Abstract: A sorter sorts discrete bruisable articles, such as pieces of fruit like apples, with minimum bruising. A continuous conveying chain has a number of discrete article supporting elements connected to it for linear movement with it, and for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the chain. At various stations along the chain a self-singulating section is provided in which the articles are singulated onto the supporting elements, a weighing section (or like property determining section) is provided after the self-singulating section, and a discharge section is provided at which the articles are dischargee depending upon the weight sensed in the weighing section. The same chain supporting elements may continue through a second self-singulating section, a second weighing section, and a second discharge section. The supporting elements comprise plastic cups defining a shallow depression on a top face, e.g. a conically shaped depression with sidewalls making an angle of about 20.degree.-30.degree.

Abstract: A method of weighing poultry includes: conveying a plurality of birds which are closely adjacent to each other toward a weighing station; disentangling the wings of the birds from each other and separating the birds from each other by turning the birds; and then, while the wings of the birds are disentangled and while the birds are separated from each other, weighing the birds at the weighing station. The birds are suspended by their legs from suspension hooks and the suspension hooks are suspended from a conveyor suspension track.

Abstract: Apparatus for sorting articles having a roller conveyor for moving articles through an inspection region where they are scanned by a camera. From the scans, the position of boundaries of the articles is determined so that the existence and location of the articles can be identified. Color counts, representative of the color of the articles are made from the scans and are correlated with the appropriate article identified. Load cells produce weight information which is similarly correlated with the appropriate articles. The information is fed to a processor which is arranged to track the articles through the inspection region and is arranged to route the articles differently in accordance with the color counts and/or weight information correlated therewith.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatically detecting the approximate percentage of humidity in predetermined types of lumber cut to specific lengths. A conveyor is provided for conveying individual pieces of cut lumber to a weighing station which consists of platforms on which individual pieces of lumber are conveyed. One or more weighing cells are associated with the platforms for detecting the weight of the piece of lumber thereon. A control circuit is connected to the weighing cell and also to sensors which detect a predetermined length of the lumber pieces and the cross-sectional dimension thereof, and receives information signals therefrom to identify and classify the individual lumber pieces in accordance with one or more reference signals related to selected humidity content weight(s) of the lumber pieces. The apparatus compares the apparent density with selectable density(ies) used as criterium for sorting.

Abstract: A sorter sorts discrete bruisable articles, such as pieces of fruit like applies, with minimum bruising. A continuous conveyor chain has a number of discrete article supporting elements connected to it for linear movement with it, and for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the chain. At various stations along the chain a self-singulating section is provided in which the articles are singulated onto the supporting elements, a weighing section (or like property determining section) is provided after the self-singulating section, and a discharge section is provided at which the articles are discharged depending upon the weight sensed in the weighing section. The same chain supporting elements may continue through a second self-singulating section, a second weighing section, and a second discharge section. The supporting elements comprise plastic cups defining a shallow depresssion on a top face, e.g. a conically shaped depression with sidewalls making an angle of about 20.degree.-30.degree.

