Abstract: The machine has a regular structure symmetrical with respect to a central axis and provided with limiting end faces, said structure being disposed with its horizontal axis rotatably supported on its axis of symmetry on the frame of the machine, and bearing a plurality of longitudinal frames in the direction of the generatrices, on which are incorporated the “cups” or buckets carrying the pieces of fruit or the like, each of said “cups” or buckets being freely rotatable on a horizontal axis, and the machine having means for the rotatable support on its horizontal axis of said structure carrying the “cups” for the pieces of fruit, and also means for effecting the rotation of said structure on its horizontal axis.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items includes a dispenser, a sensing unit, a plurality of container chutes, and a plurality of diversion chutes. The dispenser comprises a plurality of dispensing paths for dispensing the items. The sensing unit measures a physical characteristic of each of the dispensed items. The plurality of container chutes directs each of the dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of which is within a predetermined range of physical characteristics, to containers. The plurality of diversion chutes diverts each of the dispensed items, the measured physical characteristic of which is greater than or less than the predetermined range of physical characteristics, away from the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for sorting workpieces (204) includes multiple conveyors (201, 202), a scanner (208), an offloading device (216), a workpiece processor (218), and a computer (210). The computer has instructions for carrying out a method for sorting that includes obtaining the physical parameters of the workpiece by scanning the workpiece, obtaining an updated distribution of a physical parameter of a population of workpieces, obtaining an updated loading on each conveyor, obtaining the workpiece processor's capacity, obtaining a processing parameter indicating the required amount of workpiece processing to be performed, and obtaining each conveyor's speed. This information is used to place the workpiece on a conveyor in a manner that is calculated to utilize the optimum amount of workpiece processor capacity, while at the same time maintaining an even belt loading.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sizing watermelons by weight in which a conveyor belt carries watermelons from a loading station to a weigh station and finally to a discharge station where they are directed to one of several bins depending on their weight.

Abstract: A weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and providing a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one uses an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.

Abstract: A system for collecting items is configured based on the realization that operators for manually moving the items from position bins to packing material can be positioned in only selected areas on both sides of the conveyor, with batch-forming areas being located on each side only at locations opposite the operator area on the opposite side. For instance, a first operator can serve the first two positions from a first side of the conveyor and a second operator can serve the following two positions from the second side of the conveyor and so on. This arrangement leaves free space, e.g., for packing material, for the second operator on the second side of the conveyor opposite the first operator's two positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sorting flowers which includes a conveyor positioned in an endless conveyor chain having attached thereto, at predetermined intermediate distances, forks movable between at least two positions, a transport position and a hang-in position. The apparatus has at least a single detection station for determining at least a single corresponding characteristic of each flower, and a computer for recording the characteristic. In accordance with the characteristic, the apparatus delivers each flower at discharge stations. The apparatus further comprises at least a single hang-in buffer conveyor with an endless buffer transport element having buffer forks attached thereto, from which the flowers hanging therein are taken over by the forks, which the passing speed of the forks, Nv, and that of the buffer forks, Nb, meet Nv>Nb. In one form, the conveyor chain and the buffer transport element are driven, mutually coupled, with a control element.

Abstract: The container is for a weight checking machine comprising an article feed line (11, 12, 13), and an expulsion means (15) arranged to transversely propel individual articles (9′) sideways for their expulsion from the line as the result of a weight check; the container (20) has a lower region (22) for collecting the rejected articles and a reception mouth (21) disposed in correspondence with the point at which the articles (9′) are expelled, and is characterised in that said reception mouth (21) is positioned to the side of and at the same level as the article lying on the feed line (13), in a position opposite and facing the expulsion means (15), the container (20) also comprising, facing the expulsion means (15), a concave curved surface (23) arranged to accompany the rejected articles (9′) into the collection region (22) and extending from the upper end of the reception mouth (21); the profile of the curved surface (23) is arranged to intercept the trajectory (A) of the article propelled by

Abstract: A method of batching out items in a weight controlled manner from an incoming flow of the items, the items having non-uniform weights, by allocating the items to a plurality of receiver stations. The method includes the steps of determining weight of individual items, determining preferential allocation of each individual item to a consequently selected receiver station based on accumulated weight of items already located in the selected receiver station and preset operational conditions, portioning-out the items by transferring each individual item to the allocated selected receiver station, calculating efficiency of ongoing portioning-out process using relevant parameters, calculating simulated efficiency of a portioning-out process in which allocation of each individual item to a consequently selected receiver station is based on further operational conditions, and recommending change of one or more of the preset operational conditions based on the simulated efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for packaging products, such as vegetables and fruits, utilizing a sorting machine which method includes the steps of determining per product the characteristics of the respective products, such as, for instance, determining their weight and/or their shape; comparing the characteristics with predetermined packaging requirements; on the basis of this comparison, selecting products that do not need to be packaged; supplying the other, non-selected products to a packaging unit, which packaging unit is energized only when there is a substantially uninterrupted in-feed of the products into the packaging unit.

