Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a wireless scale, interface and release system for recreational and commercial weighing of items of any kind in a uniform and secure manner, furthermore designed for use on any form of bodies of water, tributaries, ocean, vehicle or land. The present disclosure comprises, scale inside of a waterproof housing, and a user interface to prompt the user through the weighing and release of the item or animal.

Abstract: A conveying assembly for fruit handling, comprising a carriage (20) adapted to be attached to a conveying chain arranged to displace the carriage in a conveying direction, a cup (30) adapted to support a single piece of fruit, the cup being secured to the carriage via a parallelogram linkage (41, 42, 22, 35) extending transversely to the conveying direction, the cup being pivotally secured to the linkage to be moveable from a conveying position to a discharge position, the linkage having release means (60) to cause the cup to pivot relative to the linkage transversely of the conveying direction to the discharge position to effect discharge of the fruit, the linkage allowing the cup to be vertically displaceable to effect weighting of the fruit.

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: 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: The apparatus for dispensing change of the present invention comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a base sheet supplier for supplying a base sheet; a top sheet supplier for supplying a top sheet; a cash deliverer for delivering cash based on the change data input to the data input device; and a change pack producer for producing a change pack by packing the cash delivered by the cash deliverer between the base sheet supplied by the base sheet supplier and the top sheet supplied by the top sheet supplier.

Abstract: An allocating mechanism of a weighing apparatus that temporarily stores objects and allocates the objects to a plurality of hoppers disposed below is provided to reduce the amount of objects that remain without being allocated. The allocating mechanism 21 is included in the weighing apparatus. The allocating mechanism 21 is a mechanism that temporarily stores objects, and allocates the objects to hoppers 24 and 25 disposed below. The allocating mechanism 21 includes a tubular member 61, a bottom plate 62, a driving motor, and a controller. The bottom plate 62 can, together with the tubular member 61, form a storage space S, in which the objects are stored. The driving motor rotates the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62. The controller controls the driving motor to rotate the tubular member 61 and the bottom plate 62, such that the objects are dropped in one of the hoppers 24 and 25.

Abstract: A roller element for a roller assembly used in an endless conveyor system for grading/sorting articles. The roller element has a faceted peripheral edge, each facet being of equal length, with approximately 12 facets per unit. Also, a quick-release roller assembly for use in a similar endless conveyor system includes a steel shaft on which roller elements are mounted. The shaft has a first opening in one end to receive a connecting pin element from a first chain and a second opening in the other end thereof which receives a connecting pin element from a second chain. Bushings are positioned in both of the shaft openings for receiving the connecting pin elements. In the one opening, a spring element is positioned between the bushing and the bottom end of the opening. The shaft has a slot in the side surface of the shaft, opening onto the first end of the shaft.

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: Weighing and sorting apparatus for articles such as fruit or the like, and an improved weigh cup for use therewith. The weigh cups move along a predetermined path including a scale that weighs each cup and its contents. The cups are supported on the weigh scale only along a line coincident with the lateral center of gravity of the cup, allowing each weighing operation to commence as soon as that single support for the cup moves onto a weigh platform. Each cup includes a stabilizer arm to maintain the cup in an upright attitude notwithstanding the single support at the lateral center of gravity.

Abstract: A conveyer with an automated sorting system comprises a transport mechanism, a guide mechanism, and a sorting mechanism. A sorting sensor activates electrical spiral tubes which, in turn, actuate left and the right separation pieces to guide pins of the transport mechanism along desired guide rails so as to alter their original moving paths. More particularly, the guide pins are capable of moving along three different directions: left, middle, and right. The article intended to be transported is thus sorted out automatically and is sent to the designated area.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting spherical products, comprising an endless conveyor equipped with bearing rollers (2), with a product lifting element (10) arranged between each pair of successive bearing rollers (2), this product lifting element (10) being capable of assuming a first, lowermost position wherein the product (16) is clear of the lifting element (10) and rests on the bearing rollers (2), while in a second, higher position the product (16) is clear of the bearing rollers (2) and rests on the lifting element (10) to be subjected to another operation, for instance a weighing step or another physical evaluation.

