Abstract: There is disclosed a precision distributive supply device for use in a combinatorial weighing apparatus. The distributive supply device includes tubular chutes disposed at article discharging portions of an article supply container and having lower ends spaced a suitable distance from the bottom plates of supply troughs.

Abstract: A weight sensing apparatus has a weight sensor provided with a load cell for producing an output signal indicative of the weight of an article, and a support for supporting the weight sensor. The apparatus includes oscillation sensing means provided in the vicinity of the load cell for producing an output signal indicative of an oscillation component caused by floor oscillation, a summing amplifier for adding the output signal from the load cell and a signal which is the inverse of the output signal from the oscillation sensing means, and signal processing means for processing the output of the summing amplifier to remove an oscillation component contained in the output signal from the load cell. The oscillation component is caused by oscillation received by the weight sensor from its surroundings.

Abstract: A label printing system includes an input device, a memory, a CRT display device, a printing mechanism, registration means and label printing means. The input device has manual data input means, for entering label creation data, and edits the data to provide an entry of label creation information. The memory stores the input data and the label creation information after by editing, and the information is displayed on the screen of the CRT and printed by the printing mechanism. The registration means is adapted to register the label creation data and information in the memory. The label printing means causes the information to be displayed on the screen of the CRT and causes the printing mechanism to print out the information on a label.

Abstract: A cover apparatus comprising a plurality of peripherally divided and interconnecting cover sections positioned around and outside a plurality of weighing machines, that are arranged in turn in a predetermined array or pattern, the cover sections encircling conjointly the weighing machines in their entirety. The apparatus is so designed that a large space for opening or closing the cover sections is not required and a sufficient open area may be afforded when opened so as to permit the inspection of the weighing machines and other components.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method includes reading and storing output data from a plurality of weighing machines, and monitoring the weighing state of each weighing machine at all times on the basis of the stored data. When performing a combinatorial calculation, weight data from weighing machines in a stable state is read and these weight data participate in the combinatorial calculation. A combinatorial weighing apparatus for practicing the foregoing method has a reading circuit for constantly reading output data from each of the weighing machines, a memory for storing the read data, a sensing circuit for sensing whether each weighing machine is in a stable state based on the stored data, and an arithmetic circuit for executing a combinatorial calculation based upon weight data from those weighing machines in a stable state.

Abstract: A counting method comprising the steps of weighing a number of articles dividedly by n weighing machines, dividing the weights measured by the weighing machines by the unit weight of the articles to find the respective numbers of articles in the weighing machines, calculating combinations of these numbers to find the combination numbers associated with the respective combinations, finding a particular combination whose combination number is equal or closest to a set number, and discharging the groups of articles corresonding to the particular combination from the corresponding weighing machines, while calculating a new unit weight from a weight or weights measured by one or a plurality of the weighing machines and from the number or numbers of articles in this one or plurality of the weighing machines, such new unit weight being used for the next calculation of numbers.

Abstract: A printer operatively associated with an electronic weigher includes an input unit having numeric keys or format keys, a memory device storing a plurality of programs for controlling positions at which data are to be printed on a label as well as the size of the printed data, each program corresponding to a different label format, reading means for reading out of the memory device a program corresponding to a format designated by operating the keys of the input unit, and a printing mechanism for printing predetermined data on a label at a predetermined position of the label on the basis of the program read out of the memory device.

Abstract: A dispersing supply device in an automatic weighing apparatus includes a base plate, a vibrator supported on the base plate by a pair of springs, and a trough supported on the vibrator by groups of leaf springs, the trough being vibrated by the vibrator so as to convey articles from one end to the other thereof. The dispersing supply device, one provided for each of a plurality of weighing machines, is disposed between the corresponding weighing machine and a dispersing table so as to receive articles from the table and supply them to the weighing machine via the trough. The base plate is formed to include a mounting slot having a first portion of prescribed width and an elongate second portion narrower in width than the first portion. A mounting table to which the dispersing supply device is attached is provided with a projecting pin having a head portion.

Abstract: An electronic scale for weighing an article and displaying and/or printing the weight, price and other data of the article. The scale includes a key input unit for registering and recalling article data. The key input unit has preset keys indicating article names, alphabetical letters, and other indicia. The keys are operated to register and recalling article names and other data which are used frequently.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying articles in an automatic weighing system in which a number of weighing hoppers are arranged in sets composed of two weighing hoppers each. The weighing hoppers in each set provide weight values indicative of the weight of the articles contained in the hoppers, and a combinatorial computation is performed based on the weight values. Those of the weighing hoppers that correspond to an optimum combination of the weight values are selected and are caused to discharge their articles. These weighing hoppers are resupplied with articles from pool hoppers, with one pool hopper being provided for each set of weighing hoppers.

