Abstract: The combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of groups of combination hoppers which are a plurality of hopper lines of arcuate sections composing a line of combination hoppers including a plurality of circularly arranged combination hoppers (4); a control means (21) for performing a combination calculation for each of the groups of combination hoppers, selecting combination hoppers so that the total weight of the objects to be weighed therein falls within a predetermined weight range, and discharging the objects to be weighed from the selected combination hoppers; a plurality of collecting chutes (6A-6D) disposed below the groups of combination hoppers to correspond to the groups of the combination hoppers, respectively; and a plurality of collecting hoppers (7A-7D) provided to correspond to the collecting chutes, respectively, for temporarily retaining the objects to be weighed discharged from the collecting chutes, and then discharging the objects into an inlet of the packaging mac

Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of base groups into which a plurality of combination hoppers (4) which are circularly arranged are divided; a plurality of collecting chutes (6A to 6D) which are respectively disposed to respectively correspond to the base groups, a plurality of collecting hoppers (7A to 7D) respectively provided at the outlets of the collecting chutes; and a control means (21) wherein the control means (21) is configured to perform: a combination process to determine p discharge groups each including one or more base groups and perform combination calculation for each of the discharge groups to select combination hoppers forming optimal combination, a process to cause the combination hoppers forming optimal combinations in all discharge groups to discharge the objects to be weighed simultaneously; and a process to sequentially select the discharge groups and to cause the collecting hoppers corresponding to the base groups including the combination hoppers f

Abstract: A scale assembly (10) including a plurality of buckets (11). The buckets (11) are arranged in two sets (12, 13), each set of buckets (11) of each set (12, 13) being located on a respective path (31, 32). The paths (31, 32) are spaced radially from a respective longitudinal axis (25, 26) with the buckets (11) being equally spaced from their respective longitudinal axis (25, 26).

Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention is configured such that a plurality of weighing hoppers (4) are divided into base groups (FG1, FG2) and adjustment groups (CG1, CG2) between them, collecting funnels (7A, 7B) are provided at a lower part of a collecting chute (6), and movable plates (10) are provided to selectively discharge the objects to weighed from each adjustment group (CG1, CG2) to one of the collecting funnels (7A, 7B).

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing cell for use in an associated receiving holder, wherein the weighing cell and receiving holder are oriented relative to each other by means of alignment elements and through the use of the weighing cell in the receiving holder for the simultaneous production of a detachable, mechanical, and electrical connection to each other.

Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of discharge hoppers which hold objects to be weighed; weight detecting devices for detecting measured values of weights of the objects to be weighed which are held in or fed to the discharge hoppers; and a controller; wherein the controller is configured to select an optimal composite combination from composite combinations each of which chooses a plurality of combinations made up of the measured values such that elements of the measured values do not duplicate between the combinations (step S3 to S4). In such a configuration, in the combination weigher configured to simultaneously select a plurality of combinations each of which chooses a certain number of measured values from a plurality of measured values, weighing precision can be improved without changing number of ganged units, or the number of ganged units can be reduced while maintaining the weighing precision.

Abstract: A mixing-weighing combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of kind-based groups (G1 to G3) each of which is made up of a plurality of combination hoppers (4, 5) fed with objects to be weighed, the kind-based groups being fed with objects to be weighed of different kinds; and a control unit (11).

Abstract: A transport apparatus that enables a trough to be easily removed in one step, and a combination weighing apparatus provided with the same are provided. The transport apparatus includes a trough and a reciprocating movement mechanism, and is configured to convey an article placed in the trough in a predetermined direction. The reciprocating movement mechanism includes a motor box, and a support member. The trough has one of a protruding part and a depressed part, while the support member had the other of the protruding part and the depressed part. The motor is configured to move the trough via the support member along the conveyance direction such that the trough moves faster in a direction opposite the conveyance direction than in the conveyance direction. The protruding part is removably connected to the depressed part.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically batching objects into portions, comprising conveying and weighing objects. An appropriate bin for each of the weighed objects is selected, wherein each bin is provided with a weighing means. Accordingly, the total portion weight is periodically registered. By means of comparing the potion weight with the summed object weight in that portions, an appropriate bin can be selected for forthcoming objects.

