Combination weighing apparatus with two different modes, one mode where all hoppers are involved in a combinational calculation and another mode where combinational calculation is carried out only on a first group of weighing hoppers and where a second group of hoppers may be discharged or not based on a weight independent criteria

Abstract

The weights of articles that are held in normal weighing hoppers are combined and a combination weighing takes places such that the total weight of the articles is within a predetermined weight range. When a combination weighing takes place and the articles that are held in the normal weighing hoppers are selected, special articles that are held in a special weighing hopper specified according to a specification routine are discharged. The present invention provides a general use combination weighing apparatus that is capable of changing the composition of combined articles discharged from the combination weighing apparatus according to predetermined conditions, without requiring a change in software and preferably without taking up a great deal of space.