Abstract: An improved combined weighing apparatus is provided for weighing vegetables and fruits, confectionary articles, secondary products, perishables and other articles having high variations in single weight with high accuracy to produce packages having a predetermined weight. System for measurement of feeded products and for combination of weights which is equal or most approximate to the target value are improved in a way to eliminate the dead time of combining operation during weighing time for increasing the speed of combining operation while maintaining high accuracy.

Abstract: A device for filling a package with a predetermined weight of items, such as pieces of chicken, is disclosed. The device, under the control of a computer, sorts predetermined quantities of chicken pieces to a plurality of pockets each of which is adapted to transfer the predetermined quantities of chicken pieces sorted thereto so that they may be passed to a partially filled package, upon receipt of a control signal from the computer. The device, under the control of the computer, selects which of the pockets contains pieces of chicken which should be added to the partially filled package in order to bring the contents of that package up to the predetermined weight.

Abstract: An automatic weighing system for delivering quantities of product measured by weight, each quantity having a weight equal or approximate to a predetermined target weight, in such manner that the volume of each quantity falls always within a predetermined allowable range even when the product to be weighed has a substantial variance in its apparent density or specific gravity. The system includes means for measuring the apparent density and means for controlling the target weight in accordance with the measured value of apparent density.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the weight per unit area and providing cross-sectional, longitudinal, and diagonal profiles of density or thickness of moving manufactured sheet products. The apparatus comprises a stationary radiation source, an array of detectors, and electronic means for processing the signals from the detectors to obtain a total cross-sectional, longitudinal, and diagonal profile of density or thickness of moving manufactured sheet products. The energy output of the radiation source remains constant during a measuring operation. The apparatus utilizes a line-up of individual radiation sources delivering constant radiation. Each individual radiation source generates an equal amount of radiation. The radiation transmitted from the individual radiation source is intercepted by a detector/electronic assembly after penetrating the sheet product. The detector/electronic assembly converts the intercepted radiation to electric signals.

Abstract: A system for monitoring paper consumption in association with a web printing press having the capability of monitoring paper delivered to the press from multiple rolls. An input waste scale having a waste bin thereon provides for the continuous registration of waste in sequence from the multiple rolls. Separate control circuits are provided, each responsive to the scale signal for sensing increments in scale weight for each respective roll to provide a total of waste weight per roll. Control is provided including means operator initiated for enabling only one of the control circuits for sensing so as to accumulate waste weight only associated with a selected roll.

Abstract: A method for fast weighing on an electronic scale is disclosed. Periodic samples are taken of the weight of an object placed upon the scale, and succeeding samples are compared for similarity within a given tolerance. The overall range of the scale is divided into various regions based upon frequency of use and reliability of readings. Fewest readings are required for that scale region of most frequent use and greatest reliability, thereby minimizing the time required for completing the weighing of objects with weights falling within that region.

Abstract: A platform weight scale comprising a capacitative load cell sensing means configured to be insensitive to off center loading of the horizontal platform regardless of load amount or location on the platform. The platform is supported by a plurality of springs selected for equal spring rates. The load cell is electrically connected into a FET (Field Effect Transistor), CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or Bi-Polar semiconductor multivibrator circuit selected and designed to sense electric currents on the order of 10.sup.-13 amperes. In one preferred embodiment the load cell comprises a grounded hemispherical surface opposing a flat charged plate. In alternate embodiments the load cell comprises a differential capacitor or a parallel plate capacitor suspended in a manner that is insensitive to off center loading. An additional embodiment for the load cell comprises a spherically concave surface opposing the above grounded hemisperical surface.

Abstract: A method of weighing out for packing quantities of product each having a weight satisfying a predetermined weight condition by a combination weighing machine including a plurality of weighing hoppers for weighing the product respectively and a plurality of auxiliary hoppers located under the weighing hoppers respectively for receiving the weighed product discharges therefrom. The weights of product are initially stored in weighing hopper memories corresponding to the respective weighing hoppers and then transferred to auxiliary hopper memories corresponding respectively to the auxiliary hoppers at the same time as the weighed product are discharged into the auxiliary hoppers and the emptied weighing hoppers are automatically reloaded with fresh product to be weighed when a stable state is reached.

