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 self-operating automatic control system and process is provided to automatically measure the gross weight, load, and length of trucks, such as at refineries, truck terminals, and depots. A central processing unit compares the truck's weight and length with state highway regulations and activates a laser printer or another printer to print a bill of lading when the measured weight is within legal limits. The system and process can also have various safety and weight indicators as well as a regulated control dispenser coupled to the central processing unit to automatically and remotely dispense authorized legal amounts of the load of material, such as gasoline or oil, into the trucks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately weighing, by means of a common scale, contributions of material for multiple streams, such material typically being printed papers, such as from a printing press. Material that is to be weighed, which is typically waste material, is delivered by workers or operators along multiple respective routes to the common scale bin. Means are provided which are worker initiated, to provide enabling signals respectively associated with the multiple routes along with means responsive to these enabling signals while providing a plurality of separate counts corresponding to weight for each respective route. Delivery of material along each route may be detected by, for example, a floor mat switch, a actuated push button, or by photo detector means.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic scale printer, and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which a printer is connected electrically to the electronic scale used in a department store or supermarket etc., and required data are printed on a printing sheet under an instruction from the electronic scale and issued from the printer. The invention provides a printer capable of issuing both a label and a receipt through one printing means and more particularly an electronic scale printer in which either a label or a receipt corresponding to the kind of printing sheet stored in a cassette is printed and issued under proper replacement of the cassette having printing sheet for label stored therein with a cassette having a printing sheet for receipt stored therein.

Abstract: A balance having a setting means with which the relative precision of the weighing result is to be determined can be set by the user. The balance then adapts automatically to the set relative precision. This adaptation can occur, e.g., in the number of positions displayed, in the step width in the last particular position, in the selection of the integration time, in the filtering of the measured values in the digital signal processing unit, in the frequency of the taking over of the measured value into the display and/or at the time of the emission of the standstill signal or of the measured value release signal.

Abstract: A weighing structure using four (4) strain gage-type load cells, which significantly reduces the complexity of existing four (4) load cell weighing structures, is provided. A novel method of constructing and electrically connecting the load cells is provided to mechanically match the output of the individual load cells.

Abstract: The method of delivering quantities of product measured by weight with each quantity being of an acceptable weight relative to a reference weight, utilizing a set of weighing devices each adapted to weigh a fraction of said quantity and each adapted for unloading of product therefrom to contribute to a delivery.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus which operates by weighing plural groups of articles of various weighs by a plurality of weighing machines, finding the sums of all conceivable combinations of these weight values or of given combinations thereof, selecting the combination whose sum is equal or closest to a set value, and discharging the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination to obtain articles of a desired weight or number. Between the discharge of the articles from the weighing machines and the following supply of fresh articles to the same weighing machines, an operation of determining the best combination by performing the same combinatorial computations with respect to the weight values of the remaining weighing machines which have not discharged their articles, is performed two or more times to improve weighing capability.

Abstract: Batches of articles are charged randomly into a plurality of weighing heads, respectively, and weighing data items which are generated respectively by the weighing heads, are added in combinations. The weighing data items from those weighing heads fewer than all of the weighing heads, preferably substantially half of the weighing heads, are picked up and repeatedly added together to provide a wide variety of combinations of added weighing data items. One of such combinations which gives the added data items equal or closest to a set value is selected to open the weighing heads for discharging a desired combination of batches of articles.

Abstract: Bulk materials are supplied on to a conveyor one after another with the supply port filled with the material. Since the pressure applied to the conveyor surface by the material is constant, what is called the fall error is eliminated. In one embodiment the conveyor is moved while in another embodiment the material is carried by scrapers secured to a chain conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved scale arrangement comprising three or more load cells which are compensated for both lateral and longitudinal displacement of the load on the scale platter or platform and to a method of accurately compensating the scale so that the output of the scale is independent of the position of the weight on the scale. Only two strain gages are provided for each load cell which gages are connected in a single bridge circuit. Compensating resistor networks are connected to at least certain of the strain gages.

