Chute for combination weigher with path controlling mechanism

Abstract

There is presented a chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) suitable for a combination weigher (100), said chute comprising a plurality of receiving sections (524), each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products (522), such as each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products from a dedicated hopper system (106) within a plurality of hopper systems in a combination weigher, one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute, such as the one or more path controlling mechanisms being controllable by a control device.

Description

[0001] CHUTE FOR COMBINATION WEIGHER WITH PATH CONTROLLING MECHANISM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a chute, and more particularly to a chute for a combination weigher, and furthermore relates to a corresponding combination weigher comprising said chute, a method for operating said chute and a method of operating said combination weigher.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A combination weigher, also sometimes referred to as multi-head weigher or associative weigher, may be employed, e.g ., for providing batches of products optionally in the form of particles, such as food products, meeting a predefined weight criterion.

[0006] The products may for example be delivered to an input part of the combination weigher, wherefrom it may be distributed by, e.g., a central cone, to a plurality of weighing means, such as hopper systems each including a weighing hopper, optionally via a plurality of conveying units, such as vibrating dispersion feeders or screw feeders. Products may after weighing be emptied, e.g ., from respective hopper systems, into a collection chute and delivered from there to post processing, e.g., packaging . In order to achieve a batch that meets the predetermined weight criterion, only portions of products, e.g ., from certain hopper systems, that in combination come closest to meeting such criterion are emptied . A central control unit may monitor each weighing means, and optionally each hopper system, in order to control for each batch, which portions should form part of, e.g ., from which hoppers products should contribute to, a batch and thereby control the establishment of one or more batches meeting the predetermined weight criterion as accurately as possible.

[0007] The inventors of the present invention have appreciated that it might be desirable to reduce or minimize a size of a combination weigher, such as the dimensions in one or more horizontal directions (e.g ., resulting in a reduced diameter of a circular combination weigher) and / or the dimension in the vertical direction, such as a height.

[0008] The inventors of the present invention have furthermore appreciated that it might additionally, or alternatively, be seen as advantageous that the processing in the combination weigher, e.g ., processing including rejecting products in one or more hoppers, can be carried out at within a reduced or minimum amount of time. Hence, an improved chute for a combination weigher enabling the combination weigher to have reduced or minimized size and / or being enabling faster processing, and a corresponding combination weigher, and methods for operating the chute and combination weigher, would be advantageous.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a chute, combination weigher and method, which overcomes the problems mentioned above. It may be a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

[0011] Thus, the above-described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a chute suitable for a combination weigher, said chute comprising : a plurality of receiving sections, each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products, such as each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products from a dedicated hopper system within a plurality of hopper systems in a combination weigher, one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute, such as the one or more path controlling mechanisms being controllable by a control device.

[0012] A possible advantage of such chute may be that since the chute comprises one or more path controlling mechanism, the chute enables routing products to different positions, which routing to different positions may be performed simultaneously. This option may be applicable for numerous purposes. For example, one or more products, such as a first group of products, may be routed to a dispatching unit at an end, such as a bottom, of the chute, wherein a batch for dispatching may be formed and dispatched, and one or more other products, such as a second group of products may be rejected, such as routed to a reject bin.

[0013] An advantage of controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute may be that it enables increasing processing speed. For example, in a situation wherein path control (or sorting) takes place (only) in a dispatching unit at an end of the chute, in case a product from a hopper system is to be rejected, it will have to be released from the hopper system and separated in time with respect to other products in other hopper systems (which are meant to be batched, i.e., not meant to be rejected), because (only) in that manner can it be sorted (rejected) in the dispatching unit within a separate time slot with respect to the other products which are then sorted (batched) at another separate time slot. With the present solution, due to the above- mentioned individuality, all products (for example both products, which are to be batched and products which are to be rejected), can have their paths controlled, and optionally changed (such as changed with respect to a path taken in the absence of any action taken, such as said action being activation / deactivation of the path controlling mechanism), within the same time slot. Thus, the need for the other time slot is effectively dispensed with, and processing speed may consequently be increased.

[0014] An advantage of having such chute comprising one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms may be that it enables dispensing with a need for having corresponding path controlling mechanism(s) before / upstream and / or after / downstream of the chute (such as sorting mechanisms at hopper systems before / upstream of the chute and / or at a tool, such as a dispatching unit, after / downstream of the chute). This may in turn be advantageous for enabling that one or more horizontal dimensions of a combination weigher, such as a diameter, can be reduced or minimized (e.g., compared to having sorting mechanisms at hopper systems, which might otherwise sort in an outward direction already peripheral positions). Additionally, or alternatively, this may in turn be advantageous for enabling that a total height of a combination weigher can be reduced or minimized (e.g., compared to having a sorting mechanism below / downstream of the chute).

[0015] Another possible advantage of having such chute may be that it enables retrofitting of the chute onto an existing combination weigher, such as thereby yielding the possibility of, e.g., sorting, even if the existing combination weigher did not have that capability prior to retrofitting with such chute.

[0016] Another possible advantage of such chute may be that it enables that in case of a hopper system, all hoppers can be of the same (relatively simple) type, such as a type without sorting capability (e.g., since possibility of sorting in the chute dispenses with a need to have at least one hopper in each hopper system being of a type with sorting capability).

[0017] 'Chute' may be understood to be a device wherein one or more products can be received at one position (a receiving section) and then, e.g., by action of gravitational forces, can move, such as slide and / or fall, along the chute and be guided by the chute along the way, to an exit position.

[0018] By 'a chute suitable for a combination weigher' may in embodiments be understood that the chute has certain dimensions, such as within the interval [10 cm; 10 m], such as within the interval [10 cm; 2 m], such as within the interval [50 cm; 2 m]. Additionally, or alternatively, the chute may be understood to be suitable for food processing. By a 'receiving section' is understood a part of the cute, such as an area of the chute, which enables receiving products, e.g., from a hopper system. It may be understood that the receiving sections are arranged so that products can be received at each receiving section, with substantially no risk, such as no risk, that one or more products received at one receiving section (unintentionally) goes to another receiving section.

[0019] By 'path controlling mechanism' is understood any mechanism, which enables controllably and predictably affecting the path of one or more products. A path may be changed by changing one or more of a position, direction and / or speed (e.g., where speed is changed so that a subsequent, ballistic trajectory is changed) of products.

[0020] Examples of a path controlling mechanism may include, e.g., a diverter arm, a gate (e.g., a flap blocking a path forward or a flap opening a side of the chute), means for changing a shape of the chute (e.g., so that products in the chute follows different paths depending on the shape or so that products enter into or pass the chute altogether in the first place depending on the shape), e.g., by having a flexible chute surface and means, such as actuators and a controlling unit, for deforming the chute surface, a pick-and-place robot, e.g., for picking selected products from one position in the chute and placing them at another position (which results in a different path).