Abstract: A method of weighing out for packing quantities of product each having a weight satisfying a predetermined weight condition by a combination weighing machine including a plurality of weighing hoppers for weighing the product respectively and a plurality of auxiliary hoppers located under the weighing hoppers respectively for receiving the weighed product discharged therefrom. The weights of product are initially stored in weighing hopper memories corresponding to the respective weighing hoppers and then transferred to auxiliary hopper memories corresponding respectively to the auxiliary hoppers at the same time as the weighed product are discharged into the auxiliary hoppers and the emptied weighing hoppers are automatically reloaded with fresh product to be weighed when a stable state is reached.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine the absolute weight of an unknown sample by comparison to a control sample whose weight is known. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a reed are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that (1) the reed is moved in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and (2) the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate on the leading edge of the resonant frequency for the system. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage, such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and by applying a known mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the calibrated weight. Next by exchanging an unknown sample for the known mass, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.

Abstract: An improved weighing apparatus and method of weighing a live fish is disclosed. Here, the weighing apparatus and method has a container member having swingably coupled cover member thereabove and a guide member coupled therebelow a base member of the container. The guide member of the container is provided to allow the container to be slidably mounted thereabove a weighing scale having a capacity to provide a weight readout to nearest one-tenth of an ounce and a maximum capacity of at least 200 ounces. The weighing scale of the improved improved weighing apparatus of the present invention is preferably battery operated or suitable for being electrically operated, as well as being compact, portable, lightweight and easily transportable. The improved weighing apparatus and method of the present invention provides a rapid, accurate and efficient means to weigh a struggling live fish for use particularly by sports fisherman in fishing tournaments or for merchants in fishing markets.

Abstract: A method for measuring the weight of a load loaded in a vessel of a vehicle such as, for example, a large-sized dump truck comprises steps of detecting the axial force applied to each of suspension cylinders mounted between the vehicle body frame and axles, and then compensating or correcting the detected axial force in accordance with respective mounting angles of links of linkage mechanisms mounted in the periphery of the axle and the inclination angle of the vehicle body. An apparatus for carrying the method into practice has at least four sets of suspension cylinders, an inclination angle detector mounted on the vehicle body frame, pressure sensors each being mounted on each of the suspension cylinders, a calculation or arithmetic unit adapted to receive and calculate output signals transmitted by the inclination angle detector and the pressure sensors, and a display unit adapted to receive a signal indicative of the result of calculation transmitted by the calculation or arithmetic unit and indicate it.

Abstract: The method of determining the body weight of a newborn calf comprises weighing a control group of first newborn calves having different body weights, measuring the circumference of a front hoof of each of the first newborn calves in the control group, and recording the respective body weights and hoof circumferences measured for each of the calves in the control group. Next, the circumference of a front hoof of a newborn calf of unknown body weight is measured and is compared to a substantially equal hoof circumference of one of the newborn calves in the control group. The weight of the newborn calf of unknown body weight is determined by equating it to the body weight of the newborn calf in the control group having the closest hoof circumference to the hoof circumference measured for the calf of unknown body weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying articles in an automatic weighing system in which a number of weighing hoppers are arranged in sets composed of two weighing hoppers each. The weighing hoppers in each set provide weight values indicative of the weight of the articles contained in the hoppers, and a combinatorial computation is performed based on the weight values. Those of the weighing hoppers that correspond to an optimum combination of the weight values are selected and are caused to discharge their articles. These weighing hoppers are resupplied with articles from pool hoppers, with one pool hopper being provided for each set of weighing hoppers.

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 combination weighing method using a combination weighing machine comprising a plurality of weighing hoppers for weighing product and a plurality of auxiliary hoppers located under respective weighing hoppers for receiving weighed product discharged therefrom. The weights of product are initially stored in weighing hopper memories corresponding to the respective weighing hoppers and then transferred to auxiliary hopper memories weighed product is discharged into the auxiliary hoppers and the emptied weighing hoppers are automatically reloaded with fresh product to be weighed. At least the weight values stored in the auxiliary hopper memories are combined for selecting from the resultant combinations a combination whose sum weight satisfies a predetermined weight condition. The contents of the auxiliary hoppers corresponding to the selected combination are discharged into a collection chute for packing and the emptied auxiliary hoppers are reloaded from the corresponding weighing hoppers.

