Method for detecting faulty distribution feeder

Abstract

A method of identifying a faulty dispensing feeder in a system adapted to supply a food product from a supply location to a plurality of batch measurement units, the method comprising: supplying a product to a dispensing feeder, the dispensing feeder is configured to receive a product at a supply location and dispense the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units, operate the dispensing feeder to dispense the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units, repeatedly measure an amount of the product at the dispensing feeder using the dispensing feeder measurement unit, and supplying additional products to the dispensing feeder based on the measurement values, receiving the products in at least some of the plurality of batch measurement units, measuring the products received by the plurality of batch measurement units, and dispensing the products to the dispensing feeder based on the measurement values of the products received by the plurality of batch measurement units. An indication that the distribution feeder has a failure is output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for identifying a faulty dispensing feeder in a system, wherein the system is adapted to supply food products from a supply location to a plurality of batch measuring units. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method performed in a system, wherein the system supplies food products to different measuring units to form partial batches of food products, which partial batches of food products are subsequently combined into batches that meet predetermined criteria, such as predetermined weight criteria. Background Art

[0002] When forming packaged food products, such as bags of potato chips or fries or trays of meat or poultry, many production lines involve the use of a feeder system that receives a supply of food in bulk and feeds it to a number of measuring units which then measure out partial batches of the food. Such systems are often referred to as portioning feeder systems, which may be integrated as part of a system that combines partial batches of product into complete batches that meet predetermined criteria. An example of a system that forms batches in this manner is a computer combination weigher (CCW).

[0003] A typical application of CCW is to allocate two or more partial batches measured by the measuring unit so that they are packaged together to form a food batch with a predetermined weight standard by identifying a suitable combination of these partial batches. For example, CCW can be set to form a batch of potato chips with a weight of 30 grams, and CCW will look for weight combinations from the measuring unit that add up to approximately 30 grams.

[0004] As the feeder system operates, it may become inefficient due to dirtiness. For example, a feeder that supplies food coated with seasoning may be covered with seasoning, which may hinder the operation of the feeder. In some systems, products are supplied to the system based on measurements of products located at a distribution feeder. However, when the distribution feeder becomes dirty, it may affect the accuracy of the measurement, resulting in inefficient product supply. For example, in the case of measuring the weight of a product at a distribution feeder, accumulated dirt may begin to occupy a significant portion of the weight measured by the product at the distribution feeder, causing the system to believe that there is much more product at the distribution feeder than there actually is. This may result in insufficient product supply at the distribution feeder, thereby significantly reducing the efficiency of the entire system.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of identifying a faulty dispensing feeder in one of these systems to resolve the problem of operational inefficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying a faulty dispensing feeder in a system, the system being adapted to supply food from a supply location to a plurality of batch measurement units, the method comprising: supplying a product to the dispensing feeder, the dispensing feeder being configured to receive the product at the supply location and to dispense the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units; operating the dispensing feeder to dispense the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units; repeatedly measuring the amount of the product at the dispensing feeder using a dispensing feeder measuring unit, and supplying additional product to the dispensing feeder based on the measured values; receiving the product in at least some of the plurality of batch measurement units; measuring the product received by the plurality of batch measurement units; and outputting an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty based on the measured values ​​of the product received by the plurality of batch measurement units.

[0007] The present invention provides a technique for identifying a faulty distribution feeder based on the measurements of a batch measurement unit. It should be noted that the identification of a faulty distribution feeder can be directly or indirectly based on the measurements made by the batch measurement unit. For example, a faulty distribution feeder can be identified based on the measurements themselves, or based on one or more results that are themselves based on the measurements. Some specific embodiments of identification directly based on the measurements will be given below. In addition, the identification of a faulty distribution feeder can be based only in part on the measurements of the batch measurement unit, and other criteria need to be met, and embodiments of this aspect will be further discussed below.

[0008] In a continuously operating system, the dispensing feeder should ideally not be completely empty of product, so that it is not possible to distinguish between product at the dispensing feeder and gradually accumulating dirt, whereas the batch measuring unit will usually be emptied between measuring successive product batches, so that it is possible to distinguish between gradually deposited dirt and the amount of newly supplied product. Therefore, the state of the dispensing feeder can be more accurately inferred based on the measured values ​​of the batch measuring unit without interrupting the operation of the system.

[0009] As described above, the method involves supplying a product to a distribution feeder. This can be accomplished by a conveyor located above the distribution feeder, the conveyor being configured to intermittently supply the product from the cargo hold to the distribution feeder.

[0010] The distribution feeder is operated to distribute the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units. It should be noted here that the distribution feeder needs to provide the product to the batch measurement unit. Specifically, the distribution feeder receives the product from the cargo hold at one or more supply locations and distributes the product to each batch measurement unit, the term "distributed to" meaning to advance the product downstream in the direction of the corresponding batch measurement unit. For example, the product can be received by an intermediate conveyor, each of which is located in a different downstream direction of the distribution feeder and upstream of the corresponding batch measurement unit.

[0011] The distribution feeder is configured to repeatedly measure the amount of product at the distribution feeder using the distribution feeder measurement unit and supply additional product to the distribution feeder based on the measured value. The distribution feeder can generally measure the amount of product at the distribution feeder continuously or periodically at discrete intervals. Typically, if the measured value exceeds a threshold value (such as a measured weight below a threshold weight), additional product will be supplied to the distribution feeder, but more factors, such as the rate of change of the measured value, can also be considered when determining whether to supply additional product.

[0012] At least some of the plurality of batch measurement units receive and measure products. As described above, the products may be received via one or more intermediate conveyors, etc. Typically, during operation of the system, each batch measurement unit receives products and continuously dispenses the amount of product they have measured and receives new products; however, within any one cycle of the system, only one or more batch measurement units may receive products, depending on which batch measurement unit or units dispense the amount of product they have measured.

[0013] Finally, the method involves outputting an indication that a distribution feeder is faulty based on the measured values ​​of the product received by the plurality of batch measurement units. There are many ways to output the indication. In a preferred case discussed below, outputting an indication that a distribution feeder is faulty may involve sending a signal that causes the system to automatically process the faulty distribution feeder. Alternatively, outputting an indication that a distribution feeder is faulty may involve one or more of the following forms: outputting a visual indication (such as outputting an indication on a system screen or lighting a system indicator light); outputting an audible indication; stopping the system from running.

