How to identify a defective distributor

Abstract

A method of identifying a fault in a dispenser in a system suitable for supplying food from a supply location to a plurality of batch measuring units includes receiving product at the supply location, supplying the product to a dispenser configured to dispense the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units, operating the dispenser to dispense the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units, repeatedly measuring an amount of product in the dispenser using the dispenser measuring unit, supplying further product to the dispenser based on the measurements, receiving product at at least some of the plurality of batch measuring units, measuring the received product at the plurality of batch measuring units, and outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty based on the measurements of the product received at the plurality of batch measuring units.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for identifying a fault in a dispenser in a system suitable for dispensing food products from a dispensing location to a plurality of batch measuring units, and in particular to a method carried out in a system for dispensing food products to separate weighing units to form partial batches of food products which can be combined into a batch meeting predetermined criteria, such as predetermined weight criteria. [Background technology]

[0002] In the formation of food packages, such as bags of potato crisps or chips, or trays of meat or poultry, many production lines use a feeder system that receives a bulk supply of food and delivers the product to multiple measuring units that measure out partial batches of the food. Such systems are often referred to as distributed feeder systems and may be incorporated as part of a system that combines partial batches of product into complete batches that meet pre-established criteria. One example of such a batching system is the Computer Combination Weigher (CCW).

[0003] A CCW is typically used to form a batch of food having a predetermined standard in terms of weight by identifying appropriate combinations of two or more partial batches measured by a weighing unit so that the partial batches can be distributed and packaged together. For example, a CCW might be set to form a batch of 30 grams of potato crisps and would look for a combination of weights from the weighing units that add up to approximately 30 grams.

[0004] As such feeder systems operate, they can become less efficient as they become soiled. For example, a feeder that dispenses food products coated with condiments can become covered in the condiments, impeding the operation of the feeder. In some systems, product is fed into the system based on measurements of the product placed in the dispenser. However, as the dispenser becomes soiled, the accuracy of the measurements is adversely affected, resulting in inefficient dispensing of product. For example, if the weight of the product is measured at the dispenser, the accumulated dirt can begin to make up a significant percentage of the measured weight of the product at the dispenser, causing the system to believe that there is significantly more product on the dispenser than there actually is. This can result in insufficient product being fed into the dispenser, significantly reducing the efficiency of the overall system.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying a faulty distributor in one of such systems in order to reduce operational inefficiencies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of identifying a fault in a dispenser in a system suitable for supplying food from a supply location to a plurality of batch measuring units, comprising: receiving product at a supply location, supplying product to a dispenser configured to dispense the product towards each of a plurality of batch measuring units, operating the dispenser to dispense the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units, repeatedly measuring an amount of product in the dispenser using the dispenser measuring unit, supplying further product to the dispenser based on the measurements, receiving product at at least some of the plurality of batch measuring units, measuring the received product at the plurality of batch measuring units, and outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty based on the measurements of the product received at the plurality of batch measuring units.

[0007] The present invention provides a technique for identifying a defective dispenser based on measurements made by a batch measurement unit. It is noted here that the identification of a defective dispenser can be based directly or indirectly on measurements made by the batch measurement unit. For example, the identification of a defective dispenser can be based on the measurements themselves, or on one or more results based on the measurements themselves. Below, some specific examples of indirectly based on measurements are given. Furthermore, the identification of a defective dispenser can be based only partially on measurements made by the batch measurement unit and can require other criteria to be met, examples of which are described below.

[0008] In a continuous operation system, the dispenser theoretically never runs out of product and cannot distinguish between product in the dispenser and gradually accumulating dirt, whereas the batch measuring unit typically empties between successive measuring batches of product and can therefore distinguish between gradually accumulating dirt and newly dispensed product amounts, allowing more accurate inferences about the dispenser's condition based on the batch measuring unit's measurements without interrupting the operation of the system.

[0009] As mentioned above, the method includes feeding the product to a dispenser, which may be accomplished by a conveyor positioned above the dispenser and configured to intermittently feed the product from the bulk to the dispenser.

[0010] The dispenser operates to dispense product towards each of a plurality of batch measurement units. It is noted here that the dispenser must supply product to the batch measurement units. Rather, the dispenser receives product from the bulk at one or more feed locations and dispenses the product towards each of the batch measurement units. The term "towards" means that the product is advanced downstream in the direction of each batch measurement unit. The product may be received, for example, at intermediate conveyors upstream of each batch measurement unit, each of which is located in a different downstream direction from the dispenser.

[0011] The dispenser is configured to repeatedly measure the amount of product in the dispenser using the dispenser measuring unit and dispense additional product to the dispenser based on the measurements. The dispenser may measure the amount of product in the dispenser substantially continuously or may measure periodically at discrete intervals. Typically, additional product is dispensed to the dispenser if the measurement exceeds a threshold, e.g., if the measured weight is lower than the threshold weight, however, more factors may be included in the decision whether to dispense additional product, such as the rate of change of the measurement.

[0012] Product is received and measured at at least some of the batch measuring units. As mentioned above, product may be received via one or more intermediate conveyors or the like. Typically, each of the batch measuring units receives product during operation of the system, each successively dispensing a measured amount of product and receiving new product, but in any one cycle of the system, only one or more of the batch measuring units may receive product, depending on which one or more batch measuring units each dispenses a measured amount of product.

[0013] Finally, the method outputs an indication that a dispenser is faulty based on measurements of the product received by the plurality of batch measurement units. There are various means for outputting the indication. In a preferred case described below, outputting the indication that a dispenser is faulty can include sending a signal that causes the system to automatically address the faulty dispenser. Alternatively, outputting the indication that a dispenser is faulty can include one or more of outputting an indication on a screen of the system, outputting a visual indication such as illuminating a light on the system, outputting an audible indication, and shutting down operation of the system.

[0014] Typically, each batch measuring unit receives a partial batch of the product, and the method further comprises forming one or more batches of the product according to a predefined criterion, each batch of the product being formed by dispensing a plurality of partial batches of the product based on measurements of the product made by the batch measuring units and the predefined criterion. The present invention is particularly suited to systems in which batches are formed according to a predefined criterion, since an inefficient dispenser can reduce the rate at which batches are formed or even prevent the system from forming batches that meet the criterion. Although the present invention is particularly suited and preferred for such systems, the method can also be implemented in systems that do not form batches in this manner. For example, the method can be applied to systems that measure and output batches of variable size.

