A combinatorial weighing method and apparatus for obtaining a batch of articles of a plurality of categories, each category of articles in the batch having a predetermined weight or made up of a predetermined number of articles. The method includes the steps of setting a target value for each category of articles, and supplying a plurality of weighing machines, groups of which are provided for each category of articles, with the articles of the category corresponding thereto. For each category of articles and from all combinations is selected, of the weighing machines supplied with the category of articles, a best combination whose total value (weight or number) is equal to the target value set for that category or closest to the target value within preset allowable limits. Then, the articles from those weighing machines corresponding to the best combination obtained for each category of articles, is discharged so that a batch composed of the discharged articles, is obtained.
This is a continuation of copending Application Ser. No. 402,364, filed July 27, 1982 now U.S. Pat. No. 4,549,617. This application is related to U.S. Application Ser. No. 351,959, filed Feb. 24, 1982.
A combination weighing system for weighing batches of articles and selecting a combination of batches satisfying a condition predetermined for both total weight and number of articles. In the system, the measured weight of each batch is divided by a reference unit weight of the articles and converted into the number of articles which is then rounded into an integral number. This integral number is multiplied by the reference unit weight and restored to the weight of articles. Then, both weights or numbers appearing before and after the rounding operation are mutually weighted and averaged and the resultant weighted averages are subjected to a conventional combination selecting operation.
A weighing apparatus comprises feeder means for temporarily storing an object to be weighed and discharging the object to be weighed as needed, a plurality of weighing hopper means each having a plurality of storage chambers which are integrally coupled, a plurality of weighing means, provided in correspondence with the plurality of weighing hopper means, for independently weighing weights (referred to as partial weights hereinafter) of objects to be weighed, stored in the storage chambers, and a control apparatus for calculating partial weight values of the objects to be weighed based on weighing signals from the weighing means. The control apparatus combines at least one of the calculated partial weight values and the number of objects to be weighed, calculated from the partial weight values, so as to select a combination closest or equal to at least one of a preset weight or a preset number, causes the selected objects to be weighed to be discharged and collected from the storage chambers, and includes at least a plurality of operation means for calculating at least one of true partial weights and the number of plurality of stored objects to be weighed. The control apparatus is controlled such that the discharge operation of the object to be weighed has a higher priority than that of the weighing operation of the object.
An apparatus for selectively controlling a plurality of electric motors for driving individual work objects, the apparatus including an electrical switch which is adapted to produce predetermined speed signals for the electric motor selected, a programmable controller disposed in signal receiving relation relative to the electrical switch and which is adapted to generate a predetermined signalling sequence in response to the signal received from the electrical switch, a variable speed motor drive electrically coupled with the programmable controller, and with the electric motor selected, the variable speed motor drive selectively driving the selected electric motor at a predetermined speed in response to the signalling sequence received from the programmable controller, and a sensor adapted to indicate the work performed by the electric motor whereby the electric switch may be selectively adjusted to control the operation of the electric motor selected.