Abstract: A combinational weighing system with a plurality of article batch handling units is controlled so that a high-speed dual or multiple packaging unit can be coupled and its capability can be utilized advantageously. For each cycle of the system operation, three or more combinations are selected by combinational computations on the weight values of article batches and they are discharged to the packaging unit through two discharge routes or more but fewer than the number of the selected combinations. This has the effect of discharging through each discharging route more than once per cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement of a control system for a combined weighing apparatus which in more detail includes a plurality of measuring hoppers supplied with products to be measured from transfer means for measuring weights of the products to select a weight equal to or near to a set weight from any combinations of the measured weights, and more particularly to an improvement of a condition-setting system and a measuring hopper combination-selecting system capable of remarkably facilitating setting of data of set weight, transfer conditons and the like by means of the condition-setting system when products to be measured are changed and capable of shortening the time for selecting a combination of measured values so as to enable the combination operation to speed up.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the spacing between axles of a vehicle which may be in motion, on the basis of weight alone. A weighbridge is provided with a first load cell spaced from a second load cell along the length of the weigh bridge by a distance L, with each load cell being responsive to the load on its respective location on the weighbridge. After a first axle is on the weighbridge, the weight on the first load cell and the weight on the second load cell are periodically sampled. The average stored weight M1 of the first axle is determined at the time that a second axle is about to enter the weighbridge. The instantaneous weight W2 on the second load cell is measured at the time that the second axle is about to enter the weighbridge. The distance X.sub.1 between the first axle and the second axle is determined by calculatingW2L/M1Distances between subsequent axles can also be determined in accordance with this invention.

Abstract: A system for compelling weighing machines to participate in a combinatorial weighing operation operates by updating the number of times a weighing machine is not selected for a combination, whenever a single combination giving a total weight value within preset allowable limits is obtained by combinatorial computation. The number for a weighing machine which is selected for a combination, is reset whenever a single combination giving a total weight value within preset allowable limits is obtained by combinatorial computation. A weighing machine, which has not discharged its articles for a large number of cycles, is compelled to participate in a combinatorial computation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for accurate weighing of fruit or like product while continuously conveying the product in a first direction. During weight sizing of the fruit, the fruit is continuously conveyed in the first direction utilizing a fruit cup supporting the fruit. The fruit cup is mounted for pivotal movement with respect to a yoke about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the first direction. The yoke preferably is connected to a tow rod which effects conveyance of the product container. The amount of pivotal movement of the cup about the axis is limited. Support structures extend downwardly from the cup into operative engagement with weighing mechanism tracks on only one side of a line extending in the first direction through the center of gravity of the cup. The leading and trailing edges of the weighing mechanism track segments are spaced (in conjunction with the support structures) so that the entire weight of the cup and product are transferred instantaneously to the weighing mechanism.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, comprising a plurality of weighing units each having a weighing hopper, and a plurality of auxiliary hoppers for receiving and holding the contents of corresponding weighing hoppers. Each auxiliary hopper is provided with a memory for storing weight information of its content, and a combination providing a total weight satisfying a predetermined weight condition is selected from the weight information supplied from all the effective weighing units and memories.

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.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations is selected, of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles, is discharged so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.

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 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: An automatic weighing machine for combinatorial weighing has weighing and counting modes and operates to effect the combinatorial arithmetic operation in the weighing mode when a preset count set by a number setting unit is zero, and to effect the combinatorial arithmetic operation in the counting mode when the preset count set by said number setting unit is other than zero.

Abstract: A fiber blending system includes a number of feeders which dump fibers onto a conveyor. Each feeder includes a weigh pan into which fibers are fed. The weigh pan is pivotally mounted to the feeder and counterbalanced. Also connected to the weigh pan is a single load cell which monitors the weight of fibers in the pan. The load cell is connected to the weigh pan by a single wire about which vibration damping is disposed. Once a set weight of fibers has collected in the pan, feeding stops until a dump command is given related to the position of the conveyor. When the conveyor is in the appropriate position, all feeders then dump fibers at their respective set weights. The blending system is controllled by a programmable controller which monitors for three malfunctions. If fibers fail to dump after a dump command is given, if an excessive time occurs during which the pans are filling without reaching the set weight and when a predetermined number of heavy dumps occur, an alarm is generated.

Abstract: A rotary carrousel of a filling installation includes a plurality of filling stations each equipped with a volumetric dispenser (37) whose volume may be varied by varying its dispensing time or the stroke of a piston in a cylinder. At least one of the filling stations includes a balance (36). As a receptacle (39) passes through the filling installation in a filling station equipped with a balance, it is first weighed empty while the corresponding dispenser (37) is filled, and it is then weighed continuously as the material is transferred from the dispenser to the receptacle. The actual weight of material dispensed is determined by comparing the full and empty weights of the receptacle. This weight is compared with a set weight. Any drift which is detected from the set weight can be corrected for subsequent receptacles passing through the filling installation by varying the volume of the material dispensed.

