Abstract: There is provided a system for processing international priority airmail. The system includes a weigh in station for weighing the total weight of received priority airmail, a recordal station for recording the total number of pieces of the received airmail and for establishing criteria to identify the airmail in the system, an affixing station, located downstream of the weigh in and recordal stations, for affixing indicia onto the airmail; and a sorting station, located downstream of the affixing station, for sorting the airmail by country. The system also includes a processing unit that stores received information and processes the stored information to derive processed information, and a weighing and processing station, located downstream of the sorting station.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing a vehicle in motion is provided by employing a plurality of elongated fiber-optic sensors defined by an optical fiber embedded in an encasement of elastomeric material and disposed parallel to each other on the roadway in the path of moving vehicles. Each fiber-optic sensor is provided with contact grid means which can be selectively altered to provide the fiber-optic sensors with sensitivities to vehicular weight different from each other for weighing vehicles in an extended weight range. Switch means are used in conjunction with the fiber-optic sensors to provide signals indicative of the speed of the moving vehicle, the number of axles on the vehicle, weight distribution, tire position, and the wheelbase of the vehicle. The use of a generally N-shaped configuration of switch means also provides a determination of the number of tires on each axle and the tire footprint.

Abstract: A method for determining a weight of material being emptied from a container is shown. The container is lifted to and lowered from an emptying position in a lift empty and lower cycle by an arm which has at least two sensors mounted on it. The method includes selecting at least one measurement position, calibrating the sensors by recording the respective outputs from each of the sensors for both an empty arm and for an arm lifting and lowering a calibrating weight. The outputs recorded for the calibrating weight can then be subtracted from the outputs recorded for the empty arm. Then, an unknown load can be lifted emptied and lowered with the output of the sensors being similarly recorded at the measurement position. By subtracting the output recorded during the lifting portion of the cycle for the unknown load from the output recorded during the lowering cycle for the unknown load a change in output for each sensor at the measurement position can be obtained.

Abstract: For the calibration of an electronic measurement system with sensors which are arranged in pairs on structural parts of an airplane undercarriage which are loaded transverse to the lengthwise direction and which give off measurement signals which correspond to the vertical displacement between two sensor attachment points which are staggered from each other in the lengthwise direction of the structural parts, the pair of sensors which form a measurement point in each case being arranged approximately in the horizontal central plane of the structural part at positions opposite each other on the outside, a method is proposed in which a separate scaling factor is determined for each sensor of the pair of sensors. For this purpose, the measurement signals and weights are preferably determined for at least two conditions of loading of the airplane which are as far apart as possible and, furthermore, in connection with at least two different torsional conditions of the loaded structural part.

Abstract: A combination weigher which optimizes the delivered weight of product based on current operating conditions is disclosed. The weigher includes a microprocessor which is programmed to perform a combination search on all of the balances which are in a ready state including any balances which reach the ready state almost immediately before a signal to discharge a selected combination.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for accurately weighing by a ladle weighing unit (2) of a metal melt in a ladle (3), in which the melt can be heated and stirred by power supplied by an induction coil (4). The induction field of the coil (4) is also applied to a coil weighing unit (1) so that the reaction force of the magnetic field influencing the melt is measured. In a weighing system (5), the net weight of melt is calculated by subtracting the signal of the coil weighing unit (1) from that of the ladle weighing unit (2). The weight change per time unit, which represents the mass flow rate of melt from the ladle, is calculated in the control system (6) and is used to control the pressure in the ladle in such a way the metal flow is kept constant.

Abstract: A postage scale (1) and method of operation. The scale has two or more modes (M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3) of operation. In a first mode the scale outputs the weight of an item to within a first, coarse increment. In a second mode (M.sub.2), the scale outputs the weight of an item to within a second, fine increment. In one embodiment, a third mode (M.sub.3) is selected with a coarse increment depending on the type of carrier and item weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dewatering particle collections with the aid of a filter press in a cyclic sequence comprising filling, dewatering and emptying stages. The various stages within each cycle and between consecutive cycles are followed-up and determined by measuring continuously a magnitude which varies with the mass of the press and its contents, preferably the pressure exerted by the press and its contents on the surface supporting the press.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for dynamic measurement of a load in displacement in a vertical plane, this load undergoing a force exerted upward.The value of the load is determined from its displacement speed in a determined portion of its travel and from a parameter exhibiting a relation with said force in this same travel position. The device comprises a sensor (4) of the hoisting speed of the load in a determined portion of its travel, means (3) for measuring the upward force undergone by the load when it is being hoisted in a determined portion of its travel, and processing means (6) to deduce the value of said load from the displacement speed of the load and of said force.