Abstract: A batching of currently supplied articles with non-uniform weights into portions of a uniform target weight is effected by passing the articles through a weighing station (6, 8) to a distribution system (12), in which the articles (4) are selectively allocated to a plurality of receiver bins (14). It is known to improve the capacity of such a system by way of probability calculations based on the normal distribution of the articles in the supply flow, but according to the invention it is still better to base such calculations on a regularly updated recorded histogram (28) of the weight distribution of a relatively high number of newly weighed articles. Thereby the target calculations will rely on factual rather than just expected conditions, and a very important result is that it is possible to effect relevant batching even when the article weights in the supply flow are not normally distributed.

Abstract: The total weight of a plurality of resin products is set as a reference value, and a first upper-limit threshold and a first lower-limit threshold are respectively stored in a control circuit 38 on the upper limit side and the lower limit side with respect to the reference value. A second upper-limit threshold which is yet greater than the first upper-limit threshold and a second lower-limit threshold which is yet smaller than the first lower-limit threshold are stored in the control circuit 38. When the total weight of the resin products is greater than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet greater than the second lower-limit threshold. Further, when the total weight of the resin products is less than the first upper-limit threshold, a determination is made by the control circuit 38 as to whether or not the total weight of the resin products is yet less than the second lower-limit threshold.

Abstract: An article sorting system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of inflow lines to convey trays each containing articles to be sorted, a first conveyor to convey the trays introduced from the plurality of inflow lines, a plurality of second conveyors branching off from the first conveyor, a plurality of sorting racks each placed opposite to the second conveyer, each sorting rack having a plurality of slots leading to containers into which articles are placed from the trays according to sorting categories by sorters, a plurality of first delivery conveyors each placed opposite to the sorting rack, each first delivery conveyor conveying the containers pushed thereon from the sorting rack, and a second delivery conveyor to convey the containers from the plurality of first delivery conveyors to a shipment area.

Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.

Abstract: An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces of particulate matter. The particulate matter is contained in a bin. The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles. Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight of each piece.

Abstract: A pneumatic weighing device has a weigh pan, which is supported for vertical movement by a load cell in response to the weight of an article; the weigh pan is provided with a plenum chamber having an apertured upper surface through which air under pressure is directed for purpose of providing an air cushion for supporting and transporting articles to be weighed. The weighing device additionally includes pneumatic means for rejecting articles of improper weight.

Abstract: The apparatus for packing cash in a change pack based on input change data of the present invention comprises: a contractor register for registering a contractor; a store register for registering a store of the contractor; a cash-register register for registering a cash register of the store; and a data input device for registering change data by at least one of store and cash register and by day.

Abstract: A system for weighing and sorting poultry parts based upon the weight of the poultry parts is disclosed. An infeed conveyor module receives delivers poultry parts to a scale module and also produces a part position signal to a control module. The scale module diverts successive poultry parts to successive ones of a plurality of scale units where the parts are statically weighed and weight signals are transmitted to the control module. The weighed parts are successively discharged from the scale units to a sorter module where the parts are sorted according to their weights. The sorter module comprises a conveyor that carries parts away from the scale module and sweeper elements that sweep parts off of lateral edges of the conveyor into appropriate receptacles depending on the part weight. The sweeper elements can move in either direction along a loop path adjacent the conveyor as determined by the control module to sweep the parts from the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system particularly configured for discrete parcels, which combines tilting tray concepts with “cross-belt” or powered conveyor concepts, which allows for the acceleration of parcels above one gravity force “G”. In one configuration, two levels can be used, the upper for larger packages, and the lower for smaller packages.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging batches of elongate, non-symmetrical products that are soft and/or flexible in nature, such as fish, in which the products are arranged in mutually reversed orientations for maximized utilization of package space. The products are weighed for determining their individual weights and a computerized control is used to selectively accumulate the products on the basis of product weight and other predetermined criteria, to merge the products into groups, and to automatically deposit the products into boxes with a mutual reversed orientation.