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting objects according to preselected weight and/or visually ascertainable criteria. Each object is singulated and transported between adjacent pairs of a plurality of roller assemblies attached to a conveyor chain to be freely rotatable on an vertically slidable axis oriented normal to the conveying path. A rotation control surface along the conveying path causes rotation in the roller assemblies and in the object supported therebetween, increasing the surface of the object accessible for optical scanning. Mounted between each pair of roller assemblies is a weighing cradle subtending the object transported therebetween. The weighing cradle elevates and captures the object from its support between roller assembly so that the cradle can engage a load cell for weighing the object. Pivotally mounted between each pair of rollers and subtending the object transported therebetween is an elongated discharge plate.

Abstract: A device for sorting rod-like articles, for example cigarettes, according to their weight. The device feeds a single article from a hopper into a channel with the aid of two ribbed drums. The article then drops into a groove in a delivery shaft where it is tipped onto a series of "V"-shaped members located on the top of a balance. The weight of the article is determined and the article is then ejected by lifting arms onto the top wall of a ramp. The article is allowed to roll freely down the ramp. A microprocessor causes one of a number of doors in the top wall of the ramp to open according to the weight of the aritcle and the article then drops into a compartment below the ramp.

Abstract: The invention is embodied as a unit for grading produce and comprises a transporting device having parallel belts and receptacles which open downwardly and in which produce is arranged, and a weighing station comprising a weighing wheel driven in rotation by a gear motor and a section of which projects into the receptacles so as to carry the produce as it passes through the weighing station. The weighing wheel and the gear motor are supported by a device for weighing the produce. The unit also includes a grading station comprising several stations for ejecting the produce from the transporting device into a device for removing the produce as a function of the weight of the produce.

Abstract: Univeral conveying apparatus and method for automated inspection and classification of a variety of natural or man made product classes, having various geometrical configurations, e.g. spheroidal, spherical, cylindrical, parallelepiped, disc and plate shaped objects, or massive and hollow amophous objects. Incorporating a plurality of sensors interfaced to a plurality of microcomputers, measuring different product features, while predetermined combinations thereof are used for separating the objects or products, into a plurality of categories. Part of the sensors are stationary, while another part thereof are located and rotating on revolving inverter wheels. The stationary and rotating sensor groups are interfaced respectively to one or more stationary or rotating microcomputers, attached to the inverter wheels. The revolving and stationary microcomputers are electrically interconnected via slip rings, on the shafts on the inverter wheels.

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

Abstract: A sorting apparatus for sorting items according to weight or other measurable characteristics. An elongated conveyor feeds the items to be sorted to a combined weighing and conveying mechanism, which after weighing the item, is driven in one direction or another to drop the item weighed onto a uni-directionally driven conveyor. The unidirectionally driven conveyor transports the item it receives and deposits it onto a bi-directionally driven conveyor. The bi-directionally driven conveyor is then driven in the necessary direction to transport the item it receives and to deposit it onto a selected bi-directionally driven conveyor. This bi-directionally driven conveyor, in turn, is selectively driven to cause the item it receives to be deposited into the indicated receiver for items of weight corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A system for delivering and inspecting packages including an apparatus for delivering packages and an inspecting device of packages delivered from the apparatus. The apparatus for delivering packages comprises a first delivering device for receiving packages from a path of their transportation and a second delivering device for receiving the package from the first delivering device and delivering them to the inspecting device. Each of the first and second delivering devices include a package receiving member and a mechanism for changing the package receiving position of the package receiving member in accordance with the kind of the packages.

Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting poultry carcasses comprises a plurality of poultry carcass carriers arranged successively to convey a plurality of carcasses along a closed path past a plurality of data input stations and then a plurality of carcass release stations. Sensors positioned along the conveyor path, one at each of the data input and release stations, are connected to a controller for receiving poultry grade and weight data from the data input stations, processing the data, and transmitting the resultant classifying data to the release stations for the selective release of carcasses from the carriers. The conveyor system maintains an individual identification of the poultry carcass carriers passing through each of the stations independent of the distance between the carriers and independent of the time lapse between a poultry carcass carrier passing one station and the next station.

Abstract: A weighing device having an endless track to which balances are connected, the track having a region for loading the balances with objects, and a region for letting the movement of the balances during weighing of the objects dampen out so that the balances reach an end position. A position detector disposed at a fixed location along the track detects the end position of the balance and provides an indication of the end position in digital form so that the weight of the objects can be determined therefrom. The detector can take a number of forms including the combination of an optical contrast and a camera and, in addition, can, for example, utilize reed switches, Hall generators, Weigand effect detectors or magnetostrictive detectors in measuring the end positions of the balances.

Abstract: A weight grading and sorting apparatus including a base having a top surface, a plurality of trolleys riding on the top surface, each having a tippable cup and an endless conveyor mounted on the base engaging in conveying the plurality of trolleys around the top surface, a weighing device in the base including a portion of the top surface, and a control device in the base operatively associated with the weighing device and including a plurality of tippers at separate positions around the base adapted to selectively tip each cup at a certain position based on the weight of the contents thereof.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sorting fruits, vegetables or the like by weight. An electronic weighing device is used in combination with a basket conveyer system arranged by mounting evenly spaced receiving or weighing baskets on a chain conveyer. The basket are loosely mounted on the mounting metal members of the chain conveyer. Each time a basket is conveyed over a weighing stand of the weighing device, the basket is detached from the mounting member and is pushed so as to slide over a measuring rail by a freely rotatable pushing member which has small frictional resistance and is arranged to be in pushing contact with a vertical face of the basket.

Abstract: An article carrying cup transfers an article along a continuous conveyor from a load zone through a weighing zone to a discharge zone where the article is discharged into areas according to weight. The cup is pulled along by a transverse tow bar loosely pivoted to the cup. At the weighing zone the cup is supported front and rear by weighing pegs which ride on front and rear weigh bars to hold the cup in a horizontal position and with the center of gravity between the weighing pegs to insure accurate weighing of asymmetrical articles. The front and rear weigh bars are positioned so the front and rear pegs transfer onto the corresponding weigh bars at the same time, and transfer off the weigh bars at the same time to maximize the weighing time of a moving cup.

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 plurality of hooks on each poultry carrier are adapted to receive poultry of different specified grades. Such carriers convey poultry along a common conveyor path to a plurality of stations, each of which services a single poultry grade corresponding to one of the hook locations. Servicing is effected by signal-controlled devices with which the different hooks are respectively associated at each of the stations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for grading large batches of fruit by sampling technique. A sample, drawn from a batch, is divided into two approximately equal portions, one portion being inspected without being weighed. The other portion is weighed and then inspected. Grade-defect material is placed into separately classified buckets and weighed one by one. Grade-defect percentages are then determined and acceptance and grading thereby determined. A weigh hopper is suspended from a load cell by a pair of wires, one at each side of the weigh hopper. A turnbuckle on each wire enables adjustment, and excessive motion of the weigh hopper is dampened. The load cell is suspended from a shock transmission member which rests on a shock-absorbing spring that is compressed when shock loads are exerted.

Abstract: A pellet dimension checker for determining the weight, length, and density of a pellet such as a nuclear fuel pellet. The checker comprises a rotatable arm for transferring a pellet from a pellet conveyor, to several dimensional measuring stations, and back to the conveyor if the dimensions of the pellet are determined to be within predetermined limits. Should the pellet be nonconforming, the rotatable arm removes the pellet from the process stream.