Abstract: A dual-barrel powder dispenser is provided. The dual-barrel arrangement may offer a highly-accurate, and highly efficient system and method for dispensing a consistent amount of powder. A controller in communication with the interface may determine the speeds at which each barrel rotates in order to dispense a volume and weight of powder from a hopper to a receptacle. A scale may monitor and determine the total weight of powder dispensed into the receptacle resting on the scale. The entire assembly may be self-contained in a single integrated body.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing powder for firearm ammunition and associated methods. The dispenser can include a hopper, a conveyor, a scale, a dispenser controller, and a tangible storage medium storing instructions executable by the dispenser controller. The dispenser controller can execute a powder calibration sequence and/or a dispensing sequence. In the powder calibration sequence and/or the dispensing sequence, the dispenser controller desirably learns the dispense rate of the powder and uses the dispense rate to optimize dispensing of the powder and increase precision in dispensing a target mass of powder. The conveyor can comprise a conveyor tube having a conveyor tube axis oriented to extend at an upward angle with respect to horizontal.

Abstract: A dual-barrel powder dispenser is provided. The dual-barrel arrangement may offer a highly-accurate, and highly efficient system and method for dispensing a consistent amount of powder. A controller in communication with the interface may determine the speeds at which each barrel rotates in order to dispense a volume and weight of powder from a hopper to a receptacle. A scale may monitor and determine the total weight of powder dispensed into the receptacle resting on the scale. The entire assembly may be self-contained in a single integrated body.

Abstract: A dual-barrel powder dispenser is provided. The dual-barrel arrangement may offer a highly-accurate, and highly efficient system and method for dispensing a consistent amount of powder. A controller in communication with the interface may determine the speeds at which each barrel rotates in order to dispense a volume and weight of powder from a hopper to a receptacle. A scale may monitor and determine the total weight of powder dispensed into the receptacle resting on the scale. The entire assembly may be self-contained in a single integrated body.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to realize an apparatus for automatically and precisely filling single containers in succession with a pre-defined amount of products; each container is filled with two distinct loads of products, wherein the first load is determined according to its weight roughly measured, and the second load is determined numerically based on the difference between said first load and a pre-defined conventional weight; the apparatus comprises a first conveyor, a second conveyor loaded automatically with the products transported by the first conveyor, a third conveyor which is loaded with the agricultural products transported by the second conveyor and that transfers the products poured and present onto it inside a succession of single containers, weighing means able of weighing the total weight of the products on the whole present on the second conveyor, wherein the third conveyor is able of transferring the products poured and present on it in a succession of single containers; there is arra

Abstract: A “weigh/fill” type box filler for cherries, cherries and similar small produce that incrementally moves and fills an array of individual packaging bags within conventional packing boxes. The box filler includes a box conveyer, a producer conveyer, a metering gate, a weigh/fill scale assembly and three independent box lifters. The box conveyer moves the packing boxes incrementally over the weigh/fill scale assembly to position each row of bags within successive packing boxes beneath the metering gate. As one packing box is incrementally moved across the weigh/fill scale assembly and each row of bags is weigh/filled, the box lifters sequentially raise the adjacent preceding and following packing boxes out of contact with the weigh/fill scale assembly. The metering gate uses independently actuated gate paddles to selectively control the flow of produce into the individual bags first at a high volume “gross” fill rate and finishing with a lower volume or “fine” fill rate.

Abstract: The invention is a method of automatically feeding and transporting food products from an in-feed device to a combination weigher, which automatically selects from a number of portions of known weight the optimum combination of portions to create a batch of fixed weight with minimum give-away The method consists mainly of ensuring that the raw material being processed, which typically consists of fresh and unfrozen food products of various kinds that are fragile and have the tendency to stick to the equipment underlay, especially fresh fish, poultry and meat products, fruit and vegetable products and other unfrozen food products of this type, is fed onto at least one or an unlimited number (n) of independent, endless movable conveyors (14a , 14b, . 14n) or (53) and (54-58) which are movable as a whole in both directions along their longitudinal plane independently and transport the product evenly, accurately and securely by means of these conveyors to a combination weigher (16) or (52).