Abstract: A weighing device includes a supply unit, a weighing unit, a stock unit, a discharge unit, a transfer unit, and a revolving mechanism. The supply unit supplies a target object to a container revolving in the weighing unit. The weighing unit weighs the container while revolving the same. The stock unit stocks a plurality of containers while holding the plurality of containers three-dimensionally and revolving them. The discharge unit discharges the target object from the container while revolving the container.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically feeding and transporting food products from an in-feed device to a combination weigher, which automatically selects from a number of portions of known weight the optimum combination of portions to create a batch of fixed weight with minimum give-away The method consists mainly of ensuring that the raw material being processed, which typically consists of fresh and unfrozen food products of various kinds that are fragile and have the tendency to stick to the equipment underlay, especially fresh fish, poultry and meat products, fruit and vegetable products and other unfrozen food products of this type, is fed onto at least one or an unlimited number (n) of independent, endless movable conveyors (14a , 14b, . 14n) or (53) and (54-58) which are movable as a whole in both directions along their longitudinal plane independently and transport the product evenly, accurately and securely by means of these conveyors to a combination weigher (16) or (52).

Abstract: The combination weigher of the present invention comprises a plurality of groups of combination hoppers which are a plurality of hopper lines of arcuate sections composing a line of combination hoppers including a plurality of circularly arranged combination hoppers (4); a control means (21) for performing a combination calculation for each of the groups of combination hoppers, selecting combination hoppers so that the total weight of the objects to be weighed therein fails within a predetermined weight range, and discharging the objects to be weighed from the selected combination hoppers; a plurality of collecting chutes (6A-6D)) disposed below the groups of combination hoppers to correspond to the groups of the combination hoppers, respectively; and a plurality of collecting hoppers (7A-7D)) provided to correspond to the collecting chutes, respectively, for temporarily retaining the objects to be weighed discharged from the collecting chutes, and then discharging the objects into an inlet of the packaging m

Abstract: A weighing section includes a plurality of weighing members and a power supply mechanism. The weighing members weigh an object while moving. The power supply mechanism includes a fixed section, a rotatable section moving along the movement of the weighing members, a primary coil provided on the fixed section, and a secondary coil provided on the rotatable section. The power supply mechanism supplies power to the primary coil, retrieves an induced electromotive force from the secondary coil, and supplies power to the weighing members.

Abstract: A conveying device is disclosed that changes the order of containers during conveyance in order to speed up processes, such as a discharging process performed by a combination weighing device and a rank-order sorting process performed by a quality inspection device. With a combination weighing device, a plurality of containers placed on a rotary table are moved by rotatably driving the rotary table. While the containers are being moved, a container arrangement mechanism changes the sequential order of the containers that are specified by a control unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to an in-feed control and dispersion apparatus, in the field of fresh food product industry. The apparatus receives a product from an in-feed device and delivers it to one or more receiver units. The apparatus includes a first product dispersion device, a weighing device and a second product dispersion device. Each first and second product dispersion device includes a base structure with a multiple through holes or slots, through which one or more associated moveable protruding structures move. During use of the apparatus, the top surface of the protruding structure is never moved lower than the bottom surface of the base structure.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of scale units 10 that constitute a combination weigher is provided with a cut gate 11 attached to a lower portion of a powdery- or granular-material hopper 12, a feeding hopper 13 for temporarily retaining a powdery or granular material supplied from the cut gate 11, a gate-type weighing hopper 14 for weighing the powdery or granular material supplied from the feeding hopper 13, and a collecting chute 16 for collecting the powdery or granular material discharged from each weighing hopper 14 and supplying it to a wrapping machine or the like. A load cell 15 is attached to the weighing hopper 14, and the load cell 15 measures the weight of the powdery or granular material for performing combinatorial computing between the weighing hoppers 14. A dust-preventing bellow 18 is provided in between the respective constituting components: the cut gate 11, the feeding hopper 13, the weighing hopper 14, and the collecting chute 16.