Abstract: This invention relates to process and apparatus for recovering and cleaning lead shot, bullets and slugs of various sizes from shooting range backstops and similar sites. The process involves excavating the site material and delivering same to a surge hopper from which the material is metered substantially uniformly to a vibratory feeder. The material is delivered by the feeder to a shredder which serves to condition and de-agglomerate the material for uniform flowability and separation. The shredded material is delivered to a trommel screen for initial separation into two major fractions, returning the larger particle fraction to the excavation site and delivering the smaller particle fraction to a sizing screen.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for calculating the speed and weight of a vehicle as it passes over an existing bridge. The apparatus includes a number of strain gages attachable to existing bridge girders or support members each of which outputs an analog strain signal in response to strain sustained by the bridge when a vehicle passes thereover. An analog front end circuit card amplifies the analog strain signal and converts it into digital format. A pair of axle sensors installed in or on the pavement before the bridge each output an axle sense signal in response to a vehicle axle passing thereover. A central processing unit receives the axle sense signals and the digitally formatted strain signals and performs calculations necessary to determine vehicle speed and weight. A static random access memory card is used to retain the results of these calculations for retrieval at a later time. A power supply provides electrical power to the system components.

Abstract: The present invention is a gravimetric procedure for the measurement of solids and/or liquids in a statically dissipated Teflon bag. The procedure enhances the accuracy of presently accepted laboratory methods because the sample container weighs little relative to the sample and the bag is an inert surface which is not activated or contaminated. Solids placed in the Teflon bag can be treated, weighed, and stored in the bag without any sample transfer. Liquids placed in the Teflon bag are treated and weighed without transfer. This procedure has been applied particularly to laboratory procedures for measurement of particulate samples collected from effluent gas streams during environmental testing.

Abstract: In a method for weighing a patient lying on a bed, an air mattress is put beneath the patient. Then, a flowing air is supplied to or discharged from the air mattress so as to balance the weight of the patient with a pressure of a body of air contained within the air mattress. At this time, the amount of the flowing air is measured together with variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress, so that a relationship between the amount of the flowing air and the variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress is established. Consequently, the weight of the patient may be calculated on the basis of the relationship between the amount of the flowing air and the variation of the pressure of the body of air contained within the air mattress.

Abstract: A weighing method for a wheel supported load, such as a hospital bed, uses a weighing device having a base with a flat bottom surface, and a track surface for a wheel arranged parallel to the bottom surface. The track surface is supported on an arrangement for sensing weight which includes a pair of cantilever bending beams with strain gages, and one end of the track surface extends beyond the end of the flat bottom surface. To start weighing, the weighing device is first tilted, so the track surface can be wedged between a wheel and the floor. In this position the track surface acts as a ramp for the wheel. The wheel is next rolled up onto the track surface until it is above the front edge of the flat bottom surface. At this point the weighing device will flip over by gravity to rest on the flat bottom surface, and the weighing of the load can be done without risk for force shunting to the floor. A weighing device suitable for use with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method which enables a dye to be weighted and taken out quickly at a high accuracy regardless of the required quantity of the dye by taking out the greater part of the required quantity of the dye in a powdery state and the remaining quantity of the dye in the state of a diluted solution, upon taking out the required quantity of the powdered dye, and an apparatus suitable for carrying out the above-mentioned method.