Abstract: Each filling station comprises a balance (36) and a piston and cylinder volumetric dispenser (37). The piston rod (33) is actuated by a cam (34) which optionally includes a portion (341) which is adjustable. Resilient means (40) are interposed between the cam and the piston. While a receptacle (39) is engaged in a filling station the following operations take place in succession: the empty receptacle is weighed and at the same time the volumetric dispenser is filled with slightly more material than is to be dispensed; the material in the volumetric dispenser (37) is then transferred to the receptacle (39) and the receptacle is continuously weighed until it has received the set weight of material. The outlet from the dispenser is then closed, thus jamming its piston before it reaches the end of its stroke. The resulting forces are absorbed by the resilient means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating an automatic weighing machine is provided, having means for maintaining the value of an electronic signal indicative of tare weight within a predetermined range of an ideal value in order to ensure adequate signal range is available for high resolution of net weight. In addition, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter having an adjustable gain is provided which interfaces the analog signal indicative of total gross weight (tare plus net) to a processor means. Means are provided within the processor means for adjusting the gain of the A/D converter in response to changes in the selected target weight for a package of product. Since the range of analog signals indicative of total weight depend on the selected target weight, the gain is adjusted in response to a change in target weight so the full range of digital values remain responsive to the range of analog signals.

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: In known methods of initializing a balance with counting scale a given quantity of the pieces to be counted is placed on the balance at the same time and the average individual weight is calculated therefrom and used as a base for the following piece counts. In contrast thereto, the invention suggests that the pieces be placed individually on the balance and that the standstill of the balance be waited for after each placing of a piece. This makes it possible to also calculate the standard deviation in addition to the average value and statements concerning the counting precision can be made which are based on known statistical laws, so that counting errors can be avoided.

Abstract: With the method and apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of elongated articles such as french fry potatoes are separated into a plurality of groups of articles which are weighed. The weighed groups are selectively combined into a batch of articles of predetermined weight by selectively dumping scale buckets containing such groups into a common collector container to provide such weighed batch. The articles of such weighed batch are then discharged from such common collector container into one of a plurality of alignment systems mounted on a rotating common support. Each alignment system includes three vibrating conveyor stages which prealign the articles and feed such articles into an alignment container where they are aligned so that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel in such container.

Abstract: A method for loading particles, such as coal, into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established. Each of the railroad cars is weighed prior to loading particles into the railroad car from a weigh bin to determine an unfilled weight of each railroad car and the unfilled weight of each railroad car is compared with the control weight to determine an unfilled differential weight for each railroad car. The particles are loaded into the weigh bin from a surge bin and the surge bin is weighed as the particles are being loaded into the weigh bin from the surge bin so the loading of particles into the weigh bin can be terminated when a weight of particles has been loaded into the weigh bin about equal to and less than the unfilled differential weight associated with the railroad car to be loaded with the unfilled differential weight of particles.

Abstract: Weighing apparatus of the load compensation type including a position sensing circuit for supplying current pulses from a constant current source to a compensation coil to return the load platform--after the application of a load thereto--toward its initial no-load position relative to the frame, the magnitude of the compensation current, as displayed by digital readout means, being a function of the mass of the applied load, characterized by the provision of an auxiliary analog-to-digital converter for digitalizing a signal corresponding with the compensation current, and a comparison circuit for comparing the digitalized signal with a standard value and for generating an error signal if the comparison result exceeds a given value. In addition to monitoring the constant current source, other components (such as temperature sensor, current switch and compensation coil) may be monitored by corresponding comparisons.

Abstract: An improved method of taking tare weights is provided for automatic weighing machines. Periodically, the sequence of weighing cycles is interrupted in order that a tare cycle may be executed. During the tare cycle, all the weighing buckets of the weighing machine which were emptied in the last weighing cycle are weighed in their empty state. The new values for the tare weights are stored and the old values are discarded. By introducing a tare cycle between successive weighing cycles, all weighing buckets are available in each weighing cycle for finding the best combination.