[0014] Typically, each batch measurement unit receives a partial batch of products, and the method further comprises forming one or more batches of products according to predefined criteria, wherein each batch of products is formed by dispensing a plurality of partial batches of products based on the measurements of the products by the batch measurement unit and the predefined criteria. The present invention is particularly suitable for systems that form batches according to predefined criteria, since an inefficient dispensing feeder can slow down the speed at which batches can be formed, or even prevent the system from forming batches that meet the criteria. Although it is preferred to implement the method in the above-described system, the method can also be implemented in systems that do not form batches in this manner. For example, the method can also be applied to systems that measure and output batches of variable size.

[0015] Preferably, each batch is formed according to a predefined weight criterion. For example, a batch may be formed based on a target minimum weight and / or a target maximum weight. Although the above weight criterion is preferred, in other cases, a batch may be formed based on other criteria, such as a predefined volume criterion or a criterion related to the number of products.

[0016] In the embodiment involving forming batches, the method preferably includes forming a plurality of product batches according to predefined criteria, and outputting an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty based on the ratio of forming batches that meet the predefined criteria. This is an embodiment of indirectly identifying a faulty distribution feeder based on the measured values ​​of a measuring unit. That is, each batch is formed (or not formed) based on the measured values ​​of the measuring unit, and then the system is able to identify the faulty distribution feeder based on the ability of the system to form batches. In this case, the "ratio" can be determined as a function of time, such as the number of batches per second, or can be determined as a function of the number of system cycles. For example, the throughput of a batch forming system is usually determined by the throughput of a downstream packaging machine. If a packaging machine is designed to produce one package per second, the task of the batch forming system is to supply one product batch per second, and if a batch cannot be formed in time, the cycle can be skipped.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, each batch is formed according to a predefined weight standard, and based on the ratio of the formed batches within or exceeding the target weight range (similarly, the ratio is a function of time or a function of the number of machine cycles), an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty is output. Batch forming systems often need to form batches within a predefined weight range (such as from 30 grams to 32 grams), but if the batch forming system cannot distribute the correct batch, an overweight batch will also be distributed. Overweight batches usually represent gifts, meaning that there are more packaged products than required products. The system often identifies batches as "good" or "overweight", "good" means that the batch is within the target weight range, and "overweight" means that the batch exceeds the target weight range. Some systems also distribute "underweight" batches, or, as mentioned above, do not distribute when a batch should be distributed. Although only "good" batches are generally considered acceptable, a particularly preferred embodiment of the present system provides a mechanism for determining when a dispensing feeder is insufficiently supplied with products due to dirt deposits on the dispensing feeder. Thus, the preferred embodiment looks at the ratio of what makes a "good" batch or what makes an "overweight" batch, and when this ratio falls below a threshold, it may indicate that the system is undersupplied.

[0018] In some embodiments, the formation of each batch includes the selection of partial batches of products to be distributed based on the measured values ​​of the batch measurement unit to the product and the predefined criteria, preferably based on the characteristics of the selection of the identified partial batches, such as, when forming one or more product batches, based on the measured values ​​of the allocated partial batches or the number of partial batches forming the product batches, outputting an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty. This is another embodiment of using the measured values ​​of the measurement unit to determine when the distribution feeder fails. For example, the system can monitor the average weight of the allocated partial batches. Usually, the batch formation system operates according to the following goals: a certain number of partial batches are distributed to form each batch. For example, a system forming a 30 gram batch can be configured to form the batch with the goal of distributing three partial batches (each about 10 grams). In this embodiment, when the system is undersupplied, four partial batches of about 7.5 grams per batch may have to be distributed. By monitoring the measured values ​​of the allocated partial batches, it can be seen that the average measured value of the allocated partial batches in each batch is declining, or the average number of the allocated partial batches is increasing. Although the target described in the above embodiment for simplicity is three partial batches of about 10 grams each, a more common target for the system is the average number of partial batches allocated to each batch, which average number can be a non-integer, such as 3.5. This does not mean that only half of the partial batches are allocated, but that due to the natural difference in the amount of the product in the partial batch, the system sometimes uses three partial batches to form a batch, and sometimes uses four partial batches to form a batch. Nevertheless, monitoring the characteristics of the allocated partial batches in a series of formed batches is a good method for determining whether the distribution feeder is faulty. It should be noted that in this case, judging based on the measured value of the allocated partial batch is a method of directly judging based on the measured value, while judging based on the number of the allocated partial batches is a method of indirectly judging based on the measured value, because in this process the measured value is used to determine how many partial batches must be allocated.

[0019] As described above, batch forming systems are often configured to allocate batches at predefined time intervals or when other criteria are met, and the system may be configured to first determine whether an acceptable batch can be formed. Therefore, the method may also include: before forming each batch, based on the measured values ​​of the products received by multiple batch measurement units and predefined criteria, determining whether to form a product batch, only forming a batch when a positive determination is made, and outputting an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty based on the results of multiple determinations. That is, whenever the system is required to allocate a product batch, it can make a determination based on the measured values ​​of the currently available batches. For example, if the system can only allocate batches that are underweight or (severely) overweight, it can make a negative determination, that is, decide not to allocate the product batch and wait for other partial batches to be available (such as those measurement units that allocate products in the previous batch). Monitoring the determination results provides another mechanism for determining whether the system is undersupplied due to a faulty distribution feeder. For example, a ratio of positive determinations (which can also be a function of time or system cycles) below a predefined threshold indicates that the system is operating inefficiently.

[0020] The present system is particularly suitable for systems that form relatively small batches. This is because relatively small batches require relatively small partial batches, which in turn require the distribution feeder to supply products to the system at a relatively low rate, so the amount of product on the distribution feeder is also small. In this case, the dirt deposited on the distribution feeder begins to occupy a significant part of the total target weight of the distribution feeder. For example, if new products are not needed until the weight of the product on the distribution feeder drops below 12 grams, then the dirt deposition of 2 grams becomes significant. Therefore, the method preferably includes forming one or more product batches according to a predefined weight standard, wherein the predefined weight standard includes a minimum target batch weight and / or a maximum target batch weight of 100 grams or less, preferably 50 grams or less, more preferably 30 grams or less, and most preferably 20 grams or less. Since it is typical for the system to form a batch as close to the minimum weight as possible (i.e., most batches are low weights with a low minimum target weight), and a low maximum target weight also means forming a batch of low weight, the target weight can be a minimum target weight and / or a maximum target weight.

[0021] As described above, although the system can measure products by volume or product quantity, it is preferred to measure the weight of the products. Therefore, the distribution feeder measurement unit is preferably a weighing unit coupled to the distribution feeder, configured to measure the weight of the product at the distribution feeder. For example, the entire distribution feeder can be mounted on a weighing unit such as a load cell. As described above, it is particularly advantageous for the present system that the distribution feeder is configured to accommodate low-weight products at all times, and it is also preferred that additional products are supplied to the distribution feeder based on the weight of the product measured at the distribution feeder being lower than a target weight, wherein the target weight is preferably 500 grams or less, preferably 200 grams or less, more preferably 100 grams or less, and most preferably 50 grams or less.

