Weigh-in-motion system and method with weigh time optimization
AssigneeMettler-Toledo AG
InventorsDavid Troisi, Patrick Toohey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Checkweigher system embodiments and associated weigh-in-motion methods that are usable to produce increased object weigh time and improved weight determination accuracy without a decrease in object throughput. Generally speaking, exemplary methods initiate weight data collection earlier than, and terminate weight data collection later than, known methods. An exemplary method may also make use of derived mean error data associated with object weight measurements at various locations along a checkweigher to determine if an object weight measured over less than a desired weigh time is nonetheless acceptable.
Claims18
A method for determining the weight of in-motion objects, the method comprising:
- positioning a checkweigher between an infeed conveyor and a discharge conveyor, the checkweigher including a scale and a conveyor for transporting objects across the scale;
- conveying an object from the infeed conveyor onto the checkweigher;
- initiating object weight data collection at some point subsequent to the object being fully supported by the checkweigher;
- collecting object weight data until the object contacts the discharge conveyor;
- and
- using the collected object weight data to determine the weight of the object.
A method for determining the weight of in-motion objects using a checkweigher, the checkweigher positioned between an infeed conveyor and a discharge conveyor, the checkweigher including a scale and a conveyor for transporting objects to be weighed across the scale, the method comprising:
- establishing a weight data collection initiation point that coincides with the point at which an object to be weighed will transition from the infeed conveyor to the checkweigher;
- establishing a variable object weighing evaluation point that is downstream of the weight data collection initiation point, and coincides with the point at which the object to be weighed will contact the discharge conveyor;
- conveying an object from the infeed conveyor onto the checkweigher;
- initiating object weight data collection when the object reaches the weight data collection initiation point;
- collecting object weight data until the object reaches the variable object weighing evaluation point;
- and
- using the collected object weight data to determine the weight of the object.
A method for determining the weight of in-motion objects, the method comprising:
- positioning a checkweigher between an infeed conveyor and a discharge conveyor, the checkweigher including a scale and a conveyor for transporting objects to be weighed across the scale;
- setting a conveying surface of the discharge conveyor at a lower elevation than a conveying surface of each of the infeed conveyor and the checkweigher conveyor;
- conveying an object from the infeed conveyor onto the checkweigher;
- initiating object weight data collection at some point subsequent to the object being fully supported by the checkweigher;
- collecting object weight data until the object contacts the discharge conveyor;
- and
- using the collected object weight data to determine the weight of the object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.