Device and method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimp

Abstract

The present invention discloses an apparatus for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimp. The apparatus includes a support structure, a gate subsystem to allow the captured shrimp to flow through, a batch weighing subsystem for the captured shrimp, and a discharge hopper to guide the weighed shrimp out of the weighing device. The present invention also includes a method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimp using the weighing device disclosed above, thereby providing real-time, on-site information during shrimp harvesting operations to optimize resources and improve decision-making.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of aquaculture, in particular to shrimp farming and production methods. The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimp, providing real-time on-site information during shrimp catching operations, thereby optimizing resources and assisting decision-making. Technical Background

[0002] Shrimp are invertebrates belonging to the class of crustaceans that are highly commercially valued for the unique flavor and nutritional value of their meat. The consumer appeal of shrimp is not only due to their low calorie and fat content, but also their high protein, vitamin and antioxidant compound content. In addition to being marketed as food, shrimp can also be kept in aquariums as an ornamental species or used in fish farms as a natural method of controlling algae and removing parasites.

[0003] Due to its commercial potential, shrimp farming is increasingly mechanized to replicate natural growing conditions and achieve higher and better yields.

[0004] Shrimp are farmed from the larval stage in ponds or tanks, usually located near coastal areas, rivers or freshwater bodies. The shrimp undergo a fattening and growing period with different feeding intervals. Once the shrimp reach market size, they are caught and collected, and subsequently frozen for transport to processing plants. The caught shrimp must be handled quickly and efficiently so that they are frozen while still alive, thus preserving their quality. The catching process involves weighing the product immediately after it is taken from the pond, and then placing it in containers with enough ice to keep the temperature below 5°C during transportation until it is sent to the processing plant for sorting and screening.

[0005] The quality of the shrimp when they arrive at the processing plant depends on the care and precautions taken during the capture process. Improper handling, especially during the weighing stage, can significantly affect the condition of the shrimp and lead to serious production losses. In addition, there is a potential risk of product theft due to information manipulation.

[0006] Artificial shrimp fishing consists in the direct collection of the animals with a net. Usually, a U-shaped open net is placed in front of the outlet gate of the pond, where workers (usually called "bolsero") intercept the shrimp with baskets. The baskets with live shrimp are carried by workers and transported to the top of the pond wall by artificial chains. There, the shrimp are deposited in treatment barrels containing water, ice and sodium metabisulfite. The latter compound is used as a preservative to prevent shrimp melanosis - a condition of darkening and tissue degeneration caused by an enzymatic reaction.

[0007] In these barrels, the shrimp undergo heat treatment and preservation for about 5 to 10 minutes. The shrimp are then removed using baskets placed along the track, which is about 6 to 8 meters long, to drain and remove excess water. A floor scale or platform scale is placed at the end of the track to weigh the baskets. This weighing stage is essential to accurately determine the number of shrimp caught and helps with quality control during the catching process.

[0008] Each basket containing shrimp must weigh approximately 50 pounds. If necessary, shrimp can be added or removed to meet this standard. This weight limit is used as a measurement standard to determine the number of baskets required to meet the weight of each shipping batch. After weighing, each basket is transported (for example, by the personnel who make up the transportation chain) to a bin on the transport truck or a 1000 liter refrigerated container. When approximately 900 to 1200 pounds of shrimp (equivalent to 18 to 24 baskets) are deposited, the bin is closed. Each truck can carry 6 to 10 bins. This collection and loading process continues until the entire pond is harvested.

[0009] Efforts to mechanize the above shrimp harvesting and weighing process have focused on using machines to collect the shrimp and transport them to heat treatment vats before weighing. The harvesting machine uses a centrifugal pump and hoses to collect the shrimp and deposit them in a hopper on top of the harvester. The hopper uses a grid to separate the shrimp from the water, drain the water and direct the shrimp to the hopper outlet, from which the shrimp are unloaded into the treatment vat through a hose. After that, the harvested shrimp are processed according to the manual harvesting process, that is, weighed and boxed in harvesting baskets.

[0010] The prior art also discloses some devices and methods for technical improvements in the collection and capture (including the weighing stage) of related aquaculture products. For example, document CN204415809 / 31 describes an automatic packaging system for aquatic products, including a conveying device, a detection device, a measuring bucket, a weighing device, a water adding device, an aquatic product adding device, a feeding device and a control device, wherein the conveying device is used to convey the packaging box. The detection device is used to detect the packaging box; the measuring bucket is located above the conveying device; the weighing device is used to measure the weight of the measuring bucket; the water adding device is used to add water to the measuring bucket; the aquatic product adding device is used to add aquatic products to the measuring bucket; the feeding device is used to add feed to the measuring bucket; and the control device is used to control the conveying device, the detection device, the measuring bucket, the weighing device, the water adding device, the aquatic product adding device and the feeding device. The advantage of this automatic packaging system for aquatic products is that no manpower is required to weigh the weight of aquatic products, water and feed, thereby saving a lot of manpower and reducing operating costs.

[0011] More generally, not specifically for aquaculture products, document WO2020051103 discloses a system for measuring the average weight and uniformity of a sample, as well as other suitable attributes. The system includes a scale for measuring the weight of an object or a group of objects placed on a weighing surface, and a collection container such as a filter placed on the surface, which can receive and hold objects from the sample to be tested. The system includes a processor (shown as a computer) that is connected to the scale to receive information from the scale. The computer is programmed to calculate, record, tabulate and display the average weight and uniformity of the sample based on the measurement results of the scale. The computer can convert the uniformity and average weight data of the sample and other indicative data into a chart or other format available to the end user.

[0012] There are also some technological weighing devices in the prior art that have the potential to be applied to the shrimp production and catching industry. In this regard, document WO2019068292 discloses a weighing device comprising a protective device to prevent the load sensor from detaching, the load to be measured is directly applied to the spherical upper surface of the load sensor, and is provided with locking members, which are locking grooves in the load sensor, which force the component to be inserted into the groove of the installed equipment structure. It is reported that the weighing device is used in a device called "Industrial Shrimp Batch Scale" by Intech. The scale is equipped with an onboard weighing unit with shipping compensation function and is designed for automatic weighing of bagged shrimp. By inserting an additional hopper, the batch scale can be combined with 5 kg of shrimp in the same unit. The same amount of shrimp is weighed each time and the weight is recorded digitally.