[0022] In many embodiments, the dispensing feeder is a dispensing station, which is preferably configured to distribute the product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units using vibration and / or rotation. A common type of dispensing station is in the form of a generally conical surface that can utilize an area around the top of the conical surface to receive the product and then distribute the product to the entire circumference of the dispensing station by vibration or rotation. Other types of dispensing feeders, as well as dispensing feeders with different dispensing mechanisms, may also be used.

[0023] Preferably, the system further comprises a plurality of directional feeders, each of which is configured to receive a product from a distribution feeder and deliver the product to at least one batch measurement unit. Typically, a distribution feeder will distribute products in each distribution direction thereof at a fixed rate (usually a constant speed). Therefore, a directional feeder is provided to receive a product from a distribution feeder and deliver the product to one of the batch measurement units, so that the system can selectively supply products to the required batch measurement units. These directional feeders can be vibrating feeders, which can be in the form of an oblique channel extending from the distribution feeder to the batch measurement unit. The directional feeder can have branches, for example, two downstream parts supplying the corresponding batch measurement units fork from a common upstream part and are supplied by a common upstream part, and the common upstream part receives the product from the distribution feeder. Alternatively, each directional feeder can deliver the product to only one batch measurement unit. Preferably, the plurality of directional feeders are preferably radial feeders, preferably vibrating radial feeders. Radial feeders are usually used together with a conical distribution table and deliver products in different radial directions (usually corresponding to the supply position) relative to the center of the system.

[0024] As described above, the distribution feeder or direction feeder does not necessarily provide the product to the measurement unit. In some cases, a corresponding pool hopper is located between the distribution feeder and each batch measurement unit, and the pool hopper is arranged to receive the product from the distribution feeder and preferably distribute the received product to the corresponding batch measurement unit. However, one or more additional pool hoppers can also be set between the pool hopper and the measurement unit. The batch measurement unit does not need to distribute the product directly from the system. Each batch measurement unit can distribute the product to the corresponding pool hopper. In this case, the measurement values ​​associated with a batch can be tracked by the system, and the product is then distributed from the pool hopper based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement unit to form a batch.

[0025] Preferably, each batch measurement unit comprises a hopper configured to receive and hold the product to be measured and further configured to dispense the received product. For example, each batch measurement unit may be a swing gate hopper comprising at least one gate movable between an open position and a closed position (such as by rotating about a hinge). The batch measurement hopper may be a weighing hopper configured to measure the weight of the product received by the hopper. For example, each batch measurement hopper may be mounted on a corresponding load cell. However, the hopper may also be configured to measure, for example, the volume of the product.

[0026] There are a number of ways a dispense feeder system may output an indication that a dispense feeder is faulty, some of which are discussed below.

[0027] Some embodiments include, in response to the indication that the distribution feeder is faulty, adjusting one or more operating parameters of the distribution feeder. Operating parameters can be any system setting that affects the product throughput. For example, the speed of the distribution feeder dispensing product can be improved by adjusting operating parameters. This can compensate for any error produced in the measurement performed by the distribution feeder. Operating parameters include one or more of the following parameters: amplitude of vibration, frequency of vibration, vibration time, rotation speed, rotation time, and / or the rate of change of the direction of rotation of the distribution feeder.

[0028] The "vibration time" and "rotation time" parameters include any parameters that control the duration of vibration or rotation of the feeder. For example, the vibration time or rotation time can be implemented as a continuous period of vibration or rotation, the length of which can be adjusted, such as 1 second or 2 seconds of continuous vibration / rotation, or the vibration time or rotation time can be implemented as a duty cycle change within a predetermined feeding period, such as 50% vibration / rotation or 75% vibration / rotation within a two-second feeding period.

[0029] Another method of adjusting the operating parameters is to change the time of supplying additional product to the distribution feeder to compensate for the faulty distribution feeder. Some embodiments include supplying additional product based on the measurement value of the distribution feeder being lower than the target measurement value, and also include changing (usually increasing) the target measurement value in response to an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty. For example, if the system is configured to supply additional product to the distribution feeder when the product weight is less than 50 grams, then a 2-gram dirt deposit may cause the actual amount of product to be less than 48 grams before the distribution feeder is supplied with additional product. Therefore, increasing the target measurement value by compensating for this deposition can enable the system to operate at a higher efficiency again. The amount of change in the threshold value can be predefined, such as 2 grams or 5%, or can be gradually changed based on the measurement value of the batch measurement unit, for example, until the measurement value of the batch measurement unit reflects a certain amount of change. For example, the system can increase the target measurement value by 1 gram or 2% every 30 seconds until an additional 0.5 grams is received on average in each partial batch.

[0030] Although the above-mentioned technique helps to compensate for a faulty distribution feeder, it is difficult to accurately compensate for the unquantified error in the distribution feeder measurement value, especially when the error increases. Therefore, in some cases, it is preferred to empty the distribution feeder in order to recalibrate the distribution feeder measurement unit. Preferably, the method also includes, in response to an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty, performing a process of recalibrating the distribution feeder, wherein the process of recalibrating the distribution feeder includes stopping the supply of additional products to the distribution feeder, then continuing to run the distribution feeder to distribute the product to each of a plurality of batch measurement units, and then recalibrating the distribution feeder measurement unit. Recalibrating the distribution feeder measurement unit typically includes zeroing the measurement unit. After recalibrating the distribution feeder measurement unit, the system can resume supplying additional products to the distribution feeder based on the measurement value of the recalibrated distribution feeder measurement unit. This enables the distribution feeder to accurately and precisely compensate for any dirt deposited on the distribution feeder.