Abstract: A chute assembly to be positioned between a weigher and a former of a packaging machine. The chute assembly includes a timing gate device including a plurality of timing gates that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher to the former. The gates are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seasoning apparatus capable of evenly seasoning each individual article, without seasoning any too heavily or too lightly. Therein, a screw having a helical blade is installed in a tube. The helical blade provides partitions that are provided upright between an article supply port and a discharge port. An article group, before seasoning, is accommodated in a section partitioned by the partitions, the motor rotates the screw, and the article group is transported from the supply port to the discharge port. Therein, each article group is transported to the discharge port separated from other article groups, and each individual article in the article group is seasoned evenly with the same seasoning processing time and the same seasoning supply ratio. In addition, the constitution of the seasoning apparatus is simplified because the screw simultaneously serves the two functions of separating and transporting the article groups.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveying product material to a weighing system includes an infeed for product material to be weighed and at least one dosing mechanism for controlled conveyor of product material portions from the infeed to a weighing system. The dosing mechanism includes a motor-driven transport screw formed as a helically-shaped rod positioned in an open trough for conveying the product material from the infeed to the weighing system, and a control unit for controlling the motor in order to deliver a desired portion of product material to the weighing system. This arrangement provides a gentle, well-defined conveyance of product materials that are not suited for vibrational conveyance or conveyance by a screw conveyor in a tubular housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing machine for weighing portions of material, which weighing machine comprises a frame structure on which a central distributor, a plurality of linear conveyors and a plurality of scales are mounted, and wherein the linear conveyors are arranged around the central distributor and each is configured as a conveyor duct suspended in relation to a counterweight by means of spring elements extending between the conveyor duct and the counterweight in such a manner that the transport duct is, by means of a vibrator intended therefore, caused to vibrate in a vibration pattern causing it to transport, during the vibration, maerial from the centra distributor and radially outwards to the scales. The invention is characterised in that the counterweight for each of the transport ducts in the linear conveyors are constituted of the frame structure of the machine, the spring elements for each transport duct being mounted directly on the frame structure.

Abstract: In a combination weighing device, weight measurement devices are respectively connected to pool hoppers and weighing hoppers. When the results of a combination calculation indicate that a combination is not complete, a control unit determines whether or not a total value of a weight value from predetermined weighing hoppers and a weight value from pool hoppers that supply articles to the weight hoppers exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, an over-scale state in the weighing hoppers can be avoided by supplying additional articles stored in the pool hoppers to the weighing hoppers. The present invention provides a combination weighing device that is capable of improving operational efficiency.

Abstract: A combinational measuring device is provided with a radiation feeder transporting objects and a measuring hopper measuring the weight of each group of objects transported by the radiation feeder. As to each measuring hopper performing introduction by a prescribed frequency, an average operation part obtains an average and standard deviation of a transport quantity every group transported by the radiation feeder. On the basis of the obtained standard deviation, a parameter operation part determines whether or not the transport quantity per group transported by the radiation feeder is dispersed.

Abstract: A control system for regulating a dispenser that includes a feeder bowl and a plurality of dispensing paths is disclosed. The control system includes a control unit for controlling a rotation drive for rotating the dispensing paths, a feeder bowl vibration device for vibrating the feeder bowl, and at least one dispensing path vibration device for vibrating the dispensing paths, such that the feeder bowl receives a plurality of items and supply the items uniformly to each of the dispensing paths, and the dispensing paths dispense the items singularly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic method and apparatus for weighing into portions. Feeding of single units is performed by separating the feeding channels for rough feeding and fine feeding so that the feeding up to the weighing station is separated. When weighed portions are too large compared to a predetermined value, the apparatus rejects the portions and returns them back to the feeding stream. By separating the stream of units into fine weighing and rough weighing, with a rejection of unsatisfied portions, the portions can accurately be weighed with high performance with apparatus that is both inexpensive and space saving.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a hopper having a simplified structure that can prevent fragments of component parts generated by vibrations and bolts, nuts, etc., that have fallen out of place from intermixing with the articles in the weighing hoppers or on the conveyor of a combination weighing apparatus. A link mechanism for opening and closing a gate is arranged on a plate provided on one side of the box-like body of a pool hopper. A cover that covers the entire link mechanism is provided and the cover is configured such that it can be freely attached to and detached from the box-like body. The cover can be attached to and detached from the box-like body by engaging and disengaging an engaging member of the cover with and from a nut coupled to the box-like body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination weighing apparatus that can rapidly supply articles to the weighing units side by rapidly supplying articles to a plurality of supply units. Combination weighing apparatus (1) is provided with a plurality of weigh hoppers (71), a conveyor (2), and a plurality of individual supply apparatuses (3). The weigh hoppers (71) measure the weight of the articles. The conveyor (2) is arranged alone the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and conveys articles. An individual supply apparatus (3) is provided for each of the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and supplies articles conveyed by the conveyor (2) to the weigh hooper (71).