[0021] In embodiments there may be only a single path controlling mechanism (e.g., one pick-and- place robot, which serially can pick-and-place products received at a plurality of receiving sections) or a plurality of path controlling mechanisms for controlling optionally in parallel paths of products received at different receiving stations (e.g., for each receiving section, a path controlling mechanism capable of controlling a path of products received at that and only that receiving section).

[0022] By 'controllable (path controlling mechanisms)' may be understood, that the path controlling mechanisms can be controlled (and hence that the paths of products can be controlled) in a predictable manner, e.g., via a control device, such as a control device sending control signals to an input port of the chute.

[0023] By 'controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute' may be understood that one or more products received at a receiving section can selectively (such as independently with respect to one or more products received at one or more other receiving sections) have a path controlled, such as changed from one path to another path. 'Path' may be understood to refer to location of the trajectory.

[0024] The chute may be arranged for receiving all products and for enabling subsequently (after receipt of products, such as all products) changing a path of some products (wherein "changing" may here be understood as leading products to different destinations, e.g., a batch or a reject collecting device, where the change of path may be effectuated by a change in state of the path controlling mechanism, e.g., from activated to de-activated or vice versa). Alternatively, the chute may be arranged for enabling operation wherein selected products (such as products which are to be rejected) en route (wherein 'en route' may be understood as 'on or along the way') towards a receiving section instead passes the chute, e.g., by deformation of the chute itself to evade a path of said products, for example where a path of the selected products is then a ballistic trajectory outside of the (at least partially deformed) chute, and only the paths of other products actually entering the chute is changed from the ballistic trajectory upon contact with the chute.

[0025] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are a plurality of path controlling mechanisms.

[0026] An advantage of having a plurality of path controlling mechanisms may be that it provides a simple and / or efficient solution for enabling controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute. Having a plurality of path controlling mechanisms may enable controlling paths of products received at different receiving sections simultaneously and / or independently, which may be advantageous for increasing speed of processing, e.g., due to rejection of some products taking place simultaneously with parallel batching of other products.

[0027] In embodiments, the path controlling mechanisms are arranged for enabling controlling in parallel for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute. This may be advantageous for increasing speed because multiple paths may be changed within identical and / or overlapping time periods (rather than one waiting for the other in a serial manner).

[0028] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are arranged for independently controlling a path of the one or more products from each individual receiving section within the plurality of receiving sections. This may be seen as advantageous, e.g., for enabling that products at some receiving sections can have their paths independently controlled in one manner, e.g., so as to end up on the same batch, while others can (optionally simultaneously) have their paths independently controlled in another manner, e.g., so as to be rejected. In an embodiment, multiple path controlling mechanisms are arranged for enabling that products received at one receiving section can have their paths controlled independently of (optional) independent path controlling of products received at other receiving sections.

[0029] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are arranged for simultaneously controlling a path of the one or more products from each individual receiving section within the plurality of receiving sections. This may advantageous for increasing processing speed because controlling multiple paths can be carried out within overlapping or identical time periods (rather than serially). For example some products may have their paths controlled so as to end up in a batch, whereas other products may simultaneously have their paths controlled so as to be rejected, which may in turn be advantageous for reducing a time before subsequent products for a subsequent batch and / or rejection can be provided to the receiving sections. This enables increasing processing speed, e.g., compared to a situation wherein firstly products for a batch - and only products for the batch - are provided to receiving sections, and only subsequently or previously (but not simultaneously) are other products (such as products to be rejected) provided to (optionally other) receiving sections.

[0030] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein each path controlling mechanism comprises a gate, which gate can be in an open configuration, wherein products will follow a path through the gate and exit the chute via the gate, or in a closed configuration, wherein products will follow a path passing the gate and exit the chute at another position, such as at a discharge opening. This may be advantageous for providing a simple and / or safe solution for ensuring that a path of one or more products may be controlled. By a 'gate' may be understood an opening and a device for determining if products go through the opening or not, such as a diverter arm and / or a door member.

[0031] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein opening and closing of the one or more gates, such as for opening a gate to bring it in an open configuration and for closing a gate to bring it in a closed configuration, can be controlled by a control device. This may be advantageous for enabling automated and / or centralized control of the one or more gates.

[0032] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the chute comprises guide elements, such as rails, separating the chute into sectors, such as so as to keep products received at different receiving sections separated in at least a portion of the chute, such as a portion upstream of the path controlling mechanisms, said guide elements optionally being configured to guide products downwards along the chute. This may be advantageous for ensuring that products do not go from one sector to another sector, such as for keeping products separated from each other. For example, a possible advantage may be that a risk of products from one hopper system (in a combination weigher comprising the chute) ending up at another position than at an expected path controlling mechanism is reduced, minimized or eliminated. This may in turn be advantageous for ensuring control and / or traceability of products. In embodiments, each sector may comprise a receiving section. The guide elements may then go to ensure that products received at a receiving section in a sector remains in that sector (even after leaving the receiving section). By guide elements may be understood elements for confining movement of products, such as confining movement of products to certain regions or sectors of the chute, such as lanes, such as lanes each being arranged for products from a strict subset of one or more hopper systems. The guide elements may be protrusions in a surface of the chute, or elements added to the surface of the chute, such as fillets, strips, rails or may be other means for guiding products, such as streams of fluid, such as liquid or gas.

[0033] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the gates are located close to or in the upstream part of the chute or located between the upper part of the chute and a location with a distance between two guide rails being slightly broader than products to be batched, preferably in the upper half of the chute. A possible advantage may be that this position enables relatively fast reject (because products quickly arrive at the gates), which means an emptied hopper in a combination weigher comprising such a chute is quickly ready for participating in combination calculation again.

[0034] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are positioned closer to a point of entry of products into the chute, such as in each case a receiving section for products to have their paths controlled by the one or more path controlling mechanisms, than the most distant part of the chute with respect to a point of entry of products into the chute, such as in the upper half of the chute. A possible advantage of having the path controlling mechanism at a relatively high / upstream position may be that it enables correspondingly quickly changing a path of the product, such as rejecting a product, which reduces a time before a subsequent product can be released without risking having these products in the chute simultaneously, which could entail a risk of mixing.

[0035] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the gate comprises: a door member configured to being positioned at least partially inside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, and / or a door member configured to being positioned at least partially outside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, when a path of a product exiting the chute is to go through the gate, such as when a product is to be rejected. An advantage of a door member arranged inside the chute may be that it reduces a risk that a product can pass it when it is in an open configuration, e.g., because the door member itself blocks passage except when the product exits through the opening. An advantage of a door member arranged outside the chute may be that it enables reducing a period until a subsequent product can be released from the hopper systems, e.g., because the door member can be passed even when the door is not completely closed. By a 'door member' may be understood a plate (such as a solid plate, such as a plate substantially without through-going protrusions), a grating or a grille (such as a plurality of bars, such as including bars arranged in a non-parallel or even orthogonal manner with respect to each other).

