shut off valve, a directional control valve, or a check valve.

7. The system in accordance with claim 4, further comprising a hose coupling the valve to a reservoir of hydraulic fluid so that fluid can be bled off from the at least one cylinder via the valve when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is above a threshold level.

8. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to control the pump or the valve or both the pump and the valve to restore the desired level of pressure when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor falls below a first predetermined level or increases above a second predetermined level.

9. The system in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the first sensor is a first reference load cell; wherein the first reference load cell provides a first force output to the control system and wherein the control system is configured to react to changes in the first force output to alter the operation of the pump to maintain a force applied by the at least one cylinder to the weighing apparatus at a desired level.

10. The system in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a plurality of reference load cells, wherein the at least one cylinder comprises a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders coupled to a respective one of the plurality of reference load cells, and wherein the input / output controls are configured to control a pressure for each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders individually to make sure that a load is distributed equally across the plurality of reference load cells.

11. The system in accordance with claim 9, wherein at least one of the reference load cells and / or the force indicator are coupled to the control system providing the first sensor output, and wherein the control system is configured to monitor the first sensor output and control operation of a valve to maintain a hydraulic pressure of the cylinder at a desired level based on the detected force.P3029PC0012. The system in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the system may further comprise a force indicator, wherein the force indicator provides a second force output to the control system, and wherein the control system is configured to react to changes in the second force output to alter the operation of the pump to maintain a force applied by the at least one cylinder to the weighing apparatus at a desired level.

13. The system in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the control system comprises a weighing terminal with input / output controls.

14. The system in accordance with any of the preceding claims, wherein the pump is a manual pump.

15. A method of calibrating a weighing apparatus, comprising the steps of- supplying a first force to a weighing apparatus via an actuation device,- providing a first sensor output by a first sensor that represents a first force applied to the weighing apparatus by the actuation device, and- providing a control output to the actuation device by a control system based on the first sensor output to maintain the first force at a desired level.P3029PC00

Images