[0031] In order to accurately recalibrate the dispenser, the dispenser should be run until there is no product before recalibration. There are several ways to enable the system to do this. The method may require that the dispenser be directly observed to be empty by, for example, an operator or a camera, but it is preferred that the system estimate or infer that the dispenser is empty, thereby avoiding reliance on additional external inputs. Preferably, the method also includes recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit only after one or more recalibration criteria are met, wherein preferably, the recalibration criteria include: running the dispenser for a predefined period of time after stopping the supply of product; and / or the measurement value of the dispenser measurement unit remains unchanged within the tolerance during the predefined period of time. The operation of the predefined period of time can be the operating time of the system or the number of cycles, or both. For example, the system can run for 30 seconds or perform 50 dispenses, whichever occurs first. The operating time can be an absolute time, but it is preferred that the operating time is measured only for the time the system is working. For example, the system may be intended to run for 30 seconds, but if the system is paused due to a problem downstream, or paused between each cycle, then the time the system is paused is not counted in the predefined period of operation. Alternatively, once repeated measurements are stable, i.e., the measurements do not change within a tolerance over a predefined period of time, the system will consider the dispensing feeder empty. For example, the stability criterion is that the increase and / or decrease in the measured value does not exceed 0.1 grams within 10 seconds or 20 machine cycles. The tolerance takes into account noise in the measurement signal and can be configured according to the specific measurement unit. If the stability criterion is met, the system can safely consider the dispensing feeder empty.

[0032] In the case where the system forms product batches, the recalibration criteria may include: a predefined number of batches are formed; each batch measurement unit contributes to a predefined number of batch formations; and / or each batch measurement unit measures a predefined total amount of product received from the dispensing feeder. Each of these criteria can be used to infer whether the dispensing feeder is empty based on the amount of product that must pass through the system after the supply is stopped. Requiring each batch measurement unit to cluster a predefined number of batch formations is particularly advantageous because product can flow back from one of the measurement units into the dispensing feeder, causing plateaus to occur even though product is still in the dispensing feeder, resulting in false zero readings. Requiring each batch measurement unit to contribute to a predefined number of batch formations ensures that each part of the system has product throughput, thereby preventing the above-mentioned errors from occurring. If directional feeders are included, this can also be achieved alternatively by requiring each directional feeder to perform a predefined operation (such as an operating period).

[0033] It will be appreciated that the system may be configured to perform only one of the above techniques to compensate for a faulty distribution feeder. However, the system is preferably configured to perform more than one of the above techniques. For example, the first technique is performed when the distribution feeder is faulty for the first time, and then the second technique is performed when the distribution feeder is faulty for the second time. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a process of recalibrating the distribution feeder is further performed based on one or more operating parameters of the distribution feeder. For example, the distribution feeder is recalibrated only when the operating parameter cannot be compensated for the defect by (further) adjusting the operating parameter. For example, the system may check whether the operating parameter is within a predefined acceptable adjustment range, and if not, recalibration may be performed. The process of recalibrating the distribution feeder may be further performed based on one or more prior adjustments of the operating parameter, wherein preferably, the process of recalibration is based on a predefined number of adjustments made to one or more operating parameters, and / or based on one or more operating parameters that have been adjusted by at least a predefined amount. For example, if the target measurement value has been increased twice, and / or if the target measurement value has increased by 10 grams or 20% compared to its initial value, recalibration is performed.

[0034] In order to determine whether the distribution feeder is faulty based on the measured value of the batch measurement unit, the accuracy of the measured value is very important. Although it is inconvenient to empty and zero the distribution feeder, the zeroing process can be more effectively integrated into the normal operation of the batch measurement unit. Preferably, the method also includes periodically recalibrating each batch measurement unit, wherein recalibrating each batch measurement unit includes dispensing any product in the batch measurement unit, preventing the batch measurement unit from receiving other products, then recalibrating the batch measurement unit, and then allowing the batch measurement unit to receive other products. Typically, such systems operate in such a way that a new partial batch of the product is received into the batch measurement unit as soon as possible after the batch measurement unit has dispensed the previous batch of products. For example, if the batch measurement unit is a swing gate hopper, the arrival time of the next partial batch of the product will be almost synchronized with the time when the swing gate reaches the closed position. This does not provide the batch measurement unit with time to stabilize and perform the zeroing process between each partial batch. Therefore, in this embodiment, the product is temporarily prevented from entering the batch measurement unit. Typically this will simply require not dispensing product from the upper pool hopper during the normal time, for example introducing a half second delay to allow the batch measurement unit to settle after product is dispensed and perform the zeroing process. The recalibration process may be staggered between batch measurement units to minimise disruption to system efficiency.

[0035] As mentioned above, the invention has been specifically described with respect to products being food products, particularly food products coated with seasonings, since these are the products most likely to cause problems in terms of dispensing feeder efficiency, but in principle the method is applicable to any type of product.

[0036] The invention is also often described as being applicable to a computer combination weigher (CCW), but the method is also suitable for implementation in other systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a system operating in accordance with the method of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the system shown;

[0040] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operation of a distribution feeder;

[0041] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of identifying a faulty dispensing feeder;

[0042] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating another method of identifying a faulty dispensing feeder;

[0043] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating a dispensing feeder identified as being faulty;

[0044] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of recalibrating a dispensing feeder identified as faulty; and

[0045] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating the method for recalibrating a weigh hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A system operating according to the method of the present invention is described.

[0047] Figure 1 A computer combination weighing device (CCW) 100 is shown. The combination weighing device 100 includes a distribution table 10, a plurality of feeder slots 11, a plurality of pool hoppers 20, a plurality of weighing hoppers 30, and a centralized discharge ramp 40.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown, food P is received by a distribution table 10 at a supply position, wherein the supply position is an area where products fall from an upper supply conveyor. The distribution table 10 is configured to vibrate or rotate about a vertical center axis C, thereby moving the food P to the edge of the distribution table 10 and distributing the food to a plurality of feeders 11. The distribution table 10 is mounted on a weighing unit 15, which weighs the amount of product on the distribution table. The weighing unit 15 is coupled to a controller 50 and provides weight measurements to the controller. When the weight on the distribution table 10 drops below a predetermined amount, the controller causes the upper supply conveyor to supply more product to the distribution table.

[0049] Each feeder slot 11 includes a corresponding vibrating motor 12 coupled to the slot. In use, the vibrating motor vibrates to cause product to be transported along the feeder slot 11 to the pool hopper 20. Each vibrating motor of the vibrating feeder is coupled to a controller 50 that is capable of controlling the time and amount of food that the feeder delivers to the pool hopper.

[0050] Each pool hopper 20 is configured to temporarily contain the food P supplied by the feeder 11. Each pool hopper has a gate 21 at its lower end, opening of which causes the product P to be dispensed into the corresponding weighing hopper 30 located below the gate. Each pool hopper is connected to a controller 50, which controls the time when the pool hopper dispenses the food P into the weighing hopper 30.

