Abstract: A weighing machine that accepts product from a source, segregates it into discrete quantities, and combines a number of the discrete quantities into a group that closely approximates a target weight. The machine includes a feeder means that transports product from the source; a plurality of accumulating means which receive product from the feeder means and discharge discrete quantities of product therefrom in a plurality of selected directions; a plurality of weighing means having multiple compartment which receive product from the accumulating means into the multiple compartments and determine the weight of product in each individual compartment; and collecting means to receive product from the multiple compartment weighing means, consolidate it and direct it to another location. By using multiple compartment weighing receptacles, each containing a determined weight of product, the required number of weighing means is advantageously reduced and storage hoppers are not needed.

Abstract: A weighing system for making up two discrete quantities of solid product, each having a preferred product weight, from a plurality of product holding chambers, without refilling such product holding chambers. Each weighing scale is efficiently used in every machine cycle. Source product is divided into a plurality of smaller quantities which are a fraction of the target weight. Each of the fractional weight quantities becomes part of a set for which all possible double discharge fractional weight combinations are determined. The first combination capable of providing two acceptable discharges of the target weight, or the preferred weight closest to the target weight, is selected. Thus, two packages are efficiently delivered for each scale cycle. Efficiency of scale usage is assured by ordered selection of the holding chambers from which the discharges are made.

Abstract: A weighing machine is disclosed that accepts product from a source, segregates it into discrete quantities, and combines a number of the discrete quantities into a group that closely approximates a target weight. The machine includes a feeder means that selectively transports product from the source. Accumulator means receive product from the feeder means and discharge discrete quantities of product therefrom. Weighing means accept product from the accumulating means and determine the weights thereof. Divertor means receive product from the weight sensing means and direct it in one of a plurality of directions. Holding means receive product from the divertor means and retain the product until it is selectively discharged. Collecting means receives product from the holding means, consolidates it, and directs it to another location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the high-speed, cyclic batch weighing of a flowable material in which variations in initial scale weight are automatically compensated for. Measuring cycle time is minimized by overlapping the time required to achieve scale stability prior to tare with the material discharge time. Tare weight is automatically measured during a weighing cycle following material discharge while the weight container is open to provide a residue compensation output signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the weight of product charges fed to a receptacle, such as a weigh bucket associated, for example, with a packaging machine, in order to minimize product giveaway, is disclosed, wherein there is but a single receptacle to which the product is fed, and the product is check-weighed one or more times before being discharged from the receptacle. Flow of product to the receptacle is stopped when a predetermined feed cut-off weight is sensed by weighing means, and the product is then checkweighed. If the weight being sensed is less than the minimum package weight allowed or desired, one or more additional charges of product may be fed to the receptacle, and when the desired weight is reached, which may be equal to or above the minimum package weight, product is discharged. The additional charges of product fed to the receptacle after a checkweighing operation may comprise either a pulsed feed or a continuous feed until minimum package weight is reached.