Abstract: A batcher apparatus having a weighing station (4) for arriving items and a sorting-out station (6) with transfer mechanism for selectively transferring the weighed items to a plurality of receiver stations (18, 18′, 18″). According to the invention two or more receiver stations may be used as substations (18′, 18″) being allocated items weightwise belonging to the same batch (26), whereby it is possible to allocate to each batch item, which are selected not only based on their weight, but additionally based on other criteria such as type of item in connection with co-batching of different types of poultry parts to be batched separately in subbatches which are then merged into the full batch. Also, items may be allocated to one substation or another in order to thereafter be acted upon in a specific manner, e.g. for some items to be turned or marked.

Abstract: An article classifying system includes a conveyor 9 for conveying mail pieces 1, a weighing conveyor 18, and a sorting conveyor 26. A length measuring unit 5 measures the length of the mail pieces while they are being conveyed by the conveyor 9. Also, the width and the thickness of the mail pieces are measured by a width measuring unit 4 and a thickness measuring unit 3. The weight of the mail pieces is measured by a weighing unit 6 while the mail pieces are being conveyed on the weighing conveyor 18. Then, a control unit classifies the mail pieces into categories according to their length, width, thickness and weight.

Abstract: The invention provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of automatically performing calibration, and provides a weight selecting apparatus capable of certainly carrying objects to be inspected with a relatively simple mechanism and performing weight measurement of the objects. The objects, after being subjected to weight measurement by a first weighing unit 2, are sampled by a sampler 5, and those of the objects thus sampled are subjected to weight measurement by a second weighing unit 6. A calibration unit compares, for the same object, the measured result with that obtained by the first weighing unit 2 and discriminates whether or not a difference therebetween is within a specific error range, to perform calibration of the first weighing unit 2. Further, as a carrier 3 for carrying the objects to the weighing unit 2 one by one, there is used an intermittently rotatable carrying roller 32 having in its outer peripheral surface portion a plurality of carrying pockets 321.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article sorting system includes successive coarse and fine singulators and a recirculating loop for processing a disordered stream of items including three-dimensional non-flat articles. A coarse singulator includes cascaded ramped conveyors, preferably operating at progressively greater speeds. A detection system, such as a vision system, for monitoring the stream of articles and identifying and/or tracking individual items passing through the system is used in conjunction with a fine singulator such as a chevron, hold-and-release or strip conveyor downstream from the coarse singulator. A control system is utilized in connection with the vision system to regulate the flow of articles through the system by, for example, diverting doubles or clusters for separations.

Abstract: A multi-stream singulator has two continuously laterally adjacent streams of cups, which carry and advance articles to be graded to a discharge zone. Articles from the discharge zone are received onto a single stream grading conveyor. At least one of the streams of cups of the multi-stream singulator is a partial cup in advance of the other stream so that the items are discharged non-simultaneously at the discharge zone. Optical scanning of the articles is undertaken by a scanner scanning a zone of the singulating conveyor to determine a physical attribute of each article. Means are provided to associate the scanned attribute of each article from the singulating conveyor with its subsequent position on the single stream grading conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the mass of individual objects, particularly small diamonds, within a predetermined range of sizes, by conveying the objects towards an oscillatable probe having a predetermined mass and a vacuum port of smaller dimensions than those of the objects; applying vacuum to the vacuum port to attract and hold thereto one of the individual objects to thereby add its mass to the mass of the oscillatable probe; measuring the oscillating frequency of the oscillatable probe while the individual object attracted thereto is held by the vacuum applied to the vacuum port, and utilizing the measured oscillating frequency of the probe and the object attracted thereto to compute the mass of the object, before releasing the vacuum to release the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing articles moving in succession along a path includes a conveyor device, a splitter device and a weighing device. The conveyor device is arranged to convey a succession of individual articles from and along a single upstream path to and along a first split downstream path and a second split downstream path. The splitter device splits the succession of articles onto the first and second split downstream paths. Also, the splitter device directs alternate ones of the succession articles being conveyed on the single upstream path onto the respective first and second split downstream paths. The weighing device weighs each article while the articles are conveyed along the first and second split downstream paths.

