Feeder unit and method for use in a weighing system

An improved feeder unit for use in a weighing system, comprising:

• a. a frame;
• b. a vibratory bulk feeder fixedly attached to said frame for moving a large plurality of bulk objects along the bulk feeder;
• c. a vibratory dribble feeder fixedly attached to said frame for moving a smaller plurality of bulk objects along the dribble feeder, said dribble feeder being positioned in close proximity to said bulk feeder;
• d. an independently movable flexible cantilevered wiper mounted on said frame, and positioned above said dribble feeder for wiping a portion of the bulk objects from said dribble feeder into said bulk feeder, said independently movable wiper allowing a controlled portion of the bulk objects to remain on said dribble feeder, said independently movable wiper being movable an independent pre-determined amount in order to prevent jamming, between said wiper and said dribble feeder, of the bulk objects that are to be left on said dribble feeder, said wiper also being vibrated independently by the vibratory feeder;
• and
• e. means, associated with said wiper for controlling the movement of said wiper during use of the feeder, said control means comprising a motor rotatably mounted to said wiper and further comprising said wiper being formed as a spiral wound brush which is rotatably mounted to that said motor controls the moving of said brush in order to aid in preventing jamming between said wiper and said dribble feeder of bulk objects that are to be left on said dribble feeder.