Abstract: A measuring device includes a first measuring hopper, a first supply portion arranged above the first measuring hopper to supply the objects to the first measuring hopper, a second measuring hopper, a second supply portion fixedly arranged above the second measuring hopper to supply the objects to the second measuring hopper, a plurality of accommodating hoppers circumferentially arranged below the first and second measuring hoppers, and a control portion configured to control the second supply portion and the plurality of accommodating hoppers such that an accommodating hopper discharges the objects only if the total weight of the objects in the accommodating hopper that are discharged from the first and second measuring hoppers is substantially and no smaller than the predetermined weight. The plurality of accommodating hoppers are intermittently circulated such that each of the accommodating hoppers successively receives the objects from the first and second measuring hoppers.

Abstract: A check weigher for a bagging system includes a compartmentalized rotatable drum positioned immediately beneath a chute receiving bags from a conveyor system of a bagger. The rotatable drum is maintained upon a scale adapted to determine the tare weight of the bag and its contents. A receptacle is positioned on each side of the rotatable compartmentalized drum. A reversible stepping motor is connected to and is operative to drive the drum. A controller is interposed between the stepping motor and the scale. When the controller determines that the weight indicated by the scale is within an acceptable range of weights, the compartmentalized drum is rotated in a first direction, causing the bag to be deposited in a first acceptable drum, while simultaneously positioning a new compartment beneath the chute.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter.

Abstract: An inverter controlled conveying/measuring apparatus according to the invention includes a conveyor (3) for conveying an object (W) of measurement. The conveyor (3) is driven by an AC motor (M2). Inverter (20) controls and operates the conveyor (3) at a given speed by supplying the AC motor (M2) with frequency converting signals according to a specified frequency. A measuring section (4) is arranged on a conveying path of the conveyor (3) in order to measure an attribute of the object (W) being conveyed by the conveyor (3).

Abstract: A machine for filling fruit or other items into containers, and including a conveyor for feeding items to a location from which they are dropped into a container, with a member being provided near the discharge end of the conveyor for contacting the items as they fall downwardly from the conveyor and preventing or reducing damage thereto. The member may be actuable between an active position for contacting the falling items and a retracted position. The member may be inclined to deflect the falling items along an inclined path into the container, and is preferably cushioned. The mentioned conveyor fills the container up to a predetermined partially filled condition, with the final few items being delivered to the container by a second conveyor. The second conveyor is adjacent the first, and delivers items to the container at a second location along its path of movement, and is driven at two speeds to deliver items first at a relatively fast pace and then at a slower rate.

Abstract: A quantitatively supplying apparatus is provided which includes a weighing bucket having a discharge mechanism at the bottom, a load cell for detecting the weight of said weighing bucket, and a transferring conveyor for supplying goods to said weighing bucket continuously, in which shutters are arranged in a goods drop passage leading from said transferring conveyor to said weighing bucket so as to be actuated to shut the passage at least partially. According to this apparatus, the amount of the goods dropped can be reduced by closing the shutters partially, and the accuracy with which the goods are quantitatively taken out can be heightened by accurately detecting the time at which the amount of the goods reaches a fixed weight. The apparatus also enables the goods to be quantitatively removed accurately by closing the shutters completely when the fixed weight is reached and thus stopping the acceptance of the goods by the weighing bucket.

Abstract: The gravimetric control of a mass flow from or into a container located on a balance using a pulsating dosing pump, the output signal of the balance is digitally filtered in such a manner that the course in time of the mass flow is cyclically estimated from the filtered wighing signal. This estimated value of the course in time of the mass flow is used to calculate the course in time of an auxiliary mass flow which compensates the pulsation of the mass flow of the pulsating dosing pump and a speed course is calculated from the course in time of the auxiliary mass flow for driving an auxiliary dosing pump.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus is disclosed which includes a barrel for transferring powder from a first retainer to a second retainer. The barrel is vibrated to cause the powder to translate on a surface thereof. The vibration is controlled to cause a measured amount of powder to be dispensed. In a specific embodiment, two barrels are included to provide coarse and fine rates of powder dispensation. A specific embodiment includes a scale for weighing the discharged powder. The scale is equipped with a sensor, the output of which is used to control and limit the rate of powder flow up to a preselected amount. An additional novel feature of the invention is the use of a mechanism to assist in overcoming the inertia of the scale.The invention provides an inexpensive, reliable, accurate, high speed powder dispensing apparatus. As the need to rotate barrels of the prior art is eliminated, the likelihood of occasional jamming is minimized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a blended product charge includes a combinatorial weigher which receives a major product and a fill-to-cutoff weigher which receives a minor product. A controller selects a minor constituent product weight and then combinatorially searches through available major constituent product weighing scales for the combination of major product weighing scales which together with the minor product weighing scale yields a product charge nearest in weight to a target weight.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for controlling the rate of feeding product to a weigh hopper or cradle by changing the exit aperture of a feeding device in accordance with a characterized condition so that a predetermined amount or weight of product is fed to the weigh hopper or cradle at high accuracy and within a minimum time. The method is especially useful when used in a combination weighing machine.