[0051] Each weighing hopper is configured to temporarily hold food P received from the feeder 11 through the pool hopper. Each weighing hopper 30 has a gate 31 at its lower end for dispensing the product P. Any product dispensed from the weighing hopper 30 is received by the discharge ramp, which delivers all the products to a common discharge point at the central axis C of the system. Each weighing hopper is connected to a weighing unit 32, which weighs the hopper so that the weight of the contents in the hopper can be determined. The weighing unit 32 is coupled to the controller 50 so that the controller can obtain the weight value of the product P in the weighing hopper 30. The gate 31 of each weighing hopper 30 is also connected to the controller so that the hopper can control the opening and closing of the gate.

[0052] In actual operation, the controller 50 will identify several weigh hoppers whose total weight of the products contained in the weigh hoppers best meets the predefined criteria for the food batch. The controller 50 will then open the gates of the corresponding weigh hoppers to collect the partial batches of food. The controller will then cause the pool hopper 20 corresponding to the weigh hopper that has just been emptied to distribute its products into the corresponding weigh hopper, which will then weigh the new partial batch of products. The controller will also cause the feeder 11 to feed the new product into the pool hopper 20 that has just been emptied. The controller will then repeat the process for a group of partial batches in the weigh hoppers.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 3 to 7 describe Figure 1 and Figure 2 The method of operation of the system shown.

[0054] In the following description, for the sake of clarity, the control steps performed by the control unit on the distribution station 10, the radial feeder 11 and the hoppers 20, 30 are described separately and illustrated in separate flow charts in the drawings. However, it will be appreciated that the following processes can be integrated into a single combined process performed by the control unit.

[0055] Figure 3 The steps of the method of operation of the distribution table 10 of the system 100 are shown. In the first step S101 after the process starts, the product is supplied from the supply conveyor so that the product falls onto the distribution table until the weight recorded by the weighing unit 15 is equal to or greater than the target value. The target value can be stored in the controller and will depend on the size of the batch to be formed. The target weight value is usually predefined as the value when the system is optimally operated for the batch size to be formed. In the process of forming a small batch (e.g. 12 grams), the target weight can be, for example, 50 grams.

[0056] In the process, step S101 of supplying product until the weight is equal to or greater than the target weight is shown as occurring only at this step of the process, and once the process enters the next step from step S101, no additional product is supplied until the process loops back to step S101 again. In other embodiments, the controller can continuously monitor the weight on the dispensing table, and once the weight drops below the target weight, the controller can supply additional product at any time.

[0057] Once the distribution station has received the product, in step S102, the distribution station operates according to its operating parameters to distribute the product between the feeders 11. In the case of a vibrating distribution station, the operating parameters may be the vibration amplitude, vibration frequency and vibration time of the station 10. These parameters depend on the size of the batch to be formed and may be predetermined to achieve the desired product throughput for each feeder 11. For example, when forming larger product batches, which requires an overall greater product throughput through the system, the station will typically operate at a greater amplitude, frequency and for a longer time.

[0058] The controller 50 may perform step S102 only based on the operation of the radial feeder 11 and the hoppers 20, 30. That is, if no product batch has been formed after the last operation of the distribution station, the distribution station may not operate to avoid over-supplying the radial feeder 11, which would result in the partial batch supplied by the radial feeder to the hopper being too large.

[0059] Operation of the dispensing feeder causes the product to leave the table, thereby reducing the weight of the product on the table. In the illustrated method, in step S103, the controller checks whether the weight value is below the target weight value. If it is not below the target weight value, it returns to step S102 and continues to operate the dispensing table to supply product to the feeder if necessary. If it is found in step S103 that the weight of the product on the table has fallen below the target weight, the controller proceeds to step S104.

[0060] In step S104, the controller 50 checks whether an indication of a faulty distribution station has been received. The process of generating this indication will be described below. It should be noted that the controller itself can generate an indication of a faulty distribution station as part of the controller's control of the feeder and hopper, which will be described separately in this embodiment. However, in other cases, a separate controller can be provided to control the parallel operation of the feeder and hopper.

[0061] In the event that there is no indication that the distribution station is faulty, the process may loop back to step S101 and then repeat the above steps. In the event that a distribution station is found to be faulty, the controller may perform one or more processes through node A to compensate for the defective distribution station. Examples of such processes are further described below.

[0062] As with step S101, the check for an indication that the distribution station is faulty in step 104 is shown to occur only at this step of the process. However, in other embodiments, the controller may continuously check for an indication that the distribution station is faulty, and upon receipt of an indication, immediately take compensatory measures via node A, regardless of the current operating state of the distribution station.

[0063] Now refer to Figure 4 A first process for identifying a faulty dispense station is described. Again, this process describes a batching process that has already begun after any initial process has been performed. Although the steps described in this process are performed sequentially, it should also be noted that, particularly in fast throughput systems, a step can begin before its previous step is completed.

[0064] After the process starts, in step S201, the controller causes any empty weigh hopper 30 to be filled with product. This is done by opening the door 21 of the corresponding pool hopper 20, thereby dispensing the food into the weigh hopper below. After the door 21 is closed, the corresponding radial feeder 11 introduces the new product into the pool hopper that has just been emptied. For example, if the radial feeder 11 is a vibrating radial feeder, it will vibrate with a certain amplitude, frequency and time to convey the product into the pool hopper 20. These operating parameters of the radial feeder depend on the size of the batch being formed, and therefore also on the desired size of the partial batch. The operating parameters of the radial feeder can be predetermined or calculated based on the coefficient between the number of products received in the weigh hopper and the parameters used when conveying the product to the pool hopper. The operating parameters of each radial feeder are usually different, because it is preferred to intentionally introduce variations in the size of the partial batches received in the weigh hopper in order to provide more different partial batch combinations.

[0065] In step S202, the product received by the weighing hopper 30 is weighed using the weighing unit 32. The controller then updates the weight value of the product in the weighing hopper. This will also change the possible combinations that can be produced using the product in the weighing hopper. As mentioned above, although the weighing is performed after refilling the pool hopper, in actual operation, the weighing hopper will weigh the product immediately after receiving the product and the product is stable in the weighing hopper to read an accurate weight reading, and this weighing is likely to be performed during step S201.

[0066] In step S203, the system distributes a group of partial batches according to the batch formation standard. As explained above, the batch formation standard generally includes a target minimum weight and a target maximum weight for a "good" batch, such as between 12 grams and 13 grams. In certain embodiments, the batch distributed may be a partial batch group that is closest to the target minimum weight but not less than the weight. In this embodiment, the system is configured to always distribute product batches, so the weight of the "overweight" batch is allowed to exceed 13 grams. An alternative embodiment will be described below, which can selectively skip product batches, avoiding excessive gifts caused by overweight batches. If necessary, the batch formation standard can also include other various requirements. For example, it is usually preferred that each weighing hopper distributes products at approximately the same frequency. Otherwise, if a hopper does not distribute products for a long time, the relevant vibration feeder 11 may be blocked by products from the distribution station 10, which will result in significantly overweight partial batches, and the normal batch formation process is difficult to adapt to this significantly overweight partial batch. Thus, batch formation criteria may also include a bias towards weigh hoppers that have not dispensed product in the previous number of dispense cycles, or a bias towards weigh hoppers that have recently dispensed product. Such batch formation criteria will depend largely on the nature of the batch being formed, as well as the broad operating parameters of the system, and the skilled person will be familiar with the options for configuring such requirements.