[0013] Finally, document WO2016126835 relates to a method and apparatus for classifying foods such as shrimp and chicken nuggets using an automatically calibrated imaging system. The individualized foods are imaged separately, and their estimated weights are calculated based on the images of each food and the image-to-weight function. This method for classifying foods comprises: (a) individualizing a batch of foods; (b) acquiring a number of images of each food to produce an image of each food; (c) using an image-to-weight function to calculate an estimated weight of each food; (d) weighing a sample of the food to produce an actual weight of the weighed food in the sample; (e) comparing the estimated weight with the actual weight; (f) adjusting the image-to-weight function based on the comparison of the estimated weight with the actual weight; and (g) classifying the food into multiple levels.

[0014] Based on the above, it is apparent that the prior art includes complex and industrialized devices and methods for weighing aquaculture products, such as shrimp. However, there are no developments specifically designed to accommodate the following applications: capture machines used in the shrimp farming field; or to record the weight, time and mass flow of shrimp, transmit them wirelessly via satellite, cellular network or the Internet, and analyze them in order to improve the capture process in real time. In fact, the above developments are used to weigh small amounts of shrimp, are limited to capture processes with slow shrimp output rates, and do not allow for real-time weighing of the capture. In addition, none of the above disclosures can predict the capture rate based on the amount of shrimp that can be placed in the tank or bin to obtain an accurate final weight.

[0015] It is also worth noting that none of the above developments accommodate manual shrimping processes, which often result in losses for the industry due to operational inefficiencies. For example, manually weighing the caught shrimp (using bins placed on scales) risks erroneous poundage, overuse of human resources, and reduced quality of the product collected. Furthermore, this process can result in product loss or shrinkage and is dependent on the proper functioning of the labor and operation of the tracks and / or scales involved.

[0016] In summary, it is clear that at the current state of technology there is still a need to develop an automated and adaptable system that can complement the shrimp capture value chain, allowing information to be collected and analyzed to optimize resources and decisions in capture operations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In light of the prior art and in consideration of current technical requirements, the present invention discloses a device and method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps, wherein the weighing device and method are capable of acquiring real-time on-site information to optimize resources and decisions in live shrimp catching operations.

[0019] The device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps in the present invention comprises a support structure, a gate subsystem for allowing the captured shrimps to flow through, a batch weighing subsystem for the captured shrimps, and a discharge hopper for guiding the weighed shrimps to be discharged from the weighing device.

[0020] The method of automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps in the present invention utilizes the weighing device disclosed herein, and comprises coupling the device to a conventional shrimp catching machine, continuously receiving a predetermined amount of product in batches from the shrimp catching machine for weighing. After weighing, the batch of shrimps is deposited into a discharge hopper, through which the weighed shrimps are distributed into processing tanks or truck containers for transportation and final processing. The weighing method is also operated by a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0021] In this regard, the device and method for continuous weighing of live shrimps are designed to overcome the drawbacks associated with the following problems: quality and efficiency problems of manual weighing of shrimps after capture. In fact, the weighing device is designed to be coupled to any shrimp catching machine, and its operation is carried out through batch processing, controlled by a PLC based on the signals received from the weighing sensors and inductive sensors, so that the weighing information can be collected, processed and transmitted in real time on-site using wireless technology.

[0022] Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The purpose of the present application and the technical advantages thereof can be understood in more detail through the following description of the automatic device and method for continuously weighing live shrimps in conjunction with the following drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the device of the present invention installed on a shrimp catching machine is shown in FIG.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a front view and a side view of the device of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the supporting structure of the device of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 1 is an exploded view of the gate subsystem of the device of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 It is an exploded view of the weighing subsystem of the device of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 Exploded view of the support structure of the device of the present invention combined with the components of the load cell locking system.

[0030] Figure 7a A schematic diagram of the apparatus of the present invention showing details of the gate subsystem.

[0031] Figure 7b It is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of the present invention, showing the outflow of shrimp from the hopper of the capture machine.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of the present invention, showing a batch of shrimps in a weighing drum of a weighing subsystem.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of the invention, showing the discharge of weighed batches of shrimp.

[0034] Fig.10 Overview of the weighing subsystem with the load cell locking system activated.

[0035] Fig.11 Overview of the weighing subsystem with the load cell locking system deactivated.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the meanings of all technical terms used herein are the same as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art involved in this specification. Any limitation on the defined terms should be understood not to invalidate other meanings constituting a definition in different contexts.

[0037] As used herein, the term "coupling" refers to a mechanism that connects rotating machine parts in a manner that transmits motion from one part to another.

[0038] As used herein, the term "rotary actuator" refers to an element that converts pneumatic fluid pressure into rotational power and generates instantaneous torque, resulting in a circular motion.

[0039] The term "at least" used herein indicates an option that includes one or more components or parameters described by the term. For the purpose of this description, the term at least defines that one to five components associated therewith are included.

[0040] As used herein, the term "damper" refers to a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and cushion shock, impact, or vibration.

[0041] As used herein, the term "reinforcing corner" refers to reinforcing elements for mechanical structures and assemblies.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "about" or "around", when used in connection with an amount, percentage or parameter, mean that the amount, percentage or parameter may vary within 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9% or 10% of the stated value or range of values.

[0043] As used herein, the terms "base" or "support" refer to a mechanical element that bears the weight of another element and prevents it from moving or changing position.

[0044] As used herein, the term "bin" refers to a barrel or industrial storage container that can be used to transport weighed batches of shrimp in the context of the present invention.

[0045] As used herein, the term "bearing" refers to an esparto or round piece of iron used to protect around other elements.

[0046] The term "shrimp" as used herein refers to a crustacean from the order Eusinaria, distributed in fresh and salt waters worldwide. For the purposes of this application, unless otherwise specified, the term shrimp refers to both live and processed shrimp.

[0047] The term "load cell" as used herein refers to a structure designed to withstand compression, tension and bending loads, within which one or more strain sensors are provided to detect strain values.

[0048] As used herein, the term "bearing housing" refers to a metal or plastic workpiece having a recess on which the shaft of a machine rests and rotates.

[0049] The term "pneumatic cylinder" as used herein refers to a unit that converts the potential energy of compressed air into kinetic energy or compressive force.

[0050] The terms "comprising," "consisting of," "including," "having," "with," or variations thereof, are intended to be inclusive rather than limiting.

[0051] As used herein, the term "compressor" refers to a machine whose function is to increase the pressure of a fluid and store it in a tank or accumulator.