Abstract: An hydraulic bypass control system for tapping off the lift circuit of an hydraulically operated lifting device. The bypass control system slowly releases hydraulic fluid from the lift circuit and directs it back to the reservoir in a controlled manner so a load is smoothly moved from a reference position to a weighing position. Reliable weighing may be obtained by avoiding dynamic shaking, vibration and pressure surges, which permits the weighing step to be reliably made at the same point or range and affords precise calibration of a load transducer with a weighing instrument to be made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a combination of objects having an optimum weight as close as possible to a predetermined weight and greater than a minimum weight includes a plurality of lanes into which the objects are dispensed. The objects are counted as they are dispensed into the lanes such that several of the lanes have different numbers of objects. Each of the lanes is weighed, and the weights from the various lanes are combined in accordance with prescribed combinations to provide a plurality of weights. The plurality of weights are then compared with the minimum weight and with each other to determine the smallest weight above the minimum. The lanes having those objects are then opened such that the objects are dispensed into a bag.The lanes are exposed from above to allow an operator to view the object and cull out undesired objects. Gates are provided between pre-lanes and lanes to effect the counting, and these gates extend from the bottom of the apparatus upward into the pre-lanes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for load weight determination of the truck including the steps of loading the truck, sensing the pressure of the tilting cylinders to determine the amount of load, indicating the load weight, providing feedback on the affect of variations in the center of gravity of load to correct the load weight determined and providing a corrected load weight. The apparatus includes a tilting bed truck with the bed hinged to the truck frame and tilted to its dumping position by tilting cylinders, a sensing device for sensing the pressure in the tilting cylinders when they are supporting the bed above its support pad, a data processor having data on truck loading and receiving information on the pressure sensed by the sensing device and having an output to indicating devices of the load weight.

Abstract: The system includes a linear array of mutually spaced weighing devices. Each weighing device has a weighing platform having an article-receiving seat and a sloping cam surface for directing articles onto such seat. During each weighing operation, a group of articles to be weighed are moved in unison with each other to successive different locations longitudinally of the array of weighing devices. In each of the locations a plurality but less than all of the articles are weighed substantially simultaneously by associated underlying ones of the weighing devices. Articles weighed at each location are separated from each other by other articles that are not weighed at such location. An article support member supports the articles for movement longitudinally of the array of weighing devices, and also for limited vertical movement relative to the support member.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine of the type comprising a plurality of weighing units for weighing product fed thereto and providing weight signals indicative of the weights thereof, respectively, means for selecting an optimum combination of these weight signals which satisfies a predetermined condition, and means for discharging the product from those weighing units corresponding to the selected combination for deliver a batch of product satisfying the prescribed condition; in which, as the feature of invention, each weighing unit is provided with a plurality of weighing chambers and a single weigher or weight sensor for providing a weight signal indicative of the total weight of all weighing chambers and associated with loading means for selectively loading the weight chambers with product and means for detecting the weight of product in each weighing chamber and storing it, and the combination selecting means and the discharging means are arranged to select the optimum combination from all weighing chambers

Abstract: Apparatus for providing price indication of articles selected for purchase prior to actual purchase embodies a system having a reader for reading article UPC indication and generating output signals indicative thereof, a comparator for receipt of the reader output signals and for providing at least first and second output signals upon respective determinations that such received signals are indicative of an article retailed by bulk weight pricing or an article retailed per piece pricing, a scale accessible to a customer for weighing the articles and generating output signals indicative of the weight thereof, a numeric entry unit accessible to a customer for entering the numbers of pieces of the selected articles and generating output signals indicative of such entered numbers, and a display accessible to the customer and responsive to the first and second comparator output signals respectively to provide indication to the customer for usage of the scale or the numeric entry unit.

Abstract: A method of constructing a three(3) load cell weighing appartus using four(4) strain gages is disclosed. The method is then expanded to show how eight(8) or more load cells could be incorporated into a single weighing platform.

Abstract: A mailing machine for high-speed processing of mixed mail, capable of high throughput, and of compact size. It includes mail piece processing at four main stations in a straight-through manner, under positive control at all times by separate drive units at each station, with the sequential processing actions timed to optimize mail piece throughput.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of determining the authenticity of a signal indicative of the mass of an article being weighted. The article is placed upon the platform, and the platform is caused to oscillate and the period of harmonic motion is measured. One of or both the frequency of oscillation and amplitude of the transducer signal is monitored for purposes of determining authentication.

