Patent GB-855899-A (GB)
Title: Machine for classifying packages according to weight
IPC: B07C5/18
Filed: 1959-03-18
Abstract: 855,899. Weighing and sorting apparatus. BARTELT ENGINEERING CO. March 18, 1959 [March 24, 1958], No. 9422/59. Class 143 [Also in Group XXXV] In a machine for sorting packages by weight the weighing mechanism comprises a horizontal weighing platform vertically displaceable under load adjacent to the ends of which are two stationary platforms each spaced from the weighing platform and upwardly inclined towards it, and an endless belt one run of which extends horizontally across and is driven over the three platforms, bearing on the edges of the stationary platforms adjacent to the weighing platform. The belt 47 moves the packages 22, filled by a dispenser 23 (Fig. 1) to pass over the weighing platform 26 which supports the weight of a package plus that of a constant length of belt owing to the effect of the support provided by the stationary platforms 52, 53 (Fig. 4). The movement of the platform under load is made, by the agency of a device 28 (Fig. 3), to produce a signal corresponding to the weight of the package which signal is presented in the form of a voltage to a discriminating circuit which is operative to receive such signals whenever the presence of a package on the scale platform interrupts the light beam from lamp 128 to photo-cell 127 and which energizes one of three relays according to whether the weight is under, within, or over a required range. Sorting by weighing. A pivoted arm 73 beside the belt is moved to position 731 or 73<SP>11</SP> (Fig. 3) if the package is over or under weight respectively thereby deflecting overweight packages to continue along the conveyer but in positions nearer to the front edge thereof than those of correct weight and deflecting underweight packages right off the conveyer into a shoot 74. The movements of arms 73 are controlled by solenoids SOL-1 and SOL-2 (Fig. 12) respectively energized when the under and over weight relays operate. Solenoid SOL-1 operates to pull a member 104 out of engagement with a pivoted lever 90 which can be rocked by a cam 88 (Fig. 10) to reciprocate a rod 78. A camshaft 94, which carries both cam 88 and also a cam which operates rod 79, rotates through one revolution each time a package of incorrect weight passes over the weighing platform. Fig. 12 illustrates the result of the package being overweight: SOL-1 does not operate and member 104 remains in the position shown to prevent cam 88 from reciprocating rod 78, whereas SOL-2 operates and displaces member 105 to free pivoted lever 97 (corresponding to lever 90) and moves rod 79 into the position shown i.e. displaced in the direction of its length with respect to rod 78. This action pivots an arm 77, joining the two rods, about its eccentric pivot 81 to rotate by means of levers 80 and 83 the axle 75 with which arm 73 rotates. This action places the arm 73 in the position 731 (see Fig. 3). When SOL-1 operates in response to an underweight rod 78 moves, 79 does not, and a larger movement of arm 73 into position 7311 results. If the package is of correct weight neither solenoid operates and arm 73 remains as shown in Fig. 1. The Specification also describes (see Group XXXV) means whereby the operations if the over and under weight relays are used to adjust the action of the dispenser 23.