Abstract: A powder-weighing apparatus and a powder-weighing method having a high weighing speed and a high weighing accuracy are provided. For weighing powder within a predetermined allowable range of a target weight Wt, the powder-weighing apparatus may be configured to have a primary-charge weighing portion for weighing and retaining a weight W1 of primary-charge powder smaller than the target weight Wt and at least two auxiliary-charge weighing portions each for weighing and retaining a weight W2 of auxiliary-charge powder within a predetermined range of an auxiliary-charge weight Ws. When a weight W1 of the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion is smaller than a lower limit of the predetermined allowable range of the target weight Wt, one of the two weights W2 may be selected so that a sum (W1+W2) becomes closest to the target weight Wt, and the powder retained in the primary-charge weighing portion and the powder retained in the selected auxiliary-charge weighing portion are discharged.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination measuring device allows fast measurement without lowering a measurement accuracy. The combination measuring device accommodates objects in a plurality of containers, performs combination calculation by measuring weights of the objects accommodated in the containers, discharging and collecting the objects selected for an optimum combination from the containers, and thereby obtaining the weighed objects having a target weight. This combination measuring device includes a plurality of measuring units, and a control portion. Each of the measuring units has a measuring portion for measuring the weight of the object accommodated in the container, and a stock portion for stocking the containers accommodating the weighed objects. The control portion performs the combination calculation by using weight values of all the objects stocked by the stock portions of all of the measuring units, while selecting zero or at most one container from each of the measuring units.

Abstract: A combinational weighing device is provided with a detection part detecting a measuring state on the basis of the quantity of a object introduced into each measuring hopper and a correction part operating a target dispersed weight defining the reference for control on a cross feeder by a supply control part. The correction part corrects the target dispersed weight in response to the measuring state of the combinational weighing device detected by the detection part. In other words, the correction part controls the quantity of the object supplied to a dispersion feeder on the basis of measured data indicating an actually measured value. Thus provided is a combinational weighing device performing efficient measurement without complicating the device structure.

Abstract: In a combination weighing system, a connection is established by Internet between a combination weighing apparatus comprising a weighing machine control portion for setting an operating condition of a weighing machine and logging an operating state of the weighing machine; and a network connecting device for receiving setting information of the operating condition and transmitting log information of the operating state, and a server computer that includes a network connecting device and manages the setting information of the operating condition and the log information of the operating state. With this combination weighing system, it is possible to set the operating condition of the combination weighing apparatus without a need for a person in charge to go to a place where the combination weighing apparatus is installed and to stop an operation of the combination weighing apparatus.

Abstract: A weigher for a packaging machine has buckets that deliver product batches. Each bucket includes a pair of spaced side walls between which a bottom extends, and over which the product passes. A bottom wall has at least one trough to control the trajectory of the product leaving the bucket to minimize angular velocity of the product about the vertical axis of a chute. The chute has a substantially vertical axis and receives the batches of product from the weighing buckets. The chute has a side wall converging downwardly from an upper opening to a lower opening, and an internal surface over which the product passes.

Abstract: A control system for a multihead weigher for a combinatorial weighing system comprises a plurality of weighing modules each having a weighing bucket for receiving and weighing articles to be weighed, and a weighing module controller (e.g., a state machine) for controlling article weighing, discharge and refill operations of its associated weighing bucket. A central control unit (e.g., a PC) connected to the weighing module controllers over a low speed serial network issues at least one macro-command, such as “discharge and refill” to the weighing module controllers reducing the number of commands issued from central control unit to the weighing module controller which would otherwise occur without the macro-command. The weighing module controllers, in response to the at least one macro-command, perform the steps needed to effect the article weighing, discharge and refill operations. The control system has Internet connection capabilities.

Abstract: A distribution unit for electric power and communications signals, particularly adapted to be used in combination weighers in order to supply power to individual heads of the weigher; the distribution unit is composed of a flexible printed circuit, which is manufactured flat and is provided with a plurality of multipole connectors for supplying power to the heads of a combination weigher and connect them to the communications network; the printed circuit is mounted on a substantially cylindrical structure, so that the multipole connectors are each arranged along a generatrix of the cylinder and the connectors of the weighing heads can be coupled to them radially.

Abstract: Combination weighing apparatus (1) is provided with a plurality of weigh hoppers (71), a conveyor (2), and a plurality of individual supply apparatuses (3). The weigh hoppers (71) measure the weight of the articles. The conveyor (2) is arranged along the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and conveys articles. An individual supply apparatus (3) is provided for each of the plurality of weigh hoppers (71), and supplies articles conveyed by the conveyor (2) to the weigh hopper (71).