Abstract: A system for measuring the load on drive axles of tractors of over the road semitrailers and for determining load distribution on the front and drive axles of the tractor and the rear axles of the trailer. A calibratable air pressure gauge, placed in the cab of the tractor or truck, senses the pressure exerted by the trailer load on conventional air bags used to cushion the load on the drive axles. Approximate weight load may be determined by reading the pressure gauge. The gauge may be variably calibrated to accommodate the progression of settings for the fifth wheel assembly placement on an adjustment rack. Besides use on semitrailers, the system may be employed on straight or box trucks and trailers provided with air bags to cushion the axle load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately dispensing measured amounts of powdered material from a vibratory feeder with a shaker rod extending through an orifice at the discharge end of the feeder and which rod undergoes reciprocal movement in response to vibration of the feeder to regulate the advancement of the powdered material. Alternate forms of control algorithms are employed in association with a computer to determine the optimum rate of feed and drive level for a given powder and feeder arrangement to result in a specific final weight within an acceptable tolerance for each fill cycle.

Abstract: A scale adapted for performing recipes in which the ingredients are given in customary volumetric measures such as cups, tablespoons and teaspoons. The user enters the name or code number of an ingredient which is displayed by the scale. The amount of the ingredient is displayed in volumetric terms or in terms of weight if desired. A processor in the scale accesses the volume-to-weight (V/W) ratio or weight-to-volume (W/V) ratio of the ingredient from nonvolatile memory and calculates the weight of the ingredient and stores it temporarily. The ingredient is added gradually to a mixing bowl on the scale after the tare weight of the bowl is cancelled. The processor continuously compares the stored weight with the increasing weight of the ingredient and notifies the user by means of the display when a comparison is read and, hence, when the desired volumetric amount of the ingredient has been entered. Other operating modes can also be selected.

Abstract: A weighing and packing device for successively producing packages of product each of which is conformable with a predetermined weight condition. The device comprises a pair of combination weighing and packing machines mounted on a common frame as a single unit. Each machine includes a combination weigher and an associated packer which are mechanically interlocked so that the batches of product successively delivered from the combination weigher are packed by the packer in tubular bags fabricated successively from a sheet material. The combination weighers of both machines have their own control units electronically interlocked so that both machines can operate in mutually synchronized or nonsynchronized fashion with or without time lag.

Abstract: For use with weighing apparatus of the electromagnetic-load-compensation type, where a stirring or other magnet creating an external magnetic field is disposed near such apparatus, a protective shield is interposed between that magnet and the apparatus, in flux-transmitting relation to the magnet, so as to shield the apparatus from the externally created field. The shield is formed from ferromagnetic material of sufficiently high permeability of provide a path of least reluctance for transmitting flux from the external field, thereby preventing such flux from interfering with intended operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A combination weighing system for weighing batches of articles and selecting a combination of batches satisfying a condition predetermined for both total weight and number of articles. In the system, the measured weight of each batch is divided by a reference unit weight of the articles and converted into the number of articles which is then rounded into an integral number. This integral number is multiplied by the reference unit weight and restored to the weight of articles. Then, both weights or numbers appearing before and after the rounding operation are mutually weighted and averaged and the resultant weighted averages are subjected to a conventional combination selecting operation.

Abstract: A platform weighing apparatus is at least partially made of polymeric concrete. With one embodiment a lost self-supporting shuttering made of polymeric concrete is used for forming the platform of the weighing apparatus and a base frame is made of polymeric concrete. With another embodiment the platform is structured with cavities and made essentially of polymeric concrete. The method according to the invention permits molding of the shuttering or the complete platform at a manufacturing site with easy transportation and assembly at an operational site.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically weighing and introducing chemicals are intended to automatically weigh the chemicals and introduce the chemicals into a treatment tank; the chemicals are injected into a chemical container and weighted, and then transported to a dissolving tank adjunct to the treatment tank, and then introduced into the dissolving tank. A control means is provided to put under its control the operations of injecting into a chemical container a desired amount of desired chemicals selected from among plural sorts of chemicals and driving a transportments and an introducing means automatically in association with this injecting operation.