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

[0016] In the embodiment involving batch formation, preferably the method includes forming multiple batches of product according to predefined criteria, and outputting an indication that the dispenser is defective is based on the rate at which batches that meet the predefined criteria are formed. This is an example of identifying a defective dispenser indirectly from the measurement of the measurement unit. That is, each batch is formed (or not) based on the measurement of the measurement unit, and then the system can identify the defective dispenser based on the system's ability to form the batches. In this case, the "rate" can be determined as a function of time, for example, the number of batches per second, and can also be determined as a function of the number of cycles of the system. For example, the throughput of a batching system is often determined by the throughput of a downstream packaging machine. When a packaging machine is designed to produce one package per second, the batching system will then be tasked with delivering one batch of product per second, and will skip a cycle if the batch formation is not completed in time.

[0017] Preferably, each batch is formed according to a predefined weight standard, and outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on the rate at which batches are formed (again, as a function of time or number of machine cycles) that fall within or exceed the target weight range. Often, batching systems are required to form batches within a predefined weight range, such as 30 grams to 32 grams, but may dispense overweight batches if they are unable to dispense the correct batch. Overweight batches are often representative of throwaways, meaning that the packaged product contains more product than is needed. In such systems, batches are often identified as "good," meaning within the target weight range, or "overweight," meaning beyond the target weight range. Some systems may also dispense "underweight" batches, or may not dispense a batch at all when they should have been dispensed, as discussed above. While generally only "good" batches are considered acceptable, particularly preferred examples of the system provide a mechanism for determining when a buildup of dirt on the dispenser has resulted in an undersupply of product to the dispenser. Thus, in the presently preferred embodiment, the rate at which "good" or "overweight" batches are formed is examined and if this rate is below a threshold, the system may indicate that there is an undersupply.

[0018] In one embodiment, forming each batch includes identifying a selection of partial batches of product to be dispensed based on measurements of the product made by the batch measurement unit and predefined criteria, and preferably outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on characteristics of the identified selection of partial batches, such as measurements of the dispensed partial batches for one or more batches of product or the number of partial batches that make up the batch of product. This is another example of a means of using the measurements of the measurement unit to determine when a dispenser is faulty. For example, the system may monitor the average weight of the dispensed partial batches. Typically, batch formation systems operate with a goal of dispensing a certain number of partial batches to form each batch. For example, a system that forms 30 gram batches may be configured to form these 30 gram batches with a goal of dispensing three partial batches of approximately 10 grams each. In this example, if the system is undersupplied, it would have to resort to dispensing four partial batches of approximately 7.5 grams each. By monitoring the measurements of the dispensed partial batches, it may be seen that the average measurements of the dispensed partial batches are decreasing or that the average number of partial batches dispensed per batch is increasing. While the above example describes a goal of three partial batches of approximately 10 grams each for simplicity, it is more typical for a system to target an average number of partial batches dispensed per batch that is a non-integer, such as 3.5. This does not mean that only half of the partial batches are dispensed, but rather that due to natural variations in the amount of product in the partial batches, sometimes the system will form a batch with three partial batches and other times with four partial batches. Nonetheless, monitoring the characteristics of the dispensed partial batches over the sequence of batches formed provides a good means of determining if there is a fault with the dispenser.It should be noted that in this case, making a decision based on measurements of the distributed partial batches is a direct measurement-based decision, while making this decision based on the number of distributed partial batches is also an indirect measurement-based decision, since the measurements are used to determine the number of partial batches to be distributed.

[0019] As mentioned above, batch formation systems are often configured to dispense batches at predefined intervals or when other criteria are met, and the system may also be configured to initially determine whether an acceptable batch can be formed. Thus, the method further includes, before forming each batch, determining whether to form a batch of products based on measurements of the products received at the multiple batch measuring units and the predefined criteria, and forming the batch only in case of a positive determination and outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on the results of the multiple determinations. That is, whenever the system is asked to dispense a batch of products, the determination can be based on measurements of the currently available batch. The system can make a negative determination, i.e., not to dispense a batch of products and wait for other partial batches available (e.g. from a measuring unit that dispensed a previous batch), if it can only dispense, for example, an underweight or (heavily) overweight batch. Monitoring the determination provides another mechanism for determining that the system is being underfed by a faulty dispenser. For example, the rate of positive determinations (again, as a function of time or number of system cycles) may be lower than a predefined threshold, in which case it is an indication that the system is running inefficiently.

[0020] The system may be particularly suited to systems that produce relatively small batches because smaller batches require smaller partial batches and therefore a lower amount of product on the dispenser, as the product must be fed to the system through the dispenser at a lower rate. In this case, dirt accumulation on the dispenser may be a significant portion of the total target weight of the dispenser. For example, if the dispenser does not require new product until the product weight on the dispenser falls below 12 grams, then a dirt accumulation of 2 grams may be significant. Thus, preferably, the method includes producing one or more batches of product according to a predefined weight criterion, the predefined weight criterion including a minimum and / or maximum target batch weight of 100 grams or less, preferably 50 grams or less, more preferably 30 grams or less, and most preferably 20 grams or less. The target weight may be a minimum and / or maximum value, since it is common for the system to produce batches as close as possible to the minimum weight (i.e., most batches will be low due to the minimum target weight), whereas a lower maximum target weight may result in the production of batches of low weight.

[0021] As mentioned above, the system can also measure the product by volume or number of products, but preferably measures the weight of the products. Thus, it is preferred that the dispenser measuring unit is a weight measuring unit connected to the dispenser and configured to measure the weight of the products in the dispenser. For example, the entire dispenser can be attached to a weight measuring unit such as a load cell. As mentioned above, the system is particularly advantageous when the dispenser is configured to hold a low weight of product at any one time, so that preferably the supply of further product to the dispenser is based on the measured weight of the product in the dispenser being lower than a target weight, preferably the target weight being 500 grams or less, preferably 200 grams or less, more preferably 100 grams or less, most preferably 50 grams or less.