[0067] After the product batch is dispensed, the batch formation criteria are updated in step S204. As described above, this provides the system with an opportunity to deviate from the weighing hopper that has just been dispensed the product, so that all hoppers of the system have a smooth throughput.

[0068] In the present embodiment, after the product batch has been allocated, in step S205, the controller updates the running record with the characteristics of the allocated partial batches. For example, the controller can retain the rolling average weight of the partial batches allocated in the past 100 forming batches. Alternatively, the controller can also retain the rolling average of the number of partial batches contained in each batch in the past 100 forming batches. As mentioned above, the number of partial batches allocated in any distribution cycle is determined based on the weight of these partial batches. For example, if the system is set to form a batch of 12 grams by allocating three partial batches (each partial batch is about 4 grams), the estimated partial batch average weight is 4 grams. When the weighing hopper causes insufficient supply due to a faulty distribution platform, the weighing hopper will tend to weigh out smaller partial batches, and the average weight decreases, for example, so that more batches are formed by four partial batches, wherein the weight of each partial batch is about 3 grams. Although the above part batches with an average of 4 grams become an average of 3 grams when insufficient supply is an embodiment, in actual operation, the system can be configured to averagely distribute a non-integer number of partial batches, for example, 3.8 partial batches are distributed to each batch on average. That is, on average, the system needs to form one batch with three partial batches for every four batches with four partial batches.

[0069] In step S206, the controller compares the value in the run log with one or more reference values. In this embodiment, the controller compares the rolling average of the weight of each dispensed partial batch with a threshold value. In a simplified embodiment, the system is configured to dispense partial batches of approximately 4 grams, and the controller can compare the average value with a reference value of, for example, 3.8 grams. If the average value is equal to or higher than the reference value, the system loops back to step S201 and continues to operate. On the other hand, if the average value of the past 100 dispenses is less than 3.8 grams, the controller will therefore infer that the weighing hopper is undersupplied and the dispensing station is faulty. The system then enters step S207, in which an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty is output. In the process currently described, this indication that the dispensing station is faulty acts on the process of controlling the dispensing station. Therefore, Figure 4 The illustrated process loops back to step S201 to prepare for continued dispensing of other product batches, subject to any compensation procedures established by the controller, as will be discussed below.

[0070] Before discussing the process of responding to an indication that a dispensing feeder is faulty, reference will be made to Figure 5 Another process for identifying a faulty dispensing feeder is described.

[0071] Likewise, the process illustrates a batching process that has already begun after any initial process has been performed, starting with step S201, in which the controller causes any empty weighing hopper 30 to be filled with product, and the corresponding pool hopper is then filled by the radial feeder in the manner described above. Subsequently, in step S202, the product received by the weighing hopper 30 is weighed using the weighing unit 32, and the weight value and possible combination are updated as described above.

[0072] In step S213, the controller 50 determines whether a product batch that meets the batch formation criteria can be formed. As in the previous process description, the batch formation criteria typically include a target minimum weight and a target maximum weight for a "good" batch, such as between 12 grams and 13 grams. In this case, the batch formation criteria also include a maximum weight for an "overweight" batch, such as 15 grams, which is usually not allowed unless the system has no other options for allocating a "good" batch and must allocate a batch with a gift to continue running. As described above, the batch formation criteria can also include a deviation from the weighing hopper that was recently allocated so that there is a smooth overall throughput. Assuming that the controller finds an acceptable combination that meets the batch formation criteria, a success determination is made and the process enters step S214, in which the controller allocates these partial batches to form a product batch. Subsequently, in step S215, the controller updates the operating efficiency record based on the success determination.

[0073] Although step S213 is illustrated as occurring after all weights are updated in step S202, in systems with particularly high batch formation rates, the weight value of the weigh hopper that has just been filled in step S201 may not be available before the system needs to allocate the next product batch. This is because accurate weight values ​​can only be measured after the product has stabilized in the weigh hopper and the weigh hopper has stopped significant vibration caused by the product hitting the hopper. Therefore, in this embodiment, in step S213, the controller may make a negative determination that it cannot form an acceptable batch using the existing partial batch, but chooses to wait for more available partial batches. In this case, the process enters step S216, in which the controller updates the operating efficiency record based on the unsuccessful determination. In this embodiment, the operating efficiency record is a record of the ratio of successful determinations to unsuccessful determinations in the past 100 determinations. That is, it is a record of the ratio of the number of times the system determines that an acceptable batch can be formed to the number of times the system determines that an acceptable batch cannot be formed in step S213. It will be noted that these determinations are based on the weight of the product in the weigh hopper and can therefore indicate an insufficient supply of product and, in turn, a faulty dispensing station.

[0074] After an unsuccessful determination, once the operating efficiency record is updated in step S216, the controller checks in step S217 whether the operating efficiency record is below a threshold. For example, the threshold may be at least 80 successes out of the past 100 determinations. If the last determination is a negative determination, and the determination causes the operating efficiency to be below the threshold, the process proceeds to step S218, in which the system outputs an indication that the dispensing station is defective. For example, if the last determination divides the past 100 determinations into 79 successful determinations and 21 unsuccessful determinations, this is below the exemplary threshold, indicating that the dispensing feeder is defective.

[0075] After any of step S215, step S218, or after it is found in step S217 that the operating efficiency is not less than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S219. In this step, the batch formation criteria are updated. If this is after a successful batch formation, this may involve deviating from the allocated weigh hopper. If this is after an unsuccessful batch formation, the upper limit of the overweight batch may be adjusted or cancelled to ensure that a batch is allocated next time. The process then loops back to step S201 for the next batch formation cycle.

[0076] Reference now Figure 4 and Figure 5 Two processes for outputting an indication that a dispensing feeder is faulty are described. As described above, this indication can be used to operate the dispensing station and compensate for the faulty dispensing station, and reference will now be made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 Describe this technique.

[0077] Figure 6 A first process for compensating for a faulty dispensing station is shown. After identifying at step S104 that an indication has been output that a dispensing feeder is defective, the process proceeds by Figure 3 Node A in Figure 6 Step S105 in .