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting items according to weight or other measurable characteristics. An elongated conveyor feeds the items to be sorted to a combined weighing and conveying mechanism, which after weighing the item, is driven in one direction or another to drop the item weighed onto a uni-directionally driven conveyor. The unidirectionally driven conveyor transports the item it receives and deposits it onto a bi-directionally driven conveyor. The bi-directionally driven conveyor is then driven in the necessary direction to transport the item it receives and to deposit it onto a selected bi-directionally driven conveyor. This bi-directionally driven conveyor, in turn, is selectively driven to cause the item it receives to be deposited into the indicated receiver for items of weight corresponding thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus making it possible to effect accurately in line and continuously the weight feeding of granulated or pulverulent products.It comprises two separated endless belts for extraction and dispensing. The endless belt of the dispenser is continuously weighed as a whole and the speed of the extraction apparatus is controlled to the measurement of the instantaneous load of product distributed on the dispenser belt.

Abstract: An automatic powder dispensing and measuring apparatus which automatically and rapidly and accurately delivers a preselected amount of powder such as gun powder to a scale. The powder dispensing apparatus is preferably in the form of screw threaded barrels rotatably driven by an electric motor which pick up powder from a chamber and dispense it from the end of the barrel to a scale. An electronic circuit controls the rotation speed of the screw threaded barrels in response to sensing means which cause no mechanical resistance to scale motion, positioned to sense the weight being measured by the scale. As the scale approaches the precise preselected amount of powder the electronic circuit responds by slowing the rotational rate of at least one of the screw threaded barrels to slow the feed rate and stop the rotation and flow of powder when the weight the scale reaches the precise preselected amount.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for weighing elongate articles such as spaghetti strings or macaroni tubes, for example, includes a primary weighing machine for measuring the weight of articles to within a preset target weight, a plurality of secondary weighing machines for measuring a weight shortage with respect to the preset target weight which is the difference between the preset target weight and the weight measured by the primary weighing machine, a control unit for effecting a combinatorial weighing operation on the weights from the secondary weighing machines with the shortage employed as a combinatorial target weight to select one weight combination which is equal to the combinatorial target weight or closest thereto within an allowable range, and a combining unit such as a packaging machine for combining articles discharged from the primary weighing machine and those secondary weighing machines which give the weight combination.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, which is used typically for packing a plurality of articles in each bag or the like so as to render the total weight of each bag to satisfy a predetermined weight condition, including a plurality of weighing units for weighing the articles each at the same time, arithmetic means for selecting some of these units the total weight of which satisfies the predetermined weight condition, means for unloading the selected weighing units for delivery of the articles for packing and then loading them with new articles, and, especially, means for adding a small quantity of articles to this system and resuming combination selecting operation when no desired combination has been obtained with the original weighing units.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with a substantially precise, predetermined weight of articles, such as fruit and the like, providing a frame mounting a first station, a second station, and a third station disposed serially of each other; an article-diverting assembly having a fast-fill chute adapted to direct articles toward a container supported on the second station and a slow-fill chute adapted to direct articles toward a partially-filled container on the second station; means for sensing the weights of the containers on the second and third stations; and means for moving the containers from the first to the second and third stations.