[0022] In many embodiments, the dispenser is a dispensing table, preferably configured to vibrate and / or rotate to dispense product toward each of a plurality of batch measurement units. A common type of dispensing table is a generally conical surface that receives product in an area near the apex of the conical surface and then vibrates or rotates such that the product is dispensed toward the entire circular periphery of the table. Other types of dispensers and dispensers having different dispensing mechanisms can also be used.

[0023] Preferably, the system further comprises a plurality of directing feeders, each configured to receive the product from the dispensing feeder and direct the product towards at least one of the batch measurement units. Typically, the dispensing feeders distribute the product in their respective dispensing directions at a constant rate, usually the same rate. Thus, by providing directing feeders that receive the product from the dispensing feeder and direct the product towards one of the batch measurement units, the system can selectively feed the product to the required batch measurement units. These directing feeders can be vibratory feeders that can be in the form of a ramp extending from the dispensing feeder towards the batch measurement units. The directing feeders can feature, for example, a bifurcation, in which two downstream sections feeding the respective batch measurement units branch off from and are fed from a common upstream section that receives the product from the dispensing feeder. Alternatively, each directing feeder can direct the product towards only one of the batch measurement units. Preferably, the plurality of directing feeders are radial feeders, preferably vibratory radial feeders. Radial feeders are commonly used with a conical distribution table and deliver product in several radial directions, typically referenced to the center of the system which corresponds to the feed location.

[0024] As mentioned above, the dispensers or directing feeders do not necessarily feed the product into the measuring units. In some cases, a respective funnel-shaped container (pool hopper) is disposed between the dispensers and the respective batch measuring units, and the pool hopper is disposed to receive the product from the dispensers and preferably distribute the received product to the respective batch measuring units, although one or more further pool hoppers may be provided between the pool hopper and the measuring units. Also, the batch measuring units do not necessarily dispense the product directly from the system. Each batch measuring unit may dispense the product into a respective pool hopper, in which case measurements related to that batch are tracked through the system, and the product is dispensed from the pool hopper to form a batch based on measurements made by the measuring units.

[0025] Preferably, each batch measuring unit comprises a hopper configured to receive and hold the product for measurement and further configured to dispense the received product. For example, each batch measuring unit can be a swing door hopper having at least one door that moves between an open position and a closed position, such as by pivoting about a hinge. The batch measuring hopper can be a gravimetric measuring hopper configured to measure the weight of the product received in the hopper. For example, each batch measuring hopper can be fitted with a respective load cell. It should be noted that the hopper can also be configured to measure the volume of the product, for example.

[0026] There are a number of means of output indications that the dispenser system may use to indicate that the dispenser is faulty, some of which are described below.

[0027] In an embodiment, the method includes adjusting one or more operating parameters of the dispenser in response to an indication that the dispenser is faulty. The operating parameters can be any of the system settings that affect the throughput of the product. For example, the operating parameters can be adjusted to increase the rate at which the dispenser dispenses the product. This can compensate for any errors in the measurements made by the dispenser. The operating parameters can include one or more of the vibration amplitude, vibration frequency, vibration time, rotation speed, rotation time, and / or rate of change of rotation direction of the dispenser. The "vibration time" and "rotation time" parameters can include any parameter that controls the amount of time the dispenser vibrates or rotates. For example, the vibration or rotation time can be embodied as a continuous period of vibration or rotation whose length can be adjusted, e.g., 1 second or 2 seconds of continuous vibration / rotation, or the vibration or rotation time can be embodied as a change in duty cycle over a given dispense period, e.g., 50% of a 2 second dispense period or 75% of a 2 second dispense period.

[0028] Another means of adjusting the operating parameters is to change the time at which additional product is fed to the dispenser to compensate for a faulty dispenser. In one embodiment, this includes feeding additional product based on the dispenser measuring below a target measurement, and further includes changing (typically increasing) the target measurement in response to an indication that the dispenser is faulty. For example, if the system is configured to feed additional product to the dispenser when the weight of the product is below 50 grams, and 2 grams of soil accumulates, this additional product will actually be fed even though the amount of product is only now below 48 grams. Thus, by increasing the target measurement, this accumulation can be compensated for and the system can operate efficiently again. The amount by which the threshold is changed can be predefined, for example 2 grams or 5%, and can also be changed incrementally based on the measurement of the batch measurement unit, for example until the measurement of the batch measurement unit reflects a certain amount of change. For example, the system can increase the target measurement by 1 gram or 2% every 30 seconds until it receives an average of 0.5 grams extra with each partial batch.

[0029] While the above techniques are useful for compensating for faulty dispensers, it becomes difficult to accurately compensate for unknown errors in dispenser measurements, especially as the errors grow. Therefore, in some circumstances, it is preferable to empty the dispenser in order to recalibrate the dispenser measurement unit. Preferably, the method further includes, in response to an indication that the dispenser is faulty, performing a dispenser recalibration step, which includes ceasing to supply further product to the dispenser, then continuing to operate the dispenser to dispense product towards each of the multiple batch measurement units, and then recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit. Recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit typically includes zeroing the measurement unit. After recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit, the system can resume supplying further product to the dispenser based on the measurement of the recalibrated dispenser measurement unit. This allows the dispenser to accurately and precisely compensate for the build-up of dirt on the dispenser.

[0030] To ensure that the dispenser can be accurately recalibrated, it is necessary that the dispenser is run until empty of product before recalibration can occur. There are several means by which this can be done by the system. The method may require direct observation of the dispenser being empty, for example by an operator or a camera, but preferably the system estimates or infers that the dispenser is empty to avoid reliance on additional external inputs. Preferably the method further comprises only recalibrating the dispenser measuring unit when one or more recalibration criteria are met, preferably the recalibration criteria include a predefined period of time that the dispenser is operated after ceasing to dispense product, and / or that the measurements of the dispenser measuring unit have remained unchanged and within tolerances for a predefined period of time. The predefined period of operation may be a time of operation or a number of cycles of the system, or both. For example the system may operate for 30 seconds or until 50 dispenses have been made, whichever occurs first. The time of operation may be an absolute time, but preferably the time of operation is measured only when the system is working. For example, the system may be configured to operate for 30 seconds, but if the system pauses due to a problem downstream of the system, or pauses between each cycle, this time the system is paused may not be included as it did not contribute to the predefined operating period. Alternatively, the system may assume that the dispenser is empty when repeated measurements plateau, i.e., when the measurements remain unchanged and within tolerance for a predefined period. For example, the plateau criterion is met only if there has been no increase or decrease in the measurement by more than 0.1 grams for 10 seconds or 20 machine cycles. The tolerance may take into account noise in the measurement signal and may be set according to the requirements of the particular measurement unit. If the plateau criterion is met, the system may assume that the dispenser is empty.