Abstract: The invention is a device for sorting food products such as vegetables or fruit in accordance with their size, weight, and color or the presence of defects on them. In accordance with the device of the invention, a conveyor in the form of a plurality of rotatable rollers is employed for supporting the articles to be inspected and sorted. The articles are passed through an inspection zone where the articles are scanned in accordance with the sorting criteria of the apparatus. The articles are then sorted in accordance with in response to the determinations made at the inspection zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of postal stamps, automated postal sorter machines, sorting processes, and postal metering devices. The prior art of postal stamps and processing systems failed to provide for automatic sorting and processing without replacing the usual stamp with a machine printed decal thus: (1) depriving the ordinary stamp user from using the system which requires a special stamp printing machine, and (2) destroying the philatelic nature of the stamp for the hobby of stamp collecting. The invention solves these problems by providing a multi-part stamp where machine readable data are entered by the ordinary user without the need for a special machine. One portion of the stamp (42) includes the ordinary stamp attributes thereon and another portion (43) carries marking indicia (47) and (48) which are to be filled with the information of the points of origin and destination.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing system includes a combinatorial weighing apparatus, a packing machine and master/slave changeover switch. The combinatorial weighing apparatus has a plurality of weighing machines for sensing the weight of articles supplied thereto, and a calculation control unit for performing a combinatorial calculation, based on weight data from the weighing machines, to obtain an optimum combination, and for causing weighing machines corresponding to the optimum combination to discharge their articles. The articles are then packed by the packing machine. The master/slave changeover switch switches between a mode in which the packing machine is the master of the weighing and packing operation and a mode in which the weighing apparatus is the master of the weighing and packing operation. The arrangement results in a combinatorial weighing apparatus which has greatly simplified hardware and which can operate in association with either a master- or slave-type packing machine.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive method and apparatus are provided for weighing product, such as fruits and vegetables, with a separate, simple yet effective method and apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables having the same characteristics. The weighing apparatus includes a pair of chains having inwardly extending pins engaging vertically elongated slots in lubricating plastic hour glass shaped roller segments. A flat bottom portion of each roller segment engages three rails of a stationary track while the pins engage the elongated slots and move the roller segments over the weighing mechanism. Two or more roller segments engage a fruit or vegetable at the same time, and the stationary track is notched at a load cell so that all of the roller segments supporting a fruit or vegetable operatively engage the load cell at the same time. The product sorter includes a contoured supporting base with a flexible belt on the base and in sliding engagement with it.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus has a main conveying mechanism and a subsidiary conveying mechanism. The main conveying mechanism conveys a case having an object therein along a main conveying path. The subsidiary conveying mechanism conveys the case along a subsidiary conveying path extending from the main conveying onto the subsidiary conveying mechanism path. A case-supply portion, for supplying the case, is provided at an extending end of the subsidiary conveying path. A weight-detection mechanism is provided at the case-supply portion, for detecting the weight of the case supplied thereonto. The conveying of the case, by the main and subsidiary conveying mechanism, is controlled in accordance with a detection result of the weight-detection mechanism.

Abstract: A conveyor system comprises a plurality of article carriers 5 interconnected for movement in succession along a predetermined path 1, and weight sensing means 7a, 7b positioned at two or more weighing stations in the path such that each article carrier passes through one weighing station, the weight of the article carrier, together with that of any article carried thereby, being applied to the weight sensing means. The use of two weighing stations, to which articles can be diverted alternatively, means that ample time can be allowed for accurate weighing, even if the speed of the article carriers is greater than that with prior art devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting vulnerable products such as eggs, along successive stations and handling the same therein, each product at the beginning of the handling cycle being received separately in a container that is freely moveable in at least one direction during a part of the handling cycle, and being removed therefrom after the handling cycle. The container may be open at the top, narrowing towards the bottom, e.g. according to a truncated cone, and further comprising a foot extending perpendicularly to the container axis, the outer circumference of the foot being at least equal to the outer circumference of the upper edge of the container.

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 method for maintaining zero calibration values representative of average tare, or average empty cup weight, in an article sorting machine of the type employing cups to sort articles by weight comprises the steps of measuring the weight of each cup, and if the cup is carrying an article, the weight of the cup and the article, passing over an electronic scale, and determining whether the cup is carrying an article based upon the value of a weight signal provided by the electronic scale. A running sum of the values of the weight signals for the cups determined not to be carrying articles is maintained. A count of the number of cups determined not to be carrying articles is also maintained. After a selected interval, the running sum is divided by the count to arrive at an updated average tare, or updated average empty cup weight.

Abstract: A method of operating an article sorting machine automatically adjusts weight cutoff values defining size grades to compensate for variations in weight distribution of the articles. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the actual average weight of the articles classified into each size grade, periodically comparing the actual average weight of the articles classified into each size grade to values indicative of the desired average weight of the articles classified into each size grade, and modifying ones of the weight cutoff values if the actual average weight of the articles classified into selected ones of the size grades differs from the desired average weight of the articles to be classified into the selected ones of the size grades.

Abstract: An apparatus for identification of animals passing through a packing plant including an elevated track extending through the packing plant for guiding carcasses through various processes and testing stations. A plurality of trolleys, one for each carcass, is provided for moving along the track. A gambrel is provided for attaching such animal carcasses to the trolley. The trolley identification is operably attached to each of the trolleys for providing positive identification of each individual trolley. Animal identification is attached to each carcass which is hung from each gambrel for providing individual carcass identification information. A trolley identification reader is provided adjacent to the track for automatically reading each one of the trolley identification numbers and inputting the information into a computer. Similarly, a carcass identification reader is provided adjacent to the path of the carcasses being moved along the track and this information is also input into the computer.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for sorting fruits and vegetables which is arranged to convey fruits and vegetables of various shapes such as spheroidal shapes, spherical massive shapes, non-spherical massive shapes or amorphous shapes one by one on a tray device, a measuring device including a planar-shape dimension measuring unit, a side-shape dimension measuring unit and a weight measuring unit is arranged at a part of a conveying path to sort and rank the object to be sorted by comparing the results of measurement with sorting classification values preset by a computing device. The measuring device permits selection of the planar shape, side shape or weight. The apparatus includes a fruit or vegetable distribution section which includes receiving bins of different sizes determined according to ranking by the measuring device. One or plurality of the objects are dispersively discharged into these bins by a discharge device according to the sizes of the bins.