[0036] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein each gate comprises a non- planar surface, such as comprising one or more side walls, such as two side walls only, such as wherein the side walls are non-parallel and wherein a door member is V-shaped, or two side walls and a back wall, such as to support products being rejected, such as wherein a door member is being rectangular or U-shaped). A possible advantage may be that this increases control over a path of the products, such as due to enabling that the desired product path is more well-defined (e.g., due to the non-planar shape forming a trough, wherein products are more safely and / or predictably lead along the through compared to a planar surface).

[0037] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein a dedicated path controlling mechanism, such as wherein the path controlling mechanism is a gate, such as a reject gate, is located in the chute downstream of each receiving section (and hopper system in case of a chute in a combination weigher), such as wherein the dedicated path controlling system is arranged to control a path of products from a single receiving section (and hopper system in case of a chute in a combination weigher) only. A possible advantage may be that it enables in a relatively simple and / or efficient manner, that path controlling for products received at different receiving sections can each have the paths controlled individually, independently with respect to products received at other receiving sections and / or simultaneously with respect to products received at other receiving sections. By 'dedicated (path controlling mechanism)' may be understood that a path controlling mechanism downstream of a receiving section is located downstream of a strict subset of receiving sections, such as only one receiving section (and another dedicated path controlling mechanism is located downstream of another strict subset of receiving sections, such as another receiving section). In other words, receiving sections and path controlling mechanisms are arranged in pairs (such as being describable by a bijective function).

[0038] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the guide elements span a region of the chute from a point of the chute upstream of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as the receiving sections, such as a point where products make first contact with the chute, and to at least an upstream part of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates, or at least to a downstream part of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates. A possible advantage may be that for this portion of the chute, it may be critically important that products received at different receiving sections are not mixed.

[0039] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein each of the guide elements extends, such as extends in a direction perpendicular to an adjacent, such as adjoining, part of the surface of the chute, and optionally extends with respect to surfaces on each side of the guide element, from the surface, such as the adjacent, such as adjoining, part of the surface, of the chute, such as extends to a distance, such as a height, of at least 0.5 cm, such as at least 1.0 cm. A possible advantage may be that this enables having a physical / mechanical barrier, such as between each lane / sector of the chute, such as a barrier, which physically / mechanically separates sectors / lanes and thus via contact forces ensures that products received at different receiving sections are not mixed.

[0040] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates, are made of metal, such as stainless steel, or of a polymer, such as polyurethane and / or plastic. An advantage of metal, such as stainless steel, may be durability, e.g., with respect to abrasion. Another possible advantage of metal, such as stainless steel, may be that it enables forming holes for preventing products sticking via suction. Another possible advantage, such as in particular of polymer, may be sustainability, such as reduced CO2 footprint.

[0041] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the chute comprises (such as comprises at least 10 % w / w, such as at least 25 % w / w, such as at least 50 % w / w, such as at least 75 % w / w), such as is made of, a material having a Young's modulus being equal to or less than 190 GPa, such as equal to or less than 150 GPa, such as equal to or less than 100 GPa, such as equal to or less than 50 GPa, such as equal to or less than 10 GPa, such as equal to or less than 1 GPa, such as equal to or less than 100 MPa, such as equal to or less than 75 MPa, such as equal to or less than 50 MPa, such as equal to or less than 40 MPa, such as equal to or less than 30 MPa, such as equal to or less than 20 MPa, such as equal to or less than 10 MPa, such as equal to or less than 8 MPa, such as equal to or less than 6 MPa. A possible advantage may be that the lower Young's modulus enables decreasing a level of sound (such as noise) created and emitted upon impact between a product (such as hard products, such as screws, clams or frozen shellfish, meat or vegetables) is reduced, which may in turn improve working conditions around the chute, e.g., when employed as part of a combination weigher. Polyurethane is an example of a material having a relatively low Young's modulus of 6 MPa in comparison with, e.g., steel, which has a Young's modulus of ca. 200 GPa. According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the chute comprises (such as comprises at least 10 % w / w, such as at least 25 % w / w, such as at least 50 % w / w, such as at least 75 % w / w), such as is made of, a material having a density being equal to or less than 7.8 g / cm3, such as equal to or less than 7.0 g / cm3, such as equal to or less than 5.0 g / cm3, such as equal to or less than 4.0 g / cm3, such as equal to or less than 3.0 g / cm3, such as equal to or less than 2 g / cm3. A possible advantage may be that the lower density enables decreasing a total mass of the chute, which may in turn improve working conditions around the chute, e.g., when employed as part of a combination weigher, where the chute is to be moved, e.g., in connection with cleaning, maintenance, installation and / or replacement. Polyurethane is an example of a material having a relatively low density in comparison with, e.g., steel.

[0042] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute wherein the chute comprises, such as consists of, a polymer, such as polyurethane and / or plastic, such as wherein the chute is arranged so that products come into contact with a polymeric part of the chute during use, such as wherein a first point of contact between the products and the chute is made at a part of the chute being polymeric. An advantage of polymer may be that it is preferable for hygienic reasons. Another possible advantage may be that it is light, and hence advantageous for handling, e.g., during cleaning. Another possible advantage may be that it makes less noise upon impact by products, e.g., due to being relatively soft, e.g., as compared to stainless steel.

[0043] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, such as a modular chute, wherein the chute comprises modules, and wherein the chute is arranged for being reversibly disassembled into the modules (such as without disassembling the remainder of the combination weigher in case the chute is in a combination weigher). A possible advantage may be that it facilitates assembly, disassembly, cleaning and / or maintenance (e.g., because smaller parts, such as modules, are handled more easily than the entire chute). The modules may comprise means for being assembled together, such as friction fits or holes with threading for enabling screws to fix the modules to each other.

[0044] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the chute comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one or more parameters include one or more or all of: a timing, a position, a direction, and / or a speed, such as a velocity, of one or more products, and wherein the sensor is optionally arranged for outputting information representative of the one or more parameters.

[0045] An advantage of this may be that it enables obtaining information about the timing (such as when a product is at a particular place), a position (such as where a product is, optionally at a given point in time), a direction (such as which direction a product is heading, optionally in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions) or a speed (such as how fast a product is moving) of the one or more products. This information may be relevant for, e.g., quality control, etc., e.g., with a view to check that a correct amount / number of products is (going) where it is supposed to. This information may additionally or alternatively be relevant for, e.g., controlling the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms, for example with a view to improve or optimize timing of opening / closing of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms, such as gates.