[0052] As used herein, the term "shrimping season" refers to the period of the year when shrimp are harvested from grow-out ponds when they reach a desired size for consumption or production.

[0053] As used herein, the term "apparatus" refers to one or a group of pieces or components assembled together to perform a specific function and typically form part of a more complex system.

[0054] As used herein, the term "shaft" refers to a construction element intended to guide the rotational movement of a workpiece or a group of workpieces, such as wheels or gears.

[0055] As used herein, the term "solenoid valve" refers to an electromechanical valve typically used to control the flow of liquids or gases.

[0056] The term "CSV format" as used in this article refers to an open, simple document format for representing data in a tabular format where columns are separated by commas and rows are separated by newline characters.

[0057] The term "JSON format" as used in this article refers to a simple text format for data exchange based on JavaScript Object Notation.

[0058] As used herein, the term "guide" refers to a mechanical element that enables the movement of another element to be controlled with less effort.

[0059] As used herein, the term "cam" refers to a type of mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear motion through direct contact with a follower.

[0060] The term "batch" as used herein refers to a group of elements having common characteristics, assembled for a specific purpose. For the purposes of this application, shrimp are grouped in batches to determine their weight.

[0061] As used herein, the term "hose" refers to a long, flexible tube, usually made of rubber, used to transport material from one place to another, sucking material in at one end and discharging the material out of the opposite end.

[0062] As used herein, the term "manifold" refers to an instrument designed to receive fluids from one or more sources and distribute them to one or more destinations.

[0063] As used herein, the term "frame" refers to a structural element to which support and positioning components are secured.

[0064] The term “optional” or “optionally” used herein means that the relevant component may be included or contained, or may not be included or contained, and the description includes both embodiments in which the component is included or contained and embodiments in which the component is not included or contained.

[0065] The term "computer" as used herein refers to an electronic machine capable of storing and automatically processing information through mathematical and logical operations controlled by a software program. For the purposes of this specification, the computer may be of the Raspberry Pi type.

[0066] As used herein, the term "bolt" refers to a cylindrical metal workpiece with a round head to which a nut, cotter pin or rivet is fixed at the opposite end of the round head to fasten a larger assembly.

[0067] As used herein, the term "piston" refers to a workpiece that reciprocates within a cylinder and interacts with a fluid to produce motion.

[0068] The term "cam plate" as used herein refers to a cam follower that provides linear motion in automated and specialized machines due to direct contact with a cam.

[0069] The term "PLC" or "Programmable Logic Controller" as used herein refers to a computer used in automation or industrial control engineering to automate electromechanical, electropneumatic or electrohydraulic processes, such as controlling factory machinery on an assembly line or other production processes, and mechanical rides.

[0070] As used herein, the term "pulley" refers to a flat metal wheel that rotates on its axis and is used to transfer motion in a mechanism using a belt.

[0071] The term "return spring" as used herein refers to the spring responsible for ensuring the return of the element after the action of the shaft.

[0072] As used herein, the term "inductive sensor" refers to a class of sensors used to detect ferrous materials.

[0073] As used herein, the term "separator" refers to a device that separates one element from another by physical means.

[0074] As used herein, the term "gate system" or "gate subsystem" refers to a set of elements or components that can control the flow of shrimp into the apparatus of the present invention.

[0075] As used herein, the term "weighing system" or "weighing subsystem" refers to a set of elements or components within the apparatus of the present invention that determine the weight of each batch of shrimp.

[0076] The term "drum" as used herein refers to a cylindrical element used to determine the weight of various materials stored therein.

[0077] As used herein, the term "air tank" refers to an element that can store air for later consumption or bulk use.

[0078] The term "cover" as used herein refers to a workpiece located on the outside of an object and used to close or cover the object.

[0079] As used herein, the term "hopper" refers to a device similar to a large funnel designed to store and transfer materials, among other purposes.

[0080] As used herein, the term "rotation stop" refers to a component that stops the motion of an object or element, or prevents it from exceeding a certain point in its motion or movement.

[0081] It should be clear that the terms used in this specification should always be interpreted in a broad, non-restrictive sense.

[0082] Although the overall inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail herein. The present disclosure should be regarded as an example of the principle of the overall inventive concept. Therefore, the overall inventive concept should not be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein.

[0083] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides a device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps, comprising a supporting structure (1), a gate subsystem (2) for regulating the flow of captured shrimps, a weighing subsystem (3) for weighing shrimps in batches, and a discharge hopper (4) for guiding the weighed shrimps to be discharged from the weighing device.

[0084] The support structure (1) houses the weighing subsystem (3) and allows the device of the present invention to be connected to the shrimp catching machine. The support structure (1) also positions the gate subsystem (2) between the catching machine and the weighing subsystem (3), and positions the discharge hopper (4) below the weighing subsystem (3).

[0085] In one embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 3 and Figure 6 ), the support structure (1) includes an external support assembly and an internal support assembly. The external support assembly protects and isolates the weighing subsystem (3). The internal support assembly can position and fix the weighing subsystem (3) in the device of the present invention.

[0086] The external support assembly includes a main frame (5), wide side covers (6), upper front cover (7), top cover (8), short side covers (9) and rear hopper cover (10). The main frame (5) serves as a support and pillar for all elements and subsystems of the device of the present invention.

[0087] The internal support assembly comprises a subframe (11), four subframe guides (12), two high inner side covers (13, 13') and two low inner side covers (14, 14'). These side covers (13, 13', 14, 14') are mounted on the main frame (5) of the support structure (1) and prevent the shrimp from leaving the weighing device or hinder any movement. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side covers (13, 13', 14, 14') are designated A and B according to the side (right or left) on which they are located. Thus, one high inner side cover (13) and one low inner side cover (14) correspond to the right side, while another high inner side cover (13') and another low inner side cover (14') correspond to the left side. These components are similar but not interchangeable.

[0088] In one embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 4 ), the gate subsystem (2) is located at the rear of the device of the present invention, between the catching machine hopper and the weighing subsystem (3), so that the gate subsystem (2) regulates the flow of shrimp pumped into the weighing device of the present invention.