Abstract: A device for weight classification of crops comprising and endless conveying member, pick-up members for the products to be weight pivotally coupled with the conveying member and a mechanism for assessing the weight of the products located in and/or on the pick-up members, whereby a pick-up member is pivoted with the aid of a first pivotal shaft to a tie member, which is coupled with the aid of a second pivotal shaft extending at least substantially parallel to the first pivotal shaft with the endless conveying member in a manner such that the center of the pick-up member is located between the two pivotal shafts.

Abstract: Disclosed in a combinatorial weighing apparatus having a plurality of weighing hoppers, a plurality of weighing machines, associated with respective ones of the weighing hoppers, for weighing or counting articles introduced into each of the weighing hoppers, and a chute for collecting the articles discharged from the weighing hoppers. The apparatus operates by computing combinations based on weight values provided by the weighing machines, and causing weighing hoppers, belonging to a combination selected as a result of the combinatorial computations, to discharge their articles into the chute one hopper at a time with a predetermined time delay intervening between the discharge operations.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for assembling wrapped stick confections from a multi-lane packaging machine into groups with the stick ends of the wrapped stick confections overlapping. The packaging apparatus comprises endless type first and second conveyors each having product pushers at uniformly spaced locations therealong for advancing stick confections crosswise of their length from a loading station sequentially past a weighing station and an ejecting station to a stacking station. Mechanism is provided at the loading station for feeding wrapped stick confections from the multi-lane wrapping machine into the pockets on first and second conveyors with the stick ends in juxtaposition.

Abstract: Rotary weighsorter comprising a frame, a driving turret supported on a vertical shaft, a plurality of containers, each connected by a radial arm to the turret, a pivot connection between the arm and both the turret and the container having horizontal pivot axes, at least two weighing devices supported in the frame at different angular positions for independently weighing the containers on passing across, the weighing devices being connected to a computing device which is also connected to a motor actuating a guide cooperating with a lever attached to the containers, so that the containers may be tilted to remove articles from the containers.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus combines weight data from a plurality of weighing machines, finds a combination of weights giving a weight sum equal or closest to a target weight value within an allowable weight range setting, and discharges articles from the weighing machines providing the combination of weights. The combinatorial weighing apparatus includes a reweighing device for reweighing the discharged articles. The reweighing device is composed of a checking hopper for retaining the discharged articles and a checking weighing machine attached to the checking hopper for reweighing the articles in the checking hopper. The combinatorial weighing apparatus further includes a display unit for displaying the reweighed result and a selection unit for accepting or rejecting the articles based on the reweighed data to prevent those articles giving a total weight outside the allowable weight range setting from being delivered to a packing machine.

Abstract: A shackle supporting the product to be weighed is lifted off the pendant of an overhead conveyor by a chain driven in synchronism with the conveyor, and the chain then carries the shackle and the product which it is supporting across a weighing platform before lowering the shackle back onto the pendant.

Abstract: Successive pairs of rollers in a plurality of juxtaposed continuous feed chain conveyors receive articles, such as fruits and vegetables at an upstream portion of a sorting conveyor system and by movement of the rollers between inclined walls, position the articles in succession so as to pass the same through color sortors and, then, below pneumatic rollers to deposit them into successive cups of a sorting conveyor system. Excess articles on the feed conveyors are released near the downstream end of the feed conveyors and are returned to their upstream end for reprocessing. Adjustable synchronizing linkage tie the two systems together and permit the relative adjustment of the positions of the cups with respect to the positions of the rollers. Spinning of the rollers is accomplished by the rollers riding in the through assemblies for the upper flights of the feed conveyors. Rails lift the rollers when they are not to spin. The color sortor examines the articles as they are spun by the rollers.

Abstract: A device for weighing eggs is disclosed which is usable with a two element egg supporting conveyor and is particularly usable for the weighing of eggs while they are moving through a conveying system. The present invention actually places the eggs upon two rail members which are positively secured with respect to a high speed weighing means such as an electronic weighing means to very quickly determine the proper grade. The egg weighing device includes a delivery ramp for lifting the egg out of the egg receiving recess defined by the supporting members of the conveying configuration. The delivery ramp actually delivers the egg through a descending ramp section to the weighing platform. This weighing platform is positively secured with respect to the electronic weighing device to facilitate a high speed determination of the weight of the egg while the egg is traveling over the weighing platform.