[0046] 'Sensor' may be understood as is common in the art, such as a light beam sensor or a camera (optionally including or operatively coupled to a processor with image recognition software).

[0047] By 'in the chute' may be understood that the product at the time of sensing is placed in the chute, such as within a volume encompassed by the chute, such as encompassed by the polygon with the smallest possible surface area which encompasses or circumscribes the chute.

[0048] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the chute comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one more parameters include the timing and / or position of one or more products.

[0049] This may be advantageous, e.g., for knowing when the one or more products have passed the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms, which information may be used for improving or optimizing timing of opening / closing of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms, such as gates.

[0050] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the one or more parameters enable a timing of operating of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute. This may be advantageous for enabling improving a capacity (such as how many products can be handled per time unit and / or how many batches can be produced per time unit) of the chute.

[0051] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the sensor is positioned at the gate, such as within a distance corresponding to the size of the gate, such as 50 % of the size of the gate, such as 25 % of the size of the gate, such as 10 % of the size of the gate, from any part of the gate.

[0052] A possible advantage of having the sensor positioned relatively close to the gate may be that it increases the precision and / or accuracy of estimates of corresponding parameters at the gate. For example, if it is sensed close to the gate that a product is at a certain position close to the gate at a certain time, it can be estimated at what time the product has passed the gate with greater precision and / or accuracy than if the sensor had been further away from the gate.

[0053] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the chute is arranged for using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute.

[0054] This may be advantageous for enabling improving a capacity (such as how many products can be handled per time unit and / or how many batches can be produced per time unit) of the chute.

[0055] According to an embodiment, there is presented a chute, wherein the chute is a circular chute or a linear chute.

[0056] An advantage of a circular chute may be that it enables a simple collection of products. For example, the chute may have a conical shape, such as a truncated conical shape (corresponding to a frustum of a cone) and an outlet, such as an opening, such as a discharge opening, traversed by a central (optionally rotational symmetry-)axis at the narrow end of the conical shape, such as wherein gravity may be arranged to drive products towards both downwards (in a direction parallel with a direction of gravity) towards the outlet and sideways (in a direction orthogonal with a direction of gravity) towards a central axis.

[0057] Another possible advantage may be that it enables (retro-)fitting into a combination weigher comprising a circularly arranged plurality of hopper systems. An advantage of a linear chute may be the relatively simple construction, scalability and / or cleaning.

[0058] According to a second aspect, there is presented a combination weigher comprising : a plurality of hopper systems, each hopper system being arranged to receive one or more products, wherein each hopper system comprises at least a weighing hopper, a control device, the chute according to the first aspect, wherein the chute is arranged for receiving one or more products from each hopper system, and wherein each receiving section is arranged for receiving one or more products from a hopper system, such as a dedicated hopper system, within the plurality of hopper systems, and wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are controlled by the control device.

[0059] A 'combination weigher' is understood as is common in the art and may alternatively be referred to as a multi-head weigher.

[0060] A 'hopper system' is understood as is common in the art, such as a system comprising one or more (optionally serially arranged) hoppers, such as a weighing hopper and optionally a preceded by an (upstream) storage hopper and optionally succeeded by one or more (downstream) booster hoppers. Each hopper system may be arranged for delivering products to a (dedicated) receiving section on the chute, such as hopper systems and receiving sections being arranged in pairs (such as being describable by a bijective function). Each hopper system may function independently from other hopper system of a combination weigher, meaning the combination weigher can continue functioning if one or more hopper systems are not working properly.

[0061] A 'control device' may be understood as is common in the art, such as a processing unit operative connected to a storage unit comprising instructions, such as a computer arranged to operate according to stored instructions, such as a computer program, optionally dependent on external input.

[0062] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein the hopper systems and the plurality of path controlling mechanisms are arranged so that products leaving different hopper systems, such as strict subsets of hopper systems, such as individual hopper systems, are arranged to have their paths controlled by different path controlling mechanisms. A possible advantage is that products leaving different hopper systems can be treated differently and optionally independently and / or simultaneously, which may in turn enable speed of operation. In specific embodiments, hopper systems and path controlling mechanisms are arranged in pairs (such as describable by a bijective function), e.g., so that for each hopper system, a single path controlling mechanism is paired with that hopper system and being positioned downstream of that hopper system. An advantage of this is that products exiting each hopper system can be dealt with individually and optionally independently and / or simultaneously with respect to products exiting other hopper systems, such as products from different hopper systems can be dealt with in parallel.

[0063] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein a collecting device for collecting products is located on the outside of the chute at a position below the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates, such as wherein the collecting device is arranged so that products led out of the chute at one or more of the one or more path controlling mechanisms are led to the collecting device. A possible advantage of this may be that products, which are led out of the chute may be collected by the collecting device and optionally led from there to another position.

[0064] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein the collecting device is a circular table or circular trough surrounding the outside of the chute. This may be advantageous for forming a simple and / or efficient solution for collecting products.

[0065] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein a pusher is connected to the collecting device and configured to push products on the collecting device to an outlet of the collecting device. This may be advantageous for forming a simple and / or efficient solution for assembling and / or for further conveying of products.

[0066] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the combination weigher is a circular combination weigher or a linear combination weigher. An advantage of a circular combination weigher may be the simple distribution, e.g., via a cone and / or a rotation element at the inlet. Another possible advantage may be the increased distance between hopper systems and / or receiving sections, e.g., products can be provided at a central input spot, yet the hopper systems / receiving sections being peripherally arranged can be separated with respect to each other. An advantage of a linear combination weigher may be the relatively simple construction, scalability and / or cleaning.

[0067] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein each hopper system comprises a pool hopper (or a storage hopper) and a weighing hopper and optionally a booster hopper. This may be advantageous for increasing capacity, such as without increasing the number of weighing hoppers. According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein products in weighing hoppers and / or in booster hoppers are used in combination calculations to determine which hopper content qualifies as a batch. This may be advantageous for increasing capacity, such as without increasing the number of weighing hoppers.

[0068] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher comprising : a dispersion unit adapted to disperse food products, such as food products dropped in from above and onto the dispersion unit, a plurality of trenches extending from the dispersion unit to transport the products away from the dispersion unit, and wherein the plurality of hopper systems is arranged so that for each trench, a hopper system, such as a unique hopper system, is arranged to receive products from the trench, such as uniquely from the trench. This may be advantageous for effective operation.

[0069] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein a screw is located in each of the trenches, and where the screw is configured to controllably forward products in the trench. This may be advantageous for conveying, e.g., sticky products, such as sticky food products.

[0070] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein one or more vibrators are connected to the trenches to vibrate the trenches. This may be advantageous for conveying, e.g., powdery and / granular products, such as powdery and / granular food products.