Abstract: A multiple input signal high-speed analog-digital converter circuit for digitizing, by means of an A/D converter, an output signal from a multiplexer which successively delivers multiple input signals applied thereto. Two sample/hold circuits which receive the output signal from the multiplexer repeatedly sample and hold the signal, and a changeover switch keeps one of the sample/hold circuits on hold while the other sample/hold circuit samples the output signal from the multiplexer. While one of the sample/hold circuits is holding the signal, the other sample/hold circuit is sampling another signal so that the A/D conversion time of multiple input signals is capable of being reduced by the sampling time.

Abstract: A system for compelling weighing machines to participate in a combinatorial weighing operation operates by updating the number of times a weighing machine is not selected for a combination, whenever a single combination giving a total weight value within preset allowable limits is obtained by combinatorial computation. The number for a weighing machine which is selected for a combination, is reset whenever a single combination giving a total weight value within preset allowable limits is obtained by combinatorial computation. A weighing machine, which has not discharged its articles for a large number of cycles, is compelled to participate in a combinatorial computation.

Abstract: A mixing combinatorial counting and weighing method and apparatus for packaging a wide variety of articles in a single pack, wherein the numbers or ratio of the candies are designated. Prescribed numbers of the articles, which are high in unit price or large in volume, are discharged by using article supply units and combinatorial counting units. The weight of the articles discharged is stored, and this stored weight is subtracted from a weight set for the pack to compute the difference. Then, inexpensive articles are discharged using a combinatorial weighing unit, wherein the weight of the articles discharged is equivalent to the computed difference, and the articles discharged from the respective units are collected. Thus, a wide variety of articles can be introduced into a single pack at a prescribed ratio and, at the same time, the total weight of the pack can be held within established limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the zero point of a weighing machine includes producing, in the form of a digital value, an initial zero-point correction value when the weighing machine is free of a load. The difference value between an unloaded weight value, which is produced by the unloaded weighing machine, and a value obtained by converting the digital value into an analog value, is calculated. The difference value is compared with a preset value, and digital values are sequentially converted in accordance with the result of the comparison operation to render the difference value equal, or nearly equal, to the preset value.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations is selected, of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles, is discharged so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.

Abstract: A control system for a combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus includes a main central processing unit for effecting a combinatorial arithmetic operation, and a plurality of individual drive unit central processing units. The drive unit central processing units are associated respectively with driver units of the weighing machines and connected to the main central processing unit for controlling the drive units, respectively. Operation commands delivered from the main central processing unit to the individual drive unit central processing units are set by interrupt processes of the individual drive unit, central processing units at all times.

Abstract: First and second compound chutes constituting a collecting chute assembly each comprises an outer chute of inverted, bisected frusto-conical shape having a semicircular upper opening and a semicircular lower opening, and an inner chute of inverted, bisected conical shape disposed within the outer chute via a partitioning plate. The overall chute assembly is of inverted frusto-conical shape and is constructed by uniting the compound chutes by bringing their respective partitioning plates into face-to-face contact, the assembly defining two discharge routes. At the lower ends of the chutes, one discharge route communicates the inner chute of the first compound chute with the outer chute of the second compound chute, and the other communicates the inner chute of the second compound chute with the outer chute of the first compound chute.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coin counter, and more particularly to a coin counter using a weighing scale to count and display the total sum of coins and to print out the sum at need, the counter also being capable of checking whether or not the total sum of coins placed on the weighing scale is included within a range between preset upper and lower limits.

Abstract: A weighing method comprising a process in which a plurality of weighing machines weigh goods, and the weighing values obtained by the weighing machines are combinational-added to compute total weight of all the combinations, so that a combination equal to or nearest the set weight is obtained among the combinations of total weight, thereby discharging groups of goods corresponding to the obtained combination from the weighing machines corresponding thereto. Hence, the weighing method can carry out the weighing of an extremely high accuracy even when the objective goods are larger in the weight and dispersion thereof or relatively smaller in the set weight in comparison with the unit weight. Also, it is possible for the method to divide weighing values gained from each weighing machine by the unit weight of the goods and convert the values into the number of goods and then the same combinational addition is carried out, thereby accurately measuring a desired number of goods.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus wherein a value serving as a target for a combinatorial computation is set so that the mean weight value of batches of articles weighed out selectively by plural weighing cycles becomes equal to a preset weight value within preset allowable limits. Combinatorial computations are performed while diminishing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is greater than the preset weight value, and increasing the target weight value by a predetermined amount when the mean weight value is less than the preset weight value.