[0031] If the system forms batches of product, the recalibration criteria may include that a predefined number of batches have been formed, that each batch measuring unit has contributed to the formation of a predefined number of batches, and / or that each batch measuring unit has measured a predefined total amount of product received from the dispenser. Each of these may be used to infer that the dispenser is empty based on the amount of product that must have passed through the system since dispensing was stopped. Requiring that each batch measuring unit has contributed to the formation of a predefined number of batches is particularly advantageous because product may flow back from one of the measuring units back into the dispenser, which may cause it to plateau even though product remains in the dispenser, resulting in a false zero reading. Requiring that each batch measuring unit has contributed to the formation of a predefined number of batches prevents this type of error from occurring, since it is known that there has indeed been a throughput of product in each part of the system. This may alternatively be achieved by requiring a predetermined operation, such as a period of operation, of each directing dispenser, if one is included.

[0032] It will be appreciated that the system may be configured to perform only one of the above techniques to compensate for a faulty dispenser. However, preferably, the system is configured to perform more than one of these techniques. For example, one technique may be performed the first time the dispenser is indicated as faulty and a second technique may be performed the second time the dispenser is indicated as faulty. However, in a particularly preferred embodiment, performing the dispenser recalibration step is further based on one or more operating parameters of the dispenser. For example, the dispenser may be recalibrated only if the operating parameters are such that the fault cannot be compensated for by (further) adjusting the operating parameters. For example, the system may check whether the operating parameters are within a predefined adjustment tolerance and perform a recalibration if they are not. Performing the dispenser recalibration step may be further based on one or more previous adjustments of the operating parameters, and preferably the recalibration step is based on a predefined number of adjustments being made to the one or more operating parameters and / or the one or more operating parameters being adjusted by at least a predefined amount. For example, a recalibration may be performed if the target measurement has already been increased twice and / or increased by 10 grams or 20% from the starting value.

[0033] In order to determine that a dispenser is faulty based on measurements by the batch measuring unit, it is important that the measurements are accurate. Although emptying and zeroing the dispenser is inconvenient, the zeroing process can be more efficiently incorporated into the normal operation of the batch measuring unit. Preferably, the method further includes periodically recalibrating each of the batch measuring units, where recalibrating each batch measuring unit includes dispensing all of the product in the batch measuring unit, preventing the batch measuring unit from receiving any more product, then recalibrating the batch measuring unit, then enabling the batch measuring unit to receive any more product. Typically, this type of system operates to receive a new partial batch of product into the batch measuring unit as soon as possible after dispensing a previous partial batch. For example, if the batch measuring unit is a swing door hopper, the next partial batch of product is timed to arrive at approximately the same time that the swing door reaches the closed position. This does not allow time for the batch measuring unit to stabilize and perform the zeroing process between each partial batch. Thus, in this embodiment, product is temporarily prevented from entering the batch measuring unit. Typically, this involves not dispensing product from the pool hopper for more than a normal amount of time. For example, a 0.5 second delay can be introduced after dispensing product to allow the batch measurement unit to stabilize and perform a zero process. Such recalibration steps can be staggered between batch measurement units to minimize disturbance to the efficiency of the system.

[0034] As mentioned above, the invention is described in particular with respect to dispensed products that are food products, preferably food products coated with seasoning, since these are the ones most likely to give rise to problems with the efficiency of the dispenser, but in principle the method is applicable to any type of product.

[0035] Also, although the present invention is often described as applied in the context of computer combination weigher (CCW) operation, the method may be implemented in other systems. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a system capable of operating according to the method of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a dispenser. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for identifying a faulty dispenser. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating another method for identifying a faulty dispenser. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for operating a dispenser that has been identified as having a fault. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for recalibrating a dispenser that has been identified as having a fault. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a partial flow diagram illustrating a method for recalibrating a gravimetric hopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] A system capable of operating in accordance with the method of the present invention will first be described with reference to FIGS.

[0038] 1 shows a computer combination weighing machine (CCW) 100. The combination weighing machine 100 includes a distribution table 10, a plurality of feeder valleys 11, a plurality of pool hoppers 20, a plurality of weighing hoppers 30, and a collective drop-off ramp (chute 40).

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, food product P is received on the distribution table 10 at a feed position, which is the area where the product falls from the overhead feed conveyor. The distribution table 10 is configured to move the food product P to the end of the distribution table 10 by vibrating or rotating about a vertical central axis C, and distribute the food product to a number of feeders 11. The distribution table 10 is attached to a weight measuring unit 15 that weighs the amount of product on the distribution table. The weight measuring unit 15 is connected to a controller 50 and outputs the weight measurement to the controller. When the weight on the distribution table 10 falls below a predetermined amount, the controller causes the overhead feed conveyor to feed more product to the distribution table.

[0040] Each feeder valley 11 has a respective vibratory motor 12 coupled to it. In use, the vibratory motor vibrates to drive product along the feeder valleys 11 and into the pool hopper 20. Each vibratory motor of the vibratory feeders is connected to a controller 50 which can control when and how much food the feeders deliver to the pool hopper.

[0041] Each pool hopper 20 is configured to temporarily hold food product P dispensed from dispenser 11. Each pool hopper has a gate 21 at its lower end that can be opened to dispense product P into a corresponding weighing hopper 30 located below. Each pool hopper is connected to a controller 50, which controls when the pool hopper dispenses food product P into the weighing hopper 30.

[0042] Each weighing hopper is configured to temporarily hold food products P received from the feeder 11 via the pool hopper. Each weighing hopper 30 has a gate 31 at its lower end for dispensing the products P. Any products dispensed from the weighing hoppers 30 are received by a drop chute that conveys all the products to a common drop point on the central axis C of the system. Each weighing hopper is coupled to a weighing unit 32 that measures the weight of the hopper and thereby determines the weight of the contents of the hopper. The weighing unit 32 is connected to a controller 50, which allows the controller to obtain a weight value of the products P in the weighing hopper 30. The gate 31 of each weighing hopper 30 is also connected to the controller, which allows the hopper to control the opening and closing of the gate.