[0089] The gate subsystem (2) comprises a vertical gate (15) supported by a vertical piston frame (16) attached to a supporting structure (1). Its movement is controlled by two vertical gate guides (17), a pneumatic gate cylinder (18) and two gate dampers (19). The pneumatic gate cylinder (18) is directly connected to the vertical piston frame (16) and the vertical gate (15) via a gate cylinder bushing (20). It controls the opening (raising) and closing (descending) movements of the gate (15). The gate dampers (19) are arranged on both sides of the vertical gate (15) through two gate damper frames (21) fixed to the hopper of the capture machine. These gate dampers (19) only control the closing or descending movement of the gate (15), so that the gate closes smoothly without interfering with the opening or ascending movement.

[0090] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the gate subsystem (2) further comprises an inductive sensor (22) which detects the open or closed position of the vertical gate (15) during the weighing process. In this way, it can identify whether the vertical gate (15) is open or closed. The inductive sensor (22) is attached to the gate subsystem (2) via a sensor bracket (23).

[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention ( Figure 5 ), the weighing subsystem (3) is capable of continuously and accurately determining the weight of each batch of shrimp. The weighing subsystem (3) includes a weighing drum (24) that rotates along a single axis using an axis system. The axis system consists of two drum shafts (25) and two stainless steel bearings (26), which connect the axis system to a rotary actuator (27) that causes the rotary movement of the weighing drum (24). The rotary actuator (27) is fixed with a rotary actuator spacer (28) and is fixed in place by a rotary actuator frame (29), which is in turn fixed to the subframe (11). In addition, the axis system is attached to the subframe (11) of the support structure (1) using two bolts of each bearing (26) of the axis system.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) has an upper opening (30). In another embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) is equipped with two drum rotation stops (31), which are divided into a left drum rotation stop (31') and a right drum rotation stop (31"). These stops, together with at least three drum shock absorbers (32) attached to the sub-frame (11) of the supporting structure (1), limit and control the rotational movement to prevent inertia from causing strong impacts on the machine. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one shock absorber (32a) is directly fixed to the sub-frame (11) of the supporting structure (1), while at least two other shock absorbers (32b, 32c) are attached to the sub-frame (11) via two weighing drum shock absorber frames (33).

[0093] The weighing subsystem (3) further comprises an inductive sensor (34) attached to the subframe (11) of the supporting structure (1) via an inductive sensor holder (35). The sensor provides information about the position of the weighing drum (24) to the operating system of the weighing device. In one embodiment of the invention, the inductive sensor (34) informs the system whether the drum (24) is in the receiving position or the unloading position. In another embodiment of the invention, the inductive sensor (34) does not indicate an intermediate position.

[0094] The weighing subsystem (3) employs one or more load cells (36) which support the weighing drum (24) when it contains a batch of captured shrimps, thereby enabling the weight of the batch of shrimps to be determined. These load cells (36) are directly attached to the main frame (5) of the support structure (1) and one or more M8 sensor suspension chains (37) are used to suspend the weighing subsystem (3) during the weighing process. The suspension of the weighing subsystem (3) is achieved by direct suspension from the subframe (11). In a preferred embodiment, the weighing subsystem (3) includes one to four load cells (36). In a more preferred embodiment, the subsystem includes three load cells (36).

[0095] In one embodiment of the present invention, the weighing subsystem (3) comprises a weighing sensor locking system ( Figure 6 ), the locking system lifts the weighing subsystem (3) when it is stationary or in transit, thereby reducing the load on the sensor (36) and preventing damage due to vibration stress or impact with the weighing roller (24). The locking system consists of a cam mechanism, which includes four cam follower plates (38), two assembled compound cams (39), two assembled simple cams (40) and a pneumatic cam cylinder (41). Each pair of cam follower plates (38) is attached to the side of the subframe (11), while the compound cams (39) and simple cams (40) are located on the side of the main frame (5). Each side of the weighing roller (24) is equipped with a pair of cams (39, 40). In one embodiment, the cam follower plates (38) and the assembled compound cams and simple cams (39, 40) are fixed to the supporting structure frame (1) using mounting bolts. In another embodiment, the compound cams (39) and simple cams (40) perform the same function but differ in geometry. The compound cam (39) includes an additional extension portion for connection with a pneumatic cam cylinder (41).

[0096] The movement of the cam follower plate (38) to lift and support the weighing drum (24) is achieved by moving the compound and simple cam pairs (39, 40) through the action of a pneumatic cam cylinder (41). The cam movement is synchronized because the compound cams (39) are connected to each other by a camshaft (42) and two camshaft couplings (44) on each side. The camshafts are fixed in place by camshaft supports (43). Similarly, each simple cam (40) is connected to the compound cam (39) on each side (to fix each pair of cams) by a cam link (45) on each side and a return spring (46) with a corresponding support (47). The movement also involves one or more camshaft washers (48) which hold the cams in place and ensure that they strictly maintain rotational movement.

[0097] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic cam cylinder (41) of the load cell locking system is attached to the support structure (1) via a cylinder base plate (49) for the locking system. The pneumatic cam cylinder (41) is connected to the compound cam (39) on one side of the locking system via a locking cylinder bushing (50).

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking system is housed inside the supporting structure (1) and is located on both sides of the weighing subsystem (3), so that the outer component (5) of the supporting structure (1) covers the locking system, while the inner side plates (13, 13', 14, 14') of the inner component (6) separate the locking system from the weighing subsystem (3).

[0099] In one embodiment of the invention, a discharge hopper (4) receives the batch of shrimp weighed by the weighing subsystem (3) and allows it to be discharged from the device of the invention. The discharge hopper (4) comprises a flexible hose with a coupling element for the hopper, allowing the shrimp to be discharged into a transport bucket or a bin. The discharge hopper (4) is fixed to the main frame (5) of the supporting structure (1) using at least six stainless steel straps, which allow the device to be easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.

[0100] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the height of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 150 cm to 200 cm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 175 cm.

[0101] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the width of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 125 cm to 175 cm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the width of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 152 cm.

[0102] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the depth of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 80 cm to 100 cm. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the depth of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 92 cm.

[0103] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3) of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps has a top opening (30) with an opening area of ​​about 27 cm×102 cm.

[0104] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 250kg to 270kg. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps is about 260kg.

[0105] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3) of the device of the present invention is about 150 L to 170 L. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the volume of the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3) of the device of the present invention is about 160 L.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the automatic continuous weighing device for live shrimps is installed on a shrimp catching machine. The assembly includes modifying the structure of the shrimp catching machine and assembling the automatic continuous weighing device for live shrimps before installing it on the catching machine.