[0071] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein said combination weigher is for batching and / or grading products. By 'batching' may be understood forming groups of one or more products, wherein the group fulfills a certain criterion, such as a predetermined weight criterion, such as minimum and / or maximum weight. By 'grading' may be understood sorting one or more products, wherein the one or more products fulfills (such as individually fulfill) a certain criterion, e.g., a value of a predetermined parameter is above and / or below one or more thresholds, such as within a certain interval, such as a wherein the predetermined parameter is a quality metric and / or weight, such as wherein fulfilling the criterion necessitates minimum and / or maximum quality and / or weight.

[0072] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein said products are being food products or feed products.

[0073] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher wherein the control device is for controlling at least the weighing hoppers. According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the combination weigher comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one or more parameters include one or more or all of: a timing, a position, a direction, and / or a speed, such as a velocity, of one or more products, and wherein the sensor is optionally arranged for outputting information representative of the one or more parameters.

[0074] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the combination weigher comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one more parameters include the timing and / or position of one or more products.

[0075] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the one or more parameters enable a timing of operating of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute.

[0076] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the sensor is positioned at the gate, such as within a distance corresponding to the size of the gate, such as 50 % of the size of the gate, such as 25 % of the size of the gate, such as 10 % of the size of the gate, from any part of the gate.

[0077] According to an embodiment, there is presented a combination weigher, wherein the combination weigher, such as the control device of the combination weigher, is arranged for using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute.

[0078] According to a third aspect there is provided a method of operating a chute according to the first aspect, comprising : Optionally receiving one or more products at a first receiving section of the chute,

[0079] Controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting or passing the chute.

[0080] By 'one or more products en route towards a first receiving section' may be understood one or more products which is on a path, which would bring them to the first receiving section in at least one configuration of the path controlling mechanism. In some embodiments, the path controlling mechanism may be arranged so that one or more products en route towards a receiving section do not end there, for example in case of the chute being a flexible polymer chute, which is deformed so that the one or more products do not end up in the chute at all. In other embodiments, the path controlling mechanisms are arranged downstream of the receiving sections, and hence does not affect if products arrive at the receiving sections in the first place.

[0081] By 'controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting or passing the chute' may be understood that only products originally en route towards the first receiving section have their paths controlled, such as paths of one or more products en route for other receiving sections being independent (such as controlled independently) thereof.

[0082] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a chute, comprising : receiving one or more products (522) at a first receiving section of the chute.

[0083] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a chute, comprising :

[0084] Controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting the chute.

[0085] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a chute, comprising :

[0086] Optionally receiving or obtaining information representative of the one or more parameters, and using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute.

[0087] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of operating a combination weigher according to the second aspect, comprising : Providing a combination weigher according to the second aspect,

[0088] Operating the chute according to the third aspect.

[0089] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher, comprising

[0090] Controlling with the control device, the hopper systems and the one or more path controlling mechanisms to

[0091] • produce a product batch comprising one or more products from at least one hopper system and delivered to a downstream part of the chute, such as a part of a discharge chute downstream of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, and / or

[0092] • reject one or more products via the one or more path controlling mechanisms from one or more or all of the remaining hopper systems, such as the remaining hopper systems being hopper systems other than the at least one hopper system from which products are delivered to the batch, such as from where the one or more products should be rejected.

[0093] A possible advantage of this may be that it enables producing a product batch and, optionally simultaneously, reject one or more products. The steps of producing a product batch and rejecting one or more products may be overlapping, such as simultaneous. This may be beneficial for increasing processing speed, e.g., due to less time being spend via the parallel batching / rejection and / or because a further round of batching and / or rejection can take place immediately thereafter.

[0094] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher, comprising

[0095] Controlling with the control device, the hopper systems and the one or more path controlling mechanisms to

[0096] • grade products comprising sorting products according to a predetermined parameter, such as changing a path of each product exiting the chute depending on a value of a predetermined parameter for that product.

[0097] A possible advantage of this may be that it enables time-efficient, multi-dimensional handling, e.g., wherein batches fulfill multiple (multi-dimensional) criteria, e.g., the number of products and / or the sum of the weights of the products of the batch is within a predetermined interval and each product in the batch fulfills a minimum quality criterion. According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein a path controlling mechanism is activated, such as wherein the path controlling mechanism is a gate, such as a reject gate, which is opened, downstream of a hopper system when it is determined that a product released from that specific hopper system should be rejected.

[0098] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein the path controlling mechanism is deactivated, such as wherein the path controlling mechanism is a gate, such as a reject gate which is closed, after the product has been rejected, such as before a product from a subsequent release from the hopper systems arrives at the path controlling mechanism, such as as soon as the product is rejected, such as within 1.0 second, such as within 0.5 second, such as within 0.1 second. An advantage of deactivating the path controlling mechanism may be that the chute is then ready for the next product (such as wherein the default path controlling is with the path controlling mechanism in its deactivated state). An advantage of deactivating the path controlling mechanism relatively fast, may be that it enables reducing a period of time before a subsequent product is provided to the (corresponding) receiving section, which may in turn increase processing speed.

[0099] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein a rejected product is directed to a reject collecting device and optionally returned to the combination weigher, such as an infeed of the combination weigher or used for another purpose, such as for forming an alternative batch, or discharged. By a 'rejected product' may be understood a product, whose path is controlled by the path controlling mechanism so as to leave the chute while not being combined with other products in a batch (immediately) upon leaving the chute. A 'reject collecting device' may be a device arranged for collecting, and optionally conveying, rejected products. An advantage of having a reject collecting device may be that it expedites handling of rejected products, e.g., for the purpose of returning them to (an infeed of) the combination weigher for potentially forming part of another batch.

[0100] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein a turn of combination calculation of possible batches is performed including combinations, such as all possible combinations, of hoppers, which comprise one or more products, which could potentially go into a batch, such as excluding hoppers from where it is decided the product should be rejected and / or hoppers comprising products which cannot go into a batch for another reason (e.g., due to another hopper comprising products to be rejected is in the way). A possible advantage is that the combination calculation takes all available - and only the available - options into account, which may enable optimal results. According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein it is decided products of a hopper should be rejected if the weight and / or number of products in a hopper is above a pre-set value, the product(s) has / have been in the hopper for a longer time than a pre-set period, and / or the hopper has not participated in producing a batch for a more than a pre-set number of combination calculations.

[0101] A possible advantage may be that by rejecting products accordingly, it is avoided that undesirable products and / or products, which have turned out difficult to integrate into a batch, is removed and thereby the hopper can potentially be used for other (potentially more useful) products, which may then improve subsequent combination calculations (e.g., due to enabling values closer to a target and / or faster processing).