[0043] In practice, the controller 50 identifies the number of weigh hoppers containing products whose total weight best corresponds to the predetermined criteria for a batch of food. The controller 50 then opens the gates of the corresponding weigh hoppers to consolidate the partial batches of food. The controller then causes the pool hopper 20 corresponding to the just-emptied weigh hopper to dispense the product into the corresponding weigh hopper, which weighs the new partial batch of product. The controller also causes the feeder 11 to feed the new product to the just-emptied pool hopper 20. The controller then repeats the process with the set of partial batches in the weigh hoppers.

[0044] A method of operating the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0045] In the following description, the control steps performed by the control unit for the distribution table 10, the radial feeder 11 and the hoppers 20, 30 will be described separately and shown in separate flow diagrams in the figures for clarity, it being understood that the following processes can be combined into a single combined process performed by the control unit.

[0046] 3 shows the steps of a method of operating the dispensing table 10 of the system 100. The process starts and in a first step S101, product is fed from the feed conveyor to fall onto the dispensing table until the weight measuring unit 15 indicates a weight equal to or greater than a target value. This target value can be stored in the controller and will be determined by the size of the batch being formed. The target weight value is typically predefined as the value at which the system operates optimally for the size of the batch being formed. For a process where small batches are being formed, e.g. 12 grams, the target weight can be, e.g., 50 grams.

[0047] In this process, this step S101 of dispensing product until the weight is equal to or greater than the target weight is only performed at this step of the process, and once the process proceeds beyond step S101, no more product will be dispensed again until the process loops back to step S101 again. In another example, the controller could continually monitor the weight on the dispensing table and dispense more product at any point if the weight falls below the target weight.

[0048] Once the dispensing table receives the product, in step S102, the dispensing table operates according to its operating parameters to distribute the product among the feeders 11. The operating parameters, in the case of a vibrating dispensing table, may be the vibration amplitude, frequency and vibration time of the table 10. These parameters will be predetermined to achieve a desired throughput of product into each feeder 11, which is determined by the size of the batch being formed. For example, when forming larger batches of product requiring a larger overall throughput through the system, the table will typically operate with a larger vibration amplitude, higher vibration frequency and longer vibration time.

[0049] The controller 50 may also only execute step S102 depending on the operation of the radial feeder 11 and the hoppers 20, 30. That is, if no batches of product have been formed since the distribution table was last operated, the distribution table may not operate to avoid overfeeding the radial feeder 11, which would result in a partial batch being fed to the hopper that is too large.

[0050] When the dispenser is operated, the weight of the product on the table decreases as the product leaves the table. In the illustrated method, in step S103, the controller checks whether the weight value is less than the target weight value. If the weight value is not less than the target weight value, the controller returns to step S102 to continue operating the dispenser table as needed to dispense product to the dispenser. If in step S103 the weight of the product on the table decreases and is found to be less than the target weight, the controller transitions to step S104.

[0051] In step S104, the controller 50 checks whether an indication has been received that the distribution table is defective. The process for generating this indication is described below. It is noted that in this embodiment, the indication that the distribution table is defective can also be generated by the controller itself as part of the control of the feeder and hopper, which is described separately. However, in other cases, a separate controller can be provided to control the parallel operation of the feeder and hopper.

[0052] However, if there is no indication that the distribution table is defective, the process returns to step S101 and repeats the above-described process. If the distribution table is found to be defective, the controller, via node A, performs one or more operations to compensate for the defective distribution table. Examples of such operations are described further below.

[0053] As with step S101, the examination of an indication that the distribution table is faulty in step S104 is shown as occurring only at this step of the process. However, in other examples, the controller may continually examine the distribution table for an indication that the distribution table is faulty and, if an indication is received, proceed immediately to compensation via node A, regardless of the current operational state of the distribution table.

[0054] A first process for identifying a fault in the distribution table will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. However, this process illustrates a batch process that is already in progress after an initialization process has been performed. It should also be noted that although this process illustrates steps being performed in sequential order, a step may be started before the previous step is finished, especially in high speed processing systems.

[0055] After the process is started, in step S201, the controller fills an empty gravimetric hopper 30 with product. This is done by opening the door 21 of the corresponding pool hopper 20 and dispensing the food product into the gravimetric hopper below. The door 21 is closed and then the corresponding radial feeder 11 introduces new product into the now empty pool hopper. For example, if the radial feeder 11 is a vibrating radial feeder, it vibrates at a certain amplitude, frequency and time to deliver the product to the pool hopper 20. These operating parameters of the radial feeder are determined by the size of the batch to be formed and thus by the desired size of the partial batches. The operating parameters of the radial feeder can be pre-determined or can be calculated based on a quotient relating the amount of product received in the gravimetric hopper to the parameters used in delivering the product to the pool hopper. The operating parameters are typically different for each radial feeder, since it is preferable to intentionally vary the size of the partial batches received in the gravimetric hopper in order to provide more different possible combinations of partial batches.

[0056] In step S202, the products received in the weigh hopper 30 are weighed using the weigh unit 32. The controller then updates the weight value of the products in the weigh hopper, which changes the combinations that can be produced using the products in the weigh hopper. As described above, although this is shown to occur after the pool hopper is refilled, in reality the weigh hopper measures the weight of the products as soon as they are received and settled in the weigh hopper so that an accurate weight reading is taken, which may occur during step S201.

[0057] In step S203, the system dispenses a set of partial batches according to the batching criteria. As explained above, the batching criteria typically include a target minimum and a target maximum weight for a "good" batch, for example between 12 grams and 13 grams. In some embodiments, the dispensed batch can be the set of partial batches that are closest to, but not below, the target minimum weight. In this embodiment, the system can be configured to always dispense a batch of product, in which case any weight for an "overweight" batch that is greater than 13 grams can be tolerated. As described below in an alternative embodiment, a batch of product can be selectively skipped to avoid excessive waste due to overweight batches. The batching criteria can include various other requirements as needed. For example, it is usually preferable for each weighing hopper to dispense product at approximately the same frequency. Otherwise, if one hopper does not dispense for a long time, the associated vibratory feeder 11 may become clogged with product from the dispensing table 10, resulting in significantly overweight partial batches that are difficult to handle with the normal batching process. Thus, batch formation criteria can include weighting towards gravimetric hoppers that have not dispensed product in a certain number of previous dispensing cycles, or weighting from gravimetric hoppers that have recently dispensed product. Such batch formation criteria will depend largely on the nature of the batch being formed and the broad operating parameters of the system, and options for configuring such requirements will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0058] After a batch of product has been dispensed, the batch formation criteria is updated in step S204. As mentioned above, this provides the system with an opportunity to de-weight a gravimetric hopper that has just dispensed product in order to obtain a smooth throughput across all hoppers in the system.