Abstract: A load cell produces an oscillating signal indicative of the weight of the product. The maximum and minimum values of the oscillating signal are determined to provide a reference value which is an average of the maximum and minimum values. Using the reference value for the starting point and ending point, one cycle of the oscillating signal is identified and integrated to determine the corresponding weight of the product. The apparatus compensates for errors in the relationship between the actual starting and ending points of the cycle and the reference value.

Abstract: A method for obtaining the weight of an equine in which the handler places both equine forefeet, or one forefoot with the handler supporting the other, onto a permanently installed or portable scale which is designed and calibrated to measure the weight bearing on it and indicate to the handler a total equine weight which the scale derives through division of the measured weight by the predetermined percentage of the total family equine weight carried on the forefeet. This percentage factor can be set into the scale as a fixed factor or as an adjustable factor.

Abstract: A resistor-adjusting apparatus is provided for adjusting resistors of a load-cell scale which has a load cell, having a resistance bridge circuit, for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a load weight, and an A/D converting section for converting the electrical signal supplied from the load cell into a digital signal corresponding to the load weight. A thin-film resistor for adjusting temperature characteristic, which is connected to the bridge circuit, is provided on the load cell so as to be exposed. The resistor-adjusting apparatus comprises a resistor adjustor for removing part of the thin-film resistor in response to a control signal and thus adjusting a resistance thereof, and a control unit for supplying, to the resistor adjustor, a control signal corresponding to digital signals that are generated by the A/D converting section in response to a predetermined load weight at different temperatures, causing the resistor adjustor to change the resistance of the thin film resistor.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus and method are provided particularly adapted for utilization with difficult to handle product. A series of in-line transfer conveyors form product feed lanes with individual volumetric cups designed to receive and hold a product charge. A scale and weighing hopper is associated with each transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyors are each advanced in stepped fashion so as to deliver a product charge from one volumetric cup at any single time to the associated weighing hopper. A washer unit cleans residue and the product buildup from the cups after delivery of the product charge. Once the product charge is delivered to the weighing hopper, the weight of the charge is registered by a control unit. The control unit scans various combinations of scales, calculates the total weight of product in the combination and selects the first combination that falls within an acceptable range above the target weight.

Abstract: A metering operation in a capsule filling machine is controlled based on a correction signal derived from capsules just filled with material and ejected therefrom, by sampling/weighing these capsules, and by processing the weighed value to generate correction signal wherein: a first step of sampling/weighing is performed at the start-up stage of the capsule filling machine by collectively weighing a plurality of capsules sampled in bulk at once, and the second step of sampling/weighing is performed in subsequent steady operation stage by individual weighing each capsule from the bulk one by one.An apparatus for performing the method has a sampling chute bifurcated in alternatively switchable two paths; i.e., a direct path and a controlled path, which share a common terminal i.e., a scale pan of a balance.

Abstract: An automatic slicing machine includes a dynamic weigher for weighing slices in a draft as they are being cut. Information from the weigher is converted into a digital value and is used to control the thickness of subsequently cut slices to produce drafts at a target weight. After the cutting of a draft is completed, its weight is checked in a check weigher. The check weigher communicates the weights of individual drafts back to a programmable controller in the slicer. The controller computes a new target weight to correct any deviation of the final weight from the set point for weight control. This automatically calculated correction eliminates manual adjustment by the machine operator and assures that subsequent drafts have an acceptable weight.

Abstract: A system for weighing a vehicle in motion is disclosed. One or more piezoelectric weight sensors produce charge outputs in response to the weight of a vehicle passing over the sensors. A charge amplifier converts the sensor outputs to a voltage level. A peak voltage detector detects the peak voltage, which represents the sum of all sensor outputs. The peak voltage is then converted to a weight value using the thickness sensitivity of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method includes reading and storing output data from a plurality of weighing machines, and monitoring the weighing state of each weighing machine at all times on the basis of the stored data. When performing a combinatorial calculation, weight data from weighing machines in a stable state is read and these weight data participate in the combinatorial calculation. A combinatorial weighing apparatus for practicing the foregoing method has a reading circuit for constantly reading output data from each of the weighing machines, a memory for storing the read data, a sensing circuit for sensing whether each weighing machine is in a stable state based on the stored data, and an arithmetic circuit for executing a combinatorial calculation based upon weight data from those weighing machines in a stable state.