[0078] In step S105, the controller checks whether the target weight of the distribution station is less than a threshold value. The target weight is initially set to depend on the weight of the batch being formed. For example, in the case where the batch weight is 12 grams, the target weight of the distribution station will be set to 50 grams. As a result, in the described step S101, the product will be supplied until the distribution station exceeds this value. In step S105, the threshold value is the maximum target weight value allowed. For example, when the distribution feeder fails, the system is programmed to allow the target weight to be adjusted to 60 grams. If the target weight value is less than the threshold value, for example, if the target weight is still its initial value of 50 grams, which is less than the programmed maximum 60 grams, the process enters step S106.

[0079] The controller increases the target weight value in step S106. For example, the target weight may be adjusted from 50 grams to 55 grams. The increase may be implemented in any desired manner, such as increasing in predetermined steps (e.g., 5 grams) or in percentages (e.g., increasing by 10%), or may be adjusted based on the weight value of the partial batch in the weighing hopper, with a larger difference from the desired partial batch weight corresponding to a larger increase in the distribution station target weight value. Figure 6 The process then returns to Node B via Figure 3 In step S101 in which the product is supplied to the dispensing station up to a new target weight value.

[0080] In step S105 , if the target weight is found to be equal to (or greater than) the threshold value, for example, if the target weight has been adjusted to the threshold value in the previous process, the process proceeds to S107 .

[0081] In step S107, the controller checks whether the adjustable operating parameters of the distribution table are less than a threshold value. For example, in the case of a vibrating distribution table, it can be programmed to operate at a certain vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, and vibration time. These values ​​can be adjusted to a certain threshold to increase product throughput. If step S107 determines that these operating parameters are within these thresholds, the process enters step S108, in which these operating parameters are adjusted. This may involve adjusting one or more operating parameters (for example, vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, and vibration time). Similarly, these adjustments can be implemented in any desired manner, including predefined absolute increments or percentage increments, or based on the weight measured by a weighing hopper. The adjustment can be for only one of the adjustable parameters, or for a group or all of the adjustable parameters. Figure 6 The process then returns to Node B Figure 3 The process then returns to step S101 in step S102, in which the distribution station operates according to the adjusted parameters.

[0082] Although step S107 described in the present process only occurs when the target weight of the dispensing station can no longer be adjusted, in alternative embodiments, the system may alternate between increasing the target weight and adjusting operating parameters, or perform both steps simultaneously, or decide which step to perform based on other factors.

[0083] If it is determined in step S107 that all operating parameters have reached or exceeded the threshold, the process enters Figure 6 In this example, this leads to the node C in Figure 7 However, node C may alternatively correspond to an indication that the dispensing station requires cleaning or an automatic stop process that empties and stops the system to facilitate cleaning.

[0084] Figure 7 The recalibration process is described, which can be implemented to compensate for a faulty distribution station. As described above, if other operating parameters cannot be adjusted, the recalibration process can be started after step S107. Alternatively, the process can also be implemented directly after receiving an indication that the distribution station is faulty, that is, after Figure 3 The process is carried out directly after the illustrated node A. This situation would occur if the system was not configured to adjust the target weight of the dispensing station or to adjust the operating parameters.

[0085] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated process, the supply of product to the dispensing station is first stopped in step S109. Figure 3 In some processes, product is only supplied in response to step S101; however, in some processes, product may be supplied continuously and the supply speed may be adjusted based on the weight measured at the dispensing station, in which case step S109 will involve stopping supply completely.

[0086] Then, in step S110, the distribution station continues to operate according to its operating parameters, thereby distributing the products into the radial feeders. Figure 4 or Figure 5 The process described is still going on, i.e. batches are still being formed, i.e. new products are still being supplied to the empty weigh hoppers, and the pool hoppers are still being refilled by the radial feeders. The continued operation of the CCW without the supply of new products will result in the distribution station being emptied, because all the products of the distribution station have been distributed into the operating radial feeders.

[0087] In step S111, the process checks whether predefined recalibration criteria are met. For example, these recalibration criteria can be 30 seconds after the supply is stopped, or after 50 batch formation attempts. Alternatively, the controller can also check whether the measured values ​​of the distribution station have reached stability. For example, the stability criterion is only met if the apparent weight on the distribution station does not increase or decrease by more than 0.1 grams within 10 seconds or 20 machine cycles. The recalibration criteria can also involve predefined times and stable values, and the recalibration criteria are met once either or both of the above are met.

[0088] If the recalibration criteria are not met, the process loops back to S110 and the station continues to operate, attempting to dispense product into the radial feeder. However, if the recalibration criteria are met, the station is assumed to be empty and the process proceeds to step S112. In this step, the station weighing unit is recalibrated. For example, the weighing unit is tared to set a new zero value. The supply of product to the station is then resumed in step S113, and then as Figure 3 The process shown returns to normal operation of the distribution station through Node B. Figure 7 The process and Figure 6 The process shown is used in conjunction with an additional step of resetting the target weight and operating parameters to their default initial values ​​to allow for recalibration of the dispensing station weighing unit.

[0089] exist Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 During the combined process, the system will continue to endlessly take compensatory measures, improve the target weight and operating parameters, and then recalibrate the weighing unit. However, it is preferred that a step of checking the number of times the weighing unit has been recalibrated can also be included. Once the number reaches a threshold (such as four recalibrations), the system stops running and issues a cleaning instruction to prompt the operator to clean the system. This can be performed, for example, between step S104 and step S105.

[0090] As mentioned above, it is also preferred to periodically recalibrate each weigh hopper to compensate for flavor deposits that may affect the accuracy of the partial batch weight. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Step S201 in is replaced by Figure 8 The steps shown in and described below.

[0091] exist Figure 8 In the process of refilling all empty weigh hoppers, the controller is not used to refill all empty weigh hoppers, but instead first checks whether any weigh hopper that is now empty (i.e., has just dispensed a partial batch to form a product batch) has dispensed more than a threshold number of partial batches since the start of the process or since the last recalibration of the weigh hopper. The threshold number can be predetermined based on the type of product being batched. Products with a large amount of seasoning coating require recalibration of the weigh hopper more than products with a sparse coating. The threshold can be, for example, 100 partial batches.

[0092] If none of the currently empty weigh hoppers has dispensed a partial batch exceeding this amount, the process proceeds to step S201b, in which all empty weigh hoppers are filled with product via the corresponding pool hoppers, which are then refilled using the radial feeders. The process then returns to Figure 4 or Figure 5 Standard step S202 is shown.