Abstract: This relates to a method of and an apparatus for feeding a product which includes fines to a weigh hopper. In lieu of the usual feeder pan, the last feeder pan in the feeder system is a duplex feeder pan including an upper feeding pan or level and a lower feeding pan or level. The upper feeder pan is provided with selected apertures therein so that fines will be separated from the remainder of the product and directed into the lower feeder pan. During the normal filling of the weigh hopper, both the upper feeder pan and the lower feeder pan will discharge into the weigh hopper. When a pre-selected underweight condition occurs, at least a part of the product from the upper pan will be diverted from immediately entering into the weigh hopper, while the feeding of the fines will continue so as to bring the weight of the product within the weigh hopper up to the pre-selected weight with a minimum of overweight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for weighing product for delivery to a package is disclosed. Product is fed from a main conveyor to a plurality of secondary conveyors, each of which is provided with an individual weighing station. Each weighing station includes upper and lower weighing units, each weighing unit comprising a gated hopper and a weighing cell. A local computer is provided at each weighing station and all of the local computers are connected to a main computer. In operation the upper weighing unit of each weighing station is set at a different predetermined fraction of the total desired package weight and when sufficient product is delivered to the upper weighing head of each weighing station the conveyor to such weighing station is stopped and the weighed product is delivered to the lower weighing head where the weight is checked.

Abstract: For the accurate metering of tobacco portions in the course of the packing of the latter, rough portions (28) are first produced by separation from a strand of tobacco and brought to the desired weight (desired portion 15) by adding difference portions measured in a fine metering device (12, 13). The rough portions (28) are fed in each case by an intermediate conveyor (13), which is in the form of a star feeder, to one of two balance receiver members (32, 33), which are likewise in the form of star feeders and each of which is connected to a precision balance (43, 44).

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system having N weighing machines for weighing out articles to a final target weight value P which is greater than the maximum weighing capacity of the system. The system operates by discharging articles from all N weighing machines, discharging articles from some of the N weighing machines one time at most, and obtaining a difference value between the final target weight value P and the total weight of articles discharged in the foregoing steps. A combinatorial computation is then performed using the difference value as a target weight value Y, and articles are discharged from a combination of weighing machines selected by the combinatorial computation. The total weight value of articles discharged in the foregoing steps attains a value equal to the final target weight value P or closest to the final target weight value P within preset allowable limits.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method for obtaining a mixture of articles of plural categories, wherein the articles in each category are contained in the mixture at a number ratio equal or closest to a target number ratio, and wherein the mixture has a total weight equal or closest to a target weight. The method includes setting a number for each category of articles so as to provide a number ratio closest to a target number ratio, and measuring the total weight of a primary mixture obtained by extracting the set number of articles in each category and mixing these articles. A weight shortfall, which is the difference between the total weight of the primary mixture and the target weight, is computed, and a plurality of weighing machines are supplied with supplemental articles to make up for the shortfall.

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: A combinatorial weighing apparatus is provided with a plurality of weighing heads arranged in a row which is diagonal with respect to the direction of travel of collection buckets in which articles are collected. Discharge buckets are disposed in a row between each weighing head and the path along which collecting buckets are advanced. Each weighing head comprises a weighing machine, a weighing hopper and a device for feeding articles into the weighing hopper. Chutes which are small in length are provided between each row of discharge buckets and the path along which the collecting buckets travel, and serve to guide articles, discharged by the discharge buckets, into a collecting bucket as it is advanced in the collecting direction. The number of discharge buckets in each row increases by one in the direction of travel of the collecting buckets, and the discharge buckets are adapted to be inverted at a position adjacent the corresponding chute to facilitate the discharge operation.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus includes a circuit for presetting at least one weighing machine which discharges articles for rough charging or selecting at least one weighing machine which discharges articles for rough charging according to a prescribed rule, a combinatorial computing device for computing, as a rough charging weight value, a total weight of articles discharged from preset or selected weighing machines and for selecting a combination of weighing machines which gives a total weight combination equal or closest to a corrective charging weight value which is the difference between a target weight value and the rough charging weight value. The combinatorial weighing apparatus further includes a discharge control means for discharging the rough charging articles from the preset or selected weighing machines at a prescribed timing and for discharging articles for corrective charging from the selected combination of weighing machines at another timing.