[0102] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein one or more products from one or more hopper systems is rejected simultaneously with producing a batch from at least one of the other hopper systems. By 'simultaneously' may be understood that rejection and batching takes places within overlapping or identical time periods. This may be advantageous for increasing speed of processing.

[0103] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein when a hopper system comprises a weighing hopper and a booster hopper and it has been determined that product is to be rejected and / or is being rejected from one of these hoppers, a product in the other hopper is included in combination calculations. A possible advantage may be that it enables increasing the possible number of combinations, which may in turn improve the combination calculations (e.g., due to enabling values closer to a target and / or faster processing).

[0104] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein the products are food products or feed products, and the products are selected from the groups of:

[0105] Pet feed, such as pellets or sticks,

[0106] Vegetable products or vegetable product parts,

[0107] Animal products or animal product parts, such as poultry parts, such as poultry fillets, Fresh products,

[0108] Frozen products,

[0109] Sticky products, such as liver or fresh meat, such as poultry meat, and

[0110] Non-sticky product.

[0111] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher wherein the products are food products or feed products, and the products are selected from the groups of:

[0112] Pet feed, such as pellets or sticks,

[0113] Snack foods, such as chips or crips,

[0114] Confectionary products,

[0115] Bakery products,

[0116] Vegetable products or vegetable product parts,

[0117] Animal products or animal product parts, such as fish and / or shellfish and / or meat, such as flesh of mammals, such as quadrupeds, and / or poultry products, such as poultry parts, such as poultry fillets,

[0118] Fresh products,

[0119] Frozen products,

[0120] Sticky products, such as liver or fresh meat, such as poultry meat, and / or

[0121] Non-sticky products, such as grain.

[0122] According to an embodiment, there is presented a method of operating a combination weigher, comprising : o Optionally receiving or obtaining information representative of the one or more parameters, and o using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms for controlling for each receiving individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute. The first, second, third and fourth aspect of the present invention may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0123] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0124] The chute, combination weigher, method of operating the chute and method of operating the combination weigher according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0125] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a combination weigher,

[0126] Fig. 2 shows a chute from different angles,

[0127] Figs. 3-4 shows perspective views into the chute 110 from above,

[0128] Figs. 5-9 show different views of a chute sector,

[0129] Fig. 10 illustrates sectors of the chute,

[0130] Fig. 11 shows another chute,

[0131] Figs. 12-13 show another chute,

[0132] Fig. 14 shows another chute, and

[0133] Fig. 15 shows a flow-chart illustrating a method of operating a chute.

[0134] DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0135] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a combination weigher 100 comprising a conically shaped distribution unit 101, multiple elongated trenches 102 that extend radially away from the periphery of the conically shaped distribution unit 101 with a helical screw 104 placed therein and operated by a motor and a control unit. During operation, the conically shaped distribution unit 101 receives products, such as food objects in the present embodiment, from an infeed unit (not shown), such as an infeed conveyor placed above the conically shaped distribution unit and distributes the received products into the elongated trenches 102. At the end of and below the trenches 102, there are hopper systems 106, each comprising a weighing hopper 105 and a storage hopper 103, configured to receive products released from the releasing ends of the trenches. When one or more products are released from the hopper systems they come en route towards receiving sections of the chute 110, such as sections of the chute, which are each arranged for receiving products from one, and only one, hopper system. For the present embodiment, all products released from hopper systems will be received at a receiving section of the chute 110. The chute 110 is modular and comprises a plurality of modules 112, which can be reversibly assembled. The chute comprises one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms 114 for controlling for each receiving section individually a path of the one or more products exiting or passing the chute, wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms being controllable by a control device (not shown). The path controlling mechanisms comprise a gate with a door member (which is u-shaped, due to side-elements, which also serve to guide the products when the path controlling mechanism is activated), wherein the path controlling mechanisms are each shown in a deactivated state. The door member is configured to being positioned at least partially inside the chute in an activated (open) configuration of the gate (such as wherein products are led through an opening in a side of the chute).

[0136] Figure 1 furthermore shows a reject collecting device 116 arranged for collecting, and optionally conveying, rejected products which are led out of the chute 110 via the path controlling mechanisms 114. When generating batches of pre-fixed weight of batches, the optimal combination of weighing hoppers is selected given the minimal giveaway from the target weight and these selected weighing hoppers are then released, optionally simultaneously and optionally simultaneously with other weighing hoppers (whose products are then led out of the chute 110 via correspondingly chosen path controlling mechanisms 114), where the products from the selected weighing hoppers whose products are meant to form a batch are led via the chute 110 towards and through the lower end 118 of the chute, where a dispatching tool (not shown) may be arranged.

[0137] Figs. 2(a)-2(b) each show the chute 110 also depicted in Fig. 1, albeit from different angles and at different zoom level.

[0138] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view into the chute 110 from above (wherein hoppers have been removed to enable looking into the chute), and wherein a path controlling mechanism 114 is in a deactivated state so that products are led via that sector of the chute into the opening at the lower end 118 of the chute 110. The figure furthermore shows guide elements 120, in the form of rails, separating the chute into sectors, such as so as to keep products received at different receiving sections (e.g., with a receiving section and a path controlling mechanism 114 in each sector) separated in at least the portion of the chute upstream of the path controlling mechanisms 114 and said guide elements 120 being configured to guide products downwards along the chute 110.

[0139] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view into the chute 110 from above (wherein hoppers have been removed to enable looking into the chute), and wherein a path controlling mechanism 114 is in an activated state so that products are led via that sector out of the chute and consequently not into the opening at the lower end of the chute 110.

[0140] Figs. 5-9 show different views of a chute sector sequentially arranged with respect to increasing time, during a period wherein:

[0141] Fig. 5: Products 522 are received at a receiving section 524 of the chute sector.

[0142] Fig. 6: Products are led (under action of gravity and / or momentum) down the chute towards the path controlling mechanism 114.

[0143] Fig. 7: Products have their path controlled by the path controlling mechanism by being led through the chute (rather than continuing a path down the chute towards the lower end of the chute).

[0144] Fig. 8: Products are led on to a collecting device 116.

[0145] Fig. 9: Products have been received at the collecting device.

[0146] Fig. 10 illustrates 5 sectors of the chute, wherein path controlling mechanisms 1, 2 and 5 (from left to right) are in an activated state so that products received at corresponding, dedicated receiving section upstream of those, and only those, path controlling mechanisms are led through the chute and onto a collecting device 116 (as indicated by the six downwardly oriented arrows), from where the products can be conveyed elsewhere (as indicated by the arrows pointing left and right). The remaining two path controlling mechanisms 3 and 4 (from left to right) are in a deactivated state arranged to lead products received at corresponding, upstream, dedicated receiving sections towards an opening at the bottom of the chute where those products can be batched. The path controlling mechanisms are independently controllable and illustrate how products can be simultaneously released from the hopper systems onto receiving sections and still have the paths (simultaneously) controlled so as to end up at different positions, such as in a batch or on a (reject) collecting device. Fig. 11 shows another chute 1110, wherein the path controlling mechanisms are arranged (oppositely with respect to the path controlling mechanisms of Figs. 1-10) with the door member being configured to being positioned at least partially outside the chute in an activated (open) configuration of the gate (such as wherein products are led through an opening in a side of the chute).