Abstract: Poultry necks severed from poultry bodies during production line processing are gravitationally conveyed across a load platform of a weighing device to detect and direct heavier necks along a separate path for subsequent reassembly with poultry bodies. The load platform in its unloaded position is coplanar with an inclined slide surface onto which the severed necks are dropped from the neck cutter. A weight limit above which the heavier necks are detected is established to control the proportion of heavier necks selected for reassembly.

Abstract: An automatic weight sorter for weighing a series of articles successively fed by a belt conveyer and then sorting them into predetermined classes based upon their measured weights, which includes an improved automatic weight correcting device for cancelling the difference between static and dynamic measurements, the mode of correction being easily preset by simply applying actual articles to the sorter for measurement while it is turned into a set-up mode of operation before normal operation is started.

Abstract: A handling and weighing machine for fruits and the like, characterized by a feed entry having various channels terminating in structure for retaining the product to be weighed and allowing it to rest there, followed by a horizontal transport device for carrying the product from the retention structure to a weighing device and, following this, from the weighing device to a vertical transport which carries the product to a number of ramps which are superposed at differing heights, which ramps discharge into respective storage areas.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing continuously moving articles, and particularly useful for grading produce, comprises a plurality of parallel lines of trays for receiving the articles to be weighed, a weighing device at a weighing station in each line, and drive means for moving the trays in each line one-at-a-time longitudinally across the weighing device in its line. Each weighing device comprises two pairs of rails; one pair at each of its two opposite ends; and each tray comprises two rods extending transversely across the tray, one rod at each of its two opposite ends, engageable with the two weighing device rails, the arrangement being such that each tray is supported by its two rods engaging the two pairs of weighing device rails for a substantial portion of the movement of the tray across the weighing device in its respective line.

Abstract: A method and a system for grading and sorting articles comprising a conveyor for sequentially conveying a plurality of articles passed a coding station. The coding station identifies a first one of a plurality of articles with an electronically stored information code indicative of specific characteristics of the first article. A sequentially operable visual indicator device identifies the location of the first article moving along a predetermined portion of the conveyor line at the coding station where the information code is to be stored. The visual indicator is activated until the information code is completed and a termination signal to that effect is generated. The visual indicator then identifies the following article as being a first article in the predetermined portion.

Abstract: Improvements in a weighing or counting method wherein on the basis of weight data on a plurality of groups of articles obtained from a plurality of weighing machines, the respective additive values of all possible or desired number of combinations are found, the additive value of a particular combination which is equal or the nearest to a set value is retrieved, and the weighing machines corresponding to the combination selected are actuated to discharge articles contained therein. During the discharge of articles from the weighing machines corresponding to the selected combination and during the subsequent feeding of fresh articles into the same weighing machines, similar combinatorial operation is effected on the basis of weight data from a fixed number of weighing machines which were not selected, or did not discharge their articles, and a particular combination whose additive value is equal or the nearest to the set value is determined as the combination for the next discharge.

Abstract: A combination weighing device which is typically used for packing a plurality of solid articles in each package, including a plurality of weighing balances for simultaneously weighing each of a plurality of articles, and arithmetic means for selecting some of these weighing balances so that the total weight of the articles thereon falls within a predetermined range, the device also including means for causing a specified one or more of the weighing balances to enter always into the selected combination, thereby ensuring that each package contains the articles from the specified weighing balance.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting nuclear fuel pellets in a sealed container for diameter, flaws, length and weight. The apparatus includes, in an array, a pellet pick-up station, four pellet inspection stations and a pellet sorting station. The pellets are delivered one at a time to the pick-up station by a vibrating bowl through a vibrating linear conveyor. Grippers each associated with a successive pair of the stations are reciprocable together to pick up a pellet at the upstream station of each pair and to deposit the pellet at the corresponding downstream station. The gripper jaws are opened selectively depending on the state of the pellets at the stations and the particular cycle in which the apparatus is operating. Inspection for diameter, flaws and length is effected in each case by a laser beam projected on the pellets by a precise optical system while each pellet is rotated by rollers.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine, which is typically used for packing a plurality of articles in each bag or the like, including a plurality of weighing balances for weighing a plurality of articles each at the same time, and arithmetic means for selecting some of these weighing balances so that the total weight of the articles thereon falls within a predetermined allowable range, the machine also includes zero-point correction means arranged such that, by applying a zero-point correction command signal from the outside, the loading operation of a selected balance is inhibited and, after the unloading operation, this balance is left vacant, and that, under such condition, the weight signal output from this balance is cancelled or nullified prior to arrival at the arithmetic means.