[0107] The modification of the structure of the shrimp trap mainly consists of cutting the shrimp outlet of the trap and installing a custom funnel, which is used as a replacement part to facilitate the discharge of shrimp from the trap and distribute the shrimp along the entire length of the weighing drum (24) of the device of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the shrimp outlet of the trap is cut using techniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g., grinders and / or cutting discs). In another embodiment of the present invention, the custom funnel is welded directly to the hopper of the trap. In addition, one or more reinforcement angles are welded directly to the structure of the trap to enable the main frame (5) of the device to be bolted to the trap.

[0108] The assembly of the device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps first installs the load cell locking system, wherein the lever mechanism has been pre-assembled on the main frame (5) of the support structure (1). The pre-assembled lever mechanism includes an assembly of a composite lever (39) and a simple lever (40), respective separator bushings (48), a lever connecting shaft (42), a lever shaft coupling (44), a lever connecting rod (45) and a return spring (46) with corresponding supports (43, 47).

[0109] Next, the guides (12) of the subframe are installed so that the subframe (11) is positioned together with the dampers (32) of the weighing drum (24), which are fixed to the main frame (5) of the support structure (1) through the drum damper supports (33). At this time, the high inner cover (13, 13') and the low inner cover (14, 14') are also installed on the main frame (5).

[0110] Next, the shaft system of the weighing subsystem (3) is assembled, which consists of positioning the stainless steel bearing (26) on the subframe (11) and installing the roller shaft (25). After the roller shaft (25) is in place, the weighing roller (24) is positioned and a rotation stop (31) is placed on the roller to limit and control its movement.

[0111] After the weighing subsystem (3) is assembled, one or more load cells (36) are positioned on the main frame (5) by fixing the load cell chain (37) to the frame, depending on the number of load cells used. Next, the cam follower plate (38) of the cam mechanism is fixed and adjusted directly to the subframe (11) of the supporting structure (1). The housing of the weighing subsystem (3) is partially completed by mounting the top cover (8), the upper front cover (9) and the rear cover (10) on the main frame (5).

[0112] The partially assembled apparatus for automatic continuous weighing of live shrimp is bolted to the modified shrimp trap structure with the assembled funnel and one or more reinforcing corner pieces. Once the apparatus is installed, the dimensions are checked and the positions of the various structural elements are repositioned to meet the required operating dimensions and stability requirements of the shrimp trap.

[0113] After the device of the present invention is installed on the capture machine, the gate subsystem (2) is then assembled. This includes positioning the vertical piston support (16) on the main frame (5) of the support structure and fixing the vertical gate guide (17) and the gate shock absorber support (21) directly to the hopper of the capture machine. Next, the vertical gate (15) is installed. After all these components of the gate subsystem (2) are positioned, the pneumatic gate cylinder (18) of the gate subsystem (2) and the pneumatic cam cylinder (41) of the locking system are installed, as well as their respective bases (16, 49) and bushings (20, 50). In addition, at this time, the rotary actuator (27) of the weighing subsystem (3) and its separator (28) and support (29), as well as the inductive sensor (34) of the weighing subsystem (3) and its support (35) are also installed on the subframe (11) of the support structure (1). After assembling the vertical gate (15) and the pneumatic gate cylinder (18), the gate damper (19) is mounted on the gate damper support (21). According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, at this time, the optional inductive sensor (22) of the gate subsystem (2) is also mounted through its support (23).

[0114] The installation of the device for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps in a shrimp catching machine is completed by electronically connecting the components of the device to the corresponding power sources. In this regard, the wiring of the pneumatic hoses of the rotary actuator (27) and the pneumatic cylinders (18, 41) and the wiring of the cables of the weighing sensor (36) and the inductive sensor (34) are carried out. Finally, the discharge hopper (4) with the flexible hoses and coupling elements is mounted on the main frame (5) of the supporting structure (1), and the housing of the device is completed by installing the side covers (8, 9) of the supporting structure (1) and the rear cover (10) of the discharge hopper (4).

[0115] While assembling the automatic weighing device in the shrimp trap, other elements are installed to enable the weighing system to operate. These elements correspond to the components of the pneumatic system, including the double pulley bolted to the trap, the compressor in the diesel engine of the trap, and the gas tank. The gas tank provides compressed air as a power source for the pneumatic cylinders and rotary actuators of the device. At this stage, as described below, the corresponding pneumatic control and safety valves are also installed, and the control and operating elements of the weighing device are bolted to their respective positions.

[0116] It should be clarified that all components of the automatic continuous weighing device are pre-assembled in the factory, so the operator should not change its design in practice. In one embodiment of the present invention, all structural components of the device for automatic continuous weighing of live shrimps are made of stainless steel, preferably 304 stainless steel.

[0117] The invention also relates to a method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps using the device.

[0118] In one embodiment of the present invention, before using the automatic continuous weighing method, the device of the present invention must be installed on the shrimp catching machine.

[0119] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the device for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps is controlled by a main control panel, which includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), a weighing module, a communication module, a motor controller for switching the motor on and off and monitoring it (including a motor temperature sensor, a motor pressure sensor, a hydraulic oil temperature, a hydraulic oil pressure, a fuel level, a hydraulic oil level, a battery), and a touch screen HMI control display.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motor controller is replaced by an electronic card that can read the motor temperature sensor, motor pressure sensor, hydraulic oil temperature, hydraulic oil pressure, fuel level, hydraulic oil level and battery charge. In this case, the PLC communication module is removed and an analog sensor reading module is added as well as an additional touch screen HMI display.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main control panel has a length of about 45 cm to 55 cm, a width of about 55 cm to 65 cm, and a depth of about 20 cm to 30 cm. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main control panel has a length of about 50 cm, a width of about 60 cm, and a depth of about 25 cm.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the HMI touch screen is independent of the main control panel, and preferably, the HMI touch screen has its own screen panel. In another more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the HMI touch screen is 7 inches. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the HMI touch screen is 4 inches.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the device for automatically and continuously weighing shrimps is also controlled by a solenoid valve panel and / or a communication panel. The solenoid valve panel includes a pneumatic solenoid valve manifold, and the communication panel includes a communication module with a radio frequency antenna.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the pneumatic solenoid valve panel is about 45cm to 55cm, the width is about 35cm to 45cm, and the depth is about 15cm to 25cm. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length of the pneumatic solenoid valve panel is about 50cm, the width is about 40cm, and the depth is about 20cm.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication panel has a length of about 30 cm to 40 cm, a width of about 20 cm to 30 cm, and a depth of about 10 cm to 20 cm. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communication panel has a length of about 35 cm, a width of about 26 cm, and a depth of about 16 cm.

