Importance

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Abstract

A combination weighing machine has a plurality of scales that are periodically dumped and reloaded with products from a bulk container. In each cycle of machine operation, the loaded scales are surveyed, and a combination of the scales which most accurately yields a desired target weight is dumped into a single package. The dumped scales are then reloaded and the process is repeated. Each of the scales has an associated vibratory feeder and accumulator which receives the product from the bulk container and dispenses the product to the scale as needed. In order to feed the scales with loads that provide a large selection of combinations close to the target weight, a control for the vibratory feeders regulates the duration and amplitude of the vibrations in accordance with the loads measured in preceding machine cycles. Also described is a method of dealing with inactive scales by feeding small quantities of articles to the scales requiring reloading until the inactive scales are dumped.

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First Claim