Abstract: A feeding system and method for placing a plurality of objects within a single designated destination area of a sorting system to increase the throughput rate of the system. The disclosed sorting system includes a plurality of carriages movable under the control of a programmable controller between the loading and unloading stations of the sorting system, each carriage carrying a tilt tray. The geographic destination of each of the objects to be placed on a tray, as well as a dimension of each of the objects to be placed on a tray, is determined by an optical scanner and a measuring device. The controller uses the dimension information to determine whether more than one object having the same geographic destination may be placed on the same tray. The invention is adaptable for use with other types of sorting systems.

Abstract: A checkweighing station includes a weigh platform mounted on a load cell which in turn is mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the entire assembly can be rotated to tilt the platform in one direction for an acceptable weight of a weighed item and in another direction for a rejected weight or weight of a different catgegory. A memory device can determine a trend and make adjustments in a production process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus handles discrete bruisable articles, such as apples or other pieces of fruit, with a minimum amount of bruising while determining a number of different properties of the articles, including optical properties. The articles are conveyed by conveyor cups over a load cell to determine their weight, and perhaps other properties, and then the cups are tilted so that the articles roll onto soft surface rollers with at least one back stop brush positioned where the rolling occurs. The rollers are rotated as the articles are conveyed by the rollers, so as to turn an article mounted between rollers so that a camera can evaluate optical properties of a large portion of each article, if not substantially all. Then a rotating brush disposed at an angle of between about 25-65 (e.g.

Abstract: A method for measuring the ripeness and the texture of a fruit, the method comprising a step for applying a vibration having sequentially hanging frequencies to a fruit to be measured, a step for measuring the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, a step for measuring the weight of the fruit, a step for finding the transfer functional characteristic of the fruit by performing frequency analysis based on the intensity of the vibration applied to the fruit and the intensity of the vibration of the fruit, and computing the secondary resonance frequency f0 (i.e.

Abstract: Based on a non-orderly flow of supplied articles, which may also be sticky articles of food, there is effected in a compulsory manner an isolation of mutually separated small article portions, which are moved through a weighing station (20) and thereafter brought together selectively into larger portions, e..g, with a predetermined weight. In a preferred system according to the invention use is made of an endless row of carrier trays (12) which, in two straight runs, pass along a number of receiver containers (22), into which they are selectively emptied after having passed the weighing station. In front of this station distributor means (14, 18) are provided above a horizontal reversing path of the tray chain for ensuring that the supplied articles are distributed to the trays without overlapping therebetween. Various advantageous embodiments of the single parts of the system to work with a desirably high capacity.

Abstract: An article transporting, and preferably also color and/or weight sorting, assembly and method, support the articles (.g. apples or like pieces of fruit), and effect precise rotation (e.g. within about 5°) of all apples transported thereby. This allows accurate determination of the apple's color by color sensing equipment (e.g. a color camera). The assembly comprises a support element, and two sets of cones mounted to the support by rotatable shafts, each set comprising first and second cones having a tapered exterior surface, the cones on each shaft facing each other and tapering to an imaginary substantially common midpoint. The cones support an apple essentially without the apple engaging the shaft. The cones may be of soft yieldable plastic or rubber with a first taper of about 25-35° (e.g. about 28°), and optionally one or more steps of different taper.

Abstract: An apparatus for weighing hard gelatine capsules or the like has a feed conduit and a discharge conduit, as well as a weighing receptacle that is disposed between them with virtually no cap. By means of a pawl, whichever of the lowermost hard gelatine capsule or the like is released in the feed conduit and pushed over onto the weighing receptacle by a lever can be pivoted into the feed conduit. A vane wheel is also present, whose vanes engages the feed conduit, the weighing receptacle and the discharge conduit and thereby form virtually closed-off transport chambers, each for one hard gelatine capsule or the like.

Abstract: The capsules or other products (1) are fed by a vertically arranged tube-shaped conveyor (4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 112, 13) in single file and taken up one at a time by a tangential wheel (16) which is fitted with reference teeth (18), with each tooth supporting one product, and has suction holes (19) to retain the products. When the products are about to reach a position above suitably shaped associated weighing heads (24), the suction that holds them against the wheel is cut off and the products fall, positioning themselves correctly on the heads, aided in part by the halting action exerted by the teeth in front. The products deposited on the heads are weighed and are then discharged by the pushing action of the wheel teeth (18) which place the next product on the heads. A chute (25) collects the products ejected from the heads and a deflection plate (26), controlled by the central processing and control system (32), separates products of the correct weight from those to be rejected.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically, selectably diverting, different-weight checks being transported along a prescribed track with divert-blade means at a prescribed divert-station therealong, said checks comprising "standard" and "non-standard", heavier versions, this arrangement comprising, in combination with the foregoing:weight sense means, disposed along said track, upstream of said divert station, for sensing at least a mass characteristic of passing checks and outputting mass-indicating signals SS representative thereof; actuate means arranged to thrust said blade means across said track and associated actuate-adjust means for adjusting actuation-torque of said actuate means responsive to associated torque-adjust signals AA input thereto; and control means arranged to receive said mass-indicating signals SS, manipulating them and applying associated torque-adjust signals AA to said actuate-adjust means whereby to automatically adjust and control the torque applied to said blade means according to the sen