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 or after a predetermined number of discharges, 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 method for combinatorially weighing out articles supplied to a plurality of weighing machines includes the step of making a comparison between a predetermined percentage of a set target weight value and a sum total of weight values from weighing machines that have participated in a combinatorial weighing operation. This step is performed when an optimum combination is not obtained through a combinatorial calculation. Based on the results of the comparison, weighing machines indicating comparatively low weight values are supplied with additional articles.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a scale cell for producing an output signal corresponding to the weight of an article, and a dummy cell, provided near the scale cell, for producing a noise signal output ascribable to floor vibration. A correcting circuit extracts a signal proportional to a DC component contained in the output signal of the scale cell and, on the basis of the extracted signal, corrects the output signal of the dummy cell to the noise level of a floor vibration component of the scale cell. The corrected dummy cell noise signal is added in opposite-phase relation to the scale cell output signal, so that the floor vibration noise contained in the scale cell output signal is cancelled out by the corrected noise signal of the dummy cell.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is used to determine a ratio of a second weight with an original weight where the second weight is less than the original weight. A piezoelectric driver is resiliently attached to a base that is isolated from vibrations. A piezoelectric receiver and a reed are resiliently attached to the piezoelectric driver so that (1) the read is moved in response to motion of the piezoelectric driver, and (2) the piezoelectric receiver gives an electric signal out proportional to motion of the system. The entire system is set to operate on the leading edge of the resonant frequency for the system. By applying an oscillating sine wave voltage, such as 140 hertz, to the piezoelectric driver, and by applying an unknown mass to the tip of the reed, a first output is obtained from the piezoelectric receiver which represents the original weight. Next by removing part of the mass by any convenient means, such as heat, a second output is obtained that represents the second weight.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for dosing powders by weight. To introduce a weight of powder with a predetermined final value P.sub.3 into a weighing receptacle, the functioning of mechanism for positively feeding the powder to the receptacle is controlled by a continuous comparison between the effective weight of powder received by the receptacle following an initial instant t.sub.0 and a theoretical weight conforming to an ideal evolution of such weight of powder as a function of time; at a final predetermined instant t.sub.2 with reference to the initial instant t.sub.0, the positive feeding mechanism is stopped and the powder remaining is allowed to run into the weighing receptacle in an amount corresponding to the amount of poweder which is lost during its transmission by the feeding mechanism.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method for a computerized weighing apparatus employs those combination patterns, in which only one weighing machine from a pair of weighing machines is included to participate in those combinatorial computation, and a combination patterns, in which both machines of a single pair are part of the combination pattern. These combination patterns are used to compute a total combined weight value so that, when both weighing machines of one pair are selected as part of an optimum combination and discharge their articles, at least one of the machines in the pair is caused not to participate in a subsequent combinatorial computation but is subjected to a zero-point adjustment.

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, and means for unloading the selected weighing units for delivery of the articles for packing and then loading them with new articles; each adjoining pair of weighing units being provided with a common auxiliary hopper for receiving weighed articles from either unit of the pair and keeping them for participating in the combination selecting operation together with those articles on the weighing units, thereby improving weighing accuracy without increasing the number of expensive weighing units.

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: A combinatorial weighing apparatus includes a plurality of weighing machines for weighing supplied articles, and a plurality of storage hoppers for storing articles weighed and supplied respectively by the weighing machines. A computer determines an optimum weight combination through combinatorial computations based on weight data items corresponding to the articles charged in the storage hoppers respectively from the weighing machines, controls the storage hoppers to discharge the articles, and supplies the weighing machines with new articles.

Abstract: A weighing system, including a plurality of conveyer-type continuous weighing machines each having an analog weighing unit and a digital measurement processing unit, and a single common analog-to-digital convertor operated in time division fashion.

Abstract: A mass meter of the type of conventional weighing scale having an elastic cantilever mechanism provided with a weighing cradle, and a mechanoelectric transducer for sensing a strain of the cantilever to produce a weight indicative signal, which further includes, for cancelling the effect of gravity, a reference weight accompanied with its loading and unloading means, and an arithmetic unit for processing the weight data obtained in both reference weight loaded and unloaded states to calculate the mass of an article on the weighing cradle.

Abstract: This invention then relates to a measuring apparatus wherein a plurality of measuring machines are provided transversely for continuous measuring on a lower side of a feeding hopper enclosing a long size such as dried noodle or the like in alignment, which is subjected to a combined measuring accurately by a predetermined weight as conveyed continuously crosswise.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system for combinatorially weighing articles by obtaining an optimum combination of weight values produced by a plurality of weighing machines each of which contains a supply of the articles. The system includes a circuit for detecting a malfunction in any of the weighing machines, and a circuit for excluding weighing machines, detected as having malfunctioned, from participation in combinatorial weighing, and for executing combinatorial weighing using weighing machines other than the excluded weighing machine. When the number of excluded weighing machines exceeds a predetermined number, however, the weighing operation is halted. Even if several of the weighing machines malfunction, therefore, operation is allowed to continue, without terminating the overall weighing operation.