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a plurality of hoppers each having a gate and being capable of accommodating an article and discharging the article therefrom upon opening of the respective gate, a drive device for selectively opening and closing the gate and maintaining the gate in an opened position when in a conducting state, and a control device for controlling the drive device and having a weighing mode, in which the gates of the hoppers selected for combination are opened to combine the respective articles, and a discharge mode in which the articles within the hoppers are discharged while the gates are maintained in the opened position. The control device performs a control of closing the gate when during the discharge mode the opening of the gate lasts a predetermined length of time. The control device also performs a control of setting a closing duration of the gate during the discharge mode to a value longer than a closing duration of the gate during the weighing mode.

Abstract: An article handling system and method comprising a flow path along which articles travel and a metal detection system to detect the passage of metal items along the flow path. The system has a metal detector test system to support a metal test piece and positively move it along the flow path, and a metal detector to detect the metal test piece.

Abstract: To provide a combination weighing apparatus capable of handling articles of various shapes automatically at a high speed, the combination weighing apparatus includes a supply unit (2) having a plurality of supply buckets (20i) each capable of discharging the article onto hoppers (40i) positioned therebelow. The supply buckets (20i) are drivingly supported by a transport unit including an endless support member (10) so as to circulate along a predetermined transport path. A discharge control is provided so that when some of the supply buckets (20i) are brought to a position corresponding to empty weighing hoppers (40i), the articles M within such supply buckets (20i) can be discharged therefrom onto the weighing hoppers (40i).

Abstract: A combination weighing device includes a calculation part, a normal discharge part, a sample selection part, and a sample discharge part. The calculation part selects a plurality of types of articles according to a predetermined ratio and the weights thereof. The sample selection part selects specific types of articles from amongst the plurality of types of articles selected by the calculation part. The sample discharge part discharges the specific types of articles selected by the sample selection part.

Abstract: A dispensing table assembly is divided along a line of division into two dispensing tables 6 and 6. Each of the dispensing tables 6 and 6 so divided has a partition wall 33 secured to a cut edge 6a, which is left along the line of division, so as to extend upright. Each of the dispensing tables 6 and 6 has a distributing point T defined at a location distant from the partition wall 33 for distributing articles to be weighed, which have been supplied from above, uniformly onto the dispensing table. Each of the dispensing tables 6 and 6 also has inclined surface areas P1 and P6 inclined downwardly from the distributing point T towards the partition wall 33.

Abstract: A weighing machine for weighing off batches of material, said weighing machine comprising a frame on which a central distributor, a plurality of transporters and a plurality of scales are mounted, and wherein the transporters are arranged around the central distributor and configured with a view to transporting material from the distributor and radially outwards from the central distributor and to the scales, and wherein the weighing machine comprises one or more substantially uninterrupted shields in the form of screen faces that extend from a point underneath the distributor and outwards and downwards underneath at least that end of the transporters that faces towards the central distributor in the operative position of the machine.

Abstract: A combinational weighing device is provided with a detection part detecting a measuring state on the basis of the quantity of a object introduced into each measuring hopper and a correction part operating a target dispersed weight defining the reference for control on a cross feeder by a supply control part. The correction part corrects the target dispersed weight in response to the measuring state of the combinational weighing device detected by the detection part. In other words, the correction part controls the quantity of the object supplied to a dispersion feeder on the basis of measured data indicating an actually measured value. Thus provided is a combinational weighing device performing efficient measurement without complicating the device structure.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus having a dispersing device (1) for the distribution of products to be weighed and a plurality of supply troughs (15) arranged alongside one another for feeding the products from the dispersing device (1) to weighing containers (13) are provided, each supply trough (15) having a bottom (16) with a first bottom face (17) and a second bottom face (18) connected thereto along an edge (36) which point towards the dispersing device (1) and are inclined to one another along the edge (36), wherein the first bottom face (17) is of substantially rectangular construction and has a first side edge (19) and the second bottom face (18) is bounded laterally by the edge (36) and a second side edge (37) which converge in the direction of the dispersing device (1) and wherein the first side edge (19) of a supply trough (15) at least partially overlaps in each case the second side edge (37) of a neighbouring supply trough (15).

