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 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: Disclosed in a combinatorial weighing apparatus having a plurality of weighing hoppers, a plurality of weighing machines, associated with respective ones of the weighing hoppers, for weighing or counting articles introduced into each of the weighing hoppers, and a chute for collecting the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers. The apparatus operates by computing combinations based on weight values provided by the weighing machines, and causing weighing hoppers, belonging to a combination selected as a result of the combinatorial computations, to discharge their articles into the chute one hopper at a time with a predetermined time delay intervening between the discharge operations.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus of the type in which the batches of article charged in a plurality of hoppers are weighed and the best combination of hoppers which provides a total weight equal to or most closely approximating a target weight within a predetermined tolerance is selected, the batches of article in the hoppers constituting the best combination being then discharged to a collecting chute.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing or counting method and apparatus in which a plurality of articles are weighed to provide a plurality of weight values, or to provide a plurality of discrete numbers found from the weight values, the weight values or numbers are combined, and the optimum combination thereof is found whose sum is equal or closest to a set target value.

Abstract: A plurality of weighing data are combined to find a total weight combination closest to a preset value within an allowable preset range. Articles are discharged from those weighing machines which give such a total weight combination. For such a combinatorial computation, the empty weighing machines are first detected from among the weighing machines for which the combinatorial computation has been carried out, and then articles are supplied to the empty weighing machines. Weighing data from a number of weighing machines, selected from a plurality of weighing machines, are combined to allow selection of a weight combination equal or closest to the preset value. If a total weight combination given by the selected weighing machines falls within the allowable preset range, then articles are discharged from those weighing machines which give such a total weight combination during a first cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for checking the operation of a combinatorial weighing or measuring apparatus to determine whether the weighing machines and the microcomputer which determines the optimum combination of objects are operating properly. The apparatus includes visual numerical displays, means for arranging and storing the numerical results of the combinatorial computations in the order of closest approximation to the desired set value, means for selectively visually displaying the numerical results, and means for indicating the respective rank of the displayed quantity.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for providing a total weight value within set allowable limits even if weight values produced by weighing machines fluctuate due to externally applied vibration or the like. The method includes obtaining an optimum combination by performing combinatorial processing using weight values produced by the weighing machines at a predetermined first point in time following introduction of articles into the weighing machines. Then the total weight of the obtained optimum combination is recalculated by using weight values read from the weighing machines again at a second point in time. It is determined whether the recalculated total weight value of the optimum combination lies within the set allowable limits, and the articles are discharged from those weighing machines corresponding to the optimum combination if the recalculated total weight value lies within the set allowable limits.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method which includes steps of dividing a target weight value, set for articles which are to be weighed out, into a plurality of target values, and executing combinatorial computations with respect to each of the target values on the basis of the weight values of the articles fed into a number of weighing machines, so that weighing hoppers selected with respect to each target value do not include weighing machines selected with respect to the other target values. An error between the total weight value of the combination of articles selected as a result of the previous combinatorial computations and the target value for that particular combinatorial computation is formed. The error is added to the target value for the next combinatorial computation and then the next combinatorial computation is executed. After completing the combinatorial computations with respect to all of the target values, the articles are discharged from the selected weighing machines.

Abstract: Disclosed in a combinatorial weighing apparatus having a plurality of weighing hoppers, a plurality of weighing machines, associated with respective ones of the weighing hoppers, for weighing or counting articles introduced into each of the weighing hoppers, and a chute for collecting the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers. The apparatus operates by computing combinations based on weight values provided by the weighing machines, and causing weighing hoppers, belonging to a combination selected as a result of the combinatorial computations, to discharge their articles into the chute one hopper at a time with a predetermined time delay intervening between the discharge operations.

Abstract: A combinatorial counting method for weighing a multiplicity of articles by one or a plurality of weighing machines, dividing the resulting plurality of weights by a unit weight to convert the weights into respective numbers, finding combinations of these numbers to compute combined numbers, finding the single combination of which the combined numbers are equal or closest to a set number and of which the combined weight is equal or closest to a set weight, and renewing the set weight every counting operation or whenever predetermined conditions are satisfied to use said set weight when the next counting operation is performed.

Abstract: A method of zero adjustment for a combinatorial weighing or counting system which operates by weighing batches of articles by use of a plurality of weighing machines, computing combinations of the respective weight values of the batches of articles in the individual weighing machines or combinations of the respective numbers of articles, converted from the respective weight values, in the batches, selecting a combination which is equal or the nearest to a set value, and discharging the articles from the weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination, wherein at each time of discharge, zero adjustment is automatically made of a selected one of the weighing machines which have discharged their articles, without stopping the operation of the system.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus of the type in which the batches of article charged in a plurality of hoppers are weighed and the best combination of hoppers which provides a total weight equal to or most closely approximating a target weight within a predetermined tolerance is selected, the batches of article in the hoppers constituting the best combination being then discharged to a collecting chute.

Abstract: Improvements in a weighing or counting method wherein on the basis of weight data on a plurality of groups of articles obtained from a plurality of weighing machines, the respective additive values of all possible or desired number of combinations are found, the additive value of a particular combination which is equal or the nearest to a set value is retrieved, and the weighing machines corresponding to the combination selected are actuated to discharge articles contained therein. During the discharge of articles from the weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination and during the subsequent feeding of fresh articles into the same weighing machines, similar combinatorial operation is effected on the basis of weight data from a fixed number of weighing machines which were not selected, or did not discharge their articles, and a particular combination whose additive value is equal or the nearest to the set value is determined as the combination for the next discharge.