Abstract: A high-speed weighing and conveying system, suitable for use in filling soup cans and weighing each as it passes over a weigh platform to a can closer. The open-topped cans slide smoothly and in positive index at all times through a filler and then, in sequence, to an accelerating screw conveyor, to a weigh conveyor which guides them as they slide over the weighing platform, to another screw conveyor, and to a further conveyor which delivers them at the proper times to a closer; an automatic rejector is preferably positioned between the second screw conveyor and the closer to remove from the train of cans, prior to the closer, any can which with its contents has an unacceptable weight. The top portion of the weighing platform is in the form of a longitudinally extending channel member, and the weigh conveyor comprises a pair of rails extending through the channel to support a pair of roller chains having outwardly-extending spaced lugs.

Abstract: A combination weighing device having a plurality of weighing balances, an arithmetic unit for receiving outputs from said weighing balances and computing sums of selected groups of signals from the weighing balances, comparing the sums with a predetermined weight range and producing a signal when a sum is within the range and control switch means connected with said weighing balances to inhibit transmission of signals from selected balances to the arithmetic unit.

Abstract: A combination weighing device, which is typically used for packing a plurality of solid articles in each bag or the like, including a plurality of weighing balances for weighing a plurality of articles each at the same time, and arithmetic means for selecting some of these wieghing balances so that the total weight of the articles thereon falls within a predetermined allowable range, the device also including means for checking the number of these selected articles to make them fall within a predetermined allowable range and collecting these articles in a pack or bag so that each pack contains substantially constant weight and number of articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting workpieces of different classification classes and for forming groups having a pre-set number of workpieces of the same class, comprising a base; a housing support mobile on the base having a number of partitions at least equal to the number of classes; a loading device for loading one workpiece at a time into the support partition when in a determined loading and unloading position with respect to the support; a control group receiving signals indicative of the class of the workpieces; a control device for operating the housing support, the control device being connected to the control group for positioning in the loading and unloading position a relevant partition provided for receiving the workpieces of the same class of the next workpiece to be loaded; an unloading device arranged in correspondence with the loading position; and a driving device for operating the unloading device, the driving device being connected to the control group and including an enabling mechanism for contr

Abstract: Methods of portioning by weight a plurality of articles of randomly varying weight. An array of articles is randomly assembled and then individual weights sensed. Some of these articles are then selected, to add up to the desired total weight. A preliminary step can be used wherein articles of unknown weight are first assembled to form a preliminary weight portion known to be short of the desired final weight, and then articles of known weight are added to reach the final target weight. An apparatus for accomplishing the methods comprises an array of scales dischargable upon signal from a control system, means for resupplying the scales, and a control system for sensing, storing and analyzing the weights of articles in the scales, and causing the proper scales to be discharged.

Abstract: A memory circuit is provided for use in conjunction with a conveying apparatus having a number of discharge or drop points at which articles may be discharged so that the articles may be sorted according to weight. A micro-processor is also provided which receives a synchronizing signal from the drive for the sorting conveyor as well as measurement signals which are indicative of the weights being measured. The micro-processor classifies the measured weight in accordance with a classification program. The classified weights are inserted into memory locations within memory segments assigned to specific ones of the conveyor drop points. Each memory segment assigned to a conveyor drop point has a predetermined number of memory locations therein corresponding to a predetermined number of conveyor increments extending from the point on the conveyor at which the weight classification of the article takes place to the drop point.

Abstract: An article weighing machine having a turntable with fixed rakes for directing articles, i.e., fruits or vegetables, on the turntable along prescribed paths into side-by-side metering assemblies where successive articles are placed in successive pockets formed by opposed fingers on continuous chains, the fingers moving in linear parallel paths above cooperating parallel feed belts. Brushes over the entrance and exit of each assembly engages each article as it enters and leaves the fingers. The parallel belts receive the successive, equally spaced articles thereon and transport them successively to weighing cells where such articles are individually weighed and analog signals corresponding to the weight of the individual article are fed to a control logic which then converts such signals to digital form and transfers the logic output to a computer.

Abstract: Device to determine the weight of an object by moving the object at a predetermined velocity into a probe, a sensor associated with the probe to indicate the change in momentum to determine the weight.