Abstract: An installation for monitoring and controlling a machine for producing items which at the end of production thereof are subjected to quality control with rejection of defective items, comprises a computing means (4), a detector (5) for sensing the number of items produced, a weighing machine for weighing the reject items, a precision weighing means for weighing an item produced, and a display means, the computing means operating on the basis of the data supplied thereto by the sensor, the weighing machine and the precision weighing means to provide the number of items produced, the number of items rejected and the difference therebetween, constituting the number of accepted items.

Abstract: In a method for constructing a weighbridge, the weighing platform is made of reinforced concrete and is built in a previously prepared foundation ditch which is used as a mold for the weighing platform. After the hardening of the foundation ditch (1) separating means (10, 11) are placed in the foundation ditch (1) for separating the weighing platform from the ditch (1). Subsequently, the weighing platform is cast in the foundation ditch (1). A weighing cell assembly for a weighbridge, which is particularly suitable for use when performing this method, includes a weighing cell, a support element (6) for the weighing cell and a tubular structural member (8) which can be connected to the weighing platform and holds the support element (6). The weighing platform can be supported on the weighing cell through the tubular structural member.

Abstract: A novel combination weighing system which substantially reduces the necessary time for each cycle of operation as compared with the conventional combination weighing system. The system involves sampling a weight indicative signal at a predetermined time point prior to each weighing unit reading stabilization, calculating from each unstable weight indicative signal an estimated stable weight indicative value, executing a combination operation using the estimated stable weight indication values, storing those combinations obtained which satisfy a predetermined weight condition, and calculating the sum weights of the stored combinations using weight indicative signals obtained after stabilization of the weighing units to select a combination whose sum weight satisfies the predetermined weight condition.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine having a plurality of weighing units and being adopted to load at least one of the weighing units with articles having a predetermined volume, to compare the weight signal from this weighing unit with a predetermined reference weight signal and to deliver the articles of the predetermined weight if their weight is greater than the reference weight. If the weight of such articles is less than the reference weight the machine is operable to generate combinations of the aforesaid; weight signal and the weight signals from the other weighing units to select a combination having a weight greater than the reference weight, for the purpose of forming batches of articles each having volume and weight greater than predetermined values.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably heating material directly and indirectly by microwave radiation comprises a chamber in which the material to be heated (often to dryness, as for analysis) is placed, a source of microwave radiation for radiating into materials in such chamber for controllably heating such a material, and a support for such material, which support comprises a matrix of microwave radiation-transmissive material and a particulate microwave absorptive material dispersed in such matric material, which microwave absorptive material has a Curie temperature, above which it becomes microwave transmissive, so as thereby to prevent excessive heating of the support and the material thereon which is to be controllably heated, and which matrix material is stable and form-retaining at the Curie temperature of the dispersed material.

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: A method of counting articles includes weighing a multiplicity of articles in n weighing hoppers, and dividing the weight of the articles weighed by each of the weighing hoppers by a preset unit weight to determine the number of articles in each of the weighing hoppers. Combinations of the numbers of the articles are computed, and the one of the combinations which has the number of combined articles equal or closest to a set number is found. Then, a new unit weight is derived from the weight of the articles contained in one or more weighing hoppers and the number of articles contained in the same one or more weighing hoppers, and the preset unit weight is renewed by the derived new unit weight. The method also includes the step of renewing the preset unit weight with the new unit weight only when the new unit weight falls within a preset unit weight range, each time a prescribed number of counting operations are carried out or after a prescribed length of time.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method in a combinatorial weighing apparatus comprises the steps of providing two groups of patterns of combinations of weight values issued from a plurality of weighing machines, one of the groups is divided into two subgroups which are complements of each other, and the two groups are successively processed independently and in combination to find an optimum weight combination closest to a target weight value.

Abstract: An improved scale includes a movable platform which is supported by a plurality of force transmitting assemblies. Upon sideways movement of the platform, the force transmitting assemblies and platform interact to align the force transmitting assemblies and to center the platform. In one embodiment of the invention, each force transmitting assembly includes a slider which is movable along a base surface. A rocker pin transmits force between the slider and a load cell beam which is connected with the platform. When the platform is moved sideways relative to the base, the rocker pin is tilted to a maximum offset condition in which horizontally offset vertical force components are applied to the rocker pin. Continued sideways movement of the platform relative to the base results in movement of the slider relative to the base.