[0126] In one embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 7a and Figure 7b The method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps comprises a first stage, i.e., the shrimps enter the weighing device of the present invention. The entry of the shrimps is controlled by a gate subsystem (2), through which the flow of shrimps into the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3) is regulated. After a predetermined amount of product has accumulated, the vertical gate (15) is closed, cutting off the flow of shrimps from the hopper to the drum (24). By stopping the flow of shrimps, the shrimps are weighed in batches (e.g., Figure 7a ) as indicated by the yellow circle in the figure.

[0127] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertical gate (15) opens about 10 cm to 15 cm to allow the shrimp flow to enter the weighing drum (24). In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertical gate (15) opens about 10 cm to allow the shrimp flow to enter the weighing drum (24).

[0128] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow rate of shrimp from the hopper to the weigh drum (24) is about 1 to 2200 pounds per minute, preferably about 50 to 2000 pounds per minute.

[0129] In one embodiment of the invention, the device of the invention further comprises a vertical gate (15) closure prediction mechanism, which obtains the predetermined product quantity per batch based on the calculated shrimp flow rate from the hopper, with an error margin of about 1% to 5%, preferably about 2%. This vertical gate (15) closure prediction mechanism is implemented in the PLC. Once the shrimp flow rate and the gate closure time are known, the mechanism can determine the exact moment of gate closure with the above-mentioned accuracy.

[0130] In one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined amount of product entering the weighing drum (24) from the catcher hopper is configurable. In one embodiment of the invention, the amount of product entering the drum (24) is configured by a main operating panel, preferably an HMI touch screen control panel.

[0131] In one embodiment of the present invention, each batch of shrimp in the weigh drum (24) can be up to about 300 pounds. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each batch of shrimp in the weigh drum (24) is between about 10 pounds and about 300 pounds. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each batch of shrimp in the weigh drum (24) is between about 200 pounds and about 300 pounds. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, each batch of shrimp in the weigh drum (24) is about 252 pounds.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference Figure 8 The method for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps comprises a second stage, namely the weighing of the shrimps in batches in the weighing subsystem (3) of the device. After the flow of shrimps is stopped and no more product is prevented from entering, the weighing drum (24) and the batches therein stabilize and the relevant information is recorded in the weighing operation and control system. In the context of the present invention, the stabilization of the weighing drum (24) refers to a state of the weighing subsystem (3) in which the weight is no longer increasing, the vertical gate (15) is properly closed, and the reading of the weighing sensor (36) is maintained (i.e. does not change) for a given time.

[0133] In one embodiment of the present invention, reference Fig. 9 The method for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps includes a third stage, namely unloading the shrimps into the discharge hopper (4) of the device. After recording the weight, the weighing drum (24) rotates from the receiving position and unloads the shrimp batch into the discharge hopper (4) through its opening. Then, the weighing drum (24) returns to the receiving position after a predetermined time.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) rotates at an angle of about 175° to 185° to unload the weighed batch of shrimp. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) rotates at an angle of about 180° to unload the weighed batch of shrimp.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) is kept in the unloading position for a time period of about 1 to 5 seconds. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weighing drum (24) is kept in the unloading position for a time period of about 2 seconds.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge hopper (4) discharges weighed batches of shrimps through flexible hoses into one or more heat treatment tanks for further processing of the captured shrimps.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge hopper (4) discharges weighed batches of shrimp directly into one or more bins of one or more trucks through a flexible hose.

[0138] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps includes a fourth stage, namely, taring of the weighing drum (24). The weighing and taring are performed when the weighing drum (24) is empty and stationary, i.e., suspended on the load cell (36) but without shrimps inside, so as to start the weighing process of a new batch.

[0139] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the device is used for the first time in shrimp fishing, the fourth stage (ie, taring of the weighing drum (24)) is performed before the first stage (ie, the product entering the weighing drum (24)).

[0140] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the device completes a weighing cycle in about 10 to 15 seconds. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device completes a weighing cycle in about 12 seconds.

[0141] In one embodiment of the invention, the device is capable of weighing up to about 300 pounds of shrimp every 12 seconds. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is capable of weighing up to 1500 pounds of shrimp per minute.

[0142] In one embodiment of the present invention, see Fig.10The method for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps comprises an additional stage of locking the weighing sensor (36) of the weighing subsystem (3), in particular during transport and coupling of the device. To protect the weighing sensor (36), the device comprises a cam system or mechanism that can lift the weighing subsystem (3) to relieve the load on the sensor. This protects the sensor (39) from stresses (caused by vibrations that may occur when transporting the device from one location to another or by impacts with the weighing drum (24)). The cam-based locking system is activated via the main control panel when the device is not in use. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the activation of the locking system is triggered by an activation button on the main control panel. This command activates the solenoid valve, which in turn activates the locking cylinder. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking system remains activated even if the capture machine and the device are powered off.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, see Fig.11 The method for automatic continuous weighing of shrimps comprises an additional phase, namely the unlocking of the weighing sensor (36) of the weighing subsystem (3). In one embodiment of the invention, the unlocking phase is performed before the first phase, namely the entry of the shrimp batch into the weighing subsystem (3). In another embodiment of the invention, the unlocking phase is performed before the additional phase, namely the tare weight removal of the weighing drum (24) of the device.

[0144] In one embodiment of the invention, the load cell (36) unlocking phase is initiated by a command on the main control panel which activates a cam system or mechanism, in particular a pneumatic cylinder (20), thereby moving the cam pair (39, 40) to release contact with the cam follower plate (42) to lower the weighing subsystem (3) and then suspend it on the load cell (36) or in a stationary position.

[0145] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the weighing subsystem (3) is operational when the weighing subsystem (3) is free to move, i.e., when it is fully suspended from the weighing sensor (36). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movement of the weighing subsystem (3) is not limited by the contact between the cams (39, 40) and the cam follower plate (38). In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a distance of about 2 mm to 5 mm between the cams (39, 40) and the cam follower plate (38). In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a distance of at least about 2 mm between the cams (39, 40) and the cam follower plate (38).