[0093] However, if one or more empty weigh hoppers have dispensed more than a threshold number of partial batches, the process proceeds to step S201c. In this step S201c, the controller selects a weigh hopper for recalibration. This typically involves selecting the weigh hopper that has dispensed the most partial batches since the system was started or since the last recalibration of the weigh hopper. If there are multiple weigh hoppers that are identical in this respect, only one of them is selected to minimize the disruption to the batch formation process caused by an empty weigh hopper or a weigh hopper that is unavailable.

[0094] Once the weigh hopper to be recalibrated is selected, the process proceeds to step S201d, in which all empty weigh hoppers, except the selected weigh hopper, are filled with product through the corresponding pool hopper, which is then refilled using the radial feeder.

[0095] Subsequently, in step S201e, the empty weigh hopper is recalibrated. For example, the weigh hopper weighing unit is tared to set a new zero value. In actual operation, this recalibration is postponed to a later stage in the process to ensure that the weigh hopper is free of vibrations caused by the opening and closing of the hopper door, so that the recalibration is accurate. For example, the recalibration can be postponed until the next machine cycle executes step S201a.

Claims

1. A method of identifying a faulty dispensing feeder in a system adapted to supply food products from a supply location to a plurality of batch measuring units, the method comprising: supplying a dispensing feeder with a product, wherein the dispensing feeder is configured to receive the product at the supply location and dispense the product into each of the plurality of batch measurement units; operating the dispensing feeder to dispense a product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units; repeatedly measuring the amount of product at the dispensing feeder using a dispensing feeder measurement unit and supplying additional product to the dispensing feeder based on the measured values; receiving product in at least some of the plurality of batch measurement units; measuring the products received by the plurality of batch measurement units; Based on the measurements of the product received by the plurality of batch measurement units, an indication is output that the dispensing feeder is faulty.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein each batch measurement unit receives a partial batch of a product, and further comprising forming one or more product batches according to a predefined standard, preferably according to a predefined weight standard, wherein each product batch is formed by allocating multiple partial batches of the product based on the measurement value of the product by the batch measurement unit and the predefined standard.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising forming a plurality of product batches according to predefined criteria, wherein an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty is output based on a ratio of batches formed that meet the predefined criteria.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein each batch is formed according to a predefined weight standard, and wherein an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty is output based on the ratio of formed batches that are within or exceed a target weight range.

5. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the formation of each batch comprises identifying the selection of partial batches of the product to be distributed based on the measurement values ​​of the batch measurement unit on the product and the predefined criteria, preferably based on the characteristics of the selection of the identified partial batches, such as, when forming one or more product batches, outputting an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty based on the number of partial batches forming the product batch.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising, before forming each batch, determining whether to form a product batch based on the measurement values ​​of the products received by the multiple batch measurement units and the predefined standards, forming a batch only when a positive determination is made, and outputting an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty based on the results of multiple determinations.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein upon a positive determination that the ratio is below a threshold, an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty is output.

8. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, comprising forming one or more product batches according to predefined weight criteria, wherein the predefined weight criteria include a minimum target batch weight and / or a maximum target batch weight of 100 grams or less, preferably 50 grams or less, more preferably 30 grams or less, most preferably 20 grams or less.

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing feeder measurement unit is a weighing unit coupled to the dispensing feeder and configured to measure the weight of the product at the dispensing feeder.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein additional product is supplied to the dispensing feeder based on the weight of the product measured at the dispensing feeder being lower than a target weight, wherein the target weight is preferably 500 grams or less, preferably 200 grams or less, more preferably 100 grams or less, and most preferably 50 grams or less.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing feeder is a dispensing station configured to dispense product to each of the plurality of batch measurement units using vibration and / or rotation.

12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of directional feeders, each directional feeder being configured to receive product from the dispensing feeder and to deliver the product to at least one batch measurement unit.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of directional feeders are radial feeders, preferably vibrating radial feeders.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a corresponding pool hopper located between the distribution feeder and each batch measurement unit, the pool hopper being arranged to receive product from the distribution feeder and to distribute the received product into the corresponding batch measurement unit.

15. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each batch measurement unit comprises a hopper, preferably a weighing hopper, configured to receive and hold the product to be measured and further configured to dispense the received product.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising adjusting one or more operating parameters of the distribution feeder in response to an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the operating parameters include one or more of the following parameters: vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, vibration time, rotation speed, rotation time, and / or rate of change of rotation direction.

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the operating parameter includes a target measurement value, wherein additional product is supplied to the distribution feeder based on the measurement value of the distribution feeder measurement unit being lower than the target measurement value, and further comprising changing the target measurement value in response to an indication that the distribution feeder is faulty.

19. The method of any of the preceding claims further comprises, in response to an indication that the dispensing feeder is faulty, performing a process of recalibrating the dispensing feeder, wherein the process of recalibrating the dispensing feeder comprises ceasing to supply additional product to the dispensing feeder, then continuing to operate the dispensing feeder to dispense product into each of the plurality of batch measurement units, and then recalibrating the dispensing feeder measurement units.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising, after recalibrating the dispensing feeder measurement unit, resuming supply of additional product to the dispensing feeder based on the measurement of the recalibrated dispensing feeder measurement unit.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, further comprising recalibrating the dispensing feeder measurement unit only after one or more recalibration criteria are met, wherein preferably the recalibration criteria include: operating the dispensing feeder for a predefined period of time after ceasing to supply the product; And / or the measured value of the measuring unit of the dispensing feeder does not change within a tolerance within a predefined period of time.

22. The method of claim 20 as appended to at least claim 2, wherein the recalibration standard comprises: A predefined number of batches are formed; each batch measurement unit contributes to the formation of the predefined number of batches; And / or each batch measuring unit measures a predefined total amount of product received from the dispensing feeder.

23. The method of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein a process of recalibrating the dispense feeder is also performed based on one or more operating parameters of the dispense feeder.

24. A method according to claim 23 as dependent on claim 16, wherein the process of recalibrating the distribution feeder is also performed based on one or more previous adjustments of operating parameters, wherein preferably, the recalibration process is based on a predefined number of adjustments made to one or more operating parameters and / or based on one or more operating parameters that have been adjusted by at least a predefined amount.

25. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising periodically recalibrating each batch of measurement units, wherein Recalibrating each batch measurement unit includes dispensing any product in the batch measurement unit, preventing the batch measurement unit from receiving other products, then recalibrating the batch measurement unit, and then allowing the batch measurement unit to receive other products.

26. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the product supplied is a food product, preferably a food product coated with a seasoning.

27. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is a computer combination weigher (CCW).

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