Kliklok Corporation

The Woodman Company, Inc.

William L Warner

Nelson R Henry

Duncan B Cutler

Forrest C Bacon

Bruce H Dalrymple

William A Hadden

Dale E Pribbernow

Lawrence H Long

Robert B Edwards

Paul Meisner

A combination weighing apparatus and method are provided particularly adapted for utilization with difficult to handle product. A series of in-line transfer conveyors form product feed lanes with individual volumetric cups designed to receive and hold a product charge. A scale and weighing hopper is associated with each transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyors are each advanced in stepped fashion so as to deliver a product charge from one volumetric cup at any single time to the associated weighing hopper. A washer unit cleans residue and the product buildup from the cups after delivery of the product charge. Once the product charge is delivered to the weighing hopper, the weight of the charge is registered by a control unit. The control unit scans various combinations of scales, calculates the total weight of product in the combination and selects the first combination that falls within an acceptable range above the target weight. The product charges are then delivered in timed relation to a plate as it advances along a conveyor beneath the scale hoppers. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention a feedback mechanism is provided for indicating the weight trend of product charges being delivered to the volumetric cups. As long as the charge weights fall within a preselected range, the quality of charges from which the control unit selects is maintained at a high level so as to allow maximum operating efficiency.

Method and apparatus for linear combination weighing

An improved product filler collar is provided including an upper funnel portion for receiving charges of product from separate sources, guide ribs on the funnel portion for directing and controlling product flow and a neck portion for forming a single stream of product for filling a package or the like. The guide ribs may take the form of raised flanges forming a wall to confine relatively large product pieces. The flanges terminate in reduced extensions in the neck portion angled slightly back toward the product flow. The filler collar eliminates the bridging and swirling of product to prevent jams and decrease the residence time of the changes within the collar, thus improving the overall efficiency of the packaging operation.

Filler collar for multiple scale weighing system

A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associted with each of the hopers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats. When none of the combinations of the preselected number of storage cups include a total product weight within the acceptable limits, the limits are broadened and the cycle repeats. The weighing system includes a programmed microprocessor for controlling operation thereof, for providing the combination to be tested, for calculating the combined weights, and for determining whether the combined weight falls within the acceptable limits. A specific distributor for the product includes a reversing rotating portion for preventing clogging of the product at openings provided for chutes connecting the distributor to the scale-controlled hoppers.

Method and apparatus for combination weighing with multiple storage cups

A weighing system for making a predetermined weight of a product comprised of individual articles having variable weights by selecting the product stored in a combination of a predetermined number of storage cups. Quantities of the product having targeted weights are distributed to a plurality of scale-controlled hoppers for accurate weighing. The weighed product is fed from each of the scale-controlled hoppers to a plurality of storage cups associated with each of the hoppers, and the product weight associated with each storage cup is registered. Specific combinations of storage cups are tested to determine whether the combined product weights therein add to make the desired weight, within acceptable limits. The first combination found to make the weight is used, and the appropriate storage cups are emptied to a container for receiving the product. The appropriate storage cups are refilled from the scale, and the process repeats. When none of the combinations of the preselected number of storage cups include a total product weight within the acceptable limits, the limits are broadened and the cycle repeats. The weighing system includes a programmed microprocessor for controlling operation thereof, for providing the combination to be tested, for calculating the combined weights, and for determining whether the combined weight falls within the acceptable limits. A specific distributor for the product includes a reversing rotating portion for preventing clogging of the product at openings provided for chutes connecting the distributor to the scale-controlled hoppers.

Method and apparatus for combination weighing

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Grayson, GA, United States of America

William L Warner