Abstract: 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). Probability calculations based on a regularly updated record of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles and the probability of each new incoming article complete a portion of target weight are used to determine which of a plurality of bins the article should be diverted into from a stream of incoming articles. The process can be used for production of mixed jobs on multiple lines, e.g., portions with one type of parts being formed from the stream articles in one line of batching bins and portions of a different type of parts, or portions with differing numbers of parts, or of different weights being formed from the stream articles in a parallel line of batching bins.

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.

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 it is 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 result is that it is possible to effect batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.

Abstract: In sorter systems of the grader type a selective unloading or throwing out of conveyed objects is effected, from a conveyor (8) to selected receiver stations therealong. Each of these stations is equipped with a receiver bin (10) having a bottom outlet valve (22) and an upper mouthing, which, due to some spreading in the unloading function, should have a certain minimum size. In order to increase the capacity of such a system without prolonging the conveyor, the invention provides for the receiver stations to comprise more than one operative receiver bin or bin section each, which are currently switchable in a controlled manner.

Abstract: In particular in the food industry it is needed to provide a regular stream of in themselves irregular pieces, e.g. for weighing and packing, from a store of partly congealed deep frozen food. According to the invention the randomly discharged pieces from the store are delivered to the central area of a revolving table, immediately above which there is disposed an essentially stationary spiral-shaped body which due to the rotation of the table conducts the pieces outwards, thereby increasing their mutual distance, in order for them to be discharged in a single file to a conveyor. The spiral-shaped body is supported and driven to perform a horizontal shaking movement whereby disintegrating congealed lumps of food, so that their constituent parts may equally be distributed evenly along the spiral track.