Abstract: In a combination weighing apparatus, a plurality of feeders supply a subject to be weighed. A plurality of weighing hoppers receive the subject to be weighed which is supplied by a plurality of feeders. A plurality of weighing devices weigh the subject to be weighed which is received in each of the weighing hoppers. A plurality of weighing devices are fixed to the weighing base. Stands are provided in a circumferential direction at a predetermined interval, the stands respectively have leg portions standing up from a placing surface and supporting portions including horizontal portions connected to the leg portions, and the horizontal portions of the supporting portions are constituted by a plurality of metal supporting columns connected to each other in center portions. The weighing base is directly fixed to a lower surface of the center connecting portions of the stands.

Abstract: A combinational weighing apparatus includes a distributing apparatus for distributing articles fed from above, a plurality of conveyance apparatuses disposed radially below and around the distributing apparatus and a plurality of weighing apparatuses disposed below the respective plurality of conveyance apparatuses, the distributing apparatus including a conical distributing table, a stirring member having one end attached to a rotation shaft arranged at an apex portion of the distributing table and the other end extending slantwise downward to the vicinity of a peripheral edge of the distributing table, and a drive unit for rotating the rotation shaft, in which a gap is provided between a lower side of the stirring member and an upper surface of the distributing table so as to be increased downwards.

Abstract: The combination weighing apparatus is an apparatus that conducts combination weighing of articles based upon weight data from a plurality of weight hoppers, and is comprised of a plurality of supply buckets that supply articles to any of a plurality of weighing hoppers, a rotation mechanism that rotates the supply buckets so that they move along an arrangement of the weighing hoppers in a weighing area, and a control computer. The control computer controls the supply of articles from the supply buckets inside the weighing area to the weighing buckets, and from amongst the plurality of weighing hoppers that request a supply of articles, priority is given to the weighing buckets that are downstream in the direction of rotation, and article supply takes place.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus is constituted by a plurality of hopper supporting arms (100) protruding to an external portion from a casing having a plurality of drive sources (63) in an inner portion thereof and sealing opening and closing operation driving mechanisms (116) for transmitting a drive force from the drive sources (63) in inner portions thereof, a plurality of hoppers (130) attached to front ends of a plurality of hopper supporting arms (100), having receiving ports for subjects to be weighed at upper ends and having discharge ports with rotatable opening and closing lids (147) at lower ends, couplings respectively mounted to the opening and closing lids (147), and opening and closing operation driving bodies exposing to outer surfaces of the hopper attaching portions at the front ends of the hopper supporting arms (100), driven by the opening and closing operation driving mechanisms (116), and opening and closing the opening and closing lids (147) engaged with the couplings due to the attach

Abstract: A control system for a multihead weigher for a combination weighing system comprises a plurality of weighing modules each having a weighing bucket for receiving and weighing articles to be weighed, and a weighing module controller (e.g., a state machine) for controlling article weighing, discharge and refill operations of its associated weighing bucket. A central control unit (e.g., a PC) connected to the weighing module controllers over a low speed serial network issues at least one macro-command, such as “discharge and refill” to the weighing module controllers reduces the number of commands issued from central control unit to the weighing module controller which would otherwise occur without the macro-command. The weighing module controllers, in response to the at least one macro-command, perform the steps needed to effect the article weighing, discharge and refill operations. The control system has Internet connection capabilities.

Abstract: A combination weighing and counting apparatus supplies articles for each combination weighing cycle, onto a collecting chute, quickly and in a cluster form, towards a discharge mouth without giving rise to a difference in speed, and discharges the articles through the discharge mouth, all at once, to thereby achieve a high speed weighing and counting operation. This apparatus includes the collecting chute for collecting the articles, supplied from plural hoppers, and discharging them through the discharge mouth therebelow. A chute portion of the apparatus has a shape and an angle of inclination causing the articles to move along a parabolic line and be discharged in a cluster form from the discharge mouth.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus includes a plurality of hoppers each having a gate and being capable of accommodating an article and discharging the article therefrom upon opening of the respective gate, a drive device for selectively opening and closing the gate and maintaining the gate in an opened position when in a conducting state, and a control device for controlling the drive device and having a weighing mode, in which the gates of the hoppers selected for combination are opened to combine the respective articles, and a discharge mode in which the articles within the hoppers are discharged while the gates are maintained in the opened position. The control device performs a control of closing the gate when during the discharge mode the opening of the gate lasts a predetermined length of time. The control device also performs a control of setting a closing duration of the gate during the discharge mode to a value longer than a closing duration of the gate during the weighing mode.

Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.