Abstract: A "fruit cup" (1) which is shaped to receive articles, for example single pieces of fruit of produce such as apples. The articles rest in a space on a support between the back plate (7) of a "U" shaped bracket and a rotatable bow-tie roller (2) positioned between the arms (4, 5) of the bracket. The support sits on a mounting to which it is coupled while being allowed limited relative movement therebetween. The relative movement between the support and the mounting allows the support to be tilted, lifting the roller (2), enabling it to be rotated to ensure that the "fruit cup" (1) contains only one article. The support is also able to be tipped to either side, to discharge the article contained therein, and to later be repositioned atop the mounting. In use, the base (13, 14) of the mounting is attached to an endless chain conveyor so that a number of "fruit cups" form an endless circuit in an article grading/packaging/sorting system which may have a number of adjacent circuits.

Abstract: A sortation and sequencing system for sorting a plurality of different items into discrete orders and putting the items into a predetermined sequence within each discrete order or group of orders. The system includes an induction station for accepting items in random succession, and a sensor at the induction station for sensing an identifying characteristic unique to each item and for generating tracking signals uniquely corresponding to the items for tracking the items through the system. A controller receives the tracking signals and generates sort command and sequence command signals which are in part responsive to the tracking signals. A sorter receives the items from the induction station and directs individual items to selected ones of a plurality of sort locations, each sort location corresponding to an individual order or group of orders, in response to sort command signals from the controller.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for in-line capsule check weighing envisages that the capsules to be weighed be fed to a device which separates them and feeds them over a transfer surface. The capsules are positioned over the transfer surface so that their longitudinal axes are horizontal and transversal to the direction of feed and are fed to the checkweigher pans, which have seats in the transfer surface and are attached to checkweigher transducers. The weight reading for the capsules and of the relative pans is obtained at the moment in which the capsules come to rest on the pans. Finally, the weight of the pans is determined after the capsules have been moved away, so that the net weight of the capsules may be calculated.

Abstract: Combinational weighing by ranks is carried out by supplying articles of different weights to a plurality of weighing devices one at a time, measuring individual weights of these articles by the weighing devices, classifying the weighed articles individually into ranks according to their measured weights, and carrying out combinational weighing only on those of the weighed articles in a same rank. The combinational weighing is carried out preferentially on the articles in the most populated rank. An apparatus for this method not only includes a plurality of weighing devices, an article supplying units adapted to supply articles of different weights one at a time to these weighing devices, and a device for carrying out combinational calculations but also is adapted to classify weighed articles into ranks according to the measured weights.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically openable and closable hopper set for a fruit weighing and sorting machine, wherein a hopper having two lower scale plates and a pivotally connected door is used to carry a fruit to be sorted by weight. The door is normally retained to a closed position by means of a hook portion of an arm member disposed at one side of the hopper. When the carried fruit is heavier than a set value of a weighing device passed by the hopper set, the scale plates of the hopper depress a scale rod of the weighing device, causing the hopper to descend and tilt, which further causes the arm member to shift and the hook portion to release the door from the hopper, permitting the fruit to immediately fall out of the hopper and into a collection box.

Abstract: A device for checking the weights of individual capsules in a stream of capsules by passing the stream of capsules past a capacitance sensor which measures the capacitance of each capsule as representative of the capsule weight, and passing the stream of capsules past a velocity sensor which measures the velocity of each capsule as representative of the capsule weight. The measured capacitance and measured velocity values are each compared against preset ranges of values, and a capsule is mechanically deflected from the moving stream if the comparison shows either measured value to be outside the respective preset range of values.