[0059] In this embodiment, after dispensing a batch of product, in step S205, the controller updates the operating record with the characteristics of the dispensed partial batches. For example, the controller can keep a running average weight of the dispensed partial batches over the last 100 formed batches. Alternatively, the controller can keep a running average weight of the number of partial batches included in each batch over the last 100 formed batches. As described above, in any dispensing cycle, the number of partial batches dispensed is determined based on the weight of those partial batches. For example, if the system is set to make a 12 gram batch by dispensing three partial batches of approximately 4 grams each, an average partial batch weight of 4 grams is expected. If a faulty dispensing table underfeeds the weighing hopper, smaller partial batches will tend to be weighed, lowering the average value, for example many batches will be made with four partial batches weighing approximately 3 grams each. While the above uses an example of partial batches averaging 4 grams with swings to an average of 3 grams during shortages, in practice the system will be configured to operate such that a non-integer number of partial batches are distributed on average, e.g., an average of 3.8 partial batches per batch, i.e., on average the system will form 4 batches of 4 partial batches for every batch of 3 partial batches it forms.

[0060] In step S206, the controller compares the value from the operational record to one or more reference values. In this embodiment, the controller compares a running average of the weight of each dispensed partial batch to a threshold value. In a simple example where the system is configured to dispense partial batches of approximately 4 grams, the controller may compare this average value to a reference value of, for example, 3.8 grams. If the average value is equal to or greater than this value, the system may loop back to step S201 and continue operation. On the other hand, if the average of the last 100 dispenses is lower than 3.8 grams, the controller may infer that the gravimetric hopper is under-fed and that there is a fault in the dispensing table. In that case, the system proceeds to step S207 and outputs an indication that there is a fault in the dispensing feeder. In the currently illustrated process, this indication of a fault in the dispensing table is responsive to the process of controlling the dispensing table. Thus, the process shown in FIG. 4 loops back to step S201 in readiness to continue dispensing further batches of product, subject to any compensation processes performed by the controller as described below.

[0061] Before describing the process for responding to an indication that a dispenser is faulty, an alternative process for identifying a faulty dispenser will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] However, this process illustrates a batch process already in progress after an initialization process has been performed, starting at step S201 where the controller causes an empty weigh hopper 30 to be filled with product and then causes the corresponding pool hopper to be filled by the radial feeder in the manner described above. Next, in step S202, the product received in the weigh hopper 30 is weighed using the weighing unit 32 and the weight values ​​and possible combinations are updated, again as described above.

[0063] In step S213, the controller 50 determines whether it can form a batch of product that meets the batch formation criteria. As described in the previous process, the batch formation criteria typically include a target minimum and target maximum weight for a "good" batch, for example between 12 grams and 13 grams. In this case, the batch formation criteria can also include a maximum weight for an "overweight" batch, for example 15 grams, which is typically not acceptable unless the system has no other option to dispense a "good" batch and must dispense a throwaway batch to continue operation. As described above, the batch formation criteria can include de-weighting recently dispensed weighing hoppers to obtain an overall smoother throughput. If the controller finds an acceptable combination that meets the batch formation criteria, it is deemed normal and the process proceeds to step S214 where the controller dispenses those partial batches to form a batch of product. Next, in step S215, the controller updates the operational efficiency record that it has determined to be normal.

[0064] Although step S213 is illustrated as occurring after all weights have been updated in step S202, in a system with a particularly fast rate of batch formation, weight values ​​may not be available for the weighing hopper just filled in step S201 before the system is called upon to dispense the next batch of product. An accurate weight value can only be measured after the product has settled in the weighing hopper and any large vibrations of the weighing hopper resulting from the product hitting the hopper have completely stopped. Thus, in this embodiment, in step S213, the controller may make a negative decision and determine that an acceptable batch cannot be formed with the available partial batches, and instead choose to wait for more partial batches to become available. In this case, the process proceeds to step S216, where the controller updates the operational efficiency record for any abnormal judgments. In this embodiment, the operational efficiency record is a log of the ratio of normal judgments to abnormal judgments over the last 100 judgments. That is, a log of the number of times the system determined in step S213 that it could make an acceptable batch versus the number of times it determined that it could not make an acceptable batch. Note that these determinations are based on the weight of product in the weighing hopper, which indicates an undersupply of product and therefore a fault in the dispensing table.

[0065] If it is determined that the efficiency is not normal and the operational efficiency record is updated in step S216, the controller checks in step S217 whether the operational efficiency record is below a threshold value. For example, the threshold value can be at least 80 of the last 100 determinations that were normal. If the last determination was a negative determination and the operational efficiency was below the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S218 and the system outputs an indication that there is a fault in the distribution table. For example, if the last determination divided the last 100 determinations into 79 that were normal and 21 that were not normal, this is below the exemplary threshold value, indicating that there is a fault in the distribution feeder.

[0066] After either step S215, S218, or after the operating efficiency is found to be below the threshold in step S217, the process proceeds to step S219. In this step, the batch formation criteria are updated. If after a successful batch formation, this may include lowering the weighting of the dispensed gravimetric hopper. If after an unsuccessful batch formation, the weight over batch upper limit may also be adjusted or removed to ensure that the batch is dispensed on the next pass. The process then loops back to step S201 for the next batch formation cycle.

[0067] Two processes for outputting an indication that a dispenser is faulty have been described herein with reference to Figures 4 and 5. As noted above, the operation of the dispense table can utilize this indication and function to compensate for a faulty dispense table, and such techniques will now be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0068] The initial process for compensating for a faulty distribution table is shown in Figure 6. Upon recognizing in step S104 that an indication that a distribution feeder is faulty, the process proceeds via node A in Figure 3 to step S105 in Figure 6.