Abstract: A combination weighing device, used for grouping a mass of articles having substantial variance in their weights into groups each having a substantially constant total weight, by weighing some of these articles by a plurality of weighing balances having automatic article loading and unloading means, summing up the measured weights successively in accordance with a predetermined set of combinations of the balances and, when the sum falls in a predetermined range of weight, supplying control signals to the unloading means of the corresponding balances to collect the articles from them and when no control signal is supplied to the unloading means due to lack of desired combined weight, the loading means of the weighing balance carrying the least weight is automatically actuated to add some articles to the balance to make it possible to obtain the desired combined weight.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing-out material from a collapsible surge bin. The surge bin is mounted above a collapsible frame such that the points of attachment of the surge bin to the collapsible frame comprise a load cell for weighing the surge bin and the contents thereof. The load cells are connected to control circuitry which actuate a gate in the bottom of the surge bin to thereby dispense asphalt-aggregate material from the surge bin. The control circuitry also operates a door in a batcher above the surge bin to thereby regulate the flow of asphalt-aggregate material being delivered into the surge bin.

Abstract: An automatic weighing machine, used for dividing articles having substantial variance in their weights into groups, each group consisting of a plurality of said articles and having a total weight within a predetermined allowable range, wherein the articles are weighed one by one or group by group by a single weighing device and, then, retained one by one or group by group in retaining hoppers arranged in a circle and, at the same time, the measured weights are stored in separate memories, respectively, the contents of these memories are read out in accordance with predetermined combinations and summed up, the sum is compared with the predetermined allowable range and, when it is within said range, the gates of the retaining hoppers corresponding to the instant combination are opened to collect the contents thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for cutting and metering slabs or bales of unvulcanized rubber to be fed to a single rubber mixing machine. The apparatus includes a conveyor belt and a carriage arranged to transport bales of rubber along parallel paths. A cutting machine is positioned to cut a slice off a bale carried by said carriage. By arranging for the carriage to undergo back and forth movement while intermittently effecting transverse feed of the bale, the cutting machine cuts a succession of slices off the one bale. To make up a load of rubber of a required weight, whole bales are transferred to a hopper via the conveyor belt until a weighing machine indicates that the required weight has almost been reached; thereafter the cut slices of rubber are added to the hopper under the control of the weighing machine to make up the weight required.

Abstract: A bagging machine comprising a bagging scale, a conveyor belt for bulk filling, and a conveyor belt for dribble filling operation, both belts being coupled with a continuous weighing means operating or reversing the drive of the conveyor belts, so that after bulk filling the respective conveyor belt is reversed to discharge into another outlet while the respectively other conveyor belt is operated for dribble filling until the precise filling weight is attained.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for separating elongated products in bulk into quantities of a predetermined desired weight. The apparatus includes a weighing chute for receiving the elongated product, a weigher connected to the chute, and a sensor actuated by the weigher for producing control responses as the weight of product in the chute approaches the desired weight. The weigher further includes a dribbling apparatus responsive to the control responses for dribbling the product into the chute at a rate which is decreased as the desired weight is approached and for stopping when the predetermined weight is achieved.

Abstract: The system controls the weights of individual charges of product or material accumulated by feeding material, preferably at a high "bulk" flow rate and then at a relatively low "dribble" flow rate, into one or more buckets or hoppers. As material is accumulated within each bucket, the system compensates against the effects of vibrational forces and flow rate and, upon termination of material accumulation, it corrects dribble time and final weight by respectively adjusting the bulk and dribble weights for the next charge, all with respect to an electronically established set weight corresponding to the desired weight of each charge. A linear voltage differential transformer (LVDT) senses the position of each bucket and provides electrical signals which are utilized by interface and control circuitry to control charge weight and provide an internal reference. The control system is particularly suited for use in combination with packaging systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers with refuse which has been compacted by pressing comprises a weighing device for weighing refuse collecting vehicles, a plurality of holders each capable of holding and discharging a batch of refuse from one vehicle, a refuse press including a filling shaft and two conveyor belts, which are preferably arranged one on each of two opposite sides of the filling shaft, for conveying batches of refuse discharged from the holders, which are arranged in a row, to the filling shaft of the press. The apparatus enables batches of refuse of different weights from each other to be selected from a larger number of batches to provide optimum filling of the container with the weight of the contents of the container closely approximating a predetermined weight.

