Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for monitoring the processing of a group of articles having different properties, for example differing weights and/or quality grades. The method includes the steps of obtaining information about the differing properties of the group, using this information to provide a main visual model of the property distribution within the group, and providing a first subsidiary visual model relating to the processing of a first sub-group of articles from within the group, the provision of the first subsidiary model causing a modified form of the main visual model to appear, related to the remaining articles of the group after removal of the articles forming the first sub-group. The method is particularly effective for use in monitoring the processing of poultry carcasses being conveyed in succession along a path, for sorting by weight and grade of carcass.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a plurality of article carriers 5 interconnected for movement in succession along a predetermined path 1, and weight sensing means 7a, 7b positioned at two or more weighing stations in the path such that each article carrier passes through one weighing station, the weight of the article carrier, together with that of any article carried thereby, being applied to the weight sensing means. The use of two weighing stations, to which articles can be diverted alternatively, means that ample time can be allowed for accurate weighing, even if the speed of the article carriers is greater than that with prior art devices.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting poultry carcasses comprises a plurality of poultry carcass carriers arranged successively to convey a plurality of carcasses along a closed path past a plurality of data input stations and then a plurality of carcass release stations. Sensors positioned along the conveyor path, one at each of the data input and release stations, are connected to a controller for receiving poultry grade and weight data from the data input stations, processing the data, and transmitting the resultant classifying data to the release stations for the selective release of carcasses from the carriers. The conveyor system maintains an individual identification of the poultry carcass carriers passing through each of the stations independent of the distance between the carriers and independent of the time lapse between a poultry carcass carrier passing one station and the next station.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a succession of articles comprises a plurality of article carriers, for example poultry carcass carrying hooks 19, interconnected, for example by a chain 16, for movement in succession along a path. A weighing device is positioned at a weighing station 22 and means are provided to lower each article carrier at the weighing station to apply load to the weighing device. The article carriers may for example be lowered as a result of being pressed downwardly by means of a dipping portion of rail 26. By lowering each article carrier during weighing, it is possible to weigh the article carried by the carrier without significantly changing the vertical position of the article with respect to adjacent articles, thus reducing the risk that the weight recorded will be inaccurate because of any drag applied by adjacent articles.

Abstract: A sensing device for use with a poultry conveyor system to detect the passage of a poultry carcass supported on a carrier device arranged to move along a predetermined path includes two sensors, a first sensor which is actuated by passage of the carrier device and a second sensor which is actuated by the passage of the poultry carcass itself. The first and second sensing devices are connected to an indicating means which is arranged to emit a signal only when both sensing means are actuated. This avoids the possibility of more than one signal being emitted by a single poultry carcass during movement along the path.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in sorting a succession of articles which are moving along a path, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of receiving devices arrangeable to move adjacent to the succession of articles travelling along the path, so that over at least a part of the path each article moves in unison with one of the receiving devices; means for transferring each article to a receiving device as it moves in unison with the article, and a plurality of delivery stations past which the receiving devices travel, each receiving device being operable to feed an article which it has received to any one of the delivery stations as the receiving device passes the delivery station.

Abstract: The invention discloses a weight sorting system wherein a single weighing station controls a plurality of weight-range article removal stations. These removal stations are disposed downstream of the weighing station and sorting information is synchronously passed with the articles on route to discharge. The rate at which articles are selected for removal at a given station is controlled by varying the weight range for that station. The weighing system is constantly re-calibrated by employing a plurality of test weights, one for each sorting weight range, carried by the conveyor system and an electronic compensating unit.

Abstract: Grading apparatus is provided for use in associating one of a plurality of a grade with each of a plurality of articles travelling in succession along a feed path. The apparatus comprises a grading station of sufficient length to accommodate at least two articles at any one time, a control unit, and at least two means of feeding a grading signal to the control unit. Although the same amount of work is involved it is easier for an operator to grade say four articles at a time over a distance of say 2 feet, rather than to grade one article at a time over a distance of 6 inches.

Abstract: A sensing device is provided which increases the versatility of sorting and conveying systems employing the device while simplifying their construction. The sensing device comprises a weight sensor and means for at least momentarily causing the weight of an article to apply a force directly or indirectly to the weight sensor.