[0069] In step S105, the controller checks whether the target weight of the dispensing table is below a threshold value. The target weight is initially set according to the weight of the batch to be formed. For example, for a batch of 12 grams, the target weight of the dispensing table can be set to 50 grams. As a result, in step S101 already described, product is dispensed until the dispensing table exceeds this value. In step S105, the threshold value is the value of the maximum allowable target weight. For example, in the event of a fault in the dispenser, the system can be programmed to adjust the target weight to 60 grams. If the target weight value is below this threshold value, for example if the target weight remains at a starting value of 50 grams, which is below the programmed maximum value of 60 grams, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0070] The controller increases the target weight value in step S106. For example, the target weight may be adjusted from 50 grams to 55 grams. The increase may be implemented by any desired means, such as predetermined steps (e.g., 5 grams) or percentages (e.g., a 10% increase), or may be scaled based on the weight values ​​of the partial batches in the weighing hopper such that the greater the difference from the desired partial batch weight, the greater the corresponding increase in the target weight value in the dispensing table. Figure 6 then shows processing returning to step S101 of Figure 3 via node B, where product is delivered to the dispensing table up to the new target weight value.

[0071] If in step S105 the target weight is found to be equal to (or greater than) the threshold, for example because the target weight has already been adjusted to the threshold earlier in the process, then processing proceeds to S107.

[0072] In step S107, the controller checks whether the adjustable operating parameters of the dispense table are below a threshold value. For example, a vibratory dispense table may be programmed to operate at a certain vibration amplitude, frequency, and vibration time. These values ​​can be adjusted up to a certain threshold value to increase product throughput. If step S107 determines that the operating parameters are within the threshold values, the process proceeds to step S108 where the operating parameters are adjusted. This may include adjusting one or more of the operating parameters, for example, vibration amplitude, frequency, and time. Again, these adjustments may be made in any desired manner, including predefined absolute values, percentage increments, or based on weight measured by a weighing hopper. Adjustments may be made to only one, a set, or all of the adjustable parameters. FIG. 6 then illustrates the process returning to step S101 of FIG. 3 via node B, and the process proceeds to step S102 where the dispense table operates according to the adjusted parameters.

[0073] Although the present process illustrates that step S107 is performed only when the target weight of the distribution table can no longer be adjusted, in alternative embodiments, the system may alternate between increasing the target weight and adjusting the operating parameters, may perform both simultaneously, or may determine which to perform based on other factors.

[0074] If, in step S107, it is determined that all of the operating parameters are equal to or greater than the thresholds, processing proceeds to node C of Figure 6, which in this embodiment is shown in Figure 7. Note that node C can optionally be associated with an indication that the distribution table needs cleaning, and an automatic shutdown process that empties and shuts down the system for cleaning.

[0075] Figure 7 illustrates a recalibration process that may be performed to compensate for a faulty dispense table. As mentioned above, this process may be initiated following step S107 if no further operating parameters can be adjusted. However, optionally, this process may also be performed directly following receipt of an indication that the dispense table is faulty, i.e., directly following node A shown in Figure 3. This may be the case when the system is not configured to adjust the target weight of the dispense table or to adjust the operating parameters.

[0076] The process shown in Figure 7 begins with step S109 stopping the supply of product to the dispensing table. In the process of Figure 3, product is only dispensed in response to step S101, but in some processes the supply of product is continuous and the rate of supply is adjusted based on the weight measured at the dispensing table, in which case step S109 would include stopping supply completely.

[0077] Thereafter, in step S110, the dispensing table continues to operate according to its operating parameters to distribute product among the radial feeders while any of the processes illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 continue to occur in parallel, i.e., batches continue to be formed, new product is fed to the empty gravimetric hoppers, and the pool hoppers are refilled by the radial feeders. If this operation continues in CCW without new product being fed, the dispensing table will become empty as all product has been distributed to the active radial feeders.

[0078] In step S111, the process checks whether predefined recalibration criteria are met. For example, these recalibration criteria can be 30 seconds since the feed was stopped or 50 batch formation attempts. Alternatively, the controller can check that the dispense table measurements have plateaued. For example, the plateau criterion is met only if the effective weight on the dispense table has not increased or decreased by more than 0.1 grams for 10 seconds or 20 machine cycles. The recalibration criteria can also include both a predefined time and a plateau, and the recalibration criteria can be met when either or both are met.

[0079] If the recalibration criteria are not met, the process loops back to S110 and the dispensing table continues to operate to attempt to dispense product between the radial feeders. However, if the recalibration criteria are met, the dispensing table is assumed to be empty and the process proceeds to step S112. In this step, the weight measuring unit of the dispensing table is recalibrated, e.g., by subtracting the tare weight of the weight measuring unit to set a new zero value. Product delivery to the dispensing table is then resumed in step S113, and the process returns to normal operation of the dispensing table as illustrated in FIG. 3 via node B. When the process of FIG. 7 is used in combination with the process of FIG. 6, an additional step can be included to reset the target weight and operating parameters to their default starting values ​​to account for the recalibration of the dispensing table weight measuring unit.

[0080] In the combined process of Figures 3, 6 and 7, the system continues to employ compensation measures indefinitely, increasing the target weight and operating parameters, and then recalibrating the weight measuring unit. However, it may be preferable to include a step of checking the number of times the weight measuring unit has been recalibrated, and if this reaches a threshold, for example four recalibrations, stopping operation of the system and issuing a cleaning instruction to prompt the operator to clean the system. This can be performed, for example, between steps S104 and S105.

[0081] As mentioned above, it may be preferable to periodically recalibrate each weighing hopper to compensate for the accumulation of seasonings which may affect the accuracy of the partial batch weights. To do this, step S201 of Figures 4 and 5 may be replaced by the steps shown in Figure 8, which are described below.

[0082] In the process of Figure 8, instead of refilling all emptied gravimetric hoppers, the controller first checks whether any currently empty gravimetric hoppers, i.e., any gravimetric hoppers that have just dispensed a partial batch to form a batch of product, have dispensed more than a threshold number of partial batches since processing began or since the gravimetric hoppers were last recalibrated. This threshold can be preset based on the type of product being batched. Products with a heavy coating of seasoning may require the gravimetric hoppers to be recalibrated more frequently than products with a light coating. The threshold can be, for example, 100 partial batches.