Abstract: Weighing conditions, depending on the kind of article being weighed and on the target value for the weighing operation, are entered as a set of reserved values through a data input unit, and the set of reserved values is written into a memory of a storage unit by a write control unit. The storage unit includes a plurality of memories, each of which stores a different set of reserved values. A read control unit, in response to an input from the data input unit, selects a required set of reserved values from the corresponding memory of the storage unit, and applies prescribed ones of these values to a combinatorial computation control unit and feeder drive units. Therefore, when it is necessary to reset weighing conditions whenever there is a change in the kind of article being weighed or in the target value, the resetting operation is performed merely by reading the desired weighing conditions, namely the set of reserved values, from memory.

Abstract: An electronic balance which displays a correct weight value by averaging the digitized weight data outputted at predetermined time intervals from a weight detector provided in the balance. The weight data averaging to give a correct value is carried out with the number of the basis data for averaging increased each time a new weight data is obtained, after the weight data, which are largely fluctuating in the beginning, have been considered to be stabilized by being settled down in a predetermined limit. In case the once stabilized weight data are brought back into a fluctuating state owing to any external disturbance, such fluctuation is detected and the again unstabilized weight data are excluded from the averaging to give a correct weight value.

Abstract: A method for cyclically weighing flowable bulk solid material as part of a dispensing process which includes the steps of supplying the material from a continuously operating controllable delivery feed arrangement to a weigh-pan; generating a signal indicative of the amount of material in the weigh-pan; terminating supply of the material from the feed arrangement when the signal indicates a predetermined amount of material in the weigh-pan; causing the weigh-pan, after receiving and weighing all the materials supplied by the feed arrangement up to such termination of the supply, to deliver its contents; preparing the weigh-pan for the next cycle; predetermining a rate of delivery from the weigh-pan in accordance with the requirements of the dispensing process in terms of the average amount delivered per cycle in a cycling frequency; supplying from the feed arrangement material to the weigh-pan through a valve mechanism in which the material accumulates when the weigh-pan is not receiving material from the val

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system which, using a combinatorial weighing apparatus for combining weight data obtained from a plurality of weighing machines to find a combination giving a total combined weight value equal or closest to a target weight value, is capable of performing combinatorial weighing in a case where the target weight value is greater than the maximum load of the weighing apparatus. When such is the case, the system operates by first discharging articles from all of the weighing machines, and then computing the difference between the target weight value and the total weight of the articles discharged from all of the weighing machines in the preceding step.

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

Abstract: A 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 of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination is selected, 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 combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for supplying a plurality of weighing machines with articles to be weighed, obtaining a plurality of combinations of the weighing machines, each weighing machine combination giving a combination of articles having a combined weight value equal or closest to a target weight value, and selecting an optimum combination from these plural combinations. The optimum combination is one which provides a combination of articles having a combined weight value having a minimum error with respect to the target weight value and which is within preset allowable limits. The statistical dispersion of the weight values from the weighing machines which do not participate in the combination has a value that is equal to or greater than a predetermined tolerance. When an optimum combination is obtained, the articles are discharged from the weighing machines corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accurately calculating the plating area and current plating density for an etched circuit in connection with the electrodeposition of conducting material upon printed circuit boards used in electronic apparatus, including a system for making comparative weight determinations of a test board and calculating the circuit surface area bored thereon.

Abstract: A system having a combinatorial weighing apparatus for obtaining an optimum weight of a batch of articles that exhibit a variable apparent specific gravity, and for packaging the weighed out articles in a packaging vessel. The system includes a volume detecting unit for detecting the volume of the articles supplied, a density detecting unit for detecting the density of the articles based on the volume value obtained from the volume detecting unit and a weight value obtained from the weighing apparatus, and a target weight adjusting unit for adjusting a target weight value within preset allowable limits on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the volume of the articles discharged into the packaging vessel becomes substantially constant. The system is also provided with a crusher for adjusting the size of individual articles on the basis of the detected density in such a manner that the density of the articles becomes substantially constant.

Abstract: A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associted with each of the hopers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically weighing out articles of a type having an apparent specific gravity which is not constant includes means for weighing out the articles into a batch having a target weight, means for filling a constant volume with the weighed out batch of articles, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure that develops when the articles have been introduced into the constant volume, and means responsive to the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor for automatically adjusting the target weight value within preset allowable limits so that the weighed out batch of articles will have a fixed volume. The weighed out batch of articles introduced by the filling means are shaped into the fixed volume. The weight of the batch and the volume thereof within a package are both within preset allowable limits.