[0146] In one embodiment of the invention, the automatic continuous weighing device is coupled to the capture machine. In another embodiment of the invention, the automatic continuous weighing device can also be used to weigh shrimps that are manually captured. In this embodiment, the shrimps collected from the pond gate into the feed box can be transported and stored in an auxiliary hopper connected to the device, and the weighing method is then operated as described above.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3) can be replaced by a weighing box, in which the products or batches to be weighed are received at the top of the box, but unloading is carried out by opening one or more hoppers located at the bottom of the box. The movement of these hoppers is carried out by pneumatic cylinders, eliminating the need for rotary actuators (27) of the shaft of the weighing subsystem (3) and drum dampers (32).

[0148] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the automatic continuous weighing device and method can be used for other marine species. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the automatic continuous weighing device and method can be used for other crustacean species or small fish. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the automatic continuous weighing device and method can be used for fish weighing up to about 1 kg, more preferably for tilapia. For the purpose of this alternative embodiment, the opening height of the vertical gate (15) of the gate subsystem (2) of the device is modified, and the height can be increased or decreased depending on the size of the species to be weighed.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present invention, when coupled to a capture machine, the operation and functions of the automatic continuous shrimp weighing device are implemented by a computer, specifically a programmable logic controller (PLC) included in a main control panel.

[0150] The PLC-controlled automatic continuous weighing method includes the following stages:

[0151] i) turning on the device of the present invention;

[0152] ii) starting the internal combustion engine and filling the pressurized gas tank;

[0153] iii) start the shrimp catching process;

[0154] iv) activating a weighing device by means of the device of the present invention;

[0155] v) Collect information on weighed shrimp batches;

[0156] vi) registering and processing the weighing data on a microcontroller; and

[0157] vii) The processed data is transferred to the cloud server to populate the database tables.

[0158] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the shrimp weighing method implemented by PLC includes an additional step, namely, activating the unlocking system of the weighing subsystem (3) between step c) starting the shrimp catching process and step d) activating the weighing device.

[0159] In another embodiment of the present invention, the shrimp weighing method implemented by PLC includes an additional step of activating the locking system of the weighing subsystem (3) after the data collection process and the use of the device are completed.

[0160] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, step e) collecting information of the shrimp batch occurs after the stabilization step of the weighing subsystem (3) and before the batch unloading step of the above-mentioned weighing method.

[0161] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the information collected in step e) of the PLC-implemented method includes, but is not limited to, variables or parameters of time, weight, and weighing duration. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the information collected in step e) of the PLC-implemented method includes the date and time of the batch being weighed, the batch weight, the duration of the batch weighing process, and the shrimp flow rate in the weighing subsystem (3).

[0162] In one embodiment of the invention, in step f) registering and processing weighing data, a Raspberry Pi type computer (local level) is used. In one embodiment of the invention, in step f) registering and processing weighing data, this information is registered in one or more tables in CSV or JSON format.

[0163] In one embodiment of the invention, the transmission of the processed data in step g) is performed wirelessly via satellite, cellular network or Wi-Fi network within the shrimp farm by radio frequency. In addition, the Raspberry Pi type computer may include an option to download the records via a hotspot.

[0164] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the PLC operation of the automatic continuous shrimp weighing device can be manually configured to perform functions such as opening and closing the vertical gate (15), rotating the weighing drum and returning it to a stationary state, reading the status of the gate and drum sensors, etc.

[0165] Although the present invention has been disclosed in detail for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various changes or slight modifications are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps, characterized in that: The device comprises a support structure (1), a gate subsystem (2) for allowing the captured shrimp to flow through, a batch weighing subsystem (3) for the captured shrimp, and a discharge hopper (4) for directing the weighed shrimp to be discharged from the weighing device.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support structure (1) comprises an outer support component and an inner support component.

3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The external support assembly comprises a main frame (5), a wide side cover (6), a short side cover (7), a top cover (8), an upper front cover (9) and a rear hopper cover (10).

4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that The internal support assembly comprises a subframe (11), four guides (12) of the subframe, two high inner covers (13, 13') and two low inner covers (14, 14').

5. The device according to claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The gate subsystem (2) comprises a vertical gate (15), a pneumatic gate cylinder (18), two gate dampers (19) and an inductive sensor (22), wherein the gate subsystem (2) regulates the flow of shrimp pumped into the weighing device.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The vertical gate (15) is supported by a vertical piston bearing (16) attached to the support structure (1), and the movement of the gate is controlled by two vertical gate guides (17).

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The pneumatic gate cylinder (18) is directly connected to the vertical piston support (16) and the vertical gate (15) through the gate cylinder bushing (22), wherein the pneumatic gate cylinder (18) controls the opening or rising and closing or falling movements of the vertical gate (15).

8. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The gate damper (19) is arranged on each side of the vertical gate (15) through two gate damper supports (21), wherein the gate damper (19) controls the closing or descending movement of the gate (15).

9. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that The inductive sensor (22) detects the open or closed position of the vertical gate (15) during the weighing process.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The weighing subsystem (3) comprises a weighing drum (24) moving along a single axis of rotation of an axis system, wherein the weighing subsystem (3) allows the weight of each batch of shrimp to be determined continuously and accurately.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The weighing drum (24) has a top opening (30) through which a batch of shrimp to be weighed is received.

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The volume of the weighing drum (24) is about 150L to 170L.

13. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The shaft system comprises two drum shafts (25), two stainless steel bearings (26) and a rotary actuator (27), wherein the bearings (26) allow the shaft system to be connected to the rotary actuator (27), and wherein the rotary actuator (27) causes the rotary movement of the weighing drum (24).

14. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The rotational movement of the weighing drum (24) is controlled and limited by two drum rotation stops (31) and at least three drum dampers (32).

15. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The weighing subsystem (3) further comprises an inductive sensor (34), which transmits position information of the weighing drum (24) to an operating system of the weighing device.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that The inductive sensor (34) transmits information to the operating system of the weighing device whether the drum (24) is in the receiving position or in the unloading position.

17. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The weighing subsystem (3) also includes one or more load cells (36) capable of determining the weight of the batch of shrimp within the weighing drum (24).

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The one or more load cells (36) suspend the weighing subsystem (3) via one or more load cell chains (37).

19. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The weighing subsystem (3) includes a weighing sensor locking system (41) which lifts the weighing subsystem (3) when it is stationary or in transit, thereby reducing the load on the sensor (39) and preventing stress damage caused by vibration or impact with the weighing drum (24).

20. The device according to claim 19, characterized in that The locking system comprises a cam mechanism, which is composed of four cam follower plates (38), two compound cams (39), two single cams (40) and a pneumatic cam cylinder (41).