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.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed to bag powdery material wherein primary and secondary preconditioning chambers are used, having a volume sufficient to give enough time for the powdery material to become de-aerated. This de-aerated powdery material is then supplied to a bulk filling station and a dribble filling station. Bags spouted at the bulk filling station are filled to about 90 percent of their normal capacity and are then moved laterally to the dribble filling station whereat the bags are rapidly filled to a weight close to the desired exact weight and by automatic speed changing means filled to exact weight at a slower rate. The bags are supported at the top by grippers at both filling stations with the calibrated weight scale being actuated by weight on the grippers at the dribble filling station. An auger at the bulk filling station forces the powdery material down into a generally closed bag to force the bag open by the incoming material to thus keep air out of the bag as much as possible.

Abstract: A pneumatic transfer switching apparatus utilizes movable and stationary cs having ground, drilled, and grooved faces biasedly held against each other and in axial alignment to permit operation and repositioning of rotatably held scale cut-off pneumatic sensor elements, while maintaining continuation of pneumatic flow paths to the sensors without requiring the use of flexible pneumatic hoses.

Abstract: A method of weighing wherein an apparatus conveys irregular pieces of product to a grading device for separating the regular pieces into two fractions respectively containing relatively smaller-sized pieces and relatively larger-sized pieces. A second conveyor conveys the larger-sized pieces to a weighing device until a batch of the product is accumulated having a weight slightly less than the required batch weight, and a third conveyor adds smaller-sized pieces to the batch until the minimum batch weight is achieved.

Abstract: Electrical circuitry and associated mechanical apparatus are combined to provide a non-contactng transducer for adaptation to an existing mechanical scale for adapting the mechanical scale to an electrically controllable scale. The scale movement sensing apparatus is arranged such that there is no frictional or inertial resistance to movement of any of the mechanical scale parts, while providing a continuously variable range over which a scale weight may be sensed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the determination and the standardization of package weight in a package filling line. The apparatus and method incorporates a standard filling means to initially underfill packages, a means to thereafter weigh the packages, a means to determine and dispense the additional product needed to correctly fill the package, and a means to transfer that product to the package prior to the sealing of the package.

Abstract: A dosing device for a pneumatic delivery system particularly for powdery granular and similar coarse and fine grain materials comprises a first delivery tube defining a first conduit for the coarse dosing having a coarse dosing discharge. A second delivery tube defining a second conduit for fine dosing has a fine dosing discharge and it communicates with the first delivery tube through an intermediate housing having a screen therein for the passage of the fines from the coarse dosing conduit into the fine dosing conduit. The material is delivered by a pneumatic delivery tube into the coarse dosing conduit and it may operate to discharge the coarse feeding of material into a weighing tank. When the coarse conduit is shut off when the amount of weighted material approaches the desired value a feed screw in the fine conduit delivers an additional amount of material into the weighing receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a product to a weighing scale and stopping the feed when the amount of product fed reaches a final weight. A scale having a balance portion to receive product to be weighed is movable from an initial position toward a balance position as product is delivered thereto. The balance portion of the scale starts to move upon delivery thereto of a predetermined initial weight of product. First and second product feeds are activated at the start of a weighing operation for delivering a quantity of product from a source thereof to the balance portion of the scale. The first feed delivers product at a first rate of speed and the second feed delivers product at a second and slower rate of speed. A sensor detects movement of the balance portion of the scale in either of two directions and provides first and second electrical outputs representative of the magnitude and direction of the movement thereof, each output always having one of two discrete states.

Abstract: A system for package weight control. The system includes a digital for receiving material sufficient in volume to at least equal a desired net weight of product. At least one conveyor is mounted for conveying the material from a like number of feeders disposed at one end of the conveyor to the hopper disposed at the other end of the conveyor. Each feeder may dispense substantially similar volumes of material at spaced locations on each conveyor as the conveyors are advanced through predetermined incremental distances. The accumulated weight of the material on each conveyor belt is measured and a first digital signal representing the accumulated weight is generated and stored by a control. Each new accumulation on each belt likewise is measured and a second ditigal signal and so on representative of the accumulation is generated and stored.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus conveys irregular pieces of product to a grading device for separating the regular pieces into two fractions respectively containing relatively smaller-sized pieces and relatively larger-sized pieces. A second conveyor conveys the larger-sized pieces to a weighing device until a batch of the product is accumulated having a weight slightly less than the required batch weight, and a third conveyor adds smaller-sized pieces to the batch until the minimum batch weight is achieved.