Abstract: A pair of spaced parallel continuous conveyor chains, provided with equally spaced transverse tow bars, move along a continuous path so as to move the bars through a loading zone, then over a weighing platform of a scale and, then, successively over discharge zones in which receptacles are disposed. Each bar pulls a loosely pivoted article carrying cup having a support pin riding on a rail to hold the cup in a horizontal position. The cup has a central cavity, within which an article is deposited when the cup is in the loading zone, from which the article is discharged when the pin is released and the cup hangs suspended from its bar. Skids carried by the weighing scale receive and totally support the cup on the weighing scale. Movable bridge struts extend between segments of the rail and are movable to drop pin to pivot the cup in one of successive dump zones. A sensor, in combination with a microcomputer, dictates when each bridge strut is opened for dropping the article in a selected dump zone.

Abstract: A dielectric tube, such as glass or plastic, having a square cross section extends between the two plates of a capacitance-sensing transducer. The opposite sides of the tube have a spacing only slightly greater than the diameter of the capsules to be checked. The capsules to be classified are oriented prior to their introduction into the tube so that they enter in an end-to-end relationship. The requisite spacing between the capsules is accomplished by an air jet device that rapidly accelerates the leading capsule as it enters the tube to such a velocity that it leaves the transducer before the next capsule enters, thereby assuring that only one capsule is in the transducer at any given moment. The capacitance-sensing transducer is repeatedly charged and discharged by means of a high frequency oscillator circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating slack-filled capsules from properly filled capsules having the same surface area comprising:an endless conveyor belt;means for continuously moving the belt on which is contained at least a single layer of capsules;an inclined plane at the terminal end of the belt;a sorting box consisting of a series of fins for orienting the largest cross-sectional area of the capsule profile;a tunnel whose terminal end is adjacent to the box;means for creating laminar air flow through the tunnel;a first tube aligned in about a horizontal position with the tunnel for receiving said slack-filled capsules;a second tube aligned in about a vertical position with the sorting box such that properly filled capsules enter by gravity;such that when the laminar air flow is created through the tunnel, the slack-filled capsules enter the first tube.

Abstract: The loads suspended from poultry carriers are weighed at a monitoring station as the carriers travel along a fixed track. The carriers loaded above a predetermined amount are transferred to a lower level by retraction of a section of the track downstream of the weighing platform. A selectively retractable ejector bar engages a latch arm projecting from each carrier, during descent to the lower level for release of the load suspended on the carrier. Descent of the carrier to the lower level is retarded by a pivoted ramp which also produces a signal to register transfer of a carrier from the fixed track to the lower level.

Abstract: A conveyor system includes a plurality of article carriers supported for movement in succession on a rail along a first predetermined path. The support plate of an electronic weigh cell is positioned along a second predetermined path adjacent the first path and at least one endless flexible member is arranged for movement along the second path towards the support plate. The article carriers are moved in succession along the first path so that each article carrier in turn passes adjacent the endless flexible member. Each article carrier is adapted to engage the endless flexible member as the article carrier moves along the first path such that at least a part of the article carrier and any article carried thereby is moved along a portion of the second path onto the support plate so that a load is applied thereto. The electronic weigh cell is arranged to emit a signal which is related to the total weight of the portion of the article carrier and any article carried thereby.

Abstract: Standardization is provided to control system gain of a penetrating radiation testing system by periodically inspecting a reference object in the same manner as the product samples so as to generate a stabilization signal which is compared to a reference signal. The difference, if any, between the stabilization signal and the reference signal is integrated and the integrated signal is used to correct the gain of the system.

Abstract: Sensors associated with a pair of weighing devices of a weight sorting system are operative through a logic circuit to effect release of loads from conveyor carriers. Lockout and reset actions produced internally of the logic circuit distinguish between sequential signals produced by the sensors and a single signal produced by one of the sensors during any monitoring cycle, to effect release of the loads between upper and lower weight limits, respectively, established by said weighing devices.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for and method of measuring the mass of the contents of a product is described, in which the mass of the contents of the product is relatively small compared to the mass of the entire product. The products are sequentially conveyed to an inspection station where preferably a predetermined portion of the volume of the product (which includes at least a portion of the volume of the contents) is substantially instantaneously irradiated with a beam of radiation and preferably only scattered radiation from the contents of the product thus irradiated is detected to provide an electrical signal whose magnitude is representative of the mass of the contents of the product. The products can then be sorted in accordance with the measured mass of their contents.