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

Abstract: An electronic weight indicator adapted to convert an analog output of a load cell into a digital display which, after initial calibration, automatically corrects for dead load, drift and other calibration errors introduced by the circuitry. The meter can also be programmed to count for creep. The weight indicator employs a microprocessor to control an analog-to-digital converter which converts the analog signal from the load cell to a digital display. The microprocessor employs a unique algorithm permanently retained in an associated memory to correct for drift and compensate for deadload changes and creep. Once calibrated, no further adjustments by the user are required. All adjustments are made automatically, without operator intervention. The weight indicator can be used with any load cell producing an analog signal in response to a force, e.g. a weight on a weighing platform connected to the load cell.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for discharging weighed articles in a combinatorial weighing system, weighed articles discharged from a plurality of weighing hoppers are selectively released into first and second collecting routes of a collecting chute. The outlet of each collecting route is provided with a timing hopper having a gate. The gates of the two timing hoppers are opened and closed by respective drive units. The arrangement is such that one of the gates can be opened while the other gate is in the closed state or by the time the other gate is completely closed. Control is effected in such a manner that when weighed articles are released into one of the collecting routes from the weighing hoppers, the timing hopper corresponding to this collecting route is opened to completely discharge weighed articles previously released into the timing hopper. The discharge of previously released weighed articles is accomplished during the time needed for the weighed articles just released to reach the timing hopper.

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

Abstract: A plurality of weighing data are combined to find a total weight combination closest to a preset value within an allowable preset range. Articles are discharged from those weighing machines which give such a total weight combination. For such a combinatorial computation, the empty weighing machines are first detected from among the weighing machines for which the combinatorial computation has been carried out, and then articles are supplied to the empty weighing machines. Weighing data from a number of weighing machines, selected from a plurality of weighing machines, are combined to allow selection of a weight combination equal or closest to the preset value. If a total weight combination given by the selected weighing machines falls within the allowable preset range, then articles are discharged from those weighing machines which give such a total weight combination during a first cycle.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing or counting method of the type in which weight data items from a plurality of weighing machines are combined to find an optimum combination giving a total combined value equal or closest to a target value within preset allowable limits, and the weighed articles are discharged from the weighing machines constituting the optimum combination. Apparatus for practicing the method includes a first storage device provided individually for each of the weighing machines. The method includes the steps of clearing the status of the first storage device corresponding to those weighing machines that participate in the optimum combination and updating by a predetermined quantity the status of the first storage device corresponding to those weighing machines that do not participate in the optimum combination. The clearing and updating are carried out each time an optimum combination is found, and it is discriminated whether the status of each of the first storage devices exceeds a preset value.

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

Abstract: A 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 method and apparatus for continuous weighing of divided products being transported along a conveyor belt is provided, wherein a unit of linear displacement for the belt of the conveyor is defined, called a unit of belt space, and a variable called a belt space variable is associated with theoretical reference points on said belt. An instantaneous measurement of the weight of the belt and/or of the products transported is obtained by means of at least three weighing stations disposed along the belt, weight data furnished by the weighing stations is stored in memory, and the weight data is compared to determine a mean weight.

Abstract: Apparatus which includes a plurality of separate weight-responsive, electronic measuring elements, such as load cells, disposed on a base insertable into the bottom of a cash drawer or the like. The drawer has a number of compartments to hold coins of different denominations, a different denomination in each compartment. The cells are disposed one per compartment and are interconnected to an electronic totalizer display unit. The cells have analog signal outputs indicative of the weight of the coins in each of the compartments. The analog signal output in each case is converted to a digital signal output and passes to a totalizer unit providing a digital display of the monetary value of the coins in each compartment, the present monetary total of all compartments, and the change just added to or removed from the drawer. The apparatus includes weighting factor units for adjusting the analog signals to reflect the differences in weight and value of the various coin denominations, for accurate totalizing.

