Abstract: A method of producing packages and an apparatus for implementing the method wherein each package contains a whole number of stackable objects which are conveyed in a row for packaging and the weight of each package is to remain within given limits. The method includes counting a number of contiguous objects in the row, forming groups of objects each having the counted number of objects, determining the length of each respective group in the direction of the row, bringing each respective group to a balance scale only if the group has a length within predetermined limits, measuring the weight of each respective group and rejecting a group if its weights lies below a given weight value.

Abstract: An article packing system includes a first conveyor for advancing a series of flat articles; at least two stack-forming devices for consecutively forming stacks of variable length from the articles received from the first conveyor; a second conveyor extending from the stack-forming devices for carrying away the stacks; a packing machine for packaging the article stacks received from the second conveyor and a scale for weighing the stacks of articles. The scale is in the conveying path of the second conveyor and is located downstream of the stack-forming devices and upstream of the packing machine as viewed in the direction of article advance on the second conveyor. The latter includes a mechanism for successively advancing the article stacks from the stack-forming devices towards the scale in a direction parallel to the plane of the flat articles. Further, the mechanism sequentially introduces the article stacks into the scale and subsequently advances them from the scale to the packing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed of operation of a machine for packaging objects, such as cookies, in groups, in order to assure a sufficient supply of objects to the machine while preventing an undue accumulation of objects in front of the machine intake. The apparatus includes sensors providing signals indicating the passage of objects past selected points along the input path to the machine. It also includes a signal processor for receiving those signals and producing output signals which act to stop the machine when an insufficient number of objects is present in front of the machine intake and to increase the machine processing speed when the accumulation of objects in front of the machine intake increases above a selected magnitude.