Abstract: A levelling apparatus for a combination weighing system comprises a first, rotating tine assembly supported adjacent to a vibrating feed chute to rake product, a second, stationary tine assembly supported adjacent to the first tine assembly so that as tines of the first tine assembly revolve about a tine assembly axis the tines of the first tine assembly interdigitate with tines of the second tine assembly to strip product from the first tine assembly and participate in the levelling process. The first tine assembly is pivotally supported to a guide means which leads from the chute to an accumulator bucket so that the first tine assembly does not interfere with vibrations of the feed chute and is pivotally moveable away from the chute to facilitate servicing of the chute.

Abstract: A combination weighing system is disclosed which system is adapted to weigh out quantities of two or more different types of products and mix them together. The system includes a plurality of weighing scales divided into two groups, one group weighing out quantities of a first type of product and the other group weighing out quantities of a second type of product. A computer is provided to search the first group of scales and select a combination which contains a combined quantity of the first type of product near in weight to a predetermined fractional target weight and for searching the second group of scales and select a combination which contains a quantity of the second type of product near in weight to the difference between a target weight for both products and the weight of the product within the combination of scales selected from the first group. The selected scales of both groups empty into a common discharge chute after weighing and searching is completed.

Abstract: A package fill height detector comprises a probe for abutting a batch of product in a package, means for inserting the probe into an opening in the top of the package so that the probe rests on the product, and a sensor for sensing the height of the probe when it rests on the product in the package to determine the fill height of the package. The means for inserting the probe into the package comprises an arm which supports the probe, a motor for rotating the arm and a cam for guiding the arm downwardly into the package until the probe rests on the product within the package and then upwardly out of the package.An associated weighing and packaging system includes a control coupled to the sensor for decreasing the delivered weight of subsequent batches of product when the fill height is below a target level and vice versa.

Abstract: A combination weighing system searches a plurality of scales for a combination which provides a minimum total weight of product not less than a pre-established target weight. The search for the best combination is performed on the basis of an ordered search sequence of all combinations, and certain steps of the sequence and corresponding combinations are omitted from the sequence if they involve subcombinations previously searched and found to be at or above the target weight. The scales produce signals representative of the product weight, and the signals are calibrated and processed to eliminate measurement errors.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine for forming a charge of product closely approximating a target amount includes a plurality of weigh scales, each of which receives a quantity of product and produces a signal proportional to the quantity of product received. The quantities are combined according to a combination searching sequence in a search operation, and a combination of scales which closely approximates a target amount is dumped to form the desired charge. The dumped scales are reloaded, and the process is repeated in a cyclic manner. The speed of the cyclic process is improved without significantly sacrificing accuracy by allocating less time than necessary for a complete search of all possible combinations in the search sequence. A search is terminated when the time expires, whether the search sequence is completed or not.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine has a plurality of scales that are periodically dumped and reloaded with products from a bulk container. In each cycle of machine operation, the loaded scales are surveyed, and a combination of the scales which most accurately yields a desired target weight is dumped into a single package. The dumped scales are then reloaded and the process is repeated. Each of the scales has an associated vibratory feeder and accumulator which receives the product from the bulk container and dispenses the product to the scale as needed. In order to feed the scales with loads that provide a large selection of combinations close to the target weight, a control for the vibratory feeders regulates the duration and amplitude of the vibrations in accordance with the loads measured in preceding machine cycles. Also described is a method of dealing with inactive scales by feeding small quantities of articles to the scales requiring reloading until the inactive scales are dumped.

Abstract: A combination weighing system searches a plurality of scales for a combination which provides a minimum total weight of product not less than a pre-established target weight. The search for the best combination is performed on the basis of an ordered search sequence of all combinations, and certain steps of the sequence and corresponding combinations are omitted from the sequence if they involve subcombinations previously searched and found to be at or above the target weight. The scales produce signals representative of the product weight, and the signals are calibrated and processed to eliminate measurement errors.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine has a plurality of weigh scales which provide signals representative of the weight of product in each scale. A search control receives the weight signals and selects a combination of the scales which together compose a charge of the product equal to or closely approximating a given target weight. Transient errors existing in the weight signals at high speeds of operation are corrected by means of adjustment parameters that are periodically recalculated on the basis of known differences between settled and unsettled weight signals.

Abstract: A combination weighing system searches a plurality of scales for a combination which provides a minimum total weight of product not less than a pre-established target weight. The search for the best combination is performed on the basis of an ordered search sequence of all combinations, and certain steps of the sequence and corresponding combinations are omitted from the sequence if they involve subcombinations previously searched and found to be at or above the target weight. The scales produce signals representative of the product weight, and the signals are calibrated and processed to eliminate measurement errors.