Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
185 words
A combination weighing machine comprising a plurality of weighing units each weighing a plurality of articles and producing weight signals indicative of the weights thereof respectively, a common collecting chute, and a combination selecting circuit for receiving said weight signals, summing them in accordance with predetermined mathematical combinations and electing a specific combination providing a sum which satisfies a predetermined condition, each of said weighing units including a single weighing cradle, at least two holding hoppers, memories corresponding to said holding hoppers respectively, means for distributing the content of said cradle to each of said hoppers, and means for writing the weight signal corresponding to the content of said cradle into each of said memories before said content is distributed to said hopper, said combination selecting circuit including a circuit for producing a set of output signals which specify said memories which have provided those weight signals constituting said combination satisfying said predetermined conditions, and said machine further including first gating means for responding to said output signals to discharge the contents of said holding hoppers corresponding to said specified memories into said collecting chute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
185 words
A combination weighing machine comprising a plurality of weighing units each weighing a plurality of articles and producing weight signals indicative of the weights thereof respectively, a common collecting chute, and a combination selecting circuit for receiving said weight signals, summing them in accordance with predetermined mathematical combinations and electing a specific combination providing a sum which satisfies a predetermined condition, each of said weighing units including a single weighing cradle, at least two holding hoppers, memories corresponding to said holding hoppers respectively, means for distributing the content of said cradle to each of said hoppers, and means for writing the weight signal corresponding to the content of said cradle into each of said memories before said content is distributed to said hopper, said combination selecting circuit including a circuit for producing a set of output signals which specify said memories which have provided those weight signals constituting said combination satisfying said predetermined conditions, and said machine further including first gating means for responding to said output signals to discharge the contents of said holding hoppers corresponding to said specified memories into said collecting chute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
110 words
A combination weighing machine according to claim 1 wherein said weighing cradle is positioned above said collecting chute, said holding hoppers are disposed between said cradle and collecting chute, said distributing means including a supporting member for supporting said hoppers integrally and driving means for moving said supporting member, and said machine further including means of generating a control signal for controlling said driving means in response to said output signals and positioning said hopper corresponding to said specified memory just under said weighing cradle, and second gating means for responding to said positioning of the hopper to discharge the content of said weighing cradle into the last said hopper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
A combination weighing machine according to claim 1 wherein said writing means include switching means responsive to said specifying output signals for coupling said weighing unit to said specified memory.