[0083] If none of the currently empty weigh hoppers have dispensed more than this number of partial batches, processing continues to step S201b, where all empty weigh hoppers are filled with product from their corresponding pool hoppers, which are then refilled using the radial feeder, after which processing returns to standard step S202 shown in FIG. 4 or FIG.

[0084] On the other hand, if one or more of the empty weigh hoppers have dispensed a number of partial batches that exceeds the threshold, processing proceeds to step S201c, where the controller selects a weigh hopper for recalibration. Typically, this selection will involve selecting the weigh hopper that has dispensed the most partial batches since the system was started or since the last recalibration of that weigh hopper. In this regard, if multiple weigh hoppers are comparable, only one is selected to minimize interruptions to the batch formation process as a result of an empty or unavailable weigh hopper.

[0085] Once the weighing hopper to be recalibrated is selected, processing proceeds to step S201d, where all empty weighing hoppers except the selected weighing hopper are filled with product from the corresponding pool hoppers, and the pool hoppers are refilled using the radial feeder.

[0086] Next, in step S201e, the emptied weigh hopper is recalibrated, e.g., by subtracting the tare weight of the weigh hopper weighing unit to set a new zero value. In practice, this recalibration can be delayed until later in the process to allow the weigh hopper to completely stop vibrating due to the opening and closing of the hopper door, thereby ensuring an accurate recalibration. For example, the recalibration can be delayed until just before step S201a is executed in the next machine cycle.

Claims

1. 1. A method for identifying a fault in a dispenser in a system adapted to dispense food from a dispensing location to a plurality of batch measuring units, comprising: delivering the product to a dispenser configured to receive the product at the delivery location and dispense the product toward each of a plurality of batch measuring units; operating the dispenser to dispense the product toward each of the plurality of batch measuring units; repeatedly measuring the amount of product in the dispenser using a dispenser measuring unit and dispensing additional product into the dispenser based on the measurements; receiving product at at least some of the plurality of batch measuring units; measuring the received product at the plurality of batch measuring units; A method for outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty based on the measurements of the products received by the plurality of batch measurement units.

2. Each batch measuring unit receives a partial batch of product; The method further comprises forming one or more batches of product according to predefined criteria, preferably according to predefined weight criteria; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein each batch of product is formed by distributing multiple sub-batches of product based on measurements of the product taken by the batch measurement unit and the predefined criteria.

3. forming multiple batches of product according to predefined criteria; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on the rate at which batches are formed that meet a predefined criteria.

4. Each batch is formed according to a predefined weight standard, 4. The method of claim 3, wherein outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on the rate at which batches are formed that fall within or exceed a target weight range.

5. forming each batch includes identifying a selection of a sub-batch of product to be dispensed based on measurements of the product made by the batch measuring unit and the predefined criteria; Preferably, the method of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein outputting an indication that there is a fault in the dispenser is based on the identified selection characteristics of the partial batches, such as the number of partial batches forming the batch of product, for one or more batches of product.

6. before forming each batch, determining whether to form a batch of products based on measurements of the products received at a plurality of batch measuring units and predefined criteria, and forming the batch only if the determination is affirmative; A method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on the results of a plurality of determinations.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein outputting an indication that the dispenser is faulty is based on a rate of positive determinations being below a threshold.

8. forming one or more batches of product according to predefined weight standards; 5. The method of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the predefined weight criteria include a minimum and / or maximum target batch weight of 100 grams or less, preferably 50 grams or less, more preferably 30 grams or less, and most preferably 20 grams or less.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispenser measuring unit is a weight measuring unit connected to the dispenser and configured to measure the weight of the product at the dispenser.

10. dispensing additional product into the dispenser based on a measured weight of the product in the dispenser being lower than the target weight; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the target weight is preferably 500 grams or less, preferably 200 grams or less, more preferably 100 grams or less, and most preferably 50 grams or less.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the dispenser is a dispensing table configured to vibrate and / or rotate to dispense the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system further comprises a plurality of directing feeders, each configured to receive product from the dispensing feeder and direct the product towards at least one of the batch measuring units.

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

14. a respective pool hopper disposed between the dispenser and each of the batch measuring units; A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pool hopper is arranged to receive product from the dispenser and dispense the received product to each of the batch measuring units.

15. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each batch measuring unit comprises a hopper, preferably a gravimetric hopper, configured to receive and hold product for measurement and further configured to dispense the received product.

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

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

18. the operating parameters include target measurements; dispensing additional product to the dispenser based on the measured value by the dispenser measuring unit being lower than the target measured value; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: modifying the target measurement in response to an indication that the dispenser is faulty.

19. and performing a dispenser recalibration step in response to an indication that the dispenser is faulty; The dispenser recalibration step may include stopping further supply of product to the dispenser and then recalibrating the dispenser to dispense the product toward each of the plurality of batch measuring units. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising continuing operation of the dispenser and then recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit.

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

21. recalibrating the dispenser measurement unit only when one or more recalibration criteria are met; 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the recalibration criteria preferably include a predefined period of time during which the dispenser is operated after stopping the supply of the product, and / or the measurements of the dispenser measuring unit remaining unchanged and within tolerance for a predefined period of time.

22. 22. The method of claim 21 as dependent on at least claim 2, wherein the recalibration criteria include that a predefined number of batches have been formed, that each batch measuring unit has contributed to the formation of a predefined number of batches, and / or that each batch measuring unit has measured a predefined total amount of product received from a dispenser.

23. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein performing the dispenser recalibration step is further based on one or more operating parameters of the dispenser.

24. performing the dispenser recalibration step is further based on one or more previous adjustments of the operating parameters; 24. A method according to claim 23 when dependent on claim 16, wherein the recalibration step is preferably based on a predefined number of adjustments being made to one or more operating parameters and / or on one or more operating parameters being adjusted by at least a predefined amount.

25. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising periodically recalibrating each of the batch measuring units, wherein recalibrating each batch measuring unit comprises dispensing all of the product in the batch measuring unit, preventing the batch measuring unit from receiving further product, then recalibrating the batch measuring unit, and then enabling the batch measuring unit to receive further product.

26. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the product provided is a food product, preferably a food product coated with a seasoning.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the system is a computer combination weigher (CCW).

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