Abstract: A device is described for accurately transferring multiple individual fluids from multiple source containers into a single receiving container. Fluid flows from the multiple source containers through individual fluid conduits to a chamber having a single fluid outlet conduit. The fluid outlet conduit is in fluid communication with a single receiving container. A pressure conduit is in communication with the chamber for alternately creating positive and negative pressures in the chamber to cause fluid to flow from the individual source containers into the chamber, and to cause fluid flow from the chamber into the receiving container in response to commands from a controller.

Abstract: A high speed weighing system for weighing articles moving along a conveyor or the like wherein the article to be weighed is dropped onto a weighing platform and weighed during a predetermined time period as it traverses the weighing platform. The weighing platform is secured to a structural transducer having electrical strain gauges in connection with fast-summing amplification and integration circuitry.

Abstract: An energy efficient scale using a load cell for weight detection and a power supply for powering the load cell at one or another of three different current levels. The highest current level provides accurate weight indication. The intermediate current level provides only a signal indicating the presence of a package on the scale. The lowest current level is sufficient only for keeping the load cell electrically centered. If a package is placed on the scale while the load cell is receiving current at the intermediate level, then a resulting package detection signal causes the scale to switch to full operating current.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method for measuring the quantity of a dried product, particularly that of a concentrate dried in a pressure filter. The method comprises the following stages: inserting (1) the product to be dried in the drying apparatus, carrying out the drying (1,2,3) and discharging (5) the dried product from the drying apparatus. In order to define the exact quantity of the dried product, the whole drying apparatus is weighed (4) both before discharging the dried product and immediately thereafter. The weighing results are processed in a microprocessor. By means of history recordings of the weighing results, the drying process itself can also be optimized.

Abstract: Bales emanating from the discharge end of a baler are received on an accumulating trailer provided with a weighing scale that, in combination with an electrical system, automatically determines the weight of certain of the successively issuing bales and conveniently displays such weight to the operator in the cab of the towing vehicle so that the operator can monitor the quality and condition of bales prepared by the machine on an ongoing, non-stop basis. An onboard computer preferably forming a part of the electronic system controls the process and assures its accuracy, while also providing information such as the average weight of bales weighed since last resetting the system.

Abstract: An improved combination weighing method applicable to a prior art "double-shift type" combination weighing machine, in which a plurality of batches of product are weighed respectively and the resultant weight values are combined in various fashion to select from the resultant combinations of batches a combination whose total weight satisfies a predetermined condition, for improving the combination accuracy by modifying the combination selecting operation without any change in the number of batches of product which can participate in the combination arithmetic.

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 control system for a combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus includes a main central processing unit for effecting a combinatorial arithmetic operation, and a plurality of individual drive unit central processing units. The drive unit central processing units are associated respectively with driver units of the weighing machines and connected to the main central processing unit for controlling the drive units, respectively. Operation commands delivered from the main central processing unit to the individual drive unit central processing units, are set by interrupt processes of the individual drive unit central processing units at all times.The control system for the combinatorial weighing or counting apparatus includes a main computer for chiefly effecting a combinatorial arithmetic operation on weight data from a plurality of the weighing machines to select a combination of weighing machines including articles having an optimum added value with respect to a target value.

Abstract: A combinational weighing system with a plurality of weighing devices employs at least three central processing units such as microprocessors. One keeps monitoring the weight information from the weighing devices and analyzes stability of weight data. Another one controls the charging and discharging of the weighing devices. The third performs combinational computation to select a combination. The system has increased flexibility regarding operation and adjustments, and allows efficient methods of zero-point and span adjustment of weighing devices. Its compact unitized input-output unit allows the user to operate the system interactively.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a metal detector is incorporated in a combination weighing system where the metal detector is located to monitor product as it passes through a discharge chute of the combination weighing machine into a package. The apparatus includes a computer programmable by an operator to initiate a metal detector test operation. Upon such initiation, the computer holds out a first one of the scales from one or more subsequent combination searches while a metal test object is deposited in a first scale. Then the computer performs a combination search of the scales to select a test combination which includes the first scale and other scales as needed to achieve the target weight, discharges the selected combination and monitors the output of the metal detector or determine if it is working. Related methods are also disclosed.