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that Each side of the weighing drum (24) has a compound and simple cam pair (39, 40).

22. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that Movement of the cam follower plate (38) to lift and support the weighing drum (24) is achieved by movement of the compound and simple cam pairs (39, 40) under the action of the pneumatic cam cylinder (41).

23. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The weighing drum (24) may optionally be replaced by a weighing box.

24. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that The discharge hopper (4) comprises a flexible hose with a hopper coupling element, which enables the batch of shrimp weighed by the weighing subsystem (3) to be discharged into one or more transport boxes or containers.

25. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that The device is installed on a shrimp catching machine.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The installation includes modifying the shrimp capture machine structure by installing a custom funnel that facilitates unloading and dispensing of shrimp from the capture machine into the weigh drum (24).

27. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that The installation also includes installing additional elements on the capture machine that allow the device to operate.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that The elements include dual pulleys, a compressor in a capture diesel engine, and an air tank.

29. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The support structure (1) accommodates the weighing subsystem (3) inside, and the gate subsystem (2) can be positioned between the shrimp catching machine and the weighing subsystem (3), and the discharge hopper (4) can be positioned below the weighing subsystem (3).

30. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that The device for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps comprises: i) a height of about 150 cm to 200 cm; ii) a width of between approximately 125 cm and 175 cm; iii) a depth of between approximately 80 cm and 100 cm; and iv) a weight between approximately 250 kg and 270 kg.

31. A method for automatically and continuously weighing live shrimps, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: a) allowing the shrimp to enter the device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the entry is controlled by a gate subsystem (2) into the weighing drum (24) of the weighing subsystem (3); b) weighing the shrimps in batches in the weighing subsystem (3), wherein the weighing drum (24) is stabilized together with the batches inside it and the relevant information is recorded; c) unloading the shrimp from the receiving position into the unloading hopper (4) by rotating the weighing drum (24); and d) taring the weighing drum (24) suspended on the weighing sensor (36) but without the shrimp inside.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that In step a), the shrimps enter the device in batches.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that Each batch of shrimp in the weigh drum (24) is up to about 300 pounds.

34. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that The shrimp entry flow rate from the capture machine hopper to the weigh drum (24) is between about 1 and 2200 lbs / minute.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that The entry of the shrimps is optionally controlled by a mechanism for predicting the closing of the vertical gate (15), based on the calculated shrimp flow from the hopper, to obtain a predetermined amount of product per batch, with a margin of error of approximately 1% to 5%.

36. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that In step d), the weighing drum (24) is rotated at an angle of about 175° to 185° to unload the weighed shrimp batches.

37. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that After the shrimps are unloaded in step d), the weighing drum (24) returns to the receiving position after a predetermined time.

38. The device according to claim 37, characterized in that The weighing drum (24) remains in the unloading position for a period of about 1 to 5 seconds.

39. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The discharge hopper (4) releases weighed batches of shrimp through the flexible hose into one or more heat treatment tanks for further processing of the captured shrimp.

40. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that The discharge hopper (4) releases weighed batches of shrimp directly into one or more bins of one or more trucks through the flexible hose.

41. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that When the device is used for shrimp catching for the first time, the taring of the weighing drum (24) in step d) is performed before the product enters the weighing drum (24).

42. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 41, characterized in that The weighing cycle is completed in approximately 10 to 15 seconds.

43. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 42, characterized in that The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 29 is capable of weighing up to about 300 pounds of shrimp every 12 seconds.

44. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 43, characterized in that The method comprises the additional step of locking the load cell (36) of the weighing subsystem (3) during transport and coupling of the device according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that Locking the load cell (36) is performed by activating the locking system when the device is not in use.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 31 to 43, characterized in that The method comprises the additional step of unlocking the load cell (36) of the weighing subsystem (3) before the batch of shrimp enters the weighing subsystem (3).

47. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that Unlocking the load cell (36) is performed by deactivating the locking system, thereby releasing contact with the cam follower plate (42) to lower the weighing subsystem (3).

48. A method of determining the weight of a batch of shrimp by operation of an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: a) turning on the weighing device; b) starting the internal combustion engine and filling the pressurized gas tank; c) Activate the shrimp catching process; d) activating the weighing device; e) Collect information on weighed shrimp batches; f) recording and processing of weighing data in a small single-board computer; and g) The processed data is transmitted and stored in the cloud server to populate the database table.

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that The method comprises an additional step of activating the unlocking system of the weighing subsystem (3) between step c) activating the shrimp catching process and step d) activating the weighing device.

50. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that The method comprises the additional step of activating a locking system of the weighing subsystem (3) after completion of the weighing data collection process and use of the device.

51. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that The information collected in step e) includes the variables or parameters of time, weight and duration of weighing.

52. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 51, characterized in that Steps a) to g) are developed in a control unit, for example a programmable logic controller (PLC).

53. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 52, characterized in that In step f) recording and processing the weighing data, a Raspberry Pi type computer (local level) is used.

54. The method according to any one of claims 48 to 52, characterized in that The processed data in step g) is transmitted wirelessly via radio frequency via satellite, cellular network or Wi-Fi network within the shrimp farm.

55. A system for determining the weight of a batch of shrimp, characterized in that The system comprises: a) A device for automatically and continuously weighing shrimps according to any one of claims 1 to 30; and b) Main control panel, including: - Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), - weighing module, - Communication module, -Engine controller for starting, stopping and monitoring the engine, including sensors for engine temperature, engine pressure, hydraulic oil temperature, hydraulic oil pressure, fuel level, hydraulic oil level, battery, - and touch screen HMI control panel.

56. The system according to claim 55, characterized in that The system also includes a solenoid valve panel and / or a communication panel.

57. The system according to claim 55 or 56, characterized in that The system controls the operation and functionality of the method according to claims 31 to 47 and the method according to claims 48 to 54.

58. Use of the device of claims 1 to 30, the method of claims 31 to 47, the method of claims 48 to 54, or the system of claims 55 to 57 for weighing live shrimps in a shrimp catching machine.

59. Use of the device of claims 1 to 30, the method of claims 31 to 47, the method of claims 48 to 54, or the system of claims 55 to 57 for weighing live manually caught shrimp.

60. Use of the device according to claims 1 to 30, the method according to claims 31 to 47, the method according to claims 48 to 54, or the system according to claims 55 to 57 for weighing other crustacean species or small fish.

Images