Abstract: A mixed cargo conveyer (1) for sorting coded pieces of mixed cargo having a driven, endless conveyer track (8) which is a plurality of conveyer elements joined to one another by articulated joints, movable along a guideway (11), and each having a bearing element (12) supported by way of a supporting device (10) on the guideway (11) with a bearing surface (13) that is essentially horizontal in the conveying state for a piece of mixed cargo to be discharged at one designated discharge station (7) of a plurality of discharge stations (7) existing along the conveyer line, by tipping the bearing element (12) on its side; a plurality of loading stations (2), where pieces of mixed cargo to be sorted are each individually loaded onto the bearing surface (13) of an available conveyer element (9); and a computer, which is fed code information about the loaded pieces of mixed cargo read by a scanner, the bearing elements (12) each being able to move out of their normal transport position relative to their supporting dev

Abstract: In an article sorting apparatus with two parallel, spaced-apart continuous conveyors which pass through a loading zone, a weighing zone, and a discharge zone, having fabric flaps disposed on spaced-apart rods connected between the two conveyors for gently receiving articles selectively discharged for grouping with other articles having a similar determinable characteristic, an article-holding cup and scale providing such apparatus capability to select by weight. The cup includes an L-shaped arm extending outward and downward from one side and a pin extending outward from an opposite side. The free end of the arm extends to the scale below the horizontal plane in which the rods travel. The rods pass over the scale while the cups travel on rails in the weighing zone so that the weight of the article in each cup may be determined.

Abstract: An article-holding cup that has a pair of rotatable rollers for supporting an article thereon, an L-shaped arm extending outward and downward from one side, a second arm extending outward from an opposite side, and a pivotable connector for attaching the cup with others to one of a pair of conveyors in an article sorting apparatus for carrying in a direction of conveyance through a loading zone, a property-determining zone, and a discharge zone. The rollers rotate in response to a wheel rolling on a plate in a property-determining zone to expose different surface areas of the article to optical scanners. A scale and the optical sensor determine weight and color properties of each article during a single pass through the property-determining zone. The cups have lost motion in the vertical direction and travel on rails in the weighing zone, so that the weight of the article in each cup may be determined independently of the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating and sorting articles that are supplied in bulk employs a series of vibratory feeders for generating a stream of the articles and gradually reducing the size of the stream for discharging the articles one by one into an accumulator. Individual articles are dispensed alternately from the accumulator to a pair of weigh scales which supply weight data to a controller for classifying each article in accordance with its weight. The individual articles are released from the weigh scales onto a conveyor where the articles are tracked and then sorted into a series of collectors according to their weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for conveying products, in particular fruit, adapted to sort automatically these products. This device comprises a plurality of chassis (3) distributed along a conveyor (1) and each supporting a carriage (8) bearing two rollers (19) mounted on an axis (6) of this chassis so as to be able to oscillate vertically and tilt laterally. This device further comprises weighing means comprising slideways disposed in the alignment of support shoes (16, 18) with which each carriage (8) is provided, these slideways being provided with end ramps arranged such that the carriages are driven in a floating manner along the slideways. This device further comprises separation means adapted to carry out, at the loading zone of the conveyor, an ordered arrangement of the products allowing each of them to be disposed on a carriage.

Abstract: During the transfer into the weighing unit (K), the bottle (F) is held in the compartment (S1) of the transfer container (C), preferably by suction. An elevating comb (4) which receives the bottle extracted from the micro-feeder and which with a subsequent lowering movement deposits it on the underlying grid-shaped platform (8) of the balance (9) operates in the weighing unit. This platform is provided, for each transfer container (C), with a shallow recess (10), ideally in the form of a horizontal downward-converging truncated cone, in which the bottle centers itself under the effect of gravity, moving away from the walls of the container and from the fixed lateral guides in order not to distort the action of the balance.

Abstract: The conveying and off-loading apparatus, used in machines for the automatic selection and distribution of products, comprises a conveyor for transporting individual products from examination stations to discharge stations along a path, including an elongate flexible closed-loop belt and a plurality of rollers distributed on the conveyor. The rollers have axes extending transversely to the longitudinal extension of the conveyor, and adjacent rollers define between one another elongated holders for individual products. Forks rotatably support the rollers on the chain and are adapted to allow small vertical oscillations of the rollers, as the weight of the product and its holder is lifted from the chain and transferred to a level section of the ramp associated with a weighing device at an examination station. The forks are mounted along the chain and oscillate about an axis parallel to the path. The rollers are selectively tiltable for off-loading a product from the conveyor at one of the discharge stations.