Abstract: Checkweigher system embodiments and associated weigh-in-motion methods that are usable to produce increased object weigh time and improved weight determination accuracy without a decrease in object throughput. Generally speaking, exemplary methods initiate weight data collection earlier than, and terminate weight data collection later than, known methods. An exemplary method may also make use of derived mean error data associated with object weight measurements at various locations along a checkweigher to determine if an object weight measured over less than a desired weigh time is nonetheless acceptable.

Abstract: Checkweigher system embodiments and associated weigh-in-motion methods that are usable to produce increased object weigh time and improved weight determination accuracy without a decrease in object throughput. Generally speaking, exemplary methods initiate weight data collection earlier than, and terminate weight data collection later than, known methods. An exemplary method may also make use of derived mean error data associated with object weight measurements at various locations along a checkweigher to determine if an object weight measured over less than a desired weigh time is nonetheless acceptable.

Abstract: A checkweighing device, checkweighing systems employing one or more checkweighing devices, and methods of operation thereof. The checkweighing devices are designed for installation between parallel, spaced apart and vertically offset infeed and outfeed conveyors. Each checkweighing device includes a weighing cell with a weighing platform; a slide chute and at least one sorting gate for directing items either to the outfeed conveyor or to a discard receiver; and a power-actuated rake for sweeping incoming items from the infeed conveyor to the weighing platform, and sweeping weighed items from the weighing platform to the slide chute. While in no way limited to such a use, exemplary checkweighing device, system and method embodiments are well-suited for automatically checking the individual weights of small articles of high value, and/or other items that need to be weighed with high accuracy.

Abstract: A checkweighing device, checkweighing systems employing one or more checkweighing devices, and methods of operation thereof. The checkweighing devices are designed for installation between parallel, spaced apart and vertically offset infeed and outfeed conveyors. Each checkweighing device includes a weighing cell with a weighing platform; a slide chute and at least one sorting gate for directing items either to the outfeed conveyor or to a discard receiver; and a power-actuated rake for sweeping incoming items from the infeed conveyor to the weighing platform, and sweeping weighed items from the weighing platform to the slide chute. While in no way limited to such a use, exemplary checkweighing device, system and method embodiments are well-suited for automatically checking the individual weights of small articles of high value, and/or other items that need to be weighed with high accuracy.

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retainins one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel.

Abstract: A checkweigher for the in-motion weighing of objects being transported along a conveyor line. A checkweigher of the present invention employs a plurality of scales each having its own set of weighing conveyor elements. For example, a first scale may be associated with a set of lighter weight chains to convey and weigh smaller objects, while a second scale may be associated with a set of heavier weight chains to convey and weigh larger objects. This design essentially allows the incorporation of a lightweight and heavyweight checkweigher within one common checkweigher frame. The problem of noise caused by one set of conveyor elements associated with one scale affecting the accuracy of the other scale(s) is eliminated by locating the conveying surfaces of the conveyor elements associated with the individual scales in different planes. Thus, objects transported by one weighing conveyor exert no load on the conveyor elements of the other weighing conveyor(s).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in weighing products having circular or oval footprint or an outwardly projecting flange. A conveyor having a pair of parallel conveyor elements arranged to underengage the footprint or flange only adjacent the periphery thereof transports the products one at a time across a weigh pan or scale device, whose length in the direction of conveyor movement is selected as the lowest value required to achieve a desired settle time for the weigh pan. Preferably, the length of the weigh pan is chosen to be essentially equal to the diameter of products to be weighed.

Abstract: A flow directing conveyor mechanism includes a lower conveyor defining an article supporting surface for transporting articles for movement along a path of travel extending between inlet and discharge ends of the lower conveyor; and an upper conveyor having pushing mechanisms for displacing articles, while supported by the surface, transversely of the path of travel, as an incident to movement of the articles between the inlet and discharge ends.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use in weighing products having circular or oval footprint configuration. A conveyor having a pair of parallel conveyor elements arranged to underengage the footprint only adjacent the periphery thereof transports the products one at a time across a weigh pan or scale device, whose length in the direction of conveyor movement is selected as the lowest value required to achieve a desired settle time for the weigh pan. Preferably, the length of the weigh pan is chosen to be essentially equal to the diameter of products to be weighed.