[0147] Figs. 12-13 show another chute 1210, wherein the path controlling mechanism comprises actuators and a controlling unit for deforming the chute surface.

[0148] Fig. 12 shows the chute with the path controlling mechanism in a deactivated state, wherein products en route towards receiving sections within the chute will enter into the chute. However, an upper part 1226 (as indicated by the hatching) of the chute can be deformed as indicated by the arrows adjacent the upper part 1226.

[0149] Fig. 13 shows the chute 1210 wherein the upper part 1226 is deformed, effectively turning the inside out of the upper part of the chute, so that products on a path (as indicated by the upper arrows) which would have been en route towards the inside of the chute for a configuration as shown in Fig. 12, yet which in the configuration of the chute in Fig. 13 instead passes the chute, as indicated by the lower arrows, which passing is due to the deformation of the chute itself to evade a path of said products.

[0150] Fig. 14 shows another chute, which - as in Figs. 12-13 - has the path controlling mechanisms realized via deformation of the chute. However, the chute 1410 of Fig. 14 is arranged to enable deforming individually and independently portions of the chute (such as sectors) comprising one and only one receiving section.

[0151] The flexibility of the chute depicted in Figs. 12-14, such as enabling reversibly deforming the chute to enable path controlling, may be realized by producing the chute in a flexible material, such as a polymer, such as polyurethane.

[0152] Fig. 15 shows a flow-chart illustrating a method of operating a chute according to the first aspect, comprising :

[0153] Receiving 1530 one or more products at a first receiving section of the chute, Controlling 1532 exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting or passing the chute. Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

[0154] CLAUSES

[0155] There is furthermore presented a chute, a combination weigher, a method of operating the chute and a method of operating the combination weigher according to the clauses below, which clauses may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments and / or any of the appended claims:

[0156] 1. A chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) suitable for a combination weigher (100), said chute comprising : a plurality of receiving sections (524), each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products (522), such as each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products from a dedicated hopper system (106) within a plurality of hopper systems in a combination weigher, one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute, such as the one or more path controlling mechanisms being controllable by a control device.

[0157] 2. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to clause 1, wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are a plurality of path controlling mechanisms.

[0158] 3. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein each path controlling mechanism (114) comprises a gate, which gate can be in an open configuration, wherein products will follow a path through the gate and exit the chute via the gate, or in a closed configuration, wherein products will follow a path passing the gate and exit the chute at another position, such as at a discharge opening. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the chute comprises guide elements (120), such as rails, separating the chute into sectors, such as so as to keep products received at different receiving sections separated in at least a portion of the chute, such as a portion upstream of the path controlling mechanisms, said guide elements optionally being configured to guide products downwards along the chute. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to clause 3, wherein the gate comprises: a door member configured to being positioned at least partially inside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, and / or a door member configured to being positioned at least partially outside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, when a path of a product exiting the chute is to go through the gate, such as when a product is to be rejected. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a dedicated path controlling mechanism, such as wherein the path controlling mechanism is a gate, such as a reject gate, is located in the chute downstream of each receiving section, such as wherein the dedicated path controlling system is arranged to control a path of products from a single receiving section only. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the chute comprises, such as consists of, a polymer, such as polyurethane and / or plastic, such as wherein the chute is arranged so that products come into contact with a polymeric part of the chute during use, such as wherein a first point of contact between the products and the chute is made at a part of the chute being polymeric. A combination weigher (100) comprising : a plurality of hopper systems (106), each hopper system being arranged to receive one or more products, wherein each hopper system comprises at least a weighing hopper (105), a control device, the chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the chute is arranged for receiving one or more products (522) from each hopper system, and wherein each receiving section is arranged for receiving one or more products from a hopper system, such as a dedicated hopper system, within the plurality of hopper systems, and wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms (114) are controlled by the control device. The combination weigher (100) according to clauses 2 and 8, wherein the hopper systems and the plurality of path controlling mechanisms are arranged so that products leaving different hopper systems, such as strict subsets of hopper systems such as individual hopper systems, are arranged to have their paths controlled by different path controlling mechanisms. The combination weigher (100) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a collecting device (116) for collecting products is located on the outside of the chute at a position below the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates. A method (1528) of operating a chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of clauses 1-7, comprising :

[0159] Optionally receiving one or more products (522) at a first receiving section of the chute,

[0160] Controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting or passing the chute. A method of operating a combination weigher (100) according to any of clauses 8-10, comprising :

[0161] Providing a combination weigher according to any of clauses 8-10,

[0162] Operating the chute according to clause 11. The method according to clause 12, comprising

[0163] Controlling with the control device, the hopper systems and the one or more path controlling mechanisms to

[0164] • produce a product batch comprising one or more products from at least one hopper system and delivered to a downstream part of the chute, such as a part of a discharge chute downstream of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, and / or

[0165] • reject one or more products via the one or more path controlling mechanisms from one or more or all of the remaining hopper systems, such as the remaining hopper systems being hopper systems other than the at least one hopper system from which products are delivered to the batch, such as from where the one or more products should be rejected. The method according to any of clauses 12-13, wherein one or more products from one or more hopper systems is rejected simultaneously with producing a batch from at least one of the other hopper systems. The method according to any of clauses 12-14, wherein the products are food products or feed products, and the products are selected from the groups of:

[0166] Pet feed, such as pellets or sticks,

[0167] Vegetable products or vegetable product parts,

[0168] Animal products or animal product parts, such as poultry parts, such as poultry fillets,

[0169] Fresh products,

[0170] Frozen products,

[0171] Sticky products, such as liver or fresh meat, such as poultry meat, and

[0172] Non-sticky products.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) suitable for a combination weigher (100), said chute comprising : a plurality of receiving sections (524), each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products (522), such as each receiving section being arranged for receiving one or more products from a dedicated hopper system (106) within a plurality of hopper systems in a combination weigher, one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute, such as the one or more path controlling mechanisms being controllable by a control device.

2. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms are a plurality of path controlling mechanisms.

3. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each path controlling mechanism (114) comprises a gate, which gate can be in an open configuration, wherein products will follow a path through the gate and exit the chute via the gate, or in a closed configuration, wherein products will follow a path passing the gate and exit the chute at another position, such as at a discharge opening.

4. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chute comprises guide elements (120), such as rails, separating the chute into sectors, such as so as to keep products received at different receiving sections separated in at least a portion of the chute, such as a portion upstream of the path controlling mechanisms, said guide elements optionally being configured to guide products downwards along the chute.

5. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to claim 3 and optionally any of claims 2 and / or 4, wherein the gate comprises: a door member configured to being positioned at least partially inside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, and / or a door member configured to being positioned at least partially outside the chute in an open configuration of the gate, when a path of a product exiting the chute is to go through the gate, such as when a product is to be rejected.

6. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a dedicated path controlling mechanism, such as wherein the path controlling mechanism is a gate, such as a reject gate, is located in the chute downstream of each receiving section, such as wherein the dedicated path controlling system is arranged to control a path of products from a single receiving section only.

7. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chute comprises, such as consists of, a polymer, such as polyurethane and / or plastic, such as wherein the chute is arranged so that products come into contact with a polymeric part of the chute during use, such as wherein a first point of contact between the products and the chute is made at a part of the chute being polymeric.

8. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chute comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one or more parameters include one or more or all of: a timing, a position, a direction, and / or a speed, such as a velocity, of one or more products, and wherein the sensor is optionally arranged for outputting information representative of the one or more parameters.

9. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the chute comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one more parameters include the timing and / or position of one or more products.

10. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of claims 8-9, wherein the one or more parameters enable a timing of operating of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

11. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to claim 3 and any of claims 8-10, wherein the sensor is positioned at the gate, such as within a distance corresponding to the size of the gate, such as 50 % of the size of the gate, such as 25 % of the size of the gate, such as 10 % of the size of the gate, from any part of the gate.

12. The chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of claims 8-11, wherein the chute is arranged for using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

13. A combination weigher (100) comprising : a plurality of hopper systems (106), each hopper system being arranged to receive one or more products, wherein each hopper system comprises at least a weighing hopper (105), a control device, the chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chute is arranged for receiving one or more products (522) from each hopper system, and wherein each receiving section is arranged for receiving one or more products from a hopper system, such as a dedicated hopper system, within the plurality of hopper systems, and wherein the one or more path controlling mechanisms (114) are controlled by the control device.

14. The combination weigher (100) according to claims 2 and 13 and optionally any of claims 3-12, wherein the hopper systems and the plurality of path controlling mechanisms are arranged so that products leaving different hopper systems, such as strict subsets of hopper systems, such as individual hopper systems, are arranged to have their paths controlled by different path controlling mechanisms.

15. The combination weigher (100) according to claim 13 when dependent on at least claim 2, wherein the hopper systems and the plurality of path controlling mechanisms are arranged so that products leaving different hopper systems, such as strict subsets of hopper systems, such as individual hopper systems, are arranged to have their paths controlled by different path controlling mechanisms.

16. The combination weigher (100) according to any of the preceding claims, such as any of claims 13-15, wherein a collecting device (116) for collecting products is located on the outside of the chute at a position below the one or more path controlling mechanisms, such as gates, such as reject gates.

17. The combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 13-16, wherein the combination weigher (100) comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one or more parameters include one or more or all of: a timing, a position, a direction, and / or a speed, such as a velocity, of one or more products, and wherein the sensor is optionally arranged for outputting information representative of the one or more parameters.

18. The combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 13-16, wherein the combination weigher (100) comprises one or more sensors arranged for sensing, such as sensing in the chute, one or more parameters of one or more products, wherein the one more parameters include the timing and / or position of one or more products.

19. The combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 17-18, wherein the one or more parameters enable a timing of operating of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

20. The combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 17-19, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the sensor is positioned at the gate, such as within a distance corresponding to the size of the gate, such as 50 % of the size of the gate, such as 25 % of the size of the gate, such as 10 % of the size of the gate, from any part of the gate.

21. The combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 17-20, wherein the combination weigher (100), such as the control device of the combination weigher, is arranged for using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable pathcontrolling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

22. A method (1528) of operating a chute (110, 1110, 1210, 1410) according to any of claims 1-12, comprising :Optionally receiving one or more products (522) at a first receiving section of the chute,Controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting or passing the chute.

23. A method (1528) according to claim 22, comprising : receiving one or more products (522) at a first receiving section of the chute.

24. A method (1528) according to any of claims 22-23, comprising :Controlling exclusively for one or more products en route towards a first receiving section a path of the one or more products upon exiting the chute.

25. A method (1528) according to any of claims 22-24 when dependent on any of claims 8- 12, further comprising :Optionally receiving or obtaining information representative of the one or more parameters, and using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

26. A method of operating a combination weigher (100) according to any of claims 13-21, comprising :Optionally providing a combination weigher according to any of claims 13-21,Operating the chute according to claim any of claims 22-25.

27. The method according to claim 26, comprisingControlling with the control device, the hopper systems and the one or more path controlling mechanisms to• produce a product batch comprising one or more products from at least one hopper system and delivered to a downstream part of the chute, such as a part of a discharge chute downstream of the one or more path controlling mechanisms, and / or• reject one or more products via the one or more path controlling mechanisms from one or more or all of the remaining hopper systems, such as the remaining hopper systems being hopper systems other than the at least one hopper system from which products are delivered to the batch, such as from where the one or more products should be rejected.

28. The method according to any of claims 26-27, wherein one or more products from one or more hopper systems is rejected simultaneously with producing a batch from at least one of the other hopper systems.

29. The method according to any of claims 26-28, wherein the products are food products or feed products, and the products are selected from the groups of:Pet feed, such as pellets or sticks,Vegetable products or vegetable product parts,Animal products or animal product parts, such as poultry parts, such as poultry fillets,Fresh products,Frozen products,Sticky products, such as liver or fresh meat, such as poultry meat, andNon-sticky products.

30. The method according to any of claims 26-29, wherein the products are food products or feed products, and the products are selected from the groups of:Pet feed, such as pellets or sticks,Snack foods, such as chips or crips,Confectionary products,Bakery products,Vegetable products or vegetable product parts,Animal products or animal product parts, such as fish and / or shellfish and / or meat, such as flesh of mammals, such as quadrupeds, and / or poultry products, such as poultry parts, such as poultry fillets,Fresh products,Frozen products,Sticky products, such as liver or fresh meat, such as poultry meat, and / orNon-sticky products, such as grain.

31. The method according to any of claims 26-30 when dependent on any of claims 17-21, further comprising :Optionally receiving or obtaining information representative of the one or more parameters, and using information representative of the one or more parameters for operating, such as for enable timing of operating, of the one or more controllable path controlling mechanisms (114) for controlling for each receiving section (524) individually a path of the one or more products (522) exiting or passing the chute.

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