Abstract: A weighing and packaging system operates by combining weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, obtaining a combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value equal to a target value or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits, discharging articles from those weighing machines belonging to the combination obtained, and packaging the discharged articles. In performing combinatorial weighing, the articles discharged from the combinatorial weighing machine are temporarily retained in a cylinder, and light-emitting and light-receiving elements are arranged to detect the level of the retained articles, thereby making it possible to detect the volume of the articles charged into a package.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus in which weight data from N-number of weighing machines containing articles are combined to obtain an optimum combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value of articles equal to a preset value Wa or closet to the preset value Wa within preset allowable limits, and in which the articles are discharged from the obtained optimum combination of weighing machines. The method includes starting combinations with i as the initial number of weighing machines in each combination, wherein i represents the number of weighing machines which tends to afford the optimum combination more readily than other numbers of the weighing machines. Combinations which select the i-number of weighing machines from the N-number of weighing machines, are generated continuously and it is determined whether the total weight value of each combination machine falls within the preset allowable limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous weighing of a fluid material is described, wherein the material is continuously fed to a weighing container and discharged therefrom, the weighing of the material during filling and the estimated weight thereof during discharge being determined, and by means of a computer, used to generate values which will give the total weight of the material during the entire weighing operation.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for providing a total weight value within set allowable limits even if weight values produced by weighing machines fluctuate due to externally applied vibration or the like. The method includes obtaining an optimum combination by performing combinatorial processing using weight values produced by the weighing machines at a predetermined first point in time following introduction of articles into the weighing machines. Then the total weight of the obtained optimum combination is recalculated by using weight values read from the weighing machines again at a second point in time. It is determined whether the recalculated total weight value of the optimum combination lies within the set allowable limits, and the articles are discharged from those weighing machines corresponding to the optimum combination if the recalculated total weight value lies within the set allowable limits.

Abstract: An electronic weighing apparatus and method is disclosed which enables the counting of an unknown quantity of items or samples such as currency, coupons, coins or similar items of a nominally uniform weight. The apparatus includes an electronic scale which provides a signal representative of the weight of an unknown quantity of items, a microprocessor which stores a representative unit weight of the items being counted and calculates an item count, and a display for providing an output representing the running count or other value representative of the items being weighed. An accurate count of the items is obtained by placing items on or removing items from the scale in incremental groups such that the net weight of any incremental group of items must have a stable net weight equal to or below a predetermined threshold weight before the count is made.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system having a row of weighing hoppers provided on corresponding weighing machines, a plurality of tiltable pool trays provided diagonally above corresponding ones of the weighing hoppers, the pool trays being provided at a height where they can be viewed from outside the apparatus, and a collecting conveyor for collecting articles discharged from weighing hoppers belonging to a selected combination. A batch of the articles is placed in each of the pool trays, where the articles are temporarily retained. When a weighing hopper has discharged its articles, the corresponding pool tray is tilted to automatically resupply the weighing hopper with the articles retained by the tray.

Abstract: In a combinatorial weighing system in which weight data from a plurality of weighing machines containing articles are combined to obtain an optimum combination of weighing machines giving a total combined weight value of articles equal to a target value or closet to the target value within preset allowable limits, and in which the articles are discharged from the obtained optimum combination of weighing machines, the number of weighing machines is increased over that provided in the conventional apparatus, and the number of weighing machines that participate in combinations is varied in accordance with the target value. Further, a limit value for a number of combinations giving at least one total combined weight value within the preset allowable limits is predicted, and it is determined after a combinatorial computation, whether a number of combinations in excess of the limit value remain.

Abstract: A weighbelt is conventionally placed in or associated with a production line for weighing material supplied during production. The weighbelt of the invention has a belt 10 which can be lifted by rollers 18 out of contact with a planar support plate 16 without stopping the belt 10. A known mass 24 is then lowered into a cradle 26 to provide a downward force on the plate 16 to calibrate output signals of a strain gauge 22. The strain gauge 22 provides output signals when the belt is supported by the plate 16 indicative of the material loading on the belt 10. The weighbelt can be calibrated without stopping the belt 10 and disrupting production.

Abstract: A weighpan is controlled by a microprocessor to tare itself between successive weighings and the microprocessor resets the weight at which supply to the weighpan is regulated in accordance